Including Specific Pavement Types in Federal-aid Highway Traffic Noise Analyses, 26847-26848 [2013-10910]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 8, 2013 / Notices you must include a statement from that individual certifying his/her agreement for you to access his/her records. Without this bulleted information the component(s) may not be able to conduct an effective search, and your request may be denied due to lack of specificity or lack of compliance with applicable regulations. RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: See ‘‘Notification procedure’’ above. CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: See ‘‘Notification procedure’’ above. RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES: Records are obtained from DOT employees and other individuals who are the subject of such records. Collection and use of all records is voluntary and individuals may decline from providing such information for the purposes described within this notice. EXEMPTIONS CLAIMED FOR THE SYSTEM: None. Issued in Washington, DC on May 2, 2013. Claire W. Barrett, Departmental Chief Privacy Officer. [FR Doc. 2013–10842 Filed 5–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration [FHWA Docket No. FHWA–2013–0014] Including Specific Pavement Types in Federal-aid Highway Traffic Noise Analyses Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; request for comment. AGENCY: The FHWA requests input from stakeholders and interested parties on expanding the specific pavement types used in Federal-aid highway traffic noise analyses. Current highway traffic noise analyses rely on data from three pavement types: dense-graded asphaltic concrete (DGAC), open-graded asphaltic concrete (OGAC), and Portland cement concrete (PCC). Prediction of future noise levels is based on the ‘‘average’’ pavement type, calculated as the average of the DGAC and PCC vehicle noise emission levels. The FHWA is issuing this Federal Register Notice to invite stakeholders and interested parties to provide comments and suggestions on whether and how to include additional pavement types in Federal-aid highway traffic noise analyses. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 8, 2013. Late comments mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:56 May 07, 2013 Jkt 229001 will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, or fax comments to (202) 493– 2251. Alternatively, comments may be submitted to the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments must include the docket number that appears in the heading of this document. All comments received will be available for examination and copying at the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments must include a selfaddressed, stamped postcard or you may print the acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments electronically. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments in any one of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, or labor union). Anyone may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70, Pages 19477–78). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about the program discussed herein, contact Mr. Mark Ferroni, Office of Natural Environment, (202) 366– 3233, or via email at mark.ferroni@dot.gov. For legal questions, please contact Mr. Robert Black, Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366–1359, or via email at robert.black@dot.gov. Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access and Filing You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Federal eRulemaking portal at: https://www.regulations.gov. The Web site is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the instructions. Electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines are available under the help section of the Web site. An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the Federal Register’s home page at: https://www.archives.gov and the Government Printing Office’s Web page at: https:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara. Background Section 109(i) of Title 23, United States Code authorizes FHWA to issue PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26847 noise standards which are set forth in 23 CFR Part 772. Highway traffic noise analyses provide data for decisionmakers to make informed decisions on project alternatives and noise abatement measures. Current highway traffic noise analyses rely on data from three pavement types: DGAC, OGAC, and PCC. Prediction of future noise levels is based on the ‘‘average’’ pavement type, calculated as the average of the DGAC and PCC vehicle noise emission levels. The FHWA remains actively involved in what the highway noise industry refers to as ‘‘low noise pavements’’ or ‘‘quieter pavements.’’ In 2003, the FHWA entered into the Quiet Pavement Pilot Program with the Arizona Department of Transportation, cosponsored the 2004 International Scan on ‘‘Quieter Pavement Systems in Europe,’’ and funded several national workshops, trainings, and informational outreach pieces on this topic. In 2005, the FHWA began funding the ‘‘Pavement Effects Implementation Study’’ (PEI) to look at ways to incorporate options to consider a wider range of asphaltic concrete and PCC pavements within the agency’s traffic noise model. When using the term, ‘‘specific pavement types, ’’ within the Federal-aid highway traffic noise analyses, the FHWA is referring to these pavements used in the PEI Study, but also any other specific pavement that a highway agency may want to consider in their noise analysis. For more information on the PEI see: https:// www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/ traffic_noise_model/documents_ and_references/pavement_effects _implementation_study/pei00.cfm). Because of the evolution of the use of quiet pavements in the highway industry, the FHWA is interested in how some of these new technologies and techniques could potentially be integrated into the FHWA’s noise program to offer the most flexibility and utility to our stakeholders. The FHWA requests input from stakeholders and other interested parties on including specific pavement types in Federal-aid highway traffic noise analyses. While the FHWA invites any comments regarding use of specific pavement types in Federal-aid highway traffic noise analyses, the following questions may serve as a guide: (1) What is your position regarding the possible inclusion of specific pavement types in the Federal-aid highway traffic noise analysis process? (a) If you support the inclusion of specific pavement types, explain why, how you think this should be implemented (from both a regulatory E:\FR\FM\08MYN1.SGM 08MYN1 26848 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 89 / Wednesday, May 8, 2013 / Notices and procedural standpoint), and when this should be implemented. (b) If you do not support the inclusion of specific pavement types, explain why (from both a regulatory and procedural standpoint), and what, if anything, the FHWA should do regarding tirepavement noise in the highway traffic noise analysis and abatement process. (2) Should highway agencies be required to use a more specific pavement type(s) in their future condition noise predictions? (3) Should a State highway agency be required to maintain the specific pavement type it selected to reduce the noise impacts of a project to a level that resulted in a certain noise abatement measure? (4) Should highway agencies be required to call a project a Type I project if the original pavement is replaced or overlaid with a louder pavement or when a pavement no longer is achieving its noise reduction? (5) Should specific pavement types in the Federal-aid highway traffic noise analyses process be introduced as a pilot program? (a) If you would support a pilot program, explain why, how many highway agencies should be selected to pilot this and, whether your agency would be willing to be a pilot State. (b) If you do not support this as a pilot program, explain why you do not support this. (6) Have you done or are you currently doing tire pavement noise research? (a) If you have done or currently are doing tire pavement research: What is this research? Why are you doing this research? How are you or how do you plan on implementing this research? What are your goals regarding this research and/or its implementation? (b) If you have not done or if you do not plan on doing tire pavement research, please explain why? (7) Any additional comments? mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and, 49 CFR 1.85. Issued on: April 26, 2013. Victor M. Mendez, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. [FR Doc. 2013–10910 Filed 5–7–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:56 May 07, 2013 Jkt 229001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [U.S. DOT Docket No. NHTSA–2013–0051] Reports, Forms, and Recordkeeping Requirements National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), DOT. ACTION: Request for public comment on proposed collection of information. AGENCY: Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatements of previously approved collections. This document describes an Information Collection Request (ICR) for which NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval. SUMMARY: Comments must be submitted on or before July 8, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket ID Number NHTSA–2013–0051 using any of the following methods: Electronic submissions: Go to https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Docket Management Facility, M–30, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the Docket number for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov including any personal information provided. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Randolph Atkins, Ph.D., Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative, Office of Behavioral Safety Research (NTI–131), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., W46–500, Washington, DC 20590. Dr. Atkins’ phone number is 202–366–5597 and his email address is randolph.atkins@dot.gov. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before an agency submits a proposed collection of information to OMB for approval, it must publish a document in the Federal Register providing a 60-day comment period and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information. The OMB has promulgated regulations describing what must be included in such a document. Under OMB’s regulations (at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)), an agency must ask for public comment on the following: (i) 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; (ii) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) How to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (iv) How to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. In compliance with these requirements, NHTSA asks for public comment on the following proposed collection of information: Title: Matching Countermeasures to Driver Types and Speeding Behaviors. Type of Request: New information collection request. OMB Clearance Number: None. Form Number: NHTSA 1198. Requested Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from date of approval. Summary of the Collection of Information: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposes to collect information from a stratified random sample of 3200 licensed drivers in the State of Idaho to collect information on speeding and traffic safety. The sample will be stratified by age, gender, and number of speeding citations in the previous three years (no citations, one citation, two or more citations). The survey will ask about attitudes and behaviors related to speeding and driving speeds on various types of roads, speeding countermeasures, the influence of passengers and driving environment on speed choices, and personal driving experiences. The average amount of time to complete the survey is estimated to be about 21 minutes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\08MYN1.SGM 08MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 89 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26847-26848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-10910]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

