Oral Rabies Vaccine Trial; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, 49409-49410 [2012-20174]

Download as PDF 49409 Notices Federal Register Vol. 77, No. 159 Thursday, August 16, 2012 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. requirements of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. Richard J. Brenner, Assistant Administrator. [FR Doc. 2012–20126 Filed 8–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Agricultural Research Service [Docket No. APHIS–2012–0052] Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive License Oral Rabies Vaccine Trial; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent. Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, intends to grant to the University of Mississippi of University, Mississippi, an exclusive license to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/463,442, ‘‘Anti-Obesity Properties of Pterostilbene’’, filed on May 3, 2012. SUMMARY: Comments must be received on or before September 17, 2012. DATES: Send comments to: USDA, ARS, Office of Technology Transfer, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Rm. 4–1174, Beltsville, Maryland 20705–5131. ADDRESSES: June Blalock of the Office of Technology Transfer at the Beltsville address given above; telephone: 301–504–5989. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Federal Government’s patent rights in this invention are assigned to the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture. The prospective exclusive license will be royalty-bearing and will comply with the terms and conditions of 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. The prospective exclusive license may be granted unless, within thirty (30) days from the date of this published Notice, the Agricultural Research Service receives written evidence and argument which establishes that the grant of the license would not be consistent with the mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:38 Aug 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact relative to an oral rabies vaccination field trial in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Chipman, Rabies Program Coordinator, Wildlife Services, APHIS, 59 Chennell Drive, Suite 7, Concord, NH 03301; (603) 223–9623. To obtain copies of the environmental assessment or finding of no significant impact, contact Ms. Beth Kabert, Environmental Coordinator, Wildlife Services, 140–C Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867; (908) 735–5654, fax (908) 735–0821, email: beth.e.kabert@aphis.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Background The Wildlife Services (WS) program in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) cooperates with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and private individuals to research and implement the best methods of managing conflicts between wildlife and human health and safety, agriculture, property, and natural resources. Wildlife-borne diseases that can affect domestic animals and humans are among the types of conflicts that APHIS–WS addresses. Wildlife is the PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 dominant reservoir of rabies in the United States. On July 9, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 40322–40323, Docket No. APHIS–2012–0052) a notice 1 in which we announced the availability, for public review and comment, of an environmental assessment (EA) that examined the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed field trial to test the safety and efficacy of an experimental oral rabies vaccine for wildlife in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia. We solicited comments on the EA for 30 days ending August 8, 2012. We received nine comments by that date. They were from private citizens (including five comments from the same individual), a foreign government, a Federal agency, and a State department of health. Three commenters expressed support for the proposed field trial. One commenter indicated we should prepare an environmental impact statement rather than an EA for this action but did not provide a reason for doing so. Other issues raised by commenters include concerns regarding possible effects on public health and whether the field trial is necessary. The comments, and APHIS’ responses to the comments, are presented in an appendix to the EA (see footnote 1). In this document, we are advising the public of our finding of no significant impact (FONSI) regarding the implementation of a field trial to test the safety and efficacy of the AdRG1.3 wildlife rabies vaccine in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia, including portions of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service National Forest System lands, but excluding Wilderness Areas. The finding, which is based on the EA, reflects our determination that the distribution of this experimental wildlife rabies vaccine will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. The EA and FONSI may be viewed on the APHIS Web site at https://www. aphis.usda.gov/regulations/ws/ws_ nepa_environmental_documents.shtml and on the Regulations.gov Web site (see footnote 1). Copies of the EA and 1 To view the notice, the comments we received, the EA, and the FONSI, go to https://www. regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-20120052. E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1 49410 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 159 / Thursday, August 16, 2012 / Notices FONSI are also available for public inspection at USDA, Room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect copies are requested to call ahead on (202) 799–7039 to facilitate entry into the reading room. In addition, copies may be obtained as described under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The EA and FONSI have been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508); (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of August 2012. Peter Fernandez, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2012–20174 Filed 8–13–12; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Chequamegon Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The Chequamegon Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Park Falls, Wisconsin. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (Pub. L 112–141) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to review and recommend projects authorized under title II of the Act. DATES: The meeting will be held September 14, 2012, and will begin at 10:00 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Forest Service Park Falls Office, Large Conference Room, 1170 4th Ave. South, Park Falls, WI. Written comments may be submitted as described under SUPPLEMENTARY mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:38 Aug 15, 2012 Jkt 226001 INFORMATION. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at ChequamegonNicolet National Forest, 113 East Bayfield St., Washburn, WI 54891. Please call ahead to 715–373–2667 to facilitate entry into the building to view comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Holmes, RAC coordinator, USDA, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 113 East Bayfield St., Washburn, WI 54891; (715) 373–2667; Email sarahholmes@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following business will be conducted: (1) Review and status updates on approved Title II projects (2) Recommend funding of Title II project proposals in accordance with Public Law 110–343; and (3) Public Comment. The full agenda may be previewed at https://fsplaces.fs.fed.us/fsfiles/unit/wo/ secure_rural_schools.nsf/Web_Agendas? OpenView&Count=1000&RestrictTo Category=Chequamegon. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. A summary of the meeting will be posted at the above Web site within 21 days of the meeting. Meeting Accommodations: If you are a person requiring reasonable accommodation, please make requests in advance by contacting the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. All reasonable accommodation requests are managed on a case by case basis. Dated: August 9, 2012. Paul I.V. Strong, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2012–20109 Filed 8–15–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Kisatchie Resource Advisory Committee AGENCY: PO 00000 Forest Service, USDA. Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: Notice of meeting. The Kisatchie Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (Pub. L. 112–141) (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with the title II of the Act. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to review and recommend projects authorized under title II of the Act. DATES: The meeting will be held September 20, 2012, 6 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the National Center for Preservation, Technology and Training on the Northwestern State University campus, 645 University Parkway, Natchitoches, Louisiana. Written comments may be submitted as described under Supplementary Information. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the Forest Supervisor’s Office, 2400 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, Louisiana. Please call ahead to 318–473–7025 to facilitate entry into the building to view comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Holly Morgan, RAC Coordinator, USDA, 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, Louisiana, 71360, 318–473–7194. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following business will be conducted: Overview of changes, presentation of projects, voting on proposed projects, public comment. A full Agenda, meeting information, and proposed projects may be viewed at the Kisatchie RAC Web site: https://fsplaces.fs.fed.us/ fsfiles/unit/wo/secure_rural_schools. nsf/RAC/AA30E6FF5FEE96518825 767100516D0F?OpenDocument. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Written comments SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\16AUN1.SGM 16AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 159 (Thursday, August 16, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49409-49410]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-20174]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2012-0052]


