Notice of availability of the Final Restoration Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Restoration Resulting From the Kalamazoo River Natural Resource Damage Assessment Related to the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site, 59190-59192 [2016-20723]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
59190
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 167 / Monday, August 29, 2016 / Notices
Dated: August 24, 2016.
Jeffrey N. Lonergan,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable
Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20644 Filed 8–26–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
reasons why a hearing on this
application would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shasta McClenahan or Jennifer
Skidmore, (301) 427–8401.
The
subject permit is requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.), and the regulations governing
the taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50
CFR 222–226).
File No. 19669: The applicant
proposes to import and export biological
samples taken for scientific research
that continues the long term evaluation
and monitoring of South American fur
seal (Arctocephalus australis) and South
American sea lion (Otaria flavescens)
population health at the Punta San Juan
reserve and marine protected area in
Peru. The requested duration of the
permit is 5 years.
File No. 20532: The applicant
proposes to import and export biological
samples from museum holdings and
stranded animals worldwide for
scientific research to chronologically
profile anthropogenic and physiological
data including hormones and pesticides
to record exposure and stress. Earwax
and baleen samples will be from blue
(Balaenoptera musculus), gray
(Eschrichtius robustus), fin
(Balaenoptera physalus), minke
(Balaenoptera acutorostrata), bowhead
whales (Balaena mysticetus), and
humpback whales (Megaptera
novaeangliae), and earwax only from
sperm whales (Physeter
macrocephalus). Earwax and baleen
may also be obtained from subsistence
hunted bowhead whales in Alaska. The
requested duration of the permit is 5
years.
In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial
determination has been made that the
activities proposed are categorically
excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Concurrent with the publication of
this notice in the Federal Register,
NMFS is forwarding copies of the
applications to the Marine Mammal
Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XE766
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 19669 and
20532
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the Chicago Zoological Society [Michael
J. Adkesson, D.V.M., Responsible Party],
3300 South Golf Rd., Brookfield, Illinois
60513 (File No. 19669), and Stephen
John Trumble, Ph.D., Baylor University,
101 Bagby Ave., Waco, TX 76706 (File
No. 20532), have applied in due form
for permits to import, export, and
receive marine mammal parts for
scientific research.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
comments must be received on or before
September 28, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The applications and
related documents are available for
review by selecting ‘‘Records Open for
Public Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’
box on the Applications and Permits for
Protected Species (APPS) home page,
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then
selecting File No. 19669 or 20532 from
the list of available applications.
These documents are also available
upon written request or by appointment
in the Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
Written comments on either of these
applications should be submitted to the
Chief, Permits and Conservation
Division, at the address listed above.
Comments may also be submitted by
facsimile to (301) 713–0376, or by email
to NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov.
Please include the File No. 19669 or
20532 in the subject line of the email
comment.
Those individuals requesting a public
hearing should submit a written request
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation
Division at the address listed above. The
request should set forth the specific
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SUMMARY:
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Dated: August 24, 2016.
Julia Harrison,
Chief, Permits and Conservation Division,
Office of Protected Resources, National
Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20613 Filed 8–26–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XE808
Notice of availability of the Final
Restoration Plan and Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement for
Restoration Resulting From the
Kalamazoo River Natural Resource
Damage Assessment Related to the
Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/
Kalamazoo River Superfund Site
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability of a Final
Restoration Plan and Programmatic
Environmental Impact Statement.
AGENCY:
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) announce the availability of
the Final Restoration Plan and
Programmatic Environmental Impact
Statement for Restoration Resulting
from the Kalamazoo River Natural
Resource Damage Assessment (RP/
PEIS). The purpose of the RP/PEIS is to
evaluate, in compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), the potential direct, indirect,
and cumulative impacts of
implementing the alternative
programmatic approaches to restoration
in the Kalamazoo River watershed.
USFWS, NOAA, and the State of
Michigan (collectively referred to as the
‘‘Trustees’’) also present their plan for
restoration projects authorized by the
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA), to compensate for
injuries to natural resources from
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
released at and from the Allied Paper,
Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River
Superfund Site (Superfund Site). The
RP/PEIS identifies and evaluates the
environmental impacts associated with
restoration actions that may be
implemented to compensate for injuries
to natural resources and associated
services.
ADDRESSES: Obtaining documents: You
may download the RP/PEIS at
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\29AUN1.SGM
29AUN1
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 167 / Monday, August 29, 2016 / Notices
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/
nrda/KalamazooRiver/.
