[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 188 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50185-50189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-24103]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Weather Service Modernization and Associated
Restructuring
ACTION: Notice and opportunity for public comment.
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SUMMARY: The National Weather Service (NWS) is publishing proposed
certifications to consolidate the:
(1) Residual New Orleans Weather Service Office (WSO) into the future
[[Page 50186]]
New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Forecast Office (WFO);
(2) Residual Tulsa WSO into the future Tulsa WFO;
(3) Residual Oklahoma City WSO into the future Oklahoma City WFO; and
(4) Residual Phoenix WSO into the future Phoenix WFO.
In accordance with Public Law 102-567, the public will have 60 days
in which to comment on these proposed certifications.
DATES: Comments are requested by November 27, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Requests for copies of the proposed consolidation packages
can be sent to Janet Gilmer, Room 12316, 1325 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910, telephone 301-713-0276. All comments should be
sent to Janet Gilmer at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Julie Scanlon at 301-713-1413.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NWS anticipates consolidating:
(1) The residual New Orleans WSO with the future New Orleans/Baton
Rouge WFO;
(2) The residual Tulsa WSO with the future Tulsa WFO;
(3) The residual Oklahoma City WSO with the future Oklahoma City WFO;
and
(4) The residual Phoenix WSO with the future Phoenix WFO.
In accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567, the Secretary
of Commerce must certify that these consolidations will not result in
any degradation of service to the affected areas of responsibility and
must publish the proposed consolidation certifications in the FR. The
documentation supporting each proposed certification includes the
following:
(1) A draft memorandum by the Meteorologist in Charge recommending
the certification, the final of which will be endorsed by the Regional
Director and the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services after
consideration of public comments and completion of consultation with
the Modernization Transition Committee (the Committee);
(2) A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns which affect the weather services provided within the
service area;
(3) A comparison of the services provided within the service area
and the services to be provided after such action;
(4) A description of any recent or expected modernization of NWS
operation which will enhance services in the service area;
(5) An identification of any area within the affected service area
which would not receive coverage (at an elevation of 10,000 feet) by
the next generation weather radar network;
(6) Evidence, based upon operational demonstration of modernized
NWS operations, which was considered in reaching the conclusion that no
degradation in service will result from such action including the WSR-
88D Radar Commissioning Report, User Confirmation of Services Report,
and the Decommissioning Readiness Report; and
(7) A letter appointing the Liaison Officer.
These proposed certifications do not include any report of the
Committee which could be submitted in accordance with sections
706(b)(6) and 707 of Public Law 102-567. At its September
14, 1995, meeting, the Committee concluded that the information
presented did not reveal any potential degradation of service at any
office and decided not to issue any report. The Committee did offer a
recommendation on these proposed certifications, which is attached to
this notice.
Documentation supporting the proposed certifications is too
voluminous to publish in its entirety. Copies of the supporting
documentation can be obtained through the contact listed above.
Attached to this Notice are:
(1) Draft memoranda by the respective Meteorologists in Charge
recommending the certifications, and
(2) The Committee's recommendation on these proposed
certifications.
Once all public comments have been received and considered, the NWS
will complete consultation with the Committee and determine whether to
proceed with the final certifications. If decisions to certify are
made, the Secretary of Commerce must publish the final certifications
in the FR and transmit the certifications to the appropriate
congressional committees prior to consolidating the offices.
Elbert W. Friday, Jr.,
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services.
Modernization Transition Committee
Completion of Initial Consultation on Proposed Consolidation for
Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Tulsa and New Orleans
The Modernization Transition Committee (MTC) has reviewed the
proposed consolidation certifications for Oklahoma City, Phoenix,
Tulsa, and New Orleans and has determined that these actions will
not result in degradation of services. We request documentation that
all identified work-arounds have been adequately addressed prior to
final certification.
In addition, the committee makes the following observations and
recommendations to further enhance service to emergency management
personnel throughout the nation:
(1) The National Weather Service Modernization Transition
Committee has reviewed a number of comments from local emergency
management personnel concerning the availability of weather
information. These comments have included references to not
understanding the information now available, and not being able to
afford the corresponding cost.
Although these issues are beyond the purview of this Committee
we are concerned with the issues behind these complaints. We feel
that every emergency management office should have access to
appropriate weather information, regardless of the size and
financial condition of the community. Therefore, we urge the
National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency and
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration to address these issues
as part of their joint project addressing weather information needs
of the emergency management community.
Dated: September 14, 1995.
Peter R. Leavitt,
Chair, Modernization Transition Committee.
