Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) Launch Site Operator License at Cecil Field, Florida (FL), 18274-18275 [E9-9142]

Download as PDF 18274 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 75 / Tuesday, April 21, 2009 / Notices certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD–2009– 0037 at https://www.regulations.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with 46 U.S.C. 12121 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR Part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in section 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before May 21, 2009. Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2009–0037. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at https:// www.regulations.gov. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W21–203, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202– 366–5979. As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel Island Flyer is: Intended Use: ‘‘Fully crewed charters.’’ Geographic Region: ‘‘Florida.’’ SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:25 Apr 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477–78). Dated: April 14, 2009. By Order of the Maritime Administrator. Leonard Sutter, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E9–9144 Filed 4–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–81–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Agency Information Collection Activity Seeking OMB Approval AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) revision of a current information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on December 23, 2008, vol. 73. no. 247, pages 78866– 78867. This information collection is required for compliance with the final rule that codifies special flight rules and airspace and flight restrictions for certain operations in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. DATES: Please submit comments by May 21, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carla Mauney at Carla.Mauney@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Estimated Annual Burden Hours: An estimated 49,223 hours annually. Abstract: This information collection is required for compliance with the final rule that codifies special flight rules and airspace and flight restrictions for certain operations in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to the attention of the Desk Officer, Department of Transportation/FAA, and sent via electronic mail to oira_submission@omb.eop.gov, or faxed to (202) 395–6974, or mailed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Docket Library, Room 10102, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. Comments are invited on: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department’s estimates of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Issued in Washington, DC, on April 14, 2009. Carla Mauney, FAA Information Collection Clearance Officer, IT Enterprises Business Services Division, AES–200. [FR Doc. E9–9045 Filed 4–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Federal Aviation Administration Title: Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules. Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. OMB Control Number: 2120–0706. Form(s): There are no FAA forms associated with this collection. Affected Public: A total of 17,097 Respondents. Frequency: This information is collected on occasion. Estimated Average Burden per Response: Approximately 2.9 hours per response. Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) Launch Site Operator License at Cecil Field, Florida (FL) PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of availability, notice of public meeting, and request for comment. E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 75 / Tuesday, April 21, 2009 / Notices SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended ((NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500–1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comments on the EA for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) Launch Site Operator License at Cecil Field, FL. The EA was prepared in response to an application for a Launch Site Operator License from the JAA. Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA to operate a facility for horizontal launches and landings of suborbital manned reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). These vehicles, when operated out of Cecil Field, could carry space flight participants, scientific experiments, or payloads. The proposed launch site is located within the city limits of the City of Jacksonville, FL in Duval County, approximately 15 miles southwest of downtown Jacksonville. The EA addresses the potential environmental impacts of issuing a Launch Site Operator License for the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. The FAA has posted the EA on the FAA/AST Web site at https://ast.faa.gov. In addition, CDs of the EA were sent to persons and agencies on the distribution list (found in Chapter 7 of the EA). A paper copy and a CD version of the EA may be reviewed for comment during regular business hours at the following locations: Jacksonville Public Library—Argyle Branch, 7973 Old Middleburg Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32222. Jacksonville Public Library—Webb Wesconnett Regional, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210. Jacksonville Public Library—West Regional, 1425 Chaffee Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32221. Jacksonville Public Library—Main Branch, 303 N Laura St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. Green Cove Springs Library, 403 Ferris St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. DATES: The public comment period for the Draft EA begins with the publication of this NOA. To ensure that all comments can be addressed in the Final EA, comments on the draft must be received by the FAA no later than May 20, 2009. The FAA is holding a public hearing on the Draft EA. The public hearing will be held on May 14, 2009 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cecil Commerce Center, 13561 Lake Newman St., Jacksonville, VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:25 Apr 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 FL. Meeting registration and a general poster session will occur from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The FAA will present information about the Draft EA and licensing process at 6:30 p.m. followed by a public comment period in which members of the public will be provided the opportunity to provide both written and oral comments on the Draft EA. A court reporter will transcribe the oral comments. Comments regarding the EA should be mailed to FAA Cecil Field EA, c/o ICF International, 9300 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, 22031. Comments can also be sent by e-mail to CecilField@icfi.com or fax to (703) 934– 3951. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA that would allow them to operate Cecil Field for horizontal suborbital RLV launches. JAA has identified two types of horizontally launched RLVs, Concept X and Concept Z, which are considered typical vehicles that would be launched from Cecil Field. The RLVs would launch and land on Runway 18L–36R, the primary north-south runway at Cecil Field. Both proposed RLVs would takeoff from Cecil Field under jet power. Rocket operations would occur in a designated offshore area, approximately 60 miles east of the Florida coast. The RLVs would return to Cecil Field as maneuverable gliders. JAA proposes to use Cecil Field’s existing infrastructure, such as hangars, control tower, and runways for commercial space launch operations. Therefore, JAA does not anticipate new construction activities at Cecil Field related to the proposed spaceport. The activities analyzed under the Proposed Action that would support, either directly or indirectly, licensed launches include: • Transporting the vehicle, vehicle components, and propellants to Cecil Field via road, rail, air, or a combination of these methods. • Assembling the various vehicle components. • Conducting checkout activities. • Loading the propellants into the launch vehicle. • Loading the pilot, passengers, and other payload. • Towing or moving the launch vehicle to the proper launch or takeoff location. • Departing Cecil Field as an aircraft. • Igniting the rocket engines once the vehicle has reached a designated area over the Atlantic Ocean. • Collecting any debris from the runway prior to vehicle landing. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18275 • Recovering and transporting the launch vehicle from the runway after landing. The only alternative to the Proposed Action analyzed in the EA is the No Action Alternative. Under this alternative, the FAA would not issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA, and there would be no commercial space launches from Cecil Field. The site would continue to be available for existing general aviation and trainingrelated activities. Resource areas were considered to provide a context for understanding and assessing the potential environmental effects of the Proposed Action, with attention focused on key issues. The resource areas considered included climate and air quality; coastal resources; compatible land use; Department of Transportation Act: Section 4(f) resources; farmlands; fish, wildlife, and plants; floodplains; hazardous materials, pollution prevention, and solid waste; historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources; light emissions and visual resources; natural resources, energy supply, and sustainable design; noise; socioeconomics; water quality; wetlands; wild and scenic rivers; children’s environmental health and safety risks; environmental justice; construction impacts; secondary (induced) impacts; airports/airport users; airspace; transportation; and cumulative impacts. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stacey M. Zee (AST–100), Office of Commercial Space Transportation, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 331, Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267–9305; E-mail stacey.zee@faa.gov. Issued in Washington, DC on: April 15, 2009. Michael McElligott, Manager, Space Systems Development Division. [FR Doc. E9–9142 Filed 4–20–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with Part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) received a request for a waiver of compliance from certain requirements of its safety standards. The individual petition is described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being E:\FR\FM\21APN1.SGM 21APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 75 (Tuesday, April 21, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18274-18275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9142]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Availability 
and Request for Comment on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the 
Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) Launch Site Operator License at 
Cecil Field, Florida (FL)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION:  Notice of availability, notice of public meeting, and request 
for comment.

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

[[Page 18275]]

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended ((NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Council on 
Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-
1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, the FAA is announcing the 
availability of and requesting comments on the EA for the Jacksonville 
Aviation Authority (JAA) Launch Site Operator License at Cecil Field, 
FL.
    The EA was prepared in response to an application for a Launch Site 
Operator License from the JAA. Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would 
issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA to operate a facility for 
horizontal launches and landings of suborbital manned reusable launch 
vehicles (RLVs). These vehicles, when operated out of Cecil Field, 
could carry space flight participants, scientific experiments, or 
payloads. The proposed launch site is located within the city limits of 
the City of Jacksonville, FL in Duval County, approximately 15 miles 
southwest of downtown Jacksonville. The EA addresses the potential 
environmental impacts of issuing a Launch Site Operator License for the 
Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative.
    The FAA has posted the EA on the FAA/AST Web site at https://ast.faa.gov. In addition, CDs of the EA were sent to persons and 
agencies on the distribution list (found in Chapter 7 of the EA). A 
paper copy and a CD version of the EA may be reviewed for comment 
during regular business hours at the following locations:

Jacksonville Public Library--Argyle Branch, 7973 Old Middleburg Road 
South, Jacksonville, FL 32222.
Jacksonville Public Library--Webb Wesconnett Regional, 6887 103rd 
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210.
Jacksonville Public Library--West Regional, 1425 Chaffee Road South, 
Jacksonville, FL 32221.
Jacksonville Public Library--Main Branch, 303 N Laura St., 
Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Green Cove Springs Library, 403 Ferris St., Green Cove Springs, FL 
32043.

