Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Public Meeting, and Request for Comments; Acquisition of Site for Development of a Replacement Underground Safety Research Program Facility for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH) in Mace, West Virginia, 4070-4072 [2019-01910]

Download as PDF 4070 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 31 / Thursday, February 14, 2019 / Notices in FHFA’s regulations.1 Section 10b also establishes the eligibility requirements an applicant must meet in order to be certified as a Housing Associate. Part 1264 of FHFA’s regulations implements the statutory eligibility requirements and establishes uniform review criteria the Banks must use in evaluating applications from entities that wish to be certified as a Housing Associate. Specifically, § 1264.4 implements the statutory eligibility requirements and provides guidance to an applicant on how it may satisfy those requirements.2 Section 1264.5 authorizes the Banks to approve or deny all applications for certification as a Housing Associate, subject to the statutory and regulatory requirements.3 Section 1264.6 permits an applicant that has been denied certification by a Bank to appeal that decision to FHFA.4 In part 1266 of FHFA’s regulations, subpart B governs Bank advances to Housing Associates that have been approved under part 1264. Section 1266.17 establishes the terms and conditions under which a Bank may make advances to Housing Associates.5 Specifically, § 1266.17(e) imposes a continuing obligation on each certified Housing Associate to provide information necessary for the Bank to determine if it remains in compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, as set forth in part 1264. The OMB control number for the information collection, which expired on December 31, 2018, is 2590–0001. The likely respondents include entities applying to be certified as a Housing Associate and current Housing Associates. B. Burden Estimates FHFA estimates the total annualized hour burden imposed upon respondents by this information collection to be 318 hours (14 hours for applicants + 304 hours for current Housing Associates), based on the following calculations: I. Applicants FHFA estimates that the total annual average number of entities applying to be certified as a Housing Associate over the next three years will be one, with one response per applicant. The estimate for the average hours per application is 14 hours. Therefore, the estimate for the total annual hour burden for all applicants is 14 hours (1 applicant × 1 response per applicant × 14 hours = 14 hours). 1 See 12 U.S.C. 1430b; 12 CFR 1264.3. 12 CFR 1264.4. 3 See 12 CFR 1264.5. 4 See 12 CFR 1264.6. 5 See 12 CFR 1266.17. 2 See VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:54 Feb 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 II. Current Housing Associates FHFA estimates that the total annual average number of existing Housing Associates over the next three years will be 76, with one response per Housing Associate required to comply with the regulatory reporting requirements. The estimate for the average hours per response is 4 hours. Therefore, the estimate for the total annual hour burden for current Housing Associates is 304 hours (76 certified Housing Associates × 1 response per associate × 4 hours = 304 hours). C. Comments Request In accordance with the requirements of 5 CFR 1320.8(d), FHFA published an initial notice and request for public comments regarding this information collection in the Federal Register on October 17, 2018.6 The 60-day comment period closed on December 17, 2018. FHFA received no comments. FHFA requests written comments on the following: (1) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FHFA functions, including whether the information has practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FHFA’s estimates of the burdens of the collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Dated: February 7, 2019. Kevin Winkler, Chief Information Officer, Federal Housing Finance Agency. applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)—SIP19–006, Evaluating Community Clinical Linkage Interventions in the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), SIP19–007, Improving cancer survivor treatment and outcomes by ensuring appropriate emergency/acute care treatment and SIP19–008, Feasibility Testing of a Model Cancer Surveillance Report Using Electronic Health Record Data. Dates: May 2, 2019. Times: 10:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., EDT. Place: Teleconference. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. For Further Information Contact: Jaya Raman, Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop F80, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, Telephone: (770) 488–6511, kva5@cdc.gov. The Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Sherri Berger, Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2019–02297 Filed 2–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P [FR Doc. 2019–02304 Filed 2–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8070–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Docket No. CDC–2018–0057] Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended, and Determination of the Chief Operating Officer, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92–463. The grant 6 See PO 00000 83 FR 52451 (Oct. 17, 2018). Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Public Meeting, and Request for Comments; Acquisition of Site for Development of a Replacement Underground Safety Research Program Facility for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH) in Mace, West Virginia Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 31 / Thursday, February 14, 2019 / Notices Notice of availability; announcement of public meeting; and request for comments. ACTION: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with the General Services Administration (GSA), announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed acquisition of a site in Mace, West Virginia, and the development of this site into a replacement for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Underground Safety Research Program facility (Proposed Action). The proposed acquisition and development would replace the former Lake Lynn Experimental Mine in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and would support research programs focused on miner health and safety issues. The site being considered for acquisition and development includes 461.35 acres located off U.S. Route 219 in Randolph and Pocahontas Counties near Mace, West Virginia (Site). The Draft EIS and this notice are published pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500– 1508). In parallel with the NEPA process, CDC is also conducting consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act to evaluate the potential effects, if any, of the Proposed Action on historic properties. A Notice of Intent for this Draft EIS was published in the Federal Register on June 14, 2018 (83 FR 27781). DATES: Public Meeting: A public meeting in open house format will be held on March 6, 2019, in Slatyfork, West Virginia, to present the findings of the Draft EIS and to solicit comments. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end no later than 8:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, please send an email to cdc-macewv-eis@cdc.gov or call (770) 488–8170 to check on the status of the meeting. Written comments: Written public comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2019. Deadline for Requests for Special Accommodations: Persons wishing to participate in the public meeting who need special accommodations should contact Sam Tarr at 770–488–8170 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, February 27, 2019. ADDRESSES: The public scoping meeting will be held at the Linwood Community SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:54 Feb 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 Library, 72 Snowshoe Drive, Slatyfork, West Virginia 26291. Copies of the Draft EIS can be obtained at: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov (reference Docket No. CDC–2018–0057). • Linwood Community Library, 72 Snowshoe Drive, Slatyfork, West Virginia 26291. • By written request (electronic copies only) to: cdc-macewv-eis@cdc.gov. You may submit comments identified by Docket No. CDC–2018–0057 by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov (Follow the instructions for submitting comments). • U.S. Mail: Sam Tarr, Office of Safety, Security, and Asset Management (OSSAM), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS–K80, Atlanta, Georgia 30329–4027. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and Docket Number. All relevant comments received will be posted to https:// www.regulations.gov (personally identifiable information, except for first and last names, will be redacted). For access to the docket to review background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sam Tarr, Office of Safety, Security, and Asset Management (OSSAM), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS– K80, Atlanta, Georgia 30329–4027, phone: (770) 488–8170, or email: cdcmacewv-eis@cdc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: CDC is dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury, and disability. NIOSH, one of CDC’s Centers, Institutes, and Offices, was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. NIOSH plans, directs, and coordinates a national program to develop and establish recommended occupational safety and health standards, conduct research and training, provide technical assistance, and perform related activities to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for every working person in the United States. In 1997, when the mine safety and health function was transferred from the Bureau of Mines (BOM) to NIOSH, NIOSH took over the lease for a facility referred to as the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM). BOM had leased the LLEM facility since 1982. The LLEM is located 60 miles south of PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 4071 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The LLEM and its aboveground fire testing facility were primarily used for studies and research on mine explosions, mine seals, mine rescue, ventilation, diesel exhaust, new health and safety technologies, ground control, and fire suppression. After December 2012, the property was no longer available for long-term leasing. CDC attempted to purchase the LLEM underlying property, but NIOSH vacated the LLEM after market-based purchase offers were rejected by the property owners. In 2013, CDC completed a Project Development Study to outline a design solution to replace the LLEM. The study presented the facility and site requirements and design concepts for the replacement facilities. In 2016, to identify potentially available locations that could accommodate the space requirements defined in the 2013 study, GSA issued (on behalf of CDC) two separate Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for a site, developed or undeveloped, that could be used for the new underground safety research facility. The first REOI, advertised in June 2016, contained a limited delineated area within a 200-mile radius of the LLEM. The REOI set forth criteria that would be used to evaluate the suitability of the submitted sites. One expression of interest that had the potential to meet the minimum criteria was received. After further evaluation, however, the site was found to be nonviable. The second REOI was issued in October 2016 and expanded the delineated area to the entire contiguous United States. Three expressions of interest were received for sites in Kentucky, Missouri, and West Virginia. The Kentucky site did not meet the minimum criteria, and the Missouri site expression of interest did not contain all necessary information to evaluate. The offeror of the Missouri site did not respond to subsequent GSA inquiries. The potential site in West Virginia met the minimum