[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 176 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 47829]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24116]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat
Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit
for Construction and Operation of Approximately 143.6 Acres of Light
Industrial Development on the Approximately 440-Acre Schlumberger
Property (PRT-827597), in Austin, Travis County, TX
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Schlumberger Technology Corporation (applicant) has
applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an
incidental take permit pursuant to Section 10(a) of the Endangered
Species Act (Act). The applicant has been assigned permit number PRT-
827597. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would
authorize the incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler
(Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take on the 440-acre parcel would
occur as a result of 143.6 acres of light industrial development. A
minimum of approximately 195 acres will be preserved in its natural
state as a conservation easement. All construction will occur on the
440-acre Schlumberger Property located in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat
Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for the incidental take application. A
determination of whether jeopardy to the species will occur, or a
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), will not be made before 30
days from the date of publication of this notice.
This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and
National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
DATES: Written comments on the application should be received by
October 14, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application may obtain a copy
by writing to the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
P.O. Box 1306, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87103. Persons wishing to review
the EA/HCP may obtain a copy by contacting Sybil Vosler, Austin
Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin,
Texas 78758 (512/490-0063). Documents will be available for public
inspection by written request, by appointment only, during normal
business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m) at the Austin Ecological
Services Field Office. Written data or comments concerning the
application(s) and EA/HCPs should be submitted to the Field Supervisor,
Austin Ecological Services Field Office. Please refer to permit number
PRT-827597 when submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sybil Vosler at the above Austin
Ecological Services Field Office.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the
``taking'' of endangered species such as the golden-cheeked warbler.
However, the Service, under limited circumstances, may issue permits to
take endangered wildlife species, when such taking is incidental to,
and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Regulations
governing permits for endangered species are at 50 CFR 17.22.
APPLICANT: Schlumberger Technology Corporation plans to construct a
light industrial development on approximately 143.6 acres and preserve
a minimum of 195 acres within the 440-acre tract. The construction will
be at the Schlumberger property located east of R.M. 620, approximately
1 mile north of RM 2222 on the northwest side of the City of Austin,
roughly 12 miles from the downtown area. The preserved area will be
maintained in its natural state and a conservation easement will be
granted in perpetuity and held by a non-profit conservation
organization or governmental agency approved by the Service.
Alternatives to this action were rejected because selling with
federally-listed species present or not developing the subject property
were not economically feasible.
Jerome M. Butler,
Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 97-24116 Filed 9-10-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-55-P
