Notice of Public Hearings for the Jacksonville Range Complex Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Overseas Environmental Impact Statement, 36495-36498 [E8-14541]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 125 / Friday, June 27, 2008 / Notices
for National and Community Service, by
any of the following two methods
within 30 days from the date of
publication in this Federal Register:
(1) By fax to: (202) 395–6974,
Attention: Ms. Katherine Astrich, OMB
Desk Officer for the Corporation for
National and Community Service; and
(2) Electronically by e-mail to:
Katherine_T._Astrich@omb.eop.gov.
The OMB
is particularly interested in comments
which:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the Corporation, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
• Propose ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
• Propose ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond, including
through the use of appropriate
automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection
techniques or other forms of information
technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submissions of responses.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments
A 60-day public comment Notice was
published in the Federal Register on
March 4, 2008. This comment period
ended May 4, 2008. No public
comments were received from this
notice.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
Description
The Progress Report (PPR) was
designed to assure that
AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsors address
and fulfill legislated program purposes,
meet agency program management and
grant requirements, and assess progress
toward project plan goals agreed upon
in the signing of the Memorandum of
Agreement.
The Corporation seeks to revise the
previously used Project Application to:
(a) Better align the information
requested on the Concept Paper and the
Application; and (b) simplify the project
plan while continuing to provide a
robust tool for evaluating project
performance.
The Corporation seeks to revise the
previously used PPR to: (a) Reduce
respondent burden; (b) enhance data
elements collected via this information
collection tool; (c) establish reporting
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periods consistent with the
Corporation’s integrated grants
management and reporting policies.
The current PPR is used by
AmeriCorps*VISTA sponsors and
grantees to report progress toward
accomplishing work plan goals and
objectives, reporting actual outcomes
related to self-nominated performance
measures meeting challenges
encountered, describing significant
activities, and requesting technical
assistance. The PPR is also used to
collect demographic data elements used
by the Corporation for aggregate
reporting purposes. Submissions of the
PPR are done quarterly.
The revised PPR will be divided into
two separate parts in order to reduce
burden and to increase data integrity.
All demographic data elements will be
removed from the quarterly submissions
and added to an annual VISTA Progress
Report Supplement (VPRS) due 30 days
after the end of a fiscal year. The
quarterly reports will retain their
purpose of providing monitoring and
oversight of individual projects, while
the annual data collection will serve the
purpose of aggregate performance
reporting for the VISTA program.
Burden will be reduced by collecting
the demographic data elements once a
year instead of quarterly. Data integrity
will be increased by tying data elements
to specific fiscal years rather than
project reporting cycles.
Type of Review: Renewal.
Agency: Corporation for National and
Community Service.
Title: AmeriCorps*VISTA Project
Progress Report (PPR).
OMB Number: 3045–0043.
Agency Number: None.
Affected Public: AmeriCorps*VISTA
sponsoring organizations.
PPR (Part A):
Total Respondents: 1000.
Frequency: Quarterly.
Average Time per Response: 7 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 28,000
hours.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):
None.
Total Burden Cost (operating/
maintenance): None.
VPRS (Part B):
Total Respondents: 1000.
Frequency: Annual.
Average Time Per Response: 8 hours.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 8000
hours.
Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):
None.
Total Burden Cost (operating/
maintenance): None.
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Dated: June 23, 2008.
Jean Whaley,
Director, AmeriCorps*VISTA.
[FR Doc. E8–14629 Filed 6–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6050–$$–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Public Hearings for the
Jacksonville Range Complex Draft
Environmental Impact Statement/
Overseas Environmental Impact
Statement
Department of the Navy, DoD.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c)
of the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 United States
Code [U.S.C.] § 4321); the Council of
Environmental Quality (CEQ)
Regulations for implementing the
procedural provisions of NEPA (Title 40
Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts
1500–1508); Department of the Navy
Procedures for Implementing NEPA (32
CFR 775); Executive Order (EO) 12114,
Environmental Effects Abroad of Major
Federal Actions; and Department of
Defense (DoD) regulations implementing
EO 12114 (32 CFR Part 187), the
Department of the Navy (Navy) has
prepared and filed with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency a
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/
Overseas Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS/OEIS) on June 18, 2008.
The National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) is a Cooperating Agency for the
EIS/OEIS.
The EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential
environmental impacts over a 10-year
planning horizon associated with Navy
Atlantic Fleet training; research,
development, testing, and evaluation
(RDT&E) activities; and associated range
capabilities enhancements (including
infrastructure improvements) within the
existing Jacksonville (JAX) Range
Complex Operating Area (OPAREA).
The JAX Range Complex geographically
encompasses offshore, near-shore, and
onshore OPAREA, ranges, and special
use airspace (SUA).
