Proposed Establishment of Restricted Area R-7205; Guam, GU, 10456-10458 [2019-04534]
Download as PDF
10456
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 55 / Thursday, March 21, 2019 / Proposed Rules
on the proposed rule. The proposal
contained in this notice may be changed
in light of the comments received. A
report summarizing each substantive
public contact with FAA personnel
concerned with this rulemaking will be
filed in the docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received, and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office (see the
‘‘ADDRESSES’’ section for the address
and phone number) between 9:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays. An informal
docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the Federal
Aviation Administration, Air Traffic
Organization, Central Service Center,
Operations Support Group, 10101
Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX
76177.
amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS
Availability and Summary of
Documents for Incorporation by
Reference
This document proposes to amend
FAA Order 7400.11C, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points,
dated August 13, 2018, and effective
September 15, 2018. FAA Order
7400.11C is publicly available as listed
in the ADDRESSES section of this
document. FAA Order 7400.11C lists
Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas,
air traffic service routes, and reporting
points.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 71 by amending the Class
E airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface to within a 6.5mile radius (increased from a 6.3-mile
radius) of Portland Municipal Airport,
Portland, TN; removing the Bowling
Green VORTAC and associated
extension from the airport legal
description; adding an extension 2 miles
each side of the 193° bearing from the
airport extending from the 6.5-mile
radius to 10.8 miles south of the airport;
and would update the geographic
coordinates of the airport to coincide
with the FAA’s aeronautical database.
This action is the result of an airspace
review caused by the decommissioning
of the Bowling Green VOR, which
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:18 Mar 20, 2019
Jkt 247001
provided navigation information for the
instrument procedures at these airports,
as part of the VOR MON Program.
Class E airspace designations are
published in paragraph 6005 of FAA
Order 7400.11C, dated August 13, 2018,
and effective September 15, 2018, which
is incorporated by reference in 14 CFR
71.1. The Class E airspace designations
listed in this document will be
published subsequently in the Order.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this
regulation only involves an established
body of technical regulations for which
frequent and routine amendments are
necessary to keep them operationally
current, is non-controversial and
unlikely to result in adverse or negative
comments. It, therefore: (1) Is not a
‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a
‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44
FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3)
does not warrant preparation of a
regulatory evaluation as the anticipated
impact is so minimal. Since this is a
routine matter that will only affect air
traffic procedures and air navigation, it
is certified that this rule, when
promulgated, would not have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an
environmental analysis in accordance
with FAA Order 1050.1F,
‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and
Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final
regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71
Airspace, Incorporation by reference,
Navigation (air).
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the
authority delegated to me, the Federal
Aviation Administration proposes to
amend 14 CFR part 71 as follows:
PART 71—DESIGNATION OF CLASS A,
B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND
REPORTING POINTS
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR
part 71 continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.
§ 71.1
[Amended]
2. The incorporation by reference in
14 CFR 71.1 of FAA Order 7400.11C,
■
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Airspace Designations and Reporting
Points, dated August 13, 2018, and
effective September 15, 2018, is
amended as follows:
Paragraph 6005 Class E Airspace Areas
Extending Upward From 700 Feet or More
Above the Surface of the Earth.
*
*
*
*
*
ASO TN E5 Portland, TN [Amended]
Portland Municipal Airport, TN
(Lat. 36°35′35″ N, long. 86°28′37″ W)
That airspace extending upward from 700
feet above the surface within a 6.5-mile
radius of the Portland Municipal Airport, and
within 2 miles each side of 193° bearing from
the airport extending from the 6.5-mile
radius to 10.8 miles south of the airport.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 11,
2019.
John Witucki,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group,
ATO Central Service Center.
[FR Doc. 2019–04892 Filed 3–20–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0100; Airspace
Docket No. 17–AWP–23]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of Restricted
Area R–7205; Guam, GU
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish restricted area R–7205 on the
island of Guam, GU. The US Army has
been operating a Terminal High Altitude
Area Defense (THAAD) radar system in
direct support of national defense
initiatives. The system has operated
within a Temporary Flight Restriction
(TFR) for over five years. The restricted
area is necessary to protect aviation
from hazardous electro-magnetic
radiation and segregate nonparticipating aircraft.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before May 6, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001; telephone:
1 (800) 647–5527, or (202) 366–9826.
