16196 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

Filed Date: 3/28/17. Filed Date: 3/28/17. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Accession Number: 20170328–5051. Accession Number: 20170328–5000. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17. Western Area Power Administration Docket Numbers: ER17–1307–000. Docket Numbers: ER17–1314–000. TransWest Express Transmission Applicants: Wisconsin River Power Applicants: Arkwright Summit Wind Company. Project Environmental Impact Farm LLC. Statement (DOE/EIS–0450) Description: Tariff Cancellation: Description: Baseline eTariff Filing: Cancellation—Combustion Turbine MBR Application to be effective 5/28/ AGENCY: Western Area Power Power Purchase Contract to be effective 2017. Administration, DOE. 3/1/2017. Filed Date: 3/28/17. ACTION: Filed Date: 3/27/17. Record of decision. Accession Number: 20170327–5136. Accession Number: 20170328–5070. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17. SUMMARY: The Western Area Power Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17. Administration (WAPA) and the U.S. Docket Numbers: ER17–1315–000. Docket Numbers: ER17–1308–000. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Applicants: Meadow Lake Wind Farm Applicants: Wabash Valley Power acting as joint lead agencies, issued the V LLC. Association, Inc. proposed TransWest Express Description: Baseline eTariff Filing: Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: Transmission Project (Project) Final MBR Application to be effective 5/28/ Amendment to Formulary Rate Tariff— Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 2017. Optional Coop Solar Energy Rider to be (DOE/EIS–0450) on May 1, 2015. The Filed Date: 3/28/17. effective 6/1/2017. Agency Preferred Alternative developed Accession Number: 20170328–5072. Filed Date: 3/27/17. by WAPA and the BLM through the Accession Number: 20170327–5200. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17. National Environmental Policy Act Docket Numbers: ER17–1316–000. (NEPA) process and described in the Docket Numbers: ER17–1309–000. Applicants: Quilt Block Wind Farm Final EIS is summarized in this Record Applicants: Midcontinent LLC. of Decision (ROD). Independent System Operator, Inc., Description: Baseline eTariff Filing: Because the BLM and WAPA were Ameren Illinois Company. MBR Application to be effective 5/28/ joint lead agencies in the preparation of Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 2017. the EIS, each agency will issue its own 2017–03–27_SA 2765 MidAmerican Filed Date: 3/28/17. ROD(s) addressing the overall Project Energy Company-Ameren Illinois TIA to Accession Number: 20170328–5073. and the specific matters within its be effective 3/28/2017. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17. jurisdiction and authority. This ROD Filed Date: 3/27/17. Accession Number: 20170327–5211. Docket Numbers: ER17–1317–000. constitutes WAPA’s decision with Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17. Applicants: Duke Energy Progress, respect to the alternatives considered in the Final EIS. The U.S. Forest Service Docket Numbers: ER17–1310–000. LLC, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. (USFS), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Applicants: New York Independent Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: and Utah Reclamation Mitigation System Operator, Inc. DEC–DEP PBOP Filing to be effective 1/ Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: 1/2015. Conservation Commission (URMCC) are NYDPS section 205—cost allocation for Filed Date: 3/28/17. cooperating agencies in the proposed PPTPP to be effective 5/26/2017. Accession Number: 20170328–5075. Project based on their potential Federal Filed Date: 3/27/17. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/18/17. action to issue use permits across lands Accession Number: 20170327–5213. The filings are accessible in the under their respective management. Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17. Commission’s eLibrary system by These agencies also will issue their own Docket Numbers: ER17–1311–000. clicking on the links or querying the decisions regarding their specific agency Applicants: Midcontinent docket number. actions. Additional cooperating agencies Independent System Operator, Inc. Any person desiring to intervene or include Federal, state, tribal, and local Description: Tariff Cancellation: protest in any of the above proceedings agencies. WAPA has selected the Agency 2017–03–27_SA 2884 Cancellation of must file in accordance with Rules 211 Preferred Alternative identified in the Amended G736 v32 to be effective 1/7/ and 214 of the Commission’s Final EIS as the route for the Project. 2017. Regulations (18 CFR 385.211 and This decision on the route will enable Filed Date: 3/27/17. 385.214) on or before 5:00 p.m. Eastern design and engineering activities to Accession Number: 20170327–5270. time on the specified comment date. proceed and help inform WAPA’s Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17. Protests may be considered, but Federal action(s) to consider any Docket Numbers: ER17–1312–000. intervention is necessary to become a received or anticipated loan application Applicants: California Independent party to the proceeding. permitted under its borrowing authority System Operator Corporation. eFiling is encouraged. More detailed and/or exercise its options for Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: information relating to filing participation in the Project. These 2017–03–27 Department of Market requirements, interventions, protests, considerations are contingent on the Monitoring Oversight Committee service, and qualifying facilities filings successful development of participation Amendment to be effective 4/1/2017. can be found at: http://www.ferc.gov/ agreements as well as any and all Filed Date: 3/27/17. docs-filing/efiling/filing-req.pdf. For documentation and commitments Accession Number: 20170327–5272. other information, call (866) 208–3676 needed to satisfy financial underwriting Comments Due: 5 p.m. ET 4/17/17. (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502–8659. Docket Numbers: ER17–1313–000. standards. Dated: March 28, 2017. Applicants: NorthWestern FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For Corporation. Kimberly D. Bose, information on WAPA’s participation in Description: § 205(d) Rate Filing: SA Secretary. the Project contact Stacey Harris, Public 808—LGIA with Orion Wind Resources, [FR Doc. 2017–06470 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am] Utilities Specialist, Transmission LLC to be effective 3/31/2017. BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Infrastructure Program (TIP) Office

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices 16197

