Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/04/29/2014-09733/national-environmental-policy-act-implementing-procedures-and-categorical-exclusions
Timestamp: 2017-08-23 05:33:06
Document Index: 204027844

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 1500', '§\u20091531', '§\u2009470', '§\u2009661', '§\u20091531', '§\u2009703', '§\u2009668']

Federal Register :: National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures and Categorical Exclusions
National Telecommunications and Information Administration First Responder Network Authority
These procedures become effective April 29, 2014.
23950-23958 (9 pages)
Docket Number: 131219999-4337-02
General Requirements for an Environmental Impact Statement
(a) Categorical Exclusion (CE)
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2014-09733 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2014-09733
A complete set of comments filed in response to the First Responder Network Authority: National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures and Categorical Exclusions published on January 8, 2014, is available at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/​federal-register-notice/​2014/​comments-notice-firstnet-nepa-implementing-procedures. The final First Responder Network Authority: National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures is available at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/​category/​firstnet.
Genevieve Walker, First Responder Network Authority, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., HCHB Room CC219, Washington, DC 20230; (202) 482-4385; or genevieve.walker@firstnet.gov.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) (NEPA) requires federal agencies to undertake an assessment of environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making a final decision and implementing the action. NEPA requirements apply to any federal project, decision, or action that may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. NEPA also establishes the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which issued regulations implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA as codified in 40 CFR parts 1500-1508. Among other considerations, CEQ regulations require federal agencies at 40 CFR 1507.3 to adopt their own implementing procedures to supplement CEQ's regulations implementing NEPA and to consult with CEQ during their development and prior to publication in the Federal Register.
The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012)) (Act) creates and authorizes FirstNet to take all actions necessary to ensure the design, construction, and operation of a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network (PSBN) based on a single, national network architecture. The Act meets a long-standing and critical national infrastructure need to create a nationwide interoperable network that will, for the first time, allow police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical service professionals, and other public safety officials to effectively communicate with each other across agencies and jurisdictions.
As a newly created entity, FirstNet did not have procedures for implementing NEPA. These NEPA implementing procedures are necessary to assist FirstNet in establishing a NEPA compliance program and applying the appropriate level of NEPA review for activities undertaken by FirstNet in the design, construction, and operation of the nationwide interoperable PSBN.
Accordingly, on January 8, 2014, FirstNet published a notice in the Federal Register (First Responder Network Authority: National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures and Categorical Exclusions, 79 FR 1363 (January 8, 2014)) requesting public comment on its proposed implementing procedures before utilizing them as part of its NEPA review process. The final procedures are set forth as an addendum to this notice.
FirstNet is responsible for, at a minimum, ensuring nationwide standards for the use of, and access to, the network; issuing open, transparent, and competitive requests for proposals (RFPs) to build, operate, and maintain the network; encouraging these RFPs to leverage, to the maximum extent economically desirable, existing commercial wireless infrastructure to speed deployment of the network; and overseeing contracts with non-federal entities to build, operate, and maintain the network.
The specific actions anticipated to be undertaken by FirstNet encompass a variety of activities including the installation of cables, cell towers, antenna collocations, buildings, and power units as defined in the following examples:
(a) Buried Plant/Facilities: The construction of buried outside plant facilities generally consists of plowing or trenching cable at a depth of approximately 36” to 48” alongside the road usually in a utility corridor or within public road rights-of-way.
(b) Aerial Plant/Facilities: The construction of aerial facilities is either done by hanging cables on new poles, typically on public rights-of-way, or by installing cables using existing poles owned by a third party.
(d) Collocations: The mounting or installation of an antenna or other communications device on an existing tower, building, or structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signal for communication purposes.
(e) Ancillary Facilities: Generally consists of installing small pre-fabricated shelters on tower sites that are used for housing electronic equipment. These shelters are usually placed on concrete pads and generally require very minimal disturbance of the land. On extremely rare occasions, the construction of a headquarters and/or warehouse building may be necessary. The amount of land disturbance resulting from this type of construction can vary depending on the size of the proposed building.
