Aerial Application of Fire Retardant Environmental Assessment, in Accordance With the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (47 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), 42797-42798 [E6-12115]

Download as PDF rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 145 / Friday, July 28, 2006 / Notices or listing the additional amounts requested by dairy article, supplying country and amount requested, in descending order of preference. The estimated total annual burden of 426 hours in the OMB inventory for the currently approved information collection will be decreased by 135 hours to 291 hours. The estimated public reporting burden for this collection of currently approved FAS 923, FAS 923–A and 923–B (one form) (rev. 7–96) is estimated to average 270 hours; and FAS 924–A and FAS 924–B (one form) is 21 hours. The estimated decrease in burden hours is based on the agency’s new online program, the Dairy Accelerated Importer Retrieval and Information Exchange System (DAIRIES). Estimate of burden: The average burden, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering data needed, completing forms, and record keeping is estimated at .50 hour for form FAS 923, 923–A, 923–B (rev. 7–96) and .15 hour for form 924–A, 924–B. Respondents: Importers and manufacturers of cheese and non-cheese dairy products, and exporters of noncheese dairy products. Estimated number of respondents: 540 for form FAS 923, 923–A, 923–B (rev. 7–96) and 140 for form 924–A, 924–B (rev. 7–96). Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1 Estimated Total Annual Burden: 291 hours. Requests for Comments: Send comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may b sent to Bettyann Gonzales, Dairy Import Specialist, Stop 1021, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250–1021, or telephone (202) 720–1344 or e-mail gonzalesb@fas.usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:47 Jul 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 and TDD). All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments also will become a matter of public record. FAS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA), which requires Government agencies, in general, to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. Electronic submission of the information collection was implemented September 2005 in compliance with the GPEA. Signed at Washington, DC on July 20, 2006. Michael W. Yost, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. 06–6526 Filed 7–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Aerial Application of Fire Retardant Environmental Assessment, in Accordance With the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (47 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) Forest Service, USDA. Notice of proposed action to conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment; request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment on the continued nationwide aerial application of fire retardant for fire suppression. The responsible official for this action is Dale Bosworth, Chief of the Forest Service. The Forest Service invites comments at this time on the proposed action. DATES: Comments must be received, in writing, on or before August 28, 2006. ADDRESSES: The scoping letter and other information related to the proposed action are available at https:// www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/. Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed to USFS Fire Retardant EA, c/o The Content Analysis Group, P.O. Box 2000, Bountiful, UT 84001–2000. Comments may also be sent electronically to fireas@contentanalysisgroup.com, or via facsimile to 801–397–2601. Please prepare electronic files in either rich text format (.rft) or as a Microsoft Word document (.doc). All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42797 inspection and copying. The public may electronically inspect comments received and should call 801–517–1037 to obtain Web site address and a password. The public may also inspect comments hardcopy at the USDA Forest Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 801– 517–1037 to facilitate entry to the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact Chris Wehrli, interdisciplinary team leader, at 202– 205–1332. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Forest Service will conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment to determine whether the continued nationwide aerial application of fire retardant to fight fires would result in any significant environmental impacts. It is important that those interested in this proposed action participate at this time. To be most helpful, comments should be as specific as possible. Written comments provide a record of concerns and will be considered to conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment. The Forest Service is seeking information, comments, and assistance from federal, state, and local agencies, tribes, and other individuals or organizations that might be interested in or affected by the proposal. After completing a detailed environmental analysis and a review and response to the public comments received on the proposed action, the Forest Service will prepare an environmental assessment and a Decision Notice that will be signed by the Chief of the Forest Service. The Forest Service is working to restore fire-adapted ecosystems through prescribed fire, other fuel treatments and wildland-fire use. However, in some circumstances, fire must be suppressed. For example, fires might need to be suppressed to protect and preserve natural resources, critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, and protect life and property. Fire retardant is one of the tools used to suppress fires. The Forest Service is taking two mitigation measures to lessen the impact of fire retardant on the environment. First, after the 2006 fire E:\FR\FM\28JYN1.SGM 28JYN1 42798 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 145 / Friday, July 28, 2006 / Notices season, the Forest Service will no longer purchase or use fire retardants that contain sodium ferrocyanide because, under certain conditions, it poses greater toxicity to aquatic species and aquatic environments than retardant solutions that do not contain this ingredient. Second, the Forest Service prohibits the aerial application of fire retardant within 300 feet of waterways visible to pilots, with certain limited exceptions. See the Guidelines for Aerial Application of Retardants