Department of the Army – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of the Army announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Modernization and Repair of Piers 2 and 3 at Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO). The DEIS evaluates the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects that could result from the partial demolition of existing Pier 2 and reconstruction of structural elements; replacement of pier-side infrastructure and supporting facilities at Pier 2; upgrades to shore- side roads and electrical infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of Piers 2 and 3; removal and replacement/repair of piles and selected structural elements at Pier 3; and maintenance dredging to -32 feet mean lower low water plus 2 feet overdepth dredging at select areas around Pier 2 (up to 3,800 cubic yards). Environmental consequences were evaluated for noise; air quality; geology, topography, and soils; water resources; biological resources; land use and coastal zone management; transportation; infrastructure; visual resources; recreational resources; socioeconomics; environmental justice and protection of children; cultural resources; and hazardous materials, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and contaminated sites. Based on the analysis described in the DEIS, all impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. The DEIS evaluates the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects of three action alternatives and the No Action Alternative. Alternative 1 fully implements repairs to Piers 2 and 3 with Pier 2 re- oriented to align the west end with the existing shipping channel to create a more modernized configuration. Alternative 2 would use the same structural system as Alternative 1 and fully implement repairs to Piers 2 and 3; however, the Pier 2 footprint would remain in its present location. Alternative 3 would fully implement repairs to Piers 2 and 3, reorienting Pier 2 to create a more modernized configuration but with a larger deck surface and heavier load-carrying capacity than that proposed under Alternative 1. Under the No Action Alternative, the modernization and repair of Pier 2 and the repair of Pier 3 at MOTCO would not occur, and Pier 3 would continue to be used with loading restrictions for the remainder of its service life (estimated to be 2019).

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102-3.150, the Department of Defense announces that the following Federal advisory committee meeting will not take place: 1. Name of Committee: United States Military Academy Board of Visitors. 2. Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2013. 3. Time: 2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 4. Location: Haig Room, Jefferson Hall, West Point, New York 10996 5. Reason for Cancellation: Due to the lack of a continuing resolution and appropriated funds, the USMA Board of Visitors Meeting originally scheduled for October 16, 2013 was postponed until a date to be determined. 6. Committee's Designated Federal Officer or Point of Contact: Ms. Deadra Ghostlaw, (845) 938-4200, Deadra.Ghostlaw@us.army.mil. 7. Due to the lapse of appropriations, the Department of Defense cancelled the meeting of the U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors on October 16, 2013. As a result, the Department of Defense was unable to provide appropriate notification as required by 41 CFR 102-3.150(a). Therefore, the Advisory Committee Management Officer for the Department of Defense, pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.150(b), waives the 15- calendar day notification requirement.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (U.S.C. 552b, as amended) and 41 Code of the Federal Regulations (CFR 102-3.140 through 160), the Department of the Army announces cancellation of the following committee meeting: Name of Committee: Advisory Committee on Arlington National Cemetery. Date of Cancelled Meeting: Thursday, October 3, 2013. Time of Cancelled Meeting: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Place of Cancelled Meeting: Women in Military Service for America Memorial, Conference Room, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Reason for Cancellation: Due to the lapse of appropriations, the Department of Defense cancelled the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Arlington National Cemetery on October 3, 2013. As a result, the Department of Defense was unable to provide appropriate notification as required by 41 CFR 102-3.150(a). Therefore, the Advisory Committee Management Officer for the Department of Defense, pursuant to 41 CFR 102-3.150(b), waives the 15- calendar day notification requirement.

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Notice is given of the names of members of a Performance Review Board for the Department of the Army.

Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Sunshine in the Government Act of 1976 (U.S.C. 552b, as amended) and 41 Code of the Federal Regulations (CFR 102-3. 140 through 160, the Department of the Army announces the following committee meeting: Name of Committee: Army Science Board (ASB) Fall Plenary Session. Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Time: 1530Until completion (UTC). Location: Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA 22202. Purpose of Meeting: The purpose of the meeting is for Army Science Board members to review and deliberate on the FY14 Army Science Board study reports. Agenda: The board will convene to present the results of the Fiscal Year 2013 study titled, ``Creating an Innovation Culture in the Army.'' The ASB board members will cast a vote to accept the results of this study and record that vote for record according to the Army Science Board bylaws, Article VII, Section 2. Committee's Designated Federal Officer or Point of Contact: COL William McLagan, william.m.mclagan.mil@mail.mil and 703-545-8651.