(f) Power Units: The installation of power units, such as, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), could be added to existing third party tower sites either on the existing concrete pad or by adding a new concrete pad if required at the site.
(g) Wireless Telecommunications Facility: An installation that sends and/or receives radio frequency signals, including but not limited to directional, omni-directional, and parabolic antennas, structures or towers (no more than 199 feet tall with no guy wires) to support receiving and/or transmitting devices, cabinets, equipment rooms, Start Printed Page 23951accessory equipment, and other structures, and the land or structure on which they are all situated.
FirstNet is also required to leverage, to the maximum extent economically desirable, existing commercial infrastructure in its deployment and operation of the PSBN.
Therefore, FirstNet establishes these NEPA implementing procedures to better follow the letter and spirit of NEPA; comply fully with the CEQ regulations; and apply the NEPA review process early in the planning stages of the nationwide PSBN.
The PCIA-Wireless Infrastructure Association (PCIA) recommends FirstNet establish a forum for governmental and non-governmental parties, including telecommunications providers, manufacturers, and tower owners, to play an integral role in FirstNet's build-out, so that FirstNet can factor in the forum's input in developing its procedures and any future Notices.
PCIA expresses concerns that the proposed “extraordinary circumstances” identified in Appendix D do not provide any discussion of rationale for why and when an extraordinary circumstance will preclude the application of a categorical exclusion.
FirstNet determinations relating to the existence of extraordinary circumstances that preclude the application of a categorical exclusion will be made on a case-by-case basis and based on a review of the relevant factors (e.g., type of activity, geography, and biology) related to a specific proposed action.
FirstNet will evaluate the effectiveness of these and other processes and procedures in complying with applicable environmental, historic, and cultural resource requirements.
DOI recommends inclusion of language in Section 1.07, Developing the Purpose and Need, which would ensure consideration of all other authorities to which NEPA is supplemental as opposed to simply the FirstNet mission.
FirstNet has added language to include the species and habitat listed under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act to the list of environmentally sensitive resources listed in Appendix D.Start Printed Page 23952
DOI suggests that FirstNet consider preparing a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to determine and address cumulative impacts from authorizing FirstNet projects on those 241 species for which the incremental impact of tower mortality, when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, is most likely significant, given their overall imperiled status, including the impacts on species of birds whose populations are in trouble or otherwise merit special protection.
DOI recommends revisions to the procedures that better reflect the impacts on resources under DOI jurisdiction relating to communication towers, including injury, crippling loss, and death from collision with towers or supporting guy-wire infrastructure and significant issues associated with communication towers involving impacts from non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation.
This notice does not contain collection-of-information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Moreover, any action taken or made by FirstNet is exempt from the requirements of the PRA. See 47 U.S.C. 1426(d). Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person is required to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number.
These NEPA implementing procedures are intended to supplement the CEQ regulations and provide procedural guidance to assist FirstNet in the fulfillment of its responsibilities under NEPA. The requirements for establishing NEPA procedures are set forth at 40 CFR 1505.1 and 1507.3.
Chief Counsel, First Responder Network Authority
The provisions of this Directive apply to actions undertaken by FirstNet and specifically apply to any of the following actions:
(b) Research, projects, and activities directly undertaken by FirstNet, or the research, projects and activities of a non-federal entity which are determined to be subject to the control and responsibility of FirstNet.
FirstNet policies and programs shall be planned, developed, and implemented so as to achieve the purposes and to follow the procedures outlined by NEPA in order to assure responsible stewardship of the environment for present and future generations. Accordingly, FirstNet shall adhere to the following actions to ensure compliance with NEPA:Start Printed Page 23953
4. Consider and give weight to environmental factors in making decisions in order to achieve a proper balance between the development and utilization of natural, cultural, and human resources and the protection and conservation of environmental quality for succeeding generations;
5. Consult, coordinate, cooperate, and partner with other federal agencies and state, local and tribal governments, as appropriate, in the development and implementation of FirstNet's plans and programs affecting environmental quality and, in turn, give consideration to those activities that succeed in best addressing state and local concerns;
6. Identify and invite, as appropriate, potential federal, state, local, and tribal governments to participate as cooperating agencies early during the NEPA scoping process;
7. Participate as a lead or cooperating agency, as appropriate, with other federal agencies where FirstNet is involved in the same action as other agencies, or is involved in an action which is related to another agency's action because of their functional interdependence or geographical proximity;
(c) FirstNet shall ensure appropriate action is taken to comply with NEPA when actions are planned by private applicants or other non-federal entities before federal involvement. This will be accomplished by the following:
1. FirstNet policies will be accessible on the FirstNet Web site and designated staff will be available to advise potential applicants of existing studies or other information reasonably foreseeable for later federal action.