Components of the JAX Range
Complex encompass 50,090 square
nautical miles (nm2) of sea space and
62,596 nm 2 of SUA off the coasts of
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
and Florida, as well as 20 miles2 of
inland range area in north-central
Florida. A Notice of Intent for this Draft
EIS/OEIS was published in the Federal
Register on January 26, 2007 (72 FR
3806).
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 125 / Friday, June 27, 2008 / Notices
The Navy will conduct four public
hearings to receive oral and written
comments on the Draft EIS/OEIS.
Federal agencies, state agencies, and
local agencies and interested
individuals are invited to be present or
represented at the public hearings. This
notice announces the dates and
locations of the public hearings for this
Draft EIS/OEIS.
An open house session will precede
the scheduled public hearing at each of
the locations listed below and will
allow individuals to review the
information presented in the JAX Range
Complex Draft EIS/OEIS. Navy
representatives will be available during
the open house sessions to clarify
information related to the Draft EIS/
OEIS.
DATES AND ADDRESSES: All meetings will
start with an open house session from
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A formal presentation
and public comment period will be held
from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Public hearings
will be held on the following dates and
at the following locations: July 28, 2008
at the Doubletree Guest Suites—Historic
Charleston, 181 Church Street,
Charleston, SC; July 29, 2008 at the
Holiday Inn Beaufort; 2225 Boundry St.,
Beaufort, SC; July 30, 2008 at the Hyatt
Regency Savannah, 2 W. Bay Street,
Savannah, GA; July 31, 2008 at the
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville—Riverfront;
225 E. Coastline Dr., Jacksonville, FL.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Atlantic, Attention, EV22CM (JAX EIS/
OEIS PM), 6506 Hampton Boulevard,
Norfolk, Virginia 23508–1278; facsimile:
757–322–4894 or https://
www.jacksonvillerangecomplexeis.com.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Navy
has identified the need to support and
conduct current and emerging training
and RDT&E operations in the JAX Range
Complex. The proposed action does not
indicate major changes to JAX Range
Complex facilities, operations, training,
or RDT&E capacities over the 10-year
planning period. Rather, the proposed
action would result in relatively smallscale but critical enhancements to the
JAX Range Complex that are necessary
if the Navy is to maintain a state of
military readiness commensurate with
its national defense mission.
The EIS/OEIS addresses the training
strategies described in the Fleet
Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) that
implement the Fleet Response Plan,
which ensures continuous availability
of agile, flexible, trained, and ready
surge-capable (rapid response) forces.
The recommended range enhancements
that have the potential to impact the
environment, as well as current and
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future training and testing operations
that have the potential to impact the
environment, are the primary focus of
the EIS/OEIS.
The purpose for the proposed action
is to:
• Achieve and maintain Fleet
readiness using the JAX Range Complex
to support and conduct current,
emerging, and future training operations
and RDT&E operations;
• Expand warfare missions supported
by the JAX Range Complex; and
• Upgrade and modernize existing
range capabilities to enhance and
sustain Navy training and RDT&E.
The need for the proposed action is to
provide range capabilities for training
and equipping combat-capable naval
forces ready to deploy worldwide. In
this regard, the JAX Range Complex
furthers the Navy’s execution of its
Congressionally mandated roles and
responsibilities under Title 10 U.S.C.
§ 5062. To implement this
Congressional mandate, the Navy needs
to:
• Maintain current levels of military
readiness by training in the JAX Range
Complex;
• Accommodate future increases in
operational training tempo in the JAX
Range Complex and support the rapid
deployment of naval units or strike
groups;
• Achieve and sustain readiness of
ships and squadrons so the Navy can
quickly surge significant combat power
in the event of a national crisis or
contingency operation, and consistent
with the FRTP;
• Support the acquisition and
implementation into the Fleet of
advanced military technology. The JAX
Range Complex must adequately
support the testing and training needed
for new platforms (aircraft and weapons
systems); and
• Maintain the long-term viability of
the JAX Range Complex while
protecting human health and the
environment, and enhancing the quality
and communication capability and
safety of the range complex.
• Support to current, emerging, and
future training and RDT&E operations,
including implementation of range
enhancements, entails the actions
evaluated in the EIS/OEIS.
These potentially include:
• Increase use of contractor-operated
small aircraft that simulate enemy
aircraft during training (Commercial Air
Services Support for Fleet Opposition
Forces and Electronic Warfare Threat
Training);
• Increase anti-piracy and maritime
interdiction training (Anti-terrorism
Surface Strike Group Training);
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• Support MH–60R helicopter
warfare mission areas, and MultiMission Maritime Aircraft training
operations; and
• Conduct mine warfare training
using a temporary mine training area.
The proposed action is to support and
conduct current and emerging training
and RDT&E operations in the JAX Range
Complex. To achieve this, the Navy
proposes to:
• Maintain training and RDT&E
operations at current levels if the No
Action Alternative is selected.
