Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California, 43410-43411 [E8-17112]

Download as PDF 43410 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 144 / Friday, July 25, 2008 / Notices Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Timothy Cardiasmenos, 978– 281–6204 or Timothy.Cardiasmenos@noaa.gov. ADDRESSES: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Northeast Region manages the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Northeastern United States through the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council prepared the FMP pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). The regulations implementing the FMP are specified at 50 CFR 648.70. The recordkeeping and reporting requirements at § 648.70 and § 648.74 form the basis for this collection of information. NMFS Northeast Region requests information from Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog individual transferable quota (ITQ) allocation holders in order to process and track requests from the allocation holders to transfer quota allocation to another entity. NMFS Northeast Region also requests information from Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog permit holders in order to track and properly account for Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog harvest that is shucked at-sea. Because there is not a standard conversion factor for estimating unshucked product from shucked product, NMFS requires vessels that choose to shuck product at-sea to carry on board the vessel a NMFS-approved observer to certify the amount of Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog harvested. This information, upon receipt, results in an increasingly more efficient and accurate database for management and monitoring of fisheries of the Northeastern U.S. EEZ. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES II. Method of Collection Paper applications are used to process requests. III. Data OMB Number: 0648–0240. Form Number: None. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:15 Jul 24, 2008 Jkt 214001 Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 205. Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes for the application to transfer quota, and 30 minutes for the application to shuck surfclams and ocean quahogs at-sea. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 45. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $219,765. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) 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 respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: July 22, 2008. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E8–17065 Filed 7–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XJ21 Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for letter of authorization; request for comments and information. AGENCY: SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 authorization for the take of marine mammals incidental to launching space launch vehicles, intercontinental ballistic and small missiles, and aircraft and helicopter operations at VAFB for the period of February 2009 through February 2014. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the USAF’s request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the USAF’s application and request. DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than August 25, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to P. Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 EastWest Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910–3225. The mailbox address for providing email comments is PR1.0648XJ21@noaa.gov. Comments sent via e-mail, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10– megabyte file size. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candace Nachman, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, (301) 713–2289, ext. 156. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Availability A copy of the USAF’s application may be obtained by writing to the address specified above (see ADDRESSES), telephoning the contact listed above (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the internet at: https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/ incidental.htm#applications. Background Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request, the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial fishing) if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if the taking is limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization is provided to the public for review. Authorization for incidental takings may be granted if NMFS finds that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence uses, and that the permissible methods of taking and E:\FR\FM\25JYN1.SGM 25JYN1 43411 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 144 / Friday, July 25, 2008 / Notices requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of such taking are set forth. NMFS has defined ‘‘negligible impact’’ in 50 CFR 216.103 as: an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of recruitment or survival. With respect to military readiness activities, the MMPA defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: (i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment]. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Summary of Request On March 21, 2008, NMFS received an application from the USAF requesting authorization for the take of four species of marine mammals incidental to space vehicle and test flight activities from VAFB, which would impact pinnipeds on VAFB and the Northern Channel Islands, over the course of 5 years. These training activities are classified as military readiness activities. Marine mammals may be exposed to continuous noise due mostly to combustion effects of aircraft and launch vehicles and impulsive noise due to sonic boom effects. The USAF requests authorization to take four pinniped species by Level B Harassment. Specified Activities There are currently six active space launch vehicle facilities at VAFB used to launch satellites into polar orbit. These facilities support the launch programs for space vehicles, including the Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon, Minotaur, and Taurus. There are also a variety of small missiles launched from North VAFB, including the Minuteman III and several types of interceptor and target vehicles for the Missile Defense Agency program. The VAFB runway, located on north VAFB, supports various aircraft operations. A full description of the activities to be conducted by the USAF at VAFB, including descriptions of the different space vehicles and missiles, are described in the USAF’s application. Information Solicited Interested persons may submit information, suggestions, and comments concerning the USAF’s request (see ADDRESSES). All information, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:15 Jul 24, 2008 Jkt 214001 suggestions, and comments related to the USAF’s request and NMFS’ potential development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals by the USAF on and around VAFB will be considered by NMFS in developing, if appropriate, regulations governing the issuance of letters of authorization. Dated: July 21, 2008. Helen M. Golde, Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–17112 Filed 7–24–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of Secretary [Docket ID: DoD–2008–OS–0082] Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records National Security Agency/ Central Security Service, DoD. ACTION: Notice to Amend System of Records. AGENCY: The National Security Agency/Central Security Service is proposing to amend an exempt system of records in its existing inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended. DATES: This proposed action would be effective without further notice on August 25, 2008 unless comments are received which result in a contrary determination. SUMMARY: Send comments to the National Security Agency/Central Security Service, Office of Policy, 9800 Savage Road, Suite 6248, Ft. George G. Meade, MD 20755–6248. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Anne Hill at (301) 688–6527. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Security Agency’s record system notices for records systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, have been published in the Federal Register and are available from the address above. The specific changes to the record system being amended are set forth below followed by the notice, as amended, published in its entirety. The proposed amendment is not within the purview of subsection (r) of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, which requires the submission of a new or altered system report. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: July 17, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. GNSA 07 SYSTEM NAME: NSA/CSS Motor Vehicles and Carpools (February 22, 1993, 58 FR 10531). CHANGES: * * * * * CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: Delete entry and replace with ‘‘Records of individuals who have registered a vehicle to include parking permit information, decal data, and insurance information. Applications may contain such information as name, Social Security Number (SSN), employee identification number, home address, home phone number, Driver’s license information, and vehicle identification number. File also contains motor vehicle violation reports, stolen vehicle reports, and other forms and correspondence related to parking privileges, transportation needs, parking enforcement procedures, vehicle abuse and other related matters.’’ AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: Delete entry and replace with ‘‘40 U.S.C. 1315; National Security Agency Act of 1959, Pub. L. No. 86–36, § 11 (codified as amendment in 50 U.S.C. 402 note); 32 CFR parts 228 and 634; and E.O. 9397 (SSN).’’ PURPOSE: Delete entry and replace with ‘‘To track the issuance of parking permits and decals and to provide a record of individuals who have registered a vehicle. In addition, to manage and enforce parking lot regulations, to assist employees with respect to vehicle abuse and stolen vehicles, provide carpool assistance, assure availability of adequate transportation and parking facilities and other related matters.’’ * * * * * STORAGE: Delete entry and replace with ‘‘Paper in file folders and electronic storage media.’’ SAFEGUARDS: Delete entry and replace with ‘‘Buildings are secured by a series of guarded pedestrian gates and checkpoints. Access to facilities is limited to security-cleared personnel and escorted visitors only. Within the facilities themselves, access to paper and computer printouts are controlled E:\FR\FM\25JYN1.SGM 25JYN1

