Notice of Availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Emergency Response for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United States Migratory Bird Flyways, 103769-103770 [2024-30256]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices and use of international and regional plant health standards, including through the use of APHIS Stakeholder Registry notices 7 and the APHIS public website. Plant health stakeholders are strongly encouraged to comment on draft standards, documents, and specifications during consultation periods. APHIS posts links to draft standards on the website as they become available and provides information on the due dates for comments.8 Additional information on NAPPO standards (including the NAPPO work program, calls for projects, expert groups, the standard-setting process, and adopted standards) is available on the NAPPO website.9 For the most current information on official U.S. participation in NAPPO activities, including U.S. positions on standards being considered, contact Stephanie Dubon (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above). Those wishing to provide comments on any of the areas of work being undertaken at NAPPO may do so at any time by responding to this notice (see ADDRESSES above) or by providing comments through Stephanie Dubon. Done in Washington, DC, this 16th day of December 2024. Michael Watson, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2024–30318 Filed 12–18–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2022–0031] Notice of Availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Emergency Response for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United States Migratory Bird Flyways Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We are advising the public that we have prepared a final supplemental environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) relative to our lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: 7 To sign up for the Stakeholder Registry, go to: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ USDAAPHIS/subscriber/new. 8 For more information on NAPPO consultation: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/internationalstandards/plant-health-standards/draft. 9 NAPPO website: https://nappo.org. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 Jkt 265001 emergency response activities for highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry operations located in the four migratory bird flyways in the United States. This final supplemental EA supplements the initial EA and FONSI we published in September 2022, which evaluated the environmental impacts associated with the first seven States where highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks occurred. Based on our FONSI, we have determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared for the proposed action as described in this final supplemental EA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Chelsea Bare, Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Whitten Building Room 318–E, Washington, DC 20250; (515) 337–6128; chelsea.j.bare@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), has been delegated the authority under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301–8322) to protect the health of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture populations in the United States by preventing the introduction and interstate spread of serious diseases and pests of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, and eradicating such diseases within the United States when feasible. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an extremely infectious disease and often fatal to poultry.1 Avian influenza (AI) viruses may circulate freely in wild bird populations without the birds appearing sick. As these birds migrate, they carry HPAI and other AI viruses with them and may subsequently transmit AI to domestic birds. HPAI can rapidly spread within and between domestic poultry flocks and wild bird (especially waterfowl) populations. It is APHIS’ objective to stamp out HPAI as rapidly as possible at locations where it has been found. Preventing the entry of diseased birds and eggs into the United States, monitoring AI in migratory birds, identifying AI strains occurring primarily in migratory waterbird species, as well as backyard and commercial poultry flocks, and stamping out HPAI as it arises in 1 Domestic poultry that can be affected include chickens; turkeys; ring-necked pheasants; ducks; geese; common, Japanese, or bobwhite quail; Indian peafowl; chukar or grey partridge; pigeons; ostrich; and guinea fowl. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 103769 domestic poultry is important for the long-term maintenance of disease-free United States poultry stocks. In response to outbreaks of the HPAI H5N1 (AI strain) virus subtype in commercial and backyard poultry flocks that began on February 8, 2022, we published a draft environmental assessment (EA) and draft finding of no significant impact (FONSI) in April 2022 to allow VS to carry out emergency response activities in seven States (Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, Maine, Delaware, and Michigan). A final EA titled ‘‘Emergency Response for HPAI Outbreaks in Seven States’’ and final FONSI were published in September 2022.2 Since the preparation and publication of the final EA and FONSI for the initial seven States, HPAI outbreaks have continued to occur across the United States. As of November 21, 2024, the virus was confirmed in 538 commercial, 661 backyard, and 32 other types (e.g., live bird markets, rehabilitation