Polar Icebreaker Program; Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement, 38317-38318 [2018-16760]

Download as PDF sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices Respondent’s grant applications, articles, and posters in question examined the differential effects of endothelin receptor antagonists on traumatic brain injury-induced hypoperfusion of cerebral blood flow, neuronal cell injury, and cognition in rat animal models. Respondent recklessly included falsely described images in the following grant applications: • R01 NS064976–01A1 submitted to NINDS, NIH (unfunded) • R01 NS064976–01A2 submitted to NINDS, NIH (funded) • R01 NS065824–01 submitted to NINDS, NIH (unfunded) Respondent recklessly included falsely described images in the following publications and posters: • ‘‘Differential effects of endothelin receptor A and B antagonism on cerebral hypoperfusion following traumatic brain injury.’’ Neurological Research 32(2):209–14, 2010 Mar (‘‘NR2010’’). Retracted in Neurological Research 39(5):472, 2017 May. • ‘‘Clazosentan, a novel endothelin A antagonist, improves cerebral blood flow and behavior after traumatic brain injury.’’ Neurological Research 33(2):208–13, 2011 Mar (‘‘NR2011–1’’). Retracted in Neurological Research 39(5):472, 2017 May. • 2009 poster for a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presentation: ‘‘Using endothelin-A antagonists to ameliorate hypoperfusion and cognitive deficits following brain trauma: towards a clinical trial’’ (‘‘VA2009’’). • 2010 poster for a VA presentation: ‘‘Endothelin-1 receptor A antagonists improve neurologic and cognitive outcome following TBI’’ (‘‘VA2010’’). The following findings of research misconduct were proven by a preponderance of the evidence. Respondent recklessly included: • falsely described Fluoro-Jade stained images of rat brain cells in: —Figure 8 (left panel) in R01 NS064976–01A1 —Figure 8B (left panel) in R01 NS064976–01A2 —Figures 4A–F in R01 NS065824–01 —Figure 3 (right and left panels) in NR2011–1 —Figure 5C in NR2010 —Figure 3 (panel 3) and Figure 6 (right and left panels) in VA2009 —Figure 3 (panel 3) and Figure 6 (right and left panels) in VA2010 • falsely described systolic blood pressure curves in Figures 4A and 4B in NR2010 • falsely described cerebral blood flow graphs in: —Figure 5 (left panel) in R01 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 NS064976–01A1 —Figure 5 (left panel) in R01 NS064976–01A2 —Figure 3A in NR2010 —Figure 5 in VA2009 —Figure 5 in VA2010 • falsely described Western blot images in one of the following three grant applications (because at least one of the three must be false): Figure 1 (me+TBI panel for VEGF) in R01 NS065824–01, Figure 2B in R01 NS064976–01A1, and Figure 2B in R01 NS064976–01A2 • falsely described Western blot images in: —Figure 2A in R01 NS064976–01A1 —Figure 2A in R01 NS064976–01A2 • a falsely described image of lectin labeled rat brain section in Figure 2C in R01 NS065824–01 Thus, the research misconduct findings set forth above became effective, and the following administrative actions have been implemented for a period of five (5) years, beginning on July 13, 2018: (1) Dr. Kreipke is debarred from any contracting or subcontracting with any agency of the United States Government and from eligibility or involvement in nonprocurement programs of the United States Government referred to as ‘‘covered transactions’’ pursuant to HHS’ Implementation (2 CFR part 376) of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (2 CFR part 180); and (2) Dr. Kreipke is prohibited from serving in any advisory capacity to PHS including, but not limited to, service on any PHS advisory committee, board, and/or peer review committee, or as a consultant. Wanda K. Jones, Interim Director, Office of Research Integrity. [FR Doc. 2018–16693 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4150–31–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard [Docket Number USCG–2018–0193] Polar Icebreaker Program; Preparation of Environmental Impact Statement Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of Availability and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The U.S. Coast Guard, as lead agency, announces the availability of a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in accordance SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 38317 with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Polar Icebreaker Program’s design and build of up to six polar icebreakers. The U.S. Coast Guard requests public comments on the draft EIS. DATES: Comments must be submitted to the online docket via https:// www.regulations.gov on or before September 20, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2018–0193 using the Federal portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. If you have questions about this notice of intent, email Mr. Ahmed Majumder, Deputy Program Manager, Polar Icebreaker Program, U.S. Coast Guard; email PIBEnvironment@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Table of Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations CGC Coast Guard Cutter EIS Environmental Impact Statement FR Federal Register NEPA National Environmental Policy Act PIBs Polar Icebreakers U.S.C. United States Code II. Background and Purpose The U.S. Coast Guard’s current fleet of polar icebreakers (PIBs) consists of two heavy icebreakers, Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) POLAR STAR and CGC POLAR SEA, and one medium icebreaker, CGC HEALY. The U.S. Coast Guard’s heavy icebreakers have both exceeded their designed 30 year service life. CGC POLAR STAR was commissioned in 1976 and CGC POLAR SEA in 1978. CGC POLAR STAR began reactivation in 2010 and completed a service life extension in 2013 to allow CGC POLAR STAR to operate for an additional seven to ten years. CGC POLAR SEA has remained out of service since 2010 and is not expected to be reactivated. The current PIB program acquisition strategy is approved to construct up to three heavy PIBs and may (at a future date) potentially expand to include up to three medium icebreakers, with planned service design lives of 30 years each. The first of these new PIBs is expected to delivered in 2023. Because the first new PIB would not be operational in the Polar Regions until at least 2023, new information may become available after the completion of this EIS. In that case, supplemental NEPA documentation may, as appropriate, be prepared in E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 38318 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 151 / Monday, August 6, 2018 / Notices support of individual proposed actions. Examples of new information may include, but are not limited to, changes to a species listing status or any other applicable laws and directives, and information regarding mission, training, homeporting, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning of the new PIBs. A new PIB would be designed to carry out the U.S. Coast Guard’s primary missions supported by the current polar icebreaker fleet. Expected missions include Ice Operations, Defense Readiness, Aids to Navigation, Living Marine Resources, Marine Safety, Marine Environmental Protection, Other Law Enforcement, Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security, and Search and Rescue. In executing its various missions, the U.S. Coast Guard protects the public, the environment, and U.S. economic and security interests in any maritime region, including international waters and the Nation’s coasts, ports, and inland waterways, as required to support national security. Legislation and executive orders assign the U.S. Coast Guard a wide range of responsibilities applicable to Polar Regions. The U.S. Coast Guard derives its authority for the use of icebreaking from several statutes governing execution of its missions. These include 14 U.S.C. 81 (Coast Guard establishment, maintenance, and operation of aids to navigation), 14 U.S.C. 88 (Coast Guard saving of life and property), 14 U.S.C. 89 (Coast Guard law enforcement), 14 U.S.C. 90 (Arctic maritime transportation), 14 U.S.C. 91 (controlling anchorage and movement of vessels), 14 U.S.C. 94 (conduct oceanographic research), and 14 U.S.C. 141 (cooperation with agencies, States, territories, and others). In addition, Executive Order 7521 (Use of Vessels for Icebreaking in Channels and Harbors), 1 FR 2184, Dec. 24, 1936, directs the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in keeping channels and harbors open to navigation by means of icebreaking operations. The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to conduct polar icebreaker operations and training exercises to meet Coast Guard mission responsibilities in the U.S. Arctic and Antarctic Regions of operation, in addition to vessel performance testing post-dry dock in the Pacific Northwest near the current polar icebreaker homeport of Seattle, Washington. The exact location for future homeporting has not been determined, but the current fleet of polar icebreakers is homeported in Seattle, Washington. Polar Regions are becoming increasingly important to U.S. national VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:36 Aug 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 interests. The changing environment in these regions could lead to a rise in human activity and increased commercial ship, cruise ship, and naval surface ship operations, as well as increased exploration for oil and other resources, particularly in the Arctic. One of the U.S. Coast Guard’s highest priorities is safety of life at sea. This entails the Artic responsibilities described above as well as assisting with Antarctica logistics at McMurdo Station. Long-term projected increases in U.S. Coast Guard mission demand in the Polar Regions would require additional support from PIBs. A lack of infrastructure, polar environmental conditions, and long distances between operating areas and support bases all influence the U.S. Coast Guard’s ability to provide comparable service and presence in Polar Regions as compared to that provided in other non-polar areas of operation with existing Coast Guard assets. This EIS will analyze the potential impacts of up to six new PIBs, as this is the maximum number anticipated to be operational in the Polar Regions under the current PIB program acquisition strategy; A lesser number of icebreakers is expected to result in a similar or reduced impact than what will be discussed and evaluated in this EIS. Potential environmental stressors include acoustic (underwater acoustic transmissions, vessel noise, icebreaking noise, aircraft noise, and gunnery noise), and physical (vessel movement, aircraft or in-air device movement, in-water device movement, icebreaking, and marine expended materials). III. Scoping Process The U.S. Coast Guard conducted scoping in accordance with Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the NEPA (40 CFR 1500 et seq.) through public comment and public meetings. A summary of the scoping process can be found in the draft EIS. IV. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to submit comments (or related material) on the draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. We will consider all submissions and may adjust our final action based on your comments. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using https:// www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions. Documents mentioned in this notice, and all public comments, are in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website’s instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a final EIS is published. We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the docket, you may review a Privacy Act notice regarding the Federal Docket Management System in the March 24, 2005, issue of the Federal Register (70 FR 15086). This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). Dated: June 31, 2018. Ahmed Majumder, U.S. Coast Guard, Program Manager, Polar Icebreaker Program. [FR Doc. 2018–16760 Filed 8–3–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2008–0010] Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Committee management; notice of open federal advisory committee meeting. AGENCY: The Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy (Board) will meet on August 27–28, 2018, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The meeting will be open to the public. DATES: The meeting will take place on Monday, August 27, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and on Tuesday, August 28, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Please note that the meeting may close early if the Board has completed its business. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the National Emergency Training Center, 16825 South Seton Avenue, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06AUN1.SGM 06AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 151 (Monday, August 6, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38317-38318]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16760]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket Number USCG-2018-0193]


