Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Finding of No Significant Impact, 54656-54659 [E8-22020]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 184 / Monday, September 22, 2008 / Notices
disposition of review comments, plan to
complete comment disposition, plan for
consensus on final draft document
recommendation to publish.
• Committee discussions on final
drafts work plan and schedule for
completion.
• BREAK-OUT Session for work on
FRAC comment disposition and
document final drafts.
October 9
• Chairmen’s Plenary Day 3 Opening
Remarks and Process Check
• Review draft document completion
status:
• FRAC comment disposition status
• TOR compliance determination
• Plan for closure of any remaining
open issues
• Plenary consensus on:
• Open Action items
• Plan for completion of open action
items:
• final action items to disposition
FRAC comments and
• format materials for PMC
concurrence on publication
recommendation
• Recommend publication of Change 1
to DO–307
• Recommend publication of update to
DO–294B
• Other Business
• Concluding Remarks
• Closing Plenary Session (Other
Business, Confirm Date and purpose of
Upcoming Meetings)
Attendance is open to the interested
public but limited to space availability.
With the approval of the chairmen,
members of the public may present oral
statements at the meeting. Persons
wishing to present statements or obtain
information should contact the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. Members of the public
may present a written statement to the
committee at any time.
Issued in Washington, DC, on September
10, 2008.
Ed Harris,
RTCA Advisory Committee.
[FR Doc. E8–21810 Filed 9–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Federal Aviation Administration
Fiftieth Meeting, RTCA Special
Committee 135: Environmental
Conditions and Test Procedures for
Airborne Equipment
Notice of RTCA Special
Committee 135 meeting.
ACTION:
The FAA is issuing this notice
to advise the public of a meeting of
RTCA Special Committee 135:
Environmental Conditions and Test
Procedures for Airborne Equipment.
SUMMARY:
The meeting will be held
October 22–23, 2008, starting at 9 a.m.
DATES:
The meeting will be held at
RTCA, 1828 L Street, NW., Suite 805,
RTCA Conference Rooms, Washington,
DC 20036.
ADDRESSES:
(1)
RTCA Secretariat, 1828 L Street, NW.,
Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036;
telephone (202) 833–9339; fax (202)
833–9434; Web site https://www.rtca.org.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Pursuant
to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–
463, 5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), notice is
hereby given for a Special Committee
135 meeting. The agenda will include:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
October 22–23
• Opening Session (Welcome,
Chairman’s Opening Remarks,
Introductions).
• Approval of Summary from the
Fifty-First Meeting. RTCA Paper No. 091
08/SC 135–668.
• Status of Revision of AC.
• Update from Section 16 & 21
Working Group Meetings.
• Review Change Proposals for DO–
160G/ED–14G.
• Closing Plenary Session (New/
Unfinished Business, Date and Place of
Next Meeting).
Attendance is open to the interested
public but limited to space availability.
With the approval of the chairman,
members of the public may present oral
statements at the meeting. Persons
wishing to present statements or obtain
information should contact the person
listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section. Members of the public
may present a written statement to the
committee at any time.
Issued in Washington, DC, on September
10, 2008.
Ed Harris,
Acting RTCA Advisory Committee.
[FR Doc. E8–21811 Filed 9–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–M
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Commercial Space
Transportation; Finding of No
Significant Impact
The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTIONS: Finding of No Significant
Impact.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), in cooperation
with the United States Air Force
(USAF), prepared an Environmental
Assessment (EA) to evaluate Space
Florida’s proposal to operate a
commercial launch site at Launch
Complex 46 (LC–46) at Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida.
The EA evaluated the potential
environmental impacts associated with
the Proposed Action and alternatives
regarding the issuance of a Launch Site
Operator License to Space Florida for
LC–46 at CCAFS. After reviewing and
analyzing currently available data and
information on existing conditions and
project impacts, the FAA has
determined that issuing a Launch Site
Operator License to Space Florida for
the operation of a commercial launch
site at LC–46 would not significantly
impact the quality of the human
environment within the meaning of the
National Environmental Policy Act.
Therefore, the preparation of an
Environmental Impact Statement is not
required, and the FAA is issuing a
Finding of No Significant Impact. The
FAA made this determination in
accordance with all applicable
environmental laws.
For a Copy of the Environmental
Assessment: Visit the following Internet
address: https://www.faa.gov/about/
office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/
licenses_permits/launch_site/
environmental/ or contact Ms. Stacey M.
Zee, FAA Environmental Specialist, 800
Independence Avenue, SW., Room 331,
Washington, DC 20591. You may also
send e-mail requests to
Stacey.Zee@faa.gov or via telephone to
(202) 267–9305.
