Notice of Public Hearings for the Navy Cherry Point Range Complex Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement, 52969-52972 [E8-21342]

Download as PDF ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Notices by the action proponent depends on the nature of the proposal being evaluated. One interpretation of the No-Action alternative is that the proposed activity would not take place. This would mean that Navy would not conduct test or training activities in the Range Complex. This interpretation does not meet the purpose and need of the proposed action and would neither be reasonable nor practical. The other interpretation of the No-Action alternative is ‘‘no change from current management direction or level of management intensity.’’ This interpretation would meet the purpose and need of the proposed action and would allow the Navy to compare the potential impacts of the proposed action to the impacts of maintaining the status quo. With regard to this EIS/OEIS, the No-Action Alternative represents the regular and historic level of activity on the Range Complex. Thus, the NoAction Alternative serves as a baseline ‘‘status quo’’ when studying levels of range use and activity. In the Draft EIS/ OEIS, the potential impacts of the current level of RDT&E and fleet activity on the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex (defined by the No-Action Alternative) are compared to the potential impacts of activities proposed under the action alternatives. The Navy analyzed potential effects of its current and proposed activities on marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, marine flora and invertebrates, terrestrial wildlife, sediments and water quality, cultural resources, recreation, land and shoreline use, public health and safety, socioeconomics and environmental justice, and air quality. No significant adverse impacts are identified for any resource area in any geographic location within the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex Study Area that cannot be mitigated, with the exception of exposure of marine mammals to underwater sound. The Navy has requested from NMFS a Letter of Authorization (LOA) in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act to authorize the incidental take of marine mammals that may result from the implementation of the activities analyzed in the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex Extension Draft EIS/OEIS. In compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Management Act, the Navy is in consultation with NMFS regarding potential impacts to Essential Fish Habitat. In accordance with section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, the Navy is consulting with NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for potential impacts to federally listed species. The Navy is coordinating with VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:18 Sep 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 the Washington Department of Ecology for a Coastal Consistency Determination under the Coastal Zone Management Act. Navy analysis has indicated that under the Clean Air Act requirements, no significant impacts would occur to the regional air quality and under the Clean Water Act there would be no significant impacts to water quality. National Historic Preservation Act analysis indicated that no significant impacts to cultural resources would occur if the proposed action or alternatives were implemented. Implementation of the No Action Alternative or any of the proposed action alternatives would not disturb, adversely affect, or result in any takes of bald eagles. None of the alternatives would result in a significant adverse effect on the population of a migratory bird species. The decision to be made by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations & Environment) is to determine which alternatives analyzed in the EIS/OEIS best meet the needs of the Navy given that all reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts have been considered. The Draft EIS/OEIS was distributed to Federal, State, and local agencies, elected officials, and other interested individuals and organizations on September 12, 2008. The public comment period will end on October 27, 2008. Copies of the Draft EIS/OEIS are available for public review at the following libraries: • Aberdeen Timberland Library, 121 E. Market St., Aberdeen, WA • Hoodsport Timberland Library, N. 40 Schoolhouse Hill Road, Hoodsport, WA • Jefferson County Rural Library District, 620 Cedar Avenue, Port Hadlock, WA • Kitsap Regional Library, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA • North Mason Timberland Library, 23801 NE State Rt. 3, Belfair, WA • Ocean Shores Public Library, 573 Pt. Brown Ave., NW., Ocean Shores, WA • Port Orchard Library, 87 Sidney St., Port Orchard, WA • Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St., Port Townsend, WA • Poulsbo Branch Library, 700 NE Lincoln St., Poulsbo, WA • Quinault Indian Nation Tribal Library, P.O. Box 189, Taholah, WA • Skokomish Tribal Center, N 80 Tribal Center Road, Shelton, WA The NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex Extension Draft EIS/OEIS is also available for electronic public viewing at: https://wwwkeyport.kpt.nuwc.navy.mil. A paper PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52969 copy of the Executive Summary or a single CD with the Draft EIS/OEIS will be made available upon written request by contacting Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Attention: Mrs. Kimberly Kler (EIS/OEIS PM), 1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98315–1101; facsimile: 360–396–0857. 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, Northwest, Attention: Mrs. Kimberly Kler (EIS/OEIS PM), 1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98315–1101; facsimile: 360–396–0857. In addition, comments may be submitted on-line at https://www-keyport.kpt.nuwc.navy.mil during the comment period. All written comments must be postmarked by October 27, 2008 to ensure they become part of the official record. All comments will be addressed in the Final EIS/OEIS. Dated: September 3, 2008. T.M. Cruz, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E8–21343 Filed 9–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Public Hearings for the Navy Cherry Point Range Complex Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Overseas Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: ACTION: E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM Department of the Navy, DoD. Notice. 