Remedial Action Project for Petroleum and Metals Impacted Soil at Passage Island Light Station, Keweenaw County, MI; Environmental Assessment, 65923-65926 [05-21726]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 210 / Tuesday, November 1, 2005 / Notices
Operations, (202) 366–0271, for
questions on the docket.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast
Guard invites comments on the
proposed collection of information to
determine whether the collections are
necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Department. In
particular, the Coast Guard would
appreciate comments addressing: (1)
The practical utility of the collections;
(2) the accuracy of the estimated burden
of the collections; (3) ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information that is the subject of the
collections; and (4) ways to minimize
the burden of collections on
respondents, including the use of
automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Comments to DMS or OIRA must
contain the OMB Control Number of the
Information Collection Requests (ICRs)
addressed. Comments to DMS must
contain the docket number of this
request, [USCG 2005–22049]. For your
comments to OIRA to be considered, it
is best if OIRA receives them on or
before December 1, 2005.
Public participation and request for
comments: We encourage you to
respond to this request for comments by
submitting comments and related
materials. We will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, and they will include any
personal information you have
provided. We have an agreement with
DOT to use their Docket Management
Facility. Please see the paragraph on
DOT’s ‘‘Privacy Act Policy’’ below.
Submitting comments: If you submit a
comment, please include your name and
address, identify the docket number for
this request for comment [USCG–2005–
22049], indicate the specific section of
this document or the ICR to which each
comment applies, and give the reason
for each comment. You may submit
your comments and material by
electronic means, mail, fax, or delivery
to the Docket Management Facility at
the address under ADDRESSES, but
please submit them by only one means.
If you submit them by mail or delivery,
submit them in an unbound format, no
larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for
copying and electronic filing. If you
submit them by mail and would like to
know that they reached the Facility,
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
postcard or envelope.
The Coast Guard and OIRA will
consider all comments and material
received during the comment period.
We may change the documents
supporting this collection of
information or even the underlying
requirements in view of them.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:39 Oct 31, 2005
Jkt 208001
Viewing comments and documents:
To view comments, as well as
documents mentioned in this notice as
being available in the docket, go to
https://dms.dot.gov at any time and
conduct a simple search using the
docket number. You may also visit the
Docket Management Facility in room
PL–401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif
Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Privacy Act
Anyone can search the electronic
form of all comments received in
dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or signing the
comment, if submitted on behalf of an
association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the Privacy Act
Statement of DOT in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000
(65 FR 19477), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Previous Request for Comments
This request provides a 30-day
comment period required by OIRA. The
Coast Guard has already published the
60-day notice (70 FR 47217, August 12,
2005) required by 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2).
That notice elicited no comment.
Information Collection Request
1. Title: Title 46 CFR Subchapter Q:
Lifesaving, Electrical, and Engineering
Equipment, Construction and Materials
& Marine Sanitation Devices.
OMB Control Number: 1625–0035.
Type of Request: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Manufacturers of
safety equipment, materials and marine
sanitation devices.
Form: CGHQ–10030.
Abstract: This information is used by
the Coast Guard to ensure that
regulations governing specific types of
safety equipment, material and Marine
Sanitation Devices (MSDs) installed on
commercial vessels and pleasure crafts
are met. Manufacturers are required to
submit drawings, specifications, and
laboratory test reports to the Coast
Guard before any approval is given.
Burden Estimate: The estimated
burden has increased from 16,880 hours
to 20,529 hours a year.
2. Title: (A) Reports of MARPOL 73/
78 Oil, Noxious Liquid Substances
(NLS) and Garbage Discharge; (B)
Application for Equivalents,
Exemptions and Alternatives; and (C)
Voluntary Reports of Pollution
Sightings.
OMB Control Number: 1625–0051.
Type of Request: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
65923
Affected Public: Vessel owners and
operators for (A) and (B), and the public
for (C).
Form: None.
Abstract: The information is needed
by the Coast Guard to ensure
compliance with pollution prevention
standards and to respond and
investigate pollution incidents.
Burden Estimate: The estimated
burden remains the same, 10 hours a
year.
Dated: October 24, 2005.
R.T. Hewitt,
Rear Admiral, Assistant Commandant for
Command, Control, Communications,
Computers and Information Technology.
[FR Doc. 05–21719 Filed 10–31–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
[CGD09–05–127]
Remedial Action Project for Petroleum
and Metals Impacted Soil at Passage
Island Light Station, Keweenaw
County, MI; Environmental
Assessment
U.S. Coast Guard, DHS.