Purpose and Need: The purpose of the
FAA’s action in issuing the Launch Site
Operator License is to ensure
compliance with international
obligations of the United States and to
protect the public health and safety,
safety of property, and national security
and foreign policy interest of the United
States during commercial launch or
reentry activities; to encourage,
facilitate, and promote commercial
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sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 184 / Monday, September 22, 2008 / Notices
space launches and re-entries by the
private sector; and to facilitate the
strengthening and expansion of the
United States space transportation
infrastructure, in accordance with the
requirements of the Commercial Space
Launch Amendments Act of 2004, the
Commercial Space Transportation Act
of 2000, Executive Order (EO) 12465, 14
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts
400–450, the National Space
Transportation Policy, and the National
Space Policy.
The Proposed Action is needed to
meet the demand for lower cost access
to space. Less expensive space launch
capability is necessary to support rising
industries, such as more cost-effective
commercial, governmental, and
scientific satellite launches. Given the
infrastructure and development costs
associated with constructing launch
facilities, the Federal government has
been the owner/operator or has leased/
sold unused or excess infrastructure and
provided expertise to commercial
launch operators for the majority of
commercial launches. The Secretary of
Transportation has assigned the FAA
Office of Commercial Space
Transportation responsibility, under the
Commercial Space Launch Amendment
Acts and EO 12465, for oversight of
commercial space launch activities,
including licensing of launch and
reentry sites.
Proposed Action: Under the Proposed
Action, the FAA would issue a Launch
Site Operator License for LC–46 to
Space Florida. LC–46 is owned by the
USAF’s 45th Space Wing. Space Florida
and the 45th Space Wing have a
Memorandum of Agreement and Joint
Operating Procedures, which allow
Space Florida to conduct launch
activities at the site. A Launch Site
Operator License, which is valid for five
years, would allow Space Florida to
offer the site for launches of solid- and
liquid-propellant launch vehicles.
Potential commercial launch vehicle
operators would be required to obtain a
Launch License from the FAA to
conduct launch operations at LC–46 on
CCAFS.
Under the Proposed Action, Space
Florida would offer the launch site to
launch operators for several types of
vertical launch vehicles, including
Athena-1 and Athena-2, Minotaur,
Taurus, Falcon 1, Alliant Techsystems
small launch vehicles and launches of
other Castor 120-based or Minutemanderivative booster vehicles. Space
Florida proposes to support a maximum
of 24 annual launches, including 12
solid propellant launches and 12 liquid
propellant launches. The proposed
launch vehicles and their payloads
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19:11 Sep 19, 2008
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would be launched into low earth orbit
or geostationary orbit. All vehicles are
expected to carry payloads, including
satellites.
The Proposed Action does not include
any construction or modification to the
site. Launches would be conducted
using existing infrastructure. Periodic
maintenance, such as mowing or
repairs, would occur on the site to
ensure launch safety. To ensure the
safety of all launch activities, the site
would require minor repairs.
Alternatives Considered: Alternatives
analyzed in the EA include (1) the
Proposed Action and (2) the No Action
Alternative. Under the No Action
Alternative, the FAA would not issue
the Launch Site Operator License to
Space Florida. Launch operators may be
able to conduct launch activities at LC–
46; however, operations would be
controlled by the 45th Space Wing of
the USAF. Other activities, such as
military exercises at CCAFS would not
be impacted.
Environmental Impacts
Air Quality
Emissions of any criteria pollutants
associated with the Proposed Action
would be well below Federal de
minimis levels and would not be
expected to cause exceedances of the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
or Florida Ambient Air Quality
Standards. Emissions of carbon dioxide
(CO2) to the stratosphere under the
Proposed Action would be negligible in
comparison with U.S. annual emissions
of CO2, and therefore would not have a
significant impact on global climate
change. Emissions of water vapor (H2O)
to the stratosphere under the Proposed
Action would not have a significant
impact on global climate change due to
the large number of natural and
anthropogenic sources of H2O. Carbon
monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides
(NOX) emissions in the stratosphere
would be extremely small relative to
U.S. annual emissions; therefore, the
presence of these chemicals in rocket
emissions associated with the Proposed
Action would have a negligible impact
on global climate change. Significant
impacts to ozone from particulate
(aluminum oxide) emissions and
hydrochloric acid are not anticipated
under the Proposed Action.
Biological Resources—Fish, Wildlife,
Plants, and Special Status Species
The Proposed Action would not have
a significant impact on terrestrial
vegetation and wildlife. Localized foliar
scorching and spotting would not be
expected to cause long-term damage to
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54657
vegetation. Birds and terrestrial
mammals in the immediate area could
suffer startle responses during launch
activities. However, it is expected that
birds and terrestrial mammals would
return to pre-launch conditions soon
after the launch. Terrestrial mammals
could also experience temporary
threshold shift effects. However, these
effects would be temporary and would
not have significant impacts on local
populations.