and Foams in Aquatic Environments (April 20, 2000) at https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/ fire/retardants/current/gen/ appguide.htm for more details. The Forest Service proposes to analyze at a nationwide scale the environmental effects of the continued aerial application of fire retardants. In preparing an environmental assessment, the Forest Service will determine whether there are significant effects on the human environment. If there are significant effects, the Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement. If the Forest Service determines that there are no significant effects, the Forest Service will issue a finding of no significant impact. The Forest Service seeks comments at this time on this proposal. The Forest Service has previously consulted with the Fish and Wildlife Service and with the National Marine Fisheries Service in developing the Guidelines for Aerial Application of Retardants and Foams referenced above. The Forest Service will consult with the above agencies when conducting the environmental analysis and preparing an environmental assessment on the proposed action. Dated: July 21, 2006, Dale N. Bosworth, Chief, Forest Service. [FR Doc. E6–12115 Filed 7–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Hoosier National Forest, IN; German Ridge Restoration Project Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare a supplement to an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, Hoosier National Forest intends to prepare a supplement to an environmental impact statement (EIS) that discloses the environmental consequences of a vegetation restoration VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:47 Jul 27, 2006 Jkt 208001 project. In the supplement to the EIS, the USDA Forest Service will bring the document and the project into compliance with the Forest Plan that has come into effect since the previous documents were prepared and will make improvements to the cumulative effects sections. The EIS addresses potential environmental impacts of replacing pine plantations in the German Ridge area of Perry County, Indiana with native hardwood communities. The Draft supplement to the environmental impact statement is expected in September 2006, and the final supplement to the environmental impact statement is expected in December 2006. DATES: Send written comments to Kenneth Day, Forest Supervisor; Hoosier National Forest; 811 Constitution Avenue; Bedford, IN 47421. Send electronic comments to r9_hoosier_website@fs.fed.us. ADDRESSES: Ron Ellis, NEPA Coordinator, Hoosier National Forest, USDA Forest Service; telephone: 812–275–5987. See address above. Copies of documents may be requested at the same address. Information concerning the project can also be obtained on the Forest Web page at http:/www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/ projects.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: On January 24,m 2oo6, Acting Forest Supervisor James L. Lowe singed a record of decision (ROD) and released the final EIS for the German Ridge Restoration Project. This EIS and ROD were appealed to the Regional. Forester for the Eastern Region of the Forest Service. The appellants raised numerous issues, including the adequacy of the cumulative effects analysis in the final EIS. The Regional Forester upheld the decision on most points but reversed the decision because of an incomplete analysis of cumulative effects for some resources. I have decided the public can be best served by preparing a Supplement to the EIS. This notice begins the public involvement processed for the Supplement. The proposed action, the purpose and need, the issues, and the alternatives remain unchanged from the January 2006 final, EIS. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Responsible Official Kenneth G. Day, Forest Supervisor; Hoosier National Forest; 811 Constitution Avenue; Bedford, Indiana 47421. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Nature of Decision To Be Made The decision to be made is whether or not to actively convert any or all of the 2,180 acres of pine plantations to native hardwood communities by harvesting and prescribed burning. Early Notice of Public Participation in Subsequent Environmental Review: A draft supplemental to the environmental impact statement will be prepared for comment. The comment period on the draft statement will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register. The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public participation in the environmental review process. First reviewers of draft environmental impact statements must structure their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer’s position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the draft supplemental environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final supplement to the environmental impact statement may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these court rulings, it is important that those interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 45-day comment period so that comments are made available to the Forest Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement. To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the proposed draft supplemental environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft statement (Authority 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 20). Dated July 18, 2006. Kenneth G. Day, Forest Supervisor, Hoosier National Forest. [FR Doc. 06–6561 Filed 7–27–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M E:\FR\FM\28JYN1.SGM 28JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 145 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42797-42798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12115]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Aerial Application of Fire Retardant Environmental Assessment, in 
Accordance With the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (47 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of proposed action to conduct an environmental analysis 
and prepare an environmental assessment; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to conduct an environmental 
analysis and prepare an environmental assessment on the continued 
nationwide aerial application of fire retardant for fire suppression. 
The responsible official for this action is Dale Bosworth, Chief of the 
Forest Service. The Forest Service invites comments at this time on the 
proposed action.

