[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 170 (Thursday, September 2, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48189-48190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-22918]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[TE 016724]
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Notice of
Availability and Opening of Comment Period for an Application for an
Incidental Take Permit to Allow Take of an Endangered Species by
Cinergy Corporation, Gibson County, IN, and National Environmental
Policy Act Determination
SUMMARY: The US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides notice of
the availability of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Incidental
Take Permit Application received from Cinergy Corporation, Gibson
County, Indiana, and the Service's National Environmental Policy Act
Determination for the proposed action of permit issuance. In 1986, a
single pair of endangered interior least terns (Sterna antillarum)
nested at Cinergy's Gibson Generating Station in Gibson County,
Indiana. Since that time, the least tern colony at the facility has
grown. The most terns ever recorded in a single year was in 1998 when
an estimated 85 adult terns, 63 nests, and 72 fledged young were
present. Since the initial discovery, Cinergy has worked with the
Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Service to maintain
conditions favorable for successful tern production at the Gibson
Generating Station. All tern nesting habitat at the Gibson Generating
Station was created as the result of the construction and maintenance
of the facility. No tern habitat existed at this site prior to
construction of the generating station and associated facilities.
Cinergy has voluntarily enhanced the habitat to maintain and improve
nesting conditions for least terns. Cinergy proposes to continue
efforts to enhance nesting opportunities for least terns on the
facility. However, some least tern nesting has occurred in active ash
disposal areas and on access roads to these areas and Cinergy
acknowledges that the operation and maintenance of the Gibson
Generating Station entails some potential for incidental take. The
applicant has submitted an HCP detailing their proposal for management
of least terns at the facility, and seeks an incidental take permit for
a 5 year period. The proposed take of least terns (adults, chicks, or
eggs) will not exceed 5% of the estimated maximum adult population
present on the facility in any given year. The net result of activities
proposed in Cinergy's HCP will be an increase in suitable tern nesting
habitat; no existing habitat will be destroyed. However, attempts may
be made to make ash disposal areas and associated access roads, areas
where there is potential for incidental take of terns, less attractive
as potential nesting sites. Cinergy will continue to maintain the core
nesting area at the Gibson Generating Station in a condition favorable
for least tern nesting. In addition, Cinergy will assist in the
development of the 187-hectare Cane Ridge Wildlife Area, which will
include creation of least tern nesting units. These tern nesting units,
which will be immediately adjacent to the Gibson Generating Station,
will be owned and managed by the Service and will provide additional
suitable habitat for least terns. The HCP and Incidental Take Permit
Application are available for public review and comment for a
[[Page 48190]]
period of 30 days. In addition, the Service has determined that the HCP
meets the criteria for a ``Low Effect'' HCP and has determined that it
qualifies for a Categorical Exclusion. This NEPA determination is
available for review by interested parties. All comments received,
including commentors names and addresses, will become part of the
Service's Administrative Record and may be made available to the
public.
DATES: Written comments on the Habitat Conservation Plan/Incidental
Take Permit Application and the Service's NEPA Determination must be
received on or before October 4, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application and associated
documents may obtain copies by writing to the Regional HCP/NEPA
Coordinator, Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling,
Minnesota 55111-4056. Documents will be available for public inspection
by appointment only, during normal business hours (8:00-4:30), at the
US Fish and Wildlife Service, 1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling,
Minnesota, (612-713-5350) and at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 620
South Walker Street, Bloomington, Indiana (812-334-4261). Written
comments should be submitted to the Regional HCP/NEPA Coordinator at
the address listed above or via FAX at 612-713-5292. Please refer to
permit number TE 016724 when submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Ms. Lisa Mandell, Regional HCP/NEPA
Coordinator, at (612) 713-5350.
Dated: August 27, 1999.
Charles M. Wooley,
Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, Region 3, Fort
Snelling, Minnesota.
[FR Doc. 99-22918 Filed 9-1-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