If either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2
is selected, then:
• Increase or modify training and
RDT&E operations from current levels as
necessary in support of the FRTP.
• Accommodate mission
requirements associated with force
structure changes, including those
resulting from the introduction of new
platforms (aircraft, and weapons
systems).
• Implement enhanced range
complex capabilities.
The decision to be made by the
Assistant Secretary of the Navy
(Installations & Environment) is to
determine which alternative analyzed in
the EIS/OEIS satisfies both the level and
mix of training to be conducted and the
range capabilities enhancements to be
made within the JAX Range Complex
that best meet the needs of the Navy
given that all reasonably foreseeable
environmental impacts have been
considered.
Three alternatives were evaluated in
the EIS/OEIS to ensure they met the
purpose and need, giving due
consideration to range complex
attributes such as: The capability to
support current and emerging Fleet
tactical training and RDT&E
requirements; the capability to support
realistic, essential training at the level
and frequency sufficient to support the
FRTP; and the capability to support
training requirements while following
Navy Personnel Tempo of Operations
guidelines. These alternatives include:
1. The No Action Alternative—
Current Operations to include surge
consistent with the FRTP;
2. Alternative 1—No Action
Alternative plus: increase Operational
Training, Expand Warfare Missions,
Accommodate Force Structure Changes
(includes changing weapon systems and
platforms and homebasing new aircraft
and ships), and implement
enhancements, to the minimal extent
possible to meet the components of the
proposed action. This alternative is
composed of all operations currently
conducted (No Action Alternative) with
modifications to current training or
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introduction of new training. These
would include: (a) Using more
commercial aircraft to serve as
oppositional forces rather than using
Navy aircraft for Air-to-Air Missile
Exercise, Surface-to-Air Gunnery
Exercises, Air Intercept Control
Exercises, and Detect-to-Engage
Exercises; (b) the incorporation of antiterrorism training into existing training
events; (c) adjusting training levels to
ensure that deployment can be stepped
up quickly and at multiple locations in
response to world events; and (d)
conducting new or modified training
associated with the introduction of the
new MH–60 helicopter, and new
organic mine countermeasure systems;
and
3. Alternative 2 (Preferred
Alternative)—Alternative 1 plus:
additional mine warfare training
capabilities, and implementation of
additional enhancements to enable the
range complex to meet future
requirements.
Three alternatives were considered
but eliminated from further
consideration. These alternatives are:
1. Alternative Range Complex
Locations—No single range complex on
the East Coast can accommodate the
entire spectrum of Navy and Marine
Corps training and testing. To maintain
a high level of combat readiness for
naval forces at best value to the U.S.
taxpayer, the Navy and Marine Corps
homeported their forces in multiple
concentration areas rather than a single
area, in part to ensure the surrounding
training and testing areas could support
their specific needs. The result is a
system of range complexes, each
optimized to support the limited set of
warfare areas that predominate in that
locale. The JAX Range Complex
possesses a number of historical and
natural features that make it an
indispensable component of the Navy’s
East Coast system of ranges. The JAX
Range Complex is a vital component of
the Atlantic Fleet system of range
complexes, necessary and critical to
ensure that naval forces are prepared
and certified ready for overseas
deployment and combat operations.
Other locations do not provide
reasonable alternatives for required
training purposes/activities described
above, and as a result, alternative
training locations were eliminated from
further consideration.
2. Conduct Simulated Training
Only—Under this alternative, only
simulated training would be conducted
using computer models and classroom
training. While computer simulation
and classroom training are currently
used by the Navy and effective training
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tools, they cannot exclusively replace
live training because they do not
replicate the atmosphere or experience
that live training provides. Simulation
cannot replicate the environment that is
provided during coordinated training
and major exercises, where multiple
ships, submarines and aircraft, and
hundreds or thousands of men and
women are participating in training
activities in a coordinated fashion to
accomplish a common military
objective. Because of the need to train
as we fight, this alternative would fail
to meet the purpose and need of the
proposed action in that it would not
sufficiently prepare our naval forces for
combat. Therefore, this alternative is not
evaluated in the EIS/OEIS.
3. Practice Ammunition Use—An
alternative that would rely entirely on
inert, practice ammunition use within
the JAX Range Complex would not
achieve the necessary levels of
proficiency in firing weapons in a high
stress and realistic environment. Inert,
practice ammunition is utilized
throughout the JAX Range Complex, and
provides opportunity to implement a
successful, integrated training program
while reducing the risk and expense
typically associated with live
ammunition. As such, practice
ammunition is already utilized
extensively to enhance combat
performance in the Navy’s training
program. However, while it is an
essential component of training,
practice ammunition cannot be used
exclusively to train safely in an
inherently unsafe combat environment.
