[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 28 (Friday, February 10, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 7214]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3082]


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POSTAL SERVICE


Notice of Availability: Programmatic Environmental Assessment for 
Mail Processing Network Rationalization Initiative (Formerly Known as 
the ``Network Optimization'' Initiative), Nationwide

AGENCY: Postal Service.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment.

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SUMMARY: To comply with the requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA), the Postal Service has prepared and is making 
available a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Mail 
Processing Network Rationalization Initiative (the ``Proposed 
Action''), which is national in scope. This PEA evaluated the 
environmental impacts of the Proposed Action versus taking No Action. 
Based on the results of the PEA, the Postal Service has issued a 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) indicating that the Proposed 
Action will not have a significant impact on the environment.

DATES: The PEA and FONSI are available as of February 6, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties may direct questions or requests for 
additional information, including requests for copies of the PEA and 
FONSI documents, to: Mr. Thomas G. Day, Chief Sustainability Officer, 
U.S. Postal Service, 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW., Room 2737, Washington, DC 
20260; (202) 268-7488.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Postal Service is undertaking a Mail 
Processing Network Rationalization Initiative to create a more 
streamlined processing and distribution network using fewer facilities 
to handle an existing and projected decline in mail volumes. The 
proposal under consideration includes possible closure or consolidation 
of mail processing for approximately 250 processing facilities, 
reducing mail processing equipment by as much as 50 percent, 
dramatically decreasing the nationwide transportation network, 
adjusting the mail processing workforce size by as many as 35,000 
positions, and revising service standards for mail services, including 
the elimination of the expectation of overnight service for significant 
portions of First-Class Mail and Periodicals.
    Pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Postal Service's implementing procedures at 39 
CFR part 775, and the President's Council on Environmental Quality 
Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the Postal Service has prepared a 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) to evaluate the 
environmental impacts of the Proposed Action versus the No Action 
Alternative. Based on the results of the PEA, the Postal Service has 
issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) indicating that the 
Proposed Action will not have a significant impact on the environment.
    The No Action Alternative was analyzed as an alternative to the 
Proposed Action. Based upon the No Action Alternative, the Postal 
Service would not implement the Mail Processing Network Rationalization 
Initiative. Postal Service mail processing operations would continue 
essentially as is, at current capacity. No consolidation or closure of 
mail processing facilities, modification of current service standards 
for First-Class Mail and Periodicals, scaling back of the nationwide 
transportation network, or workforce adjustments would occur. Under the 
No Action Alternative the Postal Service would maintain current 
operating methods and protocols and would continue to operate at a 
budget deficit due to insufficient income to maintain current operating 
expenses.

Stanley F. Mires,
Attorney, Legal Policy & Legislative Advice.
[FR Doc. 2012-3082 Filed 2-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-12-P