95-2450. National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 1, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 6000-6005]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-2450]
    
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
    7 CFR Part 372
    
    [Docket No. 93-165-3]
    RIN 0579-AA33
    
    
    National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures
    
    AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: These final procedures set forth the principles and practices 
    the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will follow to comply 
    with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on 
    Environmental Quality regulations, and the U.S. Department of 
    Agriculture regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy 
    Act. These procedures replace APHIS Guidelines Concerning 
    Implementation of NEPA Procedures.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: March 3, 1995.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Mr. Robert E. Pizel, Branch Chief, Biotechnology, Biologics, and 
    Environmental Protection, APHIS, USDA, P.O. Drawer 810, Riverdale, MD 
    20738. The telephone number for the agency contact will change when 
    agency offices in Hyattsville, MD, move to Riverdale, MD, during 
    January 1995. Telephone: (301) 436-8565 (Hyattsville); (301) 734-8565 
    (Riverdale).
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The regulations of the President's Council on Environmental Quality 
    (CEQ) implementing section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy 
    Act (hereinafter referred to as NEPA) are applicable to and binding on 
    all agencies of the Federal Government. Pursuant to the CEQ 
    implementing regulations, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
    Service (APHIS) is implementing procedures to ensure that its planning 
    and decisionmaking are in accordance with the policies and purposes of 
    NEPA. The CEQ implementing regulations direct that agencies shall 
    include, at a minimum, procedures required by 40 CFR 1501.2(d), 
    1502.9(c)(3), 1505.1, 1506.6(e), 1507.3(b)(2), and 1508.4 
    [[Page 6001]] (1992). APHIS' procedures supplant the APHIS Guidelines 
    Concerning Implementation of NEPA Procedures originally published in 
    the Federal Register on August 28, 1979 (44 FR 50381-50384) and 
    corrections as published in the Federal Register on August 31, 1979 (44 
    FR 51272-51274).
        On June 3, 1994, we published in the Federal Register (59 FR 28814-
    28821, Docket No. 93-165-1) proposed procedures implementing CEQ's NEPA 
    regulations. Comments on the proposed procedures were required to be 
    received on or before July 18, 1994. During the comment period, we 
    received a request from the Association of Natural Bio-control 
    Producers that we extend the comment period. The comment stated that 
    additional time was necessary to allow interested parties to evaluate 
    fully and respond to the proposed procedures. In response to this 
    comment, we published a notice in the Federal Register on July 22, 1994 
    (59 FR 37442, Docket No. 93-165-2), reopening and extending the comment 
    period until August 2, 1994.
        We received seven comments by August 2, 1994, from the following 
    commenters: American Veterinary Medical Association; Asgrow Seed 
    Company; Association of Natural Bio-control Producers; Environmental 
    Defense Fund; State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture; 
    The Humane Society of the United States; and the Office of the 
    Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. We carefully 
    considered all of the comments we received. Noteworthy issues that were 
    raised in comments--whether or not they prompted changes to the 
    proposed procedures--are developed below either under the appropriate 
    section headings or, if they do not fit within a section heading, under 
    the ``miscellaneous'' heading that follows. Sections 372.1 through 
    372.3 and 372.7 through 372.10 were not addressed in comments and, 
    except where language was modified to improve clarity or eliminate, 
    insofar as possible, ``jargon,'' remain as originally proposed.
    
    Discussion of Issues
    
    Definitions (Section 372.4)
    
        One commenter, concerned that some language in the procedures is 
    too species-specific, has suggested that APHIS broaden significantly 
    its definition of ``environment.'' The term ``environment'' is not 
    defined in these procedures. CEQ's regulations provide that the term 
    ```human environment' shall be interpreted comprehensively to include 
    the natural and physical environment and the relationship of people 
    with that environment.''\1\ In evaluating impacts of agency proposals 
    and exploring alternatives under NEPA, we are guided by CEQ's 
    interpretation of the term ``human environment.'' In certain cases, 
    limiting language is used in these procedures, not to circumscribe the 
    scope of required NEPA analysis, but in recognition of program 
    jurisdictional constraints. In no case is language employed to limit 
    APHIS' environmental responsibilities.
    
