[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 135 (Thursday, July 14, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41453-41454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-17764]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RIN 0648-XL85]


Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Replacement of 
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science 
Center in La Jolla, CA

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement (SEIS); request for comments.

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SUMMARY: NOAA announces its intention to prepare an SEIS in accordance 
with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on 
Environmental Quality Regulations, and NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 
Environmental Review Procedures for Implementing the National 
Environmental Policy Act. This SEIS is being prepared to reflect 
substantial changes in the proposed action that are relevant to 
environmental concerns. The proposed changes to be analyzed in the SEIS 
are related to the replacement of the facilities and were not 
previously analyzed in the Final EIS/Environmental Impact Report (EIR) 
dated April 2009. The University of California San Diego may also 
prepare an Addendum to the Final EIS/EIR in accordance with the 
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

DATES: Written comments and input will be accepted on or before August 
15, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Written comments should be sent to Robb Gries, Project 
Engineer, NOAA, Project Planning & Management--Western Region, 7600 
Sand Point Way, NE., BIN C15700, Seattle, WA 98115; e-mail 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robb Gries, NOAA Project Engineer, 
at the address provided above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Since completion of the Final EIS/EIR, 
substantial changes are being made to the scope of actions originally 
proposed

[[Page 41454]]

by NOAA on property currently occupied and managed by NOAA. The 
proposed changes involve demolition of the majority of the NOAA 
Southwest West Fisheries Science Center Building A and establishment of 
a geohazard stabilization system consisting of tie-backs to secure 
foundations for the remaining structure (Building D) and access areas. 
The tie-back system requires more substantial excavation to be 
installed within a geologically sensitive coastal bluff.
    Consistent with 40 CFR 1502.9(c)(1)(i), this SEIS will focus on the 
environmental effects of the proposed changes and feasible alternatives 
including the no-action alternative, and analyze the potential effects 
to affected resources such as: Geological conditions, hydraulic 
processes, construction noise, traffic/pedestrian circulation, air 
emissions, and protected wildlife. While scoping meetings are not being 
held for the SEIS, NOAA is requesting written comments and input, 
including, but not limited to, technical information related to the 
proposed actions, information regarding potentially affected resources 
in the area, and community interests or concerns on the potential for 
environmental effects of the proposed action and alternatives. NOAA 
will also rely on prior scoping documents and comments received during 
preparation of the original FEIS/EIR. Additional public involvement 
opportunities associated with this SEIS will occur, including a public 
comment period on the Supplemental Draft EIS to be announced as a 
Notice of Availability in the Federal Register.

    Dated: July 8, 2011.
William F. Broglie,
Chief Administrative Officer, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011-17764 Filed 7-13-11; 8:45 am]
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