Notice of intent and request for
public comments.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
announces its intent to prepare an
Environmental Assessment (EA) for
remedial action associated with
petroleum and metals impacted soil at
the Passage Island Light Station,
Keweenaw County, Michigan. This
letter shall serve as notification for a
thirty-day scoping period for the Draft
EA. This scoping announcement
provides interested parties with
information on the USCG Passage Island
Light Station, existing environment, and
proposed action in advance of issuance
of the Draft EA for this project. The
Draft EA will assess the alternatives to
address impacted soil at the light
station. The USCG seeks public and
agency input on the scope of the Draft
EA. Specifically, the USCG requests
input on any environmental concerns
that the public may have related to the
existing impacted soil, the remedial
action alternatives, or sources of
relevant data or information for
inclusion in the Draft EA.
DATES: Comments and related material
must be post-marked on or before 30
days after the date of this notice.
ADDRESSES: Comments and related
material regarding the USCG Passage
E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM
01NON1
65924
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 210 / Tuesday, November 1, 2005 / Notices
Island Draft EA scoping must be
received or post-marked on or before 30
days after the date of this notice.
Comments may be submitted in several
ways; they must be addressed directly to
the Civil Engineering Unit Cleveland’s
Environmental Compliance Section and
may be mailed, e-mailed, faxed, or
delivered in person. To make sure your
comments and related material are not
entered more than once in the public
record, please submit them by only one
of the following means:
(1) By mail to Commanding Officer,
USCG Civil Engineering Unit (CEU),
Attn: Lynn Keller, 1240 East Ninth
Street, Room 2179, Cleveland, OH
44199–2060.
(2) By delivery to Room 2179 on the
twenty-first floor of the Anthony J.
Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East
Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44199–
2060 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The general office telephone
number is 216–902–6200.
(3) By fax to the USCG Civil
Engineering Unit at 216–902–6277.
Please indicate on the fax ‘‘Attn: Lynn
Keller.’’
(4) By electronic mail to
LKeller@ceucleveland.uscg.mil and/or
FBlaha@ceucleveland.uscg.mil.
The USCG Civil Engineering Unit
Cleveland will maintain the public
record for this notice. Comments
submitted as described above will
become part of the public record and
will be available for inspection or
copying in Room 2179, located on the
twenty-first floor of the Anthony J.
Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East
Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44199–
2060 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. Comments submitted during
the Draft EA scoping period will be
included in the Draft EA document as
an Appendix.
You may also view, download, and
print draft and final documents for the
Passage Island EA on the USCG CEU
Cleveland Web site at https://
www.uscg.mil/mlclant/ceucleveland/er/
uscgpassagelight.htm. The CEU
Cleveland Web site navigation page is
located at https://www.uscg.mil/mlclant/
ceucleveland/.
If
you have questions about this notice or
the Passage Island EA, you may contact
Mr. Frank Blaha at (216) 902–6255 and
FBlaha@ceucleveland.uscg.mil or Ms.
Lynn Keller at (216) 902–6258 and
LKeller@ceucleveland.uscg.mil.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:39 Oct 31, 2005
Jkt 208001
Request for Comments
The USCG requests that any
interested party provide any additional
information or potential concerns
regarding the presence of significant
natural or cultural resources that may be
potentially affected by the project.
Persons submitting comments should
include their names and addresses, this
notice reference number CGD09–05–
127, and the reasons for each comment.
You may submit your comments and
materials by mail, hand delivery, fax, or
electronic means as directed under
ADDRESSES. If you choose to submit
them by mail or hand delivery, submit
them in an unbound format, no larger
than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, and suitable for
copying and electronic filing. If you
submit them by mail and would like to
know if they reached the CEU, please
enclose a stamped, self-addressed
postcard or envelope. We will consider
all comments and materials received
during the comment period.
Background and Purpose
Passage Island is located in the
northwestern reaches of Lake Superior,
about 60 miles north of Michigan’s
Keweenaw Peninsula, 22 miles east of
Grand Portage, Minnesota, and 35 miles
south of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The
USCG Passage Island Light Station is
located on Passage Island, three and one
quarter miles off the northeastern tip of
Isle Royale in Lake Superior, within the
Isle Royale National Park. Congress
designated about 99 percent of Isle
Royale National Park as Wilderness in
1976. In addition, Isle Royale was
designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve by
the United Nations Educational,
Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) in 1980.
The USCG lighthouse and associated
facilities are located on the
southernmost portion of Passage Island,
Section 9, T67N R32W, Houghton
Township, Keweenaw County,
Michigan. Areas of petroleum and
metals impacted soils from Light Station
activities occupy approximately 0.25
acres of the 6.3-acre site. In accordance
with Part 201, Environmental
Remediation, of the Natural Resources
and Environmental Protection Act
(NREPA) of 1994, as amended
(Michigan Part 201), the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality
(MDEQ) requires that the environmental
impacts associated with former
operations at the site be investigated
and mitigated.
