[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 218 (Monday, November 13, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56978-56981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27745]



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[[Page 56979]]


DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Final Certification for the Consolidation of Galveston Weather 
Service Office and Los Angeles Residual Weather Service Office

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: On June 26, 1995 (60 FR 32943), the National Weather Service 
(NWS) published proposed consolidation certifications for the 
consolidations of:
    (1) The Galveston Weather Service Office (WSO) into the future 
Houston/Galveston Weather Forecast Office (WFO); and
    (2) The residual Los Angeles WSO into the future Los Angeles WFO in 
accordance with Pub. Law 102-567. The public had 60-days in which to 
comment on these proposed certifications. After considering comments 
received and consulting with the Modernization Transition Committee 
(MTC), the NWS has determined that these actions will not result in any 
degration of service to the affected areas and has so certified. In 
accordance with Pub. Law 102-567,the Secretary of Commerce transmitted 
these certifications to the Congress, and the NWS is now publishing the 
final certifications together with a summary of the supporting 
documentation.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 13, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the final consolidation certification 
package(s) should be sent to Janet Gilmer, Room 12316, 1325 East-West 
Highway, Silver Spring, ME 20910.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Julie Scanlon at 301-713-1413.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Weather Service is 
consolidating its Galveston WSO with the future Houston/Galveston WFO 
and its Residual Los Angeles WSO with the future Los Angeles WFO. Based 
on the recommendations of the respective Meteorologist-in-Charge (MIC), 
on September 26, 1995, the Assistant Administrator of the NWS certified 
that these consolidations will not result in any degradation of service 
to the affected service areas as required by section 706 of the Pub. 
Law 102-567. On October 23, 1995 the Secretary of Commerce transmitted 
these certifications to Congress. The NWS is now completing the 
certification requirements by publishing the final consolidation 
Certifications in the Federal Register.
    Published with this notice are (1) the Certifications by the 
Assistant Administrator of the NWS; (2) memorandum from Bill Read, MIC 
of future WFO Houston/Galveston, endorsed by Harry S. Hassel, Director, 
Southern Region; and (3) memorandum from Todd Morris, MIC of future WFO 
Los Angeles, endorsed by Dr. Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western 
Region. These memoranda recommend certification, summarize the basis 
for the recommendation, and set forth the supporting documentation 
required by the Pub. Law 102-567. However, this supporting 
documentation is too voluminous to publish with this notice and can be 
obtained through the contact listed in ADDRESSES. For each 
certification this material includes:
    (1) A Description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns which affect the weather services provided within the 
service area;
    (2) A detailed comparison of services provided within the service 
area and the services to be provided after such action;
    (3) A description of any recent or expected modernization of NWS 
operations which enhance services in the service area;
    (4) An identification of any area within Texas or California which 
would not receive coverage (at an elevation of 10,000 feet) by the next 
generation weather radar network;
    (5) Evidence, based upon operational demonstration of modernized 
NWS operations, which was considered in reaching the conclusion that no 
degradation in service will result from such action including the WSR-
88D Radar Commissioning Report, User Confirmation of Services Report, 
and the radar Decommissioning Readiness Report;
    (6) A letter appointing the liaison officer; and
    (7) The recommendations of the MTC made at its June 14, 1995 
meeting and the final consultation made at the September 14, 1995 MTC 
meeting.
    The memoranda recommending certification considered the public 
comment received on the proposed certification during the 60-day 
comment periods. One comment was received. This comment and response is 
set forth here for reference:
    Comment: Mr. Peter J. Nuhn objected to the proposed consolidation 
certifications of the Galveston and residual Los Angeles Weather 
Service Offices (WSO). The comment set forth three concerns as the 
basis for this objection:
    (1) These proposed consolidations violate the Weather Service 
Modernization Act, Public Law 102-567, and the Strategic Plan for 
Modernization and Associated Restructuring of the National Weather 
Service by proceeding with these consolidation certifications before 
all new technologies (ASOS, NEXRAD, GOES-Next and AWIPS) have been 
deployed, made operational, and demonstrated to not cause a degradation 
of service.
    (2) It is premature to recommend consolidation certifications 
before it can be demonstrated that the NEXRADs involved are meeting 
availability requirements.
    (3) It is premature to recommend consolidation certifications until 
staff at future WFOs Houston and Los Angeles have been fully trained on 
new satellite products being generated by GOES-Next.
    Response: The NWS is in compliance with the Weather Service 
Modernization Act. The NWS proposes these consolidation certifications 
in full compliance with the agency regulations implementing the Act 
that were published in the Federal Register on December 3, 1993, and 
final modernization criteria for consolidation certification that were 
published in the Federal Register on March 2, 1994. Specific responses 
to the above three concerns are:
    (1) The NWS is implementing the modernization in a two stage 
transition as described in agency regulations and the Strategic Plan 
for Modernization and Associated Restructuring of the National Weather 
Service, as well as in the annual National Implementation Plan. In 
these documents the NWS describes its' intent and rationale for 
proceeding with automation, consolidation, and relocation 
certifications for WSO Galveston and residual WSO Los Angeles satisfy 
all of the final modernization criteria for this type of action. The 
NWS consulted with the National Research Council's Modernization 
Committee and the Modernization Transition Committee. The NWS also 
invited the public to submit comments during the process of 
establishing modernization criteria. These criteria envision that the 
availability of AWIPS (Mr. Nuhn's particular concern) will be a 
prerequisite for closure but not consolidation.
    (2) The NWS has demonstrated that the NEXRADs involved are meeting 
availability requirements. The NWS has complied with the modernization 
criteria for a consolidation certification by the commissioning of the 
NEXRAD(s) (i.e. WSR-88D (s)) which will be providing radar coverage for 
the affected service area. As part of this WSR-88D commissioning 
process, the NWS 

