Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplement to the 2008 Environmental Impact Statement for Introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft Into the U.S. Navy Fleet, 68113-68114 [2012-27762]
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68113
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2012 / Notices
TABLE 2—POPULATION ABUNDANCE ESTIMATES, TOTAL AUTHORIZED LEVEL B TAKE, AND PERCENTAGE OF POPULATION
THAT MAY BE TAKEN FOR THE POTENTIALLY AFFECTED SPECIES DURING THE PROPOSED ROCKY INTERTIDAL MONITORING PROGRAM
Species
Total authorized
level B take
Abundance*
Harbor Seal ......................................................................................................................
California Sea Lion ..........................................................................................................
Northern Elephant Seal ...................................................................................................
Steller Sea Lion ...............................................................................................................
Northern Fur Seal ............................................................................................................
30,196
296,750
124,000
58,334–72,223
9,968
Percentage of
stock or
population
175
6,850
225
95
20
0.6
2.3
0.2
0.1–0.2
0.2
* Abundance estimates are taken from the 2011 U.S. Pacific Marine Mammal Stock Assessments (Carretta et al., 2012).
Environmental Impact Statement is not
necessary.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
There is one marine mammal species
listed as threatened under the ESA with
confirmed or possible occurrence in the
project area: the eastern U.S. stock of
Steller sea lion. NMFS’ Permits and
Conservation Division conducted
consultation with NMFS’ Endangered
Species Division, Southwest Regional
Office, under section 7 of the ESA on
the issuance of an IHA to GFNMS under
section 101(a)(5)(D) of the MMPA for
this activity. In October 2012, NMFS
finished conducting its section 7
consultation and issued a Biological
Opinion, and concluded that the
issuance of the IHA associated with
GFNMS’ rocky intertidal monitoring
program is not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of the threatened
eastern U.S. stock of Steller sea lion or
result in the destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat for the
species. The mitigation measures
included in the final IHA have also been
included in the Incidental Take
Statement provided with the Biological
Opinion.
TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Impact on Availability of Affected
Species or Stock for Taking for
Subsistence Uses
There are no relevant subsistence uses
of marine mammals implicated by this
action. Therefore, NMFS has
determined that the total taking of
affected species or stocks would not
have an unmitigable adverse impact on
the availability of such species or stocks
for taking for subsistence purposes.
Dated: November 8, 2012.
Helen M. Golde,
Acting Director, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)
NMFS has prepared an EA that
includes an analysis of potential
environmental effects associated with
NMFS’ issuance of an IHA to GFNMS to
take marine mammals incidental to
conducting rocky intertidal monitoring
surveys on the South Farallon Islands,
California. NMFS has finalized the EA
and prepared a FONSI for this action.
Therefore, preparation of an
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Authorization
As a result of these determinations,
NMFS has authorized the take of marine
mammals incidental to GFNMS’ rocky
intertidal and black abalone monitoring
research activities, provided the
previously mentioned mitigation,
monitoring, and reporting requirements
are incorporated.
[FR Doc. 2012–27817 Filed 11–14–12; 8:45 am]
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COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS
Notice of Meeting
The next meeting of the U.S.
Commission of Fine Arts is scheduled
for 15 November 2012, at 9:00 a.m. in
the Commission offices at the National
Building Museum, Suite 312, Judiciary
Square, 401 F Street NW., Washington
DC, 20001–2728. Items of discussion
may include buildings, parks, and
memorials.
Draft agendas and additional
information regarding the Commission
are available on our Web site:
www.cfa.gov. Inquiries regarding the
agenda and requests to submit written
or oral statements should be addressed
to Thomas Luebke, Secretary, U.S.
Commission of Fine Arts, at the above
address; by emailing CFAStaff@cfa.gov;
or by calling 202–504–2200. Individuals
requiring sign language interpretation
for the hearing impaired should contact
the Secretary at least 10 days before the
meeting date.
Dated: October 31, 2012, in Washington
DC.