Alternatively, you may request a CD of
the document from Lisa Williams, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, East Lansing
Field Office, 2651 Coolidge Road East
Lansing, MI 48823.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa
Williams, USFWS, by email at lisa_
williams@fws.gov or by phone at (517)
351–8324.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability
Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.,
parties responsible for releasing
hazardous substances into the
environment are liable both for the costs
of responding to the release (by cleaning
up, containing, or otherwise
remediating the release) and for
damages arising from injuries to
publicly owned or managed natural
resources resulting from the release.
CERCLA’s Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) regulations (43 CFR
11) prescribe the process of assessing
the nature and extent of the resulting
injury, destruction, or loss of natural
resources and the services they provide.
Carrying out of the NRDA process also
includes determining the compensation
required to make the public whole for
such injuries, destruction, or loss.
CERCLA authorizes certain Federal and
State agencies and Indian tribes to act
on behalf of the public as Trustees for
affected natural resources. Under
CERCLA, these agencies and tribes are
authorized to assess natural resource
injuries and to seek compensation,
referred to as damages, from responsible
parties, including the costs of
performing the damage assessment. The
Trustees are required to use recovered
damages for the following purposes
only: To restore, replace, or acquire the
equivalent of the injured or lost
resources and services.
In the Draft RP/PEIS, the Trustees
described restoration projects that could
compensate for injuries to natural
resources from polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from
the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/
Kalamazoo River Superfund Site
(Superfund Site). These include both
general types of restoration projects as
well as two specific projects to restore
aquatic connectivity on the Kalamazoo
River by removing dams in and near
Otsego, Michigan.
The notice of availability of the Draft
RP/PEIS was published in the Federal
Register on September 14, 2015 (80 FR
55144). The Draft RP/PEIS presented
alternative programmatic approaches to
restoration in the Kalamazoo River
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Jkt 238001
watershed and two specific projects as
just mentioned, as well as an assessment
of impacts of implementing the
restoration approaches and projects. The
Trustees provided the public with 45
days to review and comment on the
Draft RP/PEIS. The Trustees also held a
public meeting at the Kalamazoo Nature
Center on September 15, 2015, to
facilitate public understanding of the
document and provide opportunity for
public comment. The Trustees
considered the public comments
received, which informed the Trustees’
analysis of programmatic alternatives in
the Final RP/PEIS. A summary of the
public comments received and the
Trustees’ responses to those comments
are addressed in Chapter 7 with details
provided in Appendix D of the Final
RP/PEIS.
The Trustees prepared this RP/PEIS
for restoration in the Kalamazoo River
watershed pursuant to both CERCLA
NRDA regulations and National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
regulations. The NEPA process consists
of a set of fundamental objectives that
include interagency coordination and
cooperation, and public participation in
the planning and development of
projects. NEPA requires Federal
agencies to conduct environmental
reviews of proposed actions to consider
the potential impacts on the
environment. The Final RP/PEIS
describes restoration projects that could
compensate for injuries to natural
resources from polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from
the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/
Kalamazoo River Superfund Site
(Superfund Site).
Industrial activities in the Kalamazoo
area have released PCBs into the
environment. Recycling of carbonless
copy paper at several area paper mills
was the primary source of PCB release.
Waste from the recycling of such paper
conducted at Kalamazoo-area paper
mills also contained PCBs, and the
waste was disposed of by several
methods that resulted in releases of
PCBs into the environment. These PCBs
have contaminated sediments, the water
column, and biota in and adjacent to
downstream sections of Portage Creek,
the Kalamazoo River, and Lake
Michigan. Based on the risks that PCBs
pose to the environment and to human
health, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) listed the
Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/
Kalamazoo River Superfund Site on the
National Priorities List on August 30,
1990.
PCBs are listed as hazardous
substances under CERCLA. EPA and the
Michigan Department of Environmental
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59191
Quality currently describe the Site being
addressed by the Superfund remedial
investigation as including: (1) Five
disposal areas and six paper mill
properties; (2) a 3-mile stretch of Portage
Creek from Cork Street in the City of
Kalamazoo to where the creek meets the
Kalamazoo River; and (3) an
approximately 80-mile stretch of the
Kalamazoo River, from Morrow Dam to
Lake Michigan, with adjacent
floodplains, wetlands, and in-stream
sediments. As defined in the Stage 1
Assessment Report (MDEQ et al. 2005;
available at https://www.fws.gov/
midwest/es/ec/nrda/KalamazooRiver),
the Trustees are using the term
Kalamazoo River Environment (KRE) to
represent the entire natural resource
damage assessment area. The KRE
encompasses the area being addressed
by the Superfund remedial
investigations for the site’s operable
units, along with any area where
hazardous substances released at or
from the Superfund site have come to be
located, and areas where natural
resources or the services they provide
may have been affected by the Siterelated hazardous substances releases
(MDEQ et al. 2005). The Trustees expect
to have opportunities to settle natural
resource damage claims with willing
parties. The RP/PEIS provides an
ecological framework, with public
input, to maximize the benefits of
specific restoration projects to the
affected resources in the KRE that might
be included in or funded by future
settlements. The RP/PEIS provides
criteria and guidance for Trustees to use
in selecting feasible restoration projects.
