Navy Department February 26, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and regulations implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), and Presidential Executive Order 12114, the Department of the Navy (Navy) prepared and filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on February 15, 2008, a Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS for a Proposal to Enhance Training, Testing, and Operational Capability within the HRC. The Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential for behavioral harassment of marine mammals incidental to the use of mid-frequency active sonar during Navy training and testing within the HRC. The methodology used in the Supplement is a modification of the methodology previously used in the Draft EIS/OEIS. The Supplement to the Draft EIS/ OEIS also addresses a change in the number of sonar hours for each of the alternatives and the potential effects of an additional alternative. A Notice of Intent for the Supplement to the Draft EIS/ OEIS was published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3242). The Navy will conduct four public meetings to received oral and written comments on the Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS. Federal agencies, State agencies, and interested individuals are invited to be present or represented at the public meetings. This notice announces the dates and locations of public meetings for the Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS. Dates and Addresses: Information sessions and receipt of public comments will be held at each of the locations listed below between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The information sessions will allow individuals to review the Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS in an open house format. Navy and NMFS representatives will be available during the information sessions to clarify information related to the Supplement to the Draft EIS/OEIS. Oral comments from the public will also be taken during the session. Public meetings will be held on the following dates and at the following locations in Hawaii: 1. March 13, 2008 at the Kauai Community College Cafeteria, 3-1901 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, Kauai; 2. March 14, 2008 at Maui Waena Intermediate School 795 Onehee Avenue, Kahului, Maui; 3. March 17, 2008 at Disabled American Veterans Hall 2685 North Nimitz Highway, Honolulu, Oahu; 4. March 18, 2008, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Drive, Hilo, Hawaii.