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[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 144 (Friday, July 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43410-43411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-17112]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XJ21


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals 
Incidental to Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities from Vandenberg 
Air Force Base (VAFB), California

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application for letter of authorization; 
request for comments and information.

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

SUMMARY: NMFS has received a request from the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for 
authorization for the take of marine mammals incidental to launching 
space launch vehicles, intercontinental ballistic and small missiles, 
and aircraft and helicopter operations at VAFB for the period of 
February 2009 through February 2014. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the USAF's request 
for the development and implementation of regulations governing the 
incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, 
suggestions, and comments on the USAF's application and request.

DATES: Comments and information must be received no later than August 
25, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the application should be addressed to P. 
Michael Payne, Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, 
Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3225. The mailbox address 
for providing email comments is PR1.0648XJ21@noaa.gov. Comments sent 
via e-mail, including all attachments, must not exceed a 10-megabyte 
file size.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Candace Nachman, Office of Protected 
Resources, NMFS, (301) 713-2289, ext. 156.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Availability

    A copy of the USAF's application may be obtained by writing to the 
address specified above (see ADDRESSES), telephoning the contact listed 
above (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT), or visiting the internet 
at: https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm#applications.

Background

    Sections 101(a)(5)(A) and (D) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) 
direct the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to allow, upon request, 
the incidental, but not intentional taking of marine mammals by U.S. 
citizens who engage in a specified activity (other than commercial 
fishing) if certain findings are made and regulations are issued or, if 
the taking is limited to harassment, notice of a proposed authorization 
is provided to the public for review.
    Authorization for incidental takings may be granted if NMFS finds 
that the taking will have a negligible impact on the species or 
stock(s), will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the 
availability of the species or stock(s) for certain subsistence uses, 
and that the permissible methods of taking and

[[Page 43411]]

requirements pertaining to the mitigation, monitoring and reporting of 
such taking are set forth.
    NMFS has defined ``negligible impact'' in 50 CFR 216.103 as:
    an impact resulting from the specified activity that cannot be 
reasonably expected to, and is not reasonably likely to, adversely 
affect the species or stock through effects on annual rates of 
recruitment or survival.
    With respect to military readiness activities, the MMPA defines 
``harassment'' as:
    (i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to 
injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A 
Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a 
marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing 
disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not 
limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or 
sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned 
or significantly altered [Level B Harassment].

Summary of Request

    On March 21, 2008, NMFS received an application from the USAF 
requesting authorization for the take of four species of marine mammals 
incidental to space vehicle and test flight activities from VAFB, which 
would impact pinnipeds on VAFB and the Northern Channel Islands, over 
the course of 5 years. These training activities are classified as 
military readiness activities. Marine mammals may be exposed to 
continuous noise due mostly to combustion effects of aircraft and 
launch vehicles and impulsive noise due to sonic boom effects. The USAF 
requests authorization to take four pinniped species by Level B 
Harassment.

Specified Activities

    There are currently six active space launch vehicle facilities at 
VAFB used to launch satellites into polar orbit. These facilities 
support the launch programs for space vehicles, including the Atlas V, 
Delta IV, Falcon, Minotaur, and Taurus. There are also a variety of 
small missiles launched from North VAFB, including the Minuteman III 
and several types of interceptor and target vehicles for the Missile 
Defense Agency program. The VAFB runway, located on north VAFB, 
supports various aircraft operations. A full description of the 
activities to be conducted by the USAF at VAFB, including descriptions 
of the different space vehicles and missiles, are described in the 
USAF's application.

Information Solicited

    Interested persons may submit information, suggestions, and 
comments concerning the USAF's request (see ADDRESSES). All 
information, suggestions, and comments related to the USAF's request 
and NMFS' potential development and implementation of regulations 
governing the incidental taking of marine mammals by the USAF on and 
around VAFB will be considered by NMFS in developing, if appropriate, 
regulations governing the issuance of letters of authorization.

    Dated: July 21, 2008.
Helen M. Golde,
Deputy Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. E8-17112 Filed 7-24-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S
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