        \1\40 CFR 1508.14.
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    Classification of Actions (Section 372.5)
    
        One commenter has criticized the failure of this section to 
    distinguish consistently between specific criteria for and 
    identification of classes of action. He has also urged that examples 
    and classes of action be presented with much greater specificity. We 
    agree and have rewritten this section (the substance of which has not 
    been changed) in an attempt to accommodate those concerns and for 
    general clarification.
    
    Categorically Excluded Actions
    
        One commenter has asked who will make the decisions regarding what 
    is or is not categorically excluded. The decision in the first instance 
    belongs to program personnel who should be greatly assisted in that 
    effort through the rewrite of this section.
        Another commenter is ``concerned about the possibility that APHIS 
    may, under the language now proposed, consider the seizure or removal 
    of wild animals from a population for such purposes as disease testing 
    as actions which are categorically excluded.'' The fact is that such 
    seizures or removals, which are generally very limited in scope and 
    humanely pursued, would seldom have the potential to affect 
    significantly the quality of the human environment.\2\
    
        \2\If the animals to be tested were listed as endangered or 
    threatened by the Federal Government or otherwise protected (by 
    treaty, for example), then categorical exclusion would clearly not 
    be appropriate. In that case, the environmental assessment or 
    environmental impact statement process (as well as any other 
    required consultation or process) would be undertaken.
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        One commenter has inquired whether small-scale field tests of 
    genetically engineered plants is included as a categorically excluded 
    action under paragraph (c)(2), which provides an exclusion for 
    ``[a]ctivities that are carried out in laboratories, facilities, or 
    other areas designed to eliminate the potential for harmful 
    environmental effects.'' In fact, the environmental assessment process 
    has been undertaken for hundreds of permits that have been issued to 
    conduct small-scale (or ``confined,'' as expressed in current 
    biotechnology literature) field tests of genetically engineered plants. 
    In every case a finding of no significant impact was reached, reason 
    enough to conclude that such tests ought to be categorically excluded. 
    To eliminate any confusion, this action (including ``notifications,'' 
    which are little more than logical extensions) will be described 
    separately as an example of categorical exclusions under a retitled 
    paragraph (c)(3). We emphasize, in response to concerns raised by 
    another commenter on this subject, that this categorical exclusion 
    applies only to confined field tests; unconfined testing would not 
    qualify for categorical exclusion.
        Two other commenters maintain that the movement and release of at 
    least some nonindigenous species also would qualify for categorical 
    exclusion under the same exclusion theory as small-scale field tests of 
    genetically engineered plants. We agree that categorical exclusion of 
    some nonindigenous species activities--movement to and from 
    ``containment,'' as well as the release into a State's environment of 
    pure cultures of organisms that are either native or are established 
    introductions--is appropriate. These actions also will be described 
    separately as examples of categorical exclusions under paragraph 
    (c)(3).
        Finally, the substance of paragraph (c)(3) of the proposed 
    procedures is provided as an example under paragraph (c)(1) of these 
    final procedures. The substance of paragraph (c)(5) of the proposed 
    procedures appears in these final procedures as paragraph (c)(3), which 
    has been retitled ``Licensing and permitting'' and expanded to include 
    activities described in the preceding two paragraphs.
    
    Early Planning for Applicants and Non-APHIS Entities (Section 372.6)
    
        One commenter has complained that the failure to develop ``the 
    necessary environmental data needs'' leaves potential applicants in the 
    dark. This situation, according to the commenter, could lead to 
    imposition of inconsistent and burdensome requirements. Data 
    requirements have indeed been developed for some agency programs.\3\ 
    Other programs are in the process of incorporating such requirements 
    into their guidance.
    
