Notice of Availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Deployment and Operation of Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Operational Areas, 67659-67660 [2012-27555]

Download as PDF srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 219 / Tuesday, November 13, 2012 / Notices p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. Instructions: All submissions received must include the words ‘‘Department of Homeland Security’’ and the docket number for this action. Comments received will be posted without alteration at https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. You may review a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Docket: For access to the docket to read documents or comments related to this notice, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. A public comment period will be held during the meeting on November 28, 2012, from 3 to 4 p.m. and November 29, 2012, from 12 to 1 p.m. Public presentations may also be given. Speakers are requested to limit their comments to 10 minutes. Please note that the public comment period may end before the time indicated, following the last call for comments. Contact the individual listed below to register as a speaker. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this meeting, please contact Mr. Mike Sollosi, the NAVSAC Alternate Designated Federal Officer (ADFO), at telephone 202–372– 1545 or email mike.m.sollosi@uscg.mil, or Mr. Burt Lahn, at telephone 202–372– 1526 or email burt.a.lahn@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of this meeting is given under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. (Pub. L. 92–463). The NAVSAC is an advisory committee authorized in 33 U.S.C. 2073 and chartered under the provisions of the FACA. NAVSAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary, through the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, on matters relating to prevention of maritime collisions, rammings, and groundings, Inland and International Rules of the Road, navigation regulations and equipment, routing measures, marine information, diving safety, and aids to navigation systems. Agenda: The NAVSAC will meet to review, discuss and formulate recommendations on the following topics: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 (1) Update from the Coast Guard on all past resolutions and recommendations made by the Council— VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:08 Nov 09, 2012 Jkt 229001 The Coast Guard will provide an update on the status of the Coast Guard’s implementation of resolutions and recommendations made by the Council. (2) Autonomously Operated Vessels. The Council will receive an update on the status of these vessels including their production and use. The Council will be updated regarding a possible course of action pertaining to future Inland and International Rules of the Road changes. (3) Protection for vessels engaged in servicing submarine cables. (4) Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) requirements. The Council will receive an update on the current system the CG will invite their comments or input regarding the extent of current users. (5) Off-shore wind farms/renewable energy. The Council will receive an update of the status of offshore wind energy development. (6) Request the Coast Guard to establish Council working groups to discuss the preceding topics as appropriate. Public comments or questions will be taken during the meeting as the Council discusses each issue and prior to the Council formulating recommendations on each issue. There will also be a public comment period at the end of the meeting. Thursday, November 29 2012 (1) Working Group Discussions continue from November 28, 2012. (2) Working Group Reports presented to the Council. (3) New Business. a. Identification of new NAVSAC tasks by the Coast Guard. b. Committee discussion of new tasks. A public comment period will be held after the discussion of new tasks. Speakers’ comments are limited to 10 minutes each. Public comments or questions will be taken at the discretion of the DFO during the discussion and recommendations, and new business portion of the meeting. c. Schedule Next Meeting Date— Summer 2013. Dated: November 7, 2012. Dana A. Goward, Director, Marine Transportation Systems, U.S. Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2012–27557 Filed 11–9–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67659 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection Notice of Availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Deployment and Operation of Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Operational Areas U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announces that a final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems (LEXRIS) at CBP operational areas have been prepared and are available for public review. The final PEA documents a review of the potential environmental impacts from the deployment and use of LEXRIS at CBP operational areas throughout the country. Based on the final PEA, a determination was made that the proposed action will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and a FONSI was issued. As a result, a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) is not required. DATES: The Final PEA and FONSI are available for review through December 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: Copies of the final PEA AND FONSI may be obtained by accessing the following Internet addresses: https:// ecso.swf.usace.army.mil/Pages/ Publicreview.cfm or www.dhs.gov/nepa, or by sending a request to David Duncan of CBP by telephone (202–344–1527), by fax (202–344–1418), by email to david.c.duncan@dhs.gov or by writing to: CBP, Attn: David Duncan, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Suite 1575, Washington, DC 20229. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Antoinette DiVittorio, Environmental and Energy Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, telephone (202) 344– 3131. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: LEXRIS LEXRIS is a low energy x-ray inspection system. The purpose of deploying and operating LEXRIS is to non-intrusively scan vehicles for the presence of contraband, including weapons of mass destruction, E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1 67660 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 219 / Tuesday, November 13, 2012 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with explosives, and illicit drugs. The use of LEXRIS at, for example U.S. ports of entry, directly supports CBP’s mission of securing the U.S. borders and homeland from terrorists and other threats while simultaneously facilitating legitimate trade and travel by assisting CBP personnel in preventing contraband, including illegal drugs and terrorist weapons, from entering the United States. Two different LEXRIS systems are available. One system is mobile, mounted on a truck or van type platform and will be used at CBP operational areas. The system can be driven alongside a parked vehicle in a controlled area and will scan the vehicle as it drives by. Before the vehicle is scanned, the driver and passenger(s) will exit the vehicle and be escorted outside the controlled area. The other system is a stationary, portal configuration that will be installed along an existing traffic lane. Vehicles will be scanned as they are driven through the portal. Occupants of the vehicle will have the option of remaining in the vehicle while the driver drives it through the portal or exiting the vehicle and having CBP personnel drive it through the portal. Examples of CBP operational areas include, but are not limited to, ports of entry, CBP checkpoints, and locations of events designated as national special security events. LEXRIS is needed to fill a unique capability to detect objects that are not effectively visualized by other nonintrusive inspection technologies currently used by CBP. LEXRIS gives a clear image of objects in the vehicle, including objects that may be hidden in fenders, tires, trunks, gas tanks, and under hoods. LEXRIS provides CBP personnel with information about what may be encountered during a manual search and, in some cases, will eliminate the need for CBP personnel to manually enter vehicles to search for contraband. As a result, LEXRIS will increase the safety of CBP personnel. The NEPA Process The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) requires an agency to evaluate the environmental implications of any proposed major action that could significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Generally, to meet the NEPA requirements, an agency prepares an Environmental Assessment (EA) to determine whether a more thorough analysis of the environmental implications is necessary. If such an analysis is necessary, the agency will produce an Environmental Impact VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:08 Nov 09, 2012 Jkt 229001 Statement (EIS). If additional analysis is not necessary, the agency will issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). A Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) is an EA that evaluates a major action on a broad, programmatic basis. Environmental evaluations at specific project locations are conducted later. LEXRIS PEA On January 18, 2012, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register (77 FR 2562) entitled: ‘‘Notice of Availability of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Deployment and Operation of Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems at U.S. Customs and Border Protection Operational Areas.’’ This notice announced that a draft PEA concerning LEXRIS had been prepared and made available to the public in accordance with NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and Department of Homeland Security Directive 023–01, Environmental Planning Program (April 19, 2006). The draft PEA addressed the potential effects on resources present at CBP operational areas, including: Climate, soils, water quality, air quality, vegetation, wildlife, noise, infrastructure, aesthetics, and radiological health and safety. The notice informed the public on how to obtain a copy of the draft PEA and requested comments from the public on the draft PEA. The draft was made available for a 30 day public comment period, beginning on the date of the publication of the notice. The comment period ended on February 17, 2012. Two comments were received. CBP has now prepared the final PEA addressing the potential effects on resources for the deployment and operation of LEXRIS at CBP operational areas. The comments received on the draft PEA have been reviewed and are addressed in the final PEA. On the basis of the final PEA, CBP determined that the deployment and operation of LEXRIS will have no significant impact on human health or the environment and that preparation of a PEIS is not necessary. A FONSI was issued on April 10, 2012. This document announces that the final PEA and the FONSI for LEXRIS can be reviewed by the public. The environmental implications for individual CBP operational areas will be considered as LEXRIS is deployed. PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Dated: October 25, 2012. Karl H. Calvo, Executive Director, Facilities Management and Engineering, Office of Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. [FR Doc. 2012–27555 Filed 11–9–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–R–2012–N211; FXRS12650400000S3–123–FF04R02000] Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Bibb County, Alabama. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other Federal and State agencies, Native-American tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive your written comments by December 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, questions, and requests for information to: Ms. Sarah Clardy, Refuge Manager, Cahaba River NWR, P.O. Box 5087, Anniston, AL 36205; or cahabariverccp@fws.gov (email). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Oliver van den Ende, Natural Resource Planner, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, 2700 Refuge Headquarters Road, Decatur, AL 35603; 256–353–7243, Ext. 28 (telephone); 256–340–9728 (fax); oliver_vandenende@fws.gov (email). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Introduction With this notice, we initiate our process for developing a CCP for Cahaba River NWR in Alabama. This notice complies with our CCP policy to: (1) Advise other Federal and State agencies, Native-American tribes, and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge; and (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the E:\FR\FM\13NON1.SGM 13NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 219 (Tuesday, November 13, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67659-67660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27555]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection


Notice of Availability of the Final Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Deployment and 
Operation of Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems at U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection Operational Areas

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland 
Security.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announces that a 
final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and a Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) for Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems 
(LEXRIS) at CBP operational areas have been prepared and are available 
for public review. The final PEA documents a review of the potential 
environmental impacts from the deployment and use of LEXRIS at CBP 
operational areas throughout the country. Based on the final PEA, a 
determination was made that the proposed action will not significantly 
affect the quality of the human environment and a FONSI was issued. As 
a result, a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) is not 
required.

DATES: The Final PEA and FONSI are available for review through 
December 13, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the final PEA AND FONSI may be obtained by 
accessing the following Internet addresses: https://ecso.swf.usace.army.mil/Pages/Publicreview.cfm or www.dhs.gov/nepa, or 
by sending a request to David Duncan of CBP by telephone (202-344-
1527), by fax (202-344-1418), by email to david.c.duncan@dhs.gov or by 
writing to: CBP, Attn: David Duncan, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., 
Suite 1575, Washington, DC 20229.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Antoinette DiVittorio, Environmental 
and Energy Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, telephone 
(202) 344-3131.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

LEXRIS

    LEXRIS is a low energy x-ray inspection system. The purpose of 
deploying and operating LEXRIS is to non-intrusively scan vehicles for 
the presence of contraband, including weapons of mass destruction,

[[Page 67660]]

explosives, and illicit drugs. The use of LEXRIS at, for example U.S. 
ports of entry, directly supports CBP's mission of securing the U.S. 
borders and homeland from terrorists and other threats while 
simultaneously facilitating legitimate trade and travel by assisting 
CBP personnel in preventing contraband, including illegal drugs and 
terrorist weapons, from entering the United States.
    Two different LEXRIS systems are available. One system is mobile, 
mounted on a truck or van type platform and will be used at CBP 
operational areas. The system can be driven alongside a parked vehicle 
in a controlled area and will scan the vehicle as it drives by. Before 
the vehicle is scanned, the driver and passenger(s) will exit the 
vehicle and be escorted outside the controlled area. The other system 
is a stationary, portal configuration that will be installed along an 
existing traffic lane. Vehicles will be scanned as they are driven 
through the portal. Occupants of the vehicle will have the option of 
remaining in the vehicle while the driver drives it through the portal 
or exiting the vehicle and having CBP personnel drive it through the 
portal. Examples of CBP operational areas include, but are not limited 
to, ports of entry, CBP checkpoints, and locations of events designated 
as national special security events.
    LEXRIS is needed to fill a unique capability to detect objects that 
are not effectively visualized by other non-intrusive inspection 
technologies currently used by CBP. LEXRIS gives a clear image of 
objects in the vehicle, including objects that may be hidden in 
fenders, tires, trunks, gas tanks, and under hoods. LEXRIS provides CBP 
personnel with information about what may be encountered during a 
manual search and, in some cases, will eliminate the need for CBP 
personnel to manually enter vehicles to search for contraband. As a 
result, LEXRIS will increase the safety of CBP personnel.

The NEPA Process

    The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) requires an agency to evaluate the environmental 
implications of any proposed major action that could significantly 
affect the quality of the human environment. Generally, to meet the 
NEPA requirements, an agency prepares an Environmental Assessment (EA) 
to determine whether a more thorough analysis of the environmental 
implications is necessary. If such an analysis is necessary, the agency 
will produce an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). If additional 
analysis is not necessary, the agency will issue a Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI). A Programmatic Environmental Assessment 
(PEA) is an EA that evaluates a major action on a broad, programmatic 
basis. Environmental evaluations at specific project locations are 
conducted later.

LEXRIS PEA

    On January 18, 2012, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register 
(77 FR 2562) entitled: ``Notice of Availability of the Draft 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Deployment and Operation 
of Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems at U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection Operational Areas.'' This notice announced that a draft PEA 
concerning LEXRIS had been prepared and made available to the public in 
accordance with NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations 
for Implementing the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and Department of 
Homeland Security Directive 023-01, Environmental Planning Program 
(April 19, 2006). The draft PEA addressed the potential effects on 
resources present at CBP operational areas, including: Climate, soils, 
water quality, air quality, vegetation, wildlife, noise, 
infrastructure, aesthetics, and radiological health and safety. The 
notice informed the public on how to obtain a copy of the draft PEA and 
requested comments from the public on the draft PEA. The draft was made 
available for a 30 day public comment period, beginning on the date of 
the publication of the notice. The comment period ended on February 17, 
2012. Two comments were received.
    CBP has now prepared the final PEA addressing the potential effects 
on resources for the deployment and operation of LEXRIS at CBP 
operational areas. The comments received on the draft PEA have been 
reviewed and are addressed in the final PEA. On the basis of the final 
PEA, CBP determined that the deployment and operation of LEXRIS will 
have no significant impact on human health or the environment and that 
preparation of a PEIS is not necessary. A FONSI was issued on April 10, 
2012. This document announces that the final PEA and the FONSI for 
LEXRIS can be reviewed by the public. The environmental implications 
for individual CBP operational areas will be considered as LEXRIS is 
deployed.

    Dated: October 25, 2012.
 Karl H. Calvo,
 Executive Director, Facilities Management and Engineering, Office of 
Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
[FR Doc. 2012-27555 Filed 11-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P
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