Consequently, this alternative fails to
meet the purpose and need of the
proposed action. Therefore, this
alternative was not carried forward for
analysis.
Twenty resources and issues were
described and analyzed in the EIS/OEIS.
These include but are not limited to
water resources, air quality, marine
communities, marine mammals, sea
turtles, fish and essential fish habitat,
seabirds and migratory birds, cultural
resources, regional economy, and public
health and safety. The Navy used
subject matter experts, public and
agency scoping comments, previous
environmental analyses, previous
agency consultations, laws, regulations,
Executive Orders and resource-specific
information in a screening process to
identify aspects of the proposed action
that could act as stressors to resources
and issues evaluated in the EIS/OEIS.
The stressors considered for analysis
of environmental consequences include
but are not limited to vessel movements
(disturbance and collisions), aircraft
overflights (disturbance and strikes),
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36497
non-explosive practice munitions, and
underwater detonations and high
explosive ordnance.
In accordance with 50 CFR § 401.12,
the Navy submitted a Biological
Evaluation to assess the potential effects
from the proposed action on marine
resources and anadromous fish
protected by the NMFS under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA). In
accordance with the Marine Mammal
Protection Act MMPA (16 U.S.C.
§ 1371[a][5]), the Navy submitted a
request for Letter of Authorization to the
NMFS for the incidental taking of
marine mammals by the proposed
action which was acknowledged by
NMFS in a Notice of Receipt published
in the Federal Register (Vol. 73, No. 72,
pp. 20032–20034) on April 14, 2008.
The Navy submitted a Consultation
Package in accordance with legal
requirements set forth under regulations
implementing section 7 of the ESA (50
CFR 402; 16 U.S.C 1536(c)) for listed
species under jurisdiction of the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. The analysis
of environmental stressors indicated
that implementation of the No Action
Alternative, Alternative 1, or Alternative
2 would not result in unavoidable
significant adverse effects to resources
analyzed. The analysis of environmental
stressors and alternatives indicated no
significant impact to resources in U.S.
territorial waters; likewise, no
significant harm in non-territorial
waters are expected.
The JAX Draft EIS/OEIS was
distributed to Federal, State, and local
agencies, elected officials, and other
interested individuals and organizations
on June 27, 2008. The public comment
period will end on August 11, 2008.
Copies of the JAX Draft EIS/OEIS are
available for public review at the
following libraries: Charleston County
Library, 68 Calhoun Street; Charleston,
SC; Beaufort County Public Library, 311
Scott Street, Beaufort, SC; Live Oak
Public Libraries, 2002 Bull Street,
Savannah, GA; Three Rivers Regional
Library System, 208 Gloucester Street,
Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville Public
Library, 303 North Laura Street,
Jacksonville, FL; Polk County Library
Cooperative, 215 South Bougainvillea
Avenue, Polk City, FL; and Marion
County Public Library, 2720 East Silver
Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL.
The JAX Draft EIS/OEIS is also
available for electronic public viewing
at https://
www.jacksonvillerangecomplexeis.com.
A paper copy of the Executive Summary
or a single CD with the JAX Draft EIS/
OEIS will be made available upon
written request by contacting Naval
Facilities Engineering Command,
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Atlantic Division; Attention: Code
EV22CM (JAX EIS/OEIS PM); 6506
Hampton Blvd.; Norfolk, VA 23508–
1278. Facsimile: 757–322–4894.
Federal, State, and local agencies and
interested parties are invited to be
present or represented at the public
hearing. Written comments can also be
submitted during the open house
sessions preceding the public hearings.
Oral statements will be heard and
transcribed by a stenographer; however,
to ensure the accuracy of the record, all
statements should be submitted in
writing. All statements, both oral and
written, will become part of the public
record on the Draft EIS/OEIS and will be
responded to in the Final EIS/OEIS.
Equal weight will be given to both oral
and written statements. In the interest of
available time, and to ensure all who
wish to give an oral statement have the
opportunity to do so, each speaker’s
comments will be limited to three (3)
minutes. If a long statement is to be
presented, it should be summarized at
the public hearing with the full text
submitted either in writing at the
hearing, or mailed or faxed to Naval
Facilities Engineering Command,
Atlantic Division; Attention: Code
EV22CM (JAX EIS/OEIS PM); 6506
Hampton Blvd.; Norfolk, VA 23508–
1278. Facsimile: 757–322–4894. In
addition, comments may be submitted
on-line at https://
www.jacksonvillerangecomplexeis.com
during the comment period. All written
comments must be postmarked by
August 11, 2008 to ensure they become
part of the official record. All comments
will be addressed in the Final EIS/OEIS.
Dated: June 23, 2008.