The USCG performed a Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)
in 1997. The Phase I ESA identified
possible sources of environmental
PO 00000
Frm 00048
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
impact and recommended a Site
Investigation (SI) be performed to
characterize and delineate the potential
sources. The USCG performed an SI at
the Passage Island Light Station in 2001.
Based on the results of the SI, the USCG
concluded that petroleum and metals
impacted soils exist at concentrations in
excess of the Residential Criteria
established under the Michigan Part
201. The impacted area is
approximately 8,000 square feet. The
depth of impact is approximately 6
inches and the volume of impacted soil
is approximately 150 cubic yards. In
order to mitigate environmental and
human health impacts of the impacted
soils, the USCG proposes remedial
actions for the site.
NEPA Requirements and Proposed Soil
Remediation Project Description
In accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969 (Section 102(2)(c)), as
implemented by the Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ)
regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508),
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Order 5610.C (Procedures for
Considering Environmental Impacts),
and USCG Policy (NEPA: Implementing
Procedures and Policy for Considering
Environmental Impacts, COMDTINST
M16475.1D (Commandant’s
Instruction)), the USCG intends to
prepare an EA. The purpose of the EA
is to develop an approach and direction
for implementing a petroleum and
metals impacted soil remedial project
for the impacted area at Passage Island
Light Station. Following completion of
the EA, the USCG will either file a
Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) or prepare an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate
potentially significant environmental
impacts.
NEPA requires Federal agencies to
consider all significant aspects of
environmental impacts that may result
from a proposed action, to inform the
public of potential impacts and
alternatives, including the no action
alternative, and to facilitate public
involvement in the assessment process.
The core of our impact assessment
process is our EA. The EA will include,
among other topics, discussions of the
purpose and need for the proposed
action, a description of alternatives, a
description of the affected environment,
and an evaluation of the environmental
impacts of the proposed action and
alternatives. To date, the USCG has
identified the following alternatives for
analysis in the EA:
E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM
01NON1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 210 / Tuesday, November 1, 2005 / Notices
• Excavation and re-contouring (no
backfill) with off-site disposal as
hazardous waste; restricted site closure;
• Excavation and re-contouring (no
backfill) with on-site stabilization of
contaminated soil and off-site disposal
of stabilized soil as non-hazardous
waste; restricted site closure; and,
• No Action (Status Quo).
The USCG-preferred remedial action
method involves excavation of
contaminated soil using a vacuum truck
located on a barge in Lake Superior,
adjacent to the excavation area. Soils
would be loosened with hand tools and
then vacuumed up. Field screening
would be conducted using hand-held xray fluorescence (XRF) equipment to
assess the excavation extents for the
metals-impacted soil. A photoionization
detector (PID) would be used to assess
the excavation extents for the
petroleum-impacted soil. Confirmatory
soil samples would be collected from
the sidewalls and floor of the excavation
to ensure that soil impacted at
concentrations exceeding levels
approved by Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (Michigan
Residential Criteria or a Calculated SiteSpecific Criteria) has been removed. At
the request of the National Park Service
(NPS), backfill material would not be
brought on-site due to concerns
regarding introduction of non-native
and invasive species. Site restoration
would include smoothing out the sides
of the excavations and ensuring proper
drainage and protection of structure
foundations. Contaminated soil would
be directly transferred to containers on
a barge as the soil is vacuumed up. The
containerized soil would then be
transported by barge to Duluth,
Minnesota, where it will be loaded onto
trucks. The trucks would transport the
soil to an approved Type I hazardous
waste Treatment-Storage-Disposal
Facility (TSDF). Due to the high lead
levels, the soil would be treated at the
landfill via stabilization to meet the
Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP) standards prior to
disposal. The proposed TSDF and
disposal facility for hazardous soil is
either Onyx Special Services in
Menominee Falls, WI or EQ in
Belleville, MI. The USCG would need to
comply with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency
(USEPA) Resources Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) large quantity
generator requirements, which include
payment of fees and filing necessary
reports. In addition, due to disposal of
hazardous waste, the USCG could be
placed on the Hazardous Waste
Compliance Docket and the site could
potentially be listed as a National
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:39 Oct 31, 2005
Jkt 208001
Priorities List (NPL) site. A deed
restriction would be placed on the
property to limit use. Groundwater use
would be restricted and the current
recreational land use and zoning would
be maintained.