        \3\See for example, 7 CFR 340.4 (data requirements for 
    applications seeking authorization to introduce genetically 
    engineered organisms into the environment). [[Page 6002]] 
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    Miscellaneous
    
    Appeals
        One commenter has expressed concern about ``the absence of proposed 
    procedures to provide the public with an opportunity to appeal APHIS 
    decisions with which it disagrees.'' The appeal procedures, according 
    to that commenter, should be made a part of the agency's NEPA 
    procedures so that the public will not be forced ``to seek judicial 
    review as the first and only response to inadequate NEPA documents.''
        We do not believe that the agency's NEPA procedures should be the 
    vehicle through which APHIS decisions may be appealed. These procedures 
    are designed to complement the CEQ regulations and to ensure that the 
    NEPA process aids this agency's decisionmaking and contributes to 
    public understanding of APHIS' duties and functions at all levels of 
    administrative action. It is through NEPA's public process that the 
    best possible documentation will be prepared; turning that process into 
    a form of adjudication will do nothing to enhance document quality.
    Emergencies
        The agency has been urged by one commenter to address 
    ``emergencies'' in its NEPA procedures. It has been recommended that 
    (1) the term ``emergency'' be defined as ``a situation or occurrence of 
    an extremely serious nature that has developed suddenly and 
    unexpectedly and requires immediate action to address a serious threat 
    to life or property,'' and (2) a provision be added to the procedures 
    that would require the agency to consult with CEQ in emergency 
    circumstances ``as soon as possible about alternative arrangements for 
    compliance with NEPA.''
        The CEQ regulations, which deal expressly with ``emergency 
    circumstances,'' have been (and will continue to be) complied with by 
    APHIS as necessary. Duplicating the CEQ ``emergency'' regulations here 
    would serve no useful purpose; indeed, we are discouraged from doing 
    so.\4\
    
        \4\See 40 CFR 1507.3 (``Such procedures shall not paraphrase 
    these regulations').
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    Compliance Issues
        One commenter has expressed concern that Executive Order 12778 
    ``moves all decision making and document preparation to the highest 
    possible level--USDA national staff in Hyattsville'' and that the 
    executive order is at ``odds with CEQA [California Environmental 
    Quality Act], and leaves [California citizens and officials] open to 
    limitation under CEQA despite having met NEPA standards.''
        The notice of proposed rulemaking merely recited how these 
    procedures are affected by Executive Order 12778, which we cannot 
    disavow. But the fact is that APHIS has not centralized environmental 
    decisionmaking; on the contrary, environmental decisionmaking at this 
    agency is in the process of being decentralized. Furthermore, it is 
    doubtful that California's CEQA would be found to be in ``conflict'' 
    with this agency's procedures. Nevertheless, principles of federalism 
    permit suits to be brought in State court under State law whether or 
    not there is compliance with a counterpart Federal statute.
    
    Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. The rule 
    has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive 
    Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of 
    Management and Budget.
        These procedures satisfy the requirement to implement CEQ's NEPA 
    regulations and have been designed to reduce to a minimum the 
    regulatory burden on small entities and all other individuals and 
    organizations, public and private.
        Under these circumstances, the Administrator of the Animal and 
    Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that these procedures 
    will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
    small entities.
    
    Executive Order 12372
    
        This program/activity is listed in the catalogy of Federal Domestic 
    Assistance under No. 10.025 and is subject to Executive 12372, which 
    requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. 
    (See 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V.)
    
    Executive Order 12778
    
        This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
    Justice Reform. This rule (1) Preempts all State and local laws and 
    regulations that are in conflict with these procedures; (2) has no 
    retroactive effect; and (2) has no retroactive effect; and (3) does not 
    require administrative proceedings before parties may file suit in 
    court challenging this rule.
    