12SEN1 ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES 52970 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Notices 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 part 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 September 2, 2008. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is a Cooperating Agency for the EIS/OEIS. This notice announces the dates and locations of the public hearings for this Draft EIS/OEIS, and provides supplementary information about the environmental planning effort. The EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts over a 10-year planning horizon associated with Navy Atlantic Fleet and Marine Corps training; research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities; and associated range capabilities enhancements (including infrastructure improvements) within the existing Navy Cherry Point (Navy CHPT) Range Complex. The Navy CHPT Range Complex encompasses 18,617 square nautical miles (nm2) of offshore surface and subsurface operating area (OPAREA); 12,529 nm2 of deep ocean area greater than 100 fathoms (600 feet), and 18,966 nm2 of overlying Special Use Airspace (SUA) off the coast of North Carolina. The geographic scope of the EIS/OEIS, referred to as the Navy Cherry Point Study Area, includes the OPAREA and SUA, plus the 3 NM strip of coastal water from mean high tide line extending seaward to the western OPAREA boundary. A Notice of Intent for this Draft EIS/OEIS was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2007 (Vol. 72, No. 82, pp. 21248–21249). The Navy will conduct two public hearings to receive oral and written comments on the Draft EIS/OEIS. Federal, state and local agencies and interested individuals are invited to be present or represented at the public hearings. 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 Navy CHPT Range Complex Draft EIS/OEIS. Navy and Marine Corps representatives VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:18 Sep 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 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: October 14, 2008 at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC and October 15, 2008 at the Best Western Coastline Inn & Convention Center, 503 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Attention, EV22SA (Navy CHPT EIS/OEIS PM), 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508– 1278; facsimile: 757–322–4894 or https://www.navycherrypointrange complexeis.com/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Navy has identified the need to support and conduct current, emerging and future training and RDT&E operations in the Navy CHPT Range Complex. The proposed action does not indicate major changes to Navy CHPT 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 Navy CHPT Range Complex that are necessary if the Navy and Marine Corps are to maintain a state of military readiness commensurate with their national defense mission. The EIS/OEIS addresses the training strategies described in the Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) that implements the Fleet Response Plan (FRP), which ensures continuous availability of agile, flexible, trained, and ready surge-capable (rapid response) forces. The recommended range enhancements, and current and future training and testing operations, which 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 Navy CHPT Range Complex to support and conduct current, emerging, and future training and RDT&E operations; • Expand warfare missions supported by the Navy CHPT Range Complex; and • Upgrade and modernize existing range capabilities to enhance and sustain Navy and Marine Corps training and RDT&E. The need for the proposed action is to provide range capabilities for training PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and equipping combat-capable naval forces ready to deploy worldwide. In this regard, the Navy CHPT 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 Navy CHPT Range Complex; • Accommodate future increases in operational training tempo in the Navy CHPT Range Complex and support the rapid deployment of naval units or strike groups; • Achieve and sustain readiness of ships and squadrons consistent with the FRP so the Navy and Marine Corps can quickly surge significant combat power in the event of a national crisis or contingency operation; • Support the acquisition and implementation into the Fleet of advanced military technology. The Navy CHPT Range Complex must adequately support the testing and training needed for new aircraft and weapons systems; and • Maintain the long-term viability of the Navy CHPT Range Complex while protecting human health and the environment, and enhancing its quality, communication capability and safety. 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 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/S helicopter warfare mission areas; • Designate a littoral mine warfare training area for deploying temporary mineshapes in support of Strike Group mine warfare training during major exercises; and, • Upgrade the Mid-Atlantic Electronic Warfare Range (MAEWR). The proposed action is to support and conduct current and emerging training and RDT&E in the Navy CHPT Range Complex. To achieve this, the Navy proposes to: • Maintain baseline training and testing operations at current levels, plus sufficient additional operations to support a surge capability in compliance with FRP. E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1 ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Notices • Provide flexibility to respond to real-world situations with increased training operations, and to accommodate mission expansion, emerging force structure changes (including those resulting from the introduction of new aircraft and weapons systems), and new range capabilities. • Eliminate high explosive bombing exercises at sea, and implement enhanced mine warfare training capability within the range complex. Three alternatives were evaluated in the Navy CHPT Range Complex EIS/ OEIS: No Action Alternative: Maintain training and RDT&E operations at current levels to include surge consistent with the FRTP; Alternative 1: All operations in the No Action Alternative, plus a 10% increase in most training and testing operations, plus changes in type and quantity of operations and tactical employment of forces to accommodate expanded mission areas, force structure changes and new range capabilities. Specifically: • Train tailored naval units to conduct rapid response anti-piracy, anti-terrorism and maritime interdiction operations (Maritime Security Surge Surface Strike Group); • Conduct surface-to-air missile training; • Conduct MH–60R/S helicopter training; • Conduct training with new Organic Mine Countermeasures systems; • Increase use of contractor-operated aircraft to support fleet training (Commercial Air Services); and • Upgrade electronic warfare antiship and anti-aircraft threat emitters (Mid-Atlantic Electronic Warfare Range). Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative): All operations in Alternative 1 plus: • Eliminate bombs at-sea with high explosive warheads. • Designate mine warfare training areas, some of which can accommodate temporary deployment of training mineshapes, in support of Strike Group mine warfare training events during major exercises. The Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations & Environment) will decide which alternative analyzed in the EIS/OEIS provides the optimum level and mix of training and testing operations and range capabilities enhancements in the Navy CHPT Range Complex that satisfies the purpose and need while considering all reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts. Three alternatives were considered but eliminated from further consideration. These alternatives are: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:18 Sep 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 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 Navy CHPT 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. 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 the Navy currently makes extensive use of computer simulation and classroom instruction as effective training tools, they cannot exclusively replace live training. Simulation cannot replicate the environment of live 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 and therefore, is not evaluated further in the EIS/OEIS. 3. Practice Ammunition Use—An alternative that would rely entirely on inert, practice ammunition use within the Navy CHPT Range Complex would not achieve the necessary levels of proficiency in firing weapons in a high stress and realistic environment. Inert, practice ammunition is used throughout the Navy CHPT Range Complex, and provides opportunity to implement a successful, integrated training program while reducing the risk and expense typically associated with live ammunition. However, Navy and Marine Corps personnel need to gain proficiency in handling and employment of ordnance with live warheads in a safe, controlled training environment before entering the inherently unsafe environment of live PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52971 combat. Consequently, this alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of the proposed action and was not carried forward for analysis. Nineteen 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 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. 131, pp 38991–38993) on July 08, 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 is expected. The Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS was distributed to Federal, State, and local agencies, elected officials, and other interested individuals and organizations E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1 ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES 52972 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 178 / Friday, September 12, 2008 / Notices on September 12, 2008. The public comment period will end on October 27, 2008. Copies of the Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS are available for public review at the following libraries: Hatteras Library, 57690 NC Highway 12, Hatteras, NC; New Hanover County Library, 201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC; Webb Memorial Library Center, 812 Evans Street, Morehead City, NC; Onslow County Library, 58 Doris Avenue East, Jacksonville, NC; Kill Devil Hills Branch Library, 400 S. Mustian St., Kill Devil Hills, NC; Havelock-Craven County Public Library, 301 Cunningham Boulevard, Havelock, NC. The Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS is also available for electronic public viewing at: https:// www.navycherrypointrange complexeis.com/. A paper copy of the Executive Summary or a single CD with the Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS will be made available upon written request by contacting Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic Division; Attention: Code EV22SA (Navy CHPT 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 EV22SA (Navy CHPT 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.navy cherrypointrangecomplexeis.com/ during the comment period. All written comments must be postmarked by October 27, 2008 to ensure they become part of the official record. All comments will be addressed in the Final EIS/OEIS. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:18 Sep 11, 2008 Jkt 214001 Dated: September 3, 2008. T. M. Cruz, Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy, Federal Register Liaison Officer. [FR Doc. E8–21342 Filed 9–11–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3810–FF–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Navy Notice of Public Hearings for the Undersea Warfare Training Range Draft Overseas Environmental Impact Statement/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 and regulations implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and Executive Order (EO) 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions, the Department of the Navy (Navy) has prepared and filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a Draft Overseas Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS/ EIS) on September 12, 2008. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is a Cooperating Agency for the OEIS/EIS. The Draft OEIS/EIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of an Undersea Warfare Training Range (USWTR) associated with Navy Atlantic Fleet training activities. The construction of the proposed USWTR would entail the instrumentation of a 500-square nautical mile (NM2) area of the sea floor with undersea cables and sensor nodes, connected to the shore via a single trunk cable. The western edge of the range would be located approximately 50 NM off the coast of Jacksonville, FL. The USWTR would allow ships, submarines, and aircraft to perform anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training in littoral, or near shore, waters. A Notice of Intent (NOI) for the OEIS/EIS was published in the Federal Register on May 13, 1996 (Federal Register, Volume 61, No. 93, pp 22028). A Revised NOI for this Draft OEIS/EIS and Notice of Request for Public Scoping Comments were published in the Federal Register on September 21, 2007 (Federal Register, Volume 72, No. 183, pp 54015–54016). The Navy will conduct four public hearings to receive oral and written comments on the Draft OEIS/EIS. PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Federal agencies, state agencies, 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 OEIS/EIS. 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 USWTR Draft OEIS/EIS. Navy representatives will be available during the open house sessions to clarify information related to the Draft OEIS/EIS. Dates and Addresses: Public hearings will be held on the following dates and times at the following locations: 1. September 29, 2008, at the Chincoteague Center (open house poster session from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and formal hearing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.), 6155 Community Drive, Chincoteague, VA; 2. October 1, 2008 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center (open house poster session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and formal hearing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.), 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC; 3. October 6, 2008 at the Sheraton North Charleston—Convention Center (open house poster session from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and formal hearing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.), 4770 Goer Drive, North Charleston, SC; 4. October 7, 2008 at the University of North Florida—University Center (open house poster session from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and formal hearing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.), 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Attention: EV22LL (USWTR OEIS/EIS Program Manager (PM)), 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508–1278; facsimile: 804–200–5568 or https://projects.earthtech.com/uswtr/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose for the proposed action is to enable the U.S. Navy to train effectively in a shallow water environment (120 to 900 feet in depth) at a suitable location for Atlantic Fleet ASW capable units. 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 USWTR furthers the Navy’s execution of its Congressionallymandated roles and responsibilities under Title 10 U.S.C 5062. Training on the USWTR would ensure this Congressional mandate is implemented by allowing the Navy to: effectively equip its forces for deployment to littoral areas worldwide, such as the Arabian Sea; use active sonar to assist in the detection of extremely quiet E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 178 (Friday, September 12, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52969-52972]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21342]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Public Hearings for the Navy Cherry Point Range Complex 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact 
Statement

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Notice.

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[[Page 52970]]

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 part 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 September 2, 
2008. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is a Cooperating 
Agency for the EIS/OEIS. This notice announces the dates and locations 
of the public hearings for this Draft EIS/OEIS, and provides 
supplementary information about the environmental planning effort.
    The EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts over a 
10-year planning horizon associated with Navy Atlantic Fleet and Marine 
Corps training; research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) 
activities; and associated range capabilities enhancements (including 
infrastructure improvements) within the existing Navy Cherry Point 
(Navy CHPT) Range Complex. The Navy CHPT Range Complex encompasses 
18,617 square nautical miles (nm\2\) of offshore surface and subsurface 
operating area (OPAREA); 12,529 nm\2\ of deep ocean area greater than 
100 fathoms (600 feet), and 18,966 nm\2\ of overlying Special Use 
Airspace (SUA) off the coast of North Carolina. The geographic scope of 
the EIS/OEIS, referred to as the Navy Cherry Point Study Area, includes 
the OPAREA and SUA, plus the 3 NM strip of coastal water from mean high 
tide line extending seaward to the western OPAREA boundary. A Notice of 
Intent for this Draft EIS/OEIS was published in the Federal Register on 
April 30, 2007 (Vol. 72, No. 82, pp. 21248-21249).
    The Navy will conduct two public hearings to receive oral and 
written comments on the Draft EIS/OEIS. Federal, state and local 
agencies and interested individuals are invited to be present or 
represented at the public hearings. 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 Navy 
CHPT Range Complex Draft EIS/OEIS. Navy and Marine Corps 
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: October 14, 2008 at the 
North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC and October 
15, 2008 at the Best Western Coastline Inn & Convention Center, 503 
Nutt St., Wilmington, NC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 
Atlantic, Attention, EV22SA (Navy CHPT EIS/OEIS PM), 6506 Hampton 
Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508-1278; facsimile: 757-322-4894 or 
https://www.navycherrypointrangecomplexeis.com/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Navy has identified the need to support 
and conduct current, emerging and future training and RDT&E operations 
in the Navy CHPT Range Complex. The proposed action does not indicate 
major changes to Navy CHPT 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 Navy CHPT Range Complex that are necessary if the 
Navy and Marine Corps are to maintain a state of military readiness 
commensurate with their national defense mission.
