Notice of Availability of the Draft Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Operation of Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 38638-38640 [06-6055]

Download as PDF 38638 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 130 / Friday, July 7, 2006 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. RP06–332–000] [Docket Nos. ER00–2268–003, ER00–2268– 005, ER00–2268–006, ER00–2268–007, ER00–2268–008, ER00–2268–010, ER00– 2268–012, ER00–2268–013, ER00–2268–015, EL05–10–002, EL05–10–004, EL05–10–006, ER99–4124–001, ER99–4124–003, ER99– 4124–004, ER99–4124–005, ER99–4124–006, ER99–4124–008, ER99–4124–010, ER99– 4124–011, ER99–4124–013, EL05–11–002, EL05–11–004, EL05–11–006, ER00–3312– 002, ER00–3312–004, ER00–3312–005, ER00–3312–006, ER00–3312–007, ER00– 3312–009, ER00–3312–011, ER00–3312–012, ER00–3312–014, EL05–12–002, EL05–12– 004, EL05–12–006, ER99–4122–004, ER99– 4122–006, ER99–4122–007, ER99–4122–008, ER99–4122–009, ER99–4122–011, ER99– 4122–013, ER99–4122–014, ER99–4122–016, EL05–13–002, EL05–13–004, and EL05–13– 006] [Docket No. PF06–11–000] Northern Natural Gas Company; Notice of Technical Conference June 28, 2006. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will convene a technical conference regarding Northern Natural Gas Company’s proposal to adjust the boundary of its Operational Zones ABC and EF to the Iowa/Minnesota border in order to provide that delivery points in northern Iowa currently located in Operational Zone EF be moved to Operational Zone ABC, and delivery points in southwestern Minnesota currently located in Operational Zone ABC be moved to Operational Zone EF, pursuant to the Commission Order issued on May 26, 2006.1 The conference will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at 10 a.m. eastern time at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Commission Hearing Room #2, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20426. FERC conferences are accessible under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please send an e-mail to accessibility@ferc.gov or call toll free 1–866–208–3372 (voice) or 202–208– 1659 (TTY); or send a fax to 202–208– 2106 with the required accommodations. The conference is open for the public to attend, and registration is not required. For more information about the conference, please contact Alicia Cobb at (202) 502–6237 or at alicia.cobb@ferc.gov. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–10616 Filed 7–6–06; 8:45 am] cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES BILLING CODE 6717–01–P Pinnacle West Capital Corporation, Arizona Public Service Company, Pinnacle West Energy Corporation, APS Energy Services Company, Inc.; Notice of Technical Conference June 28, 2006. As announced in an order issued on June 2, 2006, the Commission staff will hold a technical conference to address mitigation issues in these proceedings.1 This technical conference will be held on July 10, 2006, in the Commission Meeting room at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE., Washington, DC, from approximately 8:30 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. (e.s.t.). Federal Energy Regulatory Commission conferences are accessible under section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. For accessibility accommodations please send an e-mail to accessibility@ferc.gov or call toll free (866) 208–3372 (voice) or 202–208–1659 (TTY), or send a fax to 202–208–2106 with the required accommodations. All interested parties and staff are permitted to attend the technical conference. For additional information regarding the meeting, please contact Cynthia Henry at Cynthia.Henry@ferc.gov no later than noon (EST) Friday, July 7, 2006. Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–10617 Filed 7–6–06; 8:45 am] Quoddy Bay, LLC; Notice of Site Visit for the Proposed Quoddy Bay LNG Project June 29, 2006. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) is issuing this notice to announce the date and location of a site visit on the proposed Quoddy Bay LNG Project. The Commission staff will be preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the project in Washington County, Maine. The proposed facilities include a liquified natural gas (LNG) import terminal, a LNG storage facility, dual cryogenic pipelines between the terminal and storage facility, and an associated 35-mile-long natural gas sendout pipeline. The EIS will be used by the Commission in its decisionmaking process to determine whether the project is in the public convenience and necessity. You are invited to attend the site visit. The site visit will be held on Thursday, July 13, 2006. Anyone interested in participating in the site visit should meet at 9 a.m. (EST) in Quoddy Bay, LLC’s parking lot on Route 190, at 95 County Road, Perry, Maine 04667. Participants must provide their own transportation, although transportation may be provided to the location of the LNG storage facility. This event is posted on the Commission’s calendar located at https:// www.ferc.gov/EventCalendar/ EventsList.aspx along with other related information. For additional information, please contact the Commission’s Office of External Affairs at (202) 502–8004 or 1–866–208–FERC (3372). Magalie R. Salas, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6–10612 Filed 7–6–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY National Nuclear Security Administration Notice of Availability of the Draft SiteWide Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Operation of Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM BILLING CODE 6717–01–P U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). AGENCY: 1 Northern Natural Gas Company, 115 FERC ¶ 61,254 (2006). VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:46 Jul 06, 2006 Jkt 208001 1 Pinnacle West Capital Corp., 115 FERC ¶ 61,292 (2006). PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 130 / Friday, July 7, 2006 / Notices Notice of availability and public hearings. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: NNSA announces the availability of the Draft Site-wide Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Operation of Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico (LANL Draft SWEIS) (DOE/EIS– 0380), and the dates and locations for the public hearings to receive comments on the Draft LANL SWEIS. The Draft LANL SWEIS was prepared in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508) and the DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures (10 CFR part 1021). The Draft LANL SWEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts associated with continuing ongoing Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) operations and foreseeable new and modified operations and facilities. The Draft LANL SWEIS analyzes the No Action Alternative and two action alternatives: a Reduced Operations Alternative and an Expanded Operations Alternative. The No Action Alternative would continue currently assigned operations at LANL in support of DOE and NNSA missions. The Reduced Operation Alternative also includes most operations discussed under the No Action Alternative with reductions to certain LANL activities below the No Action Alternative level. The Expanded Operations Alternative includes operations discussed under the No Action Alternative plus new and expanded levels of operations in support of reasonably foreseeable future mission requirements. DATES: The NNSA invites members of Congress, American Indian Tribal Governments, state and local governments, other Federal agencies, and the general public to provide comments on the Draft LANL SWEIS. The comment period extends from the publication of this Notice of Availability through September 5, 2006. Written comments must be received or postmarked by September 5, 2006. Comments postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent practicable. The NNSA will consider the comments in the preparation of the Final LANL SWEIS. Public hearings to present information and receive comments on the Draft LANL SWEIS will be held at three locations. This information will also be published in local New Mexico newspapers in advance of the hearings. Any necessary changes will be announced in the local media and on the web site noted in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Oral VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:46 Jul 06, 2006 Jkt 208001 and written comments will be accepted at the public hearings. The locations, dates, and times for these public hearings are as follows: Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fuller Lodge, Pajarito Room, 2132 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM. Wednesday, August 9, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Northern New Mexico Community College, Eagle Memorial Sportsplex, 921 Paseo de Onate, Espa±ola, NM. Thursday, August 10, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Santa Fe Community College, Main Building, Jemez Rooms, 6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM. The following Web site may be accessed for additional information: https://www.doeal.gov/laso/nepa/ sweis.htm. For information or to record comments call 1–877–491–4957 ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft LANL SWEIS are available for review at: The Los Alamos Outreach Center, 1619 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87544; the Office of the Northern New Mexico Citizens Advisory Board, 1660 Old Pecos Trail, Suite B, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the Zimmerman Library, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131. The Draft SWEIS will also be available on the Department of Energy Los Alamos Site Office’s LASO NEPA website at: https://www.doeal.gov/laso/ nepa/sweis.htm. Additionally, a copy of the Draft LANL SWEIS or its Summary may be obtained upon request by writing to: U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Los Alamos Site Office, Attn: Ms. Elizabeth Withers, Office of Environmental Stewardship, 528 35th Street, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87544; or by facsimile ((505) 667–5948); or by e-mail at: LANL_SWEIS@doeal.gov. Specific information regarding the public hearings can also be obtained by the means described above. Comments concerning the Draft LANL SWEIS can be submitted to the NNSA Los Alamos Site Office by the means described above or by leaving a message on the LASO EIS Hotline at (toll free) 1–877– 491–4957. The Hotline will have instructions on how to record comments. Please mark all envelopes, faxes and e-mail: ‘‘Draft LANL SWEIS Comments’’. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information on NNSA NEPA process, please contact: Ms. Alice Williams, NA–56, NEPA Compliance Officer for Defense Programs, U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38639 Washington, DC 20585, or telephone 202–586–6847, or Ms. Elizabeth Withers, NEPA Compliance Officer, U.S. Department of Energy, Los Alamos Site Office, 528 35th Street, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87004, or telephone 505– 845–4984. For general information about the DOE NEPA process, please contact: Ms. Carol Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance (EH–42), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586–4600, or leave a message at 1–800–472–2756. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary purpose and need for continued operation of LANL is to provide support for DOE and NNSA core missions as directed by Congress and the President. NNSA’s need to continue operating LANL is focused on their obligation to ensure a safe and reliable nuclear weapons stockpile. LANL is also needed to support other Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. The Draft LANL SWEIS analyzes the environmental impacts of operations at LANL. LANL is located in north-central New Mexico and covers an area of about 40 square miles (104 square kilometers). LANL was established in 1943 as ‘‘Project Y’’ of the Manhattan Project with a single-focused national defense mission—to build the world’s first nuclear weapon. After World War II ended, Project Y was designated a permanent research and development laboratory and its mission support work was expended from defense and related research and development to incorporate a wide variety of new work assignments in support of other Federal Government and civilian programs. LANL is now a multi-disciplinary, multipurpose institution engaged in theoretical and experimental research and development. DOE issued a Final SWEIS and Record of Decision in 1999 for the continued operation of LANL. DOE regulations implementing NEPA require the evaluation of site-wide NEPA analyses every five years to determine their continued applicability; such a five-year evaluation was initiated for the 1999 SWEIS in 2004, and NNSA subsequently made a determination to prepare a new SWEIS for LANL operations. Decisions regarding LANL operations that will be based upon impact information contained within this SWEIS will replace previous decisions announced through the 1999 ROD for LANL operations. The alternatives evaluated in the Draft LANL SWEIS represent a range of operational levels ranging from the