2. FirstNet will initiate consultation early with appropriate state, local, and tribal governments and with interested private persons and organizations when its own involvement is reasonably foreseeable.
3. FirstNet will begin the NEPA process at the earliest possible time.
(d) While it is the policy of FirstNet to thoroughly evaluate its actions in accordance with the requirements of NEPA and the CEQ regulations, certain actions may result from statutory requirements or actions by non-federal entities involving little or no control or discretion on the part of FirstNet. In the case of such actions, the FirstNet Director of Environmental Compliance and/or the NEPA Coordinator, in coordination with the FirstNet Chief Counsel, should make a determination of non-applicability of NEPA.
FirstNet will follow a systematic, interdisciplinary approach to planning in order to minimize the use and impact of environmental resources. The FirstNet NEPA program is designed to ensure that:
(a) Proposed actions to be undertaken by FirstNet are identified early in the planning process and brought to the attention of the Director of Environmental Compliance and/or NEPA Coordinator;
(b) Actions are evaluated to determine the appropriate applicable NEPA review (i.e., Categorical Exclusion (CE), Environmental Assessment (EA), Environmental Impact Study (EIS), or a Determination of NEPA Adequacy when tiering from or adopting another Agency's environmental documentation);
(c) An interdisciplinary approach is taken to proactively consider environmental impacts and identify and consider the range of reasonable alternatives at the earliest planning stages of an action and prior to rendering any decision;
(f) The public is engaged and involved with the planning process and evaluation of environmental impacts, as appropriate.
(a) The Chair of the Board (Chair). The Chair has the ultimate responsibility to fulfill FirstNet's compliance with NEPA. The Chair directs the FirstNet General Manager (GM) to (1) ensure that environmental planning is incorporated into FirstNet decision-making processes and (2) coordinate with the designated Director of Environmental Compliance and/or NEPA Coordinator for advice and guidance on proper and adequate compliance with NEPA requirements.
(b) FirstNet General Manager (GM). The GM shall:
2. Advise the Chair on activities that are highly controversial, are nationally significant, or require the establishment of a new FirstNet NEPA-related policy;
5. Appoint a Director of Environmental Compliance and/or NEPA Coordinator to carry out the responsibilities delineated below in paragraph c; and
6. Sign Records of Decision (ROD), Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs), Records of Environmental Consideration (REC), and memos citing Categorical Exclusions (CEs), or re-delegate this authority in writing to other FirstNet personnel, as appropriate.
(c) FirstNet Director of Environmental Compliance and/or NEPA Coordinator (Director of Environmental Compliance/NEPA Coordinator). Responsible for coordinating and overseeing FirstNet's compliance with NEPA. To accomplish this the Director of Environmental Compliance/NEPA Coordinator will:
3. Transmit, with written recommendations, NEPA documents for action to the GM or authorized designee for signature or other appropriate agency action;
4. Develop and recommend policies, procedures, and technical and administrative advice and training to facilitate and improve FirstNet's effective and efficient implementation of NEPA.
