Search Results for keywords:"Environmental Impact"

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to coral reef conservation. As part of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program, NOAA plans to collect information from residents of U.S. jurisdictions with coral reefs, including Florida, Hawaii, and others. This data will help NOAA understand how local populations interact with coral reefs and their attitudes toward conservation. Comments must be submitted by March 26, 2021, and the information collected will assist in creating effective reef protection programs.

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), part of the U.S. Department of Energy, plans to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for enhanced use of the plutonium facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California. This plan follows the 2023 Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement, and the SEIS will examine the environmental effects of increasing the facility's operations from Security Category III to Category II to meet national security needs. The NNSA is seeking public input on the SEIS scope, alternatives, and environmental issues, and plans to hold a virtual public meeting for further discussion.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to allow the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to conduct construction activities in Womens Bay, Kodiak, Alaska, which might incidentally harm marine mammals. Over two years, NMFS plans to issue authorizations for the incidental disturbance (Level B harassment) and minor physical impact (Level A harassment) on marine mammals due to noise from pile driving. The proposed activities are designed to avoid significant harm or death to marine life, and special measures will be in place to minimize any impacts on marine mammals and their habitat. Public comments on these proposals are being requested before final decisions are made.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that certain Food Contact Notifications (FCNs) are no longer effective because some manufacturers stopped using the listed substances for food contact in the U.S. The FDA is following a set process that allows them to determine when an FCN is no longer in use. They expect all remaining stocks of these substances, which were last produced or supplied before January 6, 2025, to be used up by June 30, 2025, as a measure to protect public health. The FDA updated its inventory of effective and no longer effective FCNs on their website.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has approved a land management plan amendment for six national forests in Oregon and southeast Washington. This amendment focuses on replacing the previous 21-inch diameter tree standard with a new guideline highlighting the importance of preserving both old and large trees. The decision reflects input from a public comment period and results in no significant environmental impact. James Hubbard, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, signed the final decision, which is now effective immediately.

Texas Connector Pipeline, LLC has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to amend its Texas Connector Project, initially authorized in 2019. The proposed amendments aim to enhance constructability by modifying the length and layout of pipeline segments and altering the design of compressor stations. FERC intends to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project, with a planned completion date of March 21, 2025, followed by a 90-day period for federal authorization decisions. The public can track project developments through FERC's eSubscription service and contact their Office of Public Participation for assistance.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed granting an Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to South Fork Wind, LLC, which would allow the company to take certain marine mammals incidentally during the construction of the South Fork Offshore Wind Project. This project involves pile driving and high-resolution geophysical surveys off the coast of Rhode Island, which may affect marine mammals. NMFS evaluated potential impacts to marine mammals, including endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale, and proposed stringent mitigation measures, such as seasonal restrictions and monitoring, to minimize potential harm. Public comments are requested on this proposal, with the possibility of a one-year renewal under certain conditions.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced the approval of various projects that allow for the consumptive use of water. These approvals were given under specific regulations, namely 18 CFR 806.22 (e) and 18 CFR 806.22 (f), for the month of December 2020. The water usage covered in these approvals includes a range of amounts specified in million gallons per day (mgd) for different sites and companies. This notice was formalized on January 6, 2021, by Jason E. Oyler, who serves as the General Counsel and Secretary to the Commission.

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest has decided to withdraw its earlier plan to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Noxious Weed Treatment Project. Instead, they will conduct an Environmental Assessment (EA) to check if significant effects exist that would require an EIS. This change was announced by the Forest Service, part of the USDA, and further information can be obtained from Anjel Tomayko, the Forest Environmental Coordinator.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the United Water Conservation District's plan to amend the license of the Santa Felicia Hydroelectric Project, located in Ventura County, California. The proposed Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project aims to enhance the dam's safety without significantly impacting the environment. Interested parties can view the EA on the Commission's website and must submit any comments by April 7, 2025. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments but accepts paper submissions as well.