A0700, Headquarters Office, Western In April 2009, TransWest submitted a roads to access the proposed Project Area Power Administration, P.O. Box Statement of Interest (SOI) to WAPA for facilities and work areas during the 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228–8213, consideration of its Project under the construction, operation, and telephone (720) 962–7714, facsimile authority provided to WAPA under the maintenance Project phases; (720) 962–7083, email sharris@ American Recovery and Reinvestment • Ancillary facilities including a wapa.gov. For information about the Act of 2009 amendment of the Hoover network of 15 to 20 fiber optic Project EIS process or to request a CD Power Plant Act of 1984. WAPA is communication regeneration sites and of the document, contact Steve Blazek, considering whether to use its two ground electrode facilities; and NEPA Document Manager, Natural borrowing authority, if a loan • Temporary construction sites that Resources Office A7400, Headquarters application is submitted and would include wire pulling/fly yards, Office, Western Area Power successfully underwritten, to finance material storage and concrete batch Administration, P.O. Box 281213, and/or exercise its options for partial plant sites. Lakewood, CO 80228–8213, telephone ownership in the proposed Project. TransWest also identified and (720) 962–7265, facsimile (720) 962– TransWest’s SOI prompted WAPA to retained two design options to provide 7263, email [email protected]. The initiate a request to the BLM to become the Project with flexibility to adapt to Final EIS and this ROD are also a joint lead agency for the development potential regional transmission changes. available at http://energy.gov/nepa/ of the EIS to determine the The design options do not currently downloads/eis-0450-final- environmental impacts of the Project. meet the interests and objectives of the environmental-impact-statement. TransWest also filed a Right-Of-Way Project; however, they could be (ROW) application with the BLM considered if/when capacity becomes For general information on the pursuant to Title V of the Federal Land available on the Southern Transmission Department of Energy (DOE) NEPA Policy and Management Act of 1976, as Systems. process, please contact Carol M. amended, proposing to construct, Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA operate, maintain, and eventually Alternatives Policy and Compliance (GC–54), U.S. decommission a high-voltage electric An iterative, adaptive process was Department of Energy, 1000 transmission line on land managed by used for this Project to identify an Independence Avenue SW., the BLM. The BLM initiated its own adequate range of alternative Washington, DC 20585, telephone (202) NEPA process to address whether to transmission corridors that directly 586–4600 or (800) 472–2756. grant a ROW permit. Because both respond to addressing potential resource or siting constraints and help inform SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TransWest agencies had NEPA decisions to decision-makers. Due to the length of Express LLC (TransWest) is the consider, WAPA and the BLM agreed to the transmission line, the alternative TransWest Express (TWE) Transmission be joint lead agencies in accordance transmission routes were split into four Project (Project) proponent. The Project with NEPA, 40 CFR 1501.5(b), for the distinct regions for the purpose of is proposed as an extra high voltage, purpose of preparing the EIS for the presenting clear impact comparisons direct current (DC) transmission system Project. The agencies issued the Final between alternative segments: extending from south-central Wyoming EIS for the Project on November May 1, 2015. • Region I: Sinclair, Wyoming, to to southern Nevada. The proposed Each agency will issue its own ROD(s) Northwest Colorado near Rangely, transmission line (and alternatives) addressing the overall Project and the Colorado; would cross four states (Wyoming, specific matters within its jurisdiction • Region II: Northwest Colorado to Colorado, Utah, and Nevada) and authority. While WAPA’s potential IPP near Delta, Utah; encompassing lands owned or involvement relates to use of its • Region III: IPP to North Las Vegas, administered by the BLM, USFS, BOR, borrowing authority, the decision at Nevada; and • URMCC, National Park Service, various hand is a selection of project route. Region IV: North Las Vegas to state agencies, Native American tribes, Marketplace Hub in Boulder City, municipalities, and private parties. The Project Description Nevada. Project would provide the transmission TransWest’s Proposed Action would One alternative within each of these infrastructure and capacity necessary to include: regions is combined with the others to deliver approximately 3,000 megawatts • A 600-kV DC line, approximately define a distinct end-to-end route from (MW) of electric power from renewable 725 miles in length, extending across Wyoming to Nevada. A depiction of the and/or non-renewable energy resources public and private lands in Wyoming, four regions and the alternatives can be in south-central Wyoming to southern Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. The found as Figures 2–22 through 2–25 in Nevada. The TransWest proposed action transmission line ROW would be Chapter 2 of the Final EIS. would consist of an approximately 725- approximately 250 feet wide; mile-long, 600–kilovolt (kV), DC • Two terminal stations located at Alternatives Facilities and transmission line and two terminals, either end of the transmission line; the Transmission Line Routes for Four each containing a converter station that Northern Terminal located near Regions converts alternating current (AC) to DC Sinclair, Wyoming, and the Southern Region I or vice-versa. The northern AC/DC Terminal at the Marketplace Hub in the converter station would be located near Eldorado Valley, within Boulder City, Northern Terminal Sinclair, Wyoming, and the southern Nevada. Terminal facilities would The Northern Terminal would be AC/DC station near the Marketplace include converter stations and related located approximately three miles Hub in the Eldorado Valley, substation facilities necessary for southwest of Sinclair, Wyoming (Carbon approximately 25 miles south of Las interconnections to existing and County) on private lands. The terminal Vegas, Nevada. The Project would retain planned regional AC transmission would include an AC/DC converter an option for a future interconnection systems; station and adjacent AC substation. The with the existing Intermountain Power • Access routes, including AC/DC converter station would include Project (IPP) transmission system in improvements to existing roads, new a 600–kV DC switchyard; AC/DC Millard County, Utah. overland access, and new unpaved conversion equipment; transformers;

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 16198 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

