Notice of the Availability of an Environmental Assessment, 18431-18432 [05-7183]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Notices the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written comments should be received by June 10, 2005, to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date would be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Written comments regarding the information collection and requests for copies of the proposed information collection request should be addressed to Suzanne Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Rm. 295, Arlington, VA 22230, or by e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Plimpton on (703) 292–7556 or send e-mail to splimpto@nsf.gov. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., eastern time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Monitoring for the National Science Foundation’s Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Program. OMB Control No.: 3145–0199. Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2005. 1. Abstract This document has been prepared to support the clearance of data collection instruments to be used in the evaluation of the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program. The goals for the program are to (1) ensure that all K–12 students have access to, are prepared for, and are encouraged to participate and succeed in challenging curricula and advanced mathematics and science courses; (2) enhance the quality, quantity, and diversity of the K–12 mathematics and science teacher workforce; and (3) develop evidencebased outcomes that contribute to our understanding of how students effectively learn mathematics and science. The motivational force for realizing these goals is the formation of partnerships between institutions of higher education (IHEs) and K–12 school districts. The role of IHE content faculty is the cornerstone of this intervention. In fact, it is the rigorous involvement of science, mathematics, VerDate jul<14>2003 17:45 Apr 08, 2005 Jkt 205001 and engineering faculty—and the expectation that both IHEs and K–12 school systems will be transformed— that distinguishes MSP from other education reform efforts. The components of the overall MSP portfolio include active projects whose initial awards were made prior MSP competitions: (1) Comprehensive Partnerships that implement change in mathematics and/or science educational practices in both higher education institutions and in schools and school districts, resulting in improved student achievement across the K–12 continuum; (2) Targeted Partnerships that focus on improved K–12 student achievement in a narrower grade range or disciplinary focus within mathematics or science; (3) Institute Partnerships: Teacher Institutes for the 21st Century that focus on the development of mathematics and science teachers as school—and districtbased intellectual leaders and master teachers; and (4) Research, Evaluation and Technical Assistance (RETA) projects that build and enhance largescale research and evaluation capacity for all MSP awardees and provide them with tools and assistance in the implementation and evaluation of their work. The MSP monitoring information system, comprised of six web-based surveys, collects a common core of data about each component of MSP. The Web application for MSP has been developed with a modular design that incorporates templates and self-contained code modules for rapid development and ease of modification. A downloadable version will also be available for respondents who prefer a paper version that they can mail or fax to the external contractor. Information from the system will be used to document the Partnerships’ annual progress toward meeting the Key Features of MSP projects, i.e., developing partnerships between IHEs and local school districts, increasing teacher quality, quantity, and diversity, providing challenging courses and curricula, utilizing evidence-based design and outcome measures, and implementing institutional change and sustainability. 2. Expected Respondents The expected respondents are principle investigators of all partnership and RETA projects; STEM and education faculty members and administrators who participated in MSP; school districts and IHEs that are partners in an MSP project; and teachers participating in Institute Partnerships. PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18431 3. Burden on the Public During the first year of data collection, Cohort 1 projects were asked to report two years of project data for the 2002–03 and 2003–04 school years. Cohort 2 projects were asked to report one year of data for the 2003–04 School Year. The total elements for this first year collection were estimated to be 43,825 burden hours for a maximum of 2,384 participants, assuming a 100% response rate. The average annual reporting burden was estimated to be approximately 18 hours per respondent. In subsequent data collection cycles (2004–05) the burden for these existing surveys will decline substantially since each project will be familiar with the items and will only report for that current year. The surveys have already been shared with Cohort 3 projects in order to familiarize them with the system. The burden on the public is negligible because the study is limited to project participants that have received funding from the MSP Program. Dated: April 6, 2005. Suzanne H. Plimpton, Reports Clearance Officer, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 05–7176 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Notice of the Availability of an Environmental Assessment National Science Foundation. Notice of availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for proposed activities in the Arctic Ocean. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation gives notice of the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for proposed activities in the Arctic Ocean. The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) has prepared an Environmental Assessment of a marine geophysical survey by the Coast Guard cutter Healy across the Arctic Ocean, AugustSeptember 2005. Given the United States Arctic Program’s mission to support polar research, the proposed action is expected to result in substantial benefits to science. The draft Environmental Assessment is available for public review for a 30-day period. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 11, 2005. ADDRESSES: Copies of the draft Environmental Assessment are available upon request from: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, National Science Foundation, Office of E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1 18432 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 68 / Monday, April 11, 2005 / Notices Polar Programs, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 755, Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone: (703) 292–8033. