Environmental statements; availability, etc.: Atlantic Fleet; Combined Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit Exercise/Joint Task Force Exercise, 34230-34231 [E7-12026]

Agencies

• Navy Department

[Federal Register: June 21, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 119)]
[Notices]
[Page 34230-34231]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jn07-20]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Availability of Finding

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality
regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), implementing procedural
provisions of NEPA, the Department of the Navy (DON) gives notice that
a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been issued and is
available for the Combined Carrier Strike Group Composite Training Unit
Exercise/Joint Task Force Exercise that will occur during July and
August 2007 (CSG COMPTUEX/JTFEX (Jul/Aug 2007)). In addition, pursuant
to Executive Order (EO) 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major
Federal Actions, a Finding of No Significant Harm (FONSH) has been
issued and is available for Combined CSG COMPTUEX/JTFEX (Jul/Aug 2007).

DATES: The effective date of availability is June 21, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the FONSI and FONSH are available for
public viewing or downloading at https://www.navydocuments.com. Single

copies of the FONSI and FONSH may be obtained by written request from:
Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, 6506 Hampton
Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508-1278 (ATTN: Code EV 21ES).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Commander, Second Fleet Public
Affairs, Commander Phillips 757-443-9822 or visit https://www.navydocuments.com
.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Combined CSG COMPTUEX/JTFEX (Jul/Aug 2007)
is a major Navy Atlantic Fleet training exercise proposed to occur in
July and August 2007 in the offshore Virginia Capes, Cherry Point, and
Charleston/Jacksonville Operating Areas (OPAREAs) and adjacent military
installations. The purpose of this exercise is to certify naval forces
as combat-ready. Activities conducted during the exercise include air-
to-ground bombing at land ranges, gunnery

[[Page 34231]]

exercises, small craft interdiction operations, maritime interdiction
operations, mine exercises, missile exercises, combat search and rescue
exercises and anti-submarine warfare, including use of mid-frequency
active (MFA) sonar.
    The FONSI is based on analysis contained in a Comprehensive
Environmental Assessment (EA) addressing environmental impacts
associated with land-based training for Major Atlantic Fleet Training
Exercises on the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S. The FONSH is based on
analysis contained in a Comprehensive Overseas Environmental Assessment
(OEA) and Supplement to the Comprehensive OEA (SOEA) for environmental
impacts associated with Navy's conduct of major exercise training in
offshore operating areas along the East and Gulf Coasts of the U.S.
Environmental concerns addressed in the EA included land use, community
facilities, coastal zone management, socioeconomics, cultural
resources, airspace, air quality, noise, geology, soils, water
resources, biological resources, munitions and hazardous materials
management, and safety. The OEAs addressed potential impacts to the
ocean physical environment, fish and Essential Fish Habitat; sea
turtles and marine mammals; seabirds and migratory birds; endangered
and threatened species; socioeconomics; and cultural resources. The
SOEA included an updated analysis of MFA sonar use and the potential
for gunnery use associated with Combined CSG COMPTUEX/JTFEX (Jul/Aug
2007). Gunnery events using live ordnance were initially scheduled but
are not currently proposed as part of the exercise. Endangered Species
Act Section 7 consultation between the Navy and National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) resulted in a biological opinion from NMFS
concluding that the proposed exercise is not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of any threatened or endangered species nor to
adversely modify or destroy any designated critical habitat.
    This action includes mitigation measures to reduce impacts to a
level that is less than significant. Based on information gathered
during preparation of the Major Atlantic Fleet Training Exercise EA and
OEA and the SOEA, consultation with NMFS, and the evaluation of the
nature, scope and intensity of the proposed action, the Navy finds that
the conduct of the Combined CSG COMPTUEX/JTFEX (Jul/Aug 2007) will not
significantly impact or harm the environment and, therefore, an
Environmental Impact Statement or Overseas Environmental Impact
Statement is not required.

    Dated: June 13, 2007.
L.R. Almand,
Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Administrative Law
Division, Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-12026 Filed 6-20-07; 8:45 am]

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