You must identify FAA Docket Number
FAA–2019–0100; Airspace Docket No.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\21MRP1.SGM
21MRP1
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 55 / Thursday, March 21, 2019 / Proposed Rules
17–AWP–23 at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kenneth Ready, Airspace Policy Group,
Office of Airspace Services, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code
(U.S.C.). Subtitle I, Section 106
describes the authority of the FAA
Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation
Programs, describes in more detail the
scope of the agency’s authority. This
rulemaking is promulgated under the
authority described in Subtitle VII, Part
A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of the airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
establish restricted airspace at Guam,
GU, to contain activities deemed
hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket Number
FAA–2019–0100; Airspace Docket No.
17–AWP–23) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management
Facility (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may
also submit comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket Number FAA–2019–0100;
Airspace Docket No. 17–AWP–23.’’ The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified comment closing
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:18 Mar 20, 2019
Jkt 247001
date will be considered before taking
action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
comment closing date. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s web page at https://
www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/
airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket
containing the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in
person in the Dockets Office (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number) between 9:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except federal holidays. An informal
docket may also be examined during
normal business hours at the office of
the Western Service Center, Operations
Support Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198.
Background
In 2007, U.S. Pacific Command
(PACOM) designated Commander, US
Pacific Fleet as the executive agent of
the development of the consolidated
Department of Defense (DoD) Special
Use Airspace (SUA) proposal for the
United States Marine Corps (USMC)
relocation to Guam. A DoD working
group began active discussions with the
FAA. Since November 2007, the
working group and the FAA have
coordinated on air traffic control issues,
SUA proposal integration, and
International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) rules. In an effort
to reduce redundancies by the DoD
while seeking SUA throughout the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands (CNMI) and Guam, PACOM
submitted a consolidated DoD SUA
Proposal.
The proposal was divided into four
sub-phases outlining different airspace
requirements. The fourth phase (Phase
4) consists of the creation of restricted
airspace on the northern portion of
Guam, to be designated as R–7205. The
proposed restricted area R–7205
airspace is needed to encompass an
electro-magnetic radiation hazard
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
10457
associated with the THAAD radar
operations.
What is a THAAD System?
The THAAD system is a long-range,
land-based air defense weapon system
that provides terminal defense against
ballistic missiles. This system is
designed to intercept missiles during
late mid-course or final stage flight.
THAAD operates at high altitudes and
provides broad area coverage against
threats to critical assets such as
population centers, industrial resources,
and military forces. The system
provides a broad range of surveillance
services that perform target search,
acquisition, identification, and tracking
functions within the proposed restricted
area. Intercept missiles at high altitudes
will take place outside of the restricted
area under military authority and
authorization.
What are the hazards associated with
the THAAD System?
During THAAD system operations,
there is a potential hazard to military
and civilian aircraft. The system emits
electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that
could cause adverse impacts to human
health and electromagnetic interference
with electronic aircraft equipment. The
SUA is established to avoid injury and
damage to personnel and equipment
from EMR emitted from the THAAD
system. THAAD normally operates in
search/surveillance mode which limits
the EMR to very short durations, less
than 0.2 seconds, which would not
result in adverse consequences.
However, during tracking or calibration
mode, the beam is steady and the
duration of EMR exposure is greater.
Calibration is performed on start-up and
on regular intervals and tracking mode
occurs when the unit is actively tracking
a flying target such as a missile or a
plane.
Why is the THAAD system in Guam?
In April 2013, the U.S. Secretary of
Defense directed the U.S. Army to
deploy a THAAD battery system
immediately to Guam on an emergency
basis in response to potential North
Korean missile launch activity. Since
the temporary deployment of the
THAAD battery in 2013, the DoD
validated the enduring requirement for
a THAAD battery in Guam to ensure
continued defense of the homeland
against existing and emerging missile
threats by potentially hostile states in
the region, as mandated in Title 10 of
the U.S.C., Armed Forces. The THAAD
system provides long-term protection
for Guam residents and the U.S. forces
based there from potential ballistic
E:\FR\FM\21MRP1.SGM
21MRP1
10458
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 55 / Thursday, March 21, 2019 / Proposed Rules
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103,
40113, 40120; E.O. 10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR,
1959–1963 Comp., p. 389.
missile attacks. Alternative locations
were not considered because the
purpose is to protect Guam, which
requires the THAAD to be located in
Guam.
