[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 11, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 6229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-3342]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Notice of Public Meeting for Submarine Solid Waste Management 
Related to Compliance With the Special Area Requirements of Regulations 
5 of Annex V to the MARPOL Convention Pursuant to the National Defense 
Authorization Act of 1994

SUMMARY: The Department of the Navy is announcing the preparation of a 
plan for the compliance of all submersibles owned or operated by the 
Navy with the requirements of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the MARPOL 
Convention. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 
(DAA 94) directed the Navy to allow the public to participate in 
preparing the plan and to review and comment on the plan before it is 
submitted. In order to obtain and consider public comments in the 
development of the Navy's plan for compliance with the DAA 94 
requirements, the Navy will host public meeting.

DATES: The meeting will take place on March 11, 1997, at 7:00 p.m.

ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held in the Crystal Gateway Marriott, 
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
For further information on the public meeting or to submit comments, 
contact Mr. David Cartwright NAVSEA 92TE, Assistant for Submarine 
Environmental and Occupational Safety Affairs, Department of the Navy, 
Naval Sea Systems Command, 2531 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 
22242-5160 [(703) 602-8096 (Ext. 475)]. The meeting will be conducted 
in English and will include oral presentations and visual displays. The 
meeting will be recorded by a court recorder. Members of the public who 
need additional assistance to participate should contact Mr. Cartwright 
as soon as possible to make arrangements.
    Written comments related to the public meeting will be considered 
in the Submarine addendum to the Report to Congress if received by Mr. 
Cartwright no later than March 25, 1997. Oral or written comments will 
also be considered if presented at the public meeting to be held on 
March 11, 1997.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 1003 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 Public Law 103-160, 107 Stat. 
1745 (DAA-94), requires a Report to Congress on a plan for compliance 
with special area provisions of Regulation 5 of Annex V to the 
Convention. The Navy submitted a Report to Congress on U.S. Navy Ship 
Solid Waste Management Plan for MARPOL Annex V Special Areas in 
November 1996. In preparation for that Report to Congress, the Navy 
solicited public comments beginning with the meeting announcement in 
the Federal Register of July 21, 1994 (59 FR 37223). In addition, the 
final Environmental Impact Statement on Disposal of U.S. Navy Shipboard 
Solid Waste was released in August 1996.
    The Report to Congress of November 1996 stated that the Navy was 
evaluating several options for submarines, and upon completion of the 
efforts would determine the most appropriate solid waste management 
strategy. Thus, a Submarine Addendum to the Report to Congress on U.S. 
Navy Ship Solid Waste Management Plan for MARPOL Annex V Special Areas 
is being prepared to address the U.S. Navy Submarine Solid Waste 
Management Plan. Public comments directed specifically toward the 
development of a submarine solid waste management plan are requested.
    Submarines are designed to operate undetected beneath the water 
surface for extended periods. They have very limited storage space and 
distinctive requirements for weight, acoustical control, and atmosphere 
criteria.
    Historically, waste source reduction efforts have been employed to 
minimize the amount of plastic material and cardboard brought on board. 
Most plastic material, cardboard, and paper that is used for wrapping 
and protecting supplies is removed and retained at dockside prior to 
loading supplies on a submarine. Plastic disposable items are being 
replaced with non-plastic items where possible. Additional initiatives 
being undertaken include the investigation of reusable meat containers, 
the review of procurement databases to identify items for improved 
packaging, development of a computer program identifying alternatives 
to aluminum and other metal cans, and the development of guidelines for 
supply personnel stressing pollution prevention awareness.
    The particular solid waste challenges unique to submarines are 
being addressed in three principal studies: (1) The impact and fate and 
effect in the marine environment of discharging compacted, negatively 
buoyant non-plastic solid waste; (2) the impact on submarine operations 
and crew quality of life of storing solid waste on board; and (3) the 
use of a pulper for pulping paper and cardboard and a shredder for 
shredding metal cans and glass.
    In addition to the above studies, an Environmental Assessment, 
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and Executive Order 
12114, is being developed to assess the environmental impacts of 
alternatives for the management of solid wastes.
    As indicated above, comments are welcome at the public meeting and 
will be considered in the preparation of a draft Addendum Report if 
received not later than March 25, 1997. The draft Addendum Report, 
which will document the Navy's solid waste management plan for 
submarines, will be available for public comment in about three months. 
The Navy plans to finalize the Addendum Report and submit it to 
Congress by September, 1997.

    Dated: February 6, 1997.
D.E. Koenig,
LCDR, JAGC, USN, Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-3342 Filed 2-10-97; 8:45 am]
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