Final EIS/EIR A-1

APPENDIX A: NOTICE OF PREPARATION, NOTICE OF INTENT, AND

FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE

BARREN RIDGE RENEWABLE TRANSMISSION PROJECT FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

APPENDIX A: NOTICE OF PREPARATION, NOTICE OF INTENT, AND FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE

A-2

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA Mayor

Commission NICK PATSAQURAS. Pmidf/U

ED ITH RAMIREZ.I'tet' Prnidl'flI

LEE KANON ALPERT WALLY KNOX FORESCEE HOGAN-ROWLES BARBARA E. MOSCHOS, Surtlary

H. DAVID NAHAl, Chit'! £fuut;\'/, Offtur and Gt'nual Manager

Notice of Preparation

April 7, 2008

To: Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties

Subject: Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project

The City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), is proposing the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project to access clean, renewable resources in the Tehachapi Mountain and Mojave Desert areas, and improve reliability and upgrade transmission capacity. Work consists of (1) construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the existing Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon on double circuit structures; (2) addition of a 230 kV circuit on existing double circuit structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power Plant; (3) upgrade of the existing Owen Gorge­Rinaldi (OG-RIN) 230 kV Transmission Line with larger capacity conductors between the Barren Ridge Switching Station and Rinaldi Substation; (4) construction of a new electrical switching station within Haskell Canyon near the southern boundary of the Angeles National Forest.

Based on the nature and scope of the proposed project, LADWP has determined that the proposed project is a major federal and state action that may have a significant adverse impact to the environmental from construction , operation and maintenance of the project. Both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) are concerned with identifying, analyzing, and disclosing the potential environmental effects of a proposed project prior to its implementation_ The Forest Service, BLM, and LADWP will prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project. The Forest Service and BLM will serve as the NEPA co-lead agencies in preparation of the EIS. LADWP is the lead agency for compliance with CEQA and preparation of the EIR.

Agencies : LADWP invites the views of your agency regarding the scope and content of the environmental information to be included in the EIS/EIR, relevant to your agency's statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed project. Your agency will need to use the EIS/EIR when considering your permit or other discretionary approval your agency may issue for the proposed project.

Water and Power Conservation ... a way of life 111 North Hope Street , Los Ange les, California 900 12-2607 Mailing address: Box 51 11 1. Los Angeles 90051 -5700

Telephone: (213) 367-42 11 Cable address: DEWAPOLA

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Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties Page 2 April 7, 2008

Organizations and Interested Parties: LADWP is soliciting comments and concerns from many sources such as interested members of the public and organizations as to the scope of environmental issues to be addressed in the EIS/EIR for this project.

Due to the time limits mandated by State Law, your response must be received by 5:00 p.m. May 7, 2008. Please indicate a contact person in your response and submit your response to the following add ress:

Forest Service/BLM/LADWP c/o POWER Engineers, Inc 731 E. Ball Road, Suite 100 Anaheim, CA 92805

You are also invited to participate in the project through the following methods:

Attend one of the public scoping meetings Call the toll free Barren Ridge Hotline (877) 440-3592 Visit the project website www.ladwp.com/barrenridge Send an email toBRRTP@powereng.com

Scoping meetings: All scoping meetings would be announced at least 15 days prior to the event through scoping notices, newspapers, and the LADWP project web site www.ladwp.com/barrenridge/. Seven public scoping meetings are planned at the locations and dates listed below. All meetings will be conducted in an "open house" format to allow participants to attend anytime between 5:30 and 8:30 pm. A brief presentation will be given by the project team at 7 pm followed by a general Q&A session.

April 22, 2008 Santa Clarita Activity Center 20880 Centre Point Parkway Santa Clarita, CA

April 23, 2008 Agua Dulce Women's Club 33201 Agua Dulce Canyon Agua Dulce, CA

April 24, 2008 Castaic Middle School 28900 Hillcrest Parkway Castaic, CA

April 28, 2008 Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School 1663 Elizabeth Lake Road Lake Hughes, CA

April 29, 2008 Frazier Mountain High School 700 Falcon Way Lebec, CA

April 30, 2008 Hillview School 40525 Peonza Lane Palmdale, CA

May 1, 2008 California City Middle School 9736 Redwood Blvd. California City, CA

In addition to the on going public and agency participation process, formal opportunities for public participation would be provided upon publication of the Draft EIS/EIR.

Project Location: The Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project spans a distance of approximately 75 miles from the Mojave Desert south to the San Fernando Valley. The project is located within northwestern Los Angeles County and southwestern Kern County. The project study area is generally defined by the following limits: the northern boundary is the southern slopes of the Tehachapi Mountains, eastern boundary parallels State Route 14, southern boundary generally parallels the Santa Clara River, and the western boundary parallels Interstate 5. The study area measures approximately 1,280 square miles. Within this study area several routing possibilities have been identified that traverse through the Antelope Valley, across Angeles National Forest, and public lands located in the Mojave Desert. Please refer to the enclosed map for the location of the alternatives currently being considered.

Purpose and Need for Action The primary purpose and need for the proposed project is to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals and reduce the environmental impacts associated with greenhouse gases (GHG) and emissions of other air pollutants. Current LADWP RPS goals call for 20% renewable energy by 2010 and 35% by 2020. GHG goals are set for C02 emission reductions of 35% below the 1990 levels by 2030.

