96-974. Policy and Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 17 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 2219-2228]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-974]
    
    
    
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    UTAH RECLAMATION MITIGATION AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION
    
    43 CFR Part 10010
    
    
    Policy and Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental 
    Policy Act
    
    AGENCY: Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission.
    
    ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Central Utah Project Completion Act established the Utah 
    Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission (Commission) and 
    directed that the Commission be considered a Federal agency for 
    purposes of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
    1969, as amended (NEPA). In accordance with NEPA and Council on 
    Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, Federal agencies must 
    establish procedures to guide their actions in implementing NEPA. This 
    rule establishes the Commission's policies and procedures regarding 
    NEPA implementation. It defines the procedures that the Commission will 
    follow in preparing environmental documents and in making decisions 
    pursuant to NEPA. The rule also provides information to other agencies 
    and the public regarding how they may participate in the Commission's 
    NEPA activities. The intended effects of this rule are that the 
    Commission will have at its disposal specific guidance on how to 
    fulfill its NEPA responsibilities, and that the public will have a 
    clear understanding of the Commission's NEPA procedures.
    
    DATES: Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted on or before 
    March 11, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Planning Manager, Utah Reclamation Mitigation and 
    Conservation Commission, 111 East Broadway, suite 310, Salt Lake City, 
    Utah, 84111. Telephone: 801-524-3146.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Degiorgio, Telephone: 801-524-
    3146.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The Commission was established by the Central Utah Project 
    Completion Act (Public Law 102-575, October 30, 1992). The Commission's 
    mission is to implement mitigation and conservation measures to offset 
    the effects of Federal reclamation projects in Utah and to take other 
    actions for the conservation of important fish, wildlife, and 
    recreation resources. The Commission was established to focus the 
    authority for reclamation mitigation and to coordinate interagency 
    efforts toward meeting mitigation needs. This rule provides the 
    Commission, affected Federal agencies, the State of Utah, and the 
    public with the necessary guidance to evaluate the environmental 
    effects of Commission activities and to ensure that these will promote 
    the protection and enhancement of environmental quality. It is adopted 
    in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
    amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) and with Council on Environmental Quality 
    (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR 1500-1508).
    
    NEPA Rule Content
    
        This rule provides direction on all aspects of the Commission's 
    NEPA process. It establishes general policies, provides guidance on 
    initiating the NEPA process, describes procedures relating to 
    Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements 
    (EIS), describes the relationship between NEPA and the Commission's 
    decision making process, 
    
    [[Page 2220]]
    and provides guidance on managing the NEPA process.
    
    Relationship to Department of Interior NEPA Procedures
    
        The Commission's NEPA rule is modeled after the U.S. Department of 
    the Interior's (Department) NEPA procedures (Departmental Manual, Part 
    516) and relevant portions of Appendix I to that Part, which 
    establishes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) NEPA procedures. 
    Four factors led the Commission to conclude that it is appropriate to 
    closely follow Department and Service procedures. First, Department and 
    Service reclamation mitigation and resource conservation activities 
    closely parallel those of the Commission and needs relating to NEPA are 
    therefore similar. Second, the Department's Office of the Solicitor is 
    responsible for providing the Commission with legal advice regarding 
    the Commission's NEPA activities and is familiar with the Department's 
    NEPA procedures. Third, the Commission will be involved in numerous 
    interagency activities with the Department, the Service, and other 
    bureaus within the Department, all of whom are familiar with, and bound 
    by, Departmental NEPA procedures. Fourth, other agencies and 
    organizations that will likely participate in Commission sponsored 
    activities, including the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the 
    Central Utah Water Conservancy District, have been involved in 
    mitigation and conservation initiatives involving Departmental NEPA 
    procedures and are therefore familiar with these procedures.
        The Commission's NEPA rule generally adheres to the language 
    contained in the Department's Manual. Exceptions are as follows. First, 
    references to the Department, the Secretary, the Fish and Wildlife 
    Service, and departmental bureaus have been substituted with ``the 
    Commission'' or other appropriate language. Second, portions of the 
    Departmental procedures that assign responsibilities for NEPA planning 
    and approval processes have been modified to conform to the 
    Commission's authorities and approval process. Third, references to 
    regulatory and enforcement activities are omitted as the Commission is 
    not a regulatory agency. Fourth, references to the activities of 
    specific Department of the Interior bureaus are omitted. Fifth, 
    references to activities and subjects that are outside of the 
    Commission's jurisdiction or that are not applicable to the geographic 
    area subject to Commission actions (for example, marine resources) are 
    omitted. Sixth, a new section is added that references tiering of 
    environmental documents.
        Categorical exclusions listed in paragraph (a) of Section 10010.61 
    are from Part 516 of the Department's Manual. With one addition, 
    categorical exclusions in paragraph (b) of that section are from the 
    Fish and Wildlife Service's appendix to Part 516. The addition is 
    (b)(6), derived from the Bureau of Reclamation's appendix to Part 516, 
    and relates to the Commission's ability to transfer operations and 
    maintenance of facilities.
        The rule's format deviates significantly from that of the 
    Departmental Manual in order to be consistent with the format of the 
    Code of Federal Regulations. Minor editorial changes have also been 
    made.
    
    Public Participation
    
        The Commission is committed to open and full public participation 
    in its activities. The Commission has established a planning rule (43 
    CFR Part 10005) that describes opportunities for the public to become 
    involved in the preparation and implementation of the Commission's 
    mandated five-year plan. The public will also be given ample 
    opportunity to become involved in the evaluation of individual projects 
    that are components of that plan. The procedures for this are described 
    in this NEPA rule.
    
    Rule Preparation and Review
    
        This rule was prepared in consultation with affected Federal and 
    state agencies and other interested parties. The availability of the 
    draft rule was announced at the December 18, 1995, Commission meeting. 
    Notice of availability was posted in the Federal Register and 
    appropriate newspapers. Copies were made available at the Commission 
    meeting and mailed to interested parties. A sixty-day public comment 
    period was established, commencing on the date the notice appears in 
    the Federal Register.
    
        Dated: January 5, 1996.
    Michael C. Weland,
    Executive Director.
    
    List of Subjects in 43 CFR Part 10010
    
        Administrative practices and procedures, Environmental impact 
    statements, Environmental protection, Intergovernmental relations, 
    Natural resources, Reclamation, Water resources.
    
