[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 223 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71583-71584]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-29766]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection


Notice of Availability of Finding of No Significant Impact for 
Field Release of Insects for Biological Control of Carrizo Cane

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is advising the 
public of the availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI) for its support of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 
research and field release of two insects, the Arundo scale and the 
Arundo wasp as biological control agents for the non-native and 
invasive Carrizo cane in the continental United States. To reach this 
FONSI, CBP examined two Environmental Assessments (EAs) prepared by 
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), performed 
independent analyses of those EAs, and reached its own findings. The 
two EAs (APHIS 2009 and 2010) are also being made available through 
CBP.

DATES: The FONSI is available beginning on November 18, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FONSI may be obtained by accessing either of 
the following Web sites: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/ti/ti_docs/carrizo_fonsi.xml, or http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/laws/editorial_0850.shtm under Environmental Assessments; or by sending a 
request to Christopher Colacicco of CBP by telephone: (202) 344-1085; 
by fax: (202) 344-1250; by email: [email protected]; 
or by writing to: CBP, Attn: Christopher Colacicco, 1300 Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20229.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Colacicco, CBP, Border 
Patrol Facilities and Tactical Information Program Management Office, 
telephone (202) 344-1085, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background Information

    The non-native invasive weed species, Carrizo cane, Arundo donax 
(Poaceae), is prevalent along the southern border of the United States 
and is an impediment to border security. Among other things, it 
obscures Border Patrol agents' lines of sight and provides cover to 
individuals who are attempting to enter the United States illegally. 
Accordingly, effective control of Carrizo cane is critical in 
preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons, drugs, and other 
contraband from entering the United States and in providing a safer 
work environment for Border Patrol agents. CBP has evaluated various 
methods of controlling Carrizo cane, including the application of 
herbicides and mechanical removal; however, CBP remains interested in 
evaluating other methods of controlling Carrizo cane.

ARS Biological Control Research

    The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is conducting research

[[Page 71584]]

into the use of two insects as biological control agents for Carrizo 
cane: The Arundo wasp, Tetramesa romana Walker (Hymenoptera: 
Eurytomidae), and Arundo scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Hemiptera: 
Diaspididae). CBP has recognized the potential utility of biological 
control agents to help control Carrizo cane. Under the authority of 7 
U.S.C. 3318(b), CBP and USDA entered into a non-assistive cooperative 
agreement in support of research into biological controls for Carrizo 
cane. In accordance with this agreement, CBP plans to provide funding 
and other support to ARS through fiscal years 2012 and 2013 for 
research regarding the release of the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale in 
the United States and to coordinate deployment of these biological 
control agents for Carrizo cane. Additional funding or support may be 
provided after 2013 if funds are available and the biological controls 
appear effective. The coordination will take the form of agreements 
regarding the locations where ARS will release the Arundo wasp and 
Arundo scale and the provision of access to CBP-controlled property for 
ARS studies. The goal of the program is to determine if biological 
control is an effective option for reducing Carrizo cane density. 
Reducing Carrizo cane density is likely to increase visibility along 
the border, thereby meeting CBP's operational needs.

USDA Environmental Assessments

    USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed 
two Environmental Assessments (EAs) that evaluated the potential 
environmental impacts related to the release of these two insects as 
biological control agents for the control of Carrizo cane.
    On March 6, 2009, APHIS issued an EA that evaluated a range of 
alternatives and strategies to ensure protection of the environment 
associated with the release of the Arundo wasp in the continental 
United States. The Arundo wasp is a non-stinging wasp that feeds and 
resides only on Carrizo cane and is known to pose no threat to humans 
or other animals. A 30 day public comment period was provided, and 10 
comments were received. After consideration of the comments, APHIS 
issued a final EA and a FONSI for the release of the Arundo wasp on 
April 10, 2009. See 74 FR 21311.
    On November 12, 2010, APHIS issued an EA that evaluated a range of 
alternatives and strategies to ensure protection of the environment 
associated with the release of Arundo scale in the continental United 
States. A 30 day public comment period was provided, and 11 comments 
were received. After consideration of the comments, APHIS issued a 
final EA and a FONSI for the release of Arundo scale on December 15, 
2010. See 76 FR 8708.
    These documents are posted on the APHIS Web site at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ea/downloads/Tetramesa-romana-ea.pdf 
and http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/ea/downloads/RhizaspidiotusdonacisEA-Fonsi.pdf. Links to these documents may also be 
found on the CBP Web site: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/border_security/ti/ti_docs/carrizo_fonsi.xml.

Adoption of the APHIS EAs and CBP's Issuance of a FONSI

    Following independent analysis and review of the APHIS EAs, CBP has 
adopted the APHIS EAs regarding the Arundo wasp and Arundo scale. Based 
on this analysis and review, CBP has determined that the release of the 
Arundo wasp and Arundo scale in CBP-controlled areas will not have a 
significant effect on the environment, and thus has issued a FONSI. 
Copies of the FONSI may be obtained as described in the ADDRESSES 
section of this document.

NEPA

    This environmental analysis was conducted in accordance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq., the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing 
the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and Department of Homeland Security 
Directive 023-01 (renumbered from 5100.1), Environmental Planning 
Program (April 19, 2006).

    Dated: November 3, 2011.
 Karl H. Calvo,
Executive Director, Facilities Management and Engineering, Office of 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2011-29766 Filed 11-17-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P