51404

Notices Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 173

Friday, September 7, 2007

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Both agencies have determined an EIS/ SUPPLMENTARY INFORMATION for dates contains documents other than rules or EIR is needed to effectively analyze the and addresses of future public meetings. proposed rules that are applicable to the proposal and evaluate impacts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For public. Notices of hearings and investigations, The proposed project involves several committee meetings, agency decisions and additional information related to the types of transmission upgrades, project on National Forest System land, rulings, delegations of authority, filing of including: (1) Constructing new 500-kV petitions and applications and agency contact George Farra, Project Manager, transmission lines; (2) constructing o statements of organization and functions are Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, new single-circuit 220-kV transmission examples of documents appearing in this 701 N. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia, CA lines; (3) rebuilding existing 220-kV section. 91006, phone: (626) 574–5301. For lines to 500-V standards; (4) rebuilding additional information related to the existing single-circuit transmission lines project on non-National Forest System to double-circuit transmission lines; (5) DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE land, contact John Boccio, California relocating several existing 66-kV Public Utilities Commission, 505 Van Forest Service subtransmission lines; (6) constructing a Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102; new 500-kV substation; and (7) phone: (415) 703–2641. Project Angeles National Forest, CA, upgrading five existing substations. information can also be requested by Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Approximately 46 miles of the project leaving a voice message or sending a fax Project would be located in a 200- to 400-foot to the Project Information Hotline at right-of-way on National Forest System AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. (888) 331–9897. land (managed by the Angeles National ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Forest) and approximately 3 miles SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: joint environmental impact statement/ would require expanded right-of-way report. Proposed Action within the Angeles National Forest. The SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, USDA Forest Service and the CPUC Southern California Edison would together with the California Public invite written comments on the scope of construct, use, and maintain a series of Utilities Commission (CPUC), will this proposed project. In addition, the new and upgraded high-voltage electric prepare a joint Environmental Impact agencies give notice of this analysis so transmission lines and substations to Statement (EIS) and Environmental that interested and affected individuals deliver electricity generated from new Impact Report (EIR) in response to are aware of how they may participate wind energy projects in eastern Kern applications received from Southern and contribute to the final decision. County, California. The proposed California Edison for construction of a DATES: Comments concerning the scope transmission system upgrades are series of transmission system of the analysis must be received by seperated into eight distinct segments. improvements to deliver electricity from October 1, 2007. Nine public scoping The proposed projects’s major new wind energy projects in eastern meetings are planned to provide components include the following, by Kern County. The proposed project information about the proposed project segment: would be located in Kern, Los Angeles, and to allow people to comment on the • Segment 4: Construct a new ∼16- and San Bernardino counties. The proposed project. The draft EIS/EIR is mile single-circuit 500-kV transmission purpose of the project is to provide the expected to be published in July 2008 line from the new Whirlwind Substation electrical facilities necessary to integrate and the final EIS/EIR is expected in to the existing Antelope Substation. The levels of new wind generation in the December 2008. existing right-of-way would be Tehachapi Wind Resource Area, and ADDRESSES: To request a copy of the expanded by 200 feet and construct two ∼ accommodate solar and geothermal draft or final EIS/EIR and/or to send new parallel 4-mile single-circuit 220- projects currently being planned or written comments, please write to the kV transmission lines from the proposed expected in the future. It would also Angeles National Forest and/or Cottonwind Substation (not part of this improve the reliability of the California Public Utilities Commission, project) to the new Whirlwind transmission grid in the Antelope Valley c/o Aspen Environmental Group, 30423 Substation. The transmission line would and address existing constraints in the Canwood Street, Suite 215, Agoura be initially energized at 220 kV with the transmission system south of the Lugo Hills, CA 91301. intent of energizing the system