National Environmental Policy Act; Mars Science Laboratory Mission, 12402-12403 [E6-3374]

Download as PDF 12402 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 47 / Friday, March 10, 2006 / Notices Accordingly, the Department is amending this certification to properly reflect this matter. The intent of the Department’s certification is to include all workers employed at Robert Bosch Corporation, Automotive Technology—Chassis Division, who were adversely affected by a shift in production to Mexico. The amended notice applicable to TA–W–55,227 is hereby issued as follows: ‘‘All workers of Robert Bosch Corporation, Automotive Technology—Chassis Division, Sumter, South Carolina, including leased workers of Olsten Staff, Food Service, Inc., IH Services, Securitas and Huffmaster Co, formerly known as Defender Services, working at Robert Bosch Corporation, Automotive Technology—Chassis Division, Sumter, South Carolina, who became totally or partially separated from employment on or after July 2, 2003, through August 2, 2006, are eligible to apply for adjustment assistance under section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974, and are also eligible to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of 1974.’’ Signed at Washington, DC this 14th day of February 2006. Elliott S. Kushner, Certifying Officer, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance. [FR Doc. E6–3419 Filed 3–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510–30–P NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION [Notice 06–016] National Environmental Policy Act; Mars Science Laboratory Mission National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement and to conduct scoping for the Mars Science Laboratory mission. dsatterwhite on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSAL AGENCY: SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and NASA policy and procedures (14 CFR part 1216 subpart 1216.3), NASA intends to conduct scoping and prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission. The purpose of this proposed mission would be to place a mobile science laboratory (rover) on the surface of Mars to assess the biological potential of at least one target environment, characterize the geology of VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:31 Mar 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 the landing region, investigate planetary processes of relevance to past habitability, including the role of water, and characterize the broad spectrum of the surface radiation environment. The proposed MSL mission is currently planned for launch during September or October 2009 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Florida, onboard an expendable launch vehicle from either the Atlas V or Delta IV class of vehicles. The baseline mission plan would include the use of one multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) for rover electrical power and could use several radioisotope heater units (RHUs) for thermal control of critical rover components while on the surface of Mars. Some science instruments may require the use of very small quantities of radioactive material for instrument calibration or for the conduct of an experiment. Environmental impacts to be considered in the EIS are those impacts associated with a normal launch from CCAFS, and radiological and non-radiological risks associated with a launch accident. DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit comments on environmental concerns in writing on or before April 24, 2006 to assure full consideration during the scoping process. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Mark R. Dahl, Solar System Division, Science Mission Directorate, Mail Suite 3X63, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546– 0001. While hard copy comments are preferred, comments by electronic mail may be sent to mep.nepa@hq.nasa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark R. Dahl, by telephone at 202–358– 4800 or by electronic mail at mep.nepa@hq.nasa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NASA seeks to continue scientific investigations of Mars with a long-term landed mission to explore the planet’s surface. On April 12, 2005, in the Federal Register (70 FR 19102), NASA published the Notice of Availability for Final Programmatic EIS (PEIS) for the Mars Exploration Program (MEP). The Record of Decision (ROD) for the MEP PEIS was signed on June 22, 2005, enabling continued planning for the MEP, which represents NASA’s overall plans for the robotic exploration of Mars through 2020. The PEIS for the MEP encompasses the launch of at least one spacecraft to Mars during each favorable launch opportunity, which occurs approximately every 26 months, including the MSL mission currently proposed for the 2009 launch opportunity. The MSL EIS will focus on PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 reasonable alternatives to implement the purpose and need of the MSL mission and the potential environmental impacts associated with each. It is anticipated that the electrical requirements of the landed mission would require a radioisotope power source. This mission is proposing to use a single MMRTG to provide adequate power to operate the rover. As currently envisioned, some of the waste heat from the MMRTG could be used for temperature control of the rover electronics, science instruments, and other sensitive components. This waste heat may need to be supplemented with several RHUs. Alternatives to the Proposed Action addressed in this EIS will include, but are not limited to, (1) the use of alternative sources of on-board power and heat (including solar energy); and (2) the No Action Alternative. Building on the success of the two rovers that arrived at Mars in January 2004, NASA’s proposed MSL mission is being planned for travel to Mars before the end of the decade. Larger than the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Science Laboratory would analyze martian soil samples and rock cores for organic compounds and environmental conditions that could support microbial life now or in the past. The mission is anticipated to have international participation, including the Russian Federal Space Agency, the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, the Canadian Space Agency, and the French Space Agency. Mars Science Laboratory is intended to use a guided landing technique, steering itself toward the martian surface. As currently envisioned, in the final minutes before touchdown, the spacecraft would activate its parachute and retro rockets before lowering the rover package to the surface on a tether. This landing method would enable the rover to land in an area 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter, three to five times smaller than previous landing zones on Mars. Like the Spirit and Opportunity rovers now on the surface of Mars, MSL would have six wheels and cameras mounted on a mast. MSL would have additional capability to collect and crush rock and soil samples and distribute them to onboard test chambers for detailed chemical analysis. Its design would include a suite of scientific