Notice2023-19055
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Action for the Development of an Updated Facility for the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin
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Published
September 5, 2023
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentGeological Survey
Abstract
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the development of an updated facility for the National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) (Proposed Action) located in Madison, Wisconsin. The EIS will be prepared consistent with the regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended in 2023; Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA, as amended May 20, 2022; and USGS regulations implementing NEPA. This NOI announces the start of the EIS scoping process and seeks public comment on the Proposed Action. Information about the existing facility and Proposed Action can be found on the project website at: https://nwhceis.com/.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 170 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 60707-60710]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-19055]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Geological Survey
[GX23AE38EMBOE00]
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
the Proposed Action for the Development of an Updated Facility for the
National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin
AGENCY: U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare anenvironmental impact
statement (EIS).
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) announces its intent to
prepare an EIS for the development of an updated facility for the
National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) (Proposed Action) located in
Madison, Wisconsin. The EIS will be prepared consistent with the
regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
of 1969, as amended in 2023; Council on Environmental Quality
regulations implementing NEPA, as amended May 20, 2022; and USGS
regulations implementing NEPA. This NOI announces the start of the EIS
scoping process and seeks public comment on the Proposed Action.
Information about the existing facility and Proposed Action can be
found on the project website at: <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the environmental review and
analysis for the Proposed Action must be received within 45 days from
date of this NOI publication in the Federal Register to be considered
for inclusion within the draft EIS. The USGS will have in-person and
virtual public scoping meetings in Madison, Wisconsin, throughout the
development of the Proposed Action. For this formal 45-day scoping
comment period, one (1) In-person Public Meeting and one (1) Virtual
Meeting are scheduled. The In-Person Meeting is scheduled for September
21, 2023, at 5:30-7:30 p.m. CST and will be held at Vel Phillips
Memorial High School, 201 S Gammon Road, Madison, WI 53717. Virtual
meeting dates and times can be found on the project website at <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>. How to participate in these public scoping meetings and
provide scoping commentsis provided under the ADDRESSES, FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT and Scoping Process of this NOI. This information
is also available on the project website at <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a> and
will be published in local newspapers in advance of the meetings. The
in-person and virtual meetings are open to the public and free to
attend.
ADDRESSES: Written comments can be submitted in any of the following
ways: Delivered by mail or delivery service, enclosed in an envelope
labeled ``NATIONAL WILDLIFE HEALTH CENTER EIS'' and addressed to Jordan
D. Sizemore, USGS, National Wildlife Heath Center, 606 Schroeder Road
Madison, WI 53711; or by email to: Jordan D. Sizemore, by email at
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#107a63796a757d7f627550656377633e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a4ced7cddec1c9cbd6c1e4d1d7c3d78ac3cbd2">[email protected]</span></a> or by using the comment form provided on the project
website at <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jordan D. Sizemore, Environmental
Protection Specialist, Environmental Management Branch, USGS, NWHC 606
[[Page 60708]]
Schroeder Road, Madison, WI 53711, telephone (360) 929-0783, or email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0268716b78676f6d706742777165712c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c9a3baa0b3aca4a6bbac89bcbaaebae7aea6bf">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The NWHC was established in 1975 in Madison, Wisconsin, as the
first biomedical laboratory dedicated to assessing the impact of
disease on wildlife and identifying the role of various pathogens in
contributing to wildlife losses. It remains the only national center
devoted to wildlife disease detection, control, and prevention in the
United States. The emergence of wildlife diseases has become a high-
priority concern in the United States and the world. In addition to
their harmful effects on natural wildlife populations and ecosystems,
there is the potential for the spread of zoonotic diseases to humans
and for causing economic losses associated with livestock morbidity and
mortality. The NWHC is responsible for providing research and for
investigating and responding to known and emerging wildlife diseases
and wildlife mortality outbreaks throughout the United States. The NWHC
has been providing vital disease- and pathogen-detection services,
active disease surveillance, and applied research to help understand,
detect, respond to, and manage wildlife diseases on the landscape for
more than 40 years. Some of these diseases include Chronic Wasting
Disease, West Nile Virus, Newcastle disease, salmonellosis, and avian
influenza.
The NWHC is located on a 24-acre tract of federal property which,
along with a vacant building, was originally acquired by the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1978 to consolidate USFWS expertise
into a single program and provide a permanent facility for the NWHC.