6. Act as liaison with the Department, CEQ, and U.S. EPA on NEPA-related matters or issues and coordinate with other federal agencies with respect to significant NEPA matters;
7. Prepare or review, as appropriate, all inter- or intra-agency reports, surveys, and comments on NEPA-related matters, including other agency NEPA documentation, or legislative proposals;
8. Consult early and often with relevant stakeholders to identify how the requirements of this Directive will be met and at a minimum:
C. Assist in consultations with other federal, state, and local regulatory and/or Start Printed Page 23954resource agencies and tribal governments on draft NEPA documents to specifically include agencies having jurisdiction by law of a resource or geographic area; and
D. Otherwise act as a resource to the relevant stakeholders to ensure that the NEPA document identifies reasonably foreseeable significant impacts of the action, sufficiently analyzes the impacts, clearly presents the findings, and fairly considers reasonable or appropriate alternatives to the action.
(d) FirstNet Chief Counsel: The Chief Counsel of FirstNet shall provide all legal services regarding NEPA compliance to include:
2. Assisting the Chair, GM, Director of Environmental Compliance, and NEPA Coordinator in determining the applicable NEPA review for a proposed action; and
3. Assisting the Chair, GM, Director of Environmental Compliance, and NEPA Coordinator in establishing or revising this Directive and the FirstNet NEPA compliance program, as necessary.
FirstNet shall ensure the purpose and need of a proposed action considers the FirstNet mission, while not unduly limiting the range of alternatives considered in accomplishing its mission. FirstNet is authorized and directed by statute to take all actions necessary to ensure the design, construction, and operation of a nationwide, interoperable PSBN based on a single, nationwide network architecture. The establishment of the nationwide PSBN meets a long-standing and critical national infrastructure need that will, for the first time, allow police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical service professionals, and other public safety officials to effectively communicate with each other across agencies and jurisdictions.
FirstNet shall integrate the NEPA process with other planning for the nationwide PSBN at the earliest possible time to ensure that planning and decisions reflect environmental values and in order to avoid delays or other potential conflicts later in the process. Accordingly, FirstNet shall:
(b) Study, develop, and analyze reasonable alternatives to recommended courses of action.
(c) Consider mitigation measures which could avoid, ameliorate, lessen, or provide compensation for identified impacts of the proposed action.
(d) Where the action requiring FirstNet review is by a private applicant or other non-federal entity:
1. The Director of Environmental Compliance and/or the NEPA Coordinator or other assigned FirstNet Environmental Protection Specialist will advise the applicant of FirstNet's policies and procedures for NEPA compliance and make available or direct the applicant to resources within FirstNet, the Department, or elsewhere in the federal government to facilitate the applicant's consideration of, and explanation of, environmental impacts and alternatives.
2. FirstNet will consult with appropriate state, local, and tribal governments and other relevant organizations on environmental impacts of, and alternatives to, a proposed action when its own involvement is reasonably foreseeable.
3. FirstNet will initiate its NEPA review process at the earliest practicable time.
FirstNet shall comply with scoping procedures described in 40 CFR 1501.7 required for proposed actions normally requiring an EIS. In some, but not all, circumstances, and at the discretion of the Director of Environmental Compliance and/or the NEPA Coordinator, scoping will also be conducted on an EA. Additionally, FirstNet may also require scoping procedures to be followed for other proposed actions, where appropriate, to achieve the purposes of NEPA. When evaluating the type and extent of the NEPA document and review, FirstNet shall:
(a) Define the purpose and need of a proposed action;
(b) Identify reasonably foreseeable impacts of the action to determine if consultation with other federal, state, local, or tribal entities is needed;
(c) Determine if other federal agency actions are part of a proposed action, and establish lead and coordinating agencies for the actions, as appropriate;
(d) Identify or develop reasonable alternatives to a proposed action;
(e) Consider the context and intensity of the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects of a proposed action(s) and any reasonable or appropriate alternatives;
(f) Consider mitigation measures or strategies to minimize, reduce, or eliminate environmental impacts of a proposed action(s), as necessary;
(e) Hold public hearings or meetings at reasonable times and locations concerning environmental aspects of a proposed action in all cases where, in the opinion of FirstNet, the need for hearings or meetings is indicated in order to develop adequate information on the environmental implications of the proposed action. Public hearings or meetings conducted by FirstNet will be coordinated to the extent practicable with other meetings, hearings, and environmental reviews which may be held or required by other federal, state, and local agencies.