In order to reach these goals, a second purpose of this action is for additional transmission capacity necessary for the City of Los Angeles to reach and integrate the many proposed renewable energy projects located in the Mojave Desert and Owens Valley areas of Southern California. LADWP is developing two wind projects that would total 270 MW combined in the mountains northeast of Tehachapi. Furthermore, LADWP currently has several interconnection requests for approximately 1200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy within the same geographical area. These renewable projects are proposed to interconnect to, or deliver power through, the Barren Ridge Switching Station which is being constructed approximately 12 miles north of Mojave on the Owens Gorge-Rinaldi line (OG-RIN) to interconnect LADWP's Pine Tree Wind Farm .

The existing OG-RIN 230 kV transmission line, which has a 400 MW transfer capacity, currently is loaded with 160 MW of electrical load leaving only 240 MW of excess capacity. Maximizing the capacity of the existing OG-RI N corridor is the second need for the project

to not only meet the current interconnection requests, but to utilize future renewable energy sources in this area which are projected by the California Energy Commission at over 4000 MW of wind and over 2000 MW of solar.

The third purpose of the project is to increase system reliability and flexibility. A new switching station would help LADWP meet NERC and WECC reliability requirements while providing greater flexibility in the utilization of both the proposed wind and solar energy within their electrical system.

Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties Page 3 April 7, 2008

Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties Page 4 April 7, 2008

Lastly, there is a need for LADWP to increase the efficient utilization of the Castaic Power Plant. The power plant is a pump-storage generation facility that would be used to integrate the intermittent renewable energy (wind, solar). This will allow LADWP to utilize its power plants transmission network in a more efficient manner as well as reduce its power system losses.

The Forest Service and BLM need is to respond to the applications from LADWP for a Special Use Authorization (50-year term), Right of Way Grant, and amendments to existing authorizations/grants.

Proposed Action LADWP is proposing the following components to meet the purpose and need of the project:

Construct approximately 60 miles of a new 230 kV double circuit structure system from the Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon. This proposed line would cross approximately 13 miles of National Forest System lands and four miles of public lands managed by BLM; Install approximately 12 miles of a 230 kV circuit onto existing double circuit transmission line structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power Plant. This proposed line would cross approximately four miles of National Forest System lands and less than one mile of public lands managed by BLM; Reconductor the existing OG-RIN Transmission Line with larger capacity conductors from the Barren Ridge Switching Station to the Rinaldi Substation located in the San Fernando Valley. Approximately 13 miles of National Forest System lands and four miles of public lands managed by BLM would be affected by the reconductoring. Construct the new Haskell Switching Station on LADWP-owned property north of Santa Clarita and just south of the Angeles National Forest managed lands.

Possible Alternatives The Forest Service, BLM, and LADWP have identified preliminary alternatives to the proposed project:

No-Action Alternative-the proposed project would not be constructed and no expansion or upgrade activities would occur. The following routing alternatives for construction of the proposed double circuit 230 kV transmission towers from Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon are being considered:

From the Barren Ridge Substation through the Antelope Valley, one alternative route was identified along the LADWP aqueduct. From the Antelope Valley to the proposed Haskell Switching Station, three alternative routes were identified: (1) Corridor along LADWP aqueduct and generally following the Interstate 5 corridor parallel to several existing transmission lines south to the Castaic Power Plant, (2) corridor along SCE's Antelope-Pardee 500 kV Transmission Line through Bouquet

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Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties Page 5 April 7, 2008

Canyon, or (3) Minimal-National Forest System lands route through Mint Canyon parallel to several existing transmission lines.

An alternative that would consider the authorized width on National Forest System lands less than the 200-foot corridor proposed.

Potential Environmental Effects of the Proposed Project The environmental studies to be conducted as part of the EIS/EIR review process will identify potential impacts associated with the proposed project. However, based on previous projects of similar type, size, and scope, the following are preliminary issues that would likely be evaluated in the draft EIS/EIR:

visual resources; air quality; agricultural; biological resources; cultural and paleontological resources; hazards and hazardous materials; hydrology and water quality; land use, recreation , and planning; noise; and transportation.

Other potential impacts to be evaluated include forest management related impacts and impacts to the management and use of public lands.

d....L~<(J Signature

Charles C. Holloway Supervisor of Environmental Assessment

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[3410-11-P]

[CA650-08-5101-ER-B294-P]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Angeles National Forest, CA

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

Ridgecrest Field Office, CA

Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and U.S. Department of the

Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Report

for the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and

the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture

(USDA), Forest Service (Forest Service), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI),

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water

and Power (LADWP) will prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and

Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Barren Ridge Renewable

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Transmission Project. This action is in response to LADWP’s application to the Forest

Service for a special use authorization and amendments to existing special use

authorizations, and application to BLM for a right-of-way grant and amendments to

existing right-of-way grants. It has been determined that this project is a major federal

action which may have a significant impact upon the environment. Therefore, the

appropriate environmental analysis document is an EIS/EIR. The EIS/EIR would

describe and analyze potential environmental impacts from the proposed project/action

and the range of reasonable alternatives. LADWP proposes the following: (1)

construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the existing Barren Ridge

Switching Station to Haskell Canyon on double circuit structures; (2) addition of a 230

kV circuit on existing double circuit structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power

Plant; (3) upgrading of the existing Owens Gorge-Rinaldi (OG-RIN) 230 kV

Transmission Line with larger capacity conductors between the Barren Ridge Switching

Station and Rinaldi Substation; (4) construction of a new electrical switching station

within Haskell Canyon near the southern boundary of the Angeles National Forest.