In addition to the USCG preferred
method described above, one alternative
remedial action method under
consideration would include
contaminated soil excavation, on-site
soil stabilization and off-site disposal as
a non-hazardous waste. This alternative
would include using a vacuum truck
located on a barge in Lake Superior,
adjacent to the excavation area. Soils
would be loosened with hand tools and
then vacuumed up. Field screening
would be conducted using hand-held
XRF equipment to assess the excavation
extents for the metals-impacted soil. A
PID would be used to assess the
excavation extents for the petroleumimpacted soil. Confirmatory soil
samples would be collected from the
sidewalls and floor of the excavation to
ensure that soil impacted at
concentrations exceeding the Michigan
Residential Criteria or Calculated SiteSpecific Criteria (if approved by
Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality) has been removed. At the
request of the NPS, backfill material
would not be brought on-site due to
concerns regarding introduction of nonnative and invasive species. Site
restoration would include smoothing
out the sides of the excavations and
ensuring proper drainage and protection
of structure foundations. Soil would be
mixed with a stabilizing agent prior to
transportation to a dock in Duluth,
Minnesota. The soil would then be
transported to a non-hazardous waste
disposal facility. The proposed nonhazardous waste disposal facility is
K&W located in Ontonagon, MI. A deed
restriction would be placed on the
property to limit use. Groundwater use
would be restricted and the current
recreational land use and zoning would
be maintained.
Due to NEPA requirements and the
sensitive nature of the sub-Arctic
environment and presence of listed
plant species at Passage Island Light
Station, the no action alternative is also
being considered in lieu of performing
a soil removal for remedial action. The
MDEQ does not support this alternative
as the soil contamination at the site is
seen as a threat to humans and water
resources.
Several other remedial alternatives
have been considered and will be
discussed briefly in the EA due to their
limited applicability at the site in
question. These alternatives include the
following:
PO 00000
Frm 00049
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
65925
• Hot spot removal;
• Soil stabilization;
• Phytoremediation;
• Heap leaching;
• Soil capping/engineered barrier;
• Soil washing;
• Groundwater surface water
interface (GSI) and drinking water
pathway elimination and no further
action;
• Risk Assessment and no further
action;
• State listed/threatened/species of
concern plant species relocation
(combined with other alternatives).
EA Issues
Issues that the USCG has identified
for analysis to date include the effects
of the remediation project alternatives
on the following resources:
• Land Use (Recreation) and
Aesthetics;
• Historic and Cultural Properties;
• Vegetation, Wildlife, Threatened
and Endangered Species;
• Water Quality;
• Human Health;
• Air Quality;
• Soil Depletion and Regeneration;
• Noise;
• Transportation (Shipping and
Boating); and,
• Generation of Hazardous Materials
and Waste.
Cultural Resources
The USCG Passage Island Light
Station was established by Executive
Order in 1871, and remaining structures
at the site date back to 1882. The
Passage Island Light Station is eligible
for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places. In August 2004, a Phase
I archaeological cultural resource survey
was conducted for the Passage Island
Light Station site. Based on a Phase I
survey program that combined archival
research with pedestrian reconnaissance
and subsurface testing, it has been
determined that there are no significant
prehistoric or historic resources within
the 0.25-acre study area. This survey
was submitted to the Michigan State
Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
along with the required documentation
for a project review for the proposed soil
remediation work. The Michigan SHPO
determined that the proposed action
will have no adverse effect on historic
and cultural resources at the site as long
as the USCG ensures that structures are
not damaged during clean up activities
and proper grading is achieved.
Natural Resources
Topographically, the Passage Island
Light Station area is similar to the
nearby Isle Royale. Elevations range
E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM
01NON1
65926
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 210 / Tuesday, November 1, 2005 / Notices
from 620 to 640 feet above mean sea
level or approximately 20 to 40 feet
above the immediately adjacent Lake
Superior (600 feet above mean sea
level). The light station area is located
at the crest of a bedrock outcrop,
bounded on the south, east, and west by
wave-cut exposures leading down to
Lake Superior, and to the north by
forested portions of the island. Soils
have developed, accumulated, or been
placed in general proximity to the
various Light Station structures and in
low areas between bedrock exposures.
Vegetation in the Light Station vicinity
is limited to grasses, weeds, and few
small woody shrubs. No Federally listed
plant or animal species have been
identified. Specimens of one State
Threatened plant species, prickly
saxifrage (Saxifraga tricuspidata), are
located in the vicinity of the Light
Station, but outside of the
contamination footprint. The USCG has
obtained Michigan Department of
Natural Resources (MDNR) Permit
#1615 for the take of this State
Threatened Species if necessary to
perform the clean up work. Specimens
of twisted whitlow grass (Draba
arabisans), a State Species of Concern,
are located within the contamination
footprint. According to MDNR, there are
no legal obligations to protect a State
Listed Special Concern plant species.