facilities) of flocks, affecting approximately 110 million birds in 49 States.3 As HPAI outbreaks have been stamped out, new outbreaks emerge and are likely to continue with seasonal (i.e., spring and fall) bird migrations. For this reason, we prepared a supplemental EA titled ‘‘Emergency Response for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United States Migratory Bird Flyways’’ to cover HPAI emergency response activities in other impacted States in the four North American migratory bird flyways (i.e., the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways). On August 24, 2023, we published in the Federal Register (88 FR 57923– 57924, Docket No. APHIS–2022–0031) a notice in which we announced the availability, for public review and comment, of a draft supplemental EA and draft FONSI that examined the potential environmental impacts associated with HPAI response activities for additional outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry operations in other impacted States in the four North American migratory bird flyways.4 We solicited comments on the draft supplemental EA and FONSI for 30 days 2 To view the draft EA, draft FONSI, the comments we received, the final EA, and the final FONSI, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2022–0031 in the Search field. 3 Current HPAI outbreak data can be accessed at APHIS’ website at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-diseaseinformation/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai (last visited November 21, 2024). 4 To view the draft supplemental EA, draft FONSI, and the comment we received, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS–2022–0031 in the Search field. E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 103770 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 244 / Thursday, December 19, 2024 / Notices ending September 25, 2023. We received one comment on the draft supplemental EA by that date. Besides commenting on specific outbreak information not included in the draft supplemental EA and the timeliness of publication, the commenter raised several concerns regarding the draft supplemental EA. These concerns included whether APHIS appropriately consulted with other Federal agencies as required by the Endangered Species Act; that APHIS has not considered the significant effects that outbreak response actions will cause to the natural environment, nearby communities, wildlife and ecological resources, particularly threatened and endangered wildlife populations; and that reasonable alternatives were not considered, especially restricting certain disposal options that the commenter felt would limit the potential exposure of threatened and endangered species to HPAI-infected domestic poultry. We reviewed and considered the concerns raised by the commenter. We have both revised the draft supplemental EA where appropriate and provided responses to concerns expressed. Our full responses can be found in Appendix E of the final supplemental EA. We are also advising the public of our final FONSI regarding the final supplemental EA for our emergency response activities for HPAI in the United States migratory bird flyways. The FONSI, which is based on the final supplemental EA, reflects our determination that the methods used as part of HPAI emergency outbreak response activities will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. The final supplemental EA and FONSI may be viewed on the Regulations.gov website (see footnote 4). Copies of the final supplemental EA and FONSI are also available for public inspection in our reading room located in Room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799– 7039 before coming. In addition, copies may be obtained by calling or writing to the individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The final supplemental EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance with: (1) the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) the Council on Environmental Quality’s NEPA Implementing Regulations (40 CFR parts VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:08 Dec 18, 2024 Jkt 265001 1500 through 1508) in effect prior to July 1, 2024, (3) USDA’s NEPAimplementing regulations (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Done in Washington, DC, this 3rd day of December 2024. Michael Watson, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2024–30256 Filed 12–18–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2024–0048] Notice of Request for Reinstatement of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Monitoring System; Poultry 2025 Small Enterprise Study Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Reinstatement of an information collection; comment request. AGENCY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s intention to request the reinstatement of an information collection associated with conducting the National Animal Health Monitoring System’s small enterprise poultry study in 2025. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 18, 2025. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov. Enter APHIS– 2024–0048 in the Search field. Select the Documents tab, then select the Comment button in the list of documents. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No., APHIS–2024–0048, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 2C–10.16, 4700 River Road, Unit 25, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at regulations.gov or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 For information on the Poultry 2025 Small Enterprise Study, contact Ms. Nia Washington-Plaskett, Program Analyst, Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health, VS, APHIS, 2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. B, Fort Collins, CO 80524; phone: (866) 907–8190; email: nia.washingtonplaskett@usda.gov or vs.sp.ceah.pci@ usda.gov. For more detailed information on the information collection process, contact Mr. Joseph Moxey, APHIS’ Paperwork Reduction Act Coordinator, at (301) 851–2533, or email: joseph.moxey@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: National Animal Health Monitoring System; Poultry 2025 Small Enterprise Study. OMB Control Number: 0579–0260. Type of Request: Reinstatement of a previously approved information collection. Abstract: Under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 U.S.C. 8301 et seq.), the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to protect the health of the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture populations in the United States by preventing the introduction and interstate spread of serious diseases and pests of livestock, and for eradicating such diseases from the United States when feasible. This authority has been delegated to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In connection with this mission, APHIS operates the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), which collects on a national basis statistically valid and scientifically sound data on the prevalence and economic importance of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture disease risk factors. NAHMS’ studies have evolved into a collaborative industry and government initiative to help determine the most effective means of preventing and controlling diseases of poultry. NAHMS is the only agency responsible for collecting data on poultry health. Participation in any NAHMS study is voluntary, and all data are confidential. NAHMS plans to conduct the Poultry 2025 Small Enterprise Study as part of an ongoing series of NAHMS studies on the U.S. poultry population. This study will support the following objectives: (1) Establish baselines for animal health and management practices on U.S. poultry operations with 1,000 to 74,999 table egg layers inventory, 1,000 to 99,999 broilers sold or moved annually, and 1,000 to 29,999 meat turkeys sold or moved annually; (2) describe management and biosecurity practices of small enterprise operations with a FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 103769-103770]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30256]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2022-0031]


Notice of Availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental 
Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for Emergency Response 
for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks in the United States 
Migratory Bird Flyways

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that we have prepared a final 
supplemental environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no 
significant impact (FONSI) relative to our emergency response 
activities for highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in 
commercial and backyard poultry operations located in the four 
migratory bird flyways in the United States. This final supplemental EA 
supplements the initial EA and FONSI we published in September 2022, 
which evaluated the environmental impacts associated with the first 
seven States where highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks 
occurred. Based on our FONSI, we have determined that an environmental 
impact statement need not be prepared for the proposed action as 
described in this final supplemental EA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Chelsea Bare, Chief of Staff, 
Veterinary Services, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Whitten Building Room 318-E, Washington, DC 
20250; (515) 337-6128; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Veterinary Services (VS), has 
been delegated the authority under the Animal Health Protection Act (7 
U.S.C. 8301-8322) to protect the health of livestock, poultry, and 
aquaculture populations in the United States by preventing the 
introduction and interstate spread of serious diseases and pests of 
livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, and eradicating such diseases 
within the United States when feasible. Highly pathogenic avian 
influenza (HPAI) is an extremely infectious disease and often fatal to 
poultry.\1\ Avian influenza (AI) viruses may circulate freely in wild 
bird populations without the birds appearing sick. As these birds 
migrate, they carry HPAI and other AI viruses with them and may 
subsequently transmit AI to domestic birds. HPAI can rapidly spread 
within and between domestic poultry flocks and wild bird (especially 
waterfowl) populations. It is APHIS' objective to stamp out HPAI as 
rapidly as possible at locations where it has been found. Preventing 
the entry of diseased birds and eggs into the United States, monitoring 
AI in migratory birds, identifying AI strains occurring primarily in 
migratory waterbird species, as well as backyard and commercial poultry 
flocks, and stamping out HPAI as it arises in domestic poultry is 
important for the long-term maintenance of disease-free United States 
poultry stocks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Domestic poultry that can be affected include chickens; 
turkeys; ring-necked pheasants; ducks; geese; common, Japanese, or 
bobwhite quail; Indian peafowl; chukar or grey partridge; pigeons; 
ostrich; and guinea fowl.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In response to outbreaks of the HPAI H5N1 (AI strain) virus subtype 