[[Page 56980]]
requires ``at least 96 percent availability of the radar coded message 
for a period of at least 30 consecutive days prior to commissioning'' 
to demonstrate that the WSR-88D is meeting the availability 
requirements. See modernization criteria I.2.d., ``Satisfactory Support 
of Associated NWS Forecasting and Warning Services''.
    The NWS commissioned the WSR-88D covering the WSO Galveston 
affected service area on March 23, 1994. The Meteorologist-In-Charge of 
NWSO Houston determined that the radar did in fact meet NWS 
Modernization Criteria I.2.d. (item 4a on the WSR-88D Site Component 
Commissioning Checklist) as indicated by a check mark in the 
satisfactory column and his approval signature. This approval was based 
on radar coded message availability statistics for this WSR-88D 
collected between January 10, 1994 and February 23, 1994 which showed 
greater than 96 percent availability.
    The NWS commissioned the WSR-88D covering the residual WSO Los 
Angeles affected service area on December 16, 1994. The Meteorologist-
In-Charge of NWSFO Los Angeles determined the NWS had met Modernization 
criteria I.2.d. (item 4a on the WSR-88D Site Component Commissioning 
Checklist) as indicated by a check mark in the satisfactory column and 
his approval signature. The NWS based its' approval on the radar coded 
message availability statistics for this WSR-88D collected between 
February 12, 1994 and December 16, 1994, which showed greater than 96 
percent availability.
    (3) The NWS has taken all prerequisite steps to comply with 
modernization criteria for consolidation certifications including: WSR-
88D commissioning, user confirmation of services, and existing radar 
decommissioning. These criteria do not require staff training on new 
satellite products being generated by GOES-Next. GOES-Next will 
eventually provide enhanced and new satellite products to WFOs during 
Stage 2 of the modernization. During Stage 1, NWSO Houston and NWSFO 
Los Angeles will continue to receive existing GOES satellite products 
on which staff at these offices have already been trained.

    Dated: November 3, 1995.
Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.

Certification

Weather Service Office Consolidation

    I hereby certify that there will be no degradation in weather 
services to the Galveston service area as a result of the 
consolidation of the Galveston Weather Service Office with the 
future Houston/Galveston Weather Forecast Office. I have considered 
the recommendation of the responsible Meteorologist in Charge, Bill 
Read, as endorsed by Southern Region Director Harry Hassel and have 
reviewed the attached documentation provided in compliance with the 
Weather Service Modernization Act that supports this recommendation.
Susan F. Zevin for Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.

Attachments

September 18, 1995.
Memorandum For: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From: Bill Read, MIC, NWSO Houston/Galveston, TX
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification

    After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined, 
in my professional judgment, consolidation of the Galveston Weather 
Service Office (WSO) with the future Houston/Galveston Weather 
Forecast Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather 
services to the Galveston service area. This proposed certification 
is in accordance with the advance notification provided in the 
National Implementation Plan. Accordingly, I am recommending you 
approve this action in accordance with section 706 of Public Law 
102-567. If you concur, please endorse this recommendation and 
forward this package to the Assistant Administrator for Weather 
Services for final certification. Dr. Friday, in turn, will forward 
the certification to the Secretary for transmittal to Congress.
    My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent 
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for 
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
    1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the 
Galveston service area is included as attachment A. As discussed 
below, I find that providing the services which address these 
characteristics and concerns from Houston/Galveston WFO will not 
degrade these services.
    2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the 
Galveston service area from the Galveston WSO location and a list of 
services to be provided from the Houston/Galveston WFO location 
after consolidation is included as attachment B. Comparison of these 
services shows that all services currently provided will continue to 
be provided after the proposed consolidation. Also, the enclosed map 
shows the WSO Galveston Area of Responsibility (i.e. ``Affected 
Service Area'') and the future WFO Houston/Galveston Area of 
Responsibility. As discussed below, I find that there will be no 
degradation in the quality of these services as a result of the 
consolidation.
    3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of 
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance 
services in the WSO Galveston service area is included as attachment 
C. The new technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) has or will be 
installed and will enhance services.
    4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of 
10,000 feet for Texas is included as attachment D. NWS operational 
radar coverage for the specific service area will be increased and 
no area will be missed in coverage.
    5. The following evidence, based upon operational demonstration 
of modernized NWS operations, played a key role in concluding there 
will be no degradation of service.
    A. The WSR-88D Radar Commissioning Report, attachment E, 
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications 
(acceptance test); is fully operational (satisfactory operation of 
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS 
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are 
functioning properly; a full set of operations and maintenance 
documentation is available; and spare parts and test equipment and 
trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on site. 
Training was completed but two national work-arounds remain in 
effect.
    B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents 
that only two negative comments were received. Both of the negative 
comments have been answered to the satisfaction of the commentors as 
stated in the Service Confirmation Report.
    C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies 
that the existing Galveston WSR-57 radar is no longer needed to 
support services or products for local office operations.
    6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Galveston 
service area is included as attachment H.
    I have considered recommendations of the Modernization 
Transition Committee (Committee) (attachment I) and the one public 
comment received during the comment period (attachment J). On 
September 14, 1995, the Committee voted to endorse the proposed 
consolidation (attachment K). I believe all negative comments have 
been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers and I continue 
to recommend this certification.