E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1 38640 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 130 / Friday, July 7, 2006 / Notices minimal reasonable activity levels (Reduced Operations Alternative), to the highest reasonable activity levels that could be supported by current facilities, plus the potential expansion and construction of new facilities for existing capabilities and for specifically identified future actions (Expanded Operations Alternative). The No Action Alternative would continue current mission support work at LANL and includes approved interim actions and facility construction, expansions or modifications, and decontamination and decommissioning for which NEPA impact analysis has already been completed. All alternatives assume LANL will continue to operate as a NNSA national security laboratory for the foreseeable future. Following the end of the public comment period described above, the NNSA will consider and respond to the comments received, and issue the Final LANL SWEIS. The NNSA will consider the environmental impact analysis presented in the Final LANL SWEIS, along with other information, in determining the Record of Decision for the continued operation of LANL. Signed in Washington, DC, this 26th day of May 2006. Thomas P. D’Agostino, Acting Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration. [FR Doc. 06–6055 Filed 7–6–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Western Area Power Administration Big Stone II Power Plant and Transmission Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/ EIS–0377) Western Area Power Administration, DOE. ACTION: Notice extending comment period. Written comments on the Draft EIS should be addressed to Ms. Nancy Werdel, NEPA Document Manager, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228–8213, fax (720) 962–7263 or 7269, or e-mail BigStoneEIS@wapa.gov. ADDRESSES: For further information or to request a copy or summary of the Draft EIS, contact Ms. Nancy Werdel, NEPA Document Manager, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228–8213, (800) 336– 7288, fax (720) 962–7263 or 7269, or email BigStoneEIS@wapa.gov. For general information on DOE’s NEPA review process, contact: Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, EH–42, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, D.C. 20585, (202) 586–4600 or (800) 472– 2756. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: On May 23, 2006, Western published a notice in the Federal Register (71 FR 29617) announcing the availability of the Draft EIS and a schedule for public hearings. The Environmental Protection Agency published its notice of availability of the Draft EIS (EPA EIS No. 20060178) on May 19, 2006 (71 FR 29148), that began a 45-day comment period, ending July 3, 2006. Based on requests received from agencies and members of the public, Western is extending the comment period until July 24, 2006. Further information on this proceeding is contained in the DOE Notice of Availability previously referenced. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: June 28, 2006. Michael S. Hacskaylo, Administrator. [FR Doc. E6–10656 Filed 7–6–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P AGENCY: The Western Area Power Administration (Western), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Upper Great Plains Customer Service Region, and the Rural Utilities Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (U.S. Department of Defense) as cooperating agencies, announce the extension of the public comment period for the Big Stone II Power Plant and Transmission Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). DATES: The comment period on the Draft EIS is extended until July 24, 2006. SUMMARY: cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:46 Jul 06, 2006 Jkt 208001 [ER–FRL–6677–1] Environmental Impact Statements and Regulations; Availability of EPA Comments Availability of EPA comments prepared pursuant to the Environmental Review Process (ERP), under section 309 of the Clean Air Act and Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act as amended. Requests for copies of EPA comments can be directed to the Office of Federal Activities at 202–564–7167. An explanation of the ratings assigned to draft environmental PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 impact statements (EISs) was published in FR dated April 7, 2006 (71 FR 17845). Draft EISs EIS No. 20060125, ERP No. D–FRC– L05235–WA, Baker River Hydroelectric Project, Application to Relicense the Upper Baker and Lower Baker Developments, Mt. BakerSnoqualmie National Forest, Baker River, Whatcom and Skagit Counties, WA. Summary: Although EPA had no objections to the proposed project, EPA recommended that updated information be provided in the final EIS on the CWA 401 water quality certification. Rating LO. EIS No. 20060160, ERP No. D–BPA– L08064–OR, Klondike III Wind Project (300 megawatts {MWb) and Biglow Canyon Wind Farm (400 megawatts {MWb) Integration Project, Construction and Operation of a Double-Circuit 230-Kilovolt (kV) Transmission, Sherman County, OR. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concern about wetland impacts and requested additional information on tribal consultations and outcomes, and extent of public involvement in the project planning. Rating EC1. EIS No. 20060163, ERP No. DB–COE– K36100–CA, American River Watershed Project, Post Authorization Decision Document, Folsom Dam Raise, Folsom Bridge Project, Propose to Construct a Permanent Bridge and Roadway across the American River, City of Folsom, Sacramento County, CA. Summary: EPA expressed environmental concerns about impacts to air quality and requested additional information related to mitigation and partnerships with local transportation agencies to reduce the traffic impacts in the area. Rating EC2. Final EISs EIS No. 20060145, ERP No. F–COE– D35060–PA, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers Commercial Sand and Gravel Dredging Operations, Granting and Extending Permits for Continuance of Dredging and US Army COE Section 10 and 404 Permits Issuance, PA. Summary: EPA continues to express environmental concerns about shallow river bottom impacts and CWA Section 404 issues. EPA requested the adoption of an adaptative management process, additional conceptual mitigation, and permit restrictions. EIS No. 20060169, ERP No. F–FRC– C03015–00, Crown Landing Liquefied E:\FR\FM\07JYN1.SGM 07JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 130 (Friday, July 7, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38638-38640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-6055]