This notice initiates the public participation and scoping process for the EIS/EIR and

also serves as an invitation for other interested agencies, individuals, organizations and

Native American Tribes to provide comments on the scope and content of the EIS/EIR.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis are requested by May 7, 2008.

Seven public scoping meetings are planned to provide information about the proposed

project/action and to allow people to comment on the proposed project/action. The draft

EIS/EIR is expected to be published in July 2009 and the final EIS/EIR is expected in

January 2010.

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ADDRESSES: To request a copy of the draft or final EIS/EIR, and/or to send written

comments, and/or to be added to the project mailing list, please write to the Forest

Service/BLM/LADWP c/o POWER Engineers, Inc., 731 E. Ball Rd., Suite 100,

Anaheim, CA 92805.

E-mail communications are also welcome; however, please remember to include you

name and a return address in the email message. E-mail messages should be sent to

BRRTP@powereng.com. Information about the applications and the environmental

review process will be posted on the Internet at: http://ladwp.com/barrenridge. This site

will be used to post all public documents during the environmental review process and to

announce upcoming public meetings. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for

dates and addresses of future public meetings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information related to

the project please contact the lead agency project managers. For National Forest System

lands, contact Marian Kadota, Planning Forester, Adaptive Management Services

Enterprise Team Forest Service, 1072 Casitas Pass Road #288, Carpinteria, CA 93013;

phone and fax: (805) 220-6388 or email to mkadota@fs.fed.us. For public lands

managed by the BLM, contact Linn Gum, Chief, Lands & Minerals, Ridgecrest Field

Office, Bureau of Land Management, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555;

fax: (760) 384-5499 or email to Linn_Gum@ca.blm.gov. For non-federal lands, contact

Chuck Holloway, LADWP, 111 North Hope Street, Room 1044, Los Angeles, CA

90012; fax: (213) 367-3582 or email to charles.holloway@ladwp.com. Project

information can also be requested by leaving a voice message to the Project Information

Hotline at (877) 440-3592.

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

The primary purpose and need for the proposed project is to meet the State of

California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals and reduce the environmental

impacts associated with greenhouse gases (GHG) and emissions of other air pollutants.

Current LADWP RPS goals call for 20% renewable energy by 2010 and 35% by 2020.

GHG goals are set for CO2 emission reductions of 35% below 1990 levels by 2030.

In order to reach these goals, additional transmission capacity is necessary for the City

of Los Angeles to reach and integrate the many proposed renewable energy projects

located in the Mojave Desert and Owens Valley areas of Southern California. LADWP is

developing two wind projects that would total 270 MW combined in the mountains

northeast of Tehachapi. Furthermore, LADWP currently has several interconnection

requests for approximately 1200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy within the same

geographical area. These renewable projects are proposed to interconnect to, or deliver

power through, the Barren Ridge Switching Station which is being constructed

approximately 12 miles north of Mojave on the Owens Gorge-Rinaldi line (OG-RIN) to

interconnect LADWP’s Pine Tree Wind Development Project.

The existing OG-RIN 230 kV transmission line, which has a 400 MW transfer

capacity, currently is loaded with 160 MW of electrical load leaving only 240 MW of

excess capacity. Maximizing the capacity of the existing OG-RIN corridor is the second

need for the project to not only meet the current interconnection requests, but to utilize

future renewable energy sources in this area which are projected by the California Energy

Commission at over 4000 MW of wind and over 2000 MW of solar.

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The third purpose of the project is to increase system reliability and flexibility. A new

switching station would help LADWP meet NERC and WECC reliability requirements

while providing greater flexibility in the utilization of both the proposed wind and solar

energy within their electrical system.

Lastly, there is a need for LADWP to increase the efficient utilization of the Castaic

Power Plant. The power plant is a pump-storage generation facility that would be used to

integrate the intermittent renewable energy (wind, solar). This will allow LADWP to

utilize its power plants transmission network in a more efficient manner as well as reduce

its power system losses.

The Forest Service and BLM need is to respond to the applications from LADWP for

Special Use Authorization (50-year term), Right of Way Grant, and amendments to

existing authorizations/grants.

Proposed Action

LADWP is proposing the following components to meet the purpose and need of the

project:

Construct approximately 60 miles of a new 230 kV double circuit structure

system from the Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon. This

proposed line would cross approximately 13 miles of National Forest System

lands and four miles of public lands managed by the BLM;

Install approximately 12 miles of a 230 kV circuit onto existing double circuit

transmission line structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power Plant.

This proposed line would cross approximately four miles of National Forest

System lands and less than one mile of public lands managed by the BLM;

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Reconductor the existing OG-RIN Transmission Line with larger capacity

conductors from the Barren Ridge Switching Station to the Rinaldi Substation

located in the San Fernando Valley. Approximately 13 miles of National Forest

System lands and four miles of BLM lands would be affected by the

reconductoring.

Construct the new Haskell Switching Station on LADWP-owned property north

of Santa Clarita and just south of the Angeles National Forest managed lands.

Possible Alternatives

The Forest Service, BLM, and LADWP have identified preliminary alternatives to the

proposed project/action:

No-Action Alternative—the proposed project would not be constructed and no

expansion or upgrade activities would occur.

The following routing alternatives for construction of the proposed double circuit

230 kV transmission towers from Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell

Canyon are being considered:

From the Barren Ridge Substation through the Antelope Valley, one

alternative route was identified along the LADWP aqueduct.