Polar Icebreaker Program; Preparation of Environmental Impact 
Statement

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of Availability and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard, as lead agency, announces the 
availability of a draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 
for the Polar Icebreaker Program's design and build of up to six polar 
icebreakers. The U.S. Coast Guard requests public comments on the draft 
EIS.

DATES: Comments must be submitted to the online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before September 20, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2018-0193 using the Federal portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See 
the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on 
submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
notice of intent, email Mr. Ahmed Majumder, Deputy Program Manager, 
Polar Icebreaker Program, U.S. Coast Guard; email 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CGC Coast Guard Cutter
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
FR Federal Register
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
PIBs Polar Icebreakers
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background and Purpose

    The U.S. Coast Guard's current fleet of polar icebreakers (PIBs) 
consists of two heavy icebreakers, Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) POLAR STAR 
and CGC POLAR SEA, and one medium icebreaker, CGC HEALY. The U.S. Coast 
Guard's heavy icebreakers have both exceeded their designed 30 year 
service life. CGC POLAR STAR was commissioned in 1976 and CGC POLAR SEA 
in 1978. CGC POLAR STAR began reactivation in 2010 and completed a 
service life extension in 2013 to allow CGC POLAR STAR to operate for 
an additional seven to ten years. CGC POLAR SEA has remained out of 
service since 2010 and is not expected to be reactivated. The current 
PIB program acquisition strategy is approved to construct up to three 
heavy PIBs and may (at a future date) potentially expand to include up 
to three medium icebreakers, with planned service design lives of 30 
years each. The first of these new PIBs is expected to delivered in 
2023. Because the first new PIB would not be operational in the Polar 
Regions until at least 2023, new information may become available after 
the completion of this EIS. In that case, supplemental NEPA 
documentation may, as appropriate, be prepared in