criteria and was determined to be a viable site. The site is located near Mace, West Virginia, and straddles the Randolph and Pocahontas County lines. In accordance with NEPA, as implemented by the CEQ regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), with GSA as a cooperating agency, CDC prepared a Draft EIS for the proposed acquisition of the Site and construction of a new underground safety research facility on the Site. Under NEPA, federal agencies are required to evaluate the environmental effects of their proposed actions and a range of reasonable alternatives to the proposed action E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1 4072 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 31 / Thursday, February 14, 2019 / Notices before making a decision. The Draft EIS evaluates the following two alternatives: the Proposed Action Alternative (acquisition of the Site and construction of a new underground safety research facility) and the No Action Alternative. No other alternatives were considered because only one qualifying site was identified through the site selection process discussed above. Impacts on the following resources are considered in the Draft EIS: Noise and vibration; geology, topography, and soils; water resources; utilities and infrastructure; and biological resources—vegetation and threatened and endangered species. Cultural resources were dismissed because a phase I archaeological reconnaissance survey identified one isolated artifact and confirmed low potential for additional archaeological resources. Viewshed and vibration analyses indicated that the potential for affecting historic structures would be negligible. No observable direct impacts on cultural resources are anticipated. Section 106 consultation under the National Historic Preservation Act is ongoing and will be documented in the record of decision. The status of the Section 106 consultation process to date is documented in Chapter 1 of the Draft EIS. The purpose of this notice is to inform interested parties regarding the availability of the Draft EIS for review and to solicit comments. To facilitate public comments, a public meeting will be held on March 6, 2019, at the Linwood Community Library, 72 Snowshoe Drive, Slatyfork, West Virginia 26291, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The public meeting will be an open house format. Copies of the draft EIS will be available at the meeting, and poster stations will provide a summary of the NEPA process and the findings of the EIS. Representatives of CDC and GSA will be available to answer one-on-one questions. There will be no formal presentation or formal testimonies. Participants may arrive at any time between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Comment forms will be provided for written comments, and a stenographer will be available to transcribe one-on-one oral comments. After the public comment period ends, CDC will consider all comments received, revise the Draft EIS to address these comments, select a preferred alternative, and issue a Final EIS. CDC will consider the Final EIS when deciding whether to proceed with the proposed site acquisition and campus development. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:54 Feb 13, 2019 Jkt 247001 Dated: February 6, 2019. Sandra Cashman, Executive Secretary, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2019–01910 Filed 2–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended, and Determination of the Chief Operating Officer, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92–463. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)—SIP19–010, Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (NOPREN) and SIP19–011, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (PAPREN). Dates: May 16, 2019. Times: 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m., EDT. Place: Teleconference. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. For Further Information Contact: Jaya Raman Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop F80, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, Telephone: (770) 488–6511, kva5@cdc.gov. The Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Sherri Berger, Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2019–02299 Filed 2–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Notice of Closed Meeting DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PO 00000 DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Sfmt 4703 Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended, and Determination of the Chief Operating Officer, CDC, pursuant to Public Law 92–463. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Name of Committee: Disease, Disability, and Injury Prevention and Control Special Emphasis Panel (SEP)–SIP19–012, Supporting and Evaluating Initiatives to Prevent Overservice of Alcohol. Dates: May 14, 2019. Times: 11:00 a.m.—6:30 p.m., EDT. Place: Teleconference. Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications. For Further Information Contact: Jaya Raman Ph.D., Scientific Review Officer, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway, Mailstop F80, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, Telephone: (770) 488–6511, kva5@cdc.gov. The Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been delegated the authority to sign Federal Register notices pertaining to announcements of meetings and other committee management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Sherri Berger, Chief Operating Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. 2019–02300 Filed 2–13–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163–18–P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Notice of Closed Meeting Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, notice is hereby given of the following meeting. E:\FR\FM\14FEN1.SGM 14FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 31 (Thursday, February 14, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4070-4072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-01910]