Next Steps
In accordance with NEPA, a Federal
agency must prepare a concise public
Record of Decision (ROD) at the time the
agency makes a decision in cases
involving an EIS (40 CFR 1505.2). The
Trustees will issue a ROD pursuant to
NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1505.2.
Accordingly, the ROD for the Final RP/
PEIS will provide and explain the
Trustees’ decisions regarding the
selection of a preferred alternative. The
Trustees will issue the ROD no earlier
than 30 days after the Environmental
Protection Agency publishes a notice in
the Federal Register announcing the
availability of the Final RP/PEIS (40
CFR 1506.10).
Administrative Record
In compliance with 40 CFR 1505 et
seq., the Trustees will include in the
NRDA Administrative Record (Record)
documents that the Trustees relied upon
during the development of the Final RP/
PEIS. The hard copy Record is on file
E:\FR\FM\29AUN1.SGM
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59192
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 167 / Monday, August 29, 2016 / Notices
at MDEQ (contact Judith Alfano at (517)
284–5061 or alfanoj@michigan.gov), and
selected documents from the Record are
also accessible at the following Web
site: https://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/
nrda/KalamazooRiver.
Dated: August 24, 2016.
Carrie Selberg,
Acting Director, Office of Habitat
Conservation, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20723 Filed 8–26–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XE815
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 19315 and
19674
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the Center for Coastal Studies, Right
Whale Ecology Program, 5 Holway
Avenue, P.O. Box 1036, Provincetown,
MA 02657 [Responsible Party: Richard
Delaney] and Scott Kraus, Ph.D., New
England Aquarium, Edgerton Research
Lab, Central Wharf, Boston MA 02110
have applied in due form for a permit
to take 22 species of cetaceans and
pinnipeds, including endangered North
Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis),
humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae),
fin (Balaenoptera physalus), blue (B.
musculus), sei (B. borealis), bowhead
(Balaena mysticetus), and sperm
(Physeter macrocephalus) whales, for
purposes of scientific research.
DATES: Written, telefaxed, or email
comments must be received on or before
September 28, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The application and related
documents are available for review by
selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public
Comment’’ from the ‘‘Features’’ box on
the Applications and Permits for
Protected Species (APPS) home page,
https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov, and then
selecting File No. 19315 (Center for
Coastal Studies) or File No. 19674
(Kraus) from the list of available
applications.
These documents are also available
upon written request or by appointment
in the Permits and Conservation
Division, Office of Protected Resources,
NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Room
13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone
(301) 427–8401; fax (301) 713–0376.
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SUMMARY:
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Written comments on this application
should be submitted to the Chief,
Permits and Conservation Division, at
the address listed above. Comments may
also be submitted by facsimile to (301)
713–0376, or by email to
NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Please
include the File No. in the subject line
of the email comment.
Those individuals requesting a public
hearing should submit a written request
to the Chief, Permits and Conservation
Division at the address listed above. The
request should set forth the specific
reasons why a hearing on this
application would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Amy Hapeman or Sara Young, (301)
427–8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
subject permits are requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the
regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR
part 216), the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.), and the regulations governing
the taking, importing, and exporting of
endangered and threatened species (50
CFR parts 222–226).
File No. 19315: The applicant
requests a five-year scientific research
permit to monitor right whale
demographics, life history traits, habitat
use, and behavior in Atlantic coastal
waters from the Mid-Atlantic Bight to
the Gulf of Maine. Annually, up to 1,500
right whales would be approached by
aircraft for photo-identification and
behavioral observation; up to 700 right
whales would be approached by vessel
for these activities and prey mapping;
and up to 10 whales would be suctioncup tagged. Opportunistic sighting data
and photographs would be collected for
bowhead whales and up to 20 other
cetacean and pinniped species and
unidentified dolphins and whales could
be incidentally harassed and
photographed annually during surveys.
File No. 19674: Dr. Kraus requests a
five-year scientific research permit to
assess, quantify, and track trends in the
demographic characteristics of right
whales, and to identify, quantify and
monitor the long term trends in
anthropogenic impacts on the species.
