Notice of Intent To Conduct Emergency Assessment and Restoration Planning

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Notice of Intent To Conduct Emergency Assessment and Restoration

Planning

AGENCIES: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Department of Commerce; United States Department of the Interior; and

Government of American Samoa.

ACTION: Notice of intent to conduct emergency assessment and

restoration planning.

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SUMMARY: In December 1991, nine vessels grounded on the reefs in Pago

Pago Harbor, American Samoa, during Hurricane ``Val.'' The U.S. Coast

Guard (USCG) responded, removing an estimated 10,500 gallons of diesel,

lube and hydraulic oil. Due in part to recent discharges of oil from

the vessels, the USCG has determined that an imminent pollution threat

exists and intends to eliminate the risk of pollutant discharge by

removing all fuel oil and other hazardous materials from the vessels.

The natural resource trustees (``Trustees'') intend to take emergency

restoration action to minimize continuing injuries and prevent

additional response related injuries.

DATES: Comments must be submitted in writing on or before September 13,

1999.

ADDRESSES: Jim Hoff, NOAA, National Ocean Service, Office of Response

and Restoration, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3281.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: United States Coast Guard Samoa Longliners

Clean Up--In December 1991, nine foreign-owned fishing vessels grounded

on the reefs in Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa, during Hurricane

``Val.'' Approximately 1,500 gallons of oil was discharged into the

surrounding waters. The USCG responded, removing an estimated 10,500

gallons of diesel,

[[Page 43985]]

lube and hydraulic oil from three of the vessels before suspending

operations due to adverse weather conditions.

Due in part to recent discharges of oil from the vessels, the USCG

has determined that an imminent pollution threat exists and intends to

eliminate the risk of pollutant discharge by removing all fuel oil and

other hazardous materials (including ammonia, asbestos and zinc) from

the vessels. To accomplish this, the USCG proposes to dismantle the

vessels to allow access to the double bottom tanks and remove all of

the hazardous materials, oil and oily debris, and other toxic

substances. After removal of the pollutants, the remainder of the

vessels may be left for possible future removal by another, as yet

unidentified, party. The USCG response approach is detailed in the June

28, 1999, Incident Action Plan.

Pursuant to section 1006 of the Oil Pollution Act and 15 CFR

990.26, the natural resource trustees intend to take emergency

restoration action to minimize continuing injuries and prevent

additional response related injuries. The Trustees for this incident

are the U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Oceanic and

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); the U.S. Department of the Interior;

and the Government of American Samoa. The Trustees are designated

pursuant to the National Contingency Plan, 40 CFR Sections 300.600 and

300.605.

During the week of June 28, 1999, the Trustees visited the vessel

sites to collect baseline data to assist in the evaluation of potential

injuries caused by the USCG response, which is expected to begin on or

about August 1, 1999. Based on these data and other information, the

Trustees have determined that the response will likely cause natural

resource and resource service injuries.

Injuries that may result from the response will be documented in an

Emergency Assessment and Restoration Plan being developed by the

Trustees. The objective of this plan will be to determine appropriate

restoration alternatives for injuries caused by the USCG response. The

justification for and extent and nature of emergency restoration

required will be described more fully in the Emergency Assessment and

Restoration Plan.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact: Jim

Hoff, at (301) 713-3038, ext. 188; or Lelei Peau, (684) 633-5155, or

Sheila Wiegman, at (684) 633-2304.

Dated: August 4, 1999.

John Oliver,

Director, Management and Budget Office, National Ocean Service.

[FR Doc. 99-20847 Filed 8-11-99; 8:45 am]

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