81 FR 94425 - National Environmental Policy Act: Kennedy Space Center-Center Master Plan

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 247 (December 23, 2016)

Page Range		94425-94426
FR Document		2016-30907

NASA has prepared and issued a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (FPEIS) for implementation of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Center Master Plan (CMP). The purpose of the CMP is to provide overall management guidance for KSC from 2016 to 2032. Implementation of the CMP will facilitate a two-decade transformation from a single, government-user launch complex to a multi-user spaceport. This multi-user spaceport will be developed in concert with NASA's programmatic missions and requirements to explore destinations outside of low Earth orbit. The need for the action is to update KSC's CMP in a manner that supports achievement of NASA's programmatic mission objectives, at the same time as maximizing the provision of excess capabilities and assets in support of non-NASA access to space.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 247 (Friday, December 23, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 247 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 94425-94426]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-30907]


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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

[Notice (16-091)]


National Environmental Policy Act: Kennedy Space Center--Center 
Master Plan

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ACTION: Notice of Availability (NOA)

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SUMMARY: NASA has prepared and issued a Final Programmatic 
Environmental Impact Statement (FPEIS) for implementation of the 
Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Center Master Plan (CMP). The purpose of the 
CMP is to provide overall management guidance for KSC from 2016 to 
2032. Implementation of the CMP will facilitate a two-decade 
transformation from a single, government-user launch complex to a 
multi-user spaceport. This multi-user spaceport will be developed in 
concert with NASA's programmatic missions and requirements to explore 
destinations outside of low Earth orbit. The need for the action is to 
update KSC's CMP in a manner that supports achievement of NASA's 
programmatic mission objectives, at the same time as maximizing the 
provision of excess capabilities and assets in support of non-NASA 
access to space.

DATES: NASA will issue a Record of Decision (ROD) for the FPEIS on the 
proposed KSC CMP either by December 19, 2016, or after 30 days from the 
date of publication of the NOA for the PFEIS in the Federal Register by 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whichever is later.

ADDRESSES: The FPEIS may be reviewed at the NASA Headquarters Library 
(Washington, DC), as well as public libraries in Florida including New 
Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Port St. John, Cape 
Canaveral and Titusville. Limited hard copies of the PFEIS are 
available and may be requested by contacting Mr. Donald Dankert at the 
address, telephone number, or electronic mail address indicated below. 
The PFEIS is available electronically to download and read at http://environmental.ksc.nasa.gov/projects/peis.htm. NASA's ROD will also be 
placed on this Web site when it is issued. Anyone who desires a hard 
copy of NASA's ROD when it is issued should contact Mr. Dankert.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Donald Dankert, Environmental 
Management Branch, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Mail Code: TA-A4C, 
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899, Email: [email protected], 
Telephone: (321) 861-1196.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as Amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the 
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the 
Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and NASA NEPA 
regulations (14 CFR part 1216 subpart 1216.3), NASA has prepared and 
issued a PFEIS for implementation of the CMP.
    Overall, KSC is transitioning to a re-focused mission that 
redefines its relationship with industry and leverages the potential of 
partnerships. Amid the challenges of an aging and unsustainable asset 
base, as well as a highly constrained federal budget, NASA must adopt 
and implement strategies that preserve the institutional infrastructure 
needed to support its purpose and programs.
    This FPEIS is a programmatic document. In keeping with guidance 
from CEQ, the FPEIS outlines and broadly describes actions associated 
with KSC's proposed programs in the

[[Page 94426]]

