[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 213 (Monday, November 4, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65975-65976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26329]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Docket ID: DoD-2013-OS-0196]


Notice of Availability (NOA) for Strategic Network Optimization 
(SNO) Environmental Assessment Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

AGENCY: Defense Logistics Agency, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability (NOA) for Strategic Network Optimization 
(SNO) Environmental Assessment (EA) Finding of No Significant Impact 
(FONSI).

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SUMMARY: On September 20, 2013, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) 
published a NOA in the Federal Register (78 FR 57845) announcing the 
publication of the Strategic Network Optimization EA. The EA was 
available for a 30-day public comment period which ended October 19, 
2013. The EA was prepared as required under the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) (1969). In addition, the EA complied with DLA 
Regulation (DLAR) 1000.22. No comments were received during the comment 
period. This FONSI documents the decision of DLA to select the Global 
Distribution Network alternative to implement the SNO Program for the 
Department of Defense (DoD). DLA has determined that the proposed 
action was not a major federal action significantly affecting the 
quality of the human environment within the context of NEPA and that no 
significant impacts on the human environment are associated with this 
decision.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Engelberger at (703) 767-0705 
during normal business hours Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 
4:30 p.m. (EST) or by email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SNO Program originated in June 2009 at 
DOD to: (1) Improve the distribution process, (2) improve surface and 
air delivery performance, (3) stage inventories in forward locations in 
anticipation of future demand, (4) optimize the distribution network 
and (5) generate cost savings/avoidances. In January 2012, the DoD's 
Joint Logistics Board (JLB) approved a course of action for Phase I to 
implement the SNO Program. The development of the SNO Program adheres 
to the intent of the JLB decision.
    Purpose and Need for Action: The purpose of the SNO Program is to 
improve DLA's distribution network, including supply, distribution, 
disposition and transportation of materials for warfighter support. The 
SNO Program is needed to reduce operating costs and maintain 
operational readiness.
    Proposed Action and Alternatives: Under the Proposed Action, DLA 
would optimize the DoD distribution network with a reconfigured 
transportation network as the critical factor in reducing costs and 
maintaining or improving service levels to end customer.
    DLA would expand the existing Forward Flow Network from two main 
distribution hubs (DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California and DLA 
Distribution Susquehanna, Pennsylvania) to three hubs by adding DLA 
Distribution Red River, Texas. DLA Distribution Red River is an 
existing DoD facility, so no new construction is required. DLA would 
also optimize the DoD Reverse Flow Network (disposing of excess 
property) by reducing the number of current customer service locations, 
co-locating with existing DLA distribution centers, instituting process 
changes and personnel restructuring.
    As an alternative to the reconfigured Global Distribution Network, 
DLA considered taking no action. Under the no action alternative, DLA 
would continue the current storage, distribution, disposition and 
transportation networks. The no action alternative would not satisfy 
the project's purpose and need; however, the alternative was included 
in the environmental analysis to provide a baseline for comparison with 
the proposed action and was analyzed in accordance with Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations for implementing NEPA.
    Potential Environmental Impacts: Potential environmental impacts of 
the reconfigured Global Distribution Network alternative have been 
assessed and compared to the impacts of the no action alternative with 
following impacts:
     No significant impacts to transportation resulting from 
the reduction in travel time from distribution hub to installation.
     Any slight increase in activity from the change in the 
type of distribution at the San Joaquin and Susquehanna sites would not 
alter existing emissions from mobile sources, resulting in no 
significant impacts.
     An increase in emissions from mobile sources at DLA 
Distribution Red River, with more daily truck trips in and out of the 
facility. Emissions from this increase would however be localized and 
would not be expected to impact national or regional emission levels or 
the attainment status of Bowie County, resulting in no significant 
impacts to air quality.

[[Page 65976]]

     A beneficial impact to socioeconomics from a boost in 
primary, secondary and induced employment at DLA Distribution Red River 
associated with the potential increase in transportation requirements 
at this facility.
     No significant impacts to land use from the increased 
activity at DLA Distribution Red River.
    Determination: DLA has determined that implementation of the 
reconfigured Global Distribution Network will not have a significant 
effect on the human environment. Human environment was interpreted 
comprehensively to include the natural and physical environment and the 
relationship of people with that environment. Specifically, no highly 
uncertain or controversial impacts, unique or unknown risk or 
cumulatively significant effects were identified. Implementation of the 
reconfigured Global Distribution Network will not violate any federal, 
state or local laws. Based on the results of the analyses performed 
during the preparation of the programmatic environmental assessment, 
David Rodriguez, Director, DLA Installation Support, concludes the 
selection of the reconfigured Global Distribution Network to implement 
the SNO Program does not constitute a major federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the 
context of NEPA. Therefore, an environmental impact statement for the 
proposed action is not required.

    Dated: October 30, 2013.
Aaron Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2013-26329 Filed 11-1-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 5001-06-P