CBP Announces PEA and FONSI for Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that a final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Low Energy X-Ray Inspection Systems (LEXRIS) at CBP operational areas have been prepared and are available for public review. (*)
The final PEA documents a review of the potential environmental impacts from the deployment and use of LEXRIS at CBP operational areas throughout the country. Based on the final PEA, a determination was made that the proposed action will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and a FONSI was issued. As a result, a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) is not required.
LEXRIS is a low energy x-ray inspection system. The purpose of deploying and operating LEXRIS is to non-intrusively scan vehicles for the presence of contraband, including weapons of mass destruction, explosives, and illicit drugs. The use of LEXRIS at, for example U.S. ports of entry, directly supports CBP’s mission of securing the U.S. borders and homeland from terrorists and other threats while simultaneously facilitating legitimate trade and travel by assisting CBP personnel in preventing contraband, including illegal drugs and terrorist weapons, from entering the United States.
The system is needed to fill a unique capability to detect objects that are not effectively visualized by other non-intrusive inspection technologies currently used by CBP. LEXRIS gives an image of objects that may be hidden in the vehicle.
(*) The Final PEA and FONSI are available for review for 30 days after publication in the federal register. Copies of the final PEA AND FONSI may be obtained (Engineering and Construction Support Office ) ( National Environmental Policy Act ) .