[[Page 38318]]

support of individual proposed actions. Examples of new information may 
include, but are not limited to, changes to a species listing status or 
any other applicable laws and directives, and information regarding 
mission, training, homeporting, maintenance, and eventual 
decommissioning of the new PIBs.
    A new PIB would be designed to carry out the U.S. Coast Guard's 
primary missions supported by the current polar icebreaker fleet. 
Expected missions include Ice Operations, Defense Readiness, Aids to 
Navigation, Living Marine Resources, Marine Safety, Marine 
Environmental Protection, Other Law Enforcement, Ports, Waterways, and 
Coastal Security, and Search and Rescue.
    In executing its various missions, the U.S. Coast Guard protects 
the public, the environment, and U.S. economic and security interests 
in any maritime region, including international waters and the Nation's 
coasts, ports, and inland waterways, as required to support national 
security. Legislation and executive orders assign the U.S. Coast Guard 
a wide range of responsibilities applicable to Polar Regions. The U.S. 
Coast Guard derives its authority for the use of icebreaking from 
several statutes governing execution of its missions. These include 14 
U.S.C. 81 (Coast Guard establishment, maintenance, and operation of 
aids to navigation), 14 U.S.C. 88 (Coast Guard saving of life and 
property), 14 U.S.C. 89 (Coast Guard law enforcement), 14 U.S.C. 90 
(Arctic maritime transportation), 14 U.S.C. 91 (controlling anchorage 
and movement of vessels), 14 U.S.C. 94 (conduct oceanographic 
research), and 14 U.S.C. 141 (cooperation with agencies, States, 
territories, and others). In addition, Executive Order 7521 (Use of 
Vessels for Icebreaking in Channels and Harbors), 1 FR 2184, Dec. 24, 
1936, directs the U.S. Coast Guard to assist in keeping channels and 
harbors open to navigation by means of icebreaking operations.
    The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to conduct polar icebreaker 
operations and training exercises to meet Coast Guard mission 
responsibilities in the U.S. Arctic and Antarctic Regions of operation, 
in addition to vessel performance testing post-dry dock in the Pacific 
Northwest near the current polar icebreaker homeport of Seattle, 
Washington. The exact location for future homeporting has not been 
determined, but the current fleet of polar icebreakers is homeported in 
Seattle, Washington.
    Polar Regions are becoming increasingly important to U.S. national 
interests. The changing environment in these regions could lead to a 
rise in human activity and increased commercial ship, cruise ship, and 
naval surface ship operations, as well as increased exploration for oil 
and other resources, particularly in the Arctic. One of the U.S. Coast 
Guard's highest priorities is safety of life at sea. This entails the 
Artic responsibilities described above as well as assisting with 
Antarctica logistics at McMurdo Station. Long-term projected increases 
in U.S. Coast Guard mission demand in the Polar Regions would require 
additional support from PIBs. A lack of infrastructure, polar 
environmental conditions, and long distances between operating areas 
and support bases all influence the U.S. Coast Guard's ability to 
provide comparable service and presence in Polar Regions as compared to 
that provided in other non-polar areas of operation with existing Coast 
Guard assets.
    This EIS will analyze the potential impacts of up to six new PIBs, 
as this is the maximum number anticipated to be operational in the 
Polar Regions under the current PIB program acquisition strategy; A 
lesser number of icebreakers is expected to result in a similar or 
reduced impact than what will be discussed and evaluated in this EIS. 
Potential environmental stressors include acoustic (underwater acoustic 
transmissions, vessel noise, icebreaking noise, aircraft noise, and 
gunnery noise), and physical (vessel movement, aircraft or in-air 
device movement, in-water device movement, icebreaking, and marine 
expended materials).

III. Scoping Process

    The U.S. Coast Guard conducted scoping in accordance with Council 
on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing the NEPA (40 
CFR 1500 et seq.) through public comment and public meetings. A summary 
of the scoping process can be found in the draft EIS.

IV. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to submit comments (or related material) on the 
draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. We will consider all 
submissions and may adjust our final action based on your comments. If 
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice, 
indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment 
applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using https://www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate 
instructions. Documents mentioned in this notice, and all public 
comments, are in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and 
can be viewed by following that website's instructions. Additionally, 
if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will 
be notified when comments are posted or a final EIS is published.
    We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted 
without change to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the 
docket, you may review a Privacy Act notice regarding the Federal 
Docket Management System in the March 24, 2005, issue of the Federal 
Register (70 FR 15086).
    This notice is issued under authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a).

    Dated: June 31, 2018.
Ahmed Majumder,
U.S. Coast Guard, Program Manager, Polar Icebreaker Program.
[FR Doc. 2018-16760 Filed 8-3-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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