The Main Building on the property was originally constructed in the
1960's and renovated in 1982. A second building, the Tight Isolation
Building (TIB), was constructed in 1985 and modified in 1989. Other
small structures are also on the property including a maintenance
garage and a modular building added in the 2000's and used as employee
offices. Portions of the property not occupied by buildings, access and
service driveways, and parking areas were restored to native prairie in
1988. An interpretive nature trail was developed through the prairie
and adjacent wooded area on the property and is actively visited by the
public.
In 1996, the NWHC was transferred from the USFWS to the USGS where
it is one of many entities providing independent science supporting
sound management of the nation's natural resources. The USGS, created
by Congress in 1879, is an agency of the federal government where
scientists study the nation's landscape, its natural resources, and the
natural hazards that threaten it. The USGS is also a research
organization whose work spans biology, geography, geology, and
hydrology.
The Main Building contains a necropsy laboratory and associated
disease diagnostic laboratories; general support laboratories for
biological media and reagent preparation, glassware preparation and
other special-use areas; a physical plant including an incinerator for
inactivation of biohazardous waste; and administrative support areas
with conference rooms, staff offices, data processing and records
areas. A photovoltaic system used to generate electricity, along with
other conservation measures, are employed to reduce energy consumption
and control operational costs.
The TIB is located approximately 150 feet northeast of the Main
Building, and while the buildings are physically separated, there is
not a complete separation of functions, with researchers working in
both buildings. The TIB contains specialized research laboratories and
support areas, staff offices for investigators, and Bio Safety Level 3
(BSL-3) bio-containment animal research areas. The animal isolation
wing is self-contained and includes equipment and special-use areas to
clean cages and glassware, to incinerate bio-hazardous waste, and to
conduct necropsies. Entry into the area requires use of specialized
clothing and footwear, changes of clothing and footwear for each room
entered, and depending on the pathogens present within the facility, a
mandatory shower upon exit from the room or facility level.
The NWHC provides information, technical assistance, and research
on national and international wildlife health issues. It also monitors
and assesses the impact of disease on wildlife populations; defines
ecological relationships leading to the occurrence of disease;
transfers technology for disease prevention and control; and provides
guidance, training, and assistance for reducing wildlife losses. As a
Level 3 Security Facility under the U.S. Department of Justice
Standards for Federal Facilities, the NWHC is required to operate under
criteria established by the National Institutes of Health and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for BSL-3) containment.
The NWHC functions as an integrated program involving disease
diagnosis, field response to disease outbreaks, research, animal
welfare, and training of others in disease identification and control.
Collaboration is conducted with, and technical assistance is provided
to a wide variety of agencies and organizations within the federal,
state, and private sectors. This has resulted in an extensive network
of interaction with the NWHC being the focal point for information,
technical assistance, and research on wildlife health issues.
Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to update the aging NHWC
facility, incorporating technological advances in biosafety engineering
and equipment as well as adding additional space for enhanced animal
care and research. The NHWC needs a modern facility with sufficient
space and modern technologies to support their mission-essential
research. Starting in 2008, the USGS conducted multiple studies of the
current facility to identify where efficiencies could benefit Center
operations. These studies are available on the project website at
<a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>. While safe operation requirements continue to be
maintained, the study findings identified over-crowded laboratories and
administrative areas; inefficient infrastructure (e.g., heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning systems) that do not meet current
standards for energy efficiency; and extensive wear and tear due to the
age of the buildings and associated equipment.
Consistent with follow-on studies conducted in 2011 and 2016
(provided on the project website at <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>), proactive
efforts had been made to repair systems and facilities. However, as is
typical with repairs of older equipment and infrastructure, these
efforts provide only short-term relief so were focused only on those
necessary for maintaining safe operations. Additionally, major repairs
have involved replacing systems like-for-like, as other limitations of
the aging buildings prevent full updating of major infrastructure.
Previous studies indicated that continuing to update the facility
to meet the mission and function of the NWHC is limited and costly.
This has resulted in the need for a more cost-effective solution to
maintain administrative, operational, health, and safety standards and
requirements as well as provide the spaces needed to conduct research
into wildlife disease detection, additional space for enhanced animal-
care conditions, and other programs that
[[Page 60709]]
support the mission of the NWHC. In addition, there is the need to
incorporate modern laboratory equipment, mechanical systems, the latest
technologies and the latest operating and management approaches, all of
which will further enhance the NWHC's capability to reduce exposure to
pathogens and the risks faced by staff and public. In order to meet
future sustainability goals and become a more energy-efficient
facility, the USGS will apply advanced approaches, materials, and
equipment that are sustainable and resilient against the hazards
associated with climate change and optimize the cost of operation by
applying innovative designs, quality construction, highly efficient air
handling, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, and facility
maintenance programs to achieve and maintain peak performance
standards.
