[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 6229] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-3342] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Notice of Public Meeting for Submarine Solid Waste Management Related to Compliance With the Special Area Requirements of Regulations 5 of Annex V to the MARPOL Convention Pursuant to the National Defense Authorization Act of 1994 SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy is announcing the preparation of a plan for the compliance of all submersibles owned or operated by the Navy with the requirements of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the MARPOL Convention. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (DAA 94) directed the Navy to allow the public to participate in preparing the plan and to review and comment on the plan before it is submitted. In order to obtain and consider public comments in the development of the Navy's plan for compliance with the DAA 94 requirements, the Navy will host public meeting. DATES: The meeting will take place on March 11, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on the public meeting or to submit comments, contact Mr. David Cartwright NAVSEA 92TE, Assistant for Submarine Environmental and Occupational Safety Affairs, Department of the Navy, Naval Sea Systems Command, 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22242-5160 [(703) 602-8096 (Ext. 475)]. The meeting will be conducted in English and will include oral presentations and visual displays. The meeting will be recorded by a court recorder. Members of the public who need additional assistance to participate should contact Mr. Cartwright as soon as possible to make arrangements. Written comments related to the public meeting will be considered in the Submarine addendum to the Report to Congress if received by Mr. Cartwright no later than March 25, 1997. Oral or written comments will also be considered if presented at the public meeting to be held on March 11, 1997. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1003 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 Public Law 103-160, 107 Stat. 1745 (DAA-94), requires a Report to Congress on a plan for compliance with special area provisions of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the Convention. The Navy submitted a Report to Congress on U.S. Navy Ship Solid Waste Management Plan for MARPOL Annex V Special Areas in November 1996. In preparation for that Report to Congress, the Navy solicited public comments beginning with the meeting announcement in the Federal Register of July 21, 1994 (59 FR 37223). In addition, the final Environmental Impact Statement on Disposal of U.S. Navy Shipboard Solid Waste was released in August 1996. The Report to Congress of November 1996 stated that the Navy was evaluating several options for submarines, and upon completion of the efforts would determine the most appropriate solid waste management strategy. Thus, a Submarine Addendum to the Report to Congress on U.S. Navy Ship Solid Waste Management Plan for MARPOL Annex V Special Areas is being prepared to address the U.S. Navy Submarine Solid Waste Management Plan. Public comments directed specifically toward the development of a submarine solid waste management plan are requested. Submarines are designed to operate undetected beneath the water surface for extended periods. They have very limited storage space and distinctive requirements for weight, acoustical control, and atmosphere criteria. Historically, waste source reduction efforts have been employed to minimize the amount of plastic material and cardboard brought on board. Most plastic material, cardboard, and paper that is used for wrapping and protecting supplies is removed and retained at dockside prior to loading supplies on a submarine. Plastic disposable items are being replaced with non-plastic items where possible. Additional initiatives being undertaken include the investigation of reusable meat containers, the review of procurement databases to identify items for improved packaging, development of a computer program identifying alternatives to aluminum and other metal cans, and the development of guidelines for supply personnel stressing pollution prevention awareness. The particular solid waste challenges unique to submarines are being addressed in three principal studies: (1) The impact and fate and effect in the marine environment of discharging compacted, negatively buoyant non-plastic solid waste; (2) the impact on submarine operations and crew quality of life of storing solid waste on board; and (3) the use of a pulper for pulping paper and cardboard and a shredder for shredding metal cans and glass. In addition to the above studies, an Environmental Assessment, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and Executive Order 12114, is being developed to assess the environmental impacts of alternatives for the management of solid wastes. As indicated above, comments are welcome at the public meeting and will be considered in the preparation of a draft Addendum Report if received not later than March 25, 1997. The draft Addendum Report, which will document the Navy's solid waste management plan for submarines, will be available for public comment in about three months. The Navy plans to finalize the Addendum Report and submit it to Congress by September, 1997. Dated: February 6, 1997. D.E. Koenig, LCDR, JAGC, USN, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. 97-3342 Filed 2-10-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810-FF-M