to 500 Substation in Hesperia, California. The E-mail communications are also kV in the future as more wind projects Forest Service is the lead Federal agency welcome; however, please include your are developed. for the preparation of this EIS/EIR in name and a return address in the e-mail • Segment 5: Replace two single- compliance with the National message. E-mail messages should be circuit 220-kV transmission lines Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and sent to [email protected]. Information (Antelope-Vincent and Antelope-Mesa) all other applicable federal laws, about this application and the with a new ∼18-mile single-circuit 500- executive orders, regulations, and environmental review process will be kV transmission line in existing ROW direction. The CPUC is the lead State of posted on the Internet at: Ftp:// between Antelope Substation and California agency for the preparation of ftp.cpuc.ca.gov/gopher-data/environ/ Vincent Substation. the EIS/EIR in compliance with the tehachapi_renewables/TRTP.htm. This • Segment 6: Replace 27 miles of the California Environmental Quality Act site will be used to post all public Antelope-Mesa 220-kV transmission (CEQA), California Public Resource documents during the environmental line and 5 miles of the Rio Hondo- Code Division 13, and all other review process and to announce Vincent No. 2 with a single-circuit 500- applicable state laws and regulations. upcoming public meetings. See kV transmission line between Vincent

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Substation and the southern Angeles the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area, and System lands. This alternative would be National Forest boundary. accommodate solar and geothermal developed during the environmental • Segment 7: Replace ∼16 miles of the projects currently being planned or review process. Antelope-Mesa 220-kV transmission expected in the future. The project will • Alternate routing between Windhub line with a single-circuit 500-kV also address the reliability needs of the and Whirlwind Substations (Segment transmission line from the southern CAISO-controlled grid due to projected 10). boundary of the Angeles National Forest load growth in the Antelope Valley and Additional alternatives will be to the Mesa Substation. the South of Lugo transmission developed, as needed, during the • Segment 8: Replace ∼33 miles of constraints. 220-kV transmission line from the San environmental review process. The final Gabriel Junction (2 miles east of Mesa Background alternatives analyzed in detail will Substation) to the existing Mira Loma Southern California Edison has depend on the issues raised during Substation. Relocate 66-kV proposed the construction of a 220/500– public scoping and further investigation subtransmission lines in the Mesa and kV transmission system that would of the feasibility of alternatives. Chino Areas within existing or public include a series of new and upgraded Lead and Cooperating Agencies right-of-way. Additionally, ∼45 existing high-voltage electric transmission lines double-circuit 66-kV subtransmission and substations to deliver electricity The USDA Forest Service and the lines in the Mesa and Chino Areas from new wind energy projects in CPUC will be joint lead agencies in would be removed/relocated within eastern Kern County, California. The accordance with 40 CFR 1501.5(b), and existing or public right-of-way or project would provide the electrical are responsible for the preparation of undergrounded. facilities necessary to integrate levels of the EIS/EIR. The Forest Service will • Segment 9: Construct new 500/220- new wind generation in excess of 700 serve as the lead agency under NEPA. kV Whirlwind Substation adjacent to MW and up to approximately 4,500 MW The CPUC will serve as the lead agency Path 26 and upgrade the Antelope in the Tehachapi Wind Resource Area. under CEQA in accordance with Substation to include new 500-kV Under Sections 210 and 212 of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, facilities. Expand and upgrade 500-kV Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824 (i) and Chapter 3, Article 4, § 15050. facilities at Vincent Substation. Install (k)) and Sections 3.2 and 5.7 of the Responsible Official reactive compensation equipment at California Independent System Vincent Substation and Antelope Operator’s Tariff, Southern California The Forest Service responsible official Substation. Upgrade the Gould Edison is obligated to interconnect and for the preparation of the EIS/EIR is Substation, Mesa Substation, and Mira integrate this wind energy project into Jody Noiron, Forest Supervisor, Angeles Loma Substation within the existing its system. In addition, the 2001 National Forest, 701 N. Santa Anita fence line. National Energy Policy goals are to Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006. • ∼ Segment 10: Construct a new 17- increase domestic energy supplies, Nature of Decision To Be Made mile single-circuit 500–kV transmission modernize and improve our nation’s line in a new 330-foot-wide corridor energy infrastructure, and improve the The Forest Supervisor for the Angeles from the approved WindHub Substation reliability