CBP Details Upcoming 11 July Meetings on Northern Border Security
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced the exact dates and times of the 11 public meetings it will hold in July 2010 to receive input on the four Programmatic Environmental Impact Statements (PEISs) it will issue on the potential impacts upon the human environment of border security activities for the northern border between the U.S. and Canada.
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CBP Expects to Expand its Northern Border Security Activities in Next 5-7 Years
CBP has stated that these PEISs are needed as CBP expects to expand its northern border security activities during the next five to seven years. Expansion could take the form of installing or enhancing sensing equipment networks; improving cargo scanning techniques; changing patrol levels and areas; increasing manned and unmanned aerial and maritime surveillance activities; enhancing detention capabilities, etc. CBP may also upgrade various physical facilities and infrastructure, including ports of entry, checkpoints, roads, etc.
Four PEIS Study Areas to Extend 100 Miles South of Northern Border
The anticipated study area for the PEISs will extend approximately 100 miles south of the Northern Border. The four PEISs will address regions encompassing New England, the Great Lakes, states east of the Rocky Mountains, and states west of the Rocky Mountains.
CBP to Hold 11 July Meetings in the Four Regions
CBP will hold 11 public meetings in July 2010 in the four regions in order to receive input on the range of human environmental considerations the PEISs should address. The exacts dates and locations of these meetings are:
New England Region PEIS meetings
- Augusta, Maine July 12, 2010; 7-9 p.m. The Senator Inn & Spa 284 Western Ave. Augusta, ME 04330
- St. Albans, Vt. July 13, 2010; 7-9 p.m. St. Albans Historical Museum 9 Church Street St. St. Albans, VT 05478
Great Lakes Region PEIS meetings
- Rochester, N.Y. July, 12, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Holiday Inn- Rochester Airport 911 Brooks Ave Rochester, NY 14624
- Erie, Pa. July 13, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Ambassador Banquet Center 7794 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509
- Massena, N.Y. July 14, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Quality Inn 10 W. Orvis St. Massena, NY 13662
- Southfield, Mich. July 21, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Holiday Inn Express 25100 Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI 48075
East of the Rockies Region PEIS meetings
- Duluth, Minn. July 19, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Holiday Inn 200 West First Street Duluth, MN 55802
- Minot, N.D. July 21, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Holiday Inn 2200 Burdick Expressway E Minot, ND 58701
- Havre, Mont. July 22, 2010; 7-9 p.m. The Town House Inn 629 1st Street West Havre, MT 59501
West of the Rockies Region PEIS meetings
- Bellingham, Wash. July 19, 2010; 7-9 p.m. Hampton Inn 3985 Bennett Drive Bellingham, WA 98225
- Naples, Idaho July 21, 2010; 7-9 p.m. The Great Northwest Territories Event Center 336 County Road 8 Naples, ID 83847
Comments on Issues PEIS Should Address due by August 5
Written comments on the issues the PEISs should address are due by August 5, 2010 and should cover the potential human environmental issues associated with the uses of technologies, facilities, infrastructure, and personnel for border security. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/07/10 news, 10070729 for BP summary of CBP Federal Register notice on these meetings and further details on submitting comments.)
Compilation of Comments Received to be Included in Report
After the public comment period is complete and CBP has reviewed the results, a compilation of the comments will be included in a report, which will be made available on the project Web site. CBP will then prepare draft PEISs initially, to be followed, after a period of public comment, with final PEISs.
For more information and other opportunities to provide input, visit www.NorthernBorderPEIS.com.
(CBP notice posted 07/13/10)