Memorandum for: Harry S. Hassel, Director, W/SR
From: Paul S. Trotter, MIC/AM, NWSFO LIX
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
A change of operations occurred at the New Orleans Weather
Service Forecast Office (WSFO) in February, 1994, when most
personnel were transferred to the facility of the future New
Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Slidell,
Louisiana, to operate the WSR-88D and assume forecast and warning
responsibility for the New Orleans/ Baton Rouge service area. At the
same time, this office has been designated a Residual Weather
Service Office (RWSO) at the original WSFO location to continue
operating the existing WSR-57 radar.
After the review of the attached documentation and in my
professional judgement, I have determined that consolidation of the
old New Orleans Weather Service Forecast Office with the new
modernized New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Service Forecast Office
will not result in any degradation in weather services to the New
Orleans service area. This proposed certification is in accordance
with the advance announcement provided in the National
Implementation Plan. I am requesting your recommendation and
approval of the certification in accordance with Section 706 of
Public Law 102-567. If you concur with this action, please endorse
this recommendation and forward this package to the Assistant
Administrator for Weather Services for final certification. If Dr.
Friday, Assistant Administrator for Weather Services, approves, he
will forward the certification to the Secretary of Commerce for
approval and transmittal to Congress.
My recommendation is based on my review of the evidence and
application of the modernization criteria noted for consolidation of
a field office.
[[Page 50187]]
In summary:
1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the New
Orleans service area is included as attachment A. As discussed
below, I find that providing services which address these factors
and concerns from the New Orleans/Baton Rouge Weather Service
Forecast Office will not degrade these services.
2. A list of services currently provided within the New Orleans
service area from the old New Orleans site and services to be
provided from the new New Orleans/Baton Rouge location after
consolidation is included in attachment B. Comparison of these
services shows all current services provided will continue after the
proposed consolidation. The enclosed map shows the old New Orleans
Area of Responsibility and the new New Orleans/Baton Rouge Area of
Responsibility. As noted below, I find that there will be no
degradation in the quality of these services as a result of the
consolidation.
3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of
National Weather Service operations which enhance services in the
New Orleans service area is included as attachment C. The new and
improved technology inclusive of ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS, etc. has
or will be installed and will enhance services.
4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet over Louisiana and parts of Mississippi is included as
attachment D. National Weather Service operational radar coverage
for the specific area will be increased and no area will be under-
represented or missed due to inappropriate coverage.
5. The following evidence, based on operational demonstration of
the modernized National Weather Service operations, played a key
role in concluding there will be no degradation of service.
A. The WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, attachment E,
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications and
acceptance test; is fully operational (satisfactory operation in
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated National
Weather Service forecasting and warning services); a full set of
backup capabilities are functioning properly; a full set of
operations and maintenance documentation is available; spare parts,
test equipment, and trained operations and maintenance personnel are
available on site. Base level training is in place and ongoing
training continues. National Workarounds remain in effect.
B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents
one negative comment was received. The negative comment was
addressed and answered to the satisfaction of the user as stated in
the Service Confirmation Report.
C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies
the existing New Orleans WSR-57 radar is no longer needed to support
services or products for local office operations.
6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the New
Orleans/Baton Rouge service area is included as attachment H.
I have considered recommendations of the Modernization
Transition Committee (Attachment I) and the public comments received
during the comment period (Attachment J). On ______________, the
Committee voted to endorse the proposed consolidation (Attachment
K). I believe all negative comments have been addressed to the
satisfaction of our customers and I continue to recommend this
certification.
Endorsement
I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
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Harry S. Hassel
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Date
Attachments
Memorandum for: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From: Dennis H. McCarthy, MIC, NWSFO Norman, OK
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
A change of operations occurred at the Oklahoma City Weather
Service Forecast Office (WSFO) in 1987 when most of the personnel
were transferred to the facility for the future Oklahoma City
Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Norman for operation of the WSR-88D
and assumption of forecast and warning responsibility for the
Oklahoma City service area. The office at the original WSFO location
was designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) and
continued to be the site for recording surface observations and
operating the WSR-57 radar.
Based on the attached documentation, I have determined that, in
my professional judgment, consolidation of the Oklahoma City
Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the future Oklahoma City
Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Norman will not result in any
degradation in weather services to the Oklahoma City area. This
proposed certification is in accordance with the advance
notification provided in the National Implementation Plan.
Accordingly, I am recommending that you approve this action in
accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If you concur,
please endorse this recommendation and forward this package to the
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for final
certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to
Congress.
My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the
Oklahoma City service area is included as attachment A. As discussed
below, I find that providing the services which address these
characteristics and concerns from the Oklahoma City WFO will not
degrade these services.
2. A detailed list of services traditionally provided within the
Oklahoma City service area from the Oklahoma City RWSO location and
a list of services to be provided from the Oklahoma City WFO
location at Norman after consolidation is included in attachment B.