Acidification of nearby surface water
due to launch emissions would not be
expected to adversely affect aquatic
habitats since the area is subjected to
wind-blown salt spray and mixing with
the open ocean. In the unlikely event of
a launch failure, remaining propellant
would be quickly diluted within the
ocean. Direct strikes on aquatic species,
such as marine mammal, turtle, or fish,
due to a launch failure or an aborted
launch relating to the Proposed Action
are very unlikely. Sonic booms would
not be expected to negatively impact the
survival of any marine species because
of their low frequency, the low density
of marine species in the ocean’s surface
water, and the distance of the sonic
boom footprint from CCAFS.
Minimal impacts on endangered,
threatened, and special status species
are anticipated under the Proposed
Action. No native habitats would be
cleared or directly impacted. Lights
from launch activities may adversely
affect the sea turtle population along the
Atlantic coastline. Light management
plans would be developed to minimize
these impacts. The majority of effects
from launch activities would be shortterm, of relatively low intensity, and
would occur relatively infrequently due
to the launch rate.
Water Resources (Surface Water,
Ground Water, Floodplains, and
Wetlands)
Short-term and long-term adverse
impacts to surface water quality
resulting from the launch exhaust cloud
would not be significant due to the
relatively high salinities and predictable
pH stabilities of estuarine and ocean
waters. The pH level of near-field
surface water may decline for a period
of time. However, pre-launch conditions
are expected to return within several
hours. Short-term impacts to near shore
environments could occur as a result of
contamination from rocket propellant
associated with a launch anomaly.
However, long-term impacts would not
be significant due to the buffering
capacity of the Atlantic Ocean and
Banana River. Release of residual
propellant from the Falcon 1’s
recoverable first stage upon impact with
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the ocean would not significantly affect
water quality because of the small
volume of this release into the open
ocean. Emergency response and cleanup procedures would reduce the
magnitude and duration of any impacts
to ground water from an on-pad
accidental or emergency propellant
release.
Ground water is not expected to be
impacted by the Proposed Action. The
proposed launches are not expected to
interfere with the current remedial
action occurring on the site.
Additionally, potential emission
deposition of hydrochloric acid from the
launches is expected to be relatively
minor. Leaching acid storm water would
be diluted quickly in the ground water
system.
Major short-term and long-term
impacts to floodplains and wetlands
from the launch exhaust cloud would
not be expected due to the low
probability of a storm event after a
launch. Emergency response and cleanup procedures would reduce the
magnitude and duration of any impacts
to floodplains and wetlands from
accidental propellant releases.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Noise
The annual Day Night Average Sound
Level (DNL) of the Proposed Action at
the City of Cape Canaveral would be
substantially lower than 65 DNL. The
Proposed Action is not expected to have
a significant noise impact on the
surrounding areas. The annual Cweighted DNL (CDNL) of the Proposed
Action at the City of Cape Canaveral
would be substantially lower than 61
CDNL. Sonic booms associated with the
Proposed Action are not expected to
have a significant impact on the
surrounding areas. The magnitude of
sonic booms associated with the
Proposed Action would be well below
10 pounds per square foot and would
occur over the ocean; therefore, no
structural damage impacts are expected.
Additionally, sonic booms would not
have a significant impact on marine
animals.
Compatible Land Use (Section 4(f)
Lands, Light Emissions, and Visual
Resources, and Coastal Resources)
Implementation of the Proposed
Action would not change any planned
or existing land use designations. There
are no Section 4(f) lands located at LC–
46. The nearest site is located five miles
southwest of the launch site. Launch
activities and effects would be
contained within the boundaries of LC–
46; therefore, no impacts are expected
on Section 4(f) lands. The Proposed
Action does not involve construction or
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19:11 Sep 19, 2008
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development, and is similar to existing
activities at LC–46; therefore, there
would not be any new or additional
visual resource impacts, or any coastal
resource impacts. Light emissions
would be minimized through the use of
low-pressure sodium light fixtures,
shielding of lights, and special light
management steps where lights are
visible from the beach.
Socioeconomic Resources
Additional personnel for launchrelated activities would not increase the
demand for existing services, including
housing, hotels, restaurants, and
transportation, in Brevard County. The
Proposed Action would not necessitate
the relocation of local residents or
businesses. Traffic would not be
significantly affected during pre- and
post-launch activities. Launches may
increase tourism in the region, and there
may be a slight short-term positive
impact on socioeconomic resources
from additional tourism.
Hazardous Materials, Solid Waste, and
Pollution Prevention
The primary hazardous materials used
under the Proposed Action would be
propellants. In addition to the
propellants, other hazardous materials
(e.g., various composites, synthetics,
and metals) may be used for rocket
operation, including solvents, oils, and
paints. All hazardous materials and
hazardous waste would be handled and
disposed of in accordance with the
CCAFS Environmental Standards and
Safety Standards and Space Florida’s
Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
Hazardous waste streams anticipated to
be generated by the Proposed Action are
typical of other hazardous waste streams
in Florida. The Proposed Action would
not be expected to generate more
hazardous waste than can be safely
handled by CCAFS and existing
hazardous waste management plans
would not be expected to change.