limited detail with which they are known at present. Three programmatic 
alternatives are described--No Action, Proposed Action, and Alternative 
1--and their potential environmental effects are assessed in fairly 
general terms. At such time as a given specific project of detailed 
dimensions and scale is proposed at a specific location, and is in the 
process of being reviewed and approved, the FPEIS can serve as a master 
NEPA document to which future NEPA compliance documents may be 
``tiered''. That is, having already been addressed at a programmatic 
level, the action or project can incorporate discussion from the 
broader FPEIS by reference and focus on the issues specific to the 
subsequent tiered proposal. Ideally, this will serve to expedite the 
environmental review process and facilitate project approval, funding, 
and implementation. The FPEIS provides an overview of the affected 
environment at and near the Kennedy Space Center and the potential 
environmental consequences associated with the Proposed Action and 
alternatives. There would be a number of direct and indirect adverse 
impacts but none that are considered to be significantly adverse. 
Beneficial impacts would also occur. Under each of the three 
alternatives evaluated, NASA would continue to work closely with its 
partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park 
Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Space Florida, Cape Canaveral 
Air Force Station, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and state agencies.
    Of the three alternatives considered in the FPEIS, NASA prefers 
Alternative 1. This alternative would allow for implementation of the 
CMP while at the same time protecting natural resources and the 
environment to a greater extent than the Proposed Action.
    As a result of comments received during internal and external 
(public) scoping, NASA developed three alternatives that are assessed 
in this FPEIS. Under the first of these, the Proposed Action, KSC would 
transition to a multi-user spaceport. A number of new land uses are 
proposed, including two seaports and horizontal and vertical launch and 
landing facilities. There would be changes in the acreage of existing 
designated land use categories at KSC. Alternative 1 was crafted as a 
direct response to concerns expressed in comments received during the 
PEIS public scoping period in June 2014, as well as other observations 
and data acquired from stakeholders and other agencies during the 
scoping process. Alternative 1 is similar to the Proposed Action in 
many regards, but is differentiated in several key respects, primarily, 
differences in the siting and size of vertical and horizontal launch 
and landing facilities. Also, the two new seaports would not be 
constructed.
    In the No Action Alternative, KSC management would continue its 
emphasis on dedicated NASA Programs and would not transition in the 
coming years towards a multi-user spaceport. Rather, each NASA Program 
would continue to be operated as an independent entity to a significant 
degree, to be funded separately, and to manage activities and buildings 
in support of its own program. There would continue to be a limited 
non-NASA presence at KSC. Under the three PEIS alternatives, there 
would be differences in the sizes of the areas of designated land uses 
at KSC. These varying acreages are a function of the different 
emphases, priorities, and projects of the three PEIS alternatives. Only 
in the recreation and water categories are the acreages identical in 
all three alternatives.
    The PFEIS assesses potential environmental impacts for all three 
alternatives under the topics of soils and geology, water resources, 
hazardous materials and waste, air quality, climate change, noise, 
biological resources, cultural resources, land use, transportation, 
utilities, socioeconomics, recreation, environmental justice, and 
protection of children.

Cheryl E. Parker,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Mission Support Directorate.
[FR Doc. 2016-30907 Filed 12-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7510-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 247 / Friday, December 23, 2016 / Notices 94425

