[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 21, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43196-43197]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21350]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 91, 93, 121, and 135

[Docket No. 28653]


Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of Grand Canyon National 
Park; Draft Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Dot.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) 
and Invitation to Comment.

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SUMMARY: This document gives notice of the availability of the draft 
environmental assessment for a Notice of Proposed proposing to modify 
the provisions of Special Federal Aviation Regulation Number 50-2 (SFAR 
50-2), Special Flight Rules in the Vicinity of the Grand Canyon 
National Park (GCNP) (61 FR 40120, July 31, 1996). The FAA is proposing 
these changes to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on the park 
environment and to assist the National Park Service (NPS) in achieving 
its statutory mandate imposed by Public Law 100-91 to provide for the 
substantial restoration of natural quiet and experience in GCNP.

DATES: The opportunity to comment on the draft environmental assessment 
(EA) will extend from August 20, until October 4, 1996. Late-filed 
comments will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the Draft EA should be received at the 
following address, in triplicate, by October 4, 1996: Headquarters 
Federal Aviation Administration, Office of the Chief Counsel, Attn.: 
Rules Docket (AGC-10), Docket No. 28653, 800 Independence Avenue, S.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20591. Comments may be delivered or inspected at Room 
915G in FAA headquarters between 8:30 A.M. and 5 P.M., Monday through 
Friday, excluding Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. William J. Marx (202) 267-3075.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed Federal action is to modify the 
dimensions of the Grand Canyon National Park Special Flight Rules Area 
(SFRA); establish new and modify existing flight-free zones; establish 
new and modify existing flight corridors; and establish reporting 
requirements for commercial sightseeing companies operating in the 
SFRA. In addition, the NPRM contains proposals for flight-free periods 
within the Park and/or an interim moratorium on additional commercial 
sightseeing air tours and tour operators.
    The FAA and the NPS recognize that noise from commercial air tours 
and other flights over units of the national park system can 
potentially adversely impact park resources, values and visitor 
experience. The proposed revisions to SFAR 50-2 are consistent with the 
missions of both FAA and NPS and legislative requirements to enhance 
the environment and protect the resources of national parks. The FAA 
remains committed to its mission to promote, develop, and foster 
aviation safety, and provide for the safe and efficient use of 
airspace, while at the same time, recognizing the need to preserve, 
protect, and enhance the environment by minimizing the adverse effects 
of aviation on the environment.
    GCNP is administered by the NPS of the Department of the Interior 
(DOI). The FAA invited the NPS to participate in the preparation of 
this Draft EA as a cooperating agency because the NPS has jurisdiction 
by law over and special expertise relating to the resources within the 
GCNP. NPS similarly participated in the rulemaking process.
    The FAA has decided to grant the requests of the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs (BIA), and certain Native American tribes to participate as 
cooperating agencies in the EA. These actions will be conducted on a 
Government-to-Government basis per Presidential memorandum dated April 
29, 1994.

Alternatives

    In developing alternatives for study in this EA, the FAA was guided 
by its statutory mission and objectives, as well as that of the NPS, 
and by the purpose and need for the proposed action, as

[[Page 43197]]

discussed in Chapter 1 of the Draft EA. In developing these 
alternatives, the FAA and NPS recognized that there are gaps in 
relevant information and scientific uncertainty. The lack of complete 
and available information concerning noise methodology, metric, and the 
proper definition of substantial restoration of natural quiet, was 
documented in our preliminary comments on the NPS Report to Congress. 
Although both agencies recognize that there are unresolved issues, the 
FAA and NPS have determined that it is in the public interest to 
proceed with this rulemaking. Both agencies deem this rulemaking 
important for substantially restoring the natural quiet in the GCNP, as 
required under the National Park Overflights Act.
    The Draft EA evaluates the environmental effects of the no action 
alternative and the NPRM, except the curfew, variable flight free 
period, and temporary cap, in an initial study area, in the near term. 
See, FAA Order 1050.1D, Policies and Procedures for Considering 
Environmental Impacts. The Final EA will evaluate the curfew, variable 
flight free period, and temporary cap. It will also evaluate the 
impacts of the NPRM over the entire GCNP in 1995 and future years, as 
well as socio-economic impacts. See, 40 CFR 1502.22.
    Based on the final EA to be completed after the close of the Draft 
EA and associated comment period, the FAA will determine whether a 
Finding of No Significant Impact may be issued or an Environmental 
Impact Statement is required before any final rule is issued.
    For further information contact: Mr. William J. Marx, Division 
Manager, ATA-300, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence 
Avenue, Washington D.C. 20591. Requests for copies of the document 
should also be sent to the above address.

    Issued in Washington D.C. on August 20, 1996.
Jeff Griffith,
Program Director of Air Traffic Airspace Management.
[FR Doc. 96-21350 Filed 8-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M