(b) FirstNet actions that would normally be categorically excluded from further environmental review, but due to the existence of extraordinary circumstances could have substantial environmental effects, will require the preparation of an EA or EIS.
(c) The list of extraordinary circumstances that could have substantial environmental effects is listed in Appendix D.
(d) If a proposed action is determined to be a CE and not considered a routine administrative, ministerial, procurement, or personnel action, FirstNet shall document its determination that a CE applies to a proposed action with a Memorandum to File or a Record of Environmental Consideration.
(e) The list of approved FirstNet CEs is subject to continual review and can be modified by amending/revising this Directive, in consultation with CEQ.
(f) The use of a CE does not relieve FirstNet from compliance with other statutes or consultations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.) or the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. § 470 et seq.). Such consultations may be required to determine the applicability of the CE screening criteria.
FirstNet shall prepare an EA as defined in 40 CFR 1508.9 for an action which FirstNet Start Printed Page 23955determines may have the potential for significant environmental impacts. Actions normally requiring an EA include:
(a) When a proposed action is not in a category of actions described in an available categorical exclusion and there is not enough information available to know whether the proposed action will have significant environmental impacts, an EA will be prepared. In this situation, an EA process is used to determine, through environmental impact evaluation and opportunity for public involvement, as appropriate, if the impacts on the quality of the human environment are potentially significant.
(b) A proposed action that meets categorical exclusion criteria, but that is associated with extraordinary circumstances, may require the preparation of an environmental assessment to determine if there are significant impacts associated with the action.
In preparing an EA, FirstNet shall:
(b) Ensure the contents of an EA comply with the requirements of 40 CFR 1508.9, and shall include:
1. A detailed project description to include location and maps identifying where the proposed action is going to take place.
2. Sufficient evidence and analysis for FirstNet to determine whether to prepare a FONSI or an EIS and facilitate preparation of said EIS, if needed;
3. A brief discussion of the need for the action;
4. A brief discussion of the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives; and
5. A listing of agencies and person consulted
FirstNet shall prepare an EIS when it determines that a proposed action may significantly impact the quality of the human environment or when the results of an EA indicate the proposed action will have significant impacts. Actions normally requiring the preparation of an EIS include:
(a) Major federal actions found to cause significant effects on the human environment which cannot be mitigated to a level of insignificance (identifiable at the start of the NEPA process or through the preparation of an EA).
(b) Major federal actions occurring in the U.S. known to cause significant environmental effects on the global commons, such as the oceans or Antarctica, as described in E.O. 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions.
In preparing an EIS, FirstNet shall solicit public involvement and comment as described in 40 CFR 1503.1-1503.4 after preparing a draft EIS and before preparing a final EIS. FirstNet shall also ensure the contents of an EIS contain the elements described in 40 CFR 1502.10-1502.18 and, unless FirstNet determines that there is a compelling reason to do otherwise, shall follow the standard EIS format including:
i. See 40 CFR 1502.16
9. List of Agencies, Organizations, and Persons Consulted
10. Index and Appendices, as appropriate
To the fullest extent possible, FirstNet shall prepare NEPA documents (i.e., CE, EA, EIS) concurrently and integrated with environmental analyses and related surveys and studies required by the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. § 661 et seq.); National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.); Bald and Golden Eagle Act of 1940, 16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.; E.O. No. 11990, Protection of Wetlands; E.O. No. 11988, Floodplain Management; and other applicable environmental laws and Executive Orders.
FirstNet NEPA analyses shall assess cumulative effects, which are the impacts on the environment resulting from the incremental impact of the proposed action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions (40 CFR 1508.7).
FirstNet shall comply with E.O. 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,” and determine whether the proposed action will have a disproportionately high and adverse impact on minority populations or low-income populations.
1. If a proposed action is determined to be a CE and not considered a routine administrative, ministerial, or a personnel or procurement action, FirstNet shall document its determination that a CE applies to a proposed action with a memorandum to the file that states no extraordinary circumstances are present that would preclude the use of the CE.