§ 73.72 Guam
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment
to title 14 Code of Federal Regulations
(14 CFR) part 73 to establish restricted
area R–7205 Guam, GU. The FAA is
proposing this action at the request of
the USMC. The proposed restricted area
is described below.
R–7205 would be established on the
northern tip of Guam and northwest of
Anderson Air Force Base (AFB) abutting
the Anderson AFB Class D. The
altitudes would be from 700 feet MSL to
19,000 feet MSL.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this
proposed regulation only involves an
established body of technical
regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to
keep them operationally current. It,
therefore: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant
regulatory action’’ under Executive
Order 12866; (2) is not a ‘‘significant
rule’’ under Department of
Transportation (DOT) Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034;
February 26, 1979); and (3) does not
warrant preparation of a regulatory
evaluation as the anticipated impact is
so minimal. Since this is a routine
matter that will only affect air traffic
procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this proposed rule, when
promulgated, will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities under the
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted
areas.
amozie on DSK9F9SC42PROD with PROPOSALS
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the
Federal Aviation Administration
proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as
follows:
1. The authority citation for part 73
continues to read as follows:
■
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:18 Mar 20, 2019
Jkt 247001
*
*
*
*
*
R–7205 Guam, GU [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 13°37′10″ N,
long. 144°51′58″ E; thence clockwise along
the 2.4-mile radius of point in space
coordinates at lat. 13°39′25″ N, long.
144°51′04″ E; to lat. 13°38′40″ N, long.
144°53′24″ E; thence counter-clockwise along
the 4.3-mile radius of Andersen AFB Class D
airspace; to the point of beginning, excluding
that airspace within R–7202 when active.
Designated altitudes. 700 feet MSL to
FL190.
Time of designation. Continuous.
Controlling Agency. FAA, Guam CERAP.
Using Agency. Commanding Officer, Task
Force Talon, Andersen AFB, Guam.
*
*
*
*
*
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 6,
2019.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2019–04534 Filed 3–20–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
40 CFR Part 52
[EPA–R02–OAR–2018–0817, FRL–9990–92–
Region 2]
Approval of Source Specific Air Quality
Implementation Plans; New Jersey
Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a
revision to the New Jersey State
Implementation Plan (SIP) for the 2008
8-hour ozone National Ambient Air
Quality Standard in relation to a Source
Specific SIP for Gerdau Ameristeel in
Sayreville, New Jersey. On December 5,
2018, the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection approved an
administrative amendment reflecting
new ownership and name change to
Commercial Metals Company. The
control options in the Source Specific
SIP that address nitrogen oxide
Reasonably Available Control
Technology for the natural gas fired
billet reheat furnace remain the same
under the new ownership. The intended
effect of this SIP revision is for the
Sayreville facility to continue to operate
SUMMARY:
This proposal will be subject to an
environmental analysis in accordance
with FAA Order 1050.1F,
‘‘Environmental Impacts: Policies and
Procedures’’ prior to any FAA final
regulatory action.
PART 73—SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
[Amended]
2. Section 73.72 is amended as
follows:
■
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
under their facility specific maximum
allowable nitrogen oxide emission rate.
The affected source will not increase
hourly nitrogen oxide emissions,
therefore, the National Ambient Air
Quality Standards for ozone is
protected.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 22, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Submit your comments,
identified by Docket ID number EPA–
R02–OAR–2018–0817, at https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Once submitted, comments cannot be
edited or withdrawn. The EPA may
publish any comment received to its
public docket. Do not submit
electronically any information you
consider to be Confidential Business
Information (CBI) or other information
whose disclosure is restricted by statute.