Up to 500 right whales would be
approached annually by vessel or
aircraft for photo-identification,
behavioral observation, and blow and
fecal sampling; up to 50 additional nonneonate whales would be photographed
and biopsy sampled annually.
Biological samples from up to 50 whales
could be received, imported or exported
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annually. During vessel surveys up to 20
animals of each species of humpback
whales, fin whales, harbor porpoise
(Phocoena phocoena) and Atlantic
white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus
acutus) could be incidentally harassed
annually.
In compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial
determination has been made that the
activities proposed are categorically
excluded from the requirement to
prepare an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement.
Concurrent with the publication of
this notice in the Federal Register,
NMFS is forwarding copies of the
applications to the Marine Mammal
Commission and its Committee of
Scientific Advisors.
Dated: August 18, 2016.
Nicole R. Le Boeuf,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Protected
Resources National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20597 Filed 8–26–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
RIN 0648–XE847
Pacific Fishery Management Council;
Public Meetings
National Marine Fisheries
Service, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration,
Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of public meetings.
AGENCY:
The Pacific Fishery
Management Council (Pacific Council)
and its advisory entities will hold
public meetings.
DATES: The Pacific Council and its
advisory entities will meet September
12–20, 2016. The Pacific Council
meeting will begin on Thursday,
September 15, 2016 at 10 a.m.,
reconvening at 8 a.m. each day through
Tuesday, September 20, 2016. All
meetings are open to the public, except
a closed session will be held from 10
a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday, September 15
to address litigation and personnel
matters. The Pacific Council will meet
as late as necessary each day to
complete its scheduled business.
ADDRESSES: Meetings of the Council and
its advisory entities will be held at the
Riverside Hotel, 2900 Chinden Blvd.,
Boise, ID 83714; telephone: (208) 343–
1871.
Council address: Pacific Fishery
Management Council, 7700 NE
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\29AUN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 167 (Monday, August 29, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59190-59192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20723]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
RIN 0648-XE808
Notice of availability of the Final Restoration Plan and
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Restoration Resulting
From the Kalamazoo River Natural Resource Damage Assessment Related to
the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of availability of a Final Restoration Plan and
Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announce the availability of
the Final Restoration Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact
Statement for Restoration Resulting from the Kalamazoo River Natural
Resource Damage Assessment (RP/PEIS). The purpose of the RP/PEIS is to
evaluate, in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA), the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of
implementing the alternative programmatic approaches to restoration in
the Kalamazoo River watershed. USFWS, NOAA, and the State of Michigan
(collectively referred to as the ``Trustees'') also present their plan
for restoration projects authorized by the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), to compensate for
injuries to natural resources from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
released at and from the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo
River Superfund Site (Superfund Site). The RP/PEIS identifies and
evaluates the environmental impacts associated with restoration actions
that may be implemented to compensate for injuries to natural resources
and associated services.
ADDRESSES: Obtaining documents: You may download the RP/PEIS at
[[Page 59191]]
https://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/nrda/KalamazooRiver/.
Alternatively, you may request a CD of the document from Lisa Williams,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, East Lansing Field Office, 2651
Coolidge Road East Lansing, MI 48823.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Williams, USFWS, by email at
lisa_williams@fws.gov or by phone at (517) 351-8324.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S.C. 9601 et
seq., parties responsible for releasing hazardous substances into the
environment are liable both for the costs of responding to the release
(by cleaning up, containing, or otherwise remediating the release) and
for damages arising from injuries to publicly owned or managed natural
resources resulting from the release. CERCLA's Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) regulations (43 CFR 11) prescribe the process of
assessing the nature and extent of the resulting injury, destruction,
or loss of natural resources and the services they provide. Carrying
out of the NRDA process also includes determining the compensation
required to make the public whole for such injuries, destruction, or
loss. CERCLA authorizes certain Federal and State agencies and Indian
tribes to act on behalf of the public as Trustees for affected natural
resources. Under CERCLA, these agencies and tribes are authorized to
assess natural resource injuries and to seek compensation, referred to
as damages, from responsible parties, including the costs of performing
the damage assessment. The Trustees are required to use recovered
damages for the following purposes only: To restore, replace, or
acquire the equivalent of the injured or lost resources and services.
In the Draft RP/PEIS, the Trustees described restoration projects
that could compensate for injuries to natural resources from
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from the Allied Paper,
Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site (Superfund Site).
These include both general types of restoration projects as well as two
specific projects to restore aquatic connectivity on the Kalamazoo
River by removing dams in and near Otsego, Michigan.
