[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30034-30035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-13737]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 73

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0476; Airspace Docket No. 18-AWP-8]
RIN 2120-AA66


Revocation of Restricted Area R-2530, Sierra Army Depot, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action removes restricted area R-2530 Sierra Army Depot, 
CA. This restricted area was originally established in 1963 for the 
purpose of neutralization of ammunition through a process known as 
burning. The United States Army has advised there are no future plans 
for this restricted area and has concurred with the FAA's plan for 
removal. Therefore, the FAA has determined that a valid requirement for 
the airspace no longer exists.

DATES: Effective date: July 27, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth Ready, Airspace Policy Group, 
Office of Airspace Services, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202) 267-
8783.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Authority for This Rulemaking

    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is 
found in Title 49 of the United States Code. Subtitle I, Section 106 
describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, 
Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's 
authority. This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described 
in Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, 
the FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of 
the airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the 
efficient use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority as it returns restricted area R-2530 Sierra Army Depot, CA, 
as it is no longer needed for its designated purpose within the 
National Airspace System (NAS).

[[Page 30035]]

The Rule

    This action amends 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 73 by 
removing Restricted area R-2530 Sierra Army Depot, CA. The United 
States Army no longer has a use for the restricted area, which was 
originally established for neutralization of ammunition through a 
process known as burning. The process was considered a hazard to 
aircraft since an uncontrolled explosion may have occurred at any time 
during the burning operation. The FAA has determined that a valid 
requirement for the airspace no longer exists and the restricted area 
is being returned to the NAS.
    Since this action reduces restricted airspace, the solicitation of 
comments would only delay the return of airspace to public use without 
offering any meaningful right or benefit to any segment of the public; 
therefore, notice and public procedure under 5 U.S.C. 553(b) are 
unnecessary.

Regulatory Notices and Analyses

    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an 
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and 
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current. 
It, therefore: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 
Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulatory Policies and Procedures 
(44 FR 11034; February 26, 1979); and (3) does not warrant preparation 
of a regulatory evaluation as the anticipated impact is so minimal. 
Since this is a routine matter that only affects air traffic procedures 
and air navigation, it is certified that this rule, when promulgated, 
does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Environmental Review

    The FAA has determined that this action of revoking of R-2530 
Sierra Army Depot, CA, qualifies for categorical exclusion under the 
National Environmental Policy Act in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1E, 
Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, paragraph 5-6.5.c, 
``Actions to return all or part of special use airspace (SUA) to the 
National Airspace System (NAS), such as revocation of airspace, a 
decrease in dimensions, or a reduction in times of use (e.g., from 
continuous to intermittent, or use by a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)).'' 
This action returns restricted airspace to the NAS. Therefore, this 
airspace action is not expected to result in any significant 
environmental impacts. In accordance with FAAO 1050.1F, paragraph 5-2 
regarding Extraordinary Circumstances, this action has been reviewed 
for factors and circumstances in which a normally categorically 
excluded action may have a significant environmental impact requiring 
further analysis, and it is determined that no extraordinary 
circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental 
assessment.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 73

    Airspace, Prohibited areas, Restricted areas.

The Amendment

    In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation 
Administration amends 14 CFR part 73 as follows:

PART 73--SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE

0
 1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(f), 106(g); 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 
10854, 24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.


Sec.  73.25  [Amended]

0
 2. Section 73.25 is amended as follows:
* * * * *

R-2530 Sierra Army Depot, CA [Removed]

    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 20, 2018.
Rodger A. Dean, Jr.,
Manager, Airspace Policy Group.
[FR Doc. 2018-13737 Filed 6-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


