[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 135 (Friday, July 15, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41045-41046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13957]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[USCG-2005-21833]


Mark 11 Static Barrier Running Gear Entanglement System; Draft 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Draft 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Draft Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Mark 11 Static Barrier Running Gear 
Entanglement System (RGES). The Coast Guard is proposing to establish 
and operate a Mark (MK) 11 Static Barrier RGES at various and currently 
unknown U.S. ports throughout the U.S. Maritime Domain, when necessary. 
The purpose of Proposed Action is to improve the Coast Guard's 
capabilities to intercept and interdict small boats and watercraft. The 
MK11 Static Barrier RGES would deliver an entanglement device which 
would foul the propellers of unauthorized vessels attempting to 
approach restricted areas. The MK 11 Static Barrier RGES would not 
duplicate existing protective measures, but would provide 
complimentary, non-redundant capabilities that would be able to close 
significant readiness gaps in our nation's strategic ports.

DATES: You are invited to request a copy of the Draft PEA and Draft 
FONSI and/or submit comments by August 26, 2005.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment 
(PEA) and/or the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be 
available in the public

[[Page 41046]]

docket for this notice, which is available on line at http://dms.dot.gov. You may also request a copy by one of the following means:
    (1) Mail: Mr. Neal J. Armstrong, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters (G-
OCU-3), 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593.
    (2) Fax: (202) 267-4415. Or,
    (3) E-mail: [email protected].
    In choosing from these means, please give due regard to the 
continuing difficulties and delays associated with delivery of mail 
through the U.S. Postal Service to federal facilities.
    You may submit comments on the PEA and/or FONSI, identified by 
Coast Guard docket number USCG-2005-21833, by one of the following 
methods:
    (1) Web Site: http://dms.dot.gov.
    (2) Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    (3) Fax: 202-493-2251. or,
    (4) Delivery: Room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif 
Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number for the Docket Management Facility is 202-366-9329.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about the 
project, viewing or submitting material, or would like a copy of the 
Draft PEA or FONSI, you may contact Mr. Neal Armstrong at (202) 267-
2572 or by e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

    We encourage you to submit comments and related materials on the 
draft PEA and draft FONSI. Persons submitting comments should include 
their names and addresses, this notice reference number (USCG-2005-
21833), and the reasons for each comment. You may submit your comments 
and materials by mail, hand delivery, fax, or electronic means using 
the information provided in the ADDRESSES section above. If you choose 
to submit them by mail, submit them in an unbound format, no larger 
than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, and suitable for copying and electronic 
filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know if they 
reached the Coast Guard, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed 
postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and materials 
received during the comment period. For additional information about 
this notice or the Draft PEA, contact Ms. Kebby Kelley at (202) 267-
6034 or [email protected].

Background Information

    Domestic port safety and security has long been a core Coast Guard 
mission. However, in the wake of the terrorist attacks committed on 
September 11, 2001, emerging threats to the U.S. homeland have prompted 
an increased Coast Guard focus on protecting domestic ports and the 
U.S. Maritime Transportation System from terrorist threats.
    As part of the U.S. response to these threats, the Coast Guard has 
undertaken a PEA for the decision to establish and operate the MK 11 
Static Barrier RGES at various and currently unknown U.S. ports 
throughout the U.S. Maritime Domain, when necessary.
    The MK 11 Static Barrier RGES would be used to provide a barrier 
around a high value asset or to establish a ``line of demarcation'' 
thereby outlining a security or safety zone and allow security forces 
sufficient time to react and counter a threat. The MK 11 Static Barrier 
RGES would have a line that floats on the surface of the water, with 
40-inch long loops spaced every 8 inches. Inflatable 15-inch buoys 
would be placed every 100 feet. Lights would also be attached every 100 
feet, midway between the floatation buoys. Anchoring systems would be 
required every 200 feet.
    The RGES could operate in typical harbor, anchorage, and wharf 
environments including fresh, salt and brackish waters, in air and 
water temperatures and thermoclines, as would typically be expected in 
a port/harbor environment. U.S. Coast Guard personnel would provide a 
continuous watch over the deployed MK 11 Static Barrier RGES.
    Public input is important to the preparation of the Final PEA. Your 
concerns and comments regarding the establishment and operation of MK 
11 Static Barrier RGES and the possible environmental impacts are 
important to the Coast Guard.

    Dated: July 8, 2005.
Richard Button,
CDR, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Cutter Training.
[FR Doc. 05-13957 Filed 7-14-05; 8:45 am]
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