        For the reasons set out in the preamble, 43 CFR Chapter III is 
    proposed to be amended as set forth below.
        1. A new part 10010 is added to read as follows:
    
    PART 10010--POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL 
    ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
    
    Subpart A. Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality
    
    10010.1  Purpose
    10010.2  Policy
    10010.3  General Responsibilities
    10010.4  Consideration of Environmental Values
    10010.5  Consultation, Coordination, and Cooperation with Other 
    Agencies and Organizations
    10010.6  Public Involvement
    10010.7  Mandate
    
    Subpart B. Initiating the NEPA Process
    
    10010.8  Purpose
    10010.9  Apply NEPA Early
    10010.10  Whether to Prepare an EIS
    10010.11  Lead Agencies
    10010.12  Cooperating Agencies
    10010.13  Scoping
    10010.14  Time Limits
    
    Subpart C. Environmental Assessments
    
    10010.15  Purpose
    10010.16  When to Prepare
    10010.17  Public Involvement
    10010.18  Content
    10010.19  Format
    10010.20  Adoption
    
    Subpart D. Environmental Impact Statements
    
    10010.21  Purpose
    10010.22  Statutory Requirements
    10010.23  Timing
    10010.24  Page Limits
    10010.25  Supplemental Statements
    10010.26  Format
    10010.27  Cover Sheet
    10010.28  Summary
    10010.29  Purpose and Need
    10010.30  Alternatives Including the Proposed Action
    10010.31  Appendix
    10010.32  Tiering
    10010.33  Incorporation by Reference
    10010.34  Incomplete or Unavailable Information
    10010.35  Methodology and Scientific Accuracy
    10010.36  Environmental Review and Consultation Requirements
    10010.37  Inviting Comments
    10010.38  Response to Comments
    10010.39  Elimination of Duplication with State and Local Procedures
    10010.40  Combining Documents
    10010.41  Commission Responsibility
    10010.42  Public Involvement
    10010.43  Further Guidance
    10010.44  Proposals for Legislation
    10010.45  Time Periods
    
    Subpart E. Relationship to Decision-Making
    
    10010.46  Purpose
    10010.47  Pre-decision Referrals to CEQ
    10010.48  Decision-Making Procedures
    10010.49  Record of Decision
    10010.50  Implementing the Decision
    10010.51  Limitations on Actions 
    
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    10010.52  Timing of Actions
    10010.53  Emergencies
    
    Subpart F. Managing the NEPA Process
    
    10010.54  Purpose
    10010.55  Organization for Environmental Quality
    10010.56  Approval of EISs
    10010.57  List of Specific Compliance Responsibilities
    10010.58  Information About the NEPA Process
    Subpart G. Actions Requiring an EIS and Actions Subject to Categorical 
    Exclusion
    10010.59  Purpose
    10010.60  Actions Normally Requiring an EIS
    10010.61  Actions Subject to Categorical Exclusion
    10010.62  Exceptions to Categorical Exclusions
    
        Authority: 43 U.S.C. 620k (note); Sec. 301(c)(3) of Pub. L. 102-
    575, 106 Stat. 4600, 4625.
    Subpart A. Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality
    
    
    Sec. 10010.l  Purpose.
    
        This Subpart establishes the Commission's policies for complying 
    with Title 1 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
    amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) (NEPA); Section 2 of Executive Order 
    11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality, as amended 
    by Executive Order 11991; and the regulations of the Council on 
    Environmental Quality (CEQ) implementing the procedural provisions of 
    NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508).
    
    
    Sec. 10010.2  Policy.
    
        It is the policy of the Commission:
        (a) To provide leadership in protecting and enhancing those aspects 
    of the quality of the Nation's environment which relate to or may be 
    affected by the Commission's policies, goals, programs, plans, or 
    functions in furtherance of national environmental policy;
        (b) To use all practicable means to improve, coordinate, and direct 
    its policies, plans, functions, programs, and resources in furtherance 
    of national environmental goals;
        (c) To interpret and administer, to the fullest extent possible, 
    the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States 
    administered by the Commission in accordance with the policies of NEPA;
        (d) To consider and give significant weight to environmental 
    factors, along with other essential considerations, in developing 
    proposals and making decisions in order to achieve a proper balance 
    between the development and utilization of natural, cultural, and human 
    resources and the protection and enhancement of environmental quality;
        (e) To consult, coordinate, and cooperate with other Federal 
    agencies and State, local, and Indian tribal governments in the 
    development and implementation of the Commission's plans and programs 
    affecting environmental quality and, in turn, to provide to the fullest 
    extent practicable, these entities with information concerning the 
    environmental impacts of their respective plans and programs;
        (f) To provide, to the fullest extent practicable, timely 
    information to the public to better assist in understanding the 
    Commission's plans and programs affecting environmental quality and to 
    facilitate their involvement in the development of such plans and 
    programs; and
        (g) To cooperate with and assist the CEQ.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.3  General responsibilities.
    
        The following responsibilities reflect the Commission's decision 
    that the officials responsible for making program decisions are also 
    responsible for taking the requirements of NEPA into account in those 
    decisions and will be held accountable for that responsibility:
        (a) Executive Director. (1) Is the Commission's focal point on NEPA 
    matters and is responsible for overseeing the Commission's 
    implementation of NEPA.
        (2) Serves as the Commission's principle contact with the CEQ.
        (3) Assigns to Commission staff the responsibilities outlined in 
    this part.
        (4) Must comply with the provisions of NEPA, E.O. 11514 as amended, 
    the CEQ regulations, and this part.
        (5) Will interpret and administer, to the fullest extent possible, 
    the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States 
    administered under the Commission's jurisdiction in accordance with the 
    policies of NEPA.
        (6) Will continue to review the Commission's statutory authorities, 
    administrative regulations, policies, programs, and procedures, in 
    order to identify any deficiencies or inconsistencies therein which 
    prohibit or limit full compliance with the intent, purpose, and 
    provisions of NEPA and, in consultation with the Department of the 
    Interior Office of the Solicitor, shall take or recommend, as 
    appropriate, corrective actions as may be necessary to bring these 
    authorities and policies into conformance with the intent, purpose, and 
    procedures of NEPA.
        (7) Will monitor, evaluate, and control on a continuing basis the 
    Commission's activities so as to protect and enhance the quality of the 
    environment. Such activities will include those directed to conserving 
    and enhancing the environment and designed to accomplish other program 
    objectives which may affect the quality of the environment. The 
    Executive Director will develop programs and measures to protect and 
    enhance environmental quality and assess progress in meeting the 
    specific objectives of such activities as they affect the quality of 
    the environment.
        (b) Members of the Commission. (1) Are responsible for compliance 
    with NEPA, E.O. 11514, as amended, the CEQ regulations, and this part.
        (2) Will insure that, to the fullest extent possible, the policies, 
    regulations, and public laws of the United States administered under 
    the Commission's jurisdiction are interpreted and administered in 
    accordance with the policies of NEPA.
        (c) Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor. Is 
    responsible for providing legal advice to the Commission regarding 
    compliance with NEPA.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.4  Consideration of environmental values.
    