Thomas Luebke, AIA,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2012–27532 Filed 11–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6331–01–M
PO 00000
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Intent To Prepare a
Supplement to the 2008 Environmental
Impact Statement for Introduction of
the P–8A Multi-Mission Maritime
Aircraft Into the U.S. Navy Fleet
Department of the Navy, DoD.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c)
of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 and regulations
implemented by the Council on
Environmental Quality (40 Code of
Federal Regulations parts 1500–1508),
the Department of the Navy (DoN)
announces its intent to prepare a
Supplement to the Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) for the
Introduction of the P–8A Multi-Mission
Maritime Aircraft (MMA) to the U.S.
Navy Fleet. The Supplemental EIS will
address the potential environmental
impacts of new homebasing alternatives
and updated P–8A MMA program
information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
September 2008, the DoN completed the
Final EIS for the Introduction of the P–
8A MMA into the U.S. Navy Fleet,
which evaluated the environmental
impacts of homebasing 12 P–8A MMA
fleet squadrons (72 aircraft) and one
Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) (12
aircraft) at established maritime patrol
homebases. The Final EIS analyzed
transitioning personnel, new
construction or renovation of structures,
and all airfield operations necessary to
accommodate the P–8A MMA as the
DoN phases the P–3C Orion out of
service.
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy
for Installations and Environment
reviewed the Final EIS, and after
carefully weighing the operational,
social, and environmental impacts of
the proposed action, determined the
DoN would homebase five fleet
squadrons and the FRS at Naval Air
SUMMARY:
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TKELLEY on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
68114
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 221 / Thursday, November 15, 2012 / Notices
Station (NAS) Jacksonville, four fleet
squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island, and
three fleet squadrons at Marine Corps
Base (MCB) Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, with
periodic squadron detachments at NAS
North Island (Alternative 5). A notice of
the Record of Decision (ROD) was
published in the Federal Register on
January 2, 2009 (74 FR 100). At the time,
Alternative 5 was considered to best
meet mission requirements because it
optimized operational efficiencies
related to training and contractor
logistics support functions at the three
established maritime patrol homebase
locations.
To meet the DoN’s current and future
requirements and maximize the
efficiency of support facilities,
simulation training equipment, and onsite support personnel, the DoN
proposes to analyze additional
alternatives for P–8A aircraft
homebasing. The DoN has determined
that a dual-siting alternative, rather than
homebasing the aircraft at three
locations, now best meets current
requirements. The two potential
homebase locations for the P–8A MMA
are NAS Jacksonville, located in Duval
County, Florida, and NAS Whidbey
Island, located in Island County,
Washington.
Homebasing the P–8A MMA at two
locations would result in differences in
numbers of aircraft and personnel, as
well as associated facility requirements
at several Naval installations when
compared to the 2008 ROD. For NAS
Jacksonville, this would mean an
increase in P–8A MMA aircraft and
personnel permanently assigned, but
would require no new facilities. For
NAS Whidbey Island, this would mean
an increase in P–8A MMA aircraft and
personnel permanent assigned, as well
as an expanded facility footprint. For
MCB Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, the proposed
dual-siting would result in the new
assignment of two rotating P–8A MMA
detachments, the elimination of
permanently assigned P–8A MMA
aircraft and personnel, and a reduced
facility footprint. For NAS North Island,
there would be no change in P–8A
MMA aircraft, personnel or facility
requirements from the 2008 ROD.
The environmental analysis in the
Supplemental EIS will focus on several
aspects of the proposed action: facility
and infrastructure renovation and
construction, personnel changes, and
aircraft operations at the homebase
airfields. Resource areas to be addressed
in the Supplemental EIS will include,
but not be limited to: air quality, noise
environment, land use, socioeconomic,
infrastructure and community services,
natural resources, biological resources,
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16:22 Nov 14, 2012
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cultural resources, safety and
environmental hazards. The analysis
will evaluate direct and indirect
impacts, and will account for
cumulative impacts from other relevant
activities near the installations. Relevant
and reasonable measures that could
avoid or mitigate environmental effects
will also be analyzed. Additionally, the
DoN will undertake any consultation
applicable by law and regulation. No
decision will be made to implement any
alternative for homebasing the P–8A
aircraft until the Supplemental EIS
process is completed and a new ROD is
signed by the DoN.