in commercial and backyard poultry flocks that began on February 8, 
2022, we published a draft environmental assessment (EA) and draft 
finding of no significant impact (FONSI) in April 2022 to allow VS to 
carry out emergency response activities in seven States (Indiana, 
Kentucky, Virginia, New York, Maine, Delaware, and Michigan). A final 
EA titled ``Emergency Response for HPAI Outbreaks in Seven States'' and 
final FONSI were published in September 2022.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ To view the draft EA, draft FONSI, the comments we received, 
the final EA, and the final FONSI, go to www.regulations.gov and 
enter APHIS-2022-0031 in the Search field.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Since the preparation and publication of the final EA and FONSI for 
the initial seven States, HPAI outbreaks have continued to occur across 
the United States. As of November 21, 2024, the virus was confirmed in 
538 commercial, 661 backyard, and 32 other types (e.g., live bird 
markets, rehabilitation facilities) of flocks, affecting approximately 
110 million birds in 49 States.\3\ As HPAI outbreaks have been stamped 
out, new outbreaks emerge and are likely to continue with seasonal 
(i.e., spring and fall) bird migrations. For this reason, we prepared a 
supplemental EA titled ``Emergency Response for Highly Pathogenic Avian 
Influenza Outbreaks in the United States Migratory Bird Flyways'' to 
cover HPAI emergency response activities in other impacted States in 
the four North American migratory bird flyways (i.e., the Atlantic, 
Mississippi, Central, and Pacific Flyways).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Current HPAI outbreak data can be accessed at APHIS' website 
at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/2022-hpai (last visited 
November 21, 2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On August 24, 2023, we published in the Federal Register (88 FR 
57923-57924, Docket No. APHIS-2022-0031) a notice in which we announced 
the availability, for public review and comment, of a draft 
supplemental EA and draft FONSI that examined the potential 
environmental impacts associated with HPAI response activities for 
additional outbreaks in commercial and backyard poultry operations in 
other impacted States in the four North American migratory bird 
flyways.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ To view the draft supplemental EA, draft FONSI, and the 
comment we received, go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS-2022-
0031 in the Search field.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We solicited comments on the draft supplemental EA and FONSI for 30 
days

[[Page 103770]]

ending September 25, 2023. We received one comment on the draft 
supplemental EA by that date. Besides commenting on specific outbreak 
information not included in the draft supplemental EA and the 
timeliness of publication, the commenter raised several concerns 
regarding the draft supplemental EA. These concerns included whether 
APHIS appropriately consulted with other Federal agencies as required 
by the Endangered Species Act; that APHIS has not considered the 
significant effects that outbreak response actions will cause to the 
natural environment, nearby communities, wildlife and ecological 
resources, particularly threatened and endangered wildlife populations; 
and that reasonable alternatives were not considered, especially 
restricting certain disposal options that the commenter felt would 
limit the potential exposure of threatened and endangered species to 
HPAI-infected domestic poultry.
    We reviewed and considered the concerns raised by the commenter. We 
have both revised the draft supplemental EA where appropriate and 
provided responses to concerns expressed. Our full responses can be 
found in Appendix E of the final supplemental EA.
    We are also advising the public of our final FONSI regarding the 
final supplemental EA for our emergency response activities for HPAI in 
the United States migratory bird flyways. The FONSI, which is based on 
the final supplemental EA, reflects our determination that the methods 
used as part of HPAI emergency outbreak response activities will not 
have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment.
    The final supplemental EA and FONSI may be viewed on the 
Regulations.gov website (see footnote 4). Copies of the final 
supplemental EA and FONSI are also available for public inspection in 
our reading room located in Room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th 
Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Normal reading 
room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 
799-7039 before coming. In addition, copies may be obtained by calling 
or writing to the individual listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.
    The final supplemental EA and FONSI were prepared in accordance 
with: (1) the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as 
amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) the Council on Environmental 
Quality's NEPA Implementing Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 
1508) in effect prior to July 1, 2024, (3) USDA's NEPA-implementing 
regulations (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS' NEPA Implementing 
Procedures (7 CFR part 372).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 3rd day of December 2024.
Michael Watson,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-30256 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P


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