Public Comment and Document
Accessibility
The USCG encourages public
participation in the Draft EA process.
The scoping period will start with
publication of this notice in the Federal
Register. Following the scoping process,
the USCG will prepare a Draft EA.
Public notices will be mailed or emailed to those that have requested a
copy of the Draft EA. This period will
provide the public with an opportunity
to review the document and to offer
appropriate comments.
Comments received during the public
scoping period and Draft EA review
period will be available in the public
record and made available in the Final
EA.
All draft and final documents will be
available online for viewing and
downloading at the USCG CEU
Cleveland web site (see ADDRESSES).
Additionally, a hard copy of all draft
and final documents will be available in
the following public libraries for public
inspection and copying:
Portage Lake District Library—
Houghton, MI
Mackinaw Area Public Library—
Mackinaw City, MI
Peter White Public Library—Marquette,
MI
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:39 Oct 31, 2005
Jkt 208001
Bayliss Public Library—Sault Sainte
Marie, MI
Duluth Public Library—Duluth, MN
Lansing Public Library—Lansing, MI
If you have any questions regarding
this notice, please contact Frank Blaha
or Lynn Keller of the USCG Civil
Engineering Unit Cleveland
Environmental Compliance staff at (216)
902–6255 and (216) 902–6258,
respectively.
Dated: October 17, 2005.
J.M. Peters,
Commanding Officer, United States Coast
Guard, Civil Engineering Unit, Cleveland.
[FR Doc. 05–21726 Filed 10–31–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
management issues that involve the
Great Lakes region. The forum meets
twice a year to assess the Great Lakes
region, assign priorities to areas of
concern and identify issues for
resolution. The forum membership has
identified potential agenda items for
this meeting that include: navigation,
AIS, ballast water regulations,
waterways management, and
discussions about the agenda for the
next meeting. The specific agenda is
still under development. Additional
topics of discussion are solicited from
the public.
Dated: October 20, 2005.
Robert J. Papp Jr.,
Rear Admiral, U. S. Coast Guard,
Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District,
Cleveland, Ohio.
[FR Doc. 05–21732 Filed 10–31–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–15–P
Coast Guard
[CGD09–05–130]
Great Lakes Regional Waterways
Management Forum
Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
AGENCY:
The Great Lakes Regional
Waterways Management Forum will
hold a meeting to discuss various
waterways management issues.
Potential agenda items will include
navigation, ballast water regulations,
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS),
waterways management, and
discussions about the agenda for the
next meeting. The meeting will be open
to the public.
DATES: The meeting will be held
November 17, 2005 from 1 p.m. to 5
p.m., and November 18, 2005 from 8:30
a.m. to 12 p.m. Comments must be
submitted on or before November 14,
2005 to be considered at the meeting.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the Village Inn, 751 Christina Street,
Point Edward, Ontario. Any written
comments and materials should be
submitted to Commander (dpw-1),
Ninth Coast Guard District, 1240 E. 9th
Street, Room 2069, Cleveland, OH
44199.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
[FEMA–3259–EM]
SUMMARY:
LTjg
Regan Blomshield (dpw-1), Ninth Coast
Guard District, 1240 E. 9th Street, Room
2069, Cleveland, OH 44199, telephone
(216) 902–6050. Persons with
disabilities requiring assistance to
attend this meeting should contact LTjg
Blomshield.
SUPPLEMENTARY: The Great Lakes
Waterways Management Forum
identifies and resolves waterways
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Florida; Amendment No. 2 to Notice of
an Emergency Declaration
Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of
Homeland Security.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice.
SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice
of an emergency declaration for the
State of Florida (FEMA–3259–EM),
dated September 20, 2005, and related
determinations.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
October 23, 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Magda Ruiz, Recovery Division, Federal
Emergency Management Agency,
Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2705.
Notice is
hereby given that the incident period for
this emergency is closed effective
October 23, 2005.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
(The following Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used
for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030,
Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora
Brown Fund Program; 97.032, Crisis
Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services
Program; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment
Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management
Assistance; 97.048, Individuals and
Households Housing; 97.049, Individuals and
Households Disaster Housing Operations;
97.050, Individuals and Households
Program—Other Needs, 97.036, Public
E:\FR\FM\01NON1.SGM
01NON1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 210 (Tuesday, November 1, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65923-65926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21726]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
[CGD09-05-127]
Remedial Action Project for Petroleum and Metals Impacted Soil at
Passage Island Light Station, Keweenaw County, MI; Environmental
Assessment
AGENCY: U.S. Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of intent and request for public comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) announces its intent to prepare an
Environmental Assessment (EA) for remedial action associated with
petroleum and metals impacted soil at the Passage Island Light Station,
Keweenaw County, Michigan. This letter shall serve as notification for
a thirty-day scoping period for the Draft EA. This scoping announcement
provides interested parties with information on the USCG Passage Island
Light Station, existing environment, and proposed action in advance of
issuance of the Draft EA for this project. The Draft EA will assess the
alternatives to address impacted soil at the light station. The USCG
seeks public and agency input on the scope of the Draft EA.
