[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 127 (Monday, July 6, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32030-32031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-15872]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Availability 
of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No 
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority 
(JAA) Launch Site Operator License at Cecil Field, Florida (FL)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Final EA and FONSI.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), Council on 
Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-
1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, the FAA is announcing the 
availability of the Final EA and FONSI for the Jacksonville Aviation 
Authority (JAA) Launch Site Operator License at Cecil Field, FL.
    The EA was prepared in response to an application for a Launch Site 
Operator License from JAA. Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would 
issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA to operate a facility for 
horizontal launches and landings of suborbital, manned reusable launch 
vehicles (RLVs). These vehicles, when operated out of Cecil Field, 
could carry space flight participants, scientific experiments, or 
payloads. The proposed launch site is located within the city limits of 
the City of Jacksonville, FL in Duval County, approximately 15 miles 
southwest of downtown Jacksonville. The EA addresses the potential 
environmental impacts of implementing the Proposed Action and the No 
Action Alternative of not issuing a Launch Site Operator License to 
JAA.
    The FAA has posted the Final EA and FONSI on the Internet at http://ast.faa.gov. In addition, CDs of the EA and FONSI were sent to persons 
and agencies on the distribution list (found in Chapter 7 of the EA). A 
paper copy and a CD version of the EA and FONSI will be made available 
for review at the following locations:

Jacksonville Public Library--Argyle Branch, 7973 Old Middleburg Road 
South, Jacksonville, FL 32222.
Jacksonville Public Library--Webb Wesconnett Regional, 6887 103rd 
Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210.
Jacksonville Public Library--West Regional, 1425 Chaffee Road South, 
Jacksonville, FL 32221.
Jacksonville Public Library--Main Branch, 303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, 
FL 32202.
Green Cove Springs Library, 403 Ferris St., Green Cove Springs, FL 
32043.

    Additional Information: Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would 
issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA that would allow them to 
operate Cecil Field for horizontal suborbital RLV launches. JAA has 
identified two types of horizontally launched RLVs, Concept X and 
Concept Z, which are considered typical vehicles that would be launched 
from Cecil Field. The RLVs would launch and land on Runway 18L-36R, the 
primary north-south runway at Cecil Field. Both proposed RLVs would 
take-off from Cecil Field under jet power. Rocket operations would 
occur in a designated offshore area, approximately 60 miles east of the 
Florida coast. The RLVs would return to Cecil Field as maneuverable 
gliders.
    JAA proposes to use Cecil Field's existing infrastructure, such as 
hangars, control tower, and runways for commercial space launch 
operations. Therefore, JAA does not anticipate new construction 
activities at Cecil Field related to the proposed spaceport.
    The only alternative to the Proposed Action analyzed in the EA is 
the No Action Alternative. Under this alternative, the FAA would not 
issue a Launch Site Operator License to JAA, and there would be no 
commercial space launches from Cecil Field. The site would continue to 
be available for existing general aviation and training-related 
activities.
    A wide-array of resource areas were considered to provide a context 
for understanding and assessing the potential environmental effects of 
the Proposed Action, with attention focused on key issues. The resource 
areas considered included climate and air quality; coastal resources; 
compatible land use; Department of Transportation Act: Section 4(f) 
resources; farmlands; fish, wildlife, and plants; floodplains; 
hazardous materials, pollution prevention, and solid waste; historical, 
architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources; light emissions 
and visual resources; natural resources, energy supply, and sustainable 
design; noise; socioeconomics; water quality; wetlands; wild and scenic 
rivers; children's environmental health and safety risks; environmental 
justice; construction impacts; secondary (induced) impacts; airports/
airport users; airspace; transportation; and cumulative impacts.

[[Page 32031]]

    The FAA published a Notice of Availability of the Draft Final EA 
and FONSI in the Federal Register on April 21, 2009. The FAA hosted a 
public meeting during the comment period, on May 14, 2009 in 
Jacksonville, Florida during which members of the public, 
organizations, tribal groups, and government agencies had the 
opportunity to provide oral or written comments on the Draft EA. Two 
members of the public provided comments during the meeting. The public 
comment period ended on May 20, 2009. One written comment was received 
during the public comment period. The Final EA responds to all 
substantive comments and includes any changes or edits resulting from 
the comments received.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Daniel Czelusniak, Environmental 
Specialist, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation 
Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 331, Washington, DC 
20591, telephone (202) 267-5924; E-mail [email protected].

    Issued in Washington, DC on June 29, 2009.
Michael McElligott,
Manager, Space Systems Development Division.
[FR Doc. E9-15872 Filed 7-2-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P