Solid waste would be expected to
increase slightly with the increase in
launches. The amount of solid waste
generated would be handled under
existing collection and disposal
operations.
Space Florida would develop a
Pollution Prevention Management Plan,
in coordination with CCAFS’ pollution
prevention plans and goals, to comply
with all local, State, and Federal
regulations.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts are ‘‘the
incremental impact of the actions when
added to other past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable future action
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regardless of what agency (Federal or
non-Federal) or person undertakes such
other actions’’ (40 CFR 1508.7). For this
analysis, cumulative impacts include
impacts from the vehicles that would be
launched under Space Florida’s license
and the past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable future activities that would
affect the resources impacted by the
Proposed Action. The following
summary discusses the cumulative
impacts from present and reasonably
foreseeable actions at CCAFS and in the
surrounding areas, including Kennedy
Space Center and the Merritt Island
National Wildlife Refuge. These
activities may potentially affect the
same resources as the Proposed Action
within the life of the Proposed Action
(2008–2013).
Air Quality
The Proposed Action, in addition to
the past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable actions in the project area,
would result in a minor, temporary
increase in air emissions in an area that
is currently in attainment for all criteria
pollutants. The emissions of greenhouse
gases and ozone depleting substances
would be extremely small in the context
of national and global emissions.
Because these impacts would be minor
and temporary, the incremental
contribution to cumulative air quality
impacts from the Proposed Action
would not be significant.
Biological Resources (Fish, Wildlife,
Plants, and Special Status Species)
The impacts from the Proposed
Action would likely be less than at other
launch pads since the vehicles are
relatively small, resulting in less noise,
air emissions, and scorching, and would
only be launched approximately twice
per month. Because the Proposed
Action would create minimal artificial
light at night, it would not significantly
impact nearby sea turtle hatchlings. The
impacts to biological resources would
be temporary and relatively infrequent;
therefore, the incremental contribution
to cumulative biological impacts from
the Proposed Action would not be
significant.
Water Resources (Surface Water,
Ground Water, Floodplains, and
Wetlands)
The Proposed Action’s water
requirements would not affect operating
requirements of other programs in the
project’s vicinity, and would have a
minimal effect on cumulative water
supply. Because the Proposed Action
would have a minor and temporary
impact on the water resources of the
affected region, the incremental
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 184 / Monday, September 22, 2008 / Notices
contribution to cumulative water
resource impacts from the Proposed
Action would not be significant.
Noise
The area surrounding the project has
a long history of commercial space
rocket and NASA space shuttle
launches resulting launch-related noise.
Noise impacts associated with launch
activities in the area would be brief and
temporary. Because these projects have
minor and temporary noise impacts, the
incremental contribution to cumulative
noise impacts from the Proposed Action
would not be significant.
Land Use (Section 4(f), Visual
Resources, and Coastal Resources)
The area surrounding the project has
historically been used for launching
rockets and NASA space shuttles and
contains launch infrastructure and
associated facilities for those past and
present actions. The Proposed Action
would have no effect on coastal
resources, Section 4(f) resources, or
compatible land use; therefore, the
incremental contribution to cumulative
land use impacts from the Proposed
Action would not be significant.
Socioeconomic Resources
The project area has long been used
by the commercial space industry and
NASA for space shuttle launches. All
projects in the Proposed Action area
would have small, positive
socioeconomic impacts. The
incremental contribution to cumulative
socioeconomic impacts from the
Proposed Action would not be
significant.
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Hazardous Materials, Solid Waste, and
Pollution Prevention
The area surrounding the project has
a long history of commercial space
rocket and NASA space shuttle
launches, and past and present actions
have required the use and handling of
hazardous materials. Cumulative
impacts from hazardous materials and
hazardous waste management could
occur on the portions of CCAFS with
historic soil and ground water
contamination, including LC–46.
However, significant cumulative
impacts are not expected due to the
remediation activities that have been
completed at the site.
Relationship between Short-Term Uses
and Long-Term Productivity
Under the Proposed Action, there
would be short-term impacts to the
environment; however, none of these
impacts would be long-term or
significant. As a result, the Proposed
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Action is not expected to narrow the
range of beneficial uses of the
environment in the long-term or pose a
long-term risk to human health or
safety.
