[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 26, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70529-70530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28238]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service


Notice of Availability for the Final Environmental Assessment 
(EA) and Finding No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Cotton Quality 
Research Station Land Transfer

AGENCY: Agricultural Research Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
(USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has made a FONSI for 
transferring the land and real estate at the Cotton Quality Research 
Station (CQRS) in Clemson, SC, to Clemson University. The FONSI 
document is based on impact analysis documented in the EA that was 
issued for 30-day public comment beginning July 18, 2013, and that was 
finalized on August 28, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cal Mather, Environmental Protection 
Specialist, USDA ARS SHEMB, NCAUR, 1815 North University Street, Room 
2060, Peoria, Illinois 61604; Telephone: 309-681-6608 or email: 
[email protected]. You may contact Mr. Mather for a copy of the 
FONSI document. Copies of the Final EA and FONSI are also available for 
public inspection during normal business hours at the following Web 
site and locations:
     www.clemson.edu/usda-property
     Former CQRS, 133 Old Cherry Road, Clemson, SC 29631
     Strom Thurmond Institute, Special Collections, 230 Kappa 
St., Clemson, SC 29634

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal 
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the United 
States Department of Agriculture USDA has prepared an EA for the 
proposed transfer of approximately 10 acres of land and facilities at 
the Cotton Quality Research Station (CQRS) from the USDA Agricultural 
Research Service ARS in Clemson, South Carolina, to Clemson University 
Research Farm Services. As a condition of the transfer, Clemson 
University is committed to using the property for agricultural research 
for a period of 25 years, supporting the strategic goals of USDA and 
establishing a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program in accordance 
with the Memorandum of Understanding, effective March 27, 2013. Clemson 
University will assume responsibility and maintenance of the 
constructed facilities and land to be conveyed from USDA.
    The property was developed to function as a cotton gin and was 
converted by USDA for use in the ARS research program. USDA ARS and 
Clemson University have both utilized the property for agricultural 
research and development programs since the 1970s. The facility was 
closed under Public Law (PL) 112-55, Consolidated and Further 
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012. In August 2012, a 5-year revocable 
permit was issued between USDA and Clemson University that allows 
Clemson University to utilize the Property for a Beginning Farmers and 
Ranchers Program and conduct a wide range of research, teaching, 
extension, and demonstration activities. Since August 2012 it has been 
operated by Clemson University under this permit. Under the terms of 
the PL, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to formally 
transfer the Property from USDA to Clemson University.
    The property transfer will be done with no monetary cost to Clemson 
University and a Quit Claim Deed will be prepared by the USDA to convey 
the title/property rights to the University. The Quit Claim Deed will 
incorporate any use restrictions identified by the NEPA process, as 
well as the 25-year use restriction for agricultural and natural 
resources research as required by Section 732 of the PL.
    Two alternatives are analyzed in the Final EA, the No Action 
Alternative and the Proposed Action. The Final EA addresses potential 
impacts of these alternatives on the natural and human environment.
     Alternative 1--No Action. The USDA would retain possession 
of the 10 acres of land and facilities at the 133 Old Cherry Road 
Property. USDA would no longer operate and/or maintain the property and 
current research operations at the property would cease. USDA does not 
have adequate resources to operate and/or maintain the property, which 
would likely fall into disrepair.
     Alternative 2--Proposed Action. The USDA would formally 
transfer 10 acres of land at the 133 Old Cherry Road Property to 
Clemson University. As a condition of the transfer, Clemson University 
would commit to using the Property for agricultural and natural 
resources research for a period of 25 years, supporting the strategic 
goals of USDA and establishing a Beginning Farmers and Ranchers 
Program. Clemson University would assume responsibility and maintenance 
of the constructed facilities and land to be conveyed from USDA.

[[Page 70530]]

    In addition, one alternative was considered in the Final EA but 
eliminated from detailed study. In this alternative, USDA would retain 
possession of the land and it would be transferred to the General 
Services Administration for disposal. Since it cannot reasonably be 
determined who would ultimately take possession of the property and how 
it would be utilized, it was not analyzed in detail in the EA.
    The USDA used and coordinated the NEPA commenting process to 
satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470(f) as provided for in 36 CFR 
800.2(d)(3)). One public comment was received during the public comment 
period but it did not identify any substantial evidence regarding 
adverse environmental impacts resulting from the proposed land transfer 
and did not warrant a change in the Final EA.
Based on its analysis of the Final EA for the property transfer, ARS 
has found that transferring the land and buildings to Clemson 
University would have no significant impact on the quality of the human 
environment. Therefore, ARS will not prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement for this proposed action.

    Dated: November 19, 2013.
Caird E. Rexroad, Jr.,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural Research Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-28238 Filed 11-25-13; 8:45 am]
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