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

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

[Docket No. CDC-2018-0057]


Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement, 
Public Meeting, and Request for Comments; Acquisition of Site for 
Development of a Replacement Underground Safety Research Program 
Facility for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC/NIOSH) in Mace, West 
Virginia

AGENCY: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of 
Health and Human Services (HHS).

[[Page 4071]]


ACTION: Notice of availability; announcement of public meeting; and 
request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within 
the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in cooperation with 
the General Services Administration (GSA), announces the availability 
of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed 
acquisition of a site in Mace, West Virginia, and the development of 
this site into a replacement for the National Institute for 
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Underground Safety Research 
Program facility (Proposed Action). The proposed acquisition and 
development would replace the former Lake Lynn Experimental Mine in 
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and would support research programs 
focused on miner health and safety issues. The site being considered 
for acquisition and development includes 461.35 acres located off U.S. 
Route 219 in Randolph and Pocahontas Counties near Mace, West Virginia 
(Site).
    The Draft EIS and this notice are published pursuant to the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) as 
implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations 
(40 CFR parts 1500-1508). In parallel with the NEPA process, CDC is 
also conducting consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act to evaluate the potential effects, if any, of the 
Proposed Action on historic properties.
    A Notice of Intent for this Draft EIS was published in the Federal 
Register on June 14, 2018 (83 FR 27781).

DATES: 
    Public Meeting: A public meeting in open house format will be held 
on March 6, 2019, in Slatyfork, West Virginia, to present the findings 
of the Draft EIS and to solicit comments. The meeting will begin at 
5:30 p.m. and end no later than 8:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, 
please send an email to cdc-macewv-eis@cdc.gov or call (770) 488-8170 
to check on the status of the meeting.
    Written comments: Written public comments must be submitted by 
11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2019.
    Deadline for Requests for Special Accommodations: Persons wishing 
to participate in the public meeting who need special accommodations 
should contact Sam Tarr at 770-488-8170 by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 
February 27, 2019.

ADDRESSES: The public scoping meeting will be held at the Linwood 
Community Library, 72 Snowshoe Drive, Slatyfork, West Virginia 26291.
    Copies of the Draft EIS can be obtained at:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov 
(reference Docket No. CDC-2018-0057).
     Linwood Community Library, 72 Snowshoe Drive, Slatyfork, 
West Virginia 26291.
     By written request (electronic copies only) to: cdc-macewv-eis@cdc.gov.
    You may submit comments identified by Docket No. CDC-2018-0057 by 
either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov 
(Follow the instructions for submitting comments).
     U.S. Mail: Sam Tarr, Office of Safety, Security, and Asset 
Management (OSSAM), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 
Clifton Road NE, MS-K80, Atlanta, Georgia 30329-4027.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and 
Docket Number. All relevant comments received will be posted to https://www.regulations.gov (personally identifiable information, except for 
first and last names, will be redacted). For access to the docket to 
review background documents or comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 
    Sam Tarr, Office of Safety, Security, and Asset Management (OSSAM), 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS-
K80, Atlanta, Georgia 30329-4027, phone: (770) 488-8170, or email: cdc-macewv-eis@cdc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: CDC is dedicated to protecting 
health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control 
of disease, injury, and disability. NIOSH, one of CDC's Centers, 
Institutes, and Offices, was established by the Occupational Safety and 
Health Act of 1970. NIOSH plans, directs, and coordinates a national 
program to develop and establish recommended occupational safety and 
health standards, conduct research and training, provide technical 
assistance, and perform related activities to ensure safe and healthful 
working conditions for every working person in the United States.
    In 1997, when the mine safety and health function was transferred 
from the Bureau of Mines (BOM) to NIOSH, NIOSH took over the lease for 
a facility referred to as the Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM). BOM 
had leased the LLEM facility since 1982. The LLEM is located 60 miles 
south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The LLEM and its aboveground fire 
testing facility were primarily used for studies and research on mine 
explosions, mine seals, mine rescue, ventilation, diesel exhaust, new 
health and safety technologies, ground control, and fire suppression. 
After December 2012, the property was no longer available for long-term 
leasing. CDC attempted to purchase the LLEM underlying property, but 
NIOSH vacated the LLEM after market-based purchase offers were rejected 
by the property owners.
    In 2013, CDC completed a Project Development Study to outline a 
design solution to replace the LLEM. The study presented the facility 
and site requirements and design concepts for the replacement 
facilities. In 2016, to identify potentially available locations that 
could accommodate the space requirements defined in the 2013 study, GSA 
issued (on behalf of CDC) two separate Requests for Expressions of 
Interest (REOI) for a site, developed or undeveloped, that could be 
used for the new underground safety research facility. The first REOI, 
advertised in June 2016, contained a limited delineated area within a 
200-mile radius of the LLEM. The REOI set forth criteria that would be 
used to evaluate the suitability of the submitted sites. One expression 
of interest that had the potential to meet the minimum criteria was 
received. After further evaluation, however, the site was found to be 
non-viable.
    The second REOI was issued in October 2016 and expanded the 
delineated area to the entire contiguous United States. Three 
expressions of interest were received for sites in Kentucky, Missouri, 
and West Virginia. The Kentucky site did not meet the minimum criteria, 
and the Missouri site expression of interest did not contain all 
necessary information to evaluate. The offeror of the Missouri site did 
not respond to subsequent GSA inquiries.
    The potential site in West Virginia met the minimum criteria and 
was determined to be a viable site. The site is located near Mace, West 
Virginia, and straddles the Randolph and Pocahontas County lines.
    In accordance with NEPA, as implemented by the CEQ regulations (40 
CFR parts 1500-1508), with GSA as a cooperating agency, CDC prepared a 
Draft EIS for the proposed acquisition of the Site and construction of 
a new underground safety research facility on the Site. Under NEPA, 
federal agencies are required to evaluate the environmental effects of 
their proposed actions and a range of reasonable alternatives to the 
proposed action