and multiple equipment, control, There would be approximately 204 Alternative Variations, Connectors, and maintenance, and administrative miles of access roads associated with Micro-Siting Options buildings. Two buildings would house this alternative. the AC/DC conversion equipment; There are no alternative variations Alternative I–C Transmission Line smaller buildings would house the within Region I. The Region I alternative Route control room, control and protection connectors were removed from further equipment, auxiliary equipment; and This alternative was developed to consideration at the request of the lead cooling equipment. Connections to the reduce the overall proliferation of utility agencies in response to public existing transmission infrastructure also corridors and associated impacts by comments received on the Draft EIS. would be constructed. The three major following existing designated utility Two micro-siting options have been components (AC/DC converter station, corridors. Alternative I–C would begin developed to address specific land use 500/230–kV AC substation, and 230–kV by following Alternative I–A to near concerns in all Region I alternative AC substation) are planned to be co- Creston, Wyoming, where Alternative I– routes related to the Tuttle Ranch located and contiguous. C would turn south and parallel Conservation Easement and the Cross Alternative I–A Transmission Line Wyoming State Highway 789 (SH–789) Mountain Ranch proposed conservation Route (Proposed Action) toward Baggs, Wyoming. From there, easement: Alternative I–C would continue south, • Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 3; TransWest’s proposed alignment deviating from SH–789 to the east and and would begin in Sinclair, Wyoming, and passing east of Baggs. After crossing into would travel west just south of the Colorado, this alternative would parallel • Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 4. Interstate 80 (I–80) corridor to Colorado State Highway 13 into Craig, Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 3 Wamsutter. At Wamsutter, it would turn Colorado. Alternative I–C would pass would avoid the Tuttle Ranch south and generally follow the Carbon- east and south of Craig, turning to the Sweetwater county line along a corridor Conservation Easement, but would cross west after crossing U.S.–40, generally the NPS Deerlodge Road west of U.S.– preferred by the Wyoming Governor’s paralleling the highway and joining Office and Carbon and Sweetwater 40 and would cross the largest portion with Alternative I–A to the end of of the Cross Mountain Ranch property. counties. It then would continue south- Region I. southwest across the Wyoming- Tuttle Ranch Micro-siting Option 4 Alternative I–C is approximately 186 Colorado state line and south along a would avoid the Tuttle Ranch miles in length, 44 percent of which corridor preferred by Moffat County and Conservation Easement and the NPS would be located on BLM lands. There coordinated with the BLM Northwest Deerlodge Road, and would cross the would be 53 miles would be in BLM Colorado District Office’s ongoing least amount of the Cross Mountain RMP utility corridors and 60 miles greater sage-grouse planning effort. It Ranch property. would be in WWECs. There would be would then intersect with U.S. Highway 237 miles of access roads associated Ground Electrode Locations 40 (U.S.–40) just west of Maybell, with this alternative. Colorado. The alignment would then One ground electrode system would generally parallel U.S.–40, turning Alternative I–D Transmission Line be required within approximately 100 southwest toward the Colorado-Utah Route miles of the Northern Terminal to border. establish and maintain electrical current Alternative I–D was developed to Alternative I–A is approximately 156 continuity during normal operations, reduce multiple resource concerns, miles in length, 66 percent of which and any unexpected outage of one of the including impacts to visual resources would be located on BLM lands. There two poles (or circuits) of the 600–kV DC and greater sage-grouse. It would follow would be 24 miles would be in BLM terminal or converter station equipment. the route of Alternative I–A, going west Resource Management Plan (RMP) The ground electrode facility would utility corridors and 25 miles would be from Sinclair, Wyoming (Carbon County, Wyoming), basically paralleling consist of a network of approximately in West Wide Energy Corridors 60 deep earth electrode wells arranged (WWECs). There would be I–80 in a designated WWEC, until turning south near Wamsutter. It would along the perimeter of a circle expected approximately 201 miles of access roads to be about 3,000 feet in diameter. All associated with this alternative. follow Alternative I–A south for approximately 15 miles. Alternative I–D wells at a site would be electrically Alternative I–B Transmission Line then would diverge to the east, where it interconnected and wired via Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred generally would parallel SH–789 at an approximately 10 low-voltage Alternative) offset distance of 2 to 5 miles to the underground cable ‘‘spokes’’ to a small control building. A low voltage Alternative I–B as considered in the west. Before reaching the Baggs area, electrode line would connect the ground Final EIS would be the same as Alternative I–D would turn west and electrode facilities to the AC/DC Alternative I–A for nearly its entire follow the Shell Creek Stock Trail road converter stations. General siting areas length, with one exception just north of for approximately 20 miles, where it and conceptual alternative site locations the Wyoming-Colorado state line. A would cross into Sweetwater County have been identified in Regions I; length of approximately 8 miles of and again join Alternative I–A while selection of specific location of the Alternative I–B diverges to the southeast turning south into Colorado (Moffat ground electrode systems would be from Alternative I–A in this area to County). identified during final engineering and minimize potential impacts to areas Alternative I–D is approximately 168 design stages. eligible for historic trail designation. miles in length, 70 percent of which Alternative I–B includes is would be located on BLM lands. There There are four potential locations for approximately 158 miles in length, 67 would be 24 miles would be in BLM ground electrode systems in Region I percent of which would be located on RMP utility corridors and 25 miles (Bolten Ranch, Separation Flat, BLM lands. There would be 24 miles would be in WWECs. There would be Separation Creek, and Eight Mile Basin). would be in BLM RMP utility corridors 213 miles of access roads associated All locations would apply to all and 25 miles would be in WWECs. with this alternative. alternatives.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices 16199

