Search Results for keywords:"environmental impact"

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has designated a large area in the Pacific Ocean, called the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, to protect its unique marine environment around the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The sanctuary spans about 582,570 square miles and is intended to preserve its invaluable biological, cultural, and historical resources. The rules for this sanctuary involve regulating activities like fishing and anchoring, following existing management frameworks and international guidelines to ensure protection while allowing for some scientific and cultural activities. This designation is in collaboration with various partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Hawaii, to enhance the protection and management of this significant marine area.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to amend the Alaskan Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-510 due to the decommissioning of the Anvik Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) in Alaska. This amendment extends V-510 between McGrath, AK, and Big Lake, AK. The rule is set to take effect on June 12, 2025. The FAA determined that this change will not significantly impact the environment or incur adverse economic effects.

Green Mountain Power Corporation applied for a new major license to operate the Bolton Falls Hydroelectric Project on the Winooski River in Vermont. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff has indicated that licensing the project is unlikely to have a major negative impact on the environment. As a result, they plan to prepare and circulate an Environmental Assessment for review by all interested parties. Feedback will be considered before the Commission makes its final decision on licensing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule establishing Class E airspace at Citizens Medical Center in Victoria, Texas. This new airspace will extend upward from 700 feet above the surface within a 6-mile radius of the medical center to support new public instrument procedures, aiding in safe and efficient airspace usage. The effective date for this change is April 17, 2025, and the rule is not expected to have a significant economic impact. The FAA has also determined that the action does not significantly affect the environment.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the availability of the records of decision for a highway right-of-way project and an amended incidental take permit in Washington County, Utah. The project involves the Northern Corridor, which was previously challenged in court due to environmental concerns, including impacts on the Mojave desert tortoise. A settlement was reached, leading to further evaluation and public comment periods. The BLM has decided to terminate the highway right-of-way grant, while the FWS has amended the permit to allow incidental take of the desert tortoise without the highway construction, focusing on conservation of land within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of work plans and review case dockets for the chemical DEET. They have opened a 60-day period for the public to comment on these materials. This is part of their regular process of reviewing pesticide registrations every 15 years. The public can submit feedback and the EPA encourages everyone, especially those who may face unique environmental impacts, to share their thoughts.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, plans to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Odessa Subarea Special Study Project in Washington State. This project aims to evaluate changes to a proposed irrigation system, which will involve installing a buried pipeline not previously considered and requiring blasting. The goal is to replace declining groundwater used for irrigation with surface water from the Columbia Basin Project to maintain the economic viability of local agriculture. NRCS seeks public comments on the proposed actions and potential alternatives by February 21, 2025.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will prepare an environmental document to assess the impact of the Decatur Lateral Project proposed by Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC in Illinois. This project involves building a natural gas pipeline and related facilities to supply gas to the local area. FERC is seeking comments from the public on environmental issues to consider in this document, with comments due by May 12, 2025. An onsite environmental review will take place on May 7, 2025, and any interested parties can attend.

Rockies Express Pipeline LLC (REX) has requested permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to build a new pipeline project in Illinois. The Decatur Lateral Project involves constructing about 16.7 miles of natural gas pipeline to provide improved gas delivery services. Interested people can participate by commenting, protesting, or intervening in the project review process, with a deadline for interventions set for April 2, 2025. Details on how to get involved and access project documents are available on the FERC website or through their support staff.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule modifying the Class E airspace over Cambridge Municipal Airport in Nebraska. This change involves expanding the airspace radius from 6.4 miles to 7.5 miles and correcting the geographical coordinates to better manage flights using instrument flight rules (IFR). Additionally, it involves removing a navigation aid called the Harry Strunk NDB, which is no longer needed. The FAA determined these updates would not significantly impact the environment or small businesses.