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), with research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), plans to conduct a multi-institution marine seismic survey across the Arctic Ocean from northern Alaska to Svalbard during the period 5 August to 30 September 2005 (approximately). This project will be operated in conjunction with a sediment coring project intended to collect paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic evidence that will reveal information about the recent history of the Arctic Ocean and its climate during the last ten thousand years. The purpose of the seismic survey is to study the history of the ridges and basins of the Arctic Ocean. Several species of cetaceans and pinnipeds inhabit the Arctic Ocean. The increased underwater noise from the research may result in avoidance behavior by some marine mammals and fish, and other forms of disturbance. An integral part of the planned survey is a monitoring and mitigation program to minimize impacts of the proposed activities on marine species present, and on fishing and subsistence activities, and to document the nature and extent of any effects. Injurious impacts to marine mammals have not been proven to occur near equipment proposed to be used in this research; however, the planned monitoring and mitigation measures would minimize the possibility of such effects should they otherwise occur. With the planned monitoring and mitigation measures, unavoidable impacts to each of the species of marine mammal that might be encountered are expected to be limited to short-term localized changes in behavior and distribution near the seismic vessel. At most, such effects may be interpreted as falling within the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) definition of ‘‘Level B Harassment’’ for those species managed by NMFS. No long-term or significant effects are expected on individual marine mammals, or the populations to which they belong, or their habitats. The agency is currently consulting with both the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish & Wildlife Service regarding species within their respective jurisdictions potentially affected by this proposed activity. Copies of the draft Environmental Assessment titled, An Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical VerDate jul<14>2003 17:45 Apr 08, 2005 Jkt 205001 Survey by the Coast Guard Cutter Healy Across the Arctic Ocean, AugustSeptember 2005, are available upon request from: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 755, Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone: (703) 292–8033 or at the agency’s Web site at: https:// www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/arc_envir/ healy_ea.pdf. The National Science Foundation invites interested members of the public to provide written comments on this draft Environmental Assessment. Dr. Polly A. Penhale, Environmental Officer, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation. [FR Doc. 05–7183 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee #13883; Notice of Meeting In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following Astronomy and astrophysics Advisory Committee (#13883) meeting: Date and Time: May 16–17, 2005, 8:30 am– 5 pm. Place: National Science Foundation, Room 595, Stafford II Building, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22230. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Dr. G. Wayne Van Citters, Director, Division of Astronomical Sciences, Suite 1045, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 2230. Telephone: 703–292–4908. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and recommendations to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on issues within the field of astronomy and astrophysics that are of mutual interest and concern to the agencies. Agenda: To hear presentations of current programming by representatives from NSF, NASA, DOE and other agencies relevant to astronomy and astrophysics; to discuss current and potential areas of cooperation between the agencies; to formulate recommendations for continued and new areas of cooperation and mechanisms for achieving them. Dated: April 5, 2005. Susanne E. Bolton, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 05–7135 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Business and Operations Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting In accordance with Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting: Name: Business and Operations Advisory Committee (9556). Date/Time: May 5, 2005; 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (EST). May 6, 2005; 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (EST). Place: National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room Stafford II Rm. 555, Arlington, VA. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Joan Miller, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230 (703) 292–8200. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice concerning issues related to the oversight, integrity, development and enhancement of NSF’s business operations. Agenda: May 5, 2005, PM: Welcome and Introduction of new members; Updates— Office of Budget, Finance, and Award Management, Office of Information and Resource Management, Chief Information Officer activities. Review of Facilities Subcommittee meeting. Presentation and Discussion—NSF Assessment of Organizational Excellence. May 6, 2005, AM: Presentation and Discussion—Topics TBD (potential topics include Management of Human Capital and Updates of eGov activities and NSF Business Analysis); Meeting with NSF Diretor; Committee Discussion; Planning for next meeting; feedback; other business. Dated: April 5, 2005. Susanne Bolton, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 05–7136 Filed 4–8–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Proposal Review Panel for Computing Communication Foundations (1192); Notice of Meeting In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting: Name: Kennedy Site Visit, Proposal Review Panel for Computing Communication Foundations (1192). Date/Time: April 28–29, 2005; 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Place: Houston, TX; Rice University Duncan Hall. Type of Meeting: Partially open. Contact Person: Michael Foster, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 1115, Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone: (703) 292–8910. E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM 11APN1