of the delivery of energy from National Forest will decide whether to to the new Whirlwind Substation. its sources to points of use. authorize a 50-year term Special Use • Segment 11: Replace ∼19 miles of Executive Order 13212 encourages Permit for construction, use, and single-circuit 220-kV transmission line increased production and transmission maintenance of 500-kV transmission with a single-circuit 500-kV of energy in a safe and environmentally lines and a new 220-kV circuit. The transmission line from Vincent sound manner. According to Executive authorization will include ancillary Substation to Gould Substation. Install Order 13212, for energy-related projects, improvements on National Forest ∼18 miles of 220-kV circuit on the agencies shall expedite their review of System lands needed to maintain this vacant side of existing double-circuit permits or take other actions as system (e.g., towers, roads, 220-kV lattice steel towers (now necessary to accelerate the completion communication equipment, helicopter carrying the Eagle Rock-Mesa 220-kV of such projects. The agencies shall take landing sites). The Forest Supervisor transmission line) between Gould such actions to the extent permitted by will only make a decision regarding Substation and Mesa Substation. law and regulations, and where impacts on National Forest System Construction activities associated appropriate. Based on the 2005 Angeles lands. with the proposed action would include National Forest Land and Resource Scoping Process upgrading 5 existing substations, Management Plan, the proposed routes construction of 1 new substation, are within designated utility corridors. Public participation will be especially installation of approximately 851 new important at several stages during the towers, repairing existing access and Possible Alternatives analysis. The lead agencies will be spur roads along with the temporary use Presently, the USDA Forest Service seeking information, comments, and and construction of spur roads, and the and the CPUC have identified assistance from Federal, State, local temporary use of approximately 141 preliminary action alternatives for agencies, and other individuals and new pulling locations and 103 new consideration in the environmental organizations that may be interested in splicing locations. Only segments 6 and analysis. The alternatives currently or affected by the proposed project. This 11 are located on National Forest under consideration (besides the input will be used in preparation of the System lands. proposed action) are: draft EIS/EIR. • The No-Action Alternative, under Nine scoping meetings are proposed Purpose and Need for Action which the proposed transmission line to provide information about the The purpose for this action is to would not be constructed and no proposed project to the public and to provide the electrical facilities expansion activities would occur. allow people to comment on the necessary to integrate levels of new • The Non-National Forest System proposed project. The scoping meetings wind generation in excess of 700 MW Land Alternative that would avoid will be held on the following dates, and up to approximately 4,500 MW in proposed activities on National Forest times, and locations:

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1. September 6, 2007, 6:30 p.m.; La Pollutant Discharge Elimination System meaningful and alerts an agency to the Serna High School, Cafeteria, 15301 General Construction Permit issued by reviewer’s position and contentions. Youngwood Drive, Whittier, CA 90605; California’s Regional Water Quality Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. 562–698–8121. Control Board, a Section 404 Permit (per NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, 2. September 10, 2007, 2:30 p.m. and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act) environmental objections that could be 6:30 p.m.; Palmdale Cultural Center, issued by the U.S. Army Corps of raised at the draft environmental EIS 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale, CA Engineers, and a Streambed Alteration stage but that are not raised until after 93550; 661–267–5656. Agreement ( per Section 1601 of the completion of the final EIS may be 3. September 11, 6:30 p.m.; Kern California Fish and Game Code) issued waived or dismissed by the courts. City County Library—Wanda Kirk Branch, by the California Department of Fish of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 3611 Rosamond Blvd., Rosamond, CA and Game. 