Specifically, the USCG requests input on any environmental concerns
that the public may have related to the existing impacted soil, the
remedial action alternatives, or sources of relevant data or
information for inclusion in the Draft EA.
DATES: Comments and related material must be post-marked on or before
30 days after the date of this notice.
ADDRESSES: Comments and related material regarding the USCG Passage
[[Page 65924]]
Island Draft EA scoping must be received or post-marked on or before 30
days after the date of this notice. Comments may be submitted in
several ways; they must be addressed directly to the Civil Engineering
Unit Cleveland's Environmental Compliance Section and may be mailed, e-
mailed, faxed, or delivered in person. To make sure your comments and
related material are not entered more than once in the public record,
please submit them by only one of the following means:
(1) By mail to Commanding Officer, USCG Civil Engineering Unit
(CEU), Attn: Lynn Keller, 1240 East Ninth Street, Room 2179, Cleveland,
OH 44199-2060.
(2) By delivery to Room 2179 on the twenty-first floor of the
Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East Ninth Street,
Cleveland, OH 44199-2060 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The general office telephone number is
216-902-6200.
(3) By fax to the USCG Civil Engineering Unit at 216-902-6277.
Please indicate on the fax ``Attn: Lynn Keller.''
(4) By electronic mail to LKeller@ceucleveland.uscg.mil and/or
FBlaha@ceucleveland.uscg.mil.
The USCG Civil Engineering Unit Cleveland will maintain the public
record for this notice. Comments submitted as described above will
become part of the public record and will be available for inspection
or copying in Room 2179, located on the twenty-first floor of the
Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building, 1240 East Ninth Street,
Cleveland, OH 44199-2060 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments submitted during the Draft EA
scoping period will be included in the Draft EA document as an
Appendix.
You may also view, download, and print draft and final documents
for the Passage Island EA on the USCG CEU Cleveland Web site at https://
www.uscg.mil/mlclant/ceucleveland/er/uscgpassagelight.htm. The CEU
Cleveland Web site navigation page is located at https://www.uscg.mil/
mlclant/ceucleveland/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
notice or the Passage Island EA, you may contact Mr. Frank Blaha at
(216) 902-6255 and FBlaha@ceucleveland.uscg.mil or Ms. Lynn Keller at
(216) 902-6258 and LKeller@ceucleveland.uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Comments
The USCG requests that any interested party provide any additional
information or potential concerns regarding the presence of significant
natural or cultural resources that may be potentially affected by the
project. Persons submitting comments should include their names and
addresses, this notice reference number CGD09-05-127, and the reasons
for each comment. You may submit your comments and materials by mail,
hand delivery, fax, or electronic means as directed under ADDRESSES. If
you choose to submit them by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an
unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, and suitable for
copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail and would
like to know if they reached the CEU, please enclose a stamped, self-
addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and
materials received during the comment period.
Background and Purpose
Passage Island is located in the northwestern reaches of Lake
Superior, about 60 miles north of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, 22
miles east of Grand Portage, Minnesota, and 35 miles south of Thunder
Bay, Ontario. The USCG Passage Island Light Station is located on
Passage Island, three and one quarter miles off the northeastern tip of
Isle Royale in Lake Superior, within the Isle Royale National Park.
Congress designated about 99 percent of Isle Royale National Park as
Wilderness in 1976. In addition, Isle Royale was designated a U.S.
Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1980.
The USCG lighthouse and associated facilities are located on the
southernmost portion of Passage Island, Section 9, T67N R32W, Houghton
Township, Keweenaw County, Michigan. Areas of petroleum and metals
impacted soils from Light Station activities occupy approximately 0.25
acres of the 6.3-acre site. In accordance with Part 201, Environmental
Remediation, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act
(NREPA) of 1994, as amended (Michigan Part 201), the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requires that the
environmental impacts associated with former operations at the site be
investigated and mitigated.
The USCG performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in
1997. The Phase I ESA identified possible sources of environmental
impact and recommended a Site Investigation (SI) be performed to
characterize and delineate the potential sources. The USCG performed an
SI at the Passage Island Light Station in 2001. Based on the results of
the SI, the USCG concluded that petroleum and metals impacted soils
exist at concentrations in excess of the Residential Criteria
established under the Michigan Part 201. The impacted area is
approximately 8,000 square feet. The depth of impact is approximately 6
inches and the volume of impacted soil is approximately 150 cubic
yards. In order to mitigate environmental and human health impacts of
the impacted soils, the USCG proposes remedial actions for the site.