During the 45-day public comment
and agency review period following
release of the Draft Supplemental EIS,
anticipated in Summer 2013, the DoN
will schedule public meetings to discuss
findings of the Draft Supplemental EIS
and to receive public comments. The
public meetings will be held near each
of the homebasing locations. Dates,
locations, and times for the public
meetings will be announced in the
Federal Register and local media at the
appropriate time.
The
DoN has established a public Web site
for the Supplemental EIS: https://
www.mmaseis.com. This public web
site includes up-to-date information on
the project and schedule, as well as
related documents associated with the
Supplemental EIS and 2008 Final EIS.
To be included on the DoN’s mailing list
for the Supplemental EIS (or to receive
a copy of the Draft Supplemental EIS),
submit an electronic request through the
project Web site under ‘‘mailing list’’ or
a written request to: P–8A MMA EIS
Project Manager (Code EV21/CZ); Naval
Facilities Engineering Command
(NAVFAC) Atlantic, 6506 Hampton
Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dated: November 8, 2012.
S.F. Thompson,
Captain, Office of the Judge Advocate
General, U.S. Navy, Alternate Federal Register
Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012–27762 Filed 11–14–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Extension of Comment
Period for the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement for Military Training
Activities at the Naval Weapons
Systems Training Facility Boardman,
OR
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Department of the Navy, DoD.
Frm 00013
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ACTION:
Notice.
A notice of availability was
published by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) in the Federal
Register (77 FR 55213) on September 7,
2012 for Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) for Military Training
Activities at the Naval Weapons
Systems Training Facility. The public
comment period ended on November 6,
2012. This notice confirms a 30 day
extension of the public comment period
until December 6, 2012 as announced by
EPA in the Federal Register on
November 9, 2012.
SUMMARY:
Mrs.
Amy Burt, Naval Facilities Engineering
Command Northwest, 1101 Tautog
Circle Suite 203, Silverdale,
Washington, 98315–1101, Attn: NWSTF
Boardman Project Manager; or https://
www.NWSTFBoardmanEIS.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
The
public comment period on the NWSTF
Boardman EIS will be extended until
December 6, 2012. Comments may be
submitted in writing to Naval Facilities
Engineering Command Northwest,
Attention: Mrs. Amy Burt, NWSTF
Boardman EIS Project Manager, 1101
Tautog Circle Suite 203, Silverdale,
Washington, 98315–1101. In addition,
comments may be submitted online at
https://www.NWSTFBoardmanEIS.com
during the comment period. All written
comments must be postmarked by
December 6, 2012, to ensure they
become part of the official record. All
written comments will be addressed in
the Final EIS.
Copies of the Draft EIS are available
for public review at the following
libraries:
1. Multnomah County Library—
Central Library, 801 Southwest 10th
Avenue, Portland, Oregon.
2. Oregon Trail Library District—
Boardman Library, 200 South Main
Street, Boardman, Oregon.
3. Oregon Trail Library District—
Heppner Branch, 444 North Main Street,
Heppner, Oregon.
4. Salem Public Library—Central
Branch, 585 Liberty Street Southeast,
Salem, Oregon.
5. Salem Public Library—West Salem
Branch, 395 Glen Creek Road
Northwest, Salem, Oregon.
6. Stafford Hansell Government
Center, 915 Southeast Columbia Drive,
Hermiston, Oregon.
Copies of the Draft EIS are available
for electronic viewing at https://
www.NWSTFBoardmanEIS.com.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68113-68114]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27762]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplement to the 2008
Environmental Impact Statement for Introduction of the P-8A Multi-
Mission Maritime Aircraft Into the U.S. Navy Fleet
AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 and regulations implemented by the Council on
Environmental Quality (40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 1500-1508),
the Department of the Navy (DoN) announces its intent to prepare a
Supplement to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the
Introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) to the
U.S. Navy Fleet. The Supplemental EIS will address the potential
environmental impacts of new homebasing alternatives and updated P-8A
MMA program information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In September 2008, the DoN completed the
Final EIS for the Introduction of the P-8A MMA into the U.S. Navy
Fleet, which evaluated the environmental impacts of homebasing 12 P-8A
MMA fleet squadrons (72 aircraft) and one Fleet Replacement Squadron
(FRS) (12 aircraft) at established maritime patrol homebases. The Final
EIS analyzed transitioning personnel, new construction or renovation of
structures, and all airfield operations necessary to accommodate the P-
8A MMA as the DoN phases the P-3C Orion out of service.