        (a) In Commission management. (1) In the management of the natural, 
    cultural, and human resources under its jurisdiction, the Commission 
    must consider and balance a wide range of economic, environmental, and 
    social objectives at the local, regional, and national, levels, not all 
    of which are quantifiable in comparable terms. In considering and 
    balancing these objectives, Commission plans, proposals, and decisions 
    often require recognition of complements and resolution of conflicts 
    among interrelated uses of these natural, cultural, and human resources 
    within technological, budgetary, and legal constraints.
        (2) Commission project reports, program proposals, issue papers, 
    and other decision documents must carefully analyze the various 
    objectives, resources, and constraints, and comprehensively and 
    objectively evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed 
    actions and their reasonable alternatives. Where appropriate, these 
    documents will utilize and reference supporting and underlying 
    economic, environmental, and other analyses.
        (3) The underlying environmental analyses will factually, 
    objectively, and comprehensively analyze the environmental effects of 
    proposed actions and their reasonable alternatives. They will 
    systematically 
    
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    analyze the environmental impacts of alternatives, and particularly 
    those alternatives and measures which would reduce, mitigate, or 
    prevent adverse environmental impacts or which would enhance 
    environmental quality.
        (b) In internally initiated proposals. Officials responsible for 
    development or conduct of planning and decision making systems within 
    the Commission shall incorporate to the maximum extent necessary 
    environmental planning as an integral part of these systems in order to 
    insure that environmental values and impacts are fully considered and 
    in order to facilitate any necessary documentation of those 
    considerations.
        (c) In externally initiated proposals. Officials responsible for 
    development or conduct of grant, contract, or other externally 
    initiated activities shall require applicants, to the extent necessary 
    and practicable, to provide environmental information, analyses, and 
    reports as an integral part of their applications. This will serve to 
    encourage applicants to incorporate environmental considerations into 
    their planning processes as well as provide the Commission with 
    necessary information to meet its own environmental responsibilities.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.5  Consultation, coordination, and cooperation with other 
    agencies and organizations.
    
        (a) Commission plans and programs. (1) Officials responsible for 
    planning or implementing Commission plans and programs will develop and 
    utilize procedures to consult, coordinate, and cooperate with relevant 
    State, local, and Indian tribal governments; other Federal agencies; 
    and public and private organizations and individuals concerning the 
    environmental effects of these plans and programs on their 
    jurisdictions and/or interests.
        (2) The Commission will utilize, to the maximum extent possible, 
    existing notification, coordination, and review mechanisms established 
    by the Office of Management and Budget, the Water Resource Council, and 
    CEQ. However, use of these mechanisms must not be a substitute for 
    early and positive consultation, coordination, and cooperation with 
    others, especially State, local, and Indian tribal governments.
        (b) Other Commission activities. (1) Technical assistance, advice, 
    data, and information useful in restoring, maintaining, and enhancing 
    the quality of the environment will be made available to other Federal 
    agencies, State, local, and Indian tribal governments, institutions, 
    and individuals as appropriate.
        (2) Information regarding existing or potential environmental 
    problems and control methods developed as a part of research, 
    development, demonstration, test, or evaluation activities will be made 
    available to other Federal agencies, State, local, and Indian tribal 
    governments, institutions and other entities as appropriate.
        (c) Plans and programs of other agencies and organizations. (1) 
    Officials responsible for protecting, conserving, developing, or 
    managing resources under the Commission's jurisdiction shall coordinate 
    and cooperate with State, local and Indian tribal governments, other 
    Federal agencies, and public and private organizations and individuals, 
    and provide them with timely information concerning the environmental 
    effects of these entities' plans and programs.
        (2) The Commission will participate early in applicable planning 
    processes of other agencies and organizations in order to ensure full 
    cooperation with and understanding of the Commission's programs and 
    interests in natural, cultural, and human resources.
        (3) The Commission will utilize to the fullest extent possible, 
    existing review mechanisms to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort 
    and to avoid confusion by other organizations.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.6  Public involvement.
    
        The Commission will develop and utilize procedures to ensure the 
    fullest practicable provision of timely public information and 
    understanding of its plans and programs including information on the 
    environmental impacts of alternative courses of action. These 
    procedures will include, wherever appropriate, provision for public 
    meetings or hearings in order to obtain the views of interested 
    parties. The Commission will also encourage State and local agencies 
    and Indian tribal governments to adopt similar procedures for informing 
    the public concerning their activities affecting the quality of the 
    environment.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.7  Mandate.
    
        (a) This part provides instructions for complying with NEPA and 
    Executive Order 11514, Protection and Enhancement of Environmental 
    Quality, as amended by Executive Order 11991.
        (b) The Commission hereby adopts the regulations of the CEQ, 
    implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (sec. 102(2)(C)) except 
    where compliance would be inconsistent with other statutory 
    requirements. In the case of any apparent discrepancies between these 
    procedures and the mandatory provisions of the CEQ regulations the 
    regulations shall govern.
        (c) Instructions supplementing the CEQ regulations are provided in 
    subparts B through G of this part. Citations in brackets refer to the 
    CEQ regulations. In addition, the Commission may prepare a handbook or 
    other technical guidance, or adopt an appropriate handbook or guidance 
    prepared by another agency, for its personnel on how to apply this part 
    to principal programs.
    
    Subpart B. Initiating the NEPA Process
    
    
    Sec. 10010.8  Purpose.
    
        This subpart provides supplemental instructions for implementing 
    those portions of the CEQ regulations pertaining to initiating the NEPA 
    process.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.9  Apply NEPA early (40 CFR 1501.2).
    