Region II Utah, Alternative II–B would diverge access roads associated with this from I–70 and turn to the north along alternative. Alternative II–A Transmission Line U.S. Highway 191 (U.S.–191). This Route (Proposed Action) Alternative II–D Transmission Line highway generally would be followed Route The TransWest proposed alignment until just south of the Emery-Carbon would continue into Utah in a westerly county line, where Alternative II–B This alternative was developed to direction, and then deviate south from would turn west and pass near the avoid USFS IRAs and to provide U.S.–40 toward Roosevelt, Utah. From county line for approximately 25 miles. additional northern route options to Roosevelt, it would pass north of Then it would generally would turn avoid impacts to historic trails and areas Duchesne, again paralleling U.S.–40 for south, pass west of Huntington, Utah, designated for special resource several miles, then turn southwest and turn northwest, cross a portion of the management along the southern routes cross the Uinta National Forest Planning Manti-La Sal National Forest, and pass (Alternatives II–B and II–C). It would Area 1 generally within a designated northeast of Mount Pleasant, Utah. From begin along the same route as WWEC, then turn west along U.S. there, it would pass through Salt Creek Alternative II–A. However, as it would Highway 6 (U.S.–6) and Soldier Creek. Canyon to Nephi, and then south enter Utah, it would diverge briefly to At the junction with U.S. Highway 89 around Nephi. It then would turn follow a designated utility corridor, (U.S.–89), Alternative II–A would then southwest and west adjacent to IPP, causing it to zigzag once across turn south generally along U.S.–89 following a path south of Alternative II– Alternative II–A. It then would diverge where it would cross a portion of the A across a portion of the Fishlake to the south of the designated utility Manti-La Sal National Forest. The National Forest. corridor and turn west-southwest, alignment would pass through Salt Alternative II–A would be skirting the edge of the Ashley National Creek Canyon then north around Nephi. approximately 346 miles in length, 65 Forest. Alternative II–D would cross It would continue west and then turn percent of which would be located on into Carbon County northwest of Price, southwest following a path north of and BLM/USFS lands. There would be and then turn southwest in the Emma adjacent to IPP. Portions of this corridor approximately 136 miles would be in Park area along US–191. It would follow have been identified as preferred in a BLM RMP utility corridors and 33 miles this highway west of Helper, across a joint resolution by representatives of would be in WWECs. There would be portion of the Manti-La Sal National Juab and Millard counties. 492 miles of access roads associated Forest and then turn west toward Salt Alternative II–A would be with this alternative. Creek Canyon where it would join and approximately 258 miles in length, 45 follow Alternative II–B, skirt the edge of percent of which would be located on Alternative II–C Transmission Line the Uinta National Forest Planning BLM/USFS lands. There would be Route Area, then join and follow Alternative approximately 34 miles in BLM RMP Alternative II–C also would decrease II–A into IPP. utility corridors and 63 miles would be impacts to private lands and generally Alternative II–D is approximately 259 in WWECs. There would be would follow established utility miles in length, 57 percent of which approximately 395 miles of access roads corridors as well as avoid USFS IRAs. would be located on BLM/USFS lands. associated with this alternative. Alternative II–C would follow Approximately 71 miles would be in Alternative II–B through Colorado, BLM RMP utility corridors and 46 miles Alternative II–B Transmission Line along I–70 into Utah, and north at US– would be in WWECs. There would be Route 191. Approximately 15 miles north on 422 miles of access roads associated Alternative II–B was developed to US–191, Alternative II–C would diverge with this alternative. address impacts to private lands and to from Alternative II–B and turn in a Alternative II–E Transmission Line generally follow established utility general westerly direction toward Castle Route corridors. These corridors are Dale. Approximately 3 miles east of designated for underground utilities Castle Dale, this alternative would turn Alternative II–E also was developed to only and use of the corridor for the south and roughly parallel Utah State provide additional northern route transmission line would require a plan Highway 10 at a distance of options to address the previously amendment. The route would travel approximately 3 miles to the east. The mentioned resource impacts from the southwest in Colorado from the alternative would cross Utah State southern routes. This alternative would beginning of Region II, cross the Yampa Route 10 near the Emery-Sevier county follow Alternative II–D into Utah and River, and pass east of Rangely, line and turn west, again generally along the designated utility corridor, Colorado. It would continue southwest following the I–70 corridor across a zigzagging across Alternative II–A. It where it would cross the Colorado-Utah portion of the Fishlake National Forest then would rejoin Alternative II–A to state line and turn generally south, into the Salina, Utah, area. Alternative continue west across the Uintah/ crossing back into Colorado in the II–C would pass south of Salina, turn Duchesne county line. Approximately Baxter Pass area. At that location, it north, and parallel U.S. Highway 50 10 miles east of Duchesne, Alternative would intersect the Interstate 70 (I–70) toward Scipio, Utah. The alternative II–E would turn southwest and corridor, turning in a southwesterly and would turn west and pass Scipio on the generally parallel SH–191, offset by 1 to westerly direction, paralleling I–70. south, again crossing a portion of the 6 miles, through a utility window of the After passing south of Green River, Fishlake National Forest, then turn Ashley National Forest. At the Utah- north, passing east of Delta, Utah, Carbon county line, this alternative 1 In March 2008, the Uinta National Forest and continuing into IPP. would turn west through the Emma Park the Wasatch-Cache National Forest were combined into one administrative unit (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Alternative II–C would be area, then northwest along US–6 National Forest). Each of these forests continues to approximately 365 miles in length, 67 through a utility window of the Uinta operate under individual forest plans approved in percent of which would be located on National Forest Planning Area until 2003. The term Uinta National Forest Planning Area BLM/USFS lands. Approximately 146 rejoining Alternative II–A and following is used to refer to that portion of the Uinta-Wasatch- Cache National Forest managed under the Uinta miles would be in BLM RMP utility its siting through the Manti-La Sal National Forest Land and Resource Management corridors and 17 miles would be in National Forest to Salt Creek Canyon. At Plan. WWECs. There would be 488 miles of this canyon, Alternative II–E would

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 16200 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