    The National Environmental Policy Act
    
        Implementation of these procedures willl not significantly impact 
    the quality of the human environment.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        These procedures contain no information collection or recordkeeping 
    requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
    et seq.).
    
    List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 372
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Environmental assessment, 
    Environmental impact statement, and National Environmental Policy Act.
    
        Accordingly, title 7, chapter III, of the Code of Federal 
    Regulations is amended by adding a new part 372 to read as follows:
    
    PART 372--NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES
    
    Sec.
    372.1  Purpose.
    372.2  Designation of responsible APHIS official.
    372.3  Information and assistance.
    372.4  Definitions.
    372.5  Classification of actions.
    372.6  Early planning for applicants and non-APHIS entities.
    372.7  Consultation.
    372.8  Major planning and decision points and public involvement.
    372.9  Processing and use of environmental documents.
    372.10  Supplementing environmental impact statements.
    
        Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; 40 CFR parts 1500-1508; 7 CFR 
    parts 1b, 2.17, 2.51, 371.2, 371.2(m), 371.13(d), and 371.14(b).
    
    
    Sec. 372.1  Purpose.
    
        These procedures implement section 102(2) of the National 
    Environmental Policy Act by assuring early and adequate consideration 
    of environmental factors in Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
    planning and decisionmaking and by promoting the effective, efficient 
    integration of all relevant environmental requirements under the 
    National Environmental Policy Act. The goal of timely, relevant 
    environmental analysis will be secured principally by adhering to the 
    National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations (40 CFR 
    parts 1500-1508), especially provisions pertaining to timing 
    (Sec. 1502.5), integration (Sec. 1502.25), and scope of analysis 
    (Sec. 1508.25).
    
    
    Sec. 372.2  Designation of responsible APHIS official.
    
        The Administrator of APHIS, or an agency official to whom the 
    Administrator may formally delegate the task, is responsible for 
    overall review of APHIS' NEPA compliance. [[Page 6003]] 
    
    
    Sec. 372.3  Information and assistance.
    
        Information, including the status of studies, and the availability 
    of reference materials, as well as the informal interpretations of 
    APHIS' NEPA procedures and other forms of assistance, will be made 
    available upon request to Environmental Analysis and Documentation, 
    Biotechnology, Biologics, and Environmental Protection, APHIS, USDA, 
    P.O. Drawer 810, Riverdale MD 20738, (301) 436-8565 (Hyattsville) or 
    (301) 734-8565 (Riverdale).
    
    
    Sec. 372.4  Definitions.
    
        The terminology set forth in the Council on Environmental Quality's 
    (CEQ) implementing regulations at 40 CFR part 1508 is incorporated 
    herein. In addition, the following terms, as used in these procedures, 
    are defined as follows:
        APHIS. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
        Decisionmaker. The agency official responsible for executing 
    findings of no significant impact in the environmental assessment 
    process and the record of decision in the environmental impact 
    statement process.
        Department. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
        Environmental unit. Environmental Analysis and Documentation, the 
    analytical unit in Biotechnology, Biologics, and Environmental 
    Protection responsible for coordinating APHIS' compliance with the 
    National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental laws and 
    regulations.
    
    
    Sec. 372.5  Classification of actions.
    
