80 FR 63845 - Geologic Trench Excavation for Paleoliquefaction Study at Garner and Stiles Sites

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 203 (October 21, 2015)

Page Range		63845-63846
FR Document		2015-26741

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts that may arise as a result of excavating trenches to observe geologic features for a paleoliquefaction research project at two sites located in northeastern Arkansas. The NRC has concluded that a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 203 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 203 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63845-63846]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26741]

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NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

[NRC-2012-0271]

Geologic Trench Excavation for Paleoliquefaction Study at Garner
and Stiles Sites

AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact;
issuance.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has prepared an
Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental
impacts that may arise as a result of excavating trenches to observe
geologic features for a paleoliquefaction research project at two sites
located in northeastern Arkansas. The NRC has concluded that a Finding
of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is appropriate.

DATES: October 21, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Please refer to Docket ID NRC-2012-0271 when contacting the
NRC about the availability of information regarding this document. You
may obtain publicly-available information related to this document
using any of the following methods:
Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID NRC-2012-0271. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol Gallagher; telephone: 301-415-
3463; email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For technical questions, contact
the individual listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of
this document.
NRC's Agencywide Documents Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may obtain publicly-available documents online in the
ADAMS Public Documents collection at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/adams.html. To begin the search, select ``ADAMS Public Documents'' and
then select ``Begin Web-based ADAMS Search.'' For problems with ADAMS,
please contact the NRC's Public Document Room (PDR) reference staff at
1-800-397-4209, 301-415-4737, or by email to pdr.resource@nrc.gov. The
ADAMS accession number for each document referenced (if it available in
ADAMS) is provided the first time that a document is referenced. The EA
and the associated FONSI are publicly available in ADAMS under
Accession No. ML15287A224.
NRC's PDR: You may examine and purchase copies of public
documents at the NRC's PDR, Room O1-F21, One White Flint North, 11555
Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20852.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Weaver, Office of Nuclear
Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC
20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-2383; email: Thomas.Weaver@nrc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Introduction

The NRC is performing a paleoliquefaction research project to
characterize past earthquakes in the Central and Eastern United States.
Geologic observations of paleoliquefaction, defined as historic or pre-
historic liquefaction, in excavated trenches are planned at two sites
in northeastern Arkansas. Liquefaction features are geologic features
such as sand blows and sand dikes formed during earthquakes as a result
of ground shaking and water pressure developed in the ground during
shaking. The results from this research will be used to update models
implemented in probabilistic seismic hazard analyses to characterize
ground motion at new nuclear power plant sites in accordance with the
NRC's regulation in section 100.23(d)(1) of title 10 of the Code of
Federal Regulations (10 CFR). The results of this research may also
implemented to re-evaluate seismic hazards at existing nuclear power
plant sites.
The NRC has prepared an EA to evaluate the potential environmental
impacts that may arise as a result of this research project in
accordance with the requirements of 10 CFR part 51, the NRC's
regulations that implement Section 102(2) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969, as amended. Based on the EA, and in accordance with
10 CFR 51.31(a), the NRC has concluded that a FONSI is appropriate. The
excavation of the trenches at the two sites in northeastern Arkansas
will commence following publication of this Notice.

II. EA Summary

The NRC has prepared the EA to evaluate the potential environmental
impacts of the excavation of the trenches at two sites in northeastern
Arkansas, described in the EA as the Garner and Stiles sites. In
accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the NRC staff requested informal
consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. No
concerns were identified for Federally-listed species or designated
critical habitat. This project is temporary, minimally invasive, and
will occur outside the critical nesting times for migratory birds.
The NRC determined that the proposed excavation of the trenches
will result in no adverse effects to any historic or cultural resources
that may be located at the Garner or Stiles sites. The NRC's evaluation
of archeologic artifacts discovered at the Garner site concludes that
the site is ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places
(NHRP). The Arkansas State Historic Preservation Officer stated in a
September 3, 2014, letter to the NRC that NHRP eligibility for the
Garner site is undetermined and noted that the proposed excavation of
the trenches is similar to NRHP significance testing. If significant
archeological material data is uncovered at the Garner site, the NRC

[[Page 63846]]

will complete the appropriate NRHP-eligibility testing. Portions of the
NRC contractor prepared site evaluation report, referenced in the EA,
have been redacted and are being withheld from public review for the
purpose of protecting potential archaeological and cultural resources
in accordance with Section 304 of the National Historic Preservation
Act of 1966, as amended (54 U.S.C. 307103).
In its September 3, 2014 letter, the Arkansas State Historic
Preservation Officer (SHPO) was supportive of the proposed excavation
of the trenches at both sites. The Arkansas SHPO concurred with the NRC
regarding no adverse effects at the Stiles site. The Quapaw Tribe has
concurred with the Arkansas SHPO findings.
The NRC has determined that there will be no significant impacts to
any other resource areas (e.g., surface water, groundwater, air
quality) as a result of the proposed excavation of the trenches.

III. Finding of No Significant Impact

On the basis of the EA and as further described in the FONSI, the
NRC has concluded that there are no significant environmental impacts
from the proposed excavation of the trenches and has determined not to
prepare an environmental impact statement.

Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 14th day of October, 2015.