NEPA Requirements and Proposed Soil Remediation Project Description
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of
1969 (Section 102(2)(c)), as implemented by the Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508),
Department of Transportation (DOT) Order 5610.C (Procedures for
Considering Environmental Impacts), and USCG Policy (NEPA: Implementing
Procedures and Policy for Considering Environmental Impacts, COMDTINST
M16475.1D (Commandant's Instruction)), the USCG intends to prepare an
EA. The purpose of the EA is to develop an approach and direction for
implementing a petroleum and metals impacted soil remedial project for
the impacted area at Passage Island Light Station. Following completion
of the EA, the USCG will either file a Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) or prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate
potentially significant environmental impacts.
NEPA requires Federal agencies to consider all significant aspects
of environmental impacts that may result from a proposed action, to
inform the public of potential impacts and alternatives, including the
no action alternative, and to facilitate public involvement in the
assessment process. The core of our impact assessment process is our
EA. The EA will include, among other topics, discussions of the purpose
and need for the proposed action, a description of alternatives, a
description of the affected environment, and an evaluation of the
environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives. To date,
the USCG has identified the following alternatives for analysis in the
EA:
[[Page 65925]]
Excavation and re-contouring (no backfill) with off-site
disposal as hazardous waste; restricted site closure;
Excavation and re-contouring (no backfill) with on-site
stabilization of contaminated soil and off-site disposal of stabilized
soil as non-hazardous waste; restricted site closure; and,
No Action (Status Quo).
The USCG-preferred remedial action method involves excavation of
contaminated soil using a vacuum truck located on a barge in Lake
Superior, adjacent to the excavation area. Soils would be loosened with
hand tools and then vacuumed up. Field screening would be conducted
using hand-held x-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment to assess the
excavation extents for the metals-impacted soil. A photoionization
detector (PID) would be used to assess the excavation extents for the
petroleum-impacted soil. Confirmatory soil samples would be collected
from the sidewalls and floor of the excavation to ensure that soil
impacted at concentrations exceeding levels approved by Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (Michigan Residential Criteria or a
Calculated Site-Specific Criteria) has been removed. At the request of
the National Park Service (NPS), backfill material would not be brought
on-site due to concerns regarding introduction of non-native and
invasive species. Site restoration would include smoothing out the
sides of the excavations and ensuring proper drainage and protection of
structure foundations. Contaminated soil would be directly transferred
to containers on a barge as the soil is vacuumed up. The containerized
soil would then be transported by barge to Duluth, Minnesota, where it
will be loaded onto trucks. The trucks would transport the soil to an
approved Type I hazardous waste Treatment-Storage-Disposal Facility
(TSDF). Due to the high lead levels, the soil would be treated at the
landfill via stabilization to meet the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching
Procedure (TCLP) standards prior to disposal. The proposed TSDF and
disposal facility for hazardous soil is either Onyx Special Services in
Menominee Falls, WI or EQ in Belleville, MI. The USCG would need to
comply with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) large quantity generator
requirements, which include payment of fees and filing necessary
reports. In addition, due to disposal of hazardous waste, the USCG
could be placed on the Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket and the site
could potentially be listed as a National Priorities List (NPL) site. A
deed restriction would be placed on the property to limit use.
Groundwater use would be restricted and the current recreational land
use and zoning would be maintained.
In addition to the USCG preferred method described above, one
alternative remedial action method under consideration would include
contaminated soil excavation, on-site soil stabilization and off-site
disposal as a non-hazardous waste. This alternative would include using
a vacuum truck located on a barge in Lake Superior, adjacent to the
excavation area. Soils would be loosened with hand tools and then
vacuumed up. Field screening would be conducted using hand-held XRF
equipment to assess the excavation extents for the metals-impacted
soil. A PID would be used to assess the excavation extents for the
petroleum-impacted soil. Confirmatory soil samples would be collected
from the sidewalls and floor of the excavation to ensure that soil
impacted at concentrations exceeding the Michigan Residential Criteria
or Calculated Site-Specific Criteria (if approved by Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality) has been removed. At the request
of the NPS, backfill material would not be brought on-site due to
concerns regarding introduction of non-native and invasive species.
Site restoration would include smoothing out the sides of the
excavations and ensuring proper drainage and protection of structure
foundations. Soil would be mixed with a stabilizing agent prior to
transportation to a dock in Duluth, Minnesota. The soil would then be
transported to a non-hazardous waste disposal facility. The proposed
non-hazardous waste disposal facility is K&W located in Ontonagon, MI.