begin to follow the alignment of county line into IPP north of Delta would be located on BLM/USFS lands. Alternative II–B south of Nephi, then (Millard County); the end of Region II. Approximately 32 miles would be in join and follow Alternative II–A Alternative II–F is approximately 265 BLM RMP utility corridors and 63 miles adjacent and into IPP. miles in length, 55 percent of which would be in WWECs. There would be Alternative II–E is approximately 268 would be located on BLM/USFS lands. approximately 395 miles of access roads miles in length, 44 percent of which Approximately 72 miles would be in associated with this alternative. would be located on BLM/USFS lands. BLM RMP utility corridors and 31 miles Approximately 40 miles would be in would be in WWECs. There would be Alternative Variations, Connectors, and BLM RMP utility corridors and 66 miles approximately 455 miles of access roads Micro-Siting Options would be in WWECs. There would be associated with this alternative. One alternative variation (Reservation approximately 412 miles of access roads Alternative II–G Transmission Line Ridge Alternative Variation) was associated with this alternative. Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred developed to address potential impacts Alternative II–F Transmission Line Alternative) to greater sage-grouse issues along Route comparable portions of Alternative II–F. Alternative II–G is a reconfiguration Micro-siting options for Alternative II Alternative II–F was adjusted in the of segments that are also included in A and Alternative II–G have been Final EIS at the request of the lead multiple other alternatives, mainly developed to address concerns with agencies in response to public Alternatives II–A and II–F. This specific construction in Uinta National Forest comments on the Draft EIS. This alternative configuration was not Planning Area IRAs at a location where alternative combines portions of other included in the Draft EIS, but was added the designated WWEC offsets from a alternatives in the region and contains to the Final EIS to reflect the Agency continual corridor: Strawberry IRA unique segments in the Emma Park area Preferred Alternative in Region II. This Micro-siting Option 2 and Strawberry that together would minimize impacts alternative avoids crossing Tribal trust IRA Micro-siting Option 3. to USFS IRAs, Tribal and private lands, lands of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Three micro-siting options for greater sage-grouse habitat, and avoid Reservation, while also avoiding NHT, Alternative II–A and Alternative II–G impacts to National Historic Trails maximizing avoidance of potential were also developed and to address (NHT). It would begin in southwest habitat of Federally protected plant conflicts with siting through the Town Moffat County (Colorado) by following species, and maximizing co-location of Fruitland, a Utah Division of Wildlife Alternative II–A in designated WWEC with existing above-ground utilities. It Resources conservation easement, and and BLM utility corridors. As it enters would begin in southwest Moffat greater sage-grouse habitat: Utah (Uintah County), it would separate County (Colorado) by following the • Fruitland Micro-siting Option 1; from Alternative II–A to the northwest other alternatives in designated WWEC • Fruitland Micro-siting Option 2; and follow the designated utility and BLM utility corridors. After and corridors, which then turn southwest entering Utah, this alternative would • Fruitland Micro-siting Option 3. and cross Alternative II–A. It then follow Alternatives II–F, II–D, and II–E Five alternative connectors were would diverge to the south off of the and continue along the designated developed in Region II to provide the designated WWEC (still following the utility corridor, zigzagging across flexibility to combine alternative BLM-designated corridor) and turn Alternative II–A. At this point, it would segments to address resource conflicts. west-southwest, crossing the Uintah and follow Alternative II–E to the northwest, One connector could be used with Ouray Indian Reservation. It then would and rejoin Alternative II–A to continue Alternative II–B, two connectors could cross into Duchesne County, where it west across the Uintah/Duchesne be used with Alternative II–C and one would turn west-southwest out of the county line. Alternative II–G would could be used with Alternative II–E. BLM utility corridor, skirt the Ashley continue to follow Alternative II–A to National Forest and generally follow the near Fruitland. East of Fruitland it Region III southern county line. The alternative would diverge from Alternative II–A, Alternative III–A Transmission Line would follow Argyle Ridge west and but parallel closely to the south for Route (Proposed Action) US–191 to the southwest for a short several miles avoiding a conservation distance and then would turn west and easement, and then rejoin Alternative The TransWest proposed alignment follow the base of Reservation Ridge. It II–A. The alignment would then turn would leave IPP to the west and turn would then turn northwest and cross southwest and cross portions of the south toward Milford, Utah, following US–6 at Soldier Summit where it would Uinta National Forest Planning Area, the WWEC. For the remainder of Utah, turn west-northwest and follow US–6 to then turn west along US–6 and Soldier the alignment roughly would parallel Thistle (Utah County) through a portion Creek, rejoining Alternative II–F. At the Interstate 15 (I–15) approximately 20 of designated WWEC and BLM utility junction with US–89, Alternative II–G miles west of the highway. The corridors and a utility window of the would then turn south generally along alignment would pass west of Milford, Uinta National Forest Planning Area. It US–89 where it would cross a portion then generally trend south-southwest, then would turn south, following US–89 of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The passing east of Enterprise, Utah, across for about 10 miles and through a portion alignment would pass through Salt a portion of the Dixie National Forest, of the Manti-La Sal National Forest Creek Canyon. Here Alternative II–G and directly west of Central, Utah; before cutting south-southwest (Sanpete would again diverge from Alternative exiting Utah just north of the southwest County) to Utah State Route 132. At this II–A and pass south around Nephi. It corner of the state. In Nevada, the highway, it would turn west into Nephi would continue west and then turn alignment would cross I–15 west of (Juab County) and follow a path south southwest following a path north of and Mesquite, Nevada, and remain on the around the community and continue adjacent to IPP. Portions of this corridor south side of I–15 until reaching the west until turning southwest where it have been identified as preferred in a North Las Vegas area northeast of Nellis would parallel US–6 north of Lynndyl joint resolution by representatives of Air Force Base. for a short distance, then diverging west, Juab and Millard counties. Alternative III–A is approximately southwest and finally west along the Alternative II–G is approximately 252 276 miles in length, 84 percent of which southern edge of the Millard-Juab miles in length, 45 percent of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices 16201