        (a) The Commission will initiate early consultation and 
    coordination with other Federal agencies having jurisdiction by law or 
    special expertise with respect to any environmental impact involved, 
    and with appropriate Federal, State, local and Indian tribal agencies 
    authorized to develop and enforce environmental standards.
        (b) The Commission will also consult early with interested private 
    parties and organizations, including when the Commission's own 
    involvement is reasonably foreseeable in a private or non-Federal 
    application.
        (c) The Commission will insure that applicants are informed of any 
    environmental information required, to be included in their 
    applications and of any consultation with other Federal agencies, and 
    State, local or Indian tribal governments required prior to making the 
    application.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.10  Whether to prepare an EIS (40 CFR 1501.4).
    
        (a) Categorical exclusions (CX) (40 CFR 1508.4).
        (1) The following criteria will be used to determine categories of 
    actions to be excluded from preparation of an EA or EIS:
        (i) Analysis or experience shows that the action or group of 
    actions would have no significant effect on the quality of the human 
    environment; and
        (ii) The action or group of actions would not involve unresolved 
    conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources.
        (2) Based on the criteria in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the 
    categories of actions listed in subpart G of this part 
    
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    are excluded from the preparation of an EA or EIS.
        (3) The exceptions listed in subpart G of this part apply to 
    individual actions subject to CX. Appropriate environmental documents 
    must be prepared for any actions involving these exceptions.
        (4) Notwithstanding the criteria, exclusions, and exceptions in 
    paragraphs (a)(1) through (3), extraordinary circumstances may dictate 
    or a responsible Commission official may decide to prepare an 
    environmental document to assist with decision-making.
        (b) Environmental Assessment (EA) (40 CFR 1508.9). Procedures 
    regarding preparation of an EA are addressed in subpart C of this part.
        (c) Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) (40 CFR 1508.13). A 
    FONSI will be prepared as a separate document based upon analysis of an 
    EA and a determination that the proposed action will have no 
    significant environmental impact.
        (d) Notice of Intent (NOI) (40 CFR 1508.22). A NOI will be prepared 
    as soon as practicable after a decision to prepare an environmental 
    impact statement and shall be published in the Federal Register and 
    made available to the affected public in accordance with 40 CFR 1506.6. 
    Publication of a NOI may be delayed if there is proposed to be more 
    than three (3) months between the decision to prepare an environmental 
    impact statement and the time preparation is actually initiated. The 
    Commission will periodically publish a consolidated list of these 
    notices in the Federal Register.
        (e) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (40 CFR 1508.11). 
    Decisions/actions which would normally require the preparation of an 
    EIS are identified in subpart G of this part. Procedures regarding 
    preparation of an EIS are addressed in subpart D of this part.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.11  Lead agencies (40 CFR 1501.5).
    
        (a) The Commission will serve as lead, or, as appropriate, joint-
    lead agency for any NEPA procedure that is sponsored by or otherwise 
    significantly involves the Commission.
        (b) The Commission will inform the Office of the Solicitor of any 
    agreements to assume lead or joint-lead agency status.
        (c) A non-Federal agency may be designated as a joint lead agency 
    if it has a duty to comply with a local or State environmental review 
    requirement. Any non-Federal agency may be a cooperating agency by 
    agreement. The Commission will consult with the Office of the Solicitor 
    in cases where such non-Federal agencies are also applicants before the 
    Commission to determine joint-lead agency responsibilities.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.12  Cooperating agencies (40 CFR 1501.6).
    
        (a) The Commission will adhere to CEQ directives both in the 
    designation of cooperating agencies for Commission sponsored NEPA 
    procedures and in seeking designation as a cooperating agency for 
    procedures sponsored by others. Any non-Federal agency may be a 
    cooperating agency in Commission NEPA proceedings by agreement. The 
    Commission will consult with the Office of the Solicitor in cases where 
    such non-Federal agencies are also applicants before the Commission to 
    determine cooperating agency responsibilities.
        (b) The Commission will inform the Office of the Solicitor of any 
    agreements to assume cooperating agency status or any declinations 
    pursuant to 40 CFR 1501.6 (c).
    
    
    Sec. 10010.13  Scoping (40 CFR 1501.7).
    
        (a) The invitation requirement in 40 CFR 1501.7(a)(1) may be 
    satisfied by including such an invitation in the NOI.
        (b) If a scoping meeting is held, consensus is desirable; however, 
    the lead agency is ultimately responsible for the scope of an EIS. In 
    the case of procedures involving joint-lead agencies, all joint-lead 
    agencies share this responsibility.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.14  Time limits (40 CFR 1501.8).
    
        When time limits are established to prepare an environmental 
    document they should reflect the availability of personnel and funds.
    
    Subpart C. Environmental Assessments
    
    
    Sec. 10010.15  Purpose.
    
        This subpart provides supplemental instructions for implementing 
    those portions of the CEQ regulations pertaining to environmental 
    assessments (EA).
    
    
    Sec. 10010.16  When to prepare (40 CFR 1501.3).
    
        (a) An EA will be prepared for all actions, except those categories 
    of action excluded from documentation or addressed adequately by a 
    previous environmental document, or for those actions for which a 
    decision has already been made to prepare an EIS. The purpose of such 
    an EA is to allow the responsible official to determine whether to 
    prepare an EIS.
        (b) In addition, an EA may be prepared on any action at any time in 
    order to assist in planning and decision making.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.17  Public involvement.
    
        (a) The public may be involved in the EA process when appropriate. 
    Public notification will be made of the availability of an EA document 
    (40 CFR 1506.6).
        (b) The scoping process may be applied to an EA (40 CFR 1501.7).
    
    
    Sec. 10010.18  Content.
    
        (a) At a minimum, an EA will include brief discussions of the need 
    for the proposal, of alternatives as required by section 102(2)(E) of 
    NEPA, of the environmental impacts of the proposed action and such 
    alternatives, and a listing of agencies and persons consulted (40 CFR 
    1508.9(b)).
        (b) In addition, an EA may be expanded to more fully describe the 
    proposal and a broader range of alternatives if this facilitates 
    planning and decision making.
        (c) The level of detail and depth of impact analysis should 
    normally be limited to that needed to determine whether there are 
    significant environmental effects.
        (d) An EA will contain objective and credible analyses which 
    support its environmental impact conclusions. It will not, in and of 
    itself, conclude whether or not an EIS will be prepared. This 
    conclusion will be made upon review of the EA by the responsible 
    official and documented in either a NOI or FONSI.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.19  Format.
    