2. For more complicated CEs, a Record of Environmental Consideration (REC) would be prepared to document the decision. A REC is a brief document that demonstrates that NEPA and other relevant laws, regulations, and EOs have been analyzed for an action that does not require an EA or EIS. A REC is kept in the administrative record and should cite the categorical exclusion used and show that the agency determined: (1) the action fits within the category of actions described in the categorical exclusions; and (2) there are no extraordinary circumstances that would preclude the project or proposed action from qualifying as a categorically excluded action.
2. If the Chair or delegate determines, based on an independent review of the EA, that the proposed action will not have significant impact, FirstNet may issue a FONSI and, after all other relevant requirements are met, proceed with the proposed action. However, if, after an independent review of the EA, it is determined by the Chair or a delegate that the proposed action will have a significant environmental impact, FirstNet will proceed with the preparation of an EIS.
1. When it is determined that an EIS is required, FirstNet's final decision relating to the proposed action will consider the environmental information provided in the EIS and require the preparation of a ROD. The ROD documents the final decision made and the basis for that decision. A ROD shall be prepared in accordance with 40 CFR 1505.2 for the final decision maker, whether the Chair or a delegate, for approval and signature.
2. If all other requirements have been met, FirstNet's implementation of the proposed action may begin immediately after the ROD is signed.
FirstNet, throughout the environmental review process, shall consider mitigation measures, as defined in 40 CFR 1508.20, to avoid or minimize environmental harm, Start Printed Page 23956where possible. In addition, the following actions will be taken to ensure proper implementation of mitigation measures:
(a) FirstNet shall ensure a discussion of mitigation measures essential to render the impacts of the proposed action not significant is included or referenced in the FONSI and/or the ROD prior to making a final environmental determination or decision.
(d) If mitigation commitments made in NEPA and decision documents fail to achieve projected environmental outcomes and there is remaining federal action, FirstNet may utilize an adaptive management approach and take corrective actions to identify alternatives that could take the place of original mitigation commitments and provide the intended environmental result.
FirstNet shall tier environmental documents to eliminate repetitive discussions of the same issues and to focus on the actual issues ripe for decision at each level of environmental review, as appropriate (see 40 CFR 1508.28). When a Programmatic EIS has been prepared, FirstNet need only summarize the issues discussed in the broader environmental document, incorporate discussions from the broader environmental document by reference, and focus the tiered document on issues specific to the subsequent action.
(c) FirstNet is relying upon an environmental review previously performed by another federal agency with authority over the action or related activity of an applicant, and additional analysis is needed to address the reasonably foreseeable impacts of the action under consideration by FirstNet.
FirstNet may implement an emergency NEPA process after determining there is a need for taking action that does not allow for time for the regular NEPA process and complying with NEPA. This section applies only if the Director of Environmental Compliance or the NEPA Coordinator, in consultation with FirstNet General Counsel, determines that an emergency exists that makes it necessary to take urgently needed actions before preparing a NEPA analysis and documentation in accordance with the provisions outlined below.
(a) FirstNet may take those actions necessary to control the immediate impacts of the emergency that are urgently needed to mitigate imminent harm to life, property, or important natural, cultural, or historic resources. When taking such actions, FirstNet shall take into account the probable environmental consequences of these actions and mitigate foreseeable adverse environmental effects to the extent practical.
(b) The Director of Environmental Compliance, NEPA Coordinator, or designee shall document in writing the determination that an emergency exists and describe the responsive action(s) taken at the time the emergency exists. The form of that documentation is within the discretion of FirstNet.
(c) If the Director of Environmental Compliance or NEPA Coordinator determines that proposed actions taken in response to an emergency, beyond actions noted in paragraph (a) of this section, are not likely to have significant environmental impacts, the Director of Environmental Compliance, NEPA Coordinator, or designee shall document that determination in an environmental assessment and a FONSI prepared in accordance with this part, unless categorically excluded. If the Director of Environmental Compliance or NEPA Coordinator finds that the nature and scope of the subsequent actions related to the emergency require taking actions prior to completing an EA and a FONSI, the Director of Environmental Compliance or NEPA Coordinator shall consult with the FirstNet Chief Counsel about alternative arrangements for NEPA compliance. The Director of Environmental Compliance, the NEPA Coordinator, or designee may grant an alternative arrangement. Any alternative arrangement must be documented and notice of its use provided to CEQ.