It should be noted that virtually all public services and forecast
and warning services were moved to the future WFO site in Norman
between 1987 and 1992 as part of a national modernization risk
reduction activity. Comparison of these services shows that all
services will continue to be provided after the proposed
consolidation. Also, the enclosed map shows the RWSO area of
responsibility (i.e. ``affected service area'') and the future WFO
Oklahoma City area of responsibility. As discussed below, I find
that there will be no degradation in the quality of these services
as a result of the consolidation.
3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance
services in the RWSO Oklahoma City service area is included as
attachment C. The new technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) has
or will be installed and will enhance services.
4. A map showing NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of ten thousand
feet for Oklahoma and portions of surrounding areas is included as
attachment D. NWS operational radar coverage for the specific
service area will be increased and no area will be missed in
coverage.
5. The following evidence, based on operational demonstration of
modernized NWS operations, played a key role in concluding there
will be no degradation in service.
A. The WSR-88D Radar Commissioning Report, attachment E,
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications
(acceptance test); is fully operational (satisfactory operation of
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are
functioning properly; a full set of spare parts and test equipment
and trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on
site. Training was completed, but two national work-arounds remain
in effect.
B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents
that only three negative comments were received. All of those have
been answered to the satisfaction of the commentors as stated in the
Service Confirmation Report.
C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies
that the existing Oklahoma City WSR-57 radar is no longer needed to
support services or products for local office operations.
6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Oklahoma
City service area is included as attachment H.
I have considered recommendations of the Modernization
Transition committee (Attachment I) and the public comments received
during the comment period (Attachment J). On ________________, the
Committee voted to endorse the proposed consolidation (Attachment
K). I believe all negative comments have been addressed to the
satisfaction of our customers and I continue to recommend this
certification.
Endorsement
I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
[[Page 50188]]
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Harry S. Hassel
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Attachments
10159 E. 11th Street, Suite 300
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74128-3050
Memorandum for: Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region
From: Donald R. Devore, MIC, NWSO Tulsa
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
A change of operations occurred at the Tulsa Weather Service
Office (WSO) in March, 1992 when most personnel were transferred to
the facility of the future Tulsa Weather Forecast Office in Tulsa,
Oklahoma, to operate the WSR-88D and assume forecast and warning
responsibility for the Tulsa service area. At the same time, this
office was designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) at
the original WSO location to continue operating the existing WSR-74C
radar and recording surface observations.
After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined,
in my professional judgement, that consolidation of the Tulsa
Weather Service Office (WSO) with the future Tulsa Weather Forecast
Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather services
to the Tulsa service area. This proposed certification is in
accordance with the advance notification provided in the National
Implementation Plan. Accordingly, I am recommending you approve this
action in accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If you
concur, please endorse this recommendation and forward this package
to the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for final
certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to
Congress.
My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the
Tulsa service area is included as Attachment A. As discussed below,
I find that providing the services which address these
characteristics and concerns from Tulsa WFO will not degrade these
services.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided within the
Tulsa service area from the Tulsa WSO location and a list of
services to be provided from the Tulsa WFO location after
consolidation is included as Attachment B. Comparison of these
services shows that all services currently provided will continue to
be provided after the proposed consolidation. Also, the enclosed map
shows the WSO Tulsa Area of Responsibility (i.e. ``Affected Service
Area'') and the future WFO Tulsa Area of Responsibility. As
discussed below, I find that there will be no degradation in the
quality of these services as a result of the consolidation.
3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance
services in the WSO Tulsa service area is included as Attachment C.
The new Technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS) has been or will
be installed and will enhance services.
4. A map showing planned NEXRAD coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for Oklahoma is included as Attachment D. NWS
operational radar coverage for the Tulsa service area will be
increased and no area will be missed in coverage.
5. The following evidence, based upon operational demonstration
of modernized NWS operations, played a key role in concluding there
will be no degradation of service.
A. The WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, Attachment E,
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications
(acceptance test); is fully operational (satisfactory operation of
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are
functioning properly; a full set of operations and maintenance
documentation is available; and spare parts and test equipment and
trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on site.
Training was completed but two national work-arounds remain in
effect.
B. The User Confirmation of Services, Attachment F, documents
that only one negative comment was received. The negative comment
has been answered to the satisfaction of the commentator as stated
in the Service Confirmation Report.
C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, Attachment G, verifies
that the existing Tulsa WSR-74C radar is no longer needed to support
services or products for local office operations.
6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Tulsa
service area is included as Attachment H.