For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
John P. Burke,
Chief, Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic Engineering Branch,
Division of Engineering, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research.
[FR Doc. 2015-26741 Filed 10-20-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590-01-P

63846 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 203 / Wednesday, October 21, 2015 / Notices

will complete the appropriate NRHP- presentations by and hold discussions NUCLEAR REGULATORY
eligibility testing. Portions of the NRC with the NRC staff, and other interested COMMISSION
contractor prepared site evaluation persons regarding this matter. The
report, referenced in the EA, have been Subcommittee will gather information, Advisory Committee on Reactor
redacted and are being withheld from analyze relevant issues and facts, and Safeguards
public review for the purpose of formulate proposed positions and
protecting potential archaeological and actions, as appropriate, for deliberation Procedures for Meetings
cultural resources in accordance with by the Full Committee. Background
Section 304 of the National Historic Members of the public desiring to
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended provide oral statements and/or written This notice describes procedures to be
(54 U.S.C. 307103). comments should notify the Designated followed with respect to meetings
In its September 3, 2014 letter, the Federal Official (DFO), Christina conducted by the U.S. Nuclear
Arkansas State Historic Preservation Antonescu (Telephone 301–415–6792 or Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s)
Officer (SHPO) was supportive of the Email: Christina.Antonescu@nrc.gov) Advisory Committee on Reactor
proposed excavation of the trenches at five days prior to the meeting, if Safeguards (ACRS) pursuant to the
both sites. The Arkansas SHPO possible, so that appropriate Federal Advisory Committee Act
concurred with the NRC regarding no arrangements can be made. Thirty-five (FACA). These procedures are set forth
adverse effects at the Stiles site. The hard copies of each presentation or so that they may be incorporated by
Quapaw Tribe has concurred with the handout should be provided to the DFO reference in future notices for
Arkansas SHPO findings. thirty minutes before the meeting. In individual meetings.
The NRC has determined that there addition, one electronic copy of each The ACRS is a statutory advisory
will be no significant impacts to any presentation should be emailed to the Committee established by Congress to
other resource areas (e.g., surface water, DFO one day before the meeting. If an review and report on nuclear safety
groundwater, air quality) as a result of electronic copy cannot be provided matters and applications for the
the proposed excavation of the trenches. within this timeframe, presenters licensing of nuclear facilities. The
should provide the DFO with a CD Committee’s reports become a part of
III. Finding of No Significant Impact
containing each presentation at least the public record.
On the basis of the EA and as further The ACRS meetings are conducted in
thirty minutes before the meeting.
described in the FONSI, the NRC has accordance with FACA; they are
Electronic recordings will be permitted
concluded that there are no significant normally open to the public and provide
only during those portions of the
environmental impacts from the opportunities for oral or written
meeting that are open to the public.
proposed excavation of the trenches and statements from members of the public
Detailed procedures for the conduct of
has determined not to prepare an to be considered as part of the
and participation in ACRS meetings
environmental impact statement. Committee’s information gathering
were published in the Federal Register
Dated at Rockville, Maryland this 14th day on October 1, 2014 (79 FR 59307). process. ACRS reviews do not normally
of October, 2015. encompass matters pertaining to
Detailed meeting agendas and meeting
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. transcripts are available on the NRC environmental impacts other than those
John P. Burke, Web site at http://www.nrc.gov/reading- related to radiological safety.
Chief, Structural, Geotechnical, and Seismic rm/doc-collections/acrs. Information The ACRS meetings are not
Engineering Branch, Division of Engineering, regarding topics to be discussed, adjudicatory hearings such as those
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research. changes to the agenda, whether the conducted by the NRC’s Atomic Safety
[FR Doc. 2015–26741 Filed 10–20–15; 8:45 am] meeting has been canceled or and Licensing Board Panel as part of the
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P rescheduled, and the time allotted to Commission’s licensing process.
present oral statements can be obtained General Rules Regarding ACRS Full
from the Web site cited above or by Committee Meetings
NUCLEAR REGULATORY contacting the identified DFO.
COMMISSION Moreover, in view of the possibility that An agenda will be published in the
the schedule for ACRS meetings may be Federal Register for each full
Advisory Committee on Reactor Committee meeting. There may be a
adjusted by the Chairman as necessary
Safeguards (ACRS); Meeting of the need to make changes to the agenda to
to facilitate the conduct of the meeting,
ACRS Subcommittee on Digital I&C; facilitate the conduct of the meeting.
persons planning to attend should check
Notice of Meeting The Chairman of the Committee is
with these references if such
The ACRS Subcommittee on Digital rescheduling would result in a major empowered to conduct the meeting in a
I&C will hold a briefing on November inconvenience. manner that, in his/her judgment will
19, 2015, Room T–2B1, 11545 Rockville facilitate the orderly conduct of
If attending this meeting, please enter
Pike, Rockville, Maryland. business, including making provisions
through the One White Flint North
The meeting will be open to public to continue the discussion of matters
building, 11555 Rockville Pike,
attendance with the exception of not completed on the scheduled day on
Rockville, MD. After registering with
portions that may be closed to protect another day of the same meeting.
security, please contact Mr. Theron
information that is proprietary pursuant Persons planning to attend the meeting
Brown (Telephone 240–888–9835) to be
to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4). The agenda for may contact the Designated Federal
escorted to the meeting room.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

the subject meeting shall be as follows: Officer (DFO) specified in the Federal
Dated: October 15, 2015. Register Notice prior to the meeting to
Thursday, November 19, 2015—1:00 Peter Wen, be advised of any changes to the agenda
p.m. Until 5:00 p.m. Acting Chief, Technical Support Branch, that may have occurred.
The Subcommittee will review the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards. The following requirements shall
Cyber Security SECY paper on Control [FR Doc. 2015–26736 Filed 10–20–15; 8:45 am] apply to public participation in ACRS
of Access. The Subcommittee will hear BILLING CODE 7590–01–P Full Committee meetings:

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Document Created: 2018-02-27 08:53:51
Document Modified: 2018-02-27 08:53:51

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact; issuance.
Dates		October 21, 2015.
Contact		Thomas Weaver, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001; telephone: 301-415-2383; email: [email protected]
FR Citation		80 FR 63845