instruments for identifying organic compounds such as proteins, amino acids, and other acids and bases that form complex carbon compounds and are essential to life as we know it. It could also identify features such as atmospheric gases that E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM 10MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 47 / Friday, March 10, 2006 / Notices may be associated with biological activity. Using these tools, MSL would examine martian rocks and soils in greater detail than ever before to determine the geologic processes that formed them; study the martian atmosphere; and determine the distribution and circulation of water and carbon dioxide, whether frozen, liquid, or gaseous. NASA plans to select a landing site on the basis of highly detailed images sent to Earth by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter beginning in the fall of 2006, in addition to data from earlier missions. The MSL EIS will address the purpose and need for the proposed MSL mission in detail and the environmental impacts associated with its implementation. The environmental impacts of this mission are anticipated to be those associated with the normal launch of the mission. Potential consequences of accident situations will also be addressed. Environmental issues to be addressed will include, but not necessarily be limited to air quality, radiological effects, water quality, and flora and fauna. Written public input and comments on alternatives and potential environmental impacts and concerns associated with the proposed Mars Science Laboratory mission are hereby requested. Olga M. Dominguez, Acting Assistant Administrator for Infrastructure and Administration. [FR Doc. E6–3374 Filed 3–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7510–13–P NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Advisory Committee for Computer and Information Science and Engineering; Notice of Meeting dsatterwhite on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSAL In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92– 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting: Name: Advisory Committee for Computer and Information Science and Engineering— (1115). Date and Time: April 24, 2006, 7:30 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. Place: National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., room 1235, Arlington, VA 22230. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Gwen Barber-Blount, Office of the Assistant Director, Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1105, Arlington, VA 22230. Telephone: (703) 292–8900. VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:31 Mar 09, 2006 Jkt 208001 Minutes: May be obtained from the contact person listed above. Purpose of Meeting: To advise NSF on the impact of its policies, programs and activities on the CISE community. To provide advice to the Assistant Director/CISE on issues related to long-range planning, and to form ad hoc subcommittees to carry out needed studies and tasks. Agenda: Report from the Assistant Director, Discussion of research initiatives, education, diversity, workforce issues in IT and long-range funding outlook. Dated: March 7, 2006. Susanne Bolton, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06–2308 Filed 3–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–M NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Advisory Committee for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences; 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: Advisory Committee for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (#1171). Date and Time: April 19, 2006 8 a.m.–5 p.m. April 20, 2006 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Place: National Science Foundation—April 19, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1235, Arlington, VA 22230. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association—April 20, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203. Type of Meeting: Open. Contact Person: Mr. Tyrone Jordan, Office of the Assistant Director, Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Room 905, Arlington, VA 22230, 703–292–8741. Summary Minutes: May be obtained from contact person listed above. Purpose of Meeting: To provide advice and recommendations to the National Science Foundation on major goals and policies pertaining to Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences Directorate programs and activities. Agenda: Discussion on issues, role and future direction of the Directorate for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences. Dated: March 7, 2006. Susanne Bolton, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06–2309 Filed 3–9–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7555–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 12403 NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [Docket No. 50–271; License No. DPR–28] Entergy Nuclear Vermont Yankee, LLC and Entergy Nuclear Operations, Inc. Notice of Issuance of Director’s Decision Under 10 CFR 2.206 Notice is hereby given that the Director, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, has issued a Director’s Decision with regard to a petition dated October 11, 2005, filed by Mr. Jonathan M. Block hereinafter referred to as the ‘‘Petitioner.’’ The petition concerns the operation of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station (Vermont Yankee). The petition requested that the NRC require the temporary emergency closure or de-rating of Vermont Yankee due to flooding conditions on October 8 and 9, 2005. As a basis for this request, the petitioner stated that evacuations would be impossible as a result of storm damage to existing evacuation routes for Vermont Yankee. The petition of October 11, 2005, raised immediate concerns regarding emergency evacuation planning for the States of Vermont and New Hampshire due to storm damage to existing evacuation routes through the city of Keene, town of Hinsdale, and other portions of New Hampshire. In a teleconference with the NRC, the Petitioner raised additional concerns regarding the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS/FEMA) and the State of New Hampshire’s plans for an evacuation if an event were to occur at Vermont Yankee simultaneously with a natural disaster. Specific concerns were raised regarding alternative assembly points and decontamination centers for people who would normally evacuate through potentially flooded areas. The Petitioner also requested assurance from the NRC that contingency evacuation plans are in place. The NRC sent a copy of the proposed Director’s Decision to the Petitioner and to the licensee for comment on December 7, 2005 (Accession No. ML053140204). The NRC staff did not receive any comments on the proposed Director’s Decision. The Director of the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation has determined that, The Petitioner’s emergency request of October 11, 2005, to shut down or derate Vermont Yankee was denied. The reasons for this decision are explained in the director’s decision pursuant to 10 CFR 2.206 (DD–06–02), the complete E:\FR\FM\10MRN1.SGM 10MRN1