        (a) An EA may be prepared in any format useful to facilitate 
    planning and decision making.
        (b) An EA may be combined with any other planning or decision 
    making document; however, that portion which analyzes the environmental 
    impacts of the proposal and alternatives will be clearly and separately 
    identified and not spread throughout or interwoven into other sections 
    of the document.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.20  Adoption.
    
        (a) An EA prepared for a proposal before the Commission by another 
    agency, entity or person, including an applicant, may be adopted if, 
    upon independent evaluation by the responsible Commission official, it 
    is found to comply with this part and relevant provisions of the CEQ 
    regulations.
        (b) When appropriate and efficient, a responsible Commission 
    official may augment such an EA when it is essentially, but not 
    entirely, in compliance in order to make it so. 
    
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        (c) If an EA or augmented EA is adopted, the responsible Commission 
    official must prepare his/her own NOI or FONSI which also acknowledges 
    the origin of the EA and takes full responsibility for its scope and 
    content.
    
    Subpart D. Environmental Impact Statements
    
    
    Sec. 10010.21  Purpose.
    
        This subpart provides supplemental instructions for implementing 
    those portions of the CEQ regulations pertaining to environmental 
    impact statements (EIS).
    
    
    Sec. 10010.22  Statutory requirements (40 CFR 1502.3).
    
        NEPA requires that an EIS be prepared by the responsible Federal 
    official. This official is normally the lowest-level official who has 
    overall responsibility for formulating, reviewing, or proposing an 
    action or, alternatively, has been delegated the authority or 
    responsibility to develop, approve, or adopt a proposal or action. 
    Preparation at this level will ensure that the NEPA process will be 
    incorporated into the planning process and that the EIS will accompany 
    the proposal through existing review processes.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.23  Timing (40 CFR 1502.5).
    
        (a) The feasibility analysis (go/no-go) stage, at which time an EIS 
    is to be completed, is to be interpreted as the stage prior to the 
    first point of major commitment to the proposal.
        (b) An EIS need not be commenced until an application is 
    essentially complete; e.g., any required environmental information is 
    submitted, any consultation required with other agencies has been 
    conducted, and any required advance funding is paid by the applicant or 
    other appropriate party.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.24  Page limits (40 CFR 1502.7).
    
        An EIS should be as brief as possible and still convey the required 
    information. Normally this should be accomplished in less than 150 
    pages, though documents of up to 300 pages are acceptable for more 
    comprehensive issues. Where the text of an EIS for a complex proposal 
    or group of proposals appears to require more than the normally 
    prescribed limit of 300 pages, the Commission will ensure that the 
    length of such statements is no greater than necessary to comply with 
    NEPA, the CEQ regulations, and this part.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.25  Supplemental environmental impact statements (40 CFR 
    1502.9).
    
        (a) Supplement Environmental Impact Statements (SEIS) are only 
    required if such changes in the proposed action or alternatives, new 
    circumstances, or resultant significant effects are not adequately 
    analyzed in the previously prepared EIS.
        (b) The Commission will consult with the Office of the Solicitor 
    prior to proposing to CEQ to prepare a final supplement without 
    preparing an intervening draft.
        (c) If, after a Record of Decision has been executed based on a 
    final EIS, a described proposal is further refined or modified and if 
    there are only minor changes in effects or they are still within the 
    scope of the earlier EIS, an EA and FONSI may be prepared for 
    subsequent decisions rather than a SEIS. As identified in 
    Sec. 100010.61(b)(1)(i), changes having no potential for significant 
    environmental impact are categorically excluded from environmental 
    documentation requirements.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.26  Format (40 CFR 1502.10).
    
        (a) Proposed departures from the standard format described in the 
    CEQ regulations and this part must be approved by the Executive 
    Director.
        (b) The section listing the preparers of the EIS will also include 
    other sources of information, including a bibliography or list of cited 
    references, when appropriate.
        (c) The section listing the distribution of the EIS will also 
    briefly describe the consultation and public involvement processes 
    utilized in planning the proposal and in preparing the EIS, if this 
    information is not discussed elsewhere in the document.
        (d) If CEQ's standard format is not used or if the EIS is combined 
    with another planning or decision making document, the section which 
    analyzes the environmental consequences of the proposal and its 
    alternatives will be clearly and separately identified and not 
    interwoven into other portions of or spread throughout the document.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.27  Cover sheet (40 CFR 1501.11).
    
        The cover sheet will indicate whether the EIS intended to serve any 
    other environmental review or consultation requirements pursuant to 40 
    CFR 1502.25.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.28  Summary (40 CFR 1502.12).
    
        The emphasis in the summary should be on those considerations, 
    controversies, and issues which significantly affect the quality of the 
    human environment.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.29  Purpose and need (40 CFR 1502.13).
    
        The purpose and need section may introduce a number of factors, 
    including economic and technical considerations and Commission 
    statutory missions, which may be outside the scope of the EIS. Care 
    should be taken to insure an objective presentation and not a 
    justification.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.30  Alternatives including the proposed action (40 CFR 
    1502.14).
    
        (a) As a general rule, the following guidance will apply:
        (1) For internally initiated proposals; i.e., for those cases where 
    the Commission conducts or controls the planning process, both the 
    draft and final EIS shall identify the Commission's proposed action, or 
    preferred alternative.
        (2) For externally initiated proposals; i.e., for those cases where 
    the Commission is reacting to an application or similar request, the 
    draft and final EIS shall identify the applicant's proposed action and 
    the Commission's preferred alternative unless another law prohibits 
    such an expression.
        (3) Proposed departures from this guidance must be approved by the 
    Executive Director and the Office of the Solicitor.
        (b) Mitigation measures to offset adverse effects of the proposed 
    action or its alternatives are not necessarily independent of these 
    actions and should be incorporated into and analyzed as a part of the 
    proposal and appropriate alternatives. Where appropriate, major 
    mitigation measures may be identified and analyzed as separate 
    alternatives in and of themselves where the environmental consequences 
    are distinct and significant enough to warrant separate evaluation.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.31  Appendix (40 CFR 1502.18).
    
        If an EIS is intended to serve other environmental review or 
    consultation requirements pursuant to 40 CFR 1502.25, any more detailed 
    information needed to comply with these requirements may be included as 
    an appendix.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.32  Tiering (40 CFR 1502.20).
    