This amended notice provides information on withdrawal of surplus property at the Ernest Veuve Hall USARC/AMSA 75, T-25, Fort Missoula, Montana. This notice amends the Notice published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2006 (71 FR 26930).

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

In compliance with Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Department of the Army announces a proposed public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

The Department of Defense has submitted to OMB for clearance, the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

The U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and U.S. Army Garrison, Hawai`i, (USAG-HI) announce the decision to construct and operate a new Infantry Platoon Battle Course (IPBC) and associated infrastructure at P[omacr]hakuloa Training Area (PTA), Hawai`i. This decision allows the Army to construct and operate an IPBC that will meet Army training requirements and will support the live-fire collective training needs of the Army, Army Reserve, and Hawai`i Army National Guard, as well as other Service components that are stationed or train in Hawai`i. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Department of the Army prepared an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that evaluated the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects associated with alternatives to construct and operate the IPBC. In the Final EIS published in the Federal Register on April 26, 2013 (78 FR 24734), the Army identified the Western Range Alternative as the preferred alternative. The Army has selected the preferred alternative in the Record of Decision (ROD). The Western Range Area Alternative is located in an under-utilized portion of the PTA impact area where no ranges currently exist. The location has been exposed to indirect munitions fire and constructing the IPBC here will reclaim a portion of the impact area. A copy of the ROD can be found at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/pta_peis/default.htm.

The Department of the Army proposes to alter a system of records notice, A0600-8-104 AHRC, ``Army Personnel System (APS)'' in its existing inventory of records systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, (5 U.S.C. 552a (r)), as amended. This system will manage the member's Army Service effectively, document historically the member's military service, and safeguard the rights of the member and the Army.

This action removes regulations concerning indebtedness of military personnel. The regulations are being removed because they are obsolete and no longer govern policies and procedures for handling debt claims against soldiers. These rules in the Army Regulation have been superseded. Program responsibility has been transferred to the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS), which directs all policy for personnel finances across the services. The removal of the regulations is part of DoD's retrospective plan under Executive Order 13563 completed in August 2011.

Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended) and 41 CFR 102-3.150, the Department of Defense announces that the following Federal advisory committee meeting will take place: Name of Committee: Board of Visitors (BoV), Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Subcommittee. Date: July 31, 2013 and August 1, 2013. Time of Meeting: Approximately 7:45 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Please allow extra time for gate security for both days. Location: Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center and Presidio of Monterey (DLIFLC & POM), Building 614, Conference Room, Monterey, CA 93944. Purpose of the Meeting: The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of DLIFLC's Foreign Language Program to the BoV. In addition, the meeting will involve administrative matters. Proposed Agenda: SummaryJuly 31Board administrative details and orientation to DLIFLC class size and DLIFLC foreign language potential. August 1The Board will be briefed on items of interest to DLIFLC and BoV, if applicable, and will have time to compile observations pertaining to agenda items on July 31 and August 1. Deliberations leading to provisional findings will be referred to the Army Education Advisory Committee for deliberation by the Committee under the open- meeting rules.

The Department of the Army is amending a system of records notice in its existing inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended.

Under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976, and its regualtions, the Department of Defense announces that the following Federal advisory committee meeting will take place: 1. Name of Committee: United States Military Academy Board of Visitors. 2. Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013. 3. Time: 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting will need to show photo identification in order to gain access to the meeting location. All participants are subject to security screening. 4. Location: Room 340, Cannon House Office Building, New Jersey and Independence Avenues SE., Washington, DC. 5. Purpose of the Meeting: This is the 2013 Summer Meeting of the USMA Board of Visitors (BoV). Members of the Board will be provided updates on Academy issues. 6. Agenda: The Academy leadership will provide the Board updates on the following: Graduation 2013, Class of 2017, Military Program (Summer Training), Summer Term Academic Program (STAP) and Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) and Civilian/Military Reductions, Budget and Military Construction updates on USMA from the USMA Superintendent and USMA Chief of Staff. 7. Public's Accessibility to the Meeting: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b and 41 CFR 102-3.140 through 102-3.165 and the availability of space, this meeting is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come basis. 8. Committee's Designated Federal Officer or Point of Contact: Ms. Deadra Ghostlaw, (845) 938-4200, Deadra.Ghostlaw@us.army.mil.