DATES: The public comment period for the Draft EA begins with the 
publication of this NOA. To ensure that all comments can be addressed 
in the Final EA, comments on the draft must be received by the FAA no 
later than May 20, 2009.
    The FAA is holding a public hearing on the Draft EA. The public 
hearing will be held on May 14, 2009 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cecil 
Commerce Center, 13561 Lake Newman St., Jacksonville, FL. Meeting 
registration and a general poster session will occur from 6 to 6:30 
p.m. The FAA will present information about the Draft EA and licensing 
process at 6:30 p.m. followed by a public comment period in which 
members of the public will be provided the opportunity to provide both 
written and oral comments on the Draft EA. A court reporter will 
transcribe the oral comments.

ADDRESSES: Comments regarding the EA should be mailed to FAA Cecil 
Field EA, c/o ICF International, 9300 Lee Highway, Fairfax, VA, 22031. 
Comments can also be sent by e-mail to CecilField@icfi.com or fax to 
(703) 934-3951.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue 
a Launch Site Operator License to JAA that would allow them to operate 
Cecil Field for horizontal suborbital RLV launches. JAA has identified 
two types of horizontally launched RLVs, Concept X and Concept Z, which 
are considered typical vehicles that would be launched from Cecil 
Field. The RLVs would launch and land on Runway 18L-36R, the primary 
north-south runway at Cecil Field. Both proposed RLVs would take-off 
from Cecil Field under jet power. Rocket operations would occur in a 
designated offshore area, approximately 60 miles east of the Florida 
coast. The RLVs would return to Cecil Field as maneuverable gliders.
    JAA proposes to use Cecil Field's existing infrastructure, such as 
hangars, control tower, and runways for commercial space launch 
operations. Therefore, JAA does not anticipate new construction 
activities at Cecil Field related to the proposed spaceport.
    The activities analyzed under the Proposed Action that would 
support, either directly or indirectly, licensed launches include:
     Transporting the vehicle, vehicle components, and 
propellants to Cecil Field via road, rail, air, or a combination of 
these methods.
     Assembling the various vehicle components.
     Conducting checkout activities.
     Loading the propellants into the launch vehicle.
     Loading the pilot, passengers, and other payload.
     Towing or moving the launch vehicle to the proper launch 
or takeoff location.
     Departing Cecil Field as an aircraft.
     Igniting the rocket engines once the vehicle has reached a 
designated area over the Atlantic Ocean.
     Collecting any debris from the runway prior to vehicle 
landing.
     Recovering and transporting the launch vehicle from the 
runway after landing.
    The only alternative to the Proposed Action analyzed in the EA is 
the No Action Alternative. Under this alternative, the FAA would not 
issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA, and there would be no 
commercial space launches from Cecil Field. The site would continue to 
be available for existing general aviation and training-related 
activities.
    Resource areas were considered to provide a context for 
understanding and assessing the potential environmental effects of the 
Proposed Action, with attention focused on key issues. The resource 
areas considered included climate and air quality; coastal resources; 
compatible land use; Department of Transportation Act: Section 4(f) 
resources; farmlands; fish, wildlife, and plants; floodplains; 
hazardous materials, pollution prevention, and solid waste; historical, 
architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources; light emissions 
and visual resources; natural resources, energy supply, and sustainable 
design; noise; socioeconomics; water quality; wetlands; wild and scenic 
rivers; children's environmental health and safety risks; environmental 
justice; construction impacts; secondary (induced) impacts; airports/
airport users; airspace; transportation; and cumulative impacts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stacey M. Zee (AST-100), Office of 
Commercial Space Transportation, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 
331, Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267-9305; E-mail 
stacey.zee@faa.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC on: April 15, 2009.
Michael McElligott,
Manager, Space Systems Development Division.
[FR Doc. E9-9142 Filed 4-20-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-13-P
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