From the Antelope Valley to the proposed Haskell Switching Station,

three alternative routes were identified: (1) Corridor along LADWP

aqueduct and generally following the Interstate 5 corridor parallel to

several existing transmission lines south to the Castaic Power Plant, (2)

corridor along SCE’s Antelope-Pardee 500 kV Transmission Line through

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Bouquet Canyon, or (3) Minimal-National Forest System lands route

through Mint Canyon parallel to several existing transmission lines.

An alternative that would consider the authorized width on National Forest

System lands less than the 200-foot corridor proposed.

Lead and Cooperating Agencies

The Forest Service, BLM, and LADWP are joint lead agencies in accordance with 40

CFR 1501.5(b), and are responsible for the preparation of the EIS/EIR. The Forest

Service and BLM will serve as co-lead agencies under NEPA for preparation of the EIS.

The LADWP will serve as the lead agency under CEQA for preparation of the EIR.

Scoping will determine if additional cooperating agencies are needed.

Responsible Official

The Forest Service responsible official for the preparation of the EIS/EIR is Jody

Noiron, Forest Supervisor, Angeles National Forest, 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue,

Arcadia, CA 91006. The BLM responsible official for the preparation of the EIS/EIR is

Hector Villalobos, Field Office Manager, Ridgecrest Field Office, Bureau of Land

Management, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Nature of Decision To Be Made

The Forest Supervisor will decide whether or not to authorize a 50-year term Special

Use Authorization for an approximate 13 mile, 200 foot wide right-of-way for

construction, operation and maintenance of a 230 kV transmission line parallel to the

existing OG-RIN transmission line route (or alternative route) constructed on new double

circuit structures and amend two existing Special Use Authorizations for: 1) the

conductoring of the empty position of one of the existing Castaic Power Plant 230 kV

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double-circuit transmission line towers from the Castaic Power Plant to Haskell Canyon

(approximately 4 miles across National Forest System lands), and 2) the replacement of

conductors on the OG-RIN 230 kV transmission line (approximately 13 miles across

National Forest System lands). The authorizations could include ancillary improvements

on National Forest System lands needed to maintain the transmission system (i.e. double

circuit towers, roads, communication equipment). The Forest Supervisor will only make

a decision regarding the proposed project on National Forest System lands.

The BLM Ridgecrest Field Office Manager would have several authorizations to be

made as part of the project. The BLM Field Office Manager would decide whether to

authorize a Right-Of-Way Grant for an approximate 4 mile, 200-foot wide right-of-way

for construction, operation and maintenance of a 230 kV transmission line parallel to the

existing OG-RIN transmission line route (or alternative route) constructed on new double

circuit structures. Additional authorizations to be made by the Field Office Manager

include revising existing Right-Of-Way Grants for: 1) the conductoring of the empty

position of one of the existing Castaic Power Plant 230 kV double-circuit transmission

line towers from the Castaic Power Plant to Haskell Canyon (less than 1 mile across

public lands managed by BLM), and 2) the replacement of conductors on the OG-RIN

230 kV transmission line (approximately 4 miles across public lands managed by BLM).

The authorizations would include ancillary improvements on public lands needed to

maintain the transmission system (i.e. double circuit towers, roads, communication

equipment).

Scoping Process

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The lead agencies will be seeking information, issues, comments and assistance from

Federal, State and local agencies, Native American tribes, and other individuals and

organizations that may be interested in or affected by the proposed project. This input

will be used in preparation of the Draft EIS/EIR.

Seven scoping meetings are proposed to provide information about the proposed

project to the public and to allow people to comment on the proposed project. The

scoping meetings will be held on the following dates, times, and locations:

1. April 22, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

Santa Clarita Activity Center, 20880 Centre Point Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA

2. April 23, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

Agua Dulce Women’s Club, 33201 Agua Dulce Canyon, Agua Dulce, CA

3. April 24, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

Castaic Middle School, 28900 Hillcrest Parkway, Castaic, CA

4. April 28, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School, 16633 Elizabeth Lake Road, Lake

Hughes, CA

5. April 29, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

Frazier Mountain High School, 700 Falcon Way, Lebec, CA

6. April 30, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

Hillview School, 40525 Peonza Lane, Palmdale, CA

7. May 1, 2008, Open House 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Presentation at 7:00 pm

California City Middle School, 9736 Redwood Blvd, California City, CA 93505

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All public meetings will be announced at least 15 days prior to the event through the

local newspapers, the FS web site http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/projects/ and the BLM

web site http://www.ca.blm.gov/ridgecrest. In addition to the ongoing public

participation process, formal opportunities for public participation would be provided

upon publication of the Draft EIS/EIR.

Preliminary Issues

The environmental studies to be conducted as part of the EIS/EIR review process will

identify potential impacts associated with the proposed project. However, based on

previous projects of similar type, size, and scope, the following are preliminary issues

that would likely be evaluated in the draft EIS/EIR: visual resources; air quality;

agriculture; biological resources; cultural and paleontological resources; hazards and

hazardous materials; hydrology and water quality; land use, recreation, and planning;

noise; and transportation. Other potential impacts to be evaluated include forest

management related impacts and impacts to the management and use of public lands; and

electric and magnetic fields and health effects.