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and
Environment reviewed the Final EIS, and after carefully weighing the
operational, social, and environmental impacts of the proposed action,
determined the DoN would homebase five fleet squadrons and the FRS at
Naval Air
[[Page 68114]]
Station (NAS) Jacksonville, four fleet squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island,
and three fleet squadrons at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii Kaneohe
Bay, with periodic squadron detachments at NAS North Island
(Alternative 5). A notice of the Record of Decision (ROD) was published
in the Federal Register on January 2, 2009 (74 FR 100). At the time,
Alternative 5 was considered to best meet mission requirements because
it optimized operational efficiencies related to training and
contractor logistics support functions at the three established
maritime patrol homebase locations.
To meet the DoN's current and future requirements and maximize the
efficiency of support facilities, simulation training equipment, and
on-site support personnel, the DoN proposes to analyze additional
alternatives for P-8A aircraft homebasing. The DoN has determined that
a dual-siting alternative, rather than homebasing the aircraft at three
locations, now best meets current requirements. The two potential
homebase locations for the P-8A MMA are NAS Jacksonville, located in
Duval County, Florida, and NAS Whidbey Island, located in Island
County, Washington.
Homebasing the P-8A MMA at two locations would result in
differences in numbers of aircraft and personnel, as well as associated
facility requirements at several Naval installations when compared to
the 2008 ROD. For NAS Jacksonville, this would mean an increase in P-8A
MMA aircraft and personnel permanently assigned, but would require no
new facilities. For NAS Whidbey Island, this would mean an increase in
P-8A MMA aircraft and personnel permanent assigned, as well as an
expanded facility footprint. For MCB Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, the proposed
dual-siting would result in the new assignment of two rotating P-8A MMA
detachments, the elimination of permanently assigned P-8A MMA aircraft
and personnel, and a reduced facility footprint. For NAS North Island,
there would be no change in P-8A MMA aircraft, personnel or facility
requirements from the 2008 ROD.
The environmental analysis in the Supplemental EIS will focus on
several aspects of the proposed action: facility and infrastructure
renovation and construction, personnel changes, and aircraft operations
at the homebase airfields. Resource areas to be addressed in the
Supplemental EIS will include, but not be limited to: air quality,
noise environment, land use, socioeconomic, infrastructure and
community services, natural resources, biological resources, cultural
resources, safety and environmental hazards. The analysis will evaluate
direct and indirect impacts, and will account for cumulative impacts
from other relevant activities near the installations. Relevant and
reasonable measures that could avoid or mitigate environmental effects
will also be analyzed. Additionally, the DoN will undertake any
consultation applicable by law and regulation. No decision will be made
to implement any alternative for homebasing the P-8A aircraft until the
Supplemental EIS process is completed and a new ROD is signed by the
DoN.
During the 45-day public comment and agency review period following
release of the Draft Supplemental EIS, anticipated in Summer 2013, the
DoN will schedule public meetings to discuss findings of the Draft
Supplemental EIS and to receive public comments. The public meetings
will be held near each of the homebasing locations. Dates, locations,
and times for the public meetings will be announced in the Federal
Register and local media at the appropriate time.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The DoN has established a public Web
site for the Supplemental EIS: https://www.mmaseis.com. This public web
site includes up-to-date information on the project and schedule, as
well as related documents associated with the Supplemental EIS and 2008
Final EIS. To be included on the DoN's mailing list for the
Supplemental EIS (or to receive a copy of the Draft Supplemental EIS),
submit an electronic request through the project Web site under
``mailing list'' or a written request to: P-8A MMA EIS Project Manager
(Code EV21/CZ); Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic,
6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508.
Dated: November 8, 2012.
S.F. Thompson,
Captain, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Alternate
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-27762 Filed 11-14-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P