[[Page 4072]]

before making a decision. The Draft EIS evaluates the following two 
alternatives: the Proposed Action Alternative (acquisition of the Site 
and construction of a new underground safety research facility) and the 
No Action Alternative. No other alternatives were considered because 
only one qualifying site was identified through the site selection 
process discussed above.
    Impacts on the following resources are considered in the Draft EIS: 
Noise and vibration; geology, topography, and soils; water resources; 
utilities and infrastructure; and biological resources--vegetation and 
threatened and endangered species. Cultural resources were dismissed 
because a phase I archaeological reconnaissance survey identified one 
isolated artifact and confirmed low potential for additional 
archaeological resources. Viewshed and vibration analyses indicated 
that the potential for affecting historic structures would be 
negligible. No observable direct impacts on cultural resources are 
anticipated. Section 106 consultation under the National Historic 
Preservation Act is ongoing and will be documented in the record of 
decision. The status of the Section 106 consultation process to date is 
documented in Chapter 1 of the Draft EIS.
    The purpose of this notice is to inform interested parties 
regarding the availability of the Draft EIS for review and to solicit 
comments. To facilitate public comments, a public meeting will be held 
on March 6, 2019, at the Linwood Community Library, 72 Snowshoe Drive, 
Slatyfork, West Virginia 26291, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern 
Standard Time. The public meeting will be an open house format. Copies 
of the draft EIS will be available at the meeting, and poster stations 
will provide a summary of the NEPA process and the findings of the EIS. 
Representatives of CDC and GSA will be available to answer one-on-one 
questions. There will be no formal presentation or formal testimonies. 
Participants may arrive at any time between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 
Eastern Time. Comment forms will be provided for written comments, and 
a stenographer will be available to transcribe one-on-one oral 
comments.
    After the public comment period ends, CDC will consider all 
comments received, revise the Draft EIS to address these comments, 
select a preferred alternative, and issue a Final EIS. CDC will 
consider the Final EIS when deciding whether to proceed with the 
proposed site acquisition and campus development.

    Dated: February 6, 2019.
Sandra Cashman,
Executive Secretary, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
[FR Doc. 2019-01910 Filed 2-13-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
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