(d) The Director of Environmental Compliance or NEPA Coordinator shall consult with CEQ about alternative arrangements as soon as possible if FirstNet determines that proposed actions taken in response to an emergency are likely to have significant environmental impacts. Such alternative arrangements will apply only to the proposed actions necessary to control the immediate impacts of the emergency. Other proposed actions remain subject to NEPA analysis and documentation in accordance with this part.
The effective date for the FirstNet NEPA implementation procedures is April 29, 2014.
(a) Statutes and Regulations that should be considered during the development of a NEPA review should include:
7. Bald and Golden Eagle Act of 1940, 16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.
8. Clean Air Act of 1970, 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.
9. Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.
10. Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.
11. Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.
12. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 16 U.S.C. 31 et seq.
13. River and Harbors Act of 1899, 33 U.S.C. 401 and 403.
(b) Executive Orders that should be considered during the development of a NEPA review should include:
1. E.O. 11988, Floodplain Management.
2. E.O. 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions.
3. E.O. 11990, Protection of Wetlands.
4. E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations.
5. E.O. 13112, Invasive Species.
6. E.O. 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments.
7. E.O. 13186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds.
(c) CEQ Guidance Documents that should be considered during the development of a NEPA review should include:
7. “Memorandum for Federal NEPA Contacts: Emergency Actions and NEPA” (CEQ, 2005).Start Printed Page 23957
12. “CEQ Memorandum for Heads of Federal Agencies: Designation of Non-Federal Agencies to be Cooperating Agencies in Implementing the Procedural Requirements of NEPA” (CEQ, 1999).
(b) Chair of the Board. Member of the FirstNet Board selected by the Secretary of Commerce to serve as Chair of the Board for FirstNet.
(c) Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). Organization within the Executive Office of the President charged with monitoring progress toward achieving the national environmental goals as set forth in NEPA. The CEQ promulgates regulations governing the NEPA process for all Federal agencies.
(d) Determination of NEPA Adequacy. A written document (e.g., Memorandum to File or approved checklist) prepared by the Director of Environmental Compliance or NEPA Coordinator detailing the rationale for adopting another agency's environmental analysis or documentation when that analysis or documentation is used to address FirstNet's NEPA requirements.
(e) Director of Environmental Compliance. Individual responsible for managing the environmental program for FirstNet to include the NEPA program. The NEPA Coordinator reports to this position.
(f) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A detailed written statement prepared by an agency if a proposed action significantly impacts the quality of the human environment. The decision to prepare an EIS is based on the agency's determination that the potential impacts are significant or the results of an EA indicate significant impacts. An EIS should include discussions of the purpose of and need for the action, alternatives, the affected environment, the environmental consequences of the proposed action, lists of preparers, agencies involved, response to any public comments received, organizations and persons to whom the statement is sent, an index, and an appendix (if any). An EIS is prepared in two stages: a draft and a final. Either stage of an EIS may be supplemented.
(g) Environmental Review. This term refers to the NEPA process which includes: 1) identifying and scoping issues related to the proposed action; 2) determining the necessary steps for NEPA compliance and preparing the NEPA review (CE, EA, EIS, or Determination of NEPA Adequacy); and 3) making decisions that are based on understanding the environmental consequences of the proposed action.
(h) Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). A short NEPA document that presents the reasons why an action will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment and, therefore, will not require the preparation of an EIS. A FONSI must be supported by an EA, and must include, summarize, attach or incorporate by reference the EA. (40 CFR 1508.13).
(i) FirstNet General Manager. Individual responsible for implementing the policies and strategies approved by the FirstNet Board, and overseeing all of the day-to-day operations of FirstNet.