Approximately 67 percent of the route into North Las Vegas. Alternative III–C apply only to Alternative III–B or would be within a designated RMP or would rejoin Alternative III–A northeast Alternative III–D (Mormon Mesa-Carp WWEC (107 miles and 158 miles, of Nellis Air Force Base at the end of Elgin Rd, Halfway Wash-Virgin River, respectively). There would be Region III. and Halfway Wash East), one would approximately 335 miles of access roads Alternative III–C is approximately 308 apply only to Alternative III–C (Meadow associated with this alternative. miles in length, 83 percent of which Valley 2) and one would apply only to would be located on BLM lands. Alternative III–B Transmission Line Design Option 2 as discussed in the Approximately 63 percent of the route Route Final EIS. would be within a designated RMP or Alternative III–B was developed to WWEC (160 miles and 121 miles, Region IV decrease resource impacts in respectively). There would be Southern Terminal southwestern Utah (including potential approximately 338 miles of access roads The Southern Terminal facilities impacts to the Mountain Meadows associated with this alternative. National Historic Landmark and Site would be located in the Eldorado Valley and IRAs in the Dixie National Forest). Alternative III–D Transmission Line on private land, within the city limits of It would begin following Alternative III– Route (Final EIS Agency Preferred Boulder City, in Clark County, Nevada. A through Millard and Beaver counties. Alternative) The Southern Terminal would include Near the Beaver-Iron county line, it Alternative III–D was developed as a an AC/DC converter station and would diverge toward the west. minor reconfiguration to Alternative III– adjacent AC substation. The AC/DC Alternative III–B would follow a west- B for the purpose of decreased resource converter station would include a 600– southwest course, crossing into Lincoln impacts in southwestern Utah kV DC switchyard and a converter County, Nevada, near Uvada, Utah, (including potential impacts to the building containing power electronics where it would turn to a general Mountain Meadows NHL and Site and and control equipment.) The Southern southerly direction, rejoining IRAs in the Dixie National Forest) as Terminal would connect to all four of Alternative III–A to the northwest of well as addressing concerns raised by the existing 500–kV substations Mesquite. It then would diverge to the the DOD. Alternative III–D would begin (Eldorado, Marketplace, Mead, and west from Alternative III–A following Alternative III–B, and then McCullough) located at the Marketplace approximately 16 miles west of diverge through Millard County to Hub. Connections to the existing Mesquite, cross into Clark County, pass maintain co-location with the existing transmission infrastructure at the Mead southeast of Moapa, Nevada, pass IPP power line to the south for and Marketplace substations would be through the designated utility corridor approximately 30 miles, and then rejoin via the existing Mead–Marketplace 500– on the Moapa Reservation, and rejoin Alternative III–B through the remainder kV transmission line, and connections Alternative III–A approximately 4 miles to the Region III. to the Eldorado and McCullough north of the end of Region III. Alternative III–D is approximately 281 substations also would be constructed. Alternative III–B is approximately 284 miles in length, 75 percent of which The three major components (AC/DC miles in length, 74 percent of which would be located on BLM/USFS lands. converter station, 500/230–kV AC would be located on BLM lands. Approximately 55 percent of the route substation, and 230–kV AC substation) Approximately 54 percent of the route would be within a designated RMP or are planned to be co-located and would be within a designated RMP or WWEC (137 miles and 50 miles, contiguous. WWEC (103 miles and 80 miles, respectively). There would be Alternative IV–A Transmission Line respectively). There would be approximately 303 miles of access roads Route (Proposed Action and Final EIS approximately 320 miles of access roads associated with this alternative. Agency Preferred Alternative) associated with this alternative. Alternative Variations, Connectors, and The TransWest proposed action Alternative III–C Transmission Line Micro-Siting Options would follow a designated WWEC Route Three alternative variations were following existing transmission lines Alternative III–C also was developed developed to address potential impacts running to the south, passing North Las to address the same resource impacts as to the Mountain Meadows National Vegas to the east, and through the Alternative III–B and to take advantage Historic Landmark resulting from Rainbow Gardens area. It would run of an existing corridor with existing Alternative III–A: The Ox Valley East between Whitney, Nevada, and the Lake transmission line development, thereby Variation, the Ox Valley West and the Las Vegas development skirting the edge potentially consolidating cumulative Pinto Alternative Variation. of Henderson, Nevada. It would then transmission line impacts. This Three alternative connectors were turn in a general southwest direction at alternative would follow Alternatives also developed in Region III to provide Railroad Pass, and then in a southern III–A and III–B before diverging from the flexibility to combine alternative direction to the Marketplace endpoint. them shortly after traveling west out of segments to address resource conflicts. Alternative IV–A is approximately 37 IPP, where it would follow the existing One connector could be used with miles in length, 92 percent of which IPP power line to the south for Alternative III–A, two connectors could would be located on Federally managed approximately 30 miles and then rejoin be used with Alternative III–B and III– lands. There would be 11 miles of BLM Alternative III–B to the Utah-Nevada D and one could be used with RMP corridors and 14 miles of state line. After passing into Nevada at Alternative III–C. designated WWEC. There would be 49 Uvada, Alternative III–C would turn miles of access roads associated with west away from Alternative III–B, Ground Electrode Locations this alternative. passing north of Caliente, Nevada; There are eight potential locations for turning south approximately 15 miles ground electrode systems in Region III. Alternative IV–B Transmission Line west of Caliente. This alternative would Three of the locations would only apply Route follow that southern course, intersecting to Alternative III–A (Mormon Mesa-Carp Alternative IV–B would follow the with U.S. Highway 93 and paralleling Elgin Rd, Halfway Wash-Virgin River, proposed alternative for approximately the highway for all but the last 15 miles and Halfway Wash East); three would seven miles, diverge to the southeast as

