Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact for Field Release of Insects for Biological Control of Carrizo Cane, 71583-71584 [2011-29766]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 223 / Friday, November 18, 2011 / Notices The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection was previously published in the Federal Register on September 6, 2011, at 76 FR 55081, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did not receive any comments. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until December 19, 2011. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), USCIS Desk Officer. Comments may be submitted to: USCIS, Chief, Regulatory Products Division, Office of the Executive Secretariat, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529– 2020. Comments may also be submitted to DHS via facsimile to (202) 272–8352 or via email at uscisfrcomment@dhs.gov, and to the OMB USCIS Desk Officer via facsimile at (202) 395–5806 or via email at oira_submission@omb.eop.gov. When submitting comments by email, please make sure to add OMB Control No. 1615–0010 in the subject box. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:44 Nov 17, 2011 Jkt 226001 e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Overview of this Information Collection (1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of an existing information collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: Form I–129S; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Business or others for profit. This form is used by an employer to classify employees as L–1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees under a blanket L petition approval. USCIS will use the data on this form to determine eligibility for the requested immigration benefit. (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 42,000 responses at .583 hours (35 minutes) per response. (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 24,486 annual burden hours. If you need a copy of the information collection instrument, please visit the Web site at: https://www.regulations.gov/. We may also be contacted at: USCIS, Regulatory Products Division, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529–2020, Telephone number (202) 272–8377. 71583 Significant Impact (FONSI) for its support of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research and field release of two insects, the Arundo scale and the Arundo wasp as biological control agents for the non-native and invasive Carrizo cane in the continental United States. To reach this FONSI, CBP examined two Environmental Assessments (EAs) prepared by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), performed independent analyses of those EAs, and reached its own findings. The two EAs (APHIS 2009 and 2010) are also being made available through CBP. DATES: The FONSI is available beginning on November 18, 2011. ADDRESSES: Copies of the FONSI may be obtained by accessing either of the following Web sites: https://cbp.gov/xp/ cgov/border_security/ti/ti_docs/ carrizo_fonsi.xml, or https:// www.dhs.gov/xabout/laws/ editorial_0850.shtm under Environmental Assessments; or by sending a request to Christopher Colacicco of CBP by telephone: (202) 344–1085; by fax: (202) 344–1250; by email: Christopher.j.colacicco@cbp.dhs.gov; or by writing to: CBP, Attn: Christopher Colacicco, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Colacicco, CBP, Border Patrol Facilities and Tactical Information Program Management Office, telephone (202) 344–1085, email Christopher.j.colacicco@cbp.dhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS. ACTION: Notice of availability. Background Information The non-native invasive weed species, Carrizo cane, Arundo donax (Poaceae), is prevalent along the southern border of the United States and is an impediment to border security. Among other things, it obscures Border Patrol agents’ lines of sight and provides cover to individuals who are attempting to enter the United States illegally. Accordingly, effective control of Carrizo cane is critical in preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons, drugs, and other contraband from entering the United States and in providing a safer work environment for Border Patrol agents. CBP has evaluated various methods of controlling Carrizo cane, including the application of herbicides and mechanical removal; however, CBP remains interested in evaluating other methods of controlling Carrizo cane. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is advising the public of the availability of a Finding of No ARS Biological Control Research The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting research Dated: November 15, 2011. Sunday Aigbe, Chief, Regulatory Products Division, Office of the Executive Secretariat, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2011–29914 Filed 11–17–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–97–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact for Field Release of Insects for Biological Control of Carrizo Cane AGENCY: SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\18NON1.SGM 18NON1 71584 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 223 / Friday, November 18, 2011 / Notices into the use of two insects as biological control agents for Carrizo cane: The Arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), and Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). CBP has recognized the potential utility of biological control agents to help control Carrizo cane. Under the authority of 7 U.S.C. 3318(b), CBP and USDA entered into a non-assistive cooperative agreement in support of research into biological controls for Carrizo cane. In accordance with this agreement, CBP plans to provide funding and other support to ARS through fiscal years 2012 and 2013 for research regarding the release of the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale in the United States and to coordinate deployment of these biological control agents for Carrizo cane. Additional funding or support may be provided after 2013 if funds are available and the biological controls appear effective. The coordination will take the form of agreements regarding the locations where ARS will release the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale and the provision of access to CBP-controlled property for ARS studies. The goal of the program is to determine if biological control is an effective option for reducing Carrizo cane density. Reducing Carrizo cane density is likely to increase visibility along the border, thereby meeting CBP’s operational needs. and strategies to ensure protection of the environment