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]

Download as PDF 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:22 Nov 14, 2012 Jkt 229001 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] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 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 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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: E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1 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, VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:22 Nov 14, 2012 Jkt 229001 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 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 15NON1

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
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