T.M. Cruz,
Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General’s Corps,
U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. E8–14541 Filed 6–26–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Public Hearings for the
Virginia Capes Range Complex Draft
Environmental Impact Statement/
Overseas Environmental Impact
Statement
Department of the Navy, DoD.
Notice.
AGENCY:
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES
ACTION:
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c)
of the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 United States
Code [U.S.C.] 4321); the Council of
Environmental Quality (CEQ)
Regulations for implementing the
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18:47 Jun 26, 2008
Jkt 214001
procedural provisions of NEPA (Title 40
Code of Federal Regulations [CFR]
1500–1508); Department of the Navy
Procedures for Implementing NEPA (32
CFR 775); Executive Order (EO) 12114,
Environmental Effects Abroad of Major
Federal Actions; and Department of
Defense (DoD) regulations implementing
EO 12114 (32 CFR 187) the Department
of the Navy (Navy) has prepared and
filed with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement/
Overseas Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS/OEIS) on June 16, 2008.
The National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) is a Cooperating Agency for the
EIS/OEIS.
The EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential
environmental impacts over a 10-year
planning horizon associated with Navy
Atlantic Fleet training; research,
development, testing, and evaluation
(RDT&E) activities; and associated range
capabilities enhancements (including
infrastructure improvements) within the
existing Virginia Capes (VACAPES)
Range Complex Operating Area
(OPAREA). The components of the
VACAPES Range Complex include
28,672 square nautical miles (nm2) of
special use area (SUA) warning area;
27,661 nm2 of offshore surface and
subsurface OPAREA; and 18,092 nm2 of
deep ocean area greater than 100
fathoms (600 feet).
The geographic scope of the EIS/OEIS
includes the airspace, seaspace, and
undersea space of the VACAPES Range
Complex. This area is referred to as the
VACAPES Study Area. The VACAPES
Study Area does not include any dry
land. However, it does include the area
from the mean high tide line east
(seaward) to the 3nm boundary of the
states of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia,
and North Carolina. This 3-nm state
boundary also serves as the western
boundary of the VACAPES OPAREA.
The VACAPES Study Area also includes
420 nm2 of the lower Chesapeake Bay.
A Notice of Intent (NOI) for the EIS/
OEIS was published in the Federal
Register on December 8, 2006 (Federal
Register Volume 71, No. 236, pp 71143–
71145). A revised NOI was issued in the
Federal Register (Volume 72, No. 171,
pp 50940–50941) on September 5, 2007
when training areas in the southern
Chesapeake Bay were identified for
analysis.
The Navy will conduct four public
hearings to receive oral and written
comments on the Draft EIS/OEIS.
Federal agencies, state agencies, and
local agencies and interested
individuals are invited to be present or
represented at the public hearings. This
notice announces the dates and
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locations of the public hearings for this
Draft EIS/OEIS.
An open house session will precede
the scheduled public hearing at each of
the locations listed below and will
allow individuals to review the
information presented in the VACAPES
Range Complex Draft EIS/OEIS. Navy
representatives will be available during
the open house sessions to clarify
information related to the Draft EIS/
OEIS.
DATES AND ADDRESSES: All meetings will
start with an open house session from
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A formal presentation
and public comment period will be held
from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Public hearings
will be held on the following dates and
at the following locations: July 14, 2008
at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel,
9100 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD;
July 15, 2008 at the Chincoteague
Center, 6155 Community Dr.,
Chincoteague, VA; July 16, 2008 at the
Virginia Beach Resort & Conference Ctr.,
2800 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach, VA; and
July 17, 2008 at the Hilton Garden Inn,
5353 N. Va. Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Atlantic, Attention, EV22ES (VACAPES
EIS/OEIS PM), 6506 Hampton
Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508–
1278; facsimile: 757–322–4894 or
https://
www.vacapesrangecomplexeis.com.
The Navy
has identified the need to support and
conduct current and emerging training
and RDT&E operations in the VACAPES
Range Complex. The proposed action
does not indicate major changes to
VACAPES Range Complex facilities,
operations, training, or RDT&E
capacities over the 10-year planning
period. Rather, the proposed action
would result in relatively small-scale
but critical enhancements to the
VACAPES Range Complex that are
necessary if the Navy is to maintain a
state of military readiness
commensurate with its national defense
mission.
The EIS/OEIS addresses the training
strategies described in the Fleet
Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) that
implement the Fleet Response Plan,
which ensures continuous availability
of agile, flexible, trained, and ready
surge-capable (rapid response) forces.
