80 FR 35696 - Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Obstruction Removal Project for the Duluth-Sky Harbor Airport (DYT) in Duluth, MN

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 119 (June 22, 2015)

The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the FAA has prepared and approved (May 8, 2015) a FONSI/ROD based on the Final EA for the DYT Obstruction Removal Project. The Final EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, FAA Orders 1050.1E, ``Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures'' and 5050.4B, ``NEPA Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions''.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 119 (Monday, June 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35696-35697]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15273]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) 
and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for 
the Obstruction Removal Project for the Duluth-Sky Harbor Airport (DYT) 
in Duluth, MN

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public that the 
FAA has prepared and approved (May 8, 2015) a FONSI/ROD based on the 
Final EA for the DYT Obstruction Removal Project. The Final EA was 
prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969, as amended, FAA Orders 1050.1E, ``Environmental 
Impacts: Policies and Procedures'' and 5050.4B, ``NEPA Implementing 
Instructions for Airport Actions''.

DATES: This notice is effective June 22, 2015.

[[Page 35697]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Josh Fitzpatrick, Environmental 
Protection Specialist, FAA Dakota-Minnesota Airports District Office 
(ADO), 6020 28th Avenue South, Suite 102, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
55450. Telephone number is (612) 253-4639. Copies of the FONSI/ROD and/
or Final EA are available upon written request by contacting Mr. Josh 
Fitzpatrick through the contact information above.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Final EA evaluated the DYT Obstruction 
Removal Project. The purpose of the project is to provide a safe 
airport facility that will meet FAA and MnDOT aeronautics design and 
operation requirements and safely maintain adequate runways with clear 
approach surfaces for local, regional, and interregional aviation 
users.
    The FAA and the Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) jointly prepared the 
Final EA, pursuant to the requirements of the NEPA and the Minnesota 
Environmental Policy Act, respectively. A joint Federal-State EA was 
prepared.
    Chapter 2 of the Final EA identified and evaluated all reasonable 
alternatives. Numerous alternatives were considered but eventually 
discarded for not meeting the purpose and need. Three alternatives (No 
Action, Alternative 5a Short, and Alternative 13) were examined in 
detail. After careful analysis and consultation with various resource 
agencies, the DAA selected Alternative 5a Short as the preferred 
alternative. Alternative 5a Short satisfies the purpose and need while 
minimizing impacts.
    Alternative 5a Short includes the construction of a rotated and 
shortened runway. Compared to the existing runway, the new runway would 
be shortened by 450 feet and rotated five degrees (Runway 32 end) into 
Superior Bay. The primary surface would be graded and the parallel 
taxiway reconstructed at a separation of 150 feet. The existing Medium 
Intensity Runway Lights (MIRLs), Runway End Identifier Lights (REILs), 
Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) and Medium Intensity Taxiway 
Lights (MITLs) would be relocated or replaced. Existing pavements would 
be removed and previously paved areas would be restored with native 
vegetation.
    Alternative 5a Short includes placing approximately 69,800 cubic 
yards of soil for runway construction (combined in water and on land), 
50,000 cubic yards of surcharge (fill to be placed in order to compact 
soft soils, and then removed) and 25,000 tons of riprap over a total 
project area of 29.47 acres. The project will not impact the Scientific 
Natural Area.
    Based on the analysis in the Final EA, the FAA has determined that 
Alternative 5a Short will not result in significant impacts to 
resources identified in accordance with FAA Orders 1050.1E and 5054.4B. 
Therefore, an environmental impact statement will not be prepared.

    Issued in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 8, 2015.
Christopher Hugunin,
Manager, Dakota-Minnesota Airports District Office, FAA, Great Lakes 
Region.
[FR Doc. 2015-15273 Filed 6-19-15; 8:45 am]
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