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 16202 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices

it passed directly east of Nellis Air would not assume ownership interest or the National Register of Historic Places Force Base and travel south through the provide funding to the Project. No RMPs (NRHP); Lake Mead National Recreation Area or Forest Plans would need to be • Minimizes impacts to important (NRA), passing between the Lake Las amended if the No Action Alternative and sensitive cultural and historic Vegas development and Lake Mead. were selected. resources in southwestern Utah by Along the south edge of Lake Las Vegas, avoiding the crossings in and near the Environmentally Preferable Alternative it would turn southwest, north of the Dixie National Forest, which has the Boulder City, Nevada, then turn west The Council on Environmental highest known and expected density of and join with Alternative IV–A west of Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR archaeological sites among the Henderson to the Marketplace endpoint. 1505.2(b)) require the ROD to identify alternatives. These resources include This alternative was originally one or more environmentally preferred three sites of particular cultural developed to provide an alternative that alternatives. An environmentally importance: Yellow-Springs cultural did not require crossing the recent preferred alternative is an alternative complex, Mountain Meadows National congressionally released Sunrise that causes the least damage to the Historic Landmark, and the Old Spanish Mountain Instant Study Area (ISA). biological and physical environment NHT; and Alternative IV–B is approximately 40 and best protects, preserves, and • Avoids the Old Spanish NHT in the miles in length, 55 percent of which enhances historic, cultural, and natural Moab and Price BLM Field Office areas. would be located on Federally managed resources. Section 7 and Section 106 Consultation lands. There would be 5 miles of BLM Because it would cause the least RMP corridors and 5 miles of designated damage to the biological and physical The BLM, as the main affected WWEC. There would be 51 miles of environment, WAPA has determined Federal land management agency, access roads associated with this that the No Action Alternative is the retained the lead role for Section 7 and alternative. environmentally preferable alternative. Section 106 consultation. Consultation However, the No Action Alternative with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alternative IV–C Transmission Line would not allow development of a resulted in the issuance of a final Route project that would potentially transmit Biological Opinion on November 10, Alternative IV–C would decrease renewable and conventional energy, and 2015. The requirements of the Biological impacts to populated areas. This would not meet WAPA’s purpose and Opinion will apply to the entire Project. alternative would follow Alternative IV– need, including the facilitation of The Biological Opinion is provided as B through the Lake Mead NRA and delivery of renewable energy. For these Appendix C of the BLM ROD. WAPA between the Lake Las Vegas reasons WAPA has not selected the No executed the Project Programmatic development and Lake Mead to north of Action Alternative. Agreement as an invited signatory to the the Boulder City. It would then continue Identification of the environmentally Section 106 process. The Programmatic south before it turned southwest around preferable alternative among the action Agreement will govern Section 106 the southeast edge of the metropolitan alternatives involves some difficult actions as they apply to the entire area of Boulder City, and into the judgments regarding tradeoffs between Project and is provided as Appendix E Marketplace endpoint. It also was different natural and cultural impacts of the BLM ROD. originally developed to provide an and values. After considering these Mitigation Measures alternative that did not require crossing tradeoffs, WAPA has determined that the recent congressionally released the Agency Preferred Alternative is the Minimization of environmental Sunrise Mountain ISA. Alternative IV– environmentally preferable action impacts was an integral part of Project C is approximately 44 miles in length, alternative. Among other things, WAPA design, routing, and planning. 55 percent of which would be located selected the Agency Preferred Appendix C to the Final EIS was a on Federally managed lands. There Alternative because it: compilation of all involved Federal would be 5 miles of BLM RMP corridors • Maximizes use of existing utility agencies’ best management practices, and 5 miles of designated WWEC. There corridors and co-location with existing design features, specific stipulations, would be 54 miles of access roads transmission to the extent practicable; standards, and guidelines to minimize associated with this alternative. • Avoids or minimizes impacts to Project impacts that were considered by physical, biological, and cultural the appropriate agencies. Informed by Alternative Variations, Connectors, and resource that are regulated by law Appendix C to the Final EIS, TransWest Micro-Siting Options (Endangered Species Act, Clean Water and the BLM have developed an One alternative variation (the Act, etc.); extensive Plan of Development (POD) Marketplace Variation) was developed • Minimizes impacts to sage-grouse (Appendix B to the BLM ROD). All to address impacts to private lands habitat; practicable means have been adopted to located on Alternative IV–B. • Minimizes impacts to big game avoid or minimize environmental harm. Five alternative connectors were crucial winter range; WAPA may implement applicable developed in Region IV to provide the • Avoids desert tortoise habitat in provisions of the POD and its attached flexibility to combine alternative Utah, and minimizes impacts to desert framework plans on State and private segments to address resource conflicts. tortoise in Nevada; lands as appropriate. • Each of the five connectors could be Avoids potential habitat for WAPA’s Decision used with Alternative IV–B and four threatened and endangered plant would be used with Alternative IV–C. species, including Uintah Basin Informed by the analyses and hookless cactus; environmental impacts documented in No Action Alternative • Minimizes impacts to modeled the Final EIS, WAPA has selected 2 the Under the No Action Alternative, the potentially suitable clay phacelia BLM and USFS would not issue ROW habitat; 2 On November 16, 2011, DOE’s Acting General • Minimizes impacts to the Overland Counsel restated the delegation to WAPA’s grants or special use permits and the Administrator all the authorities of the General Project would not be constructed. Under Trail and Cherokee trail by crossing the Counsel respecting environmental impact the No Action Alternative, WAPA trails at segments that are not eligible for statements.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 62 / Monday, April 3, 2017 / Notices 16203