Multimedia submissions (audio, video,
etc.) must be accompanied by a written
comment. The written comment is
considered the official comment and
should include discussion of all points
you wish to make. The EPA will
generally not consider comments or
comment contents located outside of the
primary submission (i.e., on the web,
cloud, or other file sharing system). For
additional submission methods, such as
the full EPA public comment policy,
information about CBI or multimedia
submissions, and general guidance on
making effective comments, please visit
https://www2.epa.gov/dockets/
commenting-epa-dockets.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Linda Longo, Air Programs Branch,
Environmental Protection Agency, 290
Broadway, 25th Floor, New York, New
York 10007–1866, (212) 637–3565, or by
email at longo.linda@epa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents
I. Background
II. EPA’s Evaluation of New Jersey’s
Submittal
III. Proposed Action
IV. Incorporation by Reference
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
I. Background
The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) proposes to approve revisions to
the New Jersey State Implementation
Plan (SIP) for attainment and
maintenance of the 2008 ozone National
Ambient Air Quality Standard
(NAAQS). Specifically, under New
Jersey Administrative Code, Title 7,
Chapter 27, Subchapter 19, ‘‘Control
and Prohibition of Air Pollution from
Oxides of Nitrogen’’ (N.J.A.C. 7:27–19).
The New Jersey Department of
E:\FR\FM\21MRP1.SGM
21MRP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 55 (Thursday, March 21, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10456-10458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-04534]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0100; Airspace Docket No. 17-AWP-23]
RIN 2120-AA66
Proposed Establishment of Restricted Area R-7205; Guam, GU
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This action proposes to establish restricted area R-7205 on
the island of Guam, GU. The US Army has been operating a Terminal High
Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) radar system in direct support of
national defense initiatives. The system has operated within a
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) for over five years. The restricted
area is necessary to protect aviation from hazardous electro-magnetic
radiation and segregate non-participating aircraft.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 6, 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001;
telephone: 1 (800) 647-5527, or (202) 366-9826. You must identify FAA
Docket Number FAA-2019-0100; Airspace Docket No.
[[Page 10457]]
17-AWP-23 at the beginning of your comments. You may also submit
comments through the internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Ready, Airspace Policy Group,
Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the United States Code (U.S.C.). Subtitle I,
Section 106 describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle
VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the
agency's authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the
use of the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the
efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority as it would establish restricted airspace at Guam, GU, to
contain activities deemed hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to participate in this proposed
rulemaking by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they
may desire. Comments that provide the factual basis supporting the
views and suggestions presented are particularly helpful in developing
reasoned regulatory decisions on the proposal. Comments are
specifically invited on the overall regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both docket numbers (FAA Docket
Number FAA-2019-0100; Airspace Docket No. 17-AWP-23) and be submitted
in triplicate to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES section
for address and phone number). You may also submit comments through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those comments a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to FAA Docket Number FAA-2019-0100; Airspace Docket No. 17-AWP-23.''
The postcard will be date/time stamped and returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or before the specified comment
closing date will be considered before taking action on the proposed
rule. The proposal contained in this action may be changed in light of
comments received. All comments submitted will be available for
examination in the public docket both before and after the comment
closing date. A report summarizing each substantive public contact with
FAA personnel concerned with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded through the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through the FAA's web page at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/airspace_amendments/.
You may review the public docket containing the proposal, any
comments received and any final disposition in person in the Dockets
Office (see ADDRESSES section for address and phone number) between
9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal
holidays. An informal docket may also be examined during normal
business hours at the office of the Western Service Center, Operations
Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA 98198.
Background
In 2007, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) designated Commander, US
Pacific Fleet as the executive agent of the development of the
consolidated Department of Defense (DoD) Special Use Airspace (SUA)
proposal for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) relocation to Guam.
A DoD working group began active discussions with the FAA. Since
November 2007, the working group and the FAA have coordinated on air
traffic control issues, SUA proposal integration, and International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules. In an effort to reduce
redundancies by the DoD while seeking SUA throughout the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam, PACOM submitted a
consolidated DoD SUA Proposal.