 [FHWA Docket No. FHWA-2013-0014]


Including Specific Pavement Types in Federal-aid Highway Traffic 
Noise Analyses

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: The FHWA requests input from stakeholders and interested 
parties on expanding the specific pavement types used in Federal-aid 
highway traffic noise analyses. Current highway traffic noise analyses 
rely on data from three pavement types: dense-graded asphaltic concrete 
(DGAC), open-graded asphaltic concrete (OGAC), and Portland cement 
concrete (PCC). Prediction of future noise levels is based on the 
``average'' pavement type, calculated as the average of the DGAC and 
PCC vehicle noise emission levels.
    The FHWA is issuing this Federal Register Notice to invite 
stakeholders and interested parties to provide comments and suggestions 
on whether and how to include additional pavement types in Federal-aid 
highway traffic noise analyses.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 8, 2013. Late 
comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, or fax comments to (202) 493-
2251. Alternatively, comments may be submitted to the Federal 
eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments must 
include the docket number that appears in the heading of this document. 
All comments received will be available for examination and copying at 
the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of 
comments must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard or you may 
print the acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments 
electronically. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments in any one of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, or labor union). Anyone may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70, Pages 19477-78).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For questions about the program 
discussed herein, contact Mr. Mark Ferroni, Office of Natural 
Environment, (202) 366-3233, or via email at mark.ferroni@dot.gov. For 
legal questions, please contact Mr. Robert Black, Office of the Chief 
Counsel, (202) 366-1359, or via email at robert.black@dot.gov. Office 
hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Electronic Access and Filing