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

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

National Nuclear Security Administration


Notice of Availability of the Draft Site-Wide Environmental 
Impact Statement for Continued Operation of Los Alamos National 
Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security 
Administration (NNSA).

[[Page 38639]]


ACTION: Notice of availability and public hearings.

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

SUMMARY: NNSA announces the availability of the Draft Site-wide 
Environmental Impact Statement for Continued Operation of Los Alamos 
National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico (LANL Draft SWEIS) (DOE/
EIS-0380), and the dates and locations for the public hearings to 
receive comments on the Draft LANL SWEIS. The Draft LANL SWEIS was 
prepared in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality's 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Regulations (40 
CFR parts 1500-1508) and the DOE NEPA Implementing Procedures (10 CFR 
part 1021). The Draft LANL SWEIS analyzes the potential environmental 
impacts associated with continuing ongoing Los Alamos National 
Laboratory (LANL) operations and foreseeable new and modified 
operations and facilities. The Draft LANL SWEIS analyzes the No Action 
Alternative and two action alternatives: a Reduced Operations 
Alternative and an Expanded Operations Alternative. The No Action 
Alternative would continue currently assigned operations at LANL in 
support of DOE and NNSA missions. The Reduced Operation Alternative 
also includes most operations discussed under the No Action Alternative 
with reductions to certain LANL activities below the No Action 
Alternative level. The Expanded Operations Alternative includes 
operations discussed under the No Action Alternative plus new and 
expanded levels of operations in support of reasonably foreseeable 
future mission requirements.

DATES: The NNSA invites members of Congress, American Indian Tribal 
Governments, state and local governments, other Federal agencies, and 
the general public to provide comments on the Draft LANL SWEIS. The 
comment period extends from the publication of this Notice of 
Availability through September 5, 2006. Written comments must be 
received or postmarked by September 5, 2006. Comments postmarked after 
this date will be considered to the extent practicable. The NNSA will 
consider the comments in the preparation of the Final LANL SWEIS. 
Public hearings to present information and receive comments on the 
Draft LANL SWEIS will be held at three locations. This information will 
also be published in local New Mexico newspapers in advance of the 
hearings. Any necessary changes will be announced in the local media 
and on the web site noted in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Oral 
and written comments will be accepted at the public hearings. The 
locations, dates, and times for these public hearings are as follows:

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fuller Lodge, 
Pajarito Room, 2132 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM.
Wednesday, August 9, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Northern New 
Mexico Community College, Eagle Memorial Sportsplex, 921 Paseo de 
Onate, Espaola, NM.
Thursday, August 10, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Santa Fe 
Community College, Main Building, Jemez Rooms, 6401 Richards Avenue, 
Santa Fe, NM.
    The following Web site may be accessed for additional information: 
https://www.doeal.gov/laso/nepa/sweis.htm. For information or to record 
comments call 1-877-491-4957