        (a) Actions normally requiring environmental impact statements. 
    This class of policymakings and rulemakings seeks to establish 
    programmatic approaches to animal and plant health issues. Actions in 
    this class typically involve the agency, an entire program, or a 
    substantial program component and are characterized by their broad 
    scope (often global or nationwide) and potential effect (impacting a 
    wide range of environmental quality values or indicators, whether or 
    not affected individuals or systems may be completely identified at the 
    time). Ordinarily, new or untried methodologies, strategies, or 
    techniques to deal with pervasive threats to animal and plant health 
    are the subjects of this class of actions. Alternative means of dealing 
    with those threats usually have not been well developed. Actions in 
    this class include:
        (1) Formulation of contingent response strategies to combat future 
    widespread outbreaks of animal and plant diseases; and
        (2) Adoption of strategic or other long-range plans that purport to 
    adopt for future program application a preferred course of action.
        (b) Actions normally requiring environmental assessments but not 
    necessarily environmental impact statements. This class of APHIS 
    actions may involve the agency as a whole or an entire program, but 
    generally is related to a more discrete program component and is 
    characterized by its limited scope (particular sites, species, or 
    activities) and potential effect (impacting relatively few 
    environmental values or systems). Individuals and systems that may be 
    affected can be identified. Methodologies, strategies, and techniques 
    employed to deal with the issues at hand are seldom new or untested. 
    Alternative means of dealing with those issues are well established. 
    Mitigation measures are generally available and have been successfully 
    employed. Actions in this class include:
        (1) Policymakings and rulemakings that seek to remedy specific 
    animal and plant health risks or that may affect opportunities on the 
    part of the public to influence agency environmental planning and 
    decisionmaking. Examples of this category of actions include:
        (i) Development of program plans that seek to adopt strategies, 
    methods, and techniques as the means of dealing with particular animal 
    and plant health risks that may arise in the future;
        (ii) Implementation of program plans at the site-specific, action 
    level, except for actions that are categorically excluded, as provided 
    in paragraph (c) of this section.
        (2) Planning, design, construction, or acquisition of new 
    facilities, or proposals for modifications to existing facilities.
        (3) Disposition of waste and other hazardous or toxic materials at 
    laboratories and other APHIS facilities, except for actions that are 
    categorically excluded, as provided in paragraph (c) of this section.
        (4) Approvals and issuance of permits for proposals involving 
    genetically engineered or nonindigenous species, except for actions 
    that are categorically excluded, as provided in paragraph (c) of this 
    section.
        (5) Research or testing that:
        (i) Will be conducted outside of a laboratory or other containment 
    area (field trials, for example); or
        (ii) Reaches a stage of development (e.g., formulation of 
    premarketing strategies) that forecasts an irretrievable commitment to 
    the resulting products or technology.
        (c) Categorically excluded actions. This class of APHIS actions 
    shares many of the same characteristics--particularly in terms of the 
    extent of program involvement, as well as the scope, effect of, and the 
    availability of alternatives to proposed actions--as the class of 
    actions that normally requires environmental assessments but not 
    necessarily environmental impact statements. The major difference is 
    that the means through which adverse environmental impacts may be 
    avoided or minimized have actually been built right into the actions 
    themselves. The efficacy of this approach generally has been 
    established through testing and/or monitoring. The Department of 
    Agriculture has also promulgated a listing of categorical exclusions 
    that are applicable to all agencies within the department unless their 
    procedures provide otherwise. Those categorical exclusions, codified at 
    7 CFR 1b.3(a), are entirely appropriate for APHIS. Other actions in 