(j) Mitigation. Measures taken to allow the proposed action to: avoid environmental impacts altogether; minimize impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action; rectify the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment; reduce or eliminate the impact over time by preservation; and/or compensate for the impact.
(k) NEPA Coordinator. Individual responsible for coordinating and overseeing FirstNet's compliance with NEPA.
(l) NEPA Document. An EA, FONSI, draft, supplemental draft, or final EIS, Record of Decision (ROD), Determination of NEPA Adequacy, Record of Environmental Consideration, or memorandum documenting the application of a CE.
(m) Project. A Federal action such as a grant, contract, loan, loan guarantee, vessel capacity reduction program, land acquisition, construction project, license, permit, modification, regulation, or research program for which FirstNet has actual control and responsibility.
(n) Record of Decision (ROD). A public document signed by the agency decision maker following the completion of an EIS. The ROD states the decision, alternatives considered, the environmentally preferable alternative(s), factors considered in the agency decision, mitigation measures that will be implemented, and whether the practicable means to avoid or minimize environmental harm have been adopted (40 CFR 1505.2).
(o) Record of Environmental Consideration (REC). A REC is a brief document that demonstrates that NEPA and other relevant laws, regulations, and EOs have been analyzed for an action that does not require an EA or EIS. A REC is kept in the administrative record and should cite the categorical exclusion used and show that the agency determined: (1) the action fits within the category of actions described in the categorical exclusions; and (2) there are no extraordinary circumstances that would preclude the project or proposed action from qualifying as a categorically excluded action.
(p) Supplemental Environmental Documents. A document prepared to amend an original NEPA document when there is a significant change in the action proposed beyond the scope of the original environmental review or when circumstances or information arise that could affect the proposed action and its environmental impacts (40 CFR 1502.9(c)).
A.2: Procurement activities related to the day-to-day operation of FirstNet, including routine procurement of goods or services.
A.4: Purchase of existing facilities or a portion thereof where use or operation will remain unchanged.Start Printed Page 23958
A.7: Construction of wireless telecommunications facilities involving no more than five acres (2 hectares) of physical disturbance at any single site.
A.12: Changes or additions to wireless telecommunication sites, substations, switching stations, telecommunications switching or multiplexing centers, buildings, or small structures requiring new physical disturbance or fencing of less than one acre (0.4 hectare).
A.14: The construction of telecommunications facilities within the fenced area of an existing substation, switching station, or within the boundaries of an existing electric generating facility site.
A.19: Construction of standby diesel electric generators (one megawatt or less total capacity) and associated facilities, for the primary purpose of providing emergency power at an existing applicant headquarters or district office, telecommunications switching or multiplexing site, or at an industrial, commercial, or agricultural facility served by the applicant.
Extraordinary circumstances that may preclude the use of a CE include:
(b) Reasonable likelihood of significant environmental effects (direct, indirect, and cumulative)
(e) Reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting “environmentally sensitive” resources, unless the impact has been resolved through another environmental process (e.g., Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act).
Environmentally sensitive resources may include:
1. Proposed or federally listed threatened or endangered species, or their designated critical habitat (including species and habitat listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.); Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. § 703 et seq.) and Bald and Golden Eagle Act of 1940, (16 U.S.C. § 668 et seq.).
2. Areas having special designation or recognition such as prime or unique or agricultural lands; designated wilderness or wilderness study areas; wild and scenic rivers; 100-year or 500-year floodplains; wetlands; sole source aquifers (potential sources of drinking water); National Wildlife Refuges; National Parks; areas of critical environmental concern; or other areas of high environmental sensitivity.
(f) Reasonable likelihood of adversely impacting water quality, sole source aquifers, public water supply systems, or state, local, or tribal water quality standards established under the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
(g) Reasonable likelihood of effects on the quality of the environment that are highly controversial on environmental grounds. The term “controversial” means a substantial dispute exists as to the size, nature, or effect of the proposed action rather than to the existence of opposition to a proposed action, the effect of which is relatively undisputed.
(h) Reasonable likelihood of a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income populations or minority populations.
[FR Doc. 2014-09733 Filed 4-28-14; 8:45 am]