Permits or Licenses Required

A 50-year term Special Use Authorization by the Forest Supervisor of the Angeles

National Forest and Right-Of-Way Grant from the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office

Manager will authorize LADWP for the construction, maintenance, and use of the new

230 kV transmission line on double circuit towers. Existing Special Use Permits and

Right-Of-Way Grants would be amended for authorization of the replacement,

maintenance, and use of electrical conductors associated with the OG-RIN 230 kV

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transmission line, and for the construction, maintenance and use of a second electrical

circuit on existing double circuit structures from the Castaic Power Plant.

Additional permits may be required by LADWP to construct the project. These could

include: Section 404 Permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Aviation

Administration Permit for Construction or Alteration, National Pollutant Discharge

Elimination System General Construction Permit issued by California’s Regional Water

Quality Control Board, Streambed Alteration Agreement issued by the California

Department of Fish and Game, Permit to Construct issued by the South Coast Air Quality

Management District, Encroachment Permit issued by California Department of

Transportation, and Encroachment Permits issued by Kern and Los Angeles Counties.

Comment requested

This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides the development of the

EIS/EIR. The Lead Agencies are seeking public and agency comment on the proposed

project/action to identify major issues to be analyzed in depth and assistance in

identifying potential alternatives to be evaluated. Comments received on this notice,

including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered as part of

the public record on this proposed project/action, and will be available for public

inspection. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered;

however, those who submit anonymous comments will not have standing to appeal the

subsequent decision under 36 CFR Part 215. Additionally, pursuant to 7 CFR 1.27(d),

any person may request the agency to withhold a submission from the public record by

showing how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) permits such confidentiality.

Persons requesting such confidentiality should be aware that, under the FOIA,

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confidentiality may be granted in only very limited circumstances, such as to protect

trade secrets. The Lead Agencies will inform the requester of the decision regarding the

request for confidentiality. Where the request is denied, the agency will return the

submission and notify the requester that the comments may be resubmitted, without

names and addresses, within a specified number of days.

Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent Environmental

Review

A draft EIS/EIR will be prepared for comment. The comment period on the Draft

EIS/EIR will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes

the notice of availability in the Federal Register.

The Lead Agencies believe, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice

of several court rulings related to public participation in the environmental review

process. First, reviewers of draft EIS/EIR must structure their participation in the

environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the

reviewer’s position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC,

435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the

draft EIS/EIR stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final EIS/EIR may

be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F2.d 1016, 1022 (9th

Circ. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis.

1980). Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those interested in this

proposed action participate by the close of the 45 day comment period so that substantive

comments and objections are made available to the Lead Agencies at a time when they

can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final EIS/EIR.

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To assist the Lead Agencies in identi fying and considering issues and concerns on the

proposed acti-on, comments on the draft EISIEIR should be as specific as possible. It is

also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft EISIEIR.

Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft EISIEIR or the merits of the

alternatives formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to

the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the procedural

provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing

these points.

Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will

be considered part of the public record on this proposal and will be available for public

inspection.

(AuthOlity: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 21;

BLM Handbook H-1790-1, Section V)

JodyNoiron

Angeles Forest Supervisor

u.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service

(Date)

Hector Villalobos

Field Office Manager

u.s. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management

(bate)

Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 67 / Monday, April 7, 2008 / Notices

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plants, marking containers used for the importation, exportation, and reexportation of the plants, and creatingand maintaining records of importation,exportation, and reexportation.

APHIS also administers regulations at7 CFR part 356, ‘‘Forfeiture Procedures,’’ which sets out procedures for the forfeiture of plants or other property by entities in violation of the Endangered Species Act or the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.). Entities whose property is subject to forfeiture may file with APHIS a waiver of forfeiture proceduresa claim of ownership or interest in the seized property and a bond, a request for bonded release of property, a petition for remission or mitigation of forfeiture, or a request for release of property.

The information provided by these information collection activities is critical to APHIS’ ability to carry out its responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act and the Lacey Act. These responsibilities include monitoring importation, exportation, and reexportation activities involving endangered species of plants, as well as the investigation of possible violations and the forfeiture of plants or other property.

We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of these information collection activities for an additional 3 years.

The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us:

(1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Estimate of burden: The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.1039962 hours per response.

Respondents: U.S. importers, exporters, and reexporters of endangered species of terrestrial plants.

,

Estimated annual number of respondents: 16,584.

Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 4.9476.

Estimated annual number of responses: 82,051.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 8,533 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hoursmay not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.)

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the requestfor OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Done in Washington, DC, this 1st day of April 2008. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. E8–7193 Filed 4–4–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[CA650–08–5101–ER–B294–P]

Angeles National Forest, CA; Ridgecrest Field Office, CA; Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Agriculture,Forest Service and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement/ Report for the Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service (Forest Service), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Barren Ridge Renewable Transmission Project. This action is in response to LADWP’s application to the Forest Service for a special use authorization and amendments to existing special use authorizations, and application to BLM for a right-of-way grant and amendments to existing right-of-way

grants. It has been determined that this project is a major federal action which may have a significant impact upon the environment. Therefore, the appropriate environmental analysis document is an EIS/EIR. The EIS/EIR would describe and analyze potential environmental impacts from the proposed project/ action and the range of reasonable alternatives. LADWP proposes the following: (1) Construction of a 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the existing Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon on double circuit structures; (2) addition of a 230 kV circuit on existing double circuit structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power Plant; (3) upgrading of the existing Owens Gorge-Rinaldi (OG– RIN) 230 kV Transmission Line with larger capacity conductors between the Barren Ridge Switching Station and Rinaldi Substation; (4) construction of a new electrical switching station within Haskell Canyon near the southern boundary of the Angeles National Forest.