Agencies

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 68 (Monday, April 11, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18431-18432]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7183]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of the Availability of an Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for 
proposed activities in the Arctic Ocean.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation gives notice of the 
availability of a draft Environmental Assessment for proposed 
activities in the Arctic Ocean.
    The Office of Polar Programs (OPP) has prepared an Environmental 
Assessment of a marine geophysical survey by the Coast Guard cutter 
Healy across the Arctic Ocean, August-September 2005. Given the United 
States Arctic Program's mission to support polar research, the proposed 
action is expected to result in substantial benefits to science. The 
draft Environmental Assessment is available for public review for a 30-
day period.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 11, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the draft Environmental Assessment are available 
upon request from: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, National Science Foundation, 
Office of

[[Page 18432]]

Polar Programs, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 755, Arlington, VA 22230. 
Telephone: (703) 292-8033.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), 
with research funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and 
the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), plans to conduct a multi-
institution marine seismic survey across the Arctic Ocean from northern 
Alaska to Svalbard during the period 5 August to 30 September 2005 
(approximately). This project will be operated in conjunction with a 
sediment coring project intended to collect paleoenvironmental and 
paleoceanographic evidence that will reveal information about the 
recent history of the Arctic Ocean and its climate during the last ten 
thousand years. The purpose of the seismic survey is to study the 
history of the ridges and basins of the Arctic Ocean.
    Several species of cetaceans and pinnipeds inhabit the Arctic 
Ocean. The increased underwater noise from the research may result in 
avoidance behavior by some marine mammals and fish, and other forms of 
disturbance. An integral part of the planned survey is a monitoring and 
mitigation program to minimize impacts of the proposed activities on 
marine species present, and on fishing and subsistence activities, and 
to document the nature and extent of any effects. Injurious impacts to 
marine mammals have not been proven to occur near equipment proposed to 
be used in this research; however, the planned monitoring and 
mitigation measures would minimize the possibility of such effects 
should they otherwise occur.
    With the planned monitoring and mitigation measures, unavoidable 
impacts to each of the species of marine mammal that might be 
encountered are expected to be limited to short-term localized changes 
in behavior and distribution near the seismic vessel. At most, such 
effects may be interpreted as falling within the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA) definition of ``Level B Harassment'' for those 
species managed by NMFS. No long-term or significant effects are 
expected on individual marine mammals, or the populations to which they 
belong, or their habitats. The agency is currently consulting with both 
the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish & Wildlife Service 
regarding species within their respective jurisdictions potentially 
affected by this proposed activity.
    Copies of the draft Environmental Assessment titled, An 
Environmental Assessment of a Marine Geophysical Survey by the Coast 
Guard Cutter Healy Across the Arctic Ocean, August-September 2005, are 
available upon request from: Dr. Polly A. Penhale, National Science 
Foundation, Office of Polar Programs, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 755, 
Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone: (703) 292-8033 or at the agency's Web 
site at: https://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/arc_envir/healy_ea.pdf. The 
National Science Foundation invites interested members of the public to 
provide written comments on this draft Environmental Assessment.

Dr. Polly A. Penhale,
Environmental Officer, Office of Polar Programs, National Science 
Foundation.
[FR Doc. 05-7183 Filed 4-8-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M

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