Proposed Action and Preliminary Alternatives
The USGS proposes developing a NWHC that can meet the agency's
current and future needs, streamline delivery of research, improve
worker- and public safety with modern biohazard and pathogen
containment and biological-waste disposal, and control operating costs.
The EIS will use information from previous studies, identify
alternatives that avoid and (or) minimize impacts to the environment,
and evaluate alternatives that are technically and economically
feasible. Alternatives currently identified for the Proposed Action
include, but will not be limited to, a decision not to proceed with the
Proposed Action (i.e., the No Action Alternative) and build new
facilities for the NWHC. The alternative to build new facilities for
the NWHC. (i.e., New NWHC Alternative) is currently preferred by the
USGS.
The New NWHC Alternative proposes constructing new facilities on
the grounds of the NWHC in Madison, Wisconsin, and demolishing the
existing facilities over an approximately three-year period. A new NWHC
would contain administrative offices; BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories;
vivarium with Animal Biosafety Level-2 (ABSL-2, ABSL-3) and Biosafety
Level 3 Agriculture (BSL3-AG) capabilities; and necessary support
spaces, including improved internal service driveways and parking to
accommodate visitors, students, government vehicles, and staff; modern
systems for biological waste disposal; a utility yard containing
emergency generators; energy-efficient lighting along internal walkways
and parking areas; and modern containment (i.e., facilities and
equipment to safely manage biohazardous materials in a laboratory)
within NWHC laboratories to protect staff from exposures to biological
agents and hazardous chemicals, the escape of harmful pathogens,
contamination of assay systems, reagents, and other materials, and
cross-contamination between investigations.
Summary of Potential Impacts
The Draft EIS will identify, describe, and analyze the potential
effects of the Proposed Action on the environment that are reasonably
foreseeable and have a relationship to the Proposed Action. This
includes effects that occur at the same time and place as the Proposed
Action and effects caused by the Proposed Action that occur at a later
in time or in a different place. Resources potentially impacted
(whether beneficial or adverse) include, but are not limited to, land
use; traffic; utility services, community services; topography,
geology, and soils; air quality; noise; cultural resources; water
resources, biological resources, and threatened and endangered species;
demographics, employment, and local economics; environmental justice;
and visual resources (i.e., natural landforms, vegetation). The EIS
will also analyze measures that would avoid, minimize, or mitigate
identified adverse impacts of proposed alternatives.
Anticipated Permits and Authorizations
The Proposed Action has the potential to significantly affect the
quality of the human environment. The USGS shall comply with NEPA by
preparing an EIS to ensure that the potential environmental
consequences of such an action are adequately taken into account prior
to making a decision. This includes ensuring that the potential
environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action are
minimized, documented, that required permits are obtained, and all
applicable environmental statutes are followed including but not
limited to: Clean Air Act of 1974 and state required air permits; Clean
Water Act and Amendment and 401 authorizations and 404 permits;
stormwater and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits;
Hazardous Waste permits; consultations under section 7 of Endangered
Species Act of 1973; the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
(NHPA); Farmland Protection Policy Act, among other laws, regulations
and Executive Orders. USGS will also conduct government-to-government
Tribal consultations consistent with Executive order 13175,
Presidential priorities, and Departmental policies, including 516
Departmental Manual (DM) 5.
The USGS will use the NEPA process to support compliance with
consistent applicable procedural requirements under Section 106 of NHPA
(54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided in 36 CFR 800.3(b)(3), including public
involvement requirements of Section 106. Historical and culture
resources information gathered during the public participation and
Section 106 consultation processes will be used to identify the
potential impacts to cultural resources within the Proposed Action's
area of potential effect.
Schedule for the Decision-Making Process
Agency coordination and public participation, including scheduled
public meetings and workshops throughout the decision-making process,
will be a key part of identifying potential impacts for this project.
Upon completion of a Draft EIS, the USGS will publish a Notice of
Availability (NOA) initiating a formal public comment period lasting no
less than 45 days, during which time one more public meeting will be
held. The notice will include information about the date, time, and
location of the public meeting, the means to examine the Draft EIS, and
opportunities and methods for the public to provide comments on the
Proposed Action and Draft EIS. The USGS currently expects to issue the
NOA in Winter 2023. After the public comment period ends, the USGS will
review and address the comments as part of preparing the Final EIS. The
USGS currently expects to make the Final EIS available to the public in
Summer 2024. A Record of Decision (ROD) will be completed no sooner
than 30 days after the Final EIS is released, in accordance with 40 CFR
1506.11.