This notice initiates the public participation and scoping process for the EIS/EIR and also serves as an invitation for other interested agencies, individuals, organizations and Native American Tribes to provide comments on the scope and content of the EIS/EIR.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis are requested by May 7, 2008. Seven public scoping meetings are planned to provide information about

the proposed project/action and to allow people to comment on the proposed project/action. The draft EIS/EIR is expected to be published in July 2009 and the final EIS/EIR is expected in January 2010.

ADDRESSES: To request a copy of the draft or final EIS/EIR, and/or to send written comments, and/or to be added to the project mailing list, please write to the Forest Service/BLM/LADWP c/o POWER Engineers, Inc., 731 E. Ball Rd., Suite 100, Anaheim, CA 92805.

E-mail communications are also welcome; however, please remember to include your name and a return address in the email message. E-mail messages should be sent to BRRTP@powereng.com. Information about the applications and the environmental review process will be posted on the Internet at: http:// ladwp.com/barrenridge. This site will be used to post all public documents during the environmental review process and to announce upcoming public meetings. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for dates and addresses of future public meetings.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information related to the project please contact the lead agency project managers. For National Forest System lands, contact Marian Kadota, Planning Forester, Adaptive Management Services Enterprise Team Forest Service, 1072 Casitas Pass Road #288, Carpinteria, CA 93013; phone and fax: (805) 220–6388 or e-mail to mkadota@fs.fed.us. For public lands managed by the BLM, contact Linn Gum, Chief, Lands & Minerals, Ridgecrest Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555; fax: (760) 384– 5499 or e-mail to Linn_Gum@ca.blm.gov. For non-federal lands, contact Chuck Holloway, LADWP, 111 North Hope Street, Room 1044, Los Angeles, CA 90012; fax: (213) 367–3582 or e-mail to charles.holloway@ladwp.com. Project information can also be requested by leaving a voice message to the Project Information Hotline at (877) 440–3592.

: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Purpose and Need for Action The primary purpose and need for the

proposed project is to meet the State of California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goals and reduce the environmental impacts associated with greenhouse gases (GHG) and emissions of other air pollutants. Current LADWP RPS goals call for 20% renewable energy by 2010 and 35% by 2020. GHG goals are set for CO2 emission reductions of 35% below 1990 levels by 2030.

In order to reach these goals, additional transmission capacity is necessary for the City of Los Angeles to reach and integrate the many proposed renewable energy projects located in the Mojave Desert and Owens Valley areas of Southern California. LADWP is developing two wind projects that would total 270 MW combined in the mountains northeast of Tehachapi. Furthermore, LADWP currently has several interconnection requests for approximately 1200 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy within the same geographical area. These renewable projects are proposed to interconnect to, or deliver power through, the Barren Ridge Switching Station which is being constructed approximately 12 miles north of Mojave on the Owens Gorge-Rinaldi line (OG–RIN) to interconnect LADWP’s Pine Tree Wind Development Project.

The existing OG–RIN 230 kV transmission line, which has a 400 MW transfer capacity, currently is loaded with 160 MW of electrical load leaving only 240 MW of excess capacity.

Maximizing the capacity of the existing OG–RIN corridor is the second need for the project to not only meet the current interconnection requests, but to utilize future renewable energy sources in this area which are projected by the California Energy Commission at over 4000 MW of wind and over 2000 MW of solar.

The third purpose of the project is to increase system reliability and flexibility. A new switching station would help LADWP meet NERC and WECC reliability requirements while providing greater flexibility in the utilization of both the proposed wind and solar energy within their electrical system.

Last, there is a need for LADWP to increase the efficient utilization of the Castaic Power Plant. The power plant is a pump-storage generation facility that would be used to integrate the intermittent renewable energy (wind, solar). This will allow LADWP to utilize its power plants transmission network in a more efficient manner as well as reduce its power system losses.

The Forest Service and BLM need is to respond to the applications from LADWP for a Special Use Authorization (50-year term), Right of Way Grant, and amendments to existing authorizations/ grants.

Proposed Action

LADWP is proposing the following components to meet the purpose and need of the project:

Construct approximately 60 miles of a new 230 kV double circuit structure system from the Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon. This proposed line would cross approximately 13 miles of National Forest System lands and four miles of public lands managed by the BLM;

Install approximately 12 miles of a 230 kV circuit onto existing double circuit transmission line structures from Haskell Canyon to the Castaic Power Plant. This proposed line would cross approximately four miles of National Forest System lands and less than one mile of public lands managed by the BLM;

Reconductor the existing OG–RIN Transmission Line with larger capacity conductors from the Barren Ridge Switching Station to the Rinaldi Substation located in the San Fernando Valley. Approximately 13 miles of National Forest System lands and four miles of BLM lands would be affected by the reconductoring.

Construct the new Haskell Switching Station on LADWP-owned property north of Santa Clarita and just

south of the Angeles National Forest managed lands.

Possible Alternatives

The Forest Service, BLM, and LADWP have identified preliminary alternatives to the proposed project/action:

No-Action Alternative—the proposed project would not be constructed and no expansion or upgrade activities would occur.