between different systems was clarified Objections submitted in response to this The need for the action is to update
so that agencies better understand the notice will not be made available to the KSC’s CMP in a manner that supports
requirement and public notice will be public for inspection and, to the extent achievement of NASA’s programmatic
improved. permitted by law, will not be released mission objectives, at the same time as
• Includes a ‘‘History’’ section in the under the Freedom of Information Act. maximizing the provision of excess
system of records notice templates for ADDRESSES: Objections relating to the capabilities and assets in support of
agencies to provide citations to the last prospective license may be submitted to non-NASA access to space.
full Federal Register notice, as well as Patent Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, DATES: NASA will issue a Record of
any subsequent notices of revision. This MS 142–7, NASA Glenn Research Decision (ROD) for the FPEIS on the
will improve transparency and assist the Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, proposed KSC CMP either by December
public in learning about systems of OH 44135. Phone (216) 433–3663. 19, 2016, or after 30 days from the date
records as they are established and Facsimile (216) 433–6790. of publication of the NOA for the PFEIS
revised over time. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: in the Federal Register by the U.S.
Howard Shelanski, Robert Earp, Patent Counsel, Office of Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator, Office of Information and Chief Counsel, MS 142–7, NASA Glenn (EPA), whichever is later.
Regulatory Affairs. Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd, ADDRESSES: The FPEIS may be reviewed
Marc Groman, Cleveland OH 44135. Phone (216) 433– at the NASA Headquarters Library
Senior Advisor for Privacy, Office of the 3663. Facsimile (216) 433–6790. (Washington, DC), as well as public
Director. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This libraries in Florida including New
[FR Doc. 2016–30901 Filed 12–22–16; 8:45 am] notice of intent to grant an exclusive Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, Merritt
BILLING CODE P patent license is issued in accordance Island, Port St. John, Cape Canaveral
with 35 U.S.C. 209(c)(1) and 37 CFR and Titusville. Limited hard copies of
404.7(a)(1)(i). The patent rights in these the PFEIS are available and may be
inventions have been assigned to the requested by contacting Mr. Donald
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
United States of America as represented Dankert at the address, telephone
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
by the Administrator of the National number, or electronic mail address
[Notice 16–090] Aeronautics and Space Administration. indicated below. The PFEIS is available
The prospective exclusive license will electronically to download and read at
Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive comply with the requirements of 35 http://environmental.ksc.nasa.gov/
Term License U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR 404.7. projects/peis.htm. NASA’s ROD will
AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Information about other NASA also be placed on this Web site when it
Space Administration. inventions available for licensing can be is issued. Anyone who desires a hard
ACTION: Notice of intent to grant found online at http:// copy of NASA’s ROD when it is issued
exclusive patent license. technology.nasa.gov. should contact Mr. Dankert.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Mark P. Dvorscak,
SUMMARY: NASA hereby gives notice of Donald Dankert, Environmental
its intent to grant an exclusive patent Agency Counsel for Intellectual Property.
Management Branch, NASA Kennedy
license in the United States to practice [FR Doc. 2016–30889 Filed 12–22–16; 8:45 am]
Space Center, Mail Code: TA–A4C,
the invention described and claimed in BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899,
U.S. Patent Application entitled, Email: Donald.J.Dankert@nasa.gov,
‘‘System, Apparatus, and Method for Telephone: (321) 861–1196.
Liquid Purification,’’ LEW–18732–1, to NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant
SageGuard Solutions, LLC, having its to the National Environmental Policy
principal place of business in Westlake, [Notice (16–091)] Act (NEPA) of 1969, as Amended (42
Ohio. The fields of use may be limited U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Council on
to anaerobic digestion of agricultural by- National Environmental Policy Act: Environmental Quality (CEQ)
products and run-off, semiconductor Kennedy Space Center—Center Master Regulations for Implementing the
manufacturing process water and Plan Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR
wastewater treatment, and food and AGENCY: National Aeronautics and parts 1500–1508), and NASA NEPA
beverage manufacturing process water Space Administration regulations (14 CFR part 1216 subpart
and wastewater treatment. 1216.3), NASA has prepared and issued
ACTION: Notice of Availability (NOA)
DATES: The prospective exclusive a PFEIS for implementation of the CMP.
license may be granted unless, within SUMMARY: NASA has prepared and Overall, KSC is transitioning to a re-
fifteen (15) days from the date of this issued a Final Programmatic focused mission that redefines its
published notice, NASA receives Environmental Impact Statement relationship with industry and leverages
written objections including evidence (FPEIS) for implementation of the the potential of partnerships. Amid the
and argument that establish that the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Center challenges of an aging and
grant of the license would not be Master Plan (CMP). The purpose of the unsustainable asset base, as well as a
consistent with the requirements CMP is to provide overall management highly constrained federal budget,
regarding the licensing of federally guidance for KSC from 2016 to 2032. NASA must adopt and implement
owned inventions as set forth in the Implementation of the CMP will strategies that preserve the institutional
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Bayh-Dole Act and implementing facilitate a two-decade transformation infrastructure needed to support its
regulations. Competing applications from a single, government-user launch purpose and programs.
completed and received by NASA complex to a multi-user spaceport. This This FPEIS is a programmatic
within fifteen (15) days of the date of multi-user spaceport will be developed document. In keeping with guidance
this published notice will also be in concert with NASA’s programmatic from CEQ, the FPEIS outlines and
treated as objections to the grant of the missions and requirements to explore broadly describes actions associated
contemplated exclusive license. destinations outside of low Earth orbit. with KSC’s proposed programs in the

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94426 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 247 / Friday, December 23, 2016 / Notices

