12122 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / Notices 

19, 2021). The output of this scaling, 

where appropriate, is incorporated into 

an adjusted total take estimate that is 

the basis for NMFS’ small numbers 

determinations, as depicted in Table 1. 

This product is used by NMFS in 

making the necessary small numbers 

determinations, through comparison 

with the best available abundance 

estimates (see discussion at 86 FR 5322, 

5391; January 19, 2021). For this 

comparison, NMFS’ approach is to use 

the maximum theoretical population, 

determined through review of current 

stock assessment reports (SAR; 

www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/ 

marine-mammal-protection/marinemammal-stock-assessments) and modelpredicted abundance information 

(https://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/ 

Duke/GOM/). For the latter, for taxa 

where a density surface model could be 

produced, we use the maximum mean 

seasonal (i.e., 3-month) abundance 

prediction for purposes of comparison 

as a precautionary smoothing of monthto-month fluctuations and in 

consideration of a corresponding lack of 

data in the literature regarding seasonal 

distribution of marine mammals in the 

GOM. Information supporting the small 

numbers determinations is provided in 

Table 1. 

TABLE 1—TAKE ANALYSIS, URSA LOA 

Species Authorized 

take Scaled take 1 Abundance 2 Percent 

abundance 

Rice’s whale ..................................................................................................... 0 n/a 51 n/a 

Sperm whale .................................................................................................... 1,650 698.1 2,207 31.6 

Kogia spp ......................................................................................................... 3 611 218.5 4,373 5.0 

Beaked whales ................................................................................................ 7,197 726.9 3,768 19.3 

Rough-toothed dolphin .................................................................................... 1,237 354.9 4,853 7.3 

Bottlenose dolphin ........................................................................................... 5,760 1,653.1 176,108 0.9 

Clymene dolphin .............................................................................................. 3,439 987.1 11,895 8.3 

Atlantic spotted dolphin ................................................................................... 2,339 671.3 74,785 0.9 

Pantropical spotted dolphin ............................................................................. 15,608 4,479.4 102,361 4.4 

Spinner dolphin ................................................................................................ 4,182 1,200.3 25,114 4.8 

Striped dolphin ................................................................................................. 1,343 385.5 5,229 7.4 

Fraser’s dolphin ............................................................................................... 394 113.1 1,665 6.8 

Risso’s dolphin ................................................................................................. 1,010 297.9 3,764 7.9 

Melon-headed whale ....................................................................................... 2,306 680.4 7,003 9.7 

Pygmy killer whale ........................................................................................... 538 158.7 2,126 7.5 

False killer whale ............................................................................................. 856 252.5 3,204 7.9 

Killer whale ...................................................................................................... 7 n/a 267 2.6

Short-finned pilot whale ................................................................................... 667 196.8 1,981 9.9 

1Scalar ratios were applied to ‘‘Authorized Take’’ values as described at 86 FR 5322, 5404 (January 19, 2021) to derive scaled take numbers 

shown here. 2Best abundance estimate. For most taxa, the best abundance estimate for purposes of comparison with take estimates is considered here to 

be the model-predicted abundance (Roberts et al., 2016). For those taxa where a density surface model predicting abundance by month was 

produced, the maximum mean seasonal abundance was used. For those taxa where abundance is not predicted by month, only mean annual 

abundance is available. For the killer whale, the larger estimated SAR abundance estimate is used. 3 Includes 33 takes by Level A harassment and 578 takes by Level B harassment. Scalar ratio is applied to takes by Level B harassment only; 

small numbers determination made on basis of scaled Level B harassment take plus authorized Level A harassment take. 

Based on the analysis contained 

herein of Shell’s proposed survey 

activity described in its LOA 

modification request and the anticipated 

take of marine mammals, NMFS finds 

that small numbers of marine mammals 

will be taken relative to the affected 

species or stock sizes and therefore is of 

no more than small numbers. 