I have considered recommendations of the Modernization
Transition Committee (Attachment I) and the ____________ public
comments received during the comment period (Attachment J). On
________________, the Committee voted to endorse the proposed
consolidation (Attachment K). I believe all negative comments have
been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers and I continue
to recommend this certification.
Endorsement
I, Harry S. Hassel, Director, Southern Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
Harry S. Hassel.
Date-------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachments
NEXRAD Forecast Office
PAB 500
P.O. Box 52025
Phoenix, Arizona 85072-2025
Memorandum for: W/WR--Thomas D. Potter
From: Anton F. Haffer, Arizona Area Manager
Subject: Recommendation for Consolidation Certification
A change of operations occurred at the Phoenix Weather Service
Forecast Office (WSFO) in May 1991 when most personnel were
transferred to the facility of the future Phoenix Weather Forecast
Office (WFO) in Tempe, Arizona to operate the WSR-88D and assume
forecast and warning responsibility for the Phoenix service area. At
the same time, the office at the original WSFO location was
designated a Residual Weather Service Office (RWSO) to continue
operating the WSR-74C radar.
After reviewing the attached documentation, I have determined,
in my professional judgment, consolidation of the Phoenix Residual
Weather Service Office (RWSO) with the future Phoenix Weather
Forecast Office (WFO) will not result in any degradation in weather
services to the Phoenix service area. This proposed certification is
in accordance with the advance notification provided in the National
Implementation Plan. Accordingly, I am recommending that you approve
this action in accordance with section 706 of Public Law 102-567. If
you concur, please endorse this recommendation and forward this
package to the Assistant Administrator for Weather Services for
final certification. If Dr. Friday approves, he will forward the
certification to the Secretary for approval and transmittal to
Congress.
My recommendation is based on my review of the pertinent
evidence and application of the modernization criteria for
consolidation of a field office. In summary:
1. A description of local weather characteristics and weather-
related concerns affecting the weather services provided in the pre-
modernized Phoenix service area is included as attachment A. The
Phoenix service area is unique with 24-hour per day responsibility
for Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Mohave, Pinal, and Yavapai
Counties, and part-time responsibility, generally night-time hours,
for Apache, Coconino, La Paz, Navajo, and Yuma Counties. As
discussed below, I find that providing the services which address
these characteristics and concerns from the Phoenix WFO will not
degrade these services.
2. A detailed list of the services currently provided from the
Phoenix RWSO location and comparable services to be provided from
the Phoenix WFO location after consolidation is included as
attachment B. Comparison of these services shows that all services
currently provided will continue to be provided after the proposed
consolidation. ASOS observations are currently augmented by NWS
personnel, with augmentation scheduled to be taken over by a
contractor. I find that there will be no degradation in the quality
of these services as a result of the consolidation.
3. A description of the recent or expected modernization of
National Weather Service (NWS) operations which will enhance
services in the pre-modernized Phoenix service area is included as
attachment C. The new technology (i.e. ASOS, WSR-88D, and AWIPS)
has, or will be, installed and will enhance services.
4. A map showing planned WSR-88D coverage at an elevation of
10,000 feet for Arizona is included as attachment D. The NWS
operational radar coverage for the Phoenix WFO service area will be
vastly increased and will not degrade services.
5. The following evidence, based upon operational demonstration
of modernized NWS operations, played a key role in
[[Page 50189]]
concluding there will be no degradation of service.
A. The WSR-88D RADAR Commissioning Report, attachment E,
validates that the WSR-88D meets technical specifications
(acceptance test); is fully operational satisfactory operation of
system interfaces and satisfactory support of associated NWS
forecasting and warning services); service backup capabilities are
functioning properly; a full set of operations and maintenance
documentation is available; and spare parts and test equipment and
trained operations and maintenance personnel are available on site.
Training was completed. There were two national work-arounds. One of
these has been satisfied while the other one remains in effect.
B. The User Confirmation of Services, attachment F, documents
that only one negative comment was received. The negative comment
was answered to the satisfaction of the commentor as stated in the
service Confirmation Report.
C. The Decommissioning Readiness Report, attachment G, verifies
that the Phoenix WSR-74C radar is no longer needed to support
services or products for local office operations.
6. A memorandum assigning the liaison officer for the Phoenix
service area is included as attachment H.
I have considered recommendations of the Modernization
Transition Committee (attachment I) and the ____________ public
comments received during the comment period (attachment J). On
________________ the Committee voted to endorse the proposed
consolidation (attachment K). I believe all negative comments have
been addressed to the satisfaction of our customers and I continue
to recommend this certification.
Endorsement
I, Thomas D. Potter, Director, Western Region, endorse this
consolidation certification.
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Thomas D. Potter
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Attachments
[FR Doc. 95-24103 Filed 9-27-95; 8:45 am]
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