        An environmental document prepared by or for the Commission may 
    incorporate by reference, either in part or in its entirety, an earlier 
    environmental impact statement or environmental assessment when the 
    subject matter of the earlier document is directly applicable. The 
    Commission may also choose to prepare, or cause to have prepared, a 
    broad environmental document to cover an entire program or, 
    alternatively, a series of projects within a distinct geographic area, 
    with the intent of later undertaking project-specific documentation and 
    ``tiering'' to 
    
    [[Page 2225]]
    the more general statement or assessment.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.33  Incorporation by reference (40 CFR 1502.21).
    
        Citations of specific topics will include the pertinent page 
    numbers. All literature references will be listed in the bibliography.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.34  Incomplete or unavailable information (40 CFR 1502.22).
    
        The references to overall costs in 40 CFR 1502.22 of the CEQ 
    regulations are not limited to market costs, but may also include other 
    costs such as social costs due to delay.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.35  Methodology and scientific accuracy (40 CFR 1502.24).
    
        Conclusions about environmental effects will be preceded by an 
    analysis that supports that conclusion unless explicit reference by 
    footnote is made to other supporting documentation that is readily 
    available to the public.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.36  Environmental review and consultation requirements (40 
    CFR 1502.25).
    
        (a) The Commission will maintain a list of applicable environmental 
    review and consultation requirements pursuant to other federal or state 
    laws and regulations and will make this available to interested 
    parties.
        (b) If the EIS is intended to serve as the vehicle to fully or 
    partially comply with the requirements of other federal or state laws 
    and regulations, the associated analyses, studies, or surveys will be 
    identified as such and discussed in the text of the EIS and the cover 
    sheet will so indicate. Any supporting analyses or reports will be 
    incorporated by reference or included as an appendix and shall be sent 
    to reviewing agencies as appropriate in accordance with applicable 
    regulations or procedures.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.37  Inviting comments (40 CFR 1503.1).
    
        (a) Comments from State agencies will be requested through 
    procedures established by the Governor pursuant to Executive Order 
    12372, and may be requested from local agencies through these 
    procedures to the extent that they include the affected local 
    jurisdictions.
        (b) When the proposed action may affect the environment of an 
    Indian reservation, comments will be requested from the Indian tribe 
    through the tribal governing body, unless the tribal governing body has 
    designated an alternate review process.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.38  Response to comments (40 CFR 1503.4).
    
        (a) Preparation of a final EIS need not be delayed in those cases 
    where a Federal agency, from which comments are required to be obtained 
    (40 CFR 1503.1(a)(l)), does not comment within the prescribed time 
    period. Informal attempts will be made to determine the status of any 
    such comments and every reasonable attempt should be made to include 
    the comments and a response in the final EIS.
        (b) When other commentors are late, their comments should be 
    included in the final EIS to the extent practicable.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.39  Elimination of duplication with state and local 
    procedures (40 CFR 1506.2).
    
        The Commission will incorporate in its appropriate program 
    regulations provisions for the preparation of an EIS by a State agency 
    to the extent authorized in section 102(2)(D) of NEPA.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.40  Combining documents (40 CFR 1506.4).
    
        Incorporating documentation requirements of other environmental 
    regulations into an EIS is both acceptable and desirable. If the EIS is 
    combined with another planning or decision making document, the section 
    which analyzes the environmental consequences of the proposal and its 
    alternatives will be clearly and separately identified and not 
    interwoven into other portions of or spread throughout the document.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.41  Commission responsibility (40 CFR 1506.5).
    
        A Commission sponsored environmental document may be prepared by 
    the Commission, a joint-lead agency, a contractor selected or approved 
    by the Commission, or, when appropriate, a cooperating agency. 
    Regardless, the Commission has the responsibility to independently 
    evaluate and draw appropriate conclusions. Following the Commission's 
    preparation or independent evaluation of and assumption of 
    responsibility for an environmental document, an applicant may print it 
    provided the applicant is bearing the cost of the document pursuant to 
    other laws.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.42  Public involvement (40 CFR 1506.6).
    
        The Commission will adhere to CEQ requirements regarding the use of 
    public notices, public meetings, public review of NEPA documents, and 
    other techniques to ensure that the public has ample opportunity to 
    provide input into the proceedings and to ensure that the Commission 
    will give due consideration to this input.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.43  Further guidance (40 CFR 1506.7).
    
        The Commission may provide further guidance concerning NEPA 
    pursuant to its organizational responsibilities and through 
    supplemental directives.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.44  Proposals for legislation (40 CFR 1506.8).
    
        (a) When appropriate, the Commission shall identify in the annual 
    submittal to the Office of Management and Budget of the Commission's 
    proposed legislative program any requirements for and the status of any 
    environmental documents.
        (b) When required, the Commission shall ensure that a legislative 
    EIS is included as a part of the formal transmittal of a legislative 
    proposal to the Congress.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.45  Time periods (40 CFR 1506.10).
    
        (a) The minimum review period for a draft EIS will be sixty (60) 
    days from the date of transmittal to the Environmental Protection 
    Agency.
        (b) The Commission will be responsible for consulting with the 
    Environmental Protection Agency and/or CEQ about any proposed 
    reductions in time periods or any extensions of time periods proposed 
    by those agencies.
    
    Subpart E. Relationship to Decision-Making
    
    
    Sec. 10010.46  Purpose.
    
        This subpart provides supplementary instructions for implementing 
    those portions of the CEQ regulations pertaining to decision-making.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.47  Pre-decision referrals to CEQ (40 CFR 1504.3).
    
        (a) Upon receipt of advice that another Federal agency intends to 
    refer a Commission matter to CEQ, the Commission will immediately meet 
    with that Federal agency to attempt to resolve the issues raised.
        (b) Upon any referral of a Commission matter to CEQ by another 
    Federal agency, the Executive Director will be responsible for 
    coordinating the Commission's position.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.48  Decision-making procedures (40 CFR 1505.1).
    
        (a) Procedures by which the Commission makes decisions are 
    specified in 43 CFR part 10000.
        (b) The Commission will incorporate in its formal decision-making 
    procedures provisions for consideration of environmental factors and 
    relevant environmental documents. The major decision points for 
    principal programs likely to have significant environmental effects 
    will be clearly identified. 
    
    [[Page 2226]]
    
        (c) Relevant environmental documents, including supplements, will 
    be included as part of the record in formal rule making or adjudicatory 
    proceedings.
        (d) Relevant environmental documents, comments, and responses will 
    accompany proposals through existing review processes so that 
    Commission officials use them in making decisions.
        (e) The decision-maker will consider the environmental impacts of 
    the entire range of alternatives described in any relevant 
    environmental document; the range of these alternatives must encompass 
    the actual alternatives considered by the decision-maker.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.49  Record of decision (40 CFR 1505.2).
    