    this class include:
        (1) Routine measures. (i) Routine measures, such as 
    identifications, inspections, surveys, sampling that does not cause 
    physical alteration of the environment, testing, seizures, quarantines, 
    removals, sanitizing, inoculations, control, and monitoring employed by 
    agency programs to pursue their missions and functions. Such measures 
    may include the use--according to any label instructions or other 
    lawful requirements and consistent with standard, published program 
    practices and precautions--of chemicals, pesticides, or other 
    potentially hazardous or harmful substances, materials, and target-
    specific devices or remedies, provided that such use meets all of the 
    following criteria (insofar as they may pertain to a particular 
    action):
        (A) The use is localized or contained in areas where humans are not 
    likely to be exposed, and is limited in terms of quantity, i.e., 
    individualized dosages and remedies;
        (B) The use will not cause contaminants to enter water bodies, 
    including wetlands;
        (C) The use does not adversely affect any federally protected 
    species or critical habitat; and
        (D) The use does not cause bioaccumulation.
        (ii) Examples of routine measures include:
        (A) Inoculation or treatment of discrete herds of livestock or 
    wildlife undertaken in contained areas (such as a barn or corral, a 
    zoo, an exhibition, or an aviary);
        (B) Pesticide treatments applied to infested plants at a nursery; 
    and
        (C) Isolated (for example, along a highway) weed control 
    efforts. [[Page 6004]] 
        (2) Research and development activities. (i) Activities that are 
    carried out in laboratories, facilities, or other areas designed to 
    eliminate the potential for harmful environmental effects--internal or 
    external--and to provide for lawful waste disposal.
        (ii) Examples of this category of actions include:
        (A) The development and/or production (including formulation, 
    repackaging, movement, and distribution) of previously approved and/or 
    licensed program materials, devices, reagents, and biologics;
        (B) Research, testing, and development of animal repellents; and
        (C) Development and production of sterile insects.
        (3) Licensing and permitting. (i) Issuance of a license, permit, or 
    authorization to ship for field testing previously unlicensed 
    veterinary biological products;
        (ii) Permitting, or acknowledgment of notifications for, confined 
    field releases of genetically engineered organisms and products; and
        (iii) Permitting of:
        (A) Importation of nonindigenous species into containment 
    facilities,
        (B) Interstate movement of nonindigenous species between 
    containment facilities, or
        (C) Releases into a State's environment of pure cultures of 
    organisms that are either native or are established introductions.
        (4) Rehabilitation of facilities. Rehabilitation of existing 
    laboratories and other APHIS facilities, functional replacement of 
    parts and equipment, and minor additions to such existing APHIS 
    facilities.
        (d) Exceptions for categorically excluded actions. Whenever the 
    decisionmaker determines that a categorically excluded action may have 
    the potential to affect ``significantly'' the quality of the ``human 
    environment,'' as those terms are defined at 40 CFR 1508.27 and 
    1508.14, respectively, and environmental assessment or an environmental 
    impact statement will be prepared. For example:
        (1) When any routine measure, the incremental impact of which, when 
    added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions 
    (regardless of what agency or person undertakes such actions), has the 
    potential for significant environmental impact;
        (2) When a previously licensed or approved biologic has been 
    subsequently shown to be unsafe, or will be used at substantially 
    higher dosage levels or for substantially different applications or 
    circumstances than in the use for which the product was previously 
    approved;
        (3) When a previously unlicensed veterinary biological product to 
    be shipped for field testing contains live microorganisms or will not 
    be used exclusively for in vitro diagnostic testing; or
        (4) When a confined field release of genetically engineered 
    organisms or products involves new species or organisms or novel 
    modifications that raise new issues.
    