Irreversible and Irretrievable
Commitment of Resources
Under the Proposed Action, no
irreversible or irretrievable commitment
of resources is expected to occur in any
of the environmental resource areas
analyzed in this EA. The Proposed
Action would expend solid and liquid
propellants; however, the amounts of
propellants and other materials that
would be expended as part of the
Proposed Action are negligible
compared to the quantities routinely
produced. No construction activities
would occur and launches at the site
would be of a small-scale and would
occur relatively infrequently. As a
result, no significant irreversible or
irretrievable commitment of resources is
expected.
Determination: An analysis of the
Proposed Action has concluded that
there are no significant short-term, longterm, or cumulative effects to the
environment or surrounding
populations. After careful and thorough
consideration of the facts herein, the
undersigned finds that the proposed
Federal action is consistent with
existing national environmental policies
and objectives set forth in Section 101(a)
of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 and that it will not
significantly affect the quality of the
human environment or otherwise
include any condition requiring
additional consultation pursuant to
Section 102(2)(c) of the National
Environmental Policy Act. Therefore, an
Environmental Impact Statement for the
Proposed Action is not required.
Issued in Washington, DC on September 2,
2008.
George Nield,
Associate Administrator for Commercial
Space Transportation.
[FR Doc. E8–22020 Filed 9–19–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Notice of Submission Deadline for
Schedule Information for O’Hare
International, John F. Kennedy
International, and Newark Liberty
International Airport for the Summer
2009 Scheduling Season
Department of Transportation,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
54659
Notice of submission deadline.
SUMMARY: Under this notice, the FAA
announces that Chicago’s O’Hare
International Airport (ORD) has been
designated a Level 2 Schedules
Facilitated Airport for the Summer 2009
scheduling season in accordance with
the International Air Transport
Association (IATA) Worldwide
Scheduling Guidelines. Accordingly,
the FAA announces October 9, 2008, as
the deadline for submitting schedule
information for all planned flights at
ORD between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9
p.m. Central time, or 1200 and 0200
UTC.
The FAA also announces October 9,
2008, as the deadline for submitting
schedule information for John F.
Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and
Newark Liberty International Airport
(EWR) for the Summer 2009 scheduling
season. The FAA previously designated
these airports as Level 3 Coordinated
Airports under the IATA Worldwide
Scheduling Guidelines. The FAA
requests schedule information for all
planned flights at JFK and EWR between
the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern
time, or 1000 UTC and 0300 UTC. The
FAA deadline coincides with the
submission deadline established by
IATA for the Summer 2009 Schedules
Conference.
The U.S. summer scheduling season
is from March 29, 2009, through October
24, 2009, in recognition of the IATA
scheduling dates. The FAA understands
there may be differences in schedule
times due to the U.S. daylight savings
time dates, and these will be
accommodated to the extent possible.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
October 31, 2008, the provisions of Title
14 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
Part 93, Subpart B—Congestion and
Delay Reduction at Chicago O’Hare
International Airport terminate. This
subpart prescribed rules and procedures
for the scheduled operations and the
assignment, transfer, sale, lease, and
withdrawal of Arrival Authorizations at
ORD. These rules sunset in recognition
of the planned opening of a new runway
at the airport shortly after the rule
expires. The FAA finds it unnecessary
to continue those requirements for
scheduled operations because the new
runway results in increased capacity. As
the airport adjusts to this new capacity
and as the O’Hare Modernization Plan
continues, the FAA concludes that the
Level 2 designation is necessary to
facilitate the scheduling of operations so
that the airport does not suffer from
periods of overscheduling.
Although there appears to be
sufficient capacity at ORD to meet
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 184 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54656-54659]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-22020]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Finding of No
Significant Impact
AGENCY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTIONS: Finding of No Significant Impact.
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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in cooperation with
the United States Air Force (USAF), prepared an Environmental
Assessment (EA) to evaluate Space Florida's proposal to operate a
commercial launch site at Launch Complex 46 (LC-46) at Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. The EA evaluated the potential
environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action and
alternatives regarding the issuance of a Launch Site Operator License
to Space Florida for LC-46 at CCAFS. After reviewing and analyzing
currently available data and information on existing conditions and
project impacts, the FAA has determined that issuing a Launch Site
Operator License to Space Florida for the operation of a commercial
launch site at LC-46 would not significantly impact the quality of the
human environment within the meaning of the National Environmental
Policy Act. Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact
Statement is not required, and the FAA is issuing a Finding of No
Significant Impact. The FAA made this determination in accordance with
all applicable environmental laws.
For a Copy of the Environmental Assessment: Visit the following
Internet address: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_
offices/ast/licenses_permits/launch_site/environmental/ or contact
Ms. Stacey M. Zee, FAA Environmental Specialist, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Room 331, Washington, DC 20591. You may also send e-mail
requests to Stacey.Zee@faa.gov or via telephone to (202) 267-9305.