The recommended range enhancements
that have the potential to impact the
environment, as well as current and
future training and testing operations
that have the potential to impact the
environment, are the primary focus of
the EIS/OEIS.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 125 (Friday, June 27, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36495-36498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14541]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Navy
Notice of Public Hearings for the Jacksonville Range Complex
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Overseas Environmental Impact
Statement
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 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] Sec. 4321);
the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for implementing
the procedural provisions of NEPA (Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations
[CFR] Parts 1500-1508); Department of the Navy Procedures for
Implementing NEPA (32 CFR 775); Executive Order (EO) 12114,
Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions; and Department
of Defense (DoD) regulations implementing EO 12114 (32 CFR Part 187),
the Department of the Navy (Navy) has prepared and filed with the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/
Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) on June 18, 2008.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is a Cooperating Agency
for the EIS/OEIS.
The EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts over a
10-year planning horizon associated with Navy Atlantic Fleet training;
research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities; and
associated range capabilities enhancements (including infrastructure
improvements) within the existing Jacksonville (JAX) Range Complex
Operating Area (OPAREA). The JAX Range Complex geographically
encompasses offshore, near-shore, and onshore OPAREA, ranges, and
special use airspace (SUA).
Components of the JAX Range Complex encompass 50,090 square
nautical miles (nm\2\) of sea space and 62,596 nm \2\ of SUA off the
coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well
as 20 miles\2\ of inland range area in north-central Florida. A Notice
of Intent for this Draft EIS/OEIS was published in the Federal Register
on January 26, 2007 (72 FR 3806).
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The Navy will conduct four public hearings to receive oral and
written comments on the Draft EIS/OEIS. Federal agencies, state
agencies, and local agencies and interested individuals are invited to
be present or represented at the public hearings. This notice announces
the dates and locations of the public hearings for this Draft EIS/OEIS.
An open house session will precede the scheduled public hearing at
each of the locations listed below and will allow individuals to review
the information presented in the JAX Range Complex Draft EIS/OEIS. Navy
representatives will be available during the open house sessions to
clarify information related to the Draft EIS/OEIS.
DATES AND ADDRESSES: All meetings will start with an open house session
from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A formal presentation and public comment period
will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Public hearings will be held on the
following dates and at the following locations: July 28, 2008 at the
Doubletree Guest Suites--Historic Charleston, 181 Church Street,
Charleston, SC; July 29, 2008 at the Holiday Inn Beaufort; 2225 Boundry
St., Beaufort, SC; July 30, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, 2 W.
Bay Street, Savannah, GA; July 31, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency
Jacksonville--Riverfront; 225 E. Coastline Dr., Jacksonville, FL.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Atlantic, Attention, EV22CM (JAX EIS/OEIS PM), 6506 Hampton Boulevard,
Norfolk, Virginia 23508-1278; facsimile: 757-322-4894 or https://
www.jacksonvillerangecomplexeis.com.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Navy has identified the need to support
and conduct current and emerging training and RDT&E operations in the
JAX Range Complex. The proposed action does not indicate major changes
to JAX Range Complex facilities, operations, training, or RDT&E
capacities over the 10-year planning period. Rather, the proposed
action would result in relatively small-scale but critical enhancements
to the JAX Range Complex that are necessary if the Navy is to maintain
a state of military readiness commensurate with its national defense
mission.
The EIS/OEIS addresses the training strategies described in the
Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) that implement the Fleet Response
Plan, which ensures continuous availability of agile, flexible,
trained, and ready surge-capable (rapid response) forces. The
recommended range enhancements that have the potential to impact the
environment, as well as current and future training and testing
operations that have the potential to impact the environment, are the
primary focus of the EIS/OEIS.
The purpose for the proposed action is to:
Achieve and maintain Fleet readiness using the JAX Range
Complex to support and conduct current, emerging, and future training
operations and RDT&E operations;
Expand warfare missions supported by the JAX Range
Complex; and
Upgrade and modernize existing range capabilities to
enhance and sustain Navy training and RDT&E.
The need for the proposed action is to provide range capabilities
for training and equipping combat-capable naval forces ready to deploy
worldwide. In this regard, the JAX Range Complex furthers the Navy's
execution of its Congressionally mandated roles and responsibilities
under Title 10 U.S.C. Sec. 5062. To implement this Congressional
mandate, the Navy needs to:
Maintain current levels of military readiness by training
in the JAX Range Complex;
Accommodate future increases in operational training tempo
in the JAX Range Complex and support the rapid deployment of naval
units or strike groups;
Achieve and sustain readiness of ships and squadrons so
the Navy can quickly surge significant combat power in the event of a
national crisis or contingency operation, and consistent with the FRTP;
Support the acquisition and implementation into the Fleet
of advanced military technology. The JAX Range Complex must adequately
support the testing and training needed for new platforms (aircraft and
weapons systems); and
Maintain the long-term viability of the JAX Range Complex
while protecting human health and the environment, and enhancing the
quality and communication capability and safety of the range complex.
Support to current, emerging, and future training and
RDT&E operations, including implementation of range enhancements,
entails the actions evaluated in the EIS/OEIS.