Agency Preferred Alternative identified SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. Due to a pubic meeting teleconference option in the Final EIS as the route for the limited space, seating at the NEJAC will be processed at https://nejac- Project. The Agency Preferred meeting will be on a first-come, first spring-public-teleconference-april- Alternative route will be the basis for served basis. Pre-registration is highly 2017.eventbrite.com. Pre-registration is design and engineering activities that suggested. required. Registration for the April 26– will finalize the centerline, ROW, and DATES: The NEJAC will convene 27, 2017, meeting closes at 11:59 p.m., access road locations. Additionally, this Tuesday, April 25, 2017, through Central Time on Monday, April 17, ROD commits WAPA and TransWest to Thursday, April 27, 2017, starting at 2017. The deadline to sign up to speak implement mitigation measures 6:00 p.m., Central Time Tuesday, April during the public comment period, or to committed to in the project POD, as 25, 2017. The meeting will convene submit written public comments, is practicable, to minimize environmental April 26–27, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m., Central Time on Monday, impacts. WAPA will continue 5:00 p.m., Central Time. April 17, 2017. When registering, please coordination of the detailed POD with One public comment period relevant provide your name, organization, city TransWest, the BLM and other to the specific issues being considered and state, email address, and telephone applicable land-managing agencies. by the NEJAC (see SUPPLEMENTARY number for follow up. Please also Selection of the Agency Preferred INFORMATION) is scheduled for Tuesday, indicate whether you would like to Alternative will help inform WAPA’s April 25, 2017, starting at 6:00 p.m., provide public comment during the Federal action(s) to consider any Central Time. Members of the public meeting, and whether you are received or anticipated loan application who wish to participate during the submitting written comments before the permitted under its borrowing authority public comment period are highly Monday, April 17, 2017, deadline. and/or exercise its options for encouraged to pre-register by 11:59 participation in the Project. These p.m., Central Time on Monday, April A. Public Comment considerations are contingent on the 17, 2017. successful development of participation ADDRESSES: The NEJAC meeting will be Individuals or groups making remarks agreements as well as any and all held at the Crowne Plaza Minneapolis during the public comment period will documentation and commitments Northstar Downtown, 618 Second be limited to seven (7) minutes. To needed to satisfy customary financial Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55402. accommodate the number of people underwriting standards. This ROD was FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: who want to address the NEJAC, only prepared in accordance with the Questions or correspondence one representative of a particular requirements of the CEQ regulations for concerning the public meeting should community, organization, or group will implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts be directed to Karen L. Martin, U.S. be allowed to speak. Written comments 1500–1508) and DOE NEPA regulations Environmental Protection Agency, by can also be submitted for the record. (10 CFR part 1021). mail at 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The suggested format for individuals Dated: January 12, 2017. (MC2201A), Washington, DC 20460; by providing public comments is as Mark A. Gabriel, telephone at 202–564–0203; via email at follows: Name of speaker; name of Administrator. [email protected]; or by fax at organization/community; city and state; [FR Doc. 2017–06479 Filed 3–31–17; 8:45 am] 202–564–1624. Additional information and email address; brief description of BILLING CODE 6450–01–P about the NEJAC is available at https:// the concern, and what you want the www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ NEJAC to advise EPA to do. Written national-environmental-justice- comments received by registration ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION advisory-council. deadline, will be included in the AGENCY SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The materials distributed to the NEJAC prior Charter of the NEJAC states that the to the teleconference. Written comments [FRL–9959–98–OECA] advisory committee ‘‘will provide received after that time will be provided independent advice and National Environmental Justice to the NEJAC as time allows. All written recommendations to the Administrator Advisory Council; Notification of comments should be sent to Karen L. about broad, crosscutting issues related Public Meeting, Public Teleconference Martin, EPA, via email at to environmental justice. The NEJAC’s and Public Comment [email protected]. efforts will include evaluation of a AGENCY: Environmental Protection broad range of strategic, scientific, B. Information About Services for Agency (EPA). technological, regulatory, community Individuals With Disabilities or ACTION: Notification of public meeting. engagement and economic issues related Requiring English Language Translation to environmental justice.’’ The meeting Assistance SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal discussion will focus on several topics For information about access or Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the including, but not limited to, services for individuals requiring U.S. Environmental Protection Agency environmental justice concerns of (EPA) hereby provides notice that the communities in Minneapolis, MN and assistance, please contact Karen L. National Environmental Justice surrounding areas and proactive efforts Martin, at (202) 564–0203 or via email Advisory Council (NEJAC) will meet on of states to advance environmental at [email protected]. To request the dates and times described below. All justice. special accommodations for a disability meetings are open to the public. or other assistance, please submit your Members of the public are encouraged Registration request at least fourteen (14) working to provide comments relevant to the Registration for the April 25–27, 2017, days prior to the meeting, to give EPA specific issues being considered by the pubic face-to-face meeting will be sufficient time to process your request. NEJAC. For additional information processed at https://nejac-spring-public- All requests should be sent to the about registering to attend the meeting meeting-april-2017.eventbrite.com. Pre- address, email, or phone/fax number or to provide public comment, please registration is highly suggested. listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION see ‘‘Registration’’ under Registration for the April 26–27, 2017, CONTACT section.

VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Mar 31, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\03APN1.SGM 03APN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES