Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement; Continued Operation of the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration Sandia National Laboratories, NM, 37100-37103 [2011-15951]

Download as PDF 37100 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices CRA requirements. These requirements currently include transfer of data on lender interest benefits and special allowance payments, defaulted loan balances, and supplemental pre-claims assistance payments information. (13) Disclosure in the Course of Responding to Breach of Data. The Department may disclose records from this system to appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when: (a) The Department suspects or has confirmed that the security or confidentiality of information in the system of records has been compromised; (b) the Department has determined that as a result of the suspected or confirmed compromise there is a risk of harm to economic or property interests, identity theft or fraud, or harm to the security or integrity of this system or other systems or programs (whether maintained by the Department or another agency or entity) that rely upon the compromised information; and (c) the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, and persons is reasonably necessary to assist in connection with the Department’s efforts to respond to the suspected or confirmed compromise and prevent, minimize, or remedy such harm. DISCLOSURE TO CONSUMER REPORTING AGENCIES: Disclosures pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(12): The Department may disclose the following information to a consumer reporting agency regarding a valid overdue claim of the Department: (1) The name, address, taxpayer identification number, and other information necessary to establish the identity of the individual responsible for the claim; (2) the amount, status, and history of the claim; and (3) the program under which the claim arose. The Department may disclose the information specified in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(12) and the procedures contained in subsection 31 U.S.C. 3711(e). A consumer reporting agency to which these disclosures may be made is defined in 15 U.S.C. 1681a(f) and 31 U.S.C. 3701(a)(3). POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES STORAGE: Physical access to this system housed within the Virtual Data Center is controlled by a computerized badge reading system, and the entire complex is patrolled by security personnel during non-business hours. The computer system employed by the Department offers a high degree of resistance to tampering and circumvention. Multiple levels of security are maintained within the computer system control program. This security system limits data access to Department and contract staff on a ‘‘need-to-know’’ basis, and controls individual users’ ability to access and alter records within the system. All users of this system of records are given a unique user ID with personal identifiers. All interactions by individual users with the system are recorded. RETENTION AND DISPOSAL: Records are retained for 15 years after an account is paid in full, and then destroyed in accordance with the Department’s records retention and disposition schedule 051. SYSTEM MANAGER(S) AND ADDRESS: Director, National Student Loan Data System, FSA, U.S. Department of Education, UCP, 830 First Street, NE., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20202–5454. RETRIEVABILITY: In order for users to retrieve student/ borrower information they must supply the student/borrower SSN, name, and date of birth. 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 documentation. Requests to amend a record must meet the requirements of the Department’s Privacy Act regulations at 34 CFR 5b.7. RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES: Information is obtained from guaranty agencies, educational institutions, and financial institutions and servicers, and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid completed by students and parents. Information is also obtained from other Department systems such as the Direct Loan Servicing System (covered by the system of records entitled ‘‘Common Services for Borrowers’’); Debt Management Collection System (covered by the system of records entitled ‘‘Common Servicers for Borrowers’’); Common Origination and Disbursement System; Financial Management System; Student Aid Internet Gateway, Participant Management System (covered by the system of records entitled ‘‘Student Aid Internet Gateway Enrollment’’); Postsecondary Education Participants System (covered by the system of records entitled ‘‘Postsecondary Education Participants System’’); and Central Processing System (covered by the system of records entitled ‘‘Federal Student Aid Application File’’). EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM: None. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURE: [FR Doc. 2011–15747 Filed 6–23–11; 8:45 am] If you wish to determine whether a record exists regarding you in this system of records, contact the system manager and provide your name, date of birth, SSN, and the name of the school or lender from which the loan or grant was obtained. Requests for notification about whether the system of records contains information about an individual must meet the requirements of the regulations at 34 CFR 5b.5, including proof of identity. BILLING CODE 4000–01–U RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: If you wish to gain access to a record in this system, contact the system manager and provide information as described in the notification procedure. Requests by an individual for access to a record must meet the requirements of the regulations at 34 CFR 5b.5, including proof of identity. CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: The records are maintained electronically. VerDate Mar<15>2010 SAFEGUARDS: If you wish to contest the content of a record in the system of records, you must contact the system manager with the information described in the notification procedures, identify the specific item(s) to be changed, and provide a justification for the change, including any supporting PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement; Continued Operation of the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration Sandia National Laboratories, NM U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration, DOE. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement and conduct public scoping meetings. AGENCY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) (NEPA), and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500–1508 and 10 CFR Part 1021, respectively), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within DOE, announces its intention to prepare a site-wide environmental SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices impact statement (SWEIS) (DOE/EIS– 0466) for the continued operation of DOE/NNSA activities at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (SNL/NM) on Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) and within the Albuquerque area, as well as other DOE activities at both on-site and off-site locations (the NNSA Service Center, the NNSA Office of Secure Transportation, NNSA Kirtland Operations, the NNSA Aviation Facility, and the DOE National Training Center). The purpose of this notice is to invite individuals, organizations, and government agencies and entities to participate in developing the scope of the SWEIS. The new SWEIS will consider a No Action Alternative, which is to continue current operations through implementation of the 1999 Record of Decision (ROD) (64 FR 69996; 12/15/99) and subsequent NEPA decisions. Three action alternatives proposed for consideration in the SWEIS would be compared to the No Action Alternative. The three action alternatives would differ by either their type or level of operations and may include proposals for new operations or the reduction or elimination of certain operations. DATES: NNSA invites comments on the scope of this SWEIS. The public scoping period starts with the publication of this notice and will continue until 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. NNSA will consider all comments defining the scope of the SWEIS received or postmarked by this date. Comments received or postmarked after this date will be considered to the extent practicable. NNSA will conduct public scoping meetings in Albuquerque, New Mexico, scheduled as follows: • Tuesday, July 12, 2011—1–4 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico. • Tuesday, July 12, 2011—6–9 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico. • Wednesday, July 13, 2011—1–4 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico. • Wednesday, July 13, 2011—6–9 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico. These scoping meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to present comments, ask questions, and discuss issues with NNSA officials regarding the SWEIS. Preparation of the SWEIS will require participation of other Federal agencies. As land VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 managers on and around KAFB, the U.S. Department of the Air Force and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) have an inherent interest in activities conducted onsite by NNSA; therefore DOE intends to request the participation of both the Air Force and the USFS as cooperating agencies. ADDRESSES: To submit comments on the scope of the SWEIS, questions about the document or scoping meetings, or to be included on the document distribution list, please contact Jeanette Norte, NNSA Sandia Site Office, SWEIS Document Manager, P.O. Box 5400, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185–5400; local telephone (505) 845–4808 or out of area toll free telephone number 1–855– 766–4651; fax (505) 284–7197; or e-mail address: sandia.sweis@doeal.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information about the DOE NEPA process, please contact Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance (GC–54), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585; e-mail: askNEPA@hq.doe.gov; telephone: 202– 586–4600, or leave a message at 1–800– 472–2756; or fax: 202–586–7031. Additional information regarding DOE NEPA activities is available on the Internet through the NEPA Web site at https://nepa.energy.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: SNL/NM is one of three national laboratories in NNSA’s nuclear security enterprise. SNL/NM is a multidisciplinary, multi-purpose national laboratory primarily engaged in work that supports national security, homeland security initiatives, environmental stewardship, and defense research and development programs (R&D) for DOE/NNSA and other government entities. Responsibilities in support of nuclear weapons activities include design, certification, and assessment of non-nuclear subsystems of nuclear weapons; system integration; safety, security, reliability, and use control of nuclear weapons; direction and support to production plants regarding issues associated with production and dismantlement of nuclear weapons; production and/or acquisition of weapons components; surveillance and support of weapons in the stockpile; and work in nuclear intelligence, nonproliferation, and treaty verification technologies. Nonweapons research and science services are provided in areas including waste management, environmental restoration, hazardous and radioactive material transportation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, nuclear energy, fossil PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37101 energy, magnetic fusion, basic energy sciences, supercomputing, and biological and environmental research. Additional activities include research on energy and environmental technologies, other engineering research, and work for other government agencies. SNL/NM occupies about 8,658 acres on and around KAFB in central New Mexico, and is bordered on the north and west by the city of Albuquerque. The eastern boundary is USFS land and the southern boundary is the Isleta Pueblo. SNL/NM operations are managed and operated for DOE/NNSA under contract by the Sandia Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lockheed Martin Corporation. The 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS examined existing and potential impacts to the environment from ongoing and anticipated future DOE/NNSA operations conducted over approximately a 10-year period of time at SNL/NM and other DOE operations on and around KAFB. The three alternatives analyzed in the 1999 SNL/ NM SWEIS were: (1) The No Action Alternative, to continue to operate at the planned levels as reflected in DOE Management Plans for 1998 through 2008; (2) The Expanded Operations Alternative, DOE’s preferred alternative, to operate at the highest levels supported by then-current and new facilities, and (3) A Reduced Alternative, to operate at the minimum level of activity while still maintaining core mission capabilities. DOE’s ROD, dated December 15, 1999, implemented the Expanded Operations Alternative. In August 2006, DOE/NNSA completed a 5-year review of the 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS with the preparation of a Supplement Analysis (SA), Final Supplement Analysis for the Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (DOE/EIS–0281–SA–04). This was done in accordance with DOE’s regulatory requirement to evaluate sitewide NEPA documents at least every 5 years (10 CFR 1021.330) to determine the adequacy of an existing EIS. Based on the 2006 SA, DOE/NNSA determined that there were no substantial changes to the actions or impacts evaluated in the SNL/NM SWEIS, and there were no significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns; thus, the existing SNL/NM SWEIS was deemed adequate and neither a supplemental EIS nor a new EIS was required. Purpose and Need: The purpose and need for agency action is to continue the operation of SNL/NM to provide support for DOE’s core missions as E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 37102 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices directed by the Congress and the President. SNL/NM supports NNSA national security objectives through the engineering of nuclear weapon components and other nuclear and nonnuclear activities. In addition, SNL/NM oversees DOE/NNSA national security related research, development, and testing programs and conducts extensive work for other federal agencies. Proposed Action and Alternatives for the SWEIS: In accordance with applicable DOE and CEQ NEPA regulations, the No Action Alternative will be analyzed in the SWEIS and will form the baseline for the other action alternatives analyzed in the document. In this case, the No Action Alternative will be the continued implementation of the 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS ROD at SNL/ NM over the next 5–10 years. The No Action Alternative will also include the implementation of other decisions supported by separate NEPA analyses completed since the issuance of the Final 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS. This includes four Supplement Analyses resulting in the determination that further NEPA documentation was not required, and one Environmental Impact Statement: (1) Supplement Analysis for the Final Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico to Reestablishing Long-Term Pulse Mode Testing Capability at the Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR), Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (ACRR Pulse Mode SA) (DOE/EIS–0281– SA–01); (2) Supplement Analysis for the Final Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico for Isentropic Compression and Flyer Plate Experiments Involving Plutonium at the Z and Saturn Accelerators (Pu-ICE SA) (DOE/EIS–0281–SA–02); (3) Supplement Analysis for the Final SiteWide Environmental Impact Statement for Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico for the Installation of a Petawatt Laser System in TA–IV Petawatt Laser System SA) (DOE/EIS–0281–SA–03); (4) Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico Final Supplement Analysis for the Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement (2006 SNL/NM SWEIS SA) (DOE/EIS–0281–SA–04); and (5) Final Complex Transformation Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS–0235–S4) and its RODs (73 FR 77644 and 73 FR 77656). In addition, the following seven environmental assessments and their associated Findings of No Significant Impacts will also be included in the No Action Alternative, as well as actions categorically excluded from the need for VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 preparation of either an EA or an EIS: (1) Environmental Assessment for the Microsystems and Engineering Sciences Applications Complex, DOE/EA–1335, September 2000; (2) Final Environmental Assessment for the Test Capabilities Revitalization at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA–1446, January 2003; (3) Final Environmental Assessment for the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA–1457, March 2003; (4) Final Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Consolidation of Neutron Generator Tritium Target Loading Production, DOE/EA–1532, June 2005; (5) Final Environmental Assessment for the Expansion of Permitted Land and Operations at the 9940 Complex and Thunder Range at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA– 1603, April 2008; (6) Final Environmental Assessment for the Removal Actions at the Technical Area III Classified Waste Landfill, Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA–1729, August 2010; (7) Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed Construction and Lease of New Facilities for the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Secure Transportation (Albuquerque Transportation and Technology Center) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U. S. General Services Administration, July 2006. These various documents can be reviewed at the DOE/NNSA Public Reading Room at Government Information/Zimmerman Library, MSC05 3020, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131–0001, Tel: 505–277–5441, Fax: 505–277–6019; E-mail: govref@unm.edu; Reading Room Web site: https://elibrary.unm.edu/doe; and on the Internet at: https:// nepa.energy.gov. Three action alternatives will be considered in the SWEIS: Expanded Operations, Reduced Operations, and Renewable Energy Operations. All three of these alternatives will be compared to the No Action Alternative level of operations. The Expanded Operations Alternative will consider the highest level of operations that can be supported in existing facilities and potential new facilities. The Reduced Operations Alternative will consider an overall reduction in the level of operations while maintaining core mission capabilities. The Renewable Energy Operations Alternative will consider renewable energy R&D and the potential deployment of those technologies on the SNL/NM; this alternative or portions of it may be PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 combined with either the Expanded Operations Alternative or the Reduced Operations Alternative. Any new renewable facilities/activities will be included in the analysis for the Expanded Operations Alternative if they are reasonably foreseeable (i.e., proposed within the next 5–10 years). This SWEIS will analyze potential impacts resulting from reasonably foreseeable operations and compare these impacts to those projected in the No-Action Alternative. The SWEIS will analyze projected impacts anticipated from operating SNL/NM and from other DOE activities at both on-site and offsite locations. Direct and indirect, as well as unavoidable and irreversible and irretrievable, impacts to the environment of SNL/NM operations and other DOE activities at both on-site and off-site locations will be identified and analyzed in the SWEIS. Where appropriate, mitigation strategies will also be analyzed in the SWEIS. Further, an updated evaluation of SNL/NM operational and transportation accident analyses and a new assessment of cumulative impacts associated with DOE/NNSA operations in Albuquerque will also be included. DOE/NNSA intends to re-evaluate the range of reasonable alternatives following public scoping. Preliminary Identification of Environmental Issues: DOE/NNSA proposes to address the issues listed below when considering the potential impacts of each alternative. This list is presented to facilitate public comment during the scoping period and will be revisited as DOE/NNSA considers all scoping comments. It is not intended to be comprehensive, or to imply any predetermination of impacts. • Potential effects on the public; • Human health impacts resulting from exposure to hazardous materials under routine and reasonably foreseeable accident scenarios; • Impacts on surface and groundwater, and on water use and quality; • Impacts on air quality (including greenhouse gas emissions) and noise; • Impacts on plants and animals, and their habitats, including species that are Federal- or state-listed as threatened or endangered, or of special concern; • Impacts on geology and soil; • Impacts on cultural resources such as Native American sites and Cold War structures and archaeological resources; • Potential impacts from transportation and traffic; • Socioeconomic impacts on potentially affected communities including environmental justice issues, such as disproportionately high and E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1 srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices adverse impacts to minority and lowincome populations; • Potential impacts on land use; • Pollution prevention and waste management practices and activities; • Energy efficiency activities; • Unavoidable adverse impacts and irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources; • Potential cumulative environmental effects of past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions; • The potential impacts of intentional destructive acts, including sabotage and terrorism, which will be addressed in a classified appendix to the SWEIS. SWEIS Process and Invitation To Comment: The SWEIS scoping process provides an opportunity for the public to assist the DOE/NNSA in determining issues to be analyzed in the document. Four public scoping meetings will be held as noted under DATES in this Notice. The purpose of scoping meetings is to provide attendees an opportunity to present comments, ask questions, and discuss concerns regarding the SWEIS with DOE/NNSA officials. Comments and recommendations can also be submitted to Jeanette Norte as noted in this Notice under ADDRESSES. The SWEIS scoping meetings will use a format to facilitate dialogue between DOE/NNSA and the public and will provide individuals the opportunity to give written or oral statements. DOE/NNSA welcomes specific comments or suggestions on the SWEIS process. Copies of written comments and transcripts of oral comments provided to DOE/NNSA during the scoping period will be available at the DOE Public Reading Room at Government Information/ Zimmerman Library MSC05 3020, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131–0001, Tel: 505–277–5441 Fax: 505–277–6019 Email: govref@unm.edu; Reading Room Web site: https://elibrary.unm.edu/doe; and on the Internet at https:// www.doeal.gov/sso/eshqa.aspx. After the close of the public scoping period, DOE/NNSA will begin developing the draft SWEIS. DOE/NNSA expects to issue the draft SWEIS for public review and comment in 2012 for at least 60 days following publication of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The Notice of Availability, along with notices placed in local newspapers, will provide dates and locations for public hearings on the draft SWEIS and the deadline for comments on the draft document. Persons who submit comments with a mailing address during the scoping process will receive a copy of the draft VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 SWEIS. Other persons who would like to receive a copy of the document for review when it is issued should notify Jeanette Norte at one of the addresses provided previously. DOE/NNSA will include comments received on the draft SWEIS in the final SWEIS. Issued in Washington, DC, this 21st day of June 2011. Thomas P. D’Agostino, Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration. [FR Doc. 2011–15951 Filed 6–23–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Electricity Advisory Committee Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, Department of Energy. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. AGENCY: This notice announces a meeting of the Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC). The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting be announced in the Federal Register. DATES: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EDT. ADDRESSES: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, 4301Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Meyer, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, Rm. 8G–024, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585; telephone: (202) 586–3118; E-mail: David.Meyer@hq.doe.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: The Electricity Advisory Committee (EAC) was re-established in July 2010 in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C, App. 2, to provide advice to the U.S. Department of Energy in implementing the Energy Policy Act of 2005, executing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and modernizing the nation’s electricity delivery infrastructure. The Committee is composed of individuals of diverse backgrounds selected for their technical expertise and experience, established records of distinguished professional service, and their knowledge of issues that pertain to electricity. Purpose of the Meeting: The meeting of the EAC is expected to include presentations and discussions of reports SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37103 on a prosperous, low-carbon Europe and the Smart Grid, as well as activities of the Smart Grid, Energy Storage Technologies, and Transmission Subcommittees. Tentative Agenda: 8:30–8:45 a.m. Welcome and Introductions 8:45–9:15 a.m. U.S. Department of Energy Priorities To Facilitate Development of the Nation’s Electric Infrastructure 9:15–10:45 a.m. Roadmap 2050: A Practical Guide to a Prosperous, LowCarbon Europe: Presentation and Discussion of Report by the European Climate Foundation 10:45–11 a.m. Break 11–11:45 a.m. White House Grid Modernization Report: Presentation and Discussion of Report on Smart Grid 11:45–12 p.m. Smart Grid Subcommittee: Discussion of Subcommittee Deliverables 12–1:15 p.m. Lunch 1:15.–2:30 p.m. Presentation and Discussion on Energy Storage Technology Policy and Financial Development 2:30–2:45 p.m. Energy Storage Technologies Subcommittee: Discussion of Subcommittee Deliverables 2:45–3 p.m. Break 3–4:15 p.m. Transmission Subcommittee; Discussion of Subcommittee Deliverables 4:15–4:30 p.m. Public Comments (Must register at time of check-in) 4:30 p.m. Adjourn The meeting agenda may change to accommodate committee business. For EAC agenda updates, see the Committee Web site at: https://www.oe.energy.gov/ eac.htm. Public Participation: The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public who wish to make oral statements pertaining to agenda items should register to do so on the day of the meeting, Tuesday, July 12, 2011. Approximately fifteen minutes will be reserved for public comments. Time allotted per speaker will depend on the number who wish to speak but is not expected to exceed three minutes. Anyone who is not able to attend the meeting, or for whom the allotted public comments time is insufficient to address pertinent issues with the EAC, is invited to send a written statement to Mr. David Meyer, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585 or e-mail to david.meyer@hq.doe.gov. The following E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37100-37103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15951]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY


Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement; Continued 
Operation of the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security 
Administration Sandia National Laboratories, NM

AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security 
Administration, DOE.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
and conduct public scoping meetings.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) (NEPA), and the Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 
regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508 and 10 CFR Part 
1021, respectively), the National Nuclear Security Administration 
(NNSA), a semi-autonomous agency within DOE, announces its intention to 
prepare a site-wide environmental

[[Page 37101]]

impact statement (SWEIS) (DOE/EIS-0466) for the continued operation of 
DOE/NNSA activities at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (SNL/
NM) on Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) and within the Albuquerque area, 
as well as other DOE activities at both on-site and off-site locations 
(the NNSA Service Center, the NNSA Office of Secure Transportation, 
NNSA Kirtland Operations, the NNSA Aviation Facility, and the DOE 
National Training Center). The purpose of this notice is to invite 
individuals, organizations, and government agencies and entities to 
participate in developing the scope of the SWEIS. The new SWEIS will 
consider a No Action Alternative, which is to continue current 
operations through implementation of the 1999 Record of Decision (ROD) 
(64 FR 69996; 12/15/99) and subsequent NEPA decisions. Three action 
alternatives proposed for consideration in the SWEIS would be compared 
to the No Action Alternative. The three action alternatives would 
differ by either their type or level of operations and may include 
proposals for new operations or the reduction or elimination of certain 
operations.

DATES: NNSA invites comments on the scope of this SWEIS. The public 
scoping period starts with the publication of this notice and will 
continue until 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. NNSA 
will consider all comments defining the scope of the SWEIS received or 
postmarked by this date. Comments received or postmarked after this 
date will be considered to the extent practicable. NNSA will conduct 
public scoping meetings in Albuquerque, New Mexico, scheduled as 
follows:
     Tuesday, July 12, 2011--1-4 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque 
Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
     Tuesday, July 12, 2011--6-9 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque 
Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
     Wednesday, July 13, 2011--1-4 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque 
Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
     Wednesday, July 13, 2011--6-9 p.m., Hilton Albuquerque 
Hotel, 1901 University Boulevard Northeast, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
    These scoping meetings will provide the public with an opportunity 
to present comments, ask questions, and discuss issues with NNSA 
officials regarding the SWEIS. Preparation of the SWEIS will require 
participation of other Federal agencies. As land managers on and around 
KAFB, the U.S. Department of the Air Force and the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS) have an inherent interest in 
activities conducted onsite by NNSA; therefore DOE intends to request 
the participation of both the Air Force and the USFS as cooperating 
agencies.

ADDRESSES: To submit comments on the scope of the SWEIS, questions 
about the document or scoping meetings, or to be included on the 
document distribution list, please contact Jeanette Norte, NNSA Sandia 
Site Office, SWEIS Document Manager, P.O. Box 5400, Albuquerque, New 
Mexico 87185-5400; local telephone (505) 845-4808 or out of area toll 
free telephone number 1-855-766-4651; fax (505) 284-7197; or e-mail 
address: sandia.sweis@doeal.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general information about the DOE 
NEPA process, please contact Carol M. Borgstrom, Director, Office of 
NEPA Policy and Compliance (GC-54), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585; e-mail: 
askNEPA@hq.doe.gov; telephone: 202-586-4600, or leave a message at 1-
800-472-2756; or fax: 202-586-7031. Additional information regarding 
DOE NEPA activities is available on the Internet through the NEPA Web 
site at https://nepa.energy.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Background: SNL/NM is one of three national laboratories in NNSA's 
nuclear security enterprise. SNL/NM is a multi-disciplinary, multi-
purpose national laboratory primarily engaged in work that supports 
national security, homeland security initiatives, environmental 
stewardship, and defense research and development programs (R&D) for 
DOE/NNSA and other government entities. Responsibilities in support of 
nuclear weapons activities include design, certification, and 
assessment of non-nuclear subsystems of nuclear weapons; system 
integration; safety, security, reliability, and use control of nuclear 
weapons; direction and support to production plants regarding issues 
associated with production and dismantlement of nuclear weapons; 
production and/or acquisition of weapons components; surveillance and 
support of weapons in the stockpile; and work in nuclear intelligence, 
nonproliferation, and treaty verification technologies. Nonweapons 
research and science services are provided in areas including waste 
management, environmental restoration, hazardous and radioactive 
material transportation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, 
nuclear energy, fossil energy, magnetic fusion, basic energy sciences, 
supercomputing, and biological and environmental research. Additional 
activities include research on energy and environmental technologies, 
other engineering research, and work for other government agencies.
    SNL/NM occupies about 8,658 acres on and around KAFB in central New 
Mexico, and is bordered on the north and west by the city of 
Albuquerque. The eastern boundary is USFS land and the southern 
boundary is the Isleta Pueblo. SNL/NM operations are managed and 
operated for DOE/NNSA under contract by the Sandia Corporation, a 
wholly owned subsidiary of the Lockheed Martin Corporation.
    The 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS examined existing and potential impacts to 
the environment from ongoing and anticipated future DOE/NNSA operations 
conducted over approximately a 10-year period of time at SNL/NM and 
other DOE operations on and around KAFB. The three alternatives 
analyzed in the 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS were: (1) The No Action Alternative, 
to continue to operate at the planned levels as reflected in DOE 
Management Plans for 1998 through 2008; (2) The Expanded Operations 
Alternative, DOE's preferred alternative, to operate at the highest 
levels supported by then-current and new facilities, and (3) A Reduced 
Alternative, to operate at the minimum level of activity while still 
maintaining core mission capabilities. DOE's ROD, dated December 15, 
1999, implemented the Expanded Operations Alternative.
    In August 2006, DOE/NNSA completed a 5-year review of the 1999 SNL/
NM SWEIS with the preparation of a Supplement Analysis (SA), Final 
Supplement Analysis for the Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement 
for Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (DOE/EIS-0281-SA-04). This 
was done in accordance with DOE's regulatory requirement to evaluate 
site-wide NEPA documents at least every 5 years (10 CFR 1021.330) to 
determine the adequacy of an existing EIS. Based on the 2006 SA, DOE/
NNSA determined that there were no substantial changes to the actions 
or impacts evaluated in the SNL/NM SWEIS, and there were no significant 
new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns; 
thus, the existing SNL/NM SWEIS was deemed adequate and neither a 
supplemental EIS nor a new EIS was required.
    Purpose and Need: The purpose and need for agency action is to 
continue the operation of SNL/NM to provide support for DOE's core 
missions as

[[Page 37102]]

directed by the Congress and the President. SNL/NM supports NNSA 
national security objectives through the engineering of nuclear weapon 
components and other nuclear and non-nuclear activities. In addition, 
SNL/NM oversees DOE/NNSA national security related research, 
development, and testing programs and conducts extensive work for other 
federal agencies.
    Proposed Action and Alternatives for the SWEIS: In accordance with 
applicable DOE and CEQ NEPA regulations, the No Action Alternative will 
be analyzed in the SWEIS and will form the baseline for the other 
action alternatives analyzed in the document. In this case, the No 
Action Alternative will be the continued implementation of the 1999 
SNL/NM SWEIS ROD at SNL/NM over the next 5-10 years. The No Action 
Alternative will also include the implementation of other decisions 
supported by separate NEPA analyses completed since the issuance of the 
Final 1999 SNL/NM SWEIS. This includes four Supplement Analyses 
resulting in the determination that further NEPA documentation was not 
required, and one Environmental Impact Statement: (1) Supplement 
Analysis for the Final Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement for 
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico to Reestablishing Long-Term 
Pulse Mode Testing Capability at the Annular Core Research Reactor 
(ACRR), Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico (ACRR Pulse Mode SA) 
(DOE/EIS-0281-SA-01); (2) Supplement Analysis for the Final Site-Wide 
Environmental Impact Statement for Sandia National Laboratories, New 
Mexico for Isentropic Compression and Flyer Plate Experiments Involving 
Plutonium at the Z and Saturn Accelerators (Pu-ICE SA) (DOE/EIS-0281-
SA-02); (3) Supplement Analysis for the Final Site-Wide Environmental 
Impact Statement for Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico for the 
Installation of a Petawatt Laser System in TA-IV Petawatt Laser System 
SA) (DOE/EIS-0281-SA-03); (4) Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico 
Final Supplement Analysis for the Site-Wide Environmental Impact 
Statement (2006 SNL/NM SWEIS SA) (DOE/EIS-0281-SA-04); and (5) Final 
Complex Transformation Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Impact 
Statement (DOE/EIS-0235-S4) and its RODs (73 FR 77644 and 73 FR 77656). 
In addition, the following seven environmental assessments and their 
associated Findings of No Significant Impacts will also be included in 
the No Action Alternative, as well as actions categorically excluded 
from the need for preparation of either an EA or an EIS: (1) 
Environmental Assessment for the Microsystems and Engineering Sciences 
Applications Complex, DOE/EA-1335, September 2000; (2) Final 
Environmental Assessment for the Test Capabilities Revitalization at 
Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA-1446, January 2003; 
(3) Final Environmental Assessment for the Center for Integrated 
Nanotechnologies at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA-
1457, March 2003; (4) Final Environmental Assessment for the Proposed 
Consolidation of Neutron Generator Tritium Target Loading Production, 
DOE/EA-1532, June 2005; (5) Final Environmental Assessment for the 
Expansion of Permitted Land and Operations at the 9940 Complex and 
Thunder Range at Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA-1603, 
April 2008; (6) Final Environmental Assessment for the Removal Actions 
at the Technical Area III Classified Waste Landfill, Sandia National 
Laboratories, New Mexico, DOE/EA-1729, August 2010; (7) Final 
Environmental Assessment for Proposed Construction and Lease of New 
Facilities for the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security 
Administration, Office of Secure Transportation (Albuquerque 
Transportation and Technology Center) Albuquerque, New Mexico, U. S. 
General Services Administration, July 2006. These various documents can 
be reviewed at the DOE/NNSA Public Reading Room at Government 
Information/Zimmerman Library, MSC05 3020, 1 University of New Mexico, 
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, Tel: 505-277-5441, Fax: 505-277-6019; E-
mail: govref@unm.edu; Reading Room Web site: https://elibrary.unm.edu/doe; and on the Internet at: https://nepa.energy.gov.
    Three action alternatives will be considered in the SWEIS: Expanded 
Operations, Reduced Operations, and Renewable Energy Operations. All 
three of these alternatives will be compared to the No Action 
Alternative level of operations. The Expanded Operations Alternative 
will consider the highest level of operations that can be supported in 
existing facilities and potential new facilities. The Reduced 
Operations Alternative will consider an overall reduction in the level 
of operations while maintaining core mission capabilities. The 
Renewable Energy Operations Alternative will consider renewable energy 
R&D and the potential deployment of those technologies on the SNL/NM; 
this alternative or portions of it may be combined with either the 
Expanded Operations Alternative or the Reduced Operations Alternative. 
Any new renewable facilities/activities will be included in the 
analysis for the Expanded Operations Alternative if they are reasonably 
foreseeable (i.e., proposed within the next 5-10 years).
