[Federal Register: July 15, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 135)]
[Notices]
[Page 41045-41046]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15jy05-86]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
[USCG-2005-21833]
Mark 11 Static Barrier Running Gear Entanglement System; Draft
Programmatic Environmental Assessment
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Draft
Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Draft Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Mark 11 Static Barrier Running Gear
Entanglement System (RGES). The Coast Guard is proposing to establish
and operate a Mark (MK) 11 Static Barrier RGES at various and currently
unknown U.S. ports throughout the U.S. Maritime Domain, when necessary.
The purpose of Proposed Action is to improve the Coast Guard's
capabilities to intercept and interdict small boats and watercraft. The
MK11 Static Barrier RGES would deliver an entanglement device which
would foul the propellers of unauthorized vessels attempting to
approach restricted areas. The MK 11 Static Barrier RGES would not
duplicate existing protective measures, but would provide
complimentary, non-redundant capabilities that would be able to close
significant readiness gaps in our nation's strategic ports.
DATES: You are invited to request a copy of the Draft PEA and Draft
FONSI and/or submit comments by August 26, 2005.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment
(PEA) and/or the Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be
available in the public
[[Page 41046]]
docket for this notice, which is available on line at http://dms.dot.gov.
You may also request a copy by one of the following means:
(1) Mail: Mr. Neal J. Armstrong, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters (G-
OCU-3), 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593.
(2) Fax: (202) 267-4415. Or,
(3) E-mail: narmstrong@comdt.uscg.mil.
In choosing from these means, please give due regard to the
continuing difficulties and delays associated with delivery of mail
through the U.S. Postal Service to federal facilities.
You may submit comments on the PEA and/or FONSI, identified by
Coast Guard docket number USCG-2005-21833, by one of the following
methods:
(1) Web Site: http://dms.dot.gov.
(2) Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.
(3) Fax: 202-493-2251. or,
(4) Delivery: Room PL-401 on the Plaza level of the Nassif
Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone
number for the Docket Management Facility is 202-366-9329.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about the
project, viewing or submitting material, or would like a copy of the
Draft PEA or FONSI, you may contact Mr. Neal Armstrong at (202) 267-
2572 or by e-mail at narmstrong@comdt.uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Request for Comments
We encourage you to submit comments and related materials on the
draft PEA and draft FONSI. Persons submitting comments should include
their names and addresses, this notice reference number (USCG-2005-
21833), and the reasons for each comment. You may submit your comments
and materials by mail, hand delivery, fax, or electronic means using
the information provided in the ADDRESSES section above. If you choose
to submit them by mail, submit them in an unbound format, no larger
than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, and suitable for copying and electronic
filing. If you submit them by mail and would like to know if they
reached the Coast Guard, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and materials
received during the comment period. For additional information about
this notice or the Draft PEA, contact Ms. Kebby Kelley at (202) 267-
6034 or Kkelley@comdt.uscg.mil.
Background Information
Domestic port safety and security has long been a core Coast Guard
mission. However, in the wake of the terrorist attacks committed on
September 11, 2001, emerging threats to the U.S. homeland have prompted
an increased Coast Guard focus on protecting domestic ports and the
U.S. Maritime Transportation System from terrorist threats.
As part of the U.S. response to these threats, the Coast Guard has
undertaken a PEA for the decision to establish and operate the MK 11
Static Barrier RGES at various and currently unknown U.S. ports
throughout the U.S. Maritime Domain, when necessary.
The MK 11 Static Barrier RGES would be used to provide a barrier
around a high value asset or to establish a ``line of demarcation''
thereby outlining a security or safety zone and allow security forces
sufficient time to react and counter a threat. The MK 11 Static Barrier
RGES would have a line that floats on the surface of the water, with
40-inch long loops spaced every 8 inches. Inflatable 15-inch buoys
would be placed every 100 feet. Lights would also be attached every 100
feet, midway between the floatation buoys. Anchoring systems would be
required every 200 feet.
The RGES could operate in typical harbor, anchorage, and wharf
environments including fresh, salt and brackish waters, in air and
water temperatures and thermoclines, as would typically be expected in
a port/harbor environment. U.S. Coast Guard personnel would provide a
continuous watch over the deployed MK 11 Static Barrier RGES.
Public input is important to the preparation of the Final PEA. Your
concerns and comments regarding the establishment and operation of MK
11 Static Barrier RGES and the possible environmental impacts are
important to the Coast Guard.
Dated: July 8, 2005.
Richard Button,
CDR, U.S. Coast Guard, Chief, Office of Cutter Training.
[FR Doc. 05-13957 Filed 7-14-05; 8:45 am]
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