The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is providing an Advance Notice of its Intent (ANOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for remediation of Area IV of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL).

1. 58834 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 17, 2007 / Notices
public an opportunity to comment on natural resource trustees, the general SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
the Guidance Memoranda prior to their public, and other interested parties on
Background
approval. On May 6, 2005, a Notice of the appropriate scope of the EIS,
Availability was placed in the Federal possible environmental issues, and the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL),
Register (70 FR 24008) inviting the potential environmental impacts related located on approximately 2,850 acres in
public to comment on the final draft of to DOE’s proposed activities for Area IV. the hills between Chatsworth and Simi
the Guidance Memoranda. As a result of Following the issuance of this ANOI, Valley, CA, was developed as a remote
public comment we received on the DOE intends to collect updated site to test rocket engines and conduct
final draft, we have revised the information that it will incorporate into nuclear research. The Atomics
Guidance Memoranda and invite the the EIS analysis. International Unit of Rockwell
public to comment on the revised final DOE will conduct community and International’s Canoga Park-based
draft. The programmatic regulations also regulator interviews through November Rocketdyne Division began testing in
require the concurrence of the Secretary 2007. These public involvement 1947, and conducted an estimated
of the Interior and the Governor of opportunities will focus on consultation 17,000 open-air rocket tests in support
Florida on the Guidance Memoranda with the public about the process for of the space program. In 1996, Rockwell
prior to their approval. An electronic EIS scoping, the development of the International sold its aerospace and
copy of the guidance memoranda range of reasonable alternatives to be defense business, including the SSFL to
document is available at: http:// analyzed in the EIS, and related public The Boeing Company (Boeing).
www.evergladesplan.org/pm/ concerns about the remediation. If, SSFL is divided in four administrative
progr_regs_guidance_memoranda.aspx. based on community input, DOE areas—Area I, Area II, Area III, and Area
decides to hold a public meeting, DOE IV—along with two buffer zones. Area I
Brenda S. Bowen,
will notify the community through local is about 713 acres, of which 671 acres
Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. media. Early comments on the scope of is owned and operated by Boeing and 42
[FR Doc. 07–5110 Filed 10–16–07; 8:45 am] the EIS and issues to be considered are acres is owned by the National
BILLING CODE 3710–AJ–M due by December 14, 2007. Though DOE Aeronautics and Space Administration
will attempt to consider comments (NASA) and operated for it by Boeing.
received after this date, it will only be Area II, about 410 acres, is owned by
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY able to do so to the extent practicable. NASA and operated for it by Boeing.
DOE plans to issue a Notice of Intent Area III, about 114 acres, is owned and
Office of Environmental Management; (NOI) for this EIS in the spring of operated by Boeing. Area IV, about 290
Advance Notice of Intent To Prepare an calendar year 2008. acres, is owned by Boeing, which
Environmental Impact Statement for ADDRESSES: Please direct requests to be operates it for DOE. Boeing also owns a
Area IV of the Santa Susana Field notified of interviews or a public contiguous buffer zone of 1143 acres to
Laboratory and Public Involvement meeting, comments on the scope of the the south and a contiguous buffer zone
Activities EIS, and questions concerning the of 182 acres to the north.
AGENCY: Department of Energy. proposed project to: Stephanie Jennings, Starting in the mid-1950s, the Atomic
ACTION: Advance Notice of Intent. NEPA Document Manager, Office of Site Energy Commission (AEC), a
Support and Small Projects (EM–3.2), predecessor agency of DOE, funded
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of U.S. Department of Energy, Energy nuclear energy research on a 90-acre
Energy (DOE) is providing an Advance Technology Engineering Center, P.O. parcel of Area IV leased from
Notice of its Intent (ANOI) to prepare an Box 10300, Canoga Park, CA 91309, Rocketdyne. The Energy Technology
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) telephone: 818–466–8162, fax: 818– and Engineering Center (ETEC) was
for remediation of Area IV of the Santa 466–8730, or e-mail to: established by the AEC on this parcel in
Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL). DOE is Stephanie.Jennings@em.doe.gov (use the early 1960s as a ‘‘center of
preparing the EIS in response to a May ‘‘ANOI comments’’ for the subject). excellence’’ for liquid metals
2, 2007, decision by the U.S. District FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To technology.
