99-20847. Notice of Intent To Conduct Emergency Assessment and Restoration Planning

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 155 (Thursday, August 12, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43984-43985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20847]


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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 [phone], ext. 188; or Lelei Peau, [phone], or 
Sheila Wiegman, at [phone].

    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]
BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P