DATES: Comments must be received, in writing, on or before August 28, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: The scoping letter and other information related to the 
proposed action are available at https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/
index.html. Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed 
to USFS Fire Retardant EA, c/o The Content Analysis Group, P.O. Box 
2000, Bountiful, UT 84001-2000. Comments may also be sent 
electronically to fireas@contentanalysisgroup.com, or via facsimile to 
801-397-2601. Please prepare electronic files in either rich text 
format (.rft) or as a Microsoft Word document (.doc).
    All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are 
placed in the record and are available for public inspection and 
copying. The public may electronically inspect comments received and 
should call 801-517-1037 to obtain Web site address and a password. The 
public may also inspect comments hardcopy at the USDA Forest Service in 
Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 801-517-
1037 to facilitate entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact Chris Wehrli, 
interdisciplinary team leader, at 202-205-1332.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Forest Service will conduct an 
environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment to 
determine whether the continued nationwide aerial application of fire 
retardant to fight fires would result in any significant environmental 
impacts.
    It is important that those interested in this proposed action 
participate at this time. To be most helpful, comments should be as 
specific as possible. Written comments provide a record of concerns and 
will be considered to conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an 
environmental assessment. The Forest Service is seeking information, 
comments, and assistance from federal, state, and local agencies, 
tribes, and other individuals or organizations that might be interested 
in or affected by the proposal.
    After completing a detailed environmental analysis and a review and 
response to the public comments received on the proposed action, the 
Forest Service will prepare an environmental assessment and a Decision 
Notice that will be signed by the Chief of the Forest Service.
    The Forest Service is working to restore fire-adapted ecosystems 
through prescribed fire, other fuel treatments and wildland-fire use. 
However, in some circumstances, fire must be suppressed. For example, 
fires might need to be suppressed to protect and preserve natural 
resources, critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, and 
protect life and property. Fire retardant is one of the tools used to 
suppress fires.
    The Forest Service is taking two mitigation measures to lessen the 
impact of fire retardant on the environment. First, after the 2006 fire

[[Page 42798]]

season, the Forest Service will no longer purchase or use fire 
retardants that contain sodium ferrocyanide because, under certain 
conditions, it poses greater toxicity to aquatic species and aquatic 
environments than retardant solutions that do not contain this 
ingredient. Second, the Forest Service prohibits the aerial application 
of fire retardant within 300 feet of waterways visible to pilots, with 
certain limited exceptions. See the Guidelines for Aerial Application 
of Retardants and Foams in Aquatic Environments (April 20, 2000) at 
https://www.fs.fed.us/rm/fire/retardants/current/gen/appguide.htm for 
more details.
    The Forest Service proposes to analyze at a nationwide scale the 
environmental effects of the continued aerial application of fire 
retardants. In preparing an environmental assessment, the Forest 
Service will determine whether there are significant effects on the 
human environment. If there are significant effects, the Forest Service 
will prepare an environmental impact statement. If the Forest Service 
determines that there are no significant effects, the Forest Service 
will issue a finding of no significant impact. The Forest Service seeks 
comments at this time on this proposal.
    The Forest Service has previously consulted with the Fish and 
Wildlife Service and with the National Marine Fisheries Service in 
developing the Guidelines for Aerial Application of Retardants and 
Foams referenced above. The Forest Service will consult with the above 
agencies when conducting the environmental analysis and preparing an 
environmental assessment on the proposed action.

     Dated: July 21, 2006,
Dale N. Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-12115 Filed 7-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P

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