Court of Northern California that a 2003 request further information about this The AEC built a small nuclear power
DOE decision to prepare a Finding of No EIS or about the public involvement plant to deliver energy to the
Significant Impact (FONSI) and conduct activities, or to be placed on the EIS commercial grid at the ETEC. Research
remediation of Area IV on the basis of distribution list, use any of the methods also included testing of nuclear
an environmental assessment, rather listed under ADDRESSES above. For powered systems, for example, using
than prepare an EIS, violated the general information concerning the DOE liquid metals for space vehicles and a
National Environmental Policy Act NEPA process, contact Carol Borgstrom, sodium coolant medium in 10 small
(NEPA). DOE is also requesting early Director, Office of NEPA Policy and reactors. All reactor operations ended in
comments from the public and other Compliance (GC–20), U.S. Department 1980 and nuclear research work was
stakeholders on the scope of the EIS and of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, completed in 1988. Cleanup of ETEC
issues to be considered in EIS analysis. SW., Washington, DC 20585–0119, e- began in the 1960s and was performed
To facilitate collaboration on these EIS mail to: AskNEPA@hq.doe.gov, in an ongoing manner as unnecessary
issues, DOE also is announcing plans for telephone: 202–586–4600, leave a facilities were decommissioned when
public involvement activities to be held message at 1–800–472–2756, or fax: there was no longer a use for them. DOE
this fall, to provide information to its 202–586–7031. continues to lease the 90 acre parcel in
stakeholders and to receive comments This Advance Notice of Intent (ANOI) Area IV from Boeing.
from them. will be available on the Internet at: In March 2003, DOE issued an
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DOE is issuing this ANOI, pursuant to http://www.eh.doe.gov/NEPA. Further Environmental Assessment (EA),
10 CFR 1021.311(b), in order to inform information about Area IV and the Environmental Assessment for Cleanup
and request early comments and Energy Technology Engineering Center and Closure of the Energy Technology
assistance from Federal and State (ETEC) can be found at http:// Engineering Center, DOE/EA–1345.
agencies, State and local governments, apps.em.doe.gov/etec/. Based on the results of the EA, DOE
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2. Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 17, 2007 / Notices 58835
determined that an EIS was not required Following the issuance of this ANOI, Preliminary Environmental Impacts for
and issued a FONSI in March 2003. DOE intends to collect updated Analysis
DOE is now preparing an SSFL Area information that it will incorporate into DOE has tentatively identified the
IV EIS in response to the U.S. District the EIS analysis. following environmental impacts for
Court of Northern California’s May 2,
Purpose and Need for Agency Action analysis in the Area IV EIS. This list is
2007, ruling in the case Natural
DOE needs to complete remediation presented to facilitate early comment
Resources Defense Council v.
of Area IV to comply with applicable during the public involvement activities
Department of Energy Slip Op.
regulations and allow for an evaluation on the scope of the EIS.
WL2349288 (N.D. Cal. Aug.15, 2007),
which held that DOE’s decision to issue of the range of reasonable alternatives. • Potential impacts to the general
a FONSI and conduct cleanup and The remediation will include cleanup of population, workers, and the
closure on the basis of DOE/EA–1345 radiological and hazardous environment from radiological and non-
was in violation of NEPA. The Court contaminants both onsite and offsite of radiological releases.
ordered DOE to prepare an EIS for Area Area IV and maintain surface and • Potential impacts to soils, air,
IV in accordance with NEPA. The Court groundwater protection in accordance surface water quality, and groundwater
further permanently enjoined the DOE with applicable requirements. quality.
from transferring ownership or • Potential transportation impacts
Proposed Action and EIS Scope from the shipment of radiological and
possession, or otherwise relinquishing
control over any portion of Area IV, DOE’s proposed action includes non-radiological wastes to disposal
until DOE completes the EIS and issues demolition of radiological facilities, sites.
a Record of Decision pursuant to NEPA. demolition of most support buildings, • Potential impacts from postulated
In addition, the Court retained cleanup of solid waste management accidents.
jurisdiction until it is satisfied that the units, groundwater remediation, • Potential impacts from intentional
DOE has met its legal obligations as they mitigation measures, and disposal of all destructive acts.
relate to the remediation of Area IV. waste offsite at approved facilities. • Potential disproportionately high
Because of the Court’s decision, DOE The EIS will evaluate the remediation and adverse effects on low-income and
suspended the physical demolition and of Area IV under current action plans minority populations (environmental
removal activities for the remaining and alternatives to them. The EIS will justice).