limited detail with which they are differentiated in several key respects, DATES: The meeting will be on January
known at present. Three programmatic primarily, differences in the siting and 25, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
alternatives are described—No Action, size of vertical and horizontal launch EDT.
Proposed Action, and Alternative 1— and landing facilities. Also, the two new ADDRESSES: National Archives and
and their potential environmental seaports would not be constructed. Records Administration (NARA); 700
effects are assessed in fairly general In the No Action Alternative, KSC Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Jefferson
terms. At such time as a given specific management would continue its Room; Washington, DC 20408.
project of detailed dimensions and scale emphasis on dedicated NASA Programs FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
is proposed at a specific location, and is and would not transition in the coming Robert J. Skwirot, Senior Program
in the process of being reviewed and years towards a multi-user spaceport. Analyst, ISOO, by mail at National
approved, the FPEIS can serve as a Rather, each NASA Program would Archives Building; 700 Pennsylvania
master NEPA document to which future continue to be operated as an Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20408, by
NEPA compliance documents may be independent entity to a significant telephone at 202.357.5398, or by email
‘‘tiered’’. That is, having already been degree, to be funded separately, and to at robert.skwirot@nara.gov. Contact
addressed at a programmatic level, the manage activities and buildings in ISOO at ISOO@nara.gov.
action or project can incorporate support of its own program. There
discussion from the broader FPEIS by SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
would continue to be a limited non-
reference and focus on the issues NASA presence at KSC. Under the three meeting’s purpose is to discuss matters
specific to the subsequent tiered PEIS alternatives, there would be relating to the Classified National
proposal. Ideally, this will serve to differences in the sizes of the areas of Security Information Program for State,
expedite the environmental review designated land uses at KSC. These Local, Tribal, and Private Sector
process and facilitate project approval, varying acreages are a function of the entities. This meeting is open to the
funding, and implementation. The different emphases, priorities, and public. However, due to space
FPEIS provides an overview of the projects of the three PEIS alternatives. limitations and access procedures, you
affected environment at and near the Only in the recreation and water must register in advance if you wish to
Kennedy Space Center and the potential categories are the acreages identical in attend the meeting. Submit your name
environmental consequences associated all three alternatives. and telephone number to ISOO at the
with the Proposed Action and contact information above no later than
The PFEIS assesses potential
alternatives. There would be a number Wednesday, January 18, 2017. ISOO
environmental impacts for all three
of direct and indirect adverse impacts will provide additional instructions for
alternatives under the topics of soils and
but none that are considered to be gaining access to the Jefferson Room.
geology, water resources, hazardous
significantly adverse. Beneficial impacts materials and waste, air quality, climate Authority: 5 U.S.C. app 2.
would also occur. Under each of the change, noise, biological resources,
three alternatives evaluated, NASA Patrice Little Murray,
cultural resources, land use, Committee Management Officer.
would continue to work closely with its transportation, utilities,
partners, including the U.S. Fish and socioeconomics, recreation,
[FR Doc. 2016–30949 Filed 12–22–16; 8:45 am]
Wildlife Service, National Park Service, BILLING CODE 7515–01–P
environmental justice, and protection of
Federal Aviation Administration, Space
children.
Florida, Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cheryl E. Parker, NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS
and state agencies. Federal Register Liaison Officer, Mission ADMINISTRATION
Of the three alternatives considered in Support Directorate.
the FPEIS, NASA prefers Alternative 1. [NARA–2017–015]
[FR Doc. 2016–30907 Filed 12–22–16; 8:45 am]
This alternative would allow for BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
implementation of the CMP while at the Advisory Committee on the
same time protecting natural resources Presidential Library-Foundation
and the environment to a greater extent Partnerships Meeting
than the Proposed Action. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS AGENCY: National Archives and Records
As a result of comments received ADMINISTRATION Administration (NARA)
during internal and external (public)
ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory
scoping, NASA developed three Information Security Oversight Office Committee Meeting.
alternatives that are assessed in this
FPEIS. Under the first of these, the [NARA–2017–016] SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Proposed Action, KSC would transition Federal Advisory Committee Act, as
to a multi-user spaceport. A number of State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector amended, the National Archives and
new land uses are proposed, including Policy Advisory Committee Meeting Records Administration announces an
two seaports and horizontal and vertical upcoming Advisory Committee on
launch and landing facilities. There AGENCY: Information Security Oversight Presidential Library-Foundation
would be changes in the acreage of Office (ISOO). National Archives and Partnerships meeting.
existing designated land use categories Records Administration (NARA).
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be
at KSC. Alternative 1 was crafted as a ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory
direct response to concerns expressed in Thursday, February 29, 2017, from 9:00
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES

Committee Meeting. a.m. to 12:00 noon.
comments received during the PEIS
public scoping period in June 2014, as SUMMARY: In accordance with the LOCATION: National Archives and
well as other observations and data Federal Advisory Committee Act, NARA Records Administration (NARA); 700
acquired from stakeholders and other announces an upcoming State, Local, Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Room 105;
agencies during the scoping process. Tribal, and Private Sector Policy Washington, DC 20408.
Alternative 1 is similar to the Proposed Advisory Committee (SLTPS–PAC) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Action in many regards, but is meeting. Denise LeBeck, by telephone at 301–

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Document Created: 2016-12-23 12:29:10
Document Modified: 2016-12-23 12:29:10

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		Notice of Availability (NOA)
Dates		NASA will issue a Record of Decision (ROD) for the FPEIS on the proposed KSC CMP either by December 19, 2016, or after 30 days from the date of publication of the NOA for the PFEIS in the Federal Register by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), whichever is later.
Contact		Mr. Donald Dankert, Environmental Management Branch, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Mail Code: TA-A4C, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899, Email: [email protected], Telephone: (321) 861-1196.
FR Citation		81 FR 94425