Purpose and Need: The purpose of the FAA's action in issuing the
Launch Site Operator License is to ensure compliance with international
obligations of the United States and to protect the public health and
safety, safety of property, and national security and foreign policy
interest of the United States during commercial launch or reentry
activities; to encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial
[[Page 54657]]
space launches and re-entries by the private sector; and to facilitate
the strengthening and expansion of the United States space
transportation infrastructure, in accordance with the requirements of
the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004, the Commercial
Space Transportation Act of 2000, Executive Order (EO) 12465, 14 Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 400-450, the National Space
Transportation Policy, and the National Space Policy.
The Proposed Action is needed to meet the demand for lower cost
access to space. Less expensive space launch capability is necessary to
support rising industries, such as more cost-effective commercial,
governmental, and scientific satellite launches. Given the
infrastructure and development costs associated with constructing
launch facilities, the Federal government has been the owner/operator
or has leased/sold unused or excess infrastructure and provided
expertise to commercial launch operators for the majority of commercial
launches. The Secretary of Transportation has assigned the FAA Office
of Commercial Space Transportation responsibility, under the Commercial
Space Launch Amendment Acts and EO 12465, for oversight of commercial
space launch activities, including licensing of launch and reentry
sites.
Proposed Action: Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue a
Launch Site Operator License for LC-46 to Space Florida. LC-46 is owned
by the USAF's 45th Space Wing. Space Florida and the 45th Space Wing
have a Memorandum of Agreement and Joint Operating Procedures, which
allow Space Florida to conduct launch activities at the site. A Launch
Site Operator License, which is valid for five years, would allow Space
Florida to offer the site for launches of solid- and liquid-propellant
launch vehicles. Potential commercial launch vehicle operators would be
required to obtain a Launch License from the FAA to conduct launch
operations at LC-46 on CCAFS.
Under the Proposed Action, Space Florida would offer the launch
site to launch operators for several types of vertical launch vehicles,
including Athena-1 and Athena-2, Minotaur, Taurus, Falcon 1, Alliant
Techsystems small launch vehicles and launches of other Castor[supreg]
120-based or Minuteman-derivative booster vehicles. Space Florida
proposes to support a maximum of 24 annual launches, including 12 solid
propellant launches and 12 liquid propellant launches. The proposed
launch vehicles and their payloads would be launched into low earth
orbit or geostationary orbit. All vehicles are expected to carry
payloads, including satellites.
The Proposed Action does not include any construction or
modification to the site. Launches would be conducted using existing
infrastructure. Periodic maintenance, such as mowing or repairs, would
occur on the site to ensure launch safety. To ensure the safety of all
launch activities, the site would require minor repairs.
Alternatives Considered: Alternatives analyzed in the EA include
(1) the Proposed Action and (2) the No Action Alternative. Under the No
Action Alternative, the FAA would not issue the Launch Site Operator
License to Space Florida. Launch operators may be able to conduct
launch activities at LC-46; however, operations would be controlled by
the 45th Space Wing of the USAF. Other activities, such as military
exercises at CCAFS would not be impacted.
Environmental Impacts
Air Quality
Emissions of any criteria pollutants associated with the Proposed
Action would be well below Federal de minimis levels and would not be
expected to cause exceedances of the National Ambient Air Quality
Standards or Florida Ambient Air Quality Standards. Emissions of carbon
dioxide (CO2) to the stratosphere under the Proposed Action
would be negligible in comparison with U.S. annual emissions of
CO2, and therefore would not have a significant impact on
global climate change. Emissions of water vapor (H2O) to the
stratosphere under the Proposed Action would not have a significant
impact on global climate change due to the large number of natural and
anthropogenic sources of H2O. Carbon monoxide (CO) and
nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions in the stratosphere would be
extremely small relative to U.S. annual emissions; therefore, the
presence of these chemicals in rocket emissions associated with the
Proposed Action would have a negligible impact on global climate
change. Significant impacts to ozone from particulate (aluminum oxide)
emissions and hydrochloric acid are not anticipated under the Proposed
Action.
Biological Resources--Fish, Wildlife, Plants, and Special Status
Species
The Proposed Action would not have a significant impact on
terrestrial vegetation and wildlife. Localized foliar scorching and
spotting would not be expected to cause long-term damage to vegetation.
Birds and terrestrial mammals in the immediate area could suffer
startle responses during launch activities. However, it is expected
that birds and terrestrial mammals would return to pre-launch
conditions soon after the launch. Terrestrial mammals could also
experience temporary threshold shift effects. However, these effects
would be temporary and would not have significant impacts on local
populations.
Acidification of nearby surface water due to launch emissions would
not be expected to adversely affect aquatic habitats since the area is
subjected to wind-blown salt spray and mixing with the open ocean. In
the unlikely event of a launch failure, remaining propellant would be
quickly diluted within the ocean. Direct strikes on aquatic species,
such as marine mammal, turtle, or fish, due to a launch failure or an
aborted launch relating to the Proposed Action are very unlikely. Sonic
booms would not be expected to negatively impact the survival of any
marine species because of their low frequency, the low density of
marine species in the ocean's surface water, and the distance of the
sonic boom footprint from CCAFS.