associated with the release of the Arundo wasp in the continental United States. The Arundo wasp is a non-stinging wasp that feeds and resides only on Carrizo cane and is known to pose no threat to humans or other animals. A 30 day public comment period was provided, and 10 comments were received. After consideration of the comments, APHIS issued a final EA and a FONSI for the release of the Arundo wasp on April 10, 2009. See 74 FR 21311. On November 12, 2010, APHIS issued an EA that evaluated a range of alternatives and strategies to ensure protection of the environment associated with the release of Arundo scale in the continental United States. A 30 day public comment period was provided, and 11 comments were received. After consideration of the comments, APHIS issued a final EA and a FONSI for the release of Arundo scale on December 15, 2010. See 76 FR 8708. These documents are posted on the APHIS Web site at: https://www.aphis. usda.gov/plant_health/ea/downloads/ Tetramesa-romana-ea.pdf and https:// www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ea/ downloads/RhizaspidiotusdonacisEAFonsi.pdf. Links to these documents may also be found on the CBP Web site: https://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/ ti/ti_docs/carrizo_fonsi.xml. USDA Environmental Assessments USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed two Environmental Assessments (EAs) that evaluated the potential environmental impacts related to the release of these two insects as biological control agents for the control of Carrizo cane. On March 6, 2009, APHIS issued an EA that evaluated a range of alternatives Adoption of the APHIS EAs and CBP’s Issuance of a FONSI Following independent analysis and review of the APHIS EAs, CBP has adopted the APHIS EAs regarding the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale. Based on this analysis and review, CBP has determined that the release of the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale in CBPcontrolled areas will not have a significant effect on the environment, and thus has issued a FONSI. Copies of the FONSI may be obtained as described in the ADDRESSES section of this document. NEPA This environmental analysis was conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and Department of Homeland Security Directive 023–01 (renumbered from 5100.1), Environmental Planning Program (April 19, 2006). Dated: November 3, 2011. Karl H. Calvo, Executive Director, Facilities Management and Engineering, Office of Administration. [FR Doc. 2011–29766 Filed 11–17–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Notice of Revocation of Customs Broker Licenses U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Customs broker license revocations for the failure to file the triennial status report and applicable fee. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that pursuant to section 641 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1641), and Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations at § 111.30(d), the following Customs broker licenses are revoked by operation of law without prejudice. SUMMARY: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Last/company name First name Lequire ....................................................................................... Ransom ..................................................................................... Runfola ...................................................................................... Grizzard Customs Brokers, Inc ................................................. Grizzard ..................................................................................... McDonald-McGlone ................................................................... Simpson ..................................................................................... McTiernan .................................................................................. O’Conner ................................................................................... Rivers ........................................................................................ Peek .......................................................................................... Smolen ...................................................................................... Sheffield ..................................................................................... Pierce ........................................................................................ Maltbie ....................................................................................... Siebern ...................................................................................... Bruno ......................................................................................... Gontrum, Jr ............................................................................... Johnson, Jr ................................................................................ Goodman ................................................................................... Cynthia A ................................................. Brian Charles ........................................... Thomas Michael ...................................... .................................................................. Michael R ................................................ Kay .......................................................... Sherry Elaine ........................................... Timothy .................................................... William L .................................................. Myra B ..................................................... Brenda K ................................................. Lee Ellis ................................................... Beverly J .................................................. Scott M .................................................... Jean L ...................................................... Marilyn C ................................................. Ann T ....................................................... Ralph W ................................................... William H ................................................. Richard J ................................................. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:44 Nov 17, 2011 Jkt 226001 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\18NON1.SGM License 20655 13863 12540 21184 13265 09543 13412 15722 16182 16155 13392 09190 16856 15327 20058 23594 10526 04695 05405 04226 18NON1 Port name Anchorage Anchorage Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Atlanta Baltimore Baltimore Baltimore Baltimore