        (a) Any decision documents prepared for proposals involving an EIS 
    may incorporate all appropriate provisions of 40 CFR 1505.2 (b) and 
    (c).
        (b) If a decision document incorporating these provisions is made 
    available to the public following a decision, it will serve the purpose 
    of a record of decision.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.50  Implementing the decision (40 CFR 1505.3).
    
        The terms ``monitoring'' and ``conditions'' in 40 CFR 1505.3 of the 
    CEQ regulations will be interpreted as being relevant to factors 
    affecting the quality of the human environment.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.51  Limitations on actions (40 CFR 1506.1).
    
        The Executive Director will notify the Chairman of the Commission 
    and the Office of the Solicitor of any situations where Commission or 
    applicant action would, if taken prior to completion of a NEPA 
    proceeding, potentially have an adverse environmental impact or limit 
    the choice of reasonable alternatives.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.52  Timing of actions (40 CFR 1506.10).
    
        The Commission will consult with the Office of the Solicitor before 
    making any request for reducing the time period before a decision or 
    action.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.53  Emergencies (40 CFR 1506.11).
    
        In the event of an unanticipated emergency situation, the 
    Commission will immediately take any necessary action to prevent or 
    reduce risks to public health or safety or serious resource losses and 
    then expeditiously consult with the Office of the Solicitor about 
    compliance with NEPA. The Commission will also be responsible for 
    consulting with CEQ.
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    Subpart F. Managing the NEPA Process
    
    
    Sec. 10010.54  Purpose.
    
        This subpart provides supplemental instruction for implementing 
    those provisions for the CEQ regulations pertaining to procedures for 
    implementing and managing the NEPA process.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.55  Organization for environmental quality.
    
        (a) Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for 
    providing advice and assistance to the Commission on matters pertaining 
    to environmental quality and for overseeing and coordinating the 
    Commission's compliance with NEPA, Executive Order 11514 as amended by 
    Executive Order 11991, the CEQ regulations, and this part.
        (b) NEPA Coordinator. The Executive Director will designate 
    organizational elements or individuals, as appropriate, to be 
    responsible for overseeing matters pertaining to the environmental 
    effects of the Commission's plans and programs. The individual(s) 
    assigned these responsibilities should have management experience or 
    potential, understand the Commission's planning and decision making 
    processes, and be well trained in environmental matters, including the 
    Commission's policies and procedures so that his/her/their advice has 
    significance in the Commission's planning and decisions.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.56  Approval of EISs.
    
        The Chairman of the Commission (Chairman), acting on the part of 
    the full Commission, is authorized to approve an EIS. The Chairman may 
    further assign the authority to approve the EIS if he or she chooses. 
    The Executive Director will make certain that there are adequate 
    safeguards to assure that EISs and other environmental documents comply 
    with NEPA, the CEQ regulations, this part, and other relevant 
    Commission procedures.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.57  List of specific compliance responsibilities.
    
        (a) The Commission staff shall:
        (1) As deemed necessary, prepare a NEPA handbook or adapt 
    applicable materials prepared by other agencies, providing guidance on 
    how to implement NEPA in principal program areas.
        (2) Prepare program regulations or directives for applicants.
        (3) Propose categorical exclusions.
        (4) Prepare EAs.
        (5) Recommend whether to prepare an EIS.
        (6) Prepare NOIs and FONSIs.
        (7) Prepare EISs.
        (b) The Executive Director shall:
        (1) Approve agency handbooks and other NEPA guidance
        (2) Approve regulations or directives for applicants.
        (3) Approve categorical exclusions.
        (4) Approve EAs.
        (5) Decide whether to prepare an EIS.
        (6) Approve NOIs and FONSIs.
        (7) Make recommendations regarding the adequacy of EISs.
        (c) The Chairman of the Commission, acting on behalf of the full 
    Commission, shall:
        (1) Concur with regulations or directives for applicants.
        (2) Concur with EAs.
        (3) Approve EISs.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.58  Information about the NEPA process.
    
        The Executive Director will identify staff contacts where 
    information about the NEPA process and the status of EISs may be 
    obtained.
    
    Subpart G. Actions Requiring an EIS and Actions Subject to 
    Categorical Exclusion
    
    
    Sec. 10010.59  Purpose.
    
        This subpart provides supplemental instruction for determining 
    major actions requiring an EIS and for determining actions that are 
    categorically excluded from NEPA.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.60  Actions normally requiring an EIS.
    
        (a) The following proposals will normally require the preparation 
    of an EIS:
        (1) Establishment of major new refuges or wildlife management 
    areas, fish hatcheries, and major additions to such installations.
        (2) Master development and/or management plans for major new 
    installations.
        (3) Management plans for established installations where major new 
    developments or substantial changes in management practices are 
    proposed.
        (b) If for any of these proposals it is initially decided not to 
    prepare an EIS, an EA will be prepared in accordance with 40 CFR 
    1501.4(e)(2).
    
    
    Sec. 10010.61  Actions subject to categorical exclusion.
    
        (a) General categorical exclusions. The following actions are 
    categorical exclusions (CX). However, environmental documents will be 
    prepared for individual actions subject to CX if the exceptions listed 
    in Sec. 10010.62 apply.
        (1) Personnel actions and investigations and personnel services 
    contracts. 
    