A deed restriction would be placed on the property to limit use.
Groundwater use would be restricted and the current recreational land
use and zoning would be maintained.
Due to NEPA requirements and the sensitive nature of the sub-Arctic
environment and presence of listed plant species at Passage Island
Light Station, the no action alternative is also being considered in
lieu of performing a soil removal for remedial action. The MDEQ does
not support this alternative as the soil contamination at the site is
seen as a threat to humans and water resources.
Several other remedial alternatives have been considered and will
be discussed briefly in the EA due to their limited applicability at
the site in question. These alternatives include the following:
Hot spot removal;
Soil stabilization;
Phytoremediation;
Heap leaching;
Soil capping/engineered barrier;
Soil washing;
Groundwater surface water interface (GSI) and drinking
water pathway elimination and no further action;
Risk Assessment and no further action;
State listed/threatened/species of concern plant species
relocation (combined with other alternatives).
EA Issues
Issues that the USCG has identified for analysis to date include
the effects of the remediation project alternatives on the following
resources:
Land Use (Recreation) and Aesthetics;
Historic and Cultural Properties;
Vegetation, Wildlife, Threatened and Endangered Species;
Water Quality;
Human Health;
Air Quality;
Soil Depletion and Regeneration;
Noise;
Transportation (Shipping and Boating); and,
Generation of Hazardous Materials and Waste.
Cultural Resources
The USCG Passage Island Light Station was established by Executive
Order in 1871, and remaining structures at the site date back to 1882.
The Passage Island Light Station is eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places. In August 2004, a Phase I
archaeological cultural resource survey was conducted for the Passage
Island Light Station site. Based on a Phase I survey program that
combined archival research with pedestrian reconnaissance and
subsurface testing, it has been determined that there are no
significant prehistoric or historic resources within the 0.25-acre
study area. This survey was submitted to the Michigan State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) along with the required documentation for a
project review for the proposed soil remediation work. The Michigan
SHPO determined that the proposed action will have no adverse effect on
historic and cultural resources at the site as long as the USCG ensures
that structures are not damaged during clean up activities and proper
grading is achieved.
Natural Resources
Topographically, the Passage Island Light Station area is similar
to the nearby Isle Royale. Elevations range
[[Page 65926]]
from 620 to 640 feet above mean sea level or approximately 20 to 40
feet above the immediately adjacent Lake Superior (600 feet above mean
sea level). The light station area is located at the crest of a bedrock
outcrop, bounded on the south, east, and west by wave-cut exposures
leading down to Lake Superior, and to the north by forested portions of
the island. Soils have developed, accumulated, or been placed in
general proximity to the various Light Station structures and in low
areas between bedrock exposures. Vegetation in the Light Station
vicinity is limited to grasses, weeds, and few small woody shrubs. No
Federally listed plant or animal species have been identified.
Specimens of one State Threatened plant species, prickly saxifrage
(Saxifraga tricuspidata), are located in the vicinity of the Light
Station, but outside of the contamination footprint. The USCG has
obtained Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Permit
1615 for the take of this State Threatened Species if
necessary to perform the clean up work. Specimens of twisted whitlow
grass (Draba arabisans), a State Species of Concern, are located within
the contamination footprint. According to MDNR, there are no legal
obligations to protect a State Listed Special Concern plant species.
Public Comment and Document Accessibility
The USCG encourages public participation in the Draft EA process.
The scoping period will start with publication of this notice in the
Federal Register. Following the scoping process, the USCG will prepare
a Draft EA. Public notices will be mailed or e-mailed to those that
have requested a copy of the Draft EA. This period will provide the
public with an opportunity to review the document and to offer
appropriate comments.
Comments received during the public scoping period and Draft EA
review period will be available in the public record and made available
in the Final EA.
All draft and final documents will be available online for viewing
and downloading at the USCG CEU Cleveland web site (see ADDRESSES).
Additionally, a hard copy of all draft and final documents will be
available in the following public libraries for public inspection and
copying:
Portage Lake District Library--Houghton, MI
Mackinaw Area Public Library--Mackinaw City, MI
Peter White Public Library--Marquette, MI
Bayliss Public Library--Sault Sainte Marie, MI
Duluth Public Library--Duluth, MN
Lansing Public Library--Lansing, MI
If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact
Frank Blaha or Lynn Keller of the USCG Civil Engineering Unit Cleveland
Environmental Compliance staff at (216) 902-6255 and (216) 902-6258,
respectively.
Dated: October 17, 2005.
J.M. Peters,
Commanding Officer, United States Coast Guard, Civil Engineering Unit,
Cleveland.
[FR Doc. 05-21726 Filed 10-31-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P