facilities at ETEC except for those characterize environmental media, • Land use impacts.
activities necessary to maintain the site analyze the environmental impact of • Socioeconomic impacts.
in a safe and stable configuration. DOE decontaminating and decommissioning • Ecological resources (endangered
has discontinued planned or dismantling government buildings species and wetlands).
decontamination and decommission and structures, and analyzing • Cultural and paleontological
activities, but is continuing environmental restoration activities for resources.
surveillance, maintenance, and environmental contamination associated • Compliance with applicable
environmental monitoring work, with DOE’s activities. Waste Federal, state and local requirements.
including soil and groundwater management activities to be analyzed • Long-term site suitability, including
characterization required under the include operation, maintenance, and erosion and seismicity.
State of California Department of Toxic closure of RCRA-permitted facilities. • Cumulative impacts from
Substances Control (DTSC) regulations, The facilities that are to be included in contamination both onsite and offsite of
while it prepares the EIS. the EIS include former radiological Area IV.
In August 2007, DTSC issued a facilities, former sodium facilities, and • Mitigation measures to avoid or
Consent Order to DOE, NASA and administrative facilities. The EIS will mitigate potentially significant
Boeing under its Resource Conservation consider the effects of possible environmental impacts.
and Recovery Act (RCRA) authority. contamination by non-radiological toxic Invitation To Comment
This Order requires cleanup of all or otherwise hazardous materials and
chemically contaminated soils at SSFL address multiple exposures (chemical DOE invites the public to provide
by 2017 or earlier, provides the option and radiological), as well as exposures early assistance in identifying the scope
for DTSC to require more work to be to multiple radionuclides. The EIS will of the Area IV EIS, alternatives,
conducted offsite of Area IV to assess consider the suitability of Area IV for a environmental issues to consider, and
air, soil and water contamination, and range of future land uses, and assess environmental impacts to analyze
requires the preparation of an possible radiological contamination of through the early public involvement
Environmental Impact Report, pursuant groundwater. process. DOE will consider public
to the California Environmental Quality The EIS may be used in the comments and other relevant
Act. preparation of the Environmental information in developing the NOI.
Impact Report that is required by the Comments should be provided by the
Early Public Involvement and Related DATES and to the ADDRESSES above.
DTSC Consent Order.
Activities
DOE is issuing this ANOI, pursuant to Preliminary Identification of Issues EIS Process
10 CFR 1021.311(b), in order to inform DOE is requesting input on the best DOE plans to issue the NOI in the
and request early comments and methods to obtain accurate information spring of calendar year 2008, which will
assistance from Federal and State on radiological and hazardous be followed by a public scoping period
agencies, State and local governments, contamination in Area IV. It is also to assist in further defining the scope of
natural resource trustees, the general seeking input from stakeholders to the EIS and identifying significant
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
public, and other interested parties on resolve current and potential issues issues to be addressed. The NOI will
the scope of the EIS, proposed associated with RCRA constituents and propose the range of reasonable
environmental issues, and the potential to determine the extent of groundwater alternatives for remediation of the Area
environmental impacts related to DOE’s contamination both onsite and offsite of IV site. After the NOI is issued, DOE
potential activities at this site. Area IV. will conduct public scoping meetings.
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3. 58836 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 200 / Wednesday, October 17, 2007 / Notices
During the scoping period, the dates and site: http://www.science.doe.gov/ober/ DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
locations of meetings will be announced cpdac/announcement.html.
in the local media. DOE will announce Federal Energy Regulatory
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Commission
the availability of the Draft EIS in the
Federal Register and other media and Purpose of the Meeting: To continue
provide Federal and State agencies, discussions on drafting the Climate [Docket No. QF08–1–000]
State and local governments, natural Change Science Program (CCSP)
resource trustees, the general public, Synthesis and Assessment Product Albemarle Hospital—Elizabeth City,
and other interested parties with an related to climate modeling. This NC; Notice of Filing of Notice of Self-
opportunity to submit comments. activity is being conducted at the Certification of Qualifying Status of a
DOE will also hold at least one public request of the Department of Energy, in Cogeneration Facility
hearing in order to gather comments on accordance with the CCSP Guidelines
the sufficiency of the Draft EIS once it October 10, 2007.
for Producing the CCSP Synthesis and
is published. These comments will be Assessment Products. Take notice that on October 1, 2007,
considered and addressed in the Final Albemarle Hospital located at 1144 N.