These potentially include:
Increase use of contractor-operated small aircraft that
simulate enemy aircraft during training (Commercial Air Services
Support for Fleet Opposition Forces and Electronic Warfare Threat
Training);
Increase anti-piracy and maritime interdiction training
(Anti-terrorism Surface Strike Group Training);
Support MH-60R helicopter warfare mission areas, and
Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft training operations; and
Conduct mine warfare training using a temporary mine
training area.
The proposed action is to support and conduct current and emerging
training and RDT&E operations in the JAX Range Complex. To achieve
this, the Navy proposes to:
Maintain training and RDT&E operations at current levels
if the No Action Alternative is selected.
If either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2 is selected, then:
Increase or modify training and RDT&E operations from
current levels as necessary in support of the FRTP.
Accommodate mission requirements associated with force
structure changes, including those resulting from the introduction of
new platforms (aircraft, and weapons systems).
Implement enhanced range complex capabilities.
The decision to be made by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy
(Installations & Environment) is to determine which alternative
analyzed in the EIS/OEIS satisfies both the level and mix of training
to be conducted and the range capabilities enhancements to be made
within the JAX Range Complex that best meet the needs of the Navy given
that all reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts have been
considered.
Three alternatives were evaluated in the EIS/OEIS to ensure they
met the purpose and need, giving due consideration to range complex
attributes such as: The capability to support current and emerging
Fleet tactical training and RDT&E requirements; the capability to
support realistic, essential training at the level and frequency
sufficient to support the FRTP; and the capability to support training
requirements while following Navy Personnel Tempo of Operations
guidelines. These alternatives include:
1. The No Action Alternative--Current Operations to include surge
consistent with the FRTP;
2. Alternative 1--No Action Alternative plus: increase Operational
Training, Expand Warfare Missions, Accommodate Force Structure Changes
(includes changing weapon systems and platforms and homebasing new
aircraft and ships), and implement enhancements, to the minimal extent
possible to meet the components of the proposed action. This
alternative is composed of all operations currently conducted (No
Action Alternative) with modifications to current training or
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introduction of new training. These would include: (a) Using more
commercial aircraft to serve as oppositional forces rather than using
Navy aircraft for Air-to-Air Missile Exercise, Surface-to-Air Gunnery
Exercises, Air Intercept Control Exercises, and Detect-to-Engage
Exercises; (b) the incorporation of anti-terrorism training into
existing training events; (c) adjusting training levels to ensure that
deployment can be stepped up quickly and at multiple locations in
response to world events; and (d) conducting new or modified training
associated with the introduction of the new MH-60 helicopter, and new
organic mine countermeasure systems; and
3. Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative)--Alternative 1 plus:
additional mine warfare training capabilities, and implementation of
additional enhancements to enable the range complex to meet future
requirements.
Three alternatives were considered but eliminated from further
consideration. These alternatives are:
1. Alternative Range Complex Locations--No single range complex on
the East Coast can accommodate the entire spectrum of Navy and Marine
Corps training and testing. To maintain a high level of combat
readiness for naval forces at best value to the U.S. taxpayer, the Navy
and Marine Corps homeported their forces in multiple concentration
areas rather than a single area, in part to ensure the surrounding
training and testing areas could support their specific needs. The
result is a system of range complexes, each optimized to support the
limited set of warfare areas that predominate in that locale. The JAX
Range Complex possesses a number of historical and natural features
that make it an indispensable component of the Navy's East Coast system
of ranges. The JAX Range Complex is a vital component of the Atlantic
Fleet system of range complexes, necessary and critical to ensure that
naval forces are prepared and certified ready for overseas deployment
and combat operations. Other locations do not provide reasonable
alternatives for required training purposes/activities described above,
and as a result, alternative training locations were eliminated from
further consideration.
2. Conduct Simulated Training Only--Under this alternative, only
simulated training would be conducted using computer models and
classroom training. While computer simulation and classroom training
are currently used by the Navy and effective training tools, they
cannot exclusively replace live training because they do not replicate
the atmosphere or experience that live training provides. Simulation
cannot replicate the environment that is provided during coordinated
training and major exercises, where multiple ships, submarines and
aircraft, and hundreds or thousands of men and women are participating
in training activities in a coordinated fashion to accomplish a common
military objective. Because of the need to train as we fight, this
alternative would fail to meet the purpose and need of the proposed
action in that it would not sufficiently prepare our naval forces for
combat. Therefore, this alternative is not evaluated in the EIS/OEIS.
