View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML
USDA/FS RIN: 0596-AC51 Publication ID: Fall 2009 
Title: Ground Water Resource Management Policy Direction (Forest Service Manual, Chapter 2560 and Forest Service Handbook 2709.11) 
Abstract: In recent years, the USDA Forest Service has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries and applications to access ground water resources on National Forest System lands nationwide. With the need for water expected to continue increasing in most areas of the country, it is likely this trend will persist. As a consequence, a need for national direction to ensure consistent and informed responses nationwide to ground water-related projects and proposals has been identified. This direction would amend the Forest Service Manual by adding chapter 2560 and adding provisions to the Forest Service Special Uses Handbook 2709.11, chapters 10, 40, and 50. The new manual section: Clarifies Agency responsibilities with respect to ground water issues; provides direction for consideration of ground water resources in decisionmaking, including water-well and water-pipeline applications, siting of public water supplies, and implementation of source water protection programs on NFS lands; initiates a policy of quantifying ground water withdrawals from NFS lands; establishes ground water data management requirements; and promotes sustainable use of ground water resources. The new handbook provisions clarify implementation of the new manual direction for special uses activities involving ground water. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: None     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: 16 USC 475    16 USC 526   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Proposed Directive  01/00/2010    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Lorrie Parker
Regulatory Analyst
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone:202 205-6560
Fax:202 260-6539
Email: lsparker@fs.fed.us