🌊Environmental Assessment for PacifiCorp Yale Hydroelectric Project
The Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has released an Environmental Assessment for PacifiCorp's proposed modifications to the Yale Hydroelectric Project. The assessment evaluates the environmental effects of proposed changes, including dam improvements and potential public comments on these modifications. The findings indicate no major federal action with significant adverse effects on the environment.
Learn More🏗️Notification of FTZ Production Activity by PINNACLEMOD LLC
The Department of Commerce has received a notification from PINNACLEMOD LLC regarding proposed production activity at its Aberdeen, Washington facility within Foreign-Trade Zone 173. The activity includes manufacturing prefabricated modular steel buildings using various foreign-status materials, subject to specific regulations and public comment.
Learn More🐬New Regulations on Incidental Takes of Marine Mammals in Oregon and Washington
NMFS, upon request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), issues regulations to govern the unintentional taking of marine mammals incidental to implementation of the Lower Columbia River Dredged Material Management Plan in Oregon and Washington over 5 years (2027-2032). These regulations, which allow for the issuance of a Letter of Authorization (LOA) for the incidental take of marine mammals during the specified activities and timeframes, prescribe the permissible methods of taking and effecting the least practicable adverse impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat, as well as monitoring and reporting requirements.
Learn More📜Legal Notice Publications by Forest Service in Pacific Northwest
This notice lists the newspapers that will be used by the ranger districts, national forests and grasslands, and regional office of the Pacific Northwest Region to publish legal notices required under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The intended effect of this action is to inform interested members of the public which newspapers the Forest Service will use to publish notices of proposed actions and notices of decision. This will provide the public with constructive notice of Forest Service proposals and decisions, provide information on the procedures to comment, object, or appeal, and establish the date that the Forest Service will use to determine if comments, objections, or appeals were timely.
Learn More🌬️Spokane Air Quality Regulation Updates and Business Implications
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving revisions to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) that were submitted by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) in coordination with the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA). In 2021, the EPA approved a comprehensive update to the SRCAA general air quality regulations in the SIP, which include new source review permitting requirements as well as other general requirements for sources regulated under SRCAA's jurisdiction. In this action, the EPA is approving additional updates to the SRCAA general air quality regulations promulgated since our comprehensive approval in 2021.
Learn More🦭Renewal of Pinniped Permit
On August 21, 2024, NMFS received an application pursuant to section 120(f) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, on behalf of their respective states; the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; and the Willamette Committee (hereafter "eligible entities"). In their application, the eligible entities requested that NMFS renew their August 14, 2020, MMPA section 120(f) permit (which expires on August 14, 2025) for an additional five years to intentionally take, by lethal methods, individually identifiable California sea lions (CSL) (Zalophus californianus) and Steller sea lions (SSL) (Eumetopias jubatus: Eastern stock) that are located in the main stem of the Columbia River between river mile 112 (I-205 bridge) and McNary Dam (river mile 292), or in any tributary to the Columbia River that includes spawning habitat of threatened or endangered salmon or steelhead (Onchorynchus spp.) (hereafter "geographic area"). The eligible entities seek no changes to the terms and conditions in the August 14, 2020, permit, other than to renew the existing permit for a five-year period that would begin on the date of issuance of the permit.
Learn More🛣️Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Transportation Project
This notice announces actions taken by FHWA that are final. The action relates to the approval of the categorical exclusion for the SR 509/Clear Creek Restoration Project in Pierce County, State of Washington. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.
Learn More🐟Pacific Fishery Management Council Announces Stock Assessment Meetings
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) will convene three Stock Assessment Review (STAR) Panel meetings to review 2025 stock assessments for yellowtail rockfish in the area North of 40[deg]10' N, latitude, chilipepper rockfish, quillback rockfish off California, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, and sablefish. The meetings will be co-hosted by the NMFS Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers. STAR panel meetings are open to the public and being conducted in person with a web broadcast that provides the opportunity for remote listening and public comment.
Learn More🌊Marine Mammal Protection Regulations for Bridge Replacement Project
NMFS has received a request from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program (IBRP) for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project (IBR) on Interstate 5 (I-5) between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington over the course of five years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the IBRP's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on the IBRP's application and request.
Learn More🌊FEMA Proposes Flood Hazard Determinations Impacting Businesses
Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
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