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Draft LANL SWEIS are available for review at: 
The Los Alamos Outreach Center, 1619 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, New 
Mexico, 87544; the Office of the Northern New Mexico Citizens Advisory 
Board, 1660 Old Pecos Trail, Suite B, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and the 
Zimmerman Library, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 
87131. The Draft SWEIS will also be available on the Department of 
Energy Los Alamos Site Office's LASO NEPA website at: https://
www.doeal.gov/laso/nepa/sweis.htm. Additionally, a copy of the Draft 
LANL SWEIS or its Summary may be obtained upon request by writing to: 
U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, 
Los Alamos Site Office, Attn: Ms. Elizabeth Withers, Office of 
Environmental Stewardship, 528 35th Street, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 
87544; or by facsimile ((505) 667-5948); or by e-mail at: LANL--
SWEIS@doeal.gov.
    Specific information regarding the public hearings can also be 
obtained by the means described above. Comments concerning the Draft 
LANL SWEIS can be submitted to the NNSA Los Alamos Site Office by the 
means described above or by leaving a message on the LASO EIS Hotline 
at (toll free) 1-877-491-4957. The Hotline will have instructions on 
how to record comments. Please mark all envelopes, faxes and e-mail: 
``Draft LANL SWEIS Comments''.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information on NNSA NEPA 
process, please contact: Ms. Alice Williams, NA-56, NEPA Compliance 
Officer for Defense Programs, U.S. Department of Energy, National 
Nuclear Security Administration, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20585, or telephone 202-586-6847, or Ms. Elizabeth 
Withers, NEPA Compliance Officer, U.S. Department of Energy, Los Alamos 
Site Office, 528 35th Street, Los Alamos, New Mexico, 87004, or 
telephone 505-845-4984. For general information about the DOE NEPA 
process, please contact: Ms. Carol Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA 
Policy and Compliance (EH-42), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585, (202) 586-4600, or 
leave a message at 1-800-472-2756.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The primary purpose and need for continued 
operation of LANL is to provide support for DOE and NNSA core missions 
as directed by Congress and the President. NNSA's need to continue 
operating LANL is focused on their obligation to ensure a safe and 
reliable nuclear weapons stockpile. LANL is also needed to support 
other Federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. 
The Draft LANL SWEIS analyzes the environmental impacts of operations 
at LANL.
    LANL is located in north-central New Mexico and covers an area of 
about 40 square miles (104 square kilometers). LANL was established in 
1943 as ``Project Y'' of the Manhattan Project with a single-focused 
national defense mission--to build the world's first nuclear weapon. 
After World War II ended, Project Y was designated a permanent research 
and development laboratory and its mission support work was expended 
from defense and related research and development to incorporate a wide 
variety of new work assignments in support of other Federal Government 
and civilian programs. LANL is now a multi-disciplinary, multipurpose 
institution engaged in theoretical and experimental research and 
development.
    DOE issued a Final SWEIS and Record of Decision in 1999 for the 
continued operation of LANL. DOE regulations implementing NEPA require 
the evaluation of site-wide NEPA analyses every five years to determine 
their continued applicability; such a five-year evaluation was 
initiated for the 1999 SWEIS in 2004, and NNSA subsequently made a 
determination to prepare a new SWEIS for LANL operations. Decisions 
regarding LANL operations that will be based upon impact information 
contained within this SWEIS will replace previous decisions announced 
through the 1999 ROD for LANL operations.
    The alternatives evaluated in the Draft LANL SWEIS represent a 
range of operational levels ranging from the

[[Page 38640]]

minimal reasonable activity levels (Reduced Operations Alternative), to 
the highest reasonable activity levels that could be supported by 
current facilities, plus the potential expansion and construction of 
new facilities for existing capabilities and for specifically 
identified future actions (Expanded Operations Alternative). The No 
Action Alternative would continue current mission support work at LANL 
and includes approved interim actions and facility construction, 
expansions or modifications, and decontamination and decommissioning 
for which NEPA impact analysis has already been completed. All 
alternatives assume LANL will continue to operate as a NNSA national 
security laboratory for the foreseeable future.
    Following the end of the public comment period described above, the 
NNSA will consider and respond to the comments received, and issue the 
Final LANL SWEIS. The NNSA will consider the environmental impact 
analysis presented in the Final LANL SWEIS, along with other 
information, in determining the Record of Decision for the continued 
operation of LANL.

    Signed in Washington, DC, this 26th day of May 2006.
Thomas P. D'Agostino,
Acting Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 06-6055 Filed 7-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P

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