    You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Federal 
eRulemaking portal at: https://www.regulations.gov. The Web site is 
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the 
instructions. Electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines 
are available under the help section of the Web site. An electronic 
copy of this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the 
Federal Register's home page at: https://www.archives.gov and the 
Government Printing Office's Web page at: https://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.

Background

    Section 109(i) of Title 23, United States Code authorizes FHWA to 
issue noise standards which are set forth in 23 CFR Part 772. Highway 
traffic noise analyses provide data for decisionmakers to make informed 
decisions on project alternatives and noise abatement measures. Current 
highway traffic noise analyses rely on data from three pavement types: 
DGAC, OGAC, and PCC. Prediction of future noise levels is based on the 
``average'' pavement type, calculated as the average of the DGAC and 
PCC vehicle noise emission levels.
    The FHWA remains actively involved in what the highway noise 
industry refers to as ``low noise pavements'' or ``quieter pavements.'' 
In 2003, the FHWA entered into the Quiet Pavement Pilot Program with 
the Arizona Department of Transportation, co-sponsored the 2004 
International Scan on ``Quieter Pavement Systems in Europe,'' and 
funded several national workshops, trainings, and informational 
outreach pieces on this topic.
    In 2005, the FHWA began funding the ``Pavement Effects 
Implementation Study'' (PEI) to look at ways to incorporate options to 
consider a wider range of asphaltic concrete and PCC pavements within 
the agency's traffic noise model. When using the term, ``specific 
pavement types, '' within the Federal-aid highway traffic noise 
analyses, the FHWA is referring to these pavements used in the PEI 
Study, but also any other specific pavement that a highway agency may 
want to consider in their noise analysis. For more information on the 
PEI see: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/traffic_noise_model/documents_and_references/pavement_effects_implementation_study/pei00.cfm).
    Because of the evolution of the use of quiet pavements in the 
highway industry, the FHWA is interested in how some of these new 
technologies and techniques could potentially be integrated into the 
FHWA's noise program to offer the most flexibility and utility to our 
stakeholders. The FHWA requests input from stakeholders and other 
interested parties on including specific pavement types in Federal-aid 
highway traffic noise analyses. While the FHWA invites any comments 
regarding use of specific pavement types in Federal-aid highway traffic 
noise analyses, the following questions may serve as a guide:
    (1) What is your position regarding the possible inclusion of 
specific pavement types in the Federal-aid highway traffic noise 
analysis process?
    (a) If you support the inclusion of specific pavement types, 
explain why, how you think this should be implemented (from both a 
regulatory

[[Page 26848]]

and procedural standpoint), and when this should be implemented.
    (b) If you do not support the inclusion of specific pavement types, 
explain why (from both a regulatory and procedural standpoint), and 
what, if anything, the FHWA should do regarding tire-pavement noise in 
the highway traffic noise analysis and abatement process.
    (2) Should highway agencies be required to use a more specific 
pavement type(s) in their future condition noise predictions?
    (3) Should a State highway agency be required to maintain the 
specific pavement type it selected to reduce the noise impacts of a 
project to a level that resulted in a certain noise abatement measure?
    (4) Should highway agencies be required to call a project a Type I 
project if the original pavement is replaced or overlaid with a louder 
pavement or when a pavement no longer is achieving its noise reduction?
    (5) Should specific pavement types in the Federal-aid highway 
traffic noise analyses process be introduced as a pilot program?
    (a) If you would support a pilot program, explain why, how many 
highway agencies should be selected to pilot this and, whether your 
agency would be willing to be a pilot State.
    (b) If you do not support this as a pilot program, explain why you 
do not support this.
    (6) Have you done or are you currently doing tire pavement noise 
research?
    (a) If you have done or currently are doing tire pavement research: 
What is this research? Why are you doing this research? How are you or 
how do you plan on implementing this research? What are your goals 
regarding this research and/or its implementation?
    (b) If you have not done or if you do not plan on doing tire 
pavement research, please explain why?
    (7) Any additional comments?

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 101(a), 104, 109(d), 114(a), 217, 315, and 
402(a); 23 CFR 1.32; and, 49 CFR 1.85.

    Issued on: April 26, 2013.
Victor M. Mendez,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013-10910 Filed 5-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
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