Oral Rabies Vaccine Trial; Availability of an Environmental 
Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment and finding 
of no significant impact relative to an oral rabies vaccination field 
trial in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia. 
Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact 
statement need not be prepared.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Chipman, Rabies Program 
Coordinator, Wildlife Services, APHIS, 59 Chennell Drive, Suite 7, 
Concord, NH 03301; (603) 223-9623. To obtain copies of the 
environmental assessment or finding of no significant impact, contact 
Ms. Beth Kabert, Environmental Coordinator, Wildlife Services, 140-C 
Locust Grove Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867; (908) 735-5654, fax (908) 735-
0821, email: beth.e.kabert@aphis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Wildlife Services (WS) program in the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service (APHIS) cooperates with Federal agencies, State and 
local governments, and private individuals to research and implement 
the best methods of managing conflicts between wildlife and human 
health and safety, agriculture, property, and natural resources. 
Wildlife-borne diseases that can affect domestic animals and humans are 
among the types of conflicts that APHIS-WS addresses. Wildlife is the 
dominant reservoir of rabies in the United States.
    On July 9, 2012, we published in the Federal Register (77 FR 40322-
40323, Docket No. APHIS-2012-0052) a notice \1\ in which we announced 
the availability, for public review and comment, of an environmental 
assessment (EA) that examined the potential environmental impacts 
associated with the proposed field trial to test the safety and 
efficacy of an experimental oral rabies vaccine for wildlife in New 
Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view the notice, the comments we received, the EA, and 
the FONSI, go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-
2012-0052.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We solicited comments on the EA for 30 days ending August 8, 2012. 
We received nine comments by that date. They were from private citizens 
(including five comments from the same individual), a foreign 
government, a Federal agency, and a State department of health. Three 
commenters expressed support for the proposed field trial. One 
commenter indicated we should prepare an environmental impact statement 
rather than an EA for this action but did not provide a reason for 
doing so. Other issues raised by commenters include concerns regarding 
possible effects on public health and whether the field trial is 
necessary. The comments, and APHIS' responses to the comments, are 
presented in an appendix to the EA (see footnote 1).
    In this document, we are advising the public of our finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI) regarding the implementation of a field 
trial to test the safety and efficacy of the AdRG1.3 wildlife rabies 
vaccine in New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and West Virginia, 
including portions of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest 
Service National Forest System lands, but excluding Wilderness Areas. 
The finding, which is based on the EA, reflects our determination that 
the distribution of this experimental wildlife rabies vaccine will not 
have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment.
    The EA and FONSI may be viewed on the APHIS Web site at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/ws/ws_nepa_environmental_documents.shtml and on the Regulations.gov Web site (see footnote 1). 
Copies of the EA and

[[Page 49410]]

FONSI are also available for public inspection at USDA, Room 1141, 
South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
holidays. Persons wishing to inspect copies are requested to call ahead 
on (202) 799-7039 to facilitate entry into the reading room. In 
addition, copies may be obtained as described under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.
    The EA and FONSI have been prepared in accordance with: (1) The 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.); (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality 
for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508); (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) 
APHIS' NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of August 2012.
Peter Fernandez,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-20174 Filed 8-13-12; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

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