U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Adoption of DOE CX B1.3, B5.4, and B5.5; 3/3/2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) has adopted Department of Energy categorical exclusions B1.3, B5.4, and B5.5.

• B1.3: Routine repair, preventative, and predictive maintenance activities, are required to maintain and preserve buildings, structures, infrastructures, and equipment in a condition suitable for a facility to be used for its designated purpose. Such maintenance may occur as a result of severe weather (such as hurricanes, floods, and tornados), wildfires, and other such events.
• B5.4: Repair, replacement, upgrading, rebuilding, or minor relocation of pipelines within existing rights-of-way, provided that the actions are in accordance with applicable requirements (such as Army Corps of Engineers permits under section 404 of the Clean Water Act).
• B5.5: Construction and subsequent operation of short (generally less than 20 miles in length) pipeline segments conveying materials between existing source facilities and existing receiving facilities (such as facilities for use, reuse, transportation, storage, and refining), provided that the pipeline segments are within previously disturbed or developed rights-of-way.

For more information on DOE CXs adopted by the USFS, please see the USFS Environmental Planning and Compliance website.