The Department of the Army is deleting two systems of records notices in its existing inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended.

The Department of the Army proposes to implement Net Zero energy, water and waste initiatives by 2020 at Fort Bliss to meet mandates for renewable energy production and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. In doing so, the Army will increase Fort Bliss' energy and water security, supporting the military mission into the future. Fort Bliss would not lose any training capability as a result of Net Zero project implementation. The Proposed Action consists of multiple, related, and interconnected projects to achieve Net Zero goals, comply with federal and Army energy mandates, and meet the Army's energy and water security objectives. The Army's proposed energy, water, and waste initiatives that could reasonably be expected to move forward in the next three to eight years consist of implementation of conservation policies and procedures (Alternative 2); construction of a water reclamation pipeline (Alternative 3); construction and operation of a waste-to-energy plant (Alternative 4); construction and operation of a geothermal energy facility (Alternative 5); and, construction of dry-cooled concentrating solar power technology (Alternative 6). Alternative 7 proposes implementation of other renewable energy technologies and projects that are compatible with installation planning criteria and address potential future renewable energy, water, and waste technology actions at a programmatic level. If implemented, Alternative 7 actions may require further National Environmental Policy Act analysis. The Proposed Action initiatives (Alternatives 2 through 7) would work to enhance the overall sustainability and security of Fort Bliss.

The Department of the Army proposes to reinstate four system of records to its inventory of record systems to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended. After review, it has been determined that the records covered under these previously deleted notices were erroneously deleted; therefore these notices are being reinstated. A0210-190 AHRC was published on March 7, 2012 (77 FR 13571-13573). A0600-8-23 AHRC, A0601-210 AHRC, and A0614-200 AHRC were published on March 7, 2012 (77 FR 13573-13574).

The U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and U.S. Army Garrison, Hawai`i, (USAG-HI) propose to construct and operate a modern Infantry Platoon Battle Course (IPBC) and associated infrastructure that is compliant with current Army training requirements at P[omacr]hakuloa Training Area (PTA), Hawai`i. The proposed IPBC would support the live- fire collective training needs of the Army, Army Reserve, and Hawai`i Army National Guard, as well as other Service components that are stationed or train in Hawai`i. Two alternatives were analyzed in the EIS: the Western Range Area Alternative (preferred) and the Charlie Circle Alternative. Both proposed IPBC alternative locations are in under-utilized portions of the PTA impact area where no ranges currently exist. These locations have been exposed to indirect munitions fire, and the proposed action would reclaim portions of the impact area to construct the IPBC. A third alternative analyzed in the Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), Southwest of Range 20, is not operationally feasible and has been eliminated from the Final EIS. The Army also considered a No Action Alternative to not build the IPBC. For all alternatives (except for the No Action), the IPBC would be used for 242 training days per year. The Army identified and analyzed environmental and socioeconomic impacts associated with the proposed IPBC. The major potential environmental impacts are to air quality, cultural sites, threatened and endangered species, encountering munitions and explosives of concern, and igniting wildfires. Cultural resources could also be significantly impacted. The Army consulted with the USFWS on potential mitigation measures to protect federally-listed species. The USFWS issued a Biological Opinion (BO) pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act on January 11, 2013. The Army also consulted with the State Historic Preservation Division, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other consulting parties, including Native Hawaiian organizations, about potential effects on cultural resources and mitigation of those effects. The Army and the consulting parties are in the process of signing a Programmatic Agreement (PA) pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The PA establishes how the remaining steps to the Section 106 consultation will be completed and the mitigation measures for the potential adverse effects on cultural resources. The PA will be signed prior to the Army issuing a Record of Decision for the proposed action.