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin 93561; 661–256–3236. Comment Requested Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 4. September 12, 6:30 p.m.; Duarte 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of Community Center, 1600 Huntington This notice of intent initiates the these court rulings, it is very important Drive, Duarte, CA 91010; 626–303–8429. scoping process that guides the that those interested in this proposed 5. September 13, 2007, 6:30 p.m.; development of the EIS/EIR. The Forest action participate by the close of the 45- Garvey Community Center, 9108 Garvey Service is seeking public and agency day comment period so that substantive Avenue, Rosemead, CA 91770; 323– comment on the proposed project to comments and objections are made 720–5213. identify major issues to be analyzed in available to the Forest Service at a time 6. September 19, 2007, 6:30 p.m.; depth and assistance in identifying when it is meaningful to consider and Altadena Community Center, 730 E. potential alternatives to be evaluated. respond to comments in the final EIS/ Altadena Drive, Altadena, CA 91001; Comments received on this notice, EIR. (626) 398–6174. including the names and addresses of To assist the Forest Service in 7. September 20, 2007, 2:30 p.m. and those who comment, will be considered identifying and considering issues and 6:30 p.m.; Chino Hills Council as part of the public record on this concerns on the proposed project, Chambers, 2001 Grand Avenue, Chino proposed project, and will be available comments on the draft EIS/EIR should Hills, CA 91709; 909–930–8495. for public inspection. Comments be as specific as possible. It is also submitted anonymously will be Preliminary Issues helpful if comments refer to specific accepted and considered; however, pages or chapters of the draft statement. A number of potential impacts were those who submit anonymous Comments may also address the identified in the Proponent’s comments will not have standing to adequacy of the draft EIS/EIR or the Environmental Assessment Tehachapi appeal the subsequent decision under merits of the alternatives formulated Renewable Transmission Project issued 36 CFR Part 215. Additionally, pursuant and discussed in the statement. by Southern California Edison on June to 7 CFR 1.27(d), any person may Reviewers may wish to refer to the 29, 2007. The following preliminary request the agency to withhold a Council on Environmental Quality issues were identified in this report submission from the public record by Regulations for implementing the related to the proposed project’s showing how the Freedom of procedural provisions of NEPA at 40 potential effects on the environment: Information Act (FOIA) permits such CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points. Visual resources; agriculture; air quality; confidentiality. Persons requesting such biological, cultural, and geological confidentiality should be aware that, (Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; resources; hazards and hazardous under the FOIA, confidentiality may be Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section materials; hydrology and water quality; granted in only very limited 21) land use and planning; mineral circumstances, such as to protect trade Dated: August 23, 2007. resources; noise; population and secrets. The Forest Service will inform Jody Noiron, housing; public services and utilities; the requester of the agency’s decision Forest Supervisor. recreation; traffic and transportation; regarding the request for confidentiality. [FR Doc. E7–17168 Filed 9–6–07; 8:45 am] and paleontological resources. Other Where the request is denied, the agency BILLING CODE 3410–11–P issues identified are impacts to future will return the submission and notify forest management projects (e.g., fuel the requester that the comments may be hazard reduction projects and fire resubmitted, without names and DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE fighting strategies). addresses, within a specified number of days. Foreign-Trade Zones Board Permits or Licenses Required Early Notice of Importance of Public A 50-year term special use permit for Participation in Subsequent [Docket 43–2007] the construction, maintenance, and use Environmental Review: A draft EIS/EIR Foreign-Trade Zone 235—Lakewood, of the transmission line would be will be prepared for comment. The NJ; Application for Expansion authorized to Southern California comment period on the draft EIS/EIR Edison by the Forest Supervisor for the will be 45 days from the date the An application has been submitted to Angeles National Forest for Segments 6 Environmental Protection Agency the Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZ) Board and 11, and a Certificate of Public publishes the notice of availability in (the Board) by the Township of Convenience and Necessity would be the Federal Register. Lakewood, New Jersey, grantee of FTZ issued by the California Public Utilities The Forest Service believes, at this 235, requesting authority to expand its Commission as part of this decision. early stage, that it is important to give existing zone to include additional sites Additional permits that may be required reviewers notice of several court rulings in or adjacent to the Philadelphia of Southern California Edison to related to public participation in the Customs and Border Protection port of construct the proposed project could environmental review process. First, entry. The application was submitted include: A Permit to Operate issued by reviewers of draft EISs must structure pursuant to the provisions of the the South Coast Air Quality their participation in the environmental Foreign-Trade Zones Act, as amended Management District, a National review of the proposal so that it is (19 U.S.C. 81a–81u), and the regulations

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