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 223 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71583-71584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29766]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection


Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact for 
Field Release of Insects for Biological Control of Carrizo Cane

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is advising the 
public of the availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI) for its support of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 
research and field release of two insects, the Arundo scale and the 
Arundo wasp as biological control agents for the non-native and 
invasive Carrizo cane in the continental United States. To reach this 
FONSI, CBP examined two Environmental Assessments (EAs) prepared by 
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), performed 
independent analyses of those EAs, and reached its own findings. The 
two EAs (APHIS 2009 and 2010) are also being made available through 
CBP.

DATES: The FONSI is available beginning on November 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FONSI may be obtained by accessing either of 
the following Web sites: https://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/ti/ti_docs/carrizo_fonsi.xml, or https://www.dhs.gov/xabout/laws/editorial_0850.shtm under Environmental Assessments; or by sending a 
request to Christopher Colacicco of CBP by telephone: (202) 344-1085; 
by fax: (202) 344-1250; by email: Christopher.j.colacicco@cbp.dhs.gov; 
or by writing to: CBP, Attn: Christopher Colacicco, 1300 Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Colacicco, CBP, Border 
Patrol Facilities and Tactical Information Program Management Office, 
telephone (202) 344-1085, email Christopher.j.colacicco@cbp.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background Information

    The non-native invasive weed species, Carrizo cane, Arundo donax 
(Poaceae), is prevalent along the southern border of the United States 
and is an impediment to border security. Among other things, it 
obscures Border Patrol agents' lines of sight and provides cover to 
individuals who are attempting to enter the United States illegally. 
Accordingly, effective control of Carrizo cane is critical in 
preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons, drugs, and other 
contraband from entering the United States and in providing a safer 
work environment for Border Patrol agents. CBP has evaluated various 
methods of controlling Carrizo cane, including the application of 
herbicides and mechanical removal; however, CBP remains interested in 
evaluating other methods of controlling Carrizo cane.

ARS Biological Control Research

    The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting research

[[Page 71584]]

into the use of two insects as biological control agents for Carrizo 
cane: The Arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: 
Eurytomidae), and Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: 
Diaspididae). CBP has recognized the potential utility of biological 
control agents to help control Carrizo cane. Under the authority of 7 
U.S.C. 3318(b), CBP and USDA entered into a non-assistive cooperative 
agreement in support of research into biological controls for Carrizo 
cane. In accordance with this agreement, CBP plans to provide funding 
and other support to ARS through fiscal years 2012 and 2013 for 
research regarding the release of the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale in 
the United States and to coordinate deployment of these biological 
control agents for Carrizo cane. Additional funding or support may be 
provided after 2013 if funds are available and the biological controls 
appear effective. The coordination will take the form of agreements 
regarding the locations where ARS will release the Arundo wasp and 
Arundo scale and the provision of access to CBP-controlled property for 
ARS studies. The goal of the program is to determine if biological 
control is an effective option for reducing Carrizo cane density. 
Reducing Carrizo cane density is likely to increase visibility along 
the border, thereby meeting CBP's operational needs.

USDA Environmental Assessments

    USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed 
two Environmental Assessments (EAs) that evaluated the potential 
environmental impacts related to the release of these two insects as 
biological control agents for the control of Carrizo cane.
    On March 6, 2009, APHIS issued an EA that evaluated a range of 
alternatives and strategies to ensure protection of the environment 
associated with the release of the Arundo wasp in the continental 
United States. The Arundo wasp is a non-stinging wasp that feeds and 
resides only on Carrizo cane and is known to pose no threat to humans 
or other animals. A 30 day public comment period was provided, and 10 
comments were received. After consideration of the comments, APHIS 
issued a final EA and a FONSI for the release of the Arundo wasp on 
April 10, 2009. See 74 FR 21311.
    On November 12, 2010, APHIS issued an EA that evaluated a range of 
alternatives and strategies to ensure protection of the environment 
associated with the release of Arundo scale in the continental United 
States. A 30 day public comment period was provided, and 11 comments 
were received. After consideration of the comments, APHIS issued a 
final EA and a FONSI for the release of Arundo scale on December 15, 
2010. See 76 FR 8708.
    These documents are posted on the APHIS Web site at: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ea/downloads/Tetramesa-romana-ea.pdf 
and https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ea/downloads/RhizaspidiotusdonacisEA-Fonsi.pdf. Links to these documents may also be 
found on the CBP Web site: https://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/ti/ti_docs/carrizo_fonsi.xml.

Adoption of the APHIS EAs and CBP's Issuance of a FONSI

    Following independent analysis and review of the APHIS EAs, CBP has 
adopted the APHIS EAs regarding the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale. Based 
on this analysis and review, CBP has determined that the release of the 
Arundo wasp and Arundo scale in CBP-controlled areas will not have a 
significant effect on the environment, and thus has issued a FONSI. 
Copies of the FONSI may be obtained as described in the ADDRESSES 
section of this document.

NEPA

    This environmental analysis was conducted in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq., the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing 
the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01 (renumbered from 5100.1), Environmental Planning 
Program (April 19, 2006).

    Dated: November 3, 2011.
 Karl H. Calvo,
Executive Director, Facilities Management and Engineering, Office of 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011-29766 Filed 11-17-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P
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