The following routing alternatives for construction of the proposed double circuit 230 kV transmission towers from Barren Ridge Switching Station to Haskell Canyon are being considered:

From the Barren Ridge Substation through the Antelope Valley, one alternative route was identified along the LADWP aqueduct.

From the Antelope Valley to the proposed Haskell Switching Station, three alternative routes were identified: (1) Corridor along LADWP aqueduct and generally following the Interstate 5 corridor parallel to several existing transmission lines south to the Castaic Power Plant, (2) corridor along SCE’s Antelope-Pardee 500 kV Transmission Line through Bouquet Canyon, or (3) Minimal-National Forest System lands route through Mint Canyon parallel to several existing transmission lines.

An alternative that would consider the authorized width on National Forest System lands less than the 200-foot corridor proposed.

Lead and Cooperating Agencies

The Forest Service, BLM, and LADWP are joint lead agencies in accordance with 40 CFR 1501.5(b), and are responsible for the preparation of the EIS/EIR. The Forest Service and BLM will serve as co-lead agencies under NEPA for preparation of the EIS. The LADWP will serve as the lead agency under CEQA for preparation of the EIR. Scoping will determine if additional cooperating agencies are needed.

Responsible Official

The Forest Service responsible official for the preparation of the EIS/EIR is Jody Noiron, Forest Supervisor, Angeles National Forest, 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006. The BLM responsible official for the preparation of the EIS/EIR is Hector Villalobos, Field Office Manager, Ridgecrest Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 300 S. Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

The Forest Supervisor will decide whether or not to authorize a 50-year term Special Use Authorization for an approximate 13-mile, 200-foot-wide

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right-of-way for construction, operation and maintenance of a 230 kV transmission line parallel to the existing OG–RIN transmission line route (or alternative route) constructed on new double circuit structures and amend two existing Special Use Authorizations for: (1) The conductoring of the empty position of one of the existing Castaic Power Plant 230 kV double-circuit transmission line towers from the Castaic Power Plant to Haskell Canyon (approximately 4 miles across National Forest System lands), and (2) the replacement of conductors on the OG– RIN 230 kV transmission line (approximately 13 miles across National Forest System lands). The authorizations could include ancillary improvements on National Forest System lands needed to maintain the transmission system (i.e. double circuit towers, roads, communication equipment). The Forest Supervisor will only make a decision regarding the proposed project on National Forest System lands.

The BLM Ridgecrest Field Office Manager would have several authorizations to be made as part of the project. The BLM Field Office Manager would decide whether to authorize a Right-Of-Way Grant for an approximate 4-mile, 200-foot-wide right-of-way for construction, operation and maintenance of a 230 kV transmission line parallel to the existing OG–RIN transmission line route (or alternative route) constructed on new double circuit structures. Additional authorizations to be made by the Field Office Manager include revising existing Right-Of-Way Grants for: (1) The conductoring of the empty position of one of the existing Castaic Power Plant 230 kV double-circuit transmission line towers from the Castaic Power Plant to Haskell Canyon (less than 1 mile across public lands managed by BLM), and (2) the replacement of conductors on the OG–RIN 230 kV transmission line (approximately 4 miles across public lands managed by BLM). The authorizations would include ancillary improvements on public lands needed to maintain the transmission system (i.e. double circuit towers, roads, communication equipment).

Scoping Process

The lead agencies will be seeking information, issues, comments and assistance from Federal, State and local agencies, Native American tribes, and other individuals and organizations that may be interested in or affected by the proposed project. This input will be used in preparation of the Draft EIS/EIR.

Seven scoping meetings are proposed to provide information about the proposed project to the public and to allow people to comment on the proposed project. The scoping meetings will be held on the following dates, times, and locations:

1. April 22, 2008, Open House 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., Santa Clarita Activity Center, 20880 Centre Point Parkway, Santa Clarita, CA.

2. April 23, 2008, Open House 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., Agua Dulce Women’s Club, 33201 Agua Dulce Canyon, Agua Dulce, CA.

3. April 24, 2008, Open House 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., Castaic Middle School, 28900 Hillcrest Parkway, Castaic, CA.

4. April 28, 2008, Open House 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., Hughes-Elizabeth Lakes Union School, 16633 Elizabeth Lake Road, Lake Hughes, CA.

5. April 29, 2008, Open House 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., Frazier Mountain High School, 700 Falcon Way, Lebec, CA.

6. April 30, 2008, Open House 5:30– 8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., Hillview School, 40525 Peonza Lane, Palmdale, CA.

7. May 1, 2008, Open House 5:30–8:30 p.m., Presentation at 7 p.m., California City Middle School, 9736 Redwood Blvd., California City, CA 93505.

All public meetings will be announced at least 15 days prior to the event through the local newspapers, the FS Web site http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/ angeles/projects/ and the BLM Web site http://www.ca.blm.gov/ridgecrest. In addition to the ongoing public participation process, formal opportunities for public participation would be provided upon publication of the Draft EIS/EIR.

Preliminary Issues The environmental studies to be

conducted as part of the EIS/EIR review process will identify potential impacts associated with the proposed project. However, based on previous projects of similar type, size, and scope, the following are preliminary issues that would likely be evaluated in the draft EIS/EIR: Visual resources; air quality; agriculture; biological resources; cultural and paleontological resources; hazards and hazardous materials; hydrology and water quality; land use, recreation, and planning; noise; and transportation. Other potential impacts to be evaluated include forest management related impacts and impacts to the management and use of public lands; and electric and magnetic fields and health effects.