Minimal impacts on endangered, threatened, and special status
species are anticipated under the Proposed Action. No native habitats
would be cleared or directly impacted. Lights from launch activities
may adversely affect the sea turtle population along the Atlantic
coastline. Light management plans would be developed to minimize these
impacts. The majority of effects from launch activities would be short-
term, of relatively low intensity, and would occur relatively
infrequently due to the launch rate.
Water Resources (Surface Water, Ground Water, Floodplains, and
Wetlands)
Short-term and long-term adverse impacts to surface water quality
resulting from the launch exhaust cloud would not be significant due to
the relatively high salinities and predictable pH stabilities of
estuarine and ocean waters. The pH level of near-field surface water
may decline for a period of time. However, pre-launch conditions are
expected to return within several hours. Short-term impacts to near
shore environments could occur as a result of contamination from rocket
propellant associated with a launch anomaly. However, long-term impacts
would not be significant due to the buffering capacity of the Atlantic
Ocean and Banana River. Release of residual propellant from the Falcon
1's recoverable first stage upon impact with
[[Page 54658]]
the ocean would not significantly affect water quality because of the
small volume of this release into the open ocean. Emergency response
and clean-up procedures would reduce the magnitude and duration of any
impacts to ground water from an on-pad accidental or emergency
propellant release.
Ground water is not expected to be impacted by the Proposed Action.
The proposed launches are not expected to interfere with the current
remedial action occurring on the site. Additionally, potential emission
deposition of hydrochloric acid from the launches is expected to be
relatively minor. Leaching acid storm water would be diluted quickly in
the ground water system.
Major short-term and long-term impacts to floodplains and wetlands
from the launch exhaust cloud would not be expected due to the low
probability of a storm event after a launch. Emergency response and
clean-up procedures would reduce the magnitude and duration of any
impacts to floodplains and wetlands from accidental propellant
releases.
Noise
The annual Day Night Average Sound Level (DNL) of the Proposed
Action at the City of Cape Canaveral would be substantially lower than
65 DNL. The Proposed Action is not expected to have a significant noise
impact on the surrounding areas. The annual C-weighted DNL (CDNL) of
the Proposed Action at the City of Cape Canaveral would be
substantially lower than 61 CDNL. Sonic booms associated with the
Proposed Action are not expected to have a significant impact on the
surrounding areas. The magnitude of sonic booms associated with the
Proposed Action would be well below 10 pounds per square foot and would
occur over the ocean; therefore, no structural damage impacts are
expected. Additionally, sonic booms would not have a significant impact
on marine animals.
Compatible Land Use (Section 4(f) Lands, Light Emissions, and Visual
Resources, and Coastal Resources)
Implementation of the Proposed Action would not change any planned
or existing land use designations. There are no Section 4(f) lands
located at LC-46. The nearest site is located five miles southwest of
the launch site. Launch activities and effects would be contained
within the boundaries of LC-46; therefore, no impacts are expected on
Section 4(f) lands. The Proposed Action does not involve construction
or development, and is similar to existing activities at LC-46;
therefore, there would not be any new or additional visual resource
impacts, or any coastal resource impacts. Light emissions would be
minimized through the use of low-pressure sodium light fixtures,
shielding of lights, and special light management steps where lights
are visible from the beach.
Socioeconomic Resources
Additional personnel for launch-related activities would not
increase the demand for existing services, including housing, hotels,
restaurants, and transportation, in Brevard County. The Proposed Action
would not necessitate the relocation of local residents or businesses.
Traffic would not be significantly affected during pre- and post-launch
activities. Launches may increase tourism in the region, and there may
be a slight short-term positive impact on socioeconomic resources from
additional tourism.
Hazardous Materials, Solid Waste, and Pollution Prevention
The primary hazardous materials used under the Proposed Action
would be propellants. In addition to the propellants, other hazardous
materials (e.g., various composites, synthetics, and metals) may be
used for rocket operation, including solvents, oils, and paints. All
hazardous materials and hazardous waste would be handled and disposed
of in accordance with the CCAFS Environmental Standards and Safety
Standards and Space Florida's Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
Hazardous waste streams anticipated to be generated by the Proposed
Action are typical of other hazardous waste streams in Florida. The
Proposed Action would not be expected to generate more hazardous waste
than can be safely handled by CCAFS and existing hazardous waste
management plans would not be expected to change.
Solid waste would be expected to increase slightly with the
increase in launches. The amount of solid waste generated would be
handled under existing collection and disposal operations.