Agencies

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 47 (Friday, March 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 12402-12403]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-3374]


=======================================================================
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

[Notice 06-016]


National Environmental Policy Act; Mars Science Laboratory 
Mission

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
and to conduct scoping for the Mars Science Laboratory mission.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), the Council on Environmental 
Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of 
NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and NASA policy and procedures (14 CFR 
part 1216 subpart 1216.3), NASA intends to conduct scoping and prepare 
an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Mars Science Laboratory 
(MSL) mission. The purpose of this proposed mission would be to place a 
mobile science laboratory (rover) on the surface of Mars to assess the 
biological potential of at least one target environment, characterize 
the geology of the landing region, investigate planetary processes of 
relevance to past habitability, including the role of water, and 
characterize the broad spectrum of the surface radiation environment.
    The proposed MSL mission is currently planned for launch during 
September or October 2009 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 
(CCAFS), Florida, onboard an expendable launch vehicle from either the 
Atlas V or Delta IV class of vehicles. The baseline mission plan would 
include the use of one multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric 
generator (MMRTG) for rover electrical power and could use several 
radioisotope heater units (RHUs) for thermal control of critical rover 
components while on the surface of Mars. Some science instruments may 
require the use of very small quantities of radioactive material for 
instrument calibration or for the conduct of an experiment. 
Environmental impacts to be considered in the EIS are those impacts 
associated with a normal launch from CCAFS, and radiological and non-
radiological risks associated with a launch accident.

DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit comments on 
environmental concerns in writing on or before April 24, 2006 to assure 
full consideration during the scoping process.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Mark R. Dahl, 
Solar System Division, Science Mission Directorate, Mail Suite 3X63, 
NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001. While hard copy comments 
are preferred, comments by electronic mail may be sent to 
mep.nepa@hq.nasa.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark R. Dahl, by telephone at 202-358-
4800 or by electronic mail at mep.nepa@hq.nasa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NASA seeks to continue scientific 
investigations of Mars with a long-term landed mission to explore the 
planet's surface. On April 12, 2005, in the Federal Register (70 FR 
19102), NASA published the Notice of Availability for Final 
Programmatic EIS (PEIS) for the Mars Exploration Program (MEP). The 
Record of Decision (ROD) for the MEP PEIS was signed on June 22, 2005, 
enabling continued planning for the MEP, which represents NASA's 
overall plans for the robotic exploration of Mars through 2020. The 
PEIS for the MEP encompasses the launch of at least one spacecraft to 
Mars during each favorable launch opportunity, which occurs 
approximately every 26 months, including the MSL mission currently 
proposed for the 2009 launch opportunity. The MSL EIS will focus on 
reasonable alternatives to implement the purpose and need of the MSL 
mission and the potential environmental impacts associated with each.
    It is anticipated that the electrical requirements of the landed 
mission would require a radioisotope power source. This mission is 
proposing to use a single MMRTG to provide adequate power to operate 
the rover. As currently envisioned, some of the waste heat from the 
MMRTG could be used for temperature control of the rover electronics, 
science instruments, and other sensitive components. This waste heat 
may need to be supplemented with several RHUs.
    Alternatives to the Proposed Action addressed in this EIS will 
include, but are not limited to, (1) the use of alternative sources of 
on-board power and heat (including solar energy); and (2) the No Action 
Alternative.
    Building on the success of the two rovers that arrived at Mars in 
January 2004, NASA's proposed MSL mission is being planned for travel 
to Mars before the end of the decade. Larger than the Mars Exploration 
Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, the Mars Science Laboratory would 
analyze martian soil samples and rock cores for organic compounds and 
environmental conditions that could support microbial life now or in 
the past. The mission is anticipated to have international 
participation, including the Russian Federal Space Agency, the Spanish 
Ministry of Education and Science, the Canadian Space Agency, and the 
French Space Agency.
    Mars Science Laboratory is intended to use a guided landing 
technique, steering itself toward the martian surface. As currently 
envisioned, in the final minutes before touchdown, the spacecraft would 
activate its parachute and retro rockets before lowering the rover 
package to the surface on a tether. This landing method would enable 
the rover to land in an area 20 kilometers (12 miles) in diameter, 
three to five times smaller than previous landing zones on Mars.
    Like the Spirit and Opportunity rovers now on the surface of Mars, 
MSL would have six wheels and cameras mounted on a mast. MSL would have 
additional capability to collect and crush rock and soil samples and 
distribute them to on-board test chambers for detailed chemical 
analysis. Its design would include a suite of scientific instruments 
for identifying organic compounds such as proteins, amino acids, and 
other acids and bases that form complex carbon compounds and are 
essential to life as we know it. It could also identify features such 
as atmospheric gases that

[[Page 12403]]

may be associated with biological activity.
    Using these tools, MSL would examine martian rocks and soils in 
greater detail than ever before to determine the geologic processes 
that formed them; study the martian atmosphere; and determine the 
distribution and circulation of water and carbon dioxide, whether 
frozen, liquid, or gaseous.
    NASA plans to select a landing site on the basis of highly detailed 
images sent to Earth by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter beginning in 
the fall of 2006, in addition to data from earlier missions.
    The MSL EIS will address the purpose and need for the proposed MSL 
mission in detail and the environmental impacts associated with its 
implementation. The environmental impacts of this mission are 
anticipated to be those associated with the normal launch of the 
mission. Potential consequences of accident situations will also be 
addressed. Environmental issues to be addressed will include, but not 
necessarily be limited to air quality, radiological effects, water 
quality, and flora and fauna.
    Written public input and comments on alternatives and potential 
environmental impacts and concerns associated with the proposed Mars 
Science Laboratory mission are hereby requested.

Olga M. Dominguez,
Acting Assistant Administrator for Infrastructure and Administration.
[FR Doc. E6-3374 Filed 3-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7510-13-P

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