Decision Notice_Beavertail Pond FAS FWP-DN-POR-R2-25-001
Apr 21, 2025 4:36 PM
This proposed easement at Beavertail Pond FAS will establish a utility easement for Missoula Electric Cooperative to bore an underground power connection from an existing utility easement in the FAS to a property north the FAS. The purpose of the new Utility Easement is to allow the Missoula Electric Cooperative to expand service in the area. The easement and utility expansion are not anticipated to affect recreation or natural resources at the site. Given the minimal impact, Montana FWP views cooperation with Missoula Electric Cooperative on their minor utility expansion as a prudent course of action.
If FWP prepared a cost/benefit analysis before completion of the EA, the EA must contain the cost/benefit analysis or a reference to it. ARM 12.2.432(3)(b).
The Draft EA was made available for public review and comment from 2/27/2024 to 3/20/2025. A legal Notice was published on FWP’s Public Notice webpage: https://fwp.mt.gov/news/public-notices. The Draft EA was also made available for public review on the Environmental Quality Council or EQC website: https://leg.mt.gov/mepa/search/, by individual request, and through notice to identified interested parties. No public comments were received during the public comment period.
Based on the environmental review provided in the Draft EA, and in accordance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies, FWP determined the proposed action (Alternative 2), will not have significant adverse impacts on the human environment associated with the proposed action and constitutes a reasonable and appropriate strategy to achieve identified objectives. Therefore, preparation of an EIS is unnecessary. FWP hereby adopts the Draft EA as final and approves the Alternative 2, the proposed action.
With this DN, FWP hereby adopts the Final EA, with modifications, and approves the proposed action.
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