Authorization 

NMFS has determined that the level 

of taking for the LOA modification 

request is consistent with the findings 

made for the total taking allowable 

under the incidental take regulations 

and that the amount of take authorized 

under the modified LOA is of no more 

than small numbers. NMFS has 

modified the LOA to Shell authorizing 

the take of marine mammals incidental 

to its planned survey activity, for the 

reasons described above. 

Dated: February 25, 2022. 

Kimberly Damon-Randall, 

Director, Office of Protected Resources, 

National Marine Fisheries Service. 

[FR Doc. 2022–04449 Filed 3–2–22; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Department of the Army 

Programmatic Environmental 

Assessment and Draft Finding of No 

Significant Impact Regarding Iron 

Dome Defense System—Army 

AGENCY: Department of the Army, 

Defense (DoD). 

ACTION: Notice of Availability. 

SUMMARY: The Department of the Army 

(Army) announces the availability of a 

Programmatic Environmental 

Assessment (PEA) and a Draft Finding 

of No Significant Impact (FONSI) 

regarding the proposed fielding of two 

Iron Dome Defense System—Army 

(IDDS–A) batteries. In accordance with 

the National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA), the PEA analyzes the potential 

environmental impact of IDDS–A at 

each candidate-installation. That is, the 

PEA analyzes the potential 

environmental impact of the additional 

soldiers, materiel, and training that are 

required to field IDDS–A. The Proposed 

Action would enhance the defensive 

capability of fixed and semi-fixed assets 

against aerial threats. 

DATES: Comments must be received by 

April 4, 2022 to be considered in 

finalizing the PEA and Draft FONSI. 

ADDRESSES: Please mail comments to 

U.S. Army Environmental Command, 

ATTN: IDDS–A Public Comments, 2455 

Reynolds Road, Mail Stop 112, JBSAFort Sam Houston, TX 78234–7588, or 

email comments to usarmy.jbsa.imcomaec.mbx.nepa@army.mil with ‘‘IDDS–A 

Public Comments’’ in the subject line. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. 

Cathy Kropp, U.S. Army Environmental 


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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2022 / Notices 12123 

Command Public Affairs Office, by 

email (usarmy.jbsa.imcomaec.mbx.nepa@army.mil), by mail (U.S. 

Army Environmental Command, ATTN: 

Public Affairs, 2455 Reynolds Road, 

Mail Stop 112, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 

TX 78234–7588), or by phone (210–466– 

1590 or 210–488–6061). 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 

purpose of the Proposed Action is to 

field two batteries of IDDS–A in fiscal 

year (FY) 2022 and improve the defense 

of fixed and semi-fixed sites (e.g., 

airfields and forward operating bases). 

IDDS–A would enhance the Army’s 

capacity to defend against attacks from 

aircraft, cruise missiles (CM), unmanned 

aerial systems (UAS), and rocket, 

artillery, and mortar (RAM) fire. The 

Army has been developing an air 

defense system for years, but it is not yet 

ready to deploy. The Proposed Action 

ensures compliance with Section 112 of 

the John S. McCain National Defense 

Authorization Act for FY 2019 (Pub. L. 

115–232), which requires the Army to 

deploy an interim missile defense 

capability while the Army continues to 

develop an enduring solution. After 

evaluating existing air defense systems, 

the Army chose IDDS–A as the interim 

capability. This capability is part of an 

air and missile defense modernization 

strategy that seeks to improve systems 

across the air defense portfolio. 

IDDS–A is a mobile, all-weather, air 

defense system designed to intercept 

RAM threats fired from distances of up 

to 70 km. It is also effective against CM, 

UAS, airplane, and helicopter threats. 