The proposal was divided into four sub-phases outlining different
airspace requirements. The fourth phase (Phase 4) consists of the
creation of restricted airspace on the northern portion of Guam, to be
designated as R-7205. The proposed restricted area R-7205 airspace is
needed to encompass an electro-magnetic radiation hazard associated
with the THAAD radar operations.
What is a THAAD System?
The THAAD system is a long-range, land-based air defense weapon
system that provides terminal defense against ballistic missiles. This
system is designed to intercept missiles during late mid-course or
final stage flight. THAAD operates at high altitudes and provides broad
area coverage against threats to critical assets such as population
centers, industrial resources, and military forces. The system provides
a broad range of surveillance services that perform target search,
acquisition, identification, and tracking functions within the proposed
restricted area. Intercept missiles at high altitudes will take place
outside of the restricted area under military authority and
authorization.
What are the hazards associated with the THAAD System?
During THAAD system operations, there is a potential hazard to
military and civilian aircraft. The system emits electromagnetic
radiation (EMR) that could cause adverse impacts to human health and
electromagnetic interference with electronic aircraft equipment. The
SUA is established to avoid injury and damage to personnel and
equipment from EMR emitted from the THAAD system. THAAD normally
operates in search/surveillance mode which limits the EMR to very short
durations, less than 0.2 seconds, which would not result in adverse
consequences. However, during tracking or calibration mode, the beam is
steady and the duration of EMR exposure is greater. Calibration is
performed on start-up and on regular intervals and tracking mode occurs
when the unit is actively tracking a flying target such as a missile or
a plane.
Why is the THAAD system in Guam?
In April 2013, the U.S. Secretary of Defense directed the U.S. Army
to deploy a THAAD battery system immediately to Guam on an emergency
basis in response to potential North Korean missile launch activity.
Since the temporary deployment of the THAAD battery in 2013, the DoD
validated the enduring requirement for a THAAD battery in Guam to
ensure continued defense of the homeland against existing and emerging
missile threats by potentially hostile states in the region, as
mandated in Title 10 of the U.S.C., Armed Forces. The THAAD system
provides long-term protection for Guam residents and the U.S. forces
based there from potential ballistic
[[Page 10458]]
missile attacks. Alternative locations were not considered because the
purpose is to protect Guam, which requires the THAAD to be located in
Guam.
The Proposal
The FAA is proposing an amendment to title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) part 73 to establish restricted area R-7205 Guam,
GU. The FAA is proposing this action at the request of the USMC. The
proposed restricted area is described below.
R-7205 would be established on the northern tip of Guam and
northwest of Anderson Air Force Base (AFB) abutting the Anderson AFB
Class D. The altitudes would be from 700 feet MSL to 19,000 feet MSL.
Regulatory Notices and Analyses
The FAA has determined that this proposed regulation only involves
an established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current.
It, therefore: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under
Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation
of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal.
Since this is a routine matter that will only affect air traffic
procedures and air navigation, it is certified that this proposed rule,
when promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
Environmental Review
This proposal will be subject to an environmental analysis in
accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies
and Procedures'' prior to any FAA final regulatory action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73
Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.
The Proposed Amendment
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation
Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 73 as follows:
PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE
0
1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O.
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.
Sec. 73.72 Guam [Amended]
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2. Section 73.72 is amended as follows:
* * * * *
R-7205 Guam, GU [New]
Boundaries. Beginning at lat. 13[deg]37'10'' N, long.
144[deg]51'58'' E; thence clockwise along the 2.4-mile radius of
point in space coordinates at lat. 13[deg]39'25'' N, long.
144[deg]51'04'' E; to lat. 13[deg]38'40'' N, long. 144[deg]53'24''
E; thence counter-clockwise along the 4.3-mile radius of Andersen
AFB Class D airspace; to the point of beginning, excluding that
airspace within R-7202 when active.
Designated altitudes. 700 feet MSL to FL190.
Time of designation. Continuous.
Controlling Agency. FAA, Guam CERAP.
Using Agency. Commanding Officer, Task Force Talon, Andersen
AFB, Guam.
* * * * *
Issued in Washington, DC, on March 6, 2019.
Scott M. Rosenbloom,
Acting Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2019-04534 Filed 3-20-19; 8:45 am]
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