🦭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).
Learn More🌊Puget Sound Energy Environmental Assessment for Spillway Project
The Department of Energy announces the intention to prepare an environmental assessment for Puget Sound Energy's proposed Spillway Project at the Upper Baker Dam. This project aims to enhance dam stability and address accumulated debris, while assessing potential impacts on endangered species and essential fish habitat as required by federal regulations. Public involvement and compliance with environmental guidelines are emphasized.
Learn More🌾Notice to Prepare Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Irrigation
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Washington State Office, in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), announces its intent to prepare an SEIS for the Odessa Subarea Special Study Project. The SEIS is necessary to evaluate modification of a component of Alternative 4A that would install a buried pipeline irrigation across lands that were not evaluated in FEIS. Installation of this pipeline would require blasting which was not addressed in FEIS. The intended effect of this action would result in the most economically viable way of providing surface water irrigation to specific cultivated lands in the Study Area in lieu of groundwater irrigation. The SEIS will examine an irrigation delivery system designated East Low Canal (EL) 11.8 that would serve approximately 7,638 acres of land currently served by groundwater in the northeastern portion of the East Columbia Basin Irrigation District (ECBID) in Grant County. NRCS is accepting comments regarding significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.
Learn More🔥EPA Approves Removal of Recreational Fires Ban in Washington
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is approving a revision to the Washington State Implementation Plan (SIP) that was submitted by the Department of Ecology (Ecology) in coordination with the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA). In 2013, Ecology and ORCAA inadvertently submitted for incorporation into the SIP a ban on small, recreational fires in Thurston County. These fires are defined as having a maximum pile size of three feet in diameter by two feet high using seasoned firewood or charcoal, generally associated with backyard, summer campfires. Ecology and ORCAA provided a review of the historical record to demonstrate that the ban on recreational fires was not relied upon for attainment, maintenance, or reasonable further progress in the Thurston County area. Ecology and ORCAA also provided data to demonstrate that removing the ban on recreational fires would not interfere with maintenance of the national ambient air quality standards. Therefore, we are approving the request by Ecology and ORCAA to remove this provision from the SIP.
Learn More🎰Approval of Class III Gaming Compact Amendment for Stillaguamish Tribe
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs approves the fifth amendment to the Tribal-State compact for class III gaming between the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians of Washington and the State of Washington governing the operation and regulation of class III gaming activities. The amendment allows for the operation of electronic table games and removes provisions related to revenue sharing for smoking cessation purposes.
Learn More🚧NOA for Final EIS on Lynden & Sumas LPOE Modernization Projects
GSA issued a ROD for the Modernization and Expansion of the Lynden and Sumas LPOEs in Lynden and Sumas, Washington on December 27, 2024 (Identification Number: EISX-023-00-010-1728643103). The ROD was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the GSA PBS NEPA Desk Guide.
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