The notice of availability of the Draft RP/PEIS was published in
the Federal Register on September 14, 2015 (80 FR 55144). The Draft RP/
PEIS presented alternative programmatic approaches to restoration in
the Kalamazoo River watershed and two specific projects as just
mentioned, as well as an assessment of impacts of implementing the
restoration approaches and projects. The Trustees provided the public
with 45 days to review and comment on the Draft RP/PEIS. The Trustees
also held a public meeting at the Kalamazoo Nature Center on September
15, 2015, to facilitate public understanding of the document and
provide opportunity for public comment. The Trustees considered the
public comments received, which informed the Trustees' analysis of
programmatic alternatives in the Final RP/PEIS. A summary of the public
comments received and the Trustees' responses to those comments are
addressed in Chapter 7 with details provided in Appendix D of the Final
RP/PEIS.
The Trustees prepared this RP/PEIS for restoration in the Kalamazoo
River watershed pursuant to both CERCLA NRDA regulations and National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. The NEPA process consists
of a set of fundamental objectives that include interagency
coordination and cooperation, and public participation in the planning
and development of projects. NEPA requires Federal agencies to conduct
environmental reviews of proposed actions to consider the potential
impacts on the environment. The Final RP/PEIS describes restoration
projects that could compensate for injuries to natural resources from
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from the Allied Paper,
Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site (Superfund Site).
Industrial activities in the Kalamazoo area have released PCBs into
the environment. Recycling of carbonless copy paper at several area
paper mills was the primary source of PCB release. Waste from the
recycling of such paper conducted at Kalamazoo-area paper mills also
contained PCBs, and the waste was disposed of by several methods that
resulted in releases of PCBs into the environment. These PCBs have
contaminated sediments, the water column, and biota in and adjacent to
downstream sections of Portage Creek, the Kalamazoo River, and Lake
Michigan. Based on the risks that PCBs pose to the environment and to
human health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed the
Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site on the
National Priorities List on August 30, 1990.
PCBs are listed as hazardous substances under CERCLA. EPA and the
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality currently describe the
Site being addressed by the Superfund remedial investigation as
including: (1) Five disposal areas and six paper mill properties; (2) a
3-mile stretch of Portage Creek from Cork Street in the City of
Kalamazoo to where the creek meets the Kalamazoo River; and (3) an
approximately 80-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River, from Morrow Dam
to Lake Michigan, with adjacent floodplains, wetlands, and in-stream
sediments. As defined in the Stage 1 Assessment Report (MDEQ et al.
2005; available at https://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/nrda/KalamazooRiver), the Trustees are using the term Kalamazoo River
Environment (KRE) to represent the entire natural resource damage
assessment area. The KRE encompasses the area being addressed by the
Superfund remedial investigations for the site's operable units, along
with any area where hazardous substances released at or from the
Superfund site have come to be located, and areas where natural
resources or the services they provide may have been affected by the
Site-related hazardous substances releases (MDEQ et al. 2005). The
Trustees expect to have opportunities to settle natural resource damage
claims with willing parties. The RP/PEIS provides an ecological
framework, with public input, to maximize the benefits of specific
restoration projects to the affected resources in the KRE that might be
included in or funded by future settlements. The RP/PEIS provides
criteria and guidance for Trustees to use in selecting feasible
restoration projects.
Next Steps
In accordance with NEPA, a Federal agency must prepare a concise
public Record of Decision (ROD) at the time the agency makes a decision
in cases involving an EIS (40 CFR 1505.2). The Trustees will issue a
ROD pursuant to NEPA regulations at 40 CFR 1505.2. Accordingly, the ROD
for the Final RP/PEIS will provide and explain the Trustees' decisions
regarding the selection of a preferred alternative. The Trustees will
issue the ROD no earlier than 30 days after the Environmental
Protection Agency publishes a notice in the Federal Register announcing
the availability of the Final RP/PEIS (40 CFR 1506.10).
Administrative Record
In compliance with 40 CFR 1505 et seq., the Trustees will include
in the NRDA Administrative Record (Record) documents that the Trustees
relied upon during the development of the Final RP/PEIS. The hard copy
Record is on file
[[Page 59192]]
at MDEQ (contact Judith Alfano at (517) 284-5061 or
alfanoj@michigan.gov), and selected documents from the Record are also
accessible at the following Web site: https://www.fws.gov/midwest/es/ec/nrda/KalamazooRiver.
Dated: August 24, 2016.
Carrie Selberg,
Acting Director, Office of Habitat Conservation, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20723 Filed 8-26-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