Space Florida would develop a Pollution Prevention Management Plan,
in coordination with CCAFS' pollution prevention plans and goals, to
comply with all local, State, and Federal regulations.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts are ``the incremental impact of the actions when
added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future action
regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes
such other actions'' (40 CFR 1508.7). For this analysis, cumulative
impacts include impacts from the vehicles that would be launched under
Space Florida's license and the past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable future activities that would affect the resources impacted
by the Proposed Action. The following summary discusses the cumulative
impacts from present and reasonably foreseeable actions at CCAFS and in
the surrounding areas, including Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt
Island National Wildlife Refuge. These activities may potentially
affect the same resources as the Proposed Action within the life of the
Proposed Action (2008-2013).
Air Quality
The Proposed Action, in addition to the past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable actions in the project area, would result in a
minor, temporary increase in air emissions in an area that is currently
in attainment for all criteria pollutants. The emissions of greenhouse
gases and ozone depleting substances would be extremely small in the
context of national and global emissions. Because these impacts would
be minor and temporary, the incremental contribution to cumulative air
quality impacts from the Proposed Action would not be significant.
Biological Resources (Fish, Wildlife, Plants, and Special Status
Species)
The impacts from the Proposed Action would likely be less than at
other launch pads since the vehicles are relatively small, resulting in
less noise, air emissions, and scorching, and would only be launched
approximately twice per month. Because the Proposed Action would create
minimal artificial light at night, it would not significantly impact
nearby sea turtle hatchlings. The impacts to biological resources would
be temporary and relatively infrequent; therefore, the incremental
contribution to cumulative biological impacts from the Proposed Action
would not be significant.
Water Resources (Surface Water, Ground Water, Floodplains, and
Wetlands)
The Proposed Action's water requirements would not affect operating
requirements of other programs in the project's vicinity, and would
have a minimal effect on cumulative water supply. Because the Proposed
Action would have a minor and temporary impact on the water resources
of the affected region, the incremental
[[Page 54659]]
contribution to cumulative water resource impacts from the Proposed
Action would not be significant.
Noise
The area surrounding the project has a long history of commercial
space rocket and NASA space shuttle launches resulting launch-related
noise. Noise impacts associated with launch activities in the area
would be brief and temporary. Because these projects have minor and
temporary noise impacts, the incremental contribution to cumulative
noise impacts from the Proposed Action would not be significant.
Land Use (Section 4(f), Visual Resources, and Coastal Resources)
The area surrounding the project has historically been used for
launching rockets and NASA space shuttles and contains launch
infrastructure and associated facilities for those past and present
actions. The Proposed Action would have no effect on coastal resources,
Section 4(f) resources, or compatible land use; therefore, the
incremental contribution to cumulative land use impacts from the
Proposed Action would not be significant.
Socioeconomic Resources
The project area has long been used by the commercial space
industry and NASA for space shuttle launches. All projects in the
Proposed Action area would have small, positive socioeconomic impacts.
The incremental contribution to cumulative socioeconomic impacts from
the Proposed Action would not be significant.
Hazardous Materials, Solid Waste, and Pollution Prevention
The area surrounding the project has a long history of commercial
space rocket and NASA space shuttle launches, and past and present
actions have required the use and handling of hazardous materials.
Cumulative impacts from hazardous materials and hazardous waste
management could occur on the portions of CCAFS with historic soil and
ground water contamination, including LC-46. However, significant
cumulative impacts are not expected due to the remediation activities
that have been completed at the site.
Relationship between Short-Term Uses and Long-Term Productivity
Under the Proposed Action, there would be short-term impacts to the
environment; however, none of these impacts would be long-term or
significant. As a result, the Proposed Action is not expected to narrow
the range of beneficial uses of the environment in the long-term or
pose a long-term risk to human health or safety.
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
Under the Proposed Action, no irreversible or irretrievable
commitment of resources is expected to occur in any of the
environmental resource areas analyzed in this EA. The Proposed Action
would expend solid and liquid propellants; however, the amounts of
propellants and other materials that would be expended as part of the
Proposed Action are negligible compared to the quantities routinely
produced. No construction activities would occur and launches at the
site would be of a small-scale and would occur relatively infrequently.
As a result, no significant irreversible or irretrievable commitment of
resources is expected.
Determination: An analysis of the Proposed Action has concluded
that there are no significant short-term, long-term, or cumulative
effects to the environment or surrounding populations. After careful
and thorough consideration of the facts herein, the undersigned finds
that the proposed Federal action is consistent with existing national
environmental policies and objectives set forth in Section 101(a) of
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and that it will not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise
include any condition requiring additional consultation pursuant to
Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act. Therefore,
an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Action is not
required.
Issued in Washington, DC on September 2, 2008.
George Nield,
Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.
[FR Doc. E8-22020 Filed 9-19-08; 8:45 am]
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