[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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