The U.S. Forest Service has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed actions in the Alabama Power Special Use Permit Project Area of the Oakmulgee Ranger District, Talladega National Forest. The Oakmulgee Ranger District is proposing to reissue multiple Special Use Permits as one master permit with a new experation date and updated vegetation management operation and maintenance plan that will ensure more efficient vegetation management strategies are implemented that will provide continued reliable electric service to Alabama Power Company customers. Alabama Power Company is proposing to utilize herbicide application within the national forest lands boundaries as part of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) process on right of ways (ROWs) and easemensts, in areas where nuisance vegetation threatens the operations integrity of the powerline system. This proposed action would affect 28.2 miles (96.8 acres) of distribution and transmission electrical lines. The project area is located throughout the administrative boundary of the Oakmulgee Ranger District located within Bibb, Chilton, Hale, Dallas and Tuscaloosa Counties. Members of the public are invited to review and provide comments on this documents. Proposed actions includes reissuing multiple Special Use Permits under one master permit, with the addition of adding herbicide application to treat nuisance vegetation that threatnes the operation integrity of the powerline grid. Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.7(a)(2), this proposed project implements the Revised Land and Resource Management Plan for the National Forests in Alabama (RLRMP) and is subject to §218 subparts A and B. The draft EA and other documents are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/alabama/landmanagement/projects These documents are also available for review at the Oakmulgee District Office in Brent, AL. This letter establishes theobjection period for this project which begins on the date of this letter and extends until March 6, 2024. Specific written comments as defined by §218.2 should be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and must include supporting reasons for the responsible official to consider. Comments may be mailed, or hand delivered to: Acting District Ranger Derrick Miller at 9901 Hwy 5, Brent, AL 35034 telephone: 205-926-9765 or fax: (205)-926-9712. The office hours are: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Electronic comments must be submitted in a common digital format to our office at fs-comments-southern-alabama-oakmulgee@usda.gov. Additional information on the Alabama Power Special Use Environmental Assessment is also available on the webpage: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63054 If you have any concerns relating to this proposal, please notify the team leader, Dustin Beaty at dustin.l.beaty@usda.gov or at the above address.
Dustin Beaty