Scoping Process
This NOI commences the public scoping process to identify issues
and potential alternatives for consideration in the Draft EIS. The USGS
will hold two in-person and one virtual public scoping meeting in
Madison, Wisconsin. The In-Person Meeting is scheduled for September
21, 2023, at 5:30-7:30 p.m. CST and will be held at Vel Phillips
Memorial High School, 201 S Gammon Road, Madison, WI 53717. Virtual
meeting dates and times can be found on the project website listed
below. Information regarding the scoping process and how to participate
in the public scoping meetings and provide scoping comments is also
available on the project website at <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>. Opportunities
for
[[Page 60710]]
members of the public to be involved in the NEPA process are also
described on the project website. Throughout the scoping process,
Federal agencies, Tribal, State, and local governments, and the general
public have the opportunity to help the USGS identify significant
resources and issues, impact-producing factors, reasonable
alternatives, and potential mitigation measures to be analyzed in the
EIS, as well as to provide additional related information.
Public Comments
Federal agencies, Tribal, State, and local governments, and other
interested parties are requested to comment on the scope of the EIS,
significant issues that should be addressed, and alternatives that
should be considered. For information on how to submit comments, see
the ADDRESSES section above. The USGS does not consider anonymous
comments. Please include your name, address, and email as part of your
comment. The USGS makes all comments, including the names, addresses,
and other personally identifiable information (PII) included in the
comment, available for public review online. Individuals can request
that the USGS withhold their PII from the public record; however, the
USGS cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
Additionally, under section 304 of the NHPA, the USGS is required,
after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, to withhold the
location, character, or ownership of historic resources if it
determines that disclosure may, among other things, cause a significant
invasion of privacy, risk harm to the historic resources, or impede the
use of a traditional religious site by practitioners. Tribal entities
and other parties providing information on historic resources should
designate information that they wish to be held as confidential and
provide the reasons why the USGS should do so. All submissions from
organizations or agencies and from individuals identifying themselves
as representatives or officials of organizations or agencies will be
made available for public inspection in their entirety.
Request for Identification and Public Comment on Potential
Alternatives, Information, and Analyses Relevant to the Proposed Action
The USGS requests data, comments, concerns, information, analysis,
alternatives, or suggestions relevant to the Proposed Action from the
public; affected Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments,
agencies, and offices; the scientific community; industry; or any other
interested party. Specifically, the USGS requests information on the
following topics:
Potential effects that the Proposed Action could have on physical
resources and conditions including biological resources, air quality,
hydrology, wetlands, and other waters of the United States.
1. Potential effects that the Proposed Action could have on
socioeconomic and cultural resources, including demographics,
employment, economics, environmental justice, land use, utility
services, traffic, and aesthetic and visual resources.
2. Other possible reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Action
that the USGS should consider, including additional alternatives.
3. As part of its compliance with NHPA section 106 and its
implementing regulations (36 CFR part 800), the USGS seeks comment and
input from the public regarding the identification of historic
properties within the Proposed Action's area of potential effects
defined in a cultural resources study available on the project website
at <a href="https://nwhceis.com/">https://nwhceis.com/</a>, the potential effects on those historic
properties from the Proposed Action, and any information that supports
identification of historic properties under the NHPA. The USGS also
solicits proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any adverse
effects on historic properties. The USGS's effects analysis for
historic properties will be available for public- and consulting-party
comment in the Draft EIS.
4. Information on other current or planned activities in, or in the
vicinity of, the Proposed Action, their possible impacts on the
Proposed Action, and the Proposed Action's possible impacts on those
activities.
5. Other information relevant to the Proposed Action and its
potential impacts on the environment.
To promote informed decision-making, comments should be as specific
as possible and should provide as much detail as necessary to
meaningfully and fully inform the USGS of the commenter's position.
Comments should explain why the issues raised are important to the
consideration of potential environmental impacts and possible
alternatives to the Proposed Action as well as to economic, employment,
and other impacts affecting the quality of the human environment.
The Draft EIS will include a summary of information submitted
during the scoping process for consideration by the USGS with the
alternatives and environmental analyses of the proposed action.
Charise White,
Acting Center Director, National Wildlife Health Center, U.S.
Geological Survey.
[FR Doc. 2023-19055 Filed 9-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4388-11-P
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