for dual smoke purpose unit M56 and generator smoke mechanical: mechanized smoke obscurant system M58; fielding,

[Federal Register: July 13, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 133)]

[Notices]

[Page 37546]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr13jy98-49]

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army

Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Fielding of the ``Generator, Mechanical Smoke: For Dual Purpose Unit, M56'' and the ``Generator Smoke Mechanical: Mechanized Smoke Obscurant System M58''

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of the final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the Fielding of the ``Generator, Mechanical Smoke: For Dual Purpose Unit, M56'' and the ``Generator Smoke Mechanical: Mechanized Smoke Obscurant System M58.'' The Army published a notice of availability in the Federal Register of the drafts for both the PEA and FNSI on April 27, 1998 (63 FR 20615), which initiated a 30-day period for public review and comment. The public review and comment period ended on May 27, 1998.

The Army's proposed action is to field the M56 and M58 to Army installations across the Nation for use in visual and infrared training. The PEA discloses the general types of impacts and effects on all relevant aspects of the human environment (e.g., flora, fauna, air, soil, water and human health) that will likely result from use of the graphite module in training. See PEA, pages 55-65. Receiving installations will be required to prepare site-specific analyses in which they consider the intensity of impacts associated with the emission of graphite particles into the local environment, and, if appropriate, develop mitigation measures.

ADDRESSES: A copy of the final PEA and FNSI may be obtained by writing to Commander, U.S. Army Environmental Center, ATTN:SFIM-AEC- (Mr. Hankus), Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5401 or by calling (410) 671-2556.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: No public comments were received following the 30-day comment period on the draft PEA and finding. As a result, the Army has finalized the FNSI and will proceed with implementation of the proposed action without further review and comment. Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required.

Dated: July 2, 1998. Raymond J. Fatz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health) (OASA (I, L&E)).

[FR Doc. 98-18449Filed7-10-98; 8:45 am]

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