    [[Page 2227]]
    
        (2) Internal organizational charges and facility and office 
    reductions and closings.
        (3) Routine financial transactions, including such things as 
    salaries and expenses, procurement contracts, guarantees, financial 
    assistance, income transfers, audits, fees, bonds and royalties.
        (4) Legal transactions, including such things as investigations, 
    patents, claims, legal opinions, and judicial activities including 
    their initiation, processing, settlement, appeal or compliance.
        (5) Monitoring actions, including inspections, assessments, 
    administrative hearings and decisions; when the regulations themselves 
    or the instruments of regulations (leases, permits, licences, etc.) 
    have previously been covered by the NEPA process or exempt from it.
        (6) Non-destructive data collection, inventory (including field, 
    aerial and satellite surveying and mapping), study, and research 
    activities.
        (7) Routine and continuing government business, including such 
    things as supervision, administration, activities having limited 
    context and intensity, for example, activities of limited size and 
    magnitude of short-term effects.
        (8) Management formulation, allocation, transfer and reprogramming 
    of the Commission's budget at all levels. This does not exclude the 
    preparation of environmental documents for proposals included in the 
    budget when otherwise required.
        (9) Legislative proposals of an administrative or technical nature, 
    including such things as changes in authorizations for appropriations, 
    and minor boundary changes and land transactions; or having primarily 
    economic, social, individual or institutional effects; and comments and 
    reports on referrals of legislative proposals.
        (10) Policies, directives, regulations, and guidelines of an 
    administrative, financial, legal, technical, or procedural nature; or 
    the environmental effects of which are too broad, speculative, or 
    conjectural to lend themselves to meaningful analysis and will be 
    subject later to the NEPA process, either collectively or case-by-case.
        (11) Activities which are educational, informational, advisory or 
    consultative to other agencies, public and private entities, visitors, 
    individuals or the general public.
        (12) Cooperative agreements and interagency agreements.
        (b) Specific categorical exclusions. The following actions are 
    categorical exclusions (CX).
        (1) General:
        (i) Changes or amendments to an approved action when such changes 
    have no potential for causing substantial environmental impact.
        (ii) Personnel training, environmental interpretation, public 
    safety efforts and other educational activities.
        (iii) The issuance and modification of procedures, including 
    manuals, orders and field rules, when the impacts are limited to 
    administrative or technological effects.
        (iv) The acquisition of land or water rights in accordance with the 
    Commission's procedures, when the acquisition is from a willing seller, 
    the acquisition planning process has been performed in coordination 
    with the affected public and essentially the existing use will be 
    continued.
        (2) Resource management:
        (i) Research, inventory and information collection activities 
    directly related to the conservation of fish and wildlife resources 
    which involve negligible animal mortality or habitat destruction, and 
    no introduction of either exotic organisms or contaminants.
        (ii) The operation, maintenance and management of existing 
    facilities and improvements (i.e. structures, roads), including 
    renovations and replacements which result in no or only minor changes 
    in the capacity, use or purpose of the affected facilities.
        (iii) The addition of small structures or improvements in the area 
    of existing facilities, which result in no or only minor changes in the 
    capacity, use or purpose of the affected area.
        (iv) The reintroduction (stocking) of native or established species 
    into suitable habitat within their historic or established range.
        (v) Minor changes in the amounts or types of public use on 
    Commission managed land or land acquired with Commission funds, in 
    accordance with existing regulations, management plans and procedures.
        (vi) Consultation and technical assistance activities directly 
    related to the conservation of fish and wildlife resources.
        (3) Use of Commission-managed or funded lands:
        (i) The issuance of special approvals for public use of Commission-
    managed land or land acquired with Commission funds, which maintains 
    essentially the same level of use and does not continue a level of use 
    that has resulted in adverse environmental effects.
        (ii) Permitting a limited additional use of an existing right-of-
    way over Commission-managed land or land acquired with Commission 
    funds, such as the addition of new power or telephone lines where no 
    new structures or improvements are required, or the addition of buried 
    lines.
        (iii) The issuance or reissuance of rights-of-way and special use 
    approvals for Commission-managed land or land acquired with Commission 
    funds that result in no or negligible environmental effects.
        (iv) The reissuance of grazing or agricultural use approvals for 
    Commission-managed land or land acquired with Commission funds which do 
    not increase the level of use nor continue a level of use that has 
    resulted in adverse environmental effects.
        (4) Funding for activities by others:
        (i) Planning grants or other funding for planning activities and 
    the administrative determination that plans were prepared in accordance 
    with prescribed standards. However, when the plan is submitted to the 
    Commission for implementation, the program proposed by the plan is 
    subject to the NEPA process.
        (ii) Grants or other funding for categorically excluded actions 
    listed in paragraphs (b) (1) through (3) of this section.
        (5) Inter-agency Initiatives: Actions where the Commission has 
    concurrence or co-approval with another agency and the action is a 
    categorical exclusion for that agency.
        (6) Transfer of the operations and maintenance of Federal lands, 
    water, or facilities to water districts, recreation agencies, fish and 
    wildlife agencies, or other entities where the anticipated operation 
    and maintenance activities are agreed to in a contract or a memorandum 
    of agreement, follow approved Commission policy, and no major change in 
    operation and maintenance is anticipated or a proposed major change in 
    operation and maintenance has previously been the subject of an 
    appropriate NEPA document.
    
    
    Sec. 10010.62  Exceptions to categorical exclusions.
    
        The following exceptions apply to individual actions within 
    categorical exclusions (CX). Environmental documents must be prepared 
    for actions which may:
        (a) Have significant adverse effects on public health or safety.
        (b) Have adverse effects on such unique geographic characteristics 
    as historic or cultural resources, parks, recreation or refuge lands, 
    wilderness areas, wild or scenic rivers, sole or principal drinking 
    water aquifers, prime farmlands, wetlands, floodplains, or ecologically 
    significant or critical areas, including those listed on the 
    
    [[Page 2228]]
    Department of the Interior's National Register of Natural Landmarks.
        (c) Have highly controversial environmental effects.
        (d) Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental 
    effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks.
        (e) Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision 
    in principle about future actions with potentially significant 
    environmental effects.
        (f) Be directly related to other actions with individually 
    insignificant but cumulatively significant environmental effects.
        (g) Have adverse effects on properties listed or eligible for 
    listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
        (h) Have adverse effects on species listed or proposed to be listed 
    on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have adverse 
    effects on designated Critical Habitat for these species.
        (i) Require compliance with Executive Order 12988 (Floodplain 
    Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), or the 
    Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. However, an action may be 
    categorically excluded following applicable reviews if the action is 
    found to be in conformance with the applicable law or executive order.
        (j) Threaten to violate a Federal, State, local or tribal law or 
    requirement imposed for the protection of the environment.
    
    [FR Doc. 96-974 Filed 1-24-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-05-P
    
    

Document Information

Published:
01/25/1996
Department:
Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conservation Commission
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Notice of proposed rulemaking.
Document Number:
96-974
Dates:
Comments on the proposed rule will be accepted on or before March 11, 1996.
Pages:
2219-2228 (10 pages)
PDF File:
96-974.pdf
CFR: (63)
43 CFR 100010.61(b)(1)(i)
43 CFR 10010.2
43 CFR 10010.3
43 CFR 10010.4
43 CFR 10010.5
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