    
    Sec. 372.6  Early planning for applicants and non-APHIS entities.
    
        Each prospective applicant who anticipates the need for approval of 
    proposed activities classified as normally requiring environmental 
    documentation is encouraged to contact, at the earliest opportunities, 
    APHIS' program staff.
    
    
    Sec. 372.7  Consultation.
    
        Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact APHIS programs 
    officials to determine what types of environmental analyses or 
    documentation, if any, need to be prepared. NEPA documents will 
    incorporate, to the fullest extent possible, surveys and studies 
    required by other environmental statutes, such as the Endangered 
    Species Act.
    
    
    Sec. 372.8  Major planning and decision points and public involvement.
    
        (a) Major planning and decisions points. The NEPA process will be 
    fully coordinated with APHIS planning in cooperation with program 
    personnel. Specific decision points or milestones will be identified 
    and communicated to the public and others in a notice of intent and in 
    the context of the public scoping process.
        (b) Public involvement. There will be an early and open process for 
    determining the scope of issues to be addressed in the environmental 
    impact statement process.
        (1) A notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
    will be published in the Federal Register as soon as it is determined 
    that a proposed major Federal action has the potential to affect 
    significantly the quality of the human environment. The notice may 
    include a preliminary scope of environmental study. All public and 
    other involvement in APHIS' environmental impact statement process, 
    including the scoping process, commenting on draft documents, and 
    participation in the preparation of any supplemental documents, will be 
    pursuant to CEQ's implementing regulations.
        (2) Opportunities for public involvement in the environmental 
    assessment process will be announced in the same fashion as the 
    availability of environmental assessments and findings of no 
    significant impact.
        (3) Notification of the availability of environmental assessments 
    and findings of no significant impact for proposed activities will be 
    published in the Federal Register, unless it is determined that the 
    effects of the action are primarily of regional or local concern. Where 
    the effects of the action are primarily of regional or local concern, 
    notice will normally be provided through publication in a local or area 
    newspaper of general circulation and/or the procedures implementing 
    Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
    Programs.''
        (4) All environmental documents, comments received, and any 
    underlying documents, including interagency correspondence where such 
    correspondence transmits comments of Federal agencies on the 
    environmental impact of proposals for which documents were prepared 
    (except for privileged or confidential information (50 FR 38561)), will 
    be made available to the public upon request. Materials to be made 
    available will be provided without charge, to the extent practicable, 
    or at a fee not more than the actual cost of reproducing copies 
    required to be sent to other Federal agencies, including CEQ.
    
    
    Sec. 372.9  Processing and use of environmental documents.
    
        (a) Environmental assessments will be forwarded immediately upon 
    completion to the decisionmaker for a determination of whether the 
    proposed action may have significant effects on the quality of the 
    human environment, and for the execution, as appropriate, of a finding 
    of no significant impact or a notice of intent to prepare an 
    environmental impact statement.
        (1) The availability of environmental assessments will be announced 
    by publishing a notice consistent with the notification provisions of 
    Sec. 372.8.
        (2) Comments, if any, will be transmitted, together with any 
    analyses and recommendations, to the APHIS decisionmaker who may then 
    take appropriate action.
        (3) Changes to environmental assessments and findings of no 
    significant impact that are prompted by comments, new information, or 
    any other source, will normally be announced in the same manner as the 
    notice of availability (except that all commenters will be mailed 
    copies of changes directly) prior to implementing the proposed action 
    or any alternative. [[Page 6005]] 
        (b) Environmental impact statements will be processed from 
    inception (publication of the notice of intent) to completion 
    (publication of a final environmental impact statement or a supplement) 
    according to the Council on Environmental Quality implementing 
    regulations.
        (c) For rulemaking or adjudicatory proceedings, relevant 
    environmental documents, comments, and responses will be a part of the 
    administrative record.
        (d) For all APHIS activity that is subject to the NEPA process, 
    relevant environmental documents, comments, and responses will 
    accompany proposals through the review process.
        (e) The APHIS decisionmaker will consider the alternatives 
    discussed in environmental documents in reaching a determination on the 
    merits of proposed actions.
        (f) APHIS will implement mitigation and other conditions 
    established in environmental documentation and committed to as part of 
    the decisionmaking process.
    
    
    Sec. 372.10  Supplementing environmental impact statements.
    
        Once a decision to supplement an environmental impact statement is 
    made, a notice of intent will be published. The administrative record 
    will thereafter be open. The supplemental document will then be 
    processed in the same fashion (exclusive of scoping) as a draft and a 
    final statement (unless alternative procedures are approved by CEQ) and 
    will become part of the administrative record.
    
        Done in Washington, DC, this 26th day of January 1995.
    Terry L. Medley,
    Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
    [FR Doc. 95-2450 Filed 1-31-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3410-34-M
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
3/3/1995
Published:
02/01/1995
Department:
Agriculture Department
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-2450
Dates:
March 3, 1995.
Pages:
6000-6005 (6 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 93-165-3
RINs:
0579-AA33
PDF File:
95-2450.pdf
CFR: (10)
7 CFR 372.1
7 CFR 372.2
7 CFR 372.3
7 CFR 372.4
7 CFR 372.5
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