Endorsement

    I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this 
consolidation certification.

    Dated: September 20, 1995
Harry S. Hassel

Attachments

Certification

Weather Service Office Consolidation

    I hereby certify that there will be no degradation in weather 
services to the Los Angeles service area as a result of the 
consolidation of the Residual Los Angeles Weather Service Office 
with the future Los Angeles Weather Forecast Office. I have 
considered the recommendation of the responsible Meteorologist in 
Charge, Todd Morris, as endorsed by Western Region Director Thomas 
D. Potter, and have reviewed the attached documentation provided in 
compliance with the Weather 

[[Page 56981]]
Service Modernization Act that supports this recommendation.
Susan F. Zevin for Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.

Attachments

September 14, 1995.
Memorandum For: Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western Region
From: Todd Morris, AM/MIC NWSFO Los Angeles
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification

    A change of operations occurred at the Los Angeles Weather 
Service Forecast Office (WSFO) in October 1993 when most personnel 
were transferred to the facility of the future Los Angeles Weather 
Forest Office (WFO) in Oxnard, California to operate the WSR-88D and 
assume forecast and warning responsibility for the Los Angeles 
service area. At the same time this office has been designated a 
Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) at the original WSFO location 
to continue operating the existing WSR-74C radar.
    After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined, 
in my professional judgement, consolidation of the Los Angeles 
Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the future Los Angeles/
Oxnard Weather Forecast Office (WFO) will not result in any 
degradation in weather services to the Los Angeles service area. 
This proposed certification is in accordance with the advance 
notification provided in the National Implementation Plan. 
Accordingly, I am recommending that you approve this action in 
accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If you concur, 
please endorse this recommendation and forward this package to the 
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for final 
certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the 
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to 
Congress.
    My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent 
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for 
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
    1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the pre-
modernized Los Angeles service area is included as attachment A. As 
discussed below, I find that providing the services which address 
these characteristics and concerns from the Los Angeles/Oxnard WFO 
will not degrade these services.
    2. A detailed list of the services currently provided from the 
Los Angeles RWSO location and comparable services to be provided 
from the Los Angeles/Oxnard WFO location after consolidation is 
included as attachment B. Comparison of these services shows that 
all services currently provided will continue to be provided after 
the proposed consolidation. I find that there will be no degradation 
in the quality of these services as a result of the consolidation.
    3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of 
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance 
services in the pre-modernized Los Angeles service area is included 
as attachment C. The new technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) 
has or will be installed and will enhance services.
    4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of 
10,000 feet for California is included as attachment D. NWS 
operational radar coverage for the Los Angeles service area will be 
vastly increased and will not degrade services.
    It should be noted that neither the old radar network nor the 
NEXRAD include coverage of a small mountainous area in the northeast 
corner of the service area. Therefore this does not represent a 
degradation of radar coverage or services.
    5. The following evidence, based upon operational demonstration 
of modernized NWS operations, played a key role in concluding there 
will be no degradation of service.
    A. the WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, attachment E, 
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications 
(acceptance test); is fully operational (satisfactory operation of 
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS 
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are 
functioning properly; a full set of operations and maintenance 
documentation is available; and spare parts and test equipment and 
trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on site. 
Training was completed. There were two national work-arounds. One of 
these has been satisfied while the other one remains in effect.
    B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents 
that only two negative comments were received. Both of the negative 
comments have been answered to the satisfaction of the commentors as 
stated in the service Confirmation Report.
    C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies 
that the existing Los Angeles WSR-74C radar is no longer needed to 
support services or products for local office operations.
    6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Los 
Angeles service area is included as attachment H.
    I have considered recommendations of the Modernization 
Transition Committee (attachment I) and the one public comment 
received during the comment period (attachment J). On September 14, 
1995, the Committee voted to endorse the proposed consolidation 
(attachment K). I believe all negative comments have been addressed 
to the satisfaction of our customers and I continue to recommend 
this certification.

Endorsement

    I, Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western Region, endorse this 
consolidation certification.

    Dated: September 15, 1995.
James L. Campbell for Thomas D. Potter.
[FR Doc. 95-27745 Filed 11-9-95; 8:45 am]
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