    This SWEIS will analyze potential impacts resulting from reasonably 
foreseeable operations and compare these impacts to those projected in 
the No-Action Alternative. The SWEIS will analyze projected impacts 
anticipated from operating SNL/NM and from other DOE activities at both 
on-site and off-site locations. Direct and indirect, as well as 
unavoidable and irreversible and irretrievable, impacts to the 
environment of SNL/NM operations and other DOE activities at both on-
site and off-site locations will be identified and analyzed in the 
SWEIS. Where appropriate, mitigation strategies will also be analyzed 
in the SWEIS. Further, an updated evaluation of SNL/NM operational and 
transportation accident analyses and a new assessment of cumulative 
impacts associated with DOE/NNSA operations in Albuquerque will also be 
included. DOE/NNSA intends to re-evaluate the range of reasonable 
alternatives following public scoping.
    Preliminary Identification of Environmental Issues: DOE/NNSA 
proposes to address the issues listed below when considering the 
potential impacts of each alternative. This list is presented to 
facilitate public comment during the scoping period and will be 
revisited as DOE/NNSA considers all scoping comments. It is not 
intended to be comprehensive, or to imply any predetermination of 
impacts.
     Potential effects on the public;
     Human health impacts resulting from exposure to hazardous 
materials under routine and reasonably foreseeable accident scenarios;
     Impacts on surface and groundwater, and on water use and 
quality;
     Impacts on air quality (including greenhouse gas 
emissions) and noise;
     Impacts on plants and animals, and their habitats, 
including species that are Federal- or state-listed as threatened or 
endangered, or of special concern;
     Impacts on geology and soil;
     Impacts on cultural resources such as Native American 
sites and Cold War structures and archaeological resources;
     Potential impacts from transportation and traffic;
     Socioeconomic impacts on potentially affected communities 
including environmental justice issues, such as disproportionately high 
and

[[Page 37103]]

adverse impacts to minority and low-income populations;
     Potential impacts on land use;
     Pollution prevention and waste management practices and 
activities;
     Energy efficiency activities;
     Unavoidable adverse impacts and irreversible and 
irretrievable commitments of resources;
     Potential cumulative environmental effects of past, 
present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions;
     The potential impacts of intentional destructive acts, 
including sabotage and terrorism, which will be addressed in a 
classified appendix to the SWEIS.
    SWEIS Process and Invitation To Comment: The SWEIS scoping process 
provides an opportunity for the public to assist the DOE/NNSA in 
determining issues to be analyzed in the document. Four public scoping 
meetings will be held as noted under DATES in this Notice. The purpose 
of scoping meetings is to provide attendees an opportunity to present 
comments, ask questions, and discuss concerns regarding the SWEIS with 
DOE/NNSA officials. Comments and recommendations can also be submitted 
to Jeanette Norte as noted in this Notice under ADDRESSES. The SWEIS 
scoping meetings will use a format to facilitate dialogue between DOE/
NNSA and the public and will provide individuals the opportunity to 
give written or oral statements. DOE/NNSA welcomes specific comments or 
suggestions on the SWEIS process. Copies of written comments and 
transcripts of oral comments provided to DOE/NNSA during the scoping 
period will be available at the DOE Public Reading Room at Government 
Information/Zimmerman Library MSC05 3020, 1 University of New Mexico, 
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, Tel: 505-277-5441 Fax: 505-277-6019 E-mail: 
govref@unm.edu; Reading Room Web site: https://elibrary.unm.edu/doe; and 
on the Internet at https://www.doeal.gov/sso/eshqa.aspx. After the close 
of the public scoping period, DOE/NNSA will begin developing the draft 
SWEIS. DOE/NNSA expects to issue the draft SWEIS for public review and 
comment in 2012 for at least 60 days following publication of the 
Environmental Protection Agency's Notice of Availability in the Federal 
Register. The Notice of Availability, along with notices placed in 
local newspapers, will provide dates and locations for public hearings 
on the draft SWEIS and the deadline for comments on the draft document. 
Persons who submit comments with a mailing address during the scoping 
process will receive a copy of the draft SWEIS. Other persons who would 
like to receive a copy of the document for review when it is issued 
should notify Jeanette Norte at one of the addresses provided 
previously. DOE/NNSA will include comments received on the draft SWEIS 
in the final SWEIS.

    Issued in Washington, DC, this 21st day of June 2011.
Thomas P. D'Agostino,
Administrator, National Nuclear Security Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011-15951 Filed 6-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450-01-P
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