Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) and Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Army National Guard Pest Management Program

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) and Final Programmatic

Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the Army National Guard Pest

Management Program

AGENCY: National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental

Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)

Regulations (40 CFR Part 1500-1508); and Army Regulation 200-2, the

National Guard Bureau (NGB) gives notice that an Environmental Impact

Statement (EIS) is not being prepared for adoption of an Integrated

Pest Management (IPM) Program.

DATES: The public review period for this FNSI and PEA ends on January

4, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FNSI and PEA can be obtained by contacting Ms.

Pamela Goodman, National Guard Bureau, Office of Public Affairs,

Environmental Branch, 4501 Ford Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Pamela Goodman at 1-800-252-8959.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A PEA has been prepared to examine the

potential environmental impacts associated with this determination. The

EA for this Federal action indicates that the project will not cause

significant local, regional, or national impacts on the environment. As

a result of these findings, the NGB has determined that the preparation

and review of an EIS is not needed for this project. Based on the

findings, the NGB has reached a FNSI with regard to its determination

on this proposed action.

The final PEA describes and analyzes the proposed action,

consisting of three action alternatives, and the no action option. The

alternatives analyzed were: (1) mechanical, cultural, and biological

management techniques; (2) chemical management techniques; (3) an

emphasis on nonchemical techniques with limited chemical management

techniques with a general reduction of toxic chemical used by 50%; and

(4) no action. All alternatives could have been implemented in full

compliance with applicable state and Federal laws and regulations.

Alternative number 3 was selected for implementation.

The NGB provided a 30-day public comment period on the draft PEA.

The draft PEA was also forwarded to the Environmental Protection

Agency, the

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CEQ, and several other Federal and state agencies, as well as several

national environmental groups for review and comment. The final PEA was

refined based upon the comments received. Analysis and response to the

comments received have also been incorporated into the FNSI. The NGB

has found the PEA adequate for its decision to adopt the IPM program

and has issued its FNSI.

Copies of the FNSI, executive summary of the final PEA, and/or the

complete PEA will be mailed to individuals who participate in the Draft

PEA review process. Copies will also be sent to select Federal and

state agencies. Individuals not currently on the mailing list may

obtain a copy be request.

Dated: December 1, 1998.

Raymond J. Fatz,

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and

Occupational Health) OASA (I,L&E).

[FR Doc. 98-32320 Filed 12-3-98; 8:45 am]

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