[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Weather Service Modernization and Associated Restructuring ACTION: Notice and opportunity for public comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 707of 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Harry S. Hassel ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Harry S. Hassel Date------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas D. Potter Date------------------------------------------------------------------- Attachments [FR Doc. 95-24103 Filed 9-27-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-12-M