Permits or Licenses Required

A 50-year term Special Use Authorization by the Forest Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest and Right-Of-Way Grant from the BLM Ridgecrest Field Office Manager will authorize LADWP for the construction, maintenance, and use of the new 230 kV transmission line on double circuit towers. Existing Special Use Permits and Right-Of-Way Grants would be amended for authorization of the replacement, maintenance, and use of electrical conductors associated with the OG–RIN 230 kV transmission line, and for the construction, maintenance and use of a second electrical circuit on existing double circuit structures from the Castaic Power Plant.

Additional permits may be required by LADWP to construct the project. These could include: Section 404 Permit by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Aviation Administration Permit for Construction or Alteration, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Construction Permit issued by California’s Regional Water Quality Control Board, Streambed Alteration Agreement issued by the California Department of Fish and Game, Permit to Construct issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Encroachment Permit issued by California Department of Transportation, and Encroachment Permits issued by Kern and Los Angeles Counties.

Comment Requested

This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides the development of the EIS/EIR. The Lead Agencies are seeking public and agency comment on the proposed project/action to identify major issues to be analyzed in depth and assistance in identifying potential alternatives to be evaluated. Comments received on this notice, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered as part of the public record on this proposed project/action, and will be available for public inspection. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, those who submit anonymous comments will not have standing to appeal the subsequent decision under 36 CFR part 215. Additionally, pursuant to 7 CFR 1.27(d), any person may request the agency to withhold a submission from the public record by showing how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) permits such confidentiality. Persons requesting such confidentiality should be aware that, under the FOIA, confidentiality may be

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Proposed CERCLA Settlement Agreement; Silver Bow County, MT

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice; request for public comment.

SUMMARY: In accordance with Section 122(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (‘‘CERCLA’’), 42 U.S.C. 9622(i), notice is hereby given of an administrative settlement with the owners of an 18-acre parcel (the Settling Parties) within the Beal Mine site in Silver Bow County, Montana. The settlement requires the Settling Parties to convey the parcel to the United States. The settlement includes a covenant not to sue the Settling Parties pursuant Section 107(a) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9607(a), with regard to the Beal Mine Site. For thirty (30) days following the date of publication of this notice, the United States will receive written comments relating to the settlement. The United States will consider all comments received and may modify or withdraw its consent to the settlement if comments received disclose facts or considerations which indicate that the settlement is inappropriate, improper, or inadequate. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 7, 2008. ADDRESSES: The proposed settlement is available for public inspection at the Butte Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office Annex of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, 1820 Meadowlark Lane, Butte, MT 59701. A copy of the proposed settlement may be obtained from Gary E. Howard at the

Butte Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office Annex at (406) 494–0228 or from Kirk Minckler with USDA’s Office of the General Counsel, (303) 275–5549. Comments should reference the Revelation Lode Parcel, Silver Bow County, Montana, and should be addressed to Mr. Howard at the Butte Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office Annex. The United States’ response to any comments received will be available for public inspection at the Butte Ranger District/Supervisor’s Office Annex. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information contact Gary E. Howard, Butte Ranger District/ Supervisor’s Office Annex, Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, 1820 Meadowlark Lane, Butte, MT 59701, phone (406) 494–0228 or Kirk Minckler, USDA Office of the General Counsel, 740 Simms Street, Room 309, Golden, CO 80401, phone (303) 275–5549.

Dated: March 21, 2008. Thomas L. Tidwell, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service, Northern Region. [FR Doc. E8–6853 Filed 4–4–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

Agency: U.S. Census Bureau. Title: Special Census Program. Form Number(s): SC–1, SC–1 SUPP,

SC–1 (Phone/WYC), SC–2, SC–116, SC– 351, SC–920, SC–921(HU), SC–921(SP).

OMB Control Number: 0607–0368. Type of Request: Extension of a

currently approved collection. Burden Hours: 19,143. Number of Respondents: 293,687. Average Hours per Response: 4

minutes. Needs and Uses: Governmental units

requiring current population statistics between decennial censuses request that the Census Bureau conduct special censuses. Many states distribute funds based on current population statistics. In addition, special census data are used by the local jurisdictions to plan new schools, transportation systems, housing programs, and water treatment facilities.

The Special Census Program operates as a generic OMB clearance, including a library of forms and the operational

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granted in only very limited circumstances, such as to protect trade secrets. The Lead Agencies will inform the requester of the decision regarding the request for confidentiality. Where the request is denied, the agency will return the submission and notify the requester that the comments may be resubmitted, without names and addresses, within a specified number of days.

Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent Environmental Review

A draft EIS/EIR will be prepared for comment. The comment period on the Draft EIS/EIR will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register.

The Lead Agencies believe, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of draft EIS/EIR must structure their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer’s position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the draft EIS/EIR stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final EIS/EIR may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F2.d 1016, 1022 (9th Circ. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 45 day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are made available to the Lead Agencies at a time when they can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final EIS/EIR.

To assist the Lead Agencies in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft EIS/EIR should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft EIS/EIR. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft EIS/EIR or the merits of the alternatives formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.

Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposal and will be available for public inspection.

Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 21; BLM Handbook H–1790–1, Section V.

Dated: March 27, 2008. Jody Noiron, Angeles Forest Supervisor, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

Dated: March 28, 2008. Hector Villalobos, Field Office Manager, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. [FR Doc. E8–6897 Filed 4–2–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P