[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 145 (Friday, July 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42797-42798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12115]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Aerial Application of Fire Retardant Environmental Assessment, in 
Accordance With the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (47 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of proposed action to conduct an environmental analysis 
and prepare an environmental assessment; request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to conduct an environmental 
analysis and prepare an environmental assessment on the continued 
nationwide aerial application of fire retardant for fire suppression. 
The responsible official for this action is Dale Bosworth, Chief of the 
Forest Service. The Forest Service invites comments at this time on the 
proposed action.

DATES: Comments must be received, in writing, on or before August 28, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: The scoping letter and other information related to the 
proposed action are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/fire/retardant/index.html. Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed 
to USFS Fire Retardant EA, c/o The Content Analysis Group, P.O. Box 
2000, Bountiful, UT 84001-2000. Comments may also be sent 
electronically to [email protected], or via facsimile to 
801-397-2601. Please prepare electronic files in either rich text 
format (.rft) or as a Microsoft Word document (.doc).
    All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are 
placed in the record and are available for public inspection and 
copying. The public may electronically inspect comments received and 
should call 801-517-1037 to obtain Web site address and a password. The 
public may also inspect comments hardcopy at the USDA Forest Service in 
Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 801-517-
1037 to facilitate entry to the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact Chris Wehrli, 
interdisciplinary team leader, at 202-205-1332.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Forest Service will conduct an 
environmental analysis and prepare an environmental assessment to 
determine whether the continued nationwide aerial application of fire 
retardant to fight fires would result in any significant environmental 
impacts.
    It is important that those interested in this proposed action 
participate at this time. To be most helpful, comments should be as 
specific as possible. Written comments provide a record of concerns and 
will be considered to conduct an environmental analysis and prepare an 
environmental assessment. The Forest Service is seeking information, 
comments, and assistance from federal, state, and local agencies, 
tribes, and other individuals or organizations that might be interested 
in or affected by the proposal.
    After completing a detailed environmental analysis and a review and 
response to the public comments received on the proposed action, the 
Forest Service will prepare an environmental assessment and a Decision 
Notice that will be signed by the Chief of the Forest Service.
    The Forest Service is working to restore fire-adapted ecosystems 
through prescribed fire, other fuel treatments and wildland-fire use. 
However, in some circumstances, fire must be suppressed. For example, 
fires might need to be suppressed to protect and preserve natural 
resources, critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, and 
protect life and property. Fire retardant is one of the tools used to 
suppress fires.
    The Forest Service is taking two mitigation measures to lessen the 
impact of fire retardant on the environment. First, after the 2006 fire

[[Page 42798]]

season, the Forest Service will no longer purchase or use fire 
retardants that contain sodium ferrocyanide because, under certain 
conditions, it poses greater toxicity to aquatic species and aquatic 
environments than retardant solutions that do not contain this 
ingredient. Second, the Forest Service prohibits the aerial application 
of fire retardant within 300 feet of waterways visible to pilots, with 
certain limited exceptions. See the Guidelines for Aerial Application 
of Retardants and Foams in Aquatic Environments (April 20, 2000) at 
http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/fire/retardants/current/gen/appguide.htm for 
more details.
    The Forest Service proposes to analyze at a nationwide scale the 
environmental effects of the continued aerial application of fire 
retardants. In preparing an environmental assessment, the Forest 
Service will determine whether there are significant effects on the 
human environment. If there are significant effects, the Forest Service 
will prepare an environmental impact statement. If the Forest Service 
determines that there are no significant effects, the Forest Service 
will issue a finding of no significant impact. The Forest Service seeks 
comments at this time on this proposal.
    The Forest Service has previously consulted with the Fish and 
Wildlife Service and with the National Marine Fisheries Service in 
developing the Guidelines for Aerial Application of Retardants and 
Foams referenced above. The Forest Service will consult with the above 
agencies when conducting the environmental analysis and preparing an 
environmental assessment on the proposed action.

     Dated: July 21, 2006,
Dale N. Bosworth,
Chief, Forest Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-12115 Filed 7-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P