3. Practice Ammunition Use--An alternative that would rely entirely
on inert, practice ammunition use within the JAX Range Complex would
not achieve the necessary levels of proficiency in firing weapons in a
high stress and realistic environment. Inert, practice ammunition is
utilized throughout the JAX Range Complex, and provides opportunity to
implement a successful, integrated training program while reducing the
risk and expense typically associated with live ammunition. As such,
practice ammunition is already utilized extensively to enhance combat
performance in the Navy's training program. However, while it is an
essential component of training, practice ammunition cannot be used
exclusively to train safely in an inherently unsafe combat environment.
Consequently, this alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of
the proposed action. Therefore, this alternative was not carried
forward for analysis.
Twenty resources and issues were described and analyzed in the EIS/
OEIS. These include but are not limited to water resources, air
quality, marine communities, marine mammals, sea turtles, fish and
essential fish habitat, seabirds and migratory birds, cultural
resources, regional economy, and public health and safety. The Navy
used subject matter experts, public and agency scoping comments,
previous environmental analyses, previous agency consultations, laws,
regulations, Executive Orders and resource-specific information in a
screening process to identify aspects of the proposed action that could
act as stressors to resources and issues evaluated in the EIS/OEIS.
The stressors considered for analysis of environmental consequences
include but are not limited to vessel movements (disturbance and
collisions), aircraft overflights (disturbance and strikes), non-
explosive practice munitions, and underwater detonations and high
explosive ordnance.
In accordance with 50 CFR Sec. 401.12, the Navy submitted a
Biological Evaluation to assess the potential effects from the proposed
action on marine resources and anadromous fish protected by the NMFS
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In accordance with the Marine
Mammal Protection Act MMPA (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1371[a][5]), the Navy
submitted a request for Letter of Authorization to the NMFS for the
incidental taking of marine mammals by the proposed action which was
acknowledged by NMFS in a Notice of Receipt published in the Federal
Register (Vol. 73, No. 72, pp. 20032-20034) on April 14, 2008.
The Navy submitted a Consultation Package in accordance with legal
requirements set forth under regulations implementing section 7 of the
ESA (50 CFR 402; 16 U.S.C 1536(c)) for listed species under
jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The analysis of
environmental stressors indicated that implementation of the No Action
Alternative, Alternative 1, or Alternative 2 would not result in
unavoidable significant adverse effects to resources analyzed. The
analysis of environmental stressors and alternatives indicated no
significant impact to resources in U.S. territorial waters; likewise,
no significant harm in non-territorial waters are expected.
The JAX Draft EIS/OEIS was distributed to Federal, State, and local
agencies, elected officials, and other interested individuals and
organizations on June 27, 2008. The public comment period will end on
August 11, 2008. Copies of the JAX Draft EIS/OEIS are available for
public review at the following libraries: Charleston County Library, 68
Calhoun Street; Charleston, SC; Beaufort County Public Library, 311
Scott Street, Beaufort, SC; Live Oak Public Libraries, 2002 Bull
Street, Savannah, GA; Three Rivers Regional Library System, 208
Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA; Jacksonville Public Library, 303
North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL; Polk County Library Cooperative,
215 South Bougainvillea Avenue, Polk City, FL; and Marion County Public
Library, 2720 East Silver Springs Boulevard, Ocala, FL.
The JAX Draft EIS/OEIS is also available for electronic public
viewing at https://www.jacksonvillerangecomplexeis.com. A paper copy of
the Executive Summary or a single CD with the JAX Draft EIS/OEIS will
be made available upon written request by contacting Naval Facilities
Engineering Command,
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Atlantic Division; Attention: Code EV22CM (JAX EIS/OEIS PM); 6506
Hampton Blvd.; Norfolk, VA 23508-1278. Facsimile: 757-322-4894.
Federal, State, and local agencies and interested parties are invited
to be present or represented at the public hearing. Written comments
can also be submitted during the open house sessions preceding the
public hearings.
Oral statements will be heard and transcribed by a stenographer;
however, to ensure the accuracy of the record, all statements should be
submitted in writing. All statements, both oral and written, will
become part of the public record on the Draft EIS/OEIS and will be
responded to in the Final EIS/OEIS. Equal weight will be given to both
oral and written statements. In the interest of available time, and to
ensure all who wish to give an oral statement have the opportunity to
do so, each speaker's comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. If
a long statement is to be presented, it should be summarized at the
public hearing with the full text submitted either in writing at the
hearing, or mailed or faxed to Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Atlantic Division; Attention: Code EV22CM (JAX EIS/OEIS PM); 6506
Hampton Blvd.; Norfolk, VA 23508-1278. Facsimile: 757-322-4894. In
addition, comments may be submitted on-line at https://
www.jacksonvillerangecomplexeis.com during the comment period. All
written comments must be postmarked by August 11, 2008 to ensure they
become part of the official record. All comments will be addressed in
the Final EIS/OEIS.
Dated: June 23, 2008.
T.M. Cruz,
Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register
Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-14541 Filed 6-26-08; 8:45 am]
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