EIS. DOE will issue a Record of Decision Tentative Agenda:
Road St., Elizabeth City, NC 27906 filed
no sooner than 30 days after EPA’s • Discussion on how public review with the Federal Energy Regulatory
notice of availability of the Final EIS. comments have been addressed by the Commission a notice of self-certification
Issued in Washington, DC, on October 10, Synthesis and Assessment Product of a facility as a qualifying cogeneration
2007. (SAP) 3.1 author team in the current facility pursuant to 18 CFR 292.207(a) of
Ines R. Triay, version of the report. the Commission’s regulations.
(Acting) Assistant Secretary for • Discussion on how comments from This qualifying cogeneration facility
Environmental Management. CPDAC members have been addressed consists of a 550 kW packaged diesel
[FR Doc. E7–20449 Filed 10–16–07; 8:45 am] by the SAP 3.1 author team in the engine generator set operating on #2 fuel
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P current version of the report. oil. The package is set on a concrete
• Motion by Chair of CPDAC to seek pad. The unit is self-contained,
including all necessary switchgear and
concurrence on the draft SAP 3.1
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY controls. The electricity is generated at
• Public comment (10 minute rule). 480 V, 3 phase, 60 Hz. The facility is
Office of Science; Climate Change Public Participation: The located at 1144 N. Road St., Elizabeth
Science Program Product teleconference meeting is open to the City, NC 27906.
Development Advisory Committee public. If you would like to file a This qualifying facility interconnects
AGENCY: Department of Energy. written statement with the Committee, with the City of Elizabeth’s electric
ACTION:Notice of Open Teleconference you may do so either before or after the distribution system. The facility will
Meeting. meeting. If you would like to make oral provide standby power and occasionally
statements regarding any of the items on supplementary power to Albermerle
SUMMARY: This notice announces a the agenda, you should contact Anjuli Hospital.
teleconference meeting of the Climate Bamzai at the address or telephone A notice of self-certification does not
Change Science Program Product number listed above. Reasonable institute a proceeding regarding
Development Advisory Committee. provisions will be made to include the qualifying facility status; a notice of self-
Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. scheduled oral statements on the certification provides notice that the
L. 92–463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that agenda. The Chairperson of the entity making the filing has determined
public notice of these meetings be Committee will conduct the meeting to the Facility meets the applicable criteria
announced in the Federal Register. facilitate the orderly conduct of to be a qualifying facility. Any person
DATES: Monday, October 29, 2007, 1 business. Public comment will follow seeking to challenge such qualifying
p.m. to 4 p.m. E.D.T. the 10-minute rule. This notice is being facility status may do so by filing a
ADDRESSES: Participants may call Ms. published less than 15 days before the motion pursuant to 18 CFR
Karen Carlson-Brown at (301) 903–3338 date of the meeting due to programmatic 292.207(d)(iii).
to receive a call-in number by October issues. This filing is accessible on-line at
25, 2007. Public participation is http://www.ferc.gov, using the
welcomed; however, the number of Minutes: The minutes of this meeting
will be available for public review at ‘‘eLibrary’’ link and is available for
teleconference lines is limited and review in the Commission’s Public
available on a first come basis. http://www.science.doe.gov/ober/CPDA
Cminutes_presentations.html. Reference Room in Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. There is an ‘‘eSubscription’’ link on the
Anjuli S. Bamzai (301–903–0294; Issued in Washington, DC on October 11, Web site that enables subscribers to
anjuli.bamzai@science.doe.gov) 2007. receive e-mail notification when a
Designated Federal Officer, Climate Rachel Samuel, document is added to a subscribed
Change Science Program Product Deputy Committee Management Officer. docket(s). For assistance with any FERC
Development Advisory Committee, U.S. [FR Doc. E7–20491 Filed 10–16–07; 8:45 am] Online service, please e-mail
Department of Energy, Office of Science, FERCOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or call
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
Office of Biological and Environmental (866) 208–3676 (toll free). For TTY, call
Research, Climate Change Research (202) 502–8659.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Division, SC–23.3/Germantown
Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, Kimberly D. Bose,
SW., Washington, DC 20585–1290. The Secretary.
most current information concerning [FR Doc. E7–20394 Filed 10–16–07; 8:45 am]
this meeting can be found on the Web BILLING CODE 6717–01–P
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