Each IDDS–A battery would consist of 

approximately 60 soldiers, 13 heavy 

expanded mobility tactical trucks, six 

missile-firing units, one radar system, 

battle management and communications 

systems, and support equipment. All 

soldiers would be outfitted with a 

standard set of small arms and 

equipment. Since IDDS–A is an interim 

solution, the Army does not intend to 

construct additional office space, 

maintenance space, barracks, or training 

ranges in support of IDDS–A at this 

time. 

The Army considered multiple 

locations at which existing temporary or 

permanent infrastructure can 

accommodate IDDS–A units and at 

which training can be accomplished 

through live fire or approved 

simulations. These installations met a 

number of mission-related screening 

criteria. The Action Alternative is to 

field the IDDS–A batteries at one or two 

of seven installations: Fort Bliss, TX; 

Fort Hood, TX; Fort Campbell, KY; Fort 

Riley, KS; Fort Sill, OK; Fort Stewart, 

GA; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, 

WA. 

The PEA analyzes the potential 

environmental impact associated with 

the Proposed Action at each assessed 

installation, including direct, indirect, 

and cumulative effects. The Army did 

not conduct a detailed analysis of 

socioeconomic impacts because relative 

to the assessed installations’ respective 

populations, the IDDS–A batteries 

represent a small percentage of total 

personnel. The PEA takes into account 

minimization measures, standard 

procedures, and best practices routinely 

employed by the relevant installations 

to mitigate the adverse effects of similar 

actions. 

The PEA also studied a No-Action 

Alternative. While the No-Action 

Alternative would not satisfy the 

purpose of or need for the Proposed 

Action, it provides a comparative 

baseline against which to examine the 

effects of the Proposed Action and the 

Action Alternative. 

Resources considered in the PEA 

include biological resources, cultural 

resources, water resources, soils, land 

use/compatibility, and facilities. Based 

on the PEA’s findings, the Army expects 

the environmental impact of the 

Proposed Action at all assessed 

installations to be less than significant 

(i.e., negligible or minor). 

Government agencies, Native 

American Tribes, and the public are 

invited to review and comment on the 

PEA and Draft FONSI. The public 

comment period begins with 

publication of this Notice of Availability 

in the Federal Register and lasts for 30 

days. The PEA and Draft FONSI are 

available on the U.S. Army 

Environmental Command website at 

https://aec.army.mil/ 

index.php?cID=352. If you cannot 

access the PEA and Draft FONSI online, 

please request a hard copy by contacting 

U.S. Army Environmental Command by 

email (usarmy.jbsa.imcomaec.mbx.nepa@army.mil), by mail (U.S. 

Army Environmental Command, ATTN: 

Public Affairs, 2455 Reynolds Road, 

Mail Stop 112, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 

TX 78234–7588), or by phone (210–466– 

1590 or 210–488–6061). 

The Army will consider all timely 

public comments and will thereafter 

issue either a Final FONSI or a Notice 

of Intent to prepare an Environmental 

Impact Statement. Comments must be 

received or postmarked by April 4, 2022 

to be considered. 

James W. Satterwhite, Jr., 

Army Federal Register Liaison Officer. 

[FR Doc. 2022–04465 Filed 3–2–22; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 3711–02–P 

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

Office of the Secretary 

[Transmittal No. 21–0F] 

Arms Sales Notification 

AGENCY: Defense Security Cooperation 

Agency, Department of Defense (DoD). 

ACTION: Arms sales notice. 

SUMMARY: The Department of Defense is 

publishing the unclassified text of an 

arms sales notification. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Neil 

Hedlund at neil.g.hedlund.civ@mail.mil 

or (703) 697–9214. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This 

36(b)(5)(C) arms sales notification is 

published to fulfill the requirements of 

section 155 of Public Law 104–164 

dated July 21, 1996. The following is a 

copy of a letter to the Speaker of the 

House of Representatives, Transmittal 

21–0F with attached Policy Justification. 

Dated: February 25, 2022. 

Aaron T. Siegel, 

Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison 

Officer, Department of Defense. 

BILLING CODE 5001–06–P 


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