    The EIS/OEIS addresses the training strategies described in the 
Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) that implements the Fleet Response 
Plan (FRP), which ensures continuous availability of agile, flexible, 
trained, and ready surge-capable (rapid response) forces. The 
recommended range enhancements, and current and future training and 
testing operations, which 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 Navy CHPT 
Range Complex to support and conduct current, emerging, and future 
training and RDT&E operations;
     Expand warfare missions supported by the Navy CHPT Range 
Complex; and
     Upgrade and modernize existing range capabilities to 
enhance and sustain Navy and Marine Corps 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 Navy CHPT 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 Navy CHPT Range Complex;
     Accommodate future increases in operational training tempo 
in the Navy CHPT Range Complex and support the rapid deployment of 
naval units or strike groups;
     Achieve and sustain readiness of ships and squadrons 
consistent with the FRP so the Navy and Marine Corps can quickly surge 
significant combat power in the event of a national crisis or 
contingency operation;
     Support the acquisition and implementation into the Fleet 
of advanced military technology. The Navy CHPT Range Complex must 
adequately support the testing and training needed for new aircraft and 
weapons systems; and
     Maintain the long-term viability of the Navy CHPT Range 
Complex while protecting human health and the environment, and 
enhancing its quality, communication capability and safety.
    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 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/S helicopter warfare mission areas;
     Designate a littoral mine warfare training area for 
deploying temporary mineshapes in support of Strike Group mine warfare 
training during major exercises; and,
     Upgrade the Mid-Atlantic Electronic Warfare Range (MAEWR).
    The proposed action is to support and conduct current and emerging 
training and RDT&E in the Navy CHPT Range Complex. To achieve this, the 
Navy proposes to:
     Maintain baseline training and testing operations at 
current levels, plus sufficient additional operations to support a 
surge capability in compliance with FRP.

[[Page 52971]]

     Provide flexibility to respond to real-world situations 
with increased training operations, and to accommodate mission 
expansion, emerging force structure changes (including those resulting 
from the introduction of new aircraft and weapons systems), and new 
range capabilities.
     Eliminate high explosive bombing exercises at sea, and 
implement enhanced mine warfare training capability within the range 
complex.
    Three alternatives were evaluated in the Navy CHPT Range Complex 
EIS/OEIS:
    No Action Alternative: Maintain training and RDT&E operations at 
current levels to include surge consistent with the FRTP;
    Alternative 1: All operations in the No Action Alternative, plus a 
10% increase in most training and testing operations, plus changes in 
type and quantity of operations and tactical employment of forces to 
accommodate expanded mission areas, force structure changes and new 
range capabilities. Specifically:
     Train tailored naval units to conduct rapid response anti-
piracy, anti-terrorism and maritime interdiction operations (Maritime 
Security Surge Surface Strike Group);
     Conduct surface-to-air missile training;
     Conduct MH-60R/S helicopter training;
     Conduct training with new Organic Mine Countermeasures 
systems;
     Increase use of contractor-operated aircraft to support 
fleet training (Commercial Air Services); and
     Upgrade electronic warfare anti-ship and anti-aircraft 
threat emitters (Mid-Atlantic Electronic Warfare Range).
    Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative): All operations in 
Alternative 1 plus:
     Eliminate bombs at-sea with high explosive warheads.
     Designate mine warfare training areas, some of which can 
accommodate temporary deployment of training mineshapes, in support of 
Strike Group mine warfare training events during major exercises.
    The Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Installations & Environment) 
will decide which alternative analyzed in the EIS/OEIS provides the 
optimum level and mix of training and testing operations and range 
capabilities enhancements in the Navy CHPT Range Complex that satisfies 
the purpose and need while considering all reasonably foreseeable 
environmental impacts.
    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 Navy 
CHPT 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. 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 the Navy currently makes extensive use of 
computer simulation and classroom instruction as effective training 
tools, they cannot exclusively replace live training. Simulation cannot 
replicate the environment of live 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 and therefore, is 
not evaluated further in the EIS/OEIS.
    3. Practice Ammunition Use--An alternative that would rely entirely 
on inert, practice ammunition use within the Navy CHPT Range Complex 
would not achieve the necessary levels of proficiency in firing weapons 
in a high stress and realistic environment. Inert, practice ammunition 
is used throughout the Navy CHPT Range Complex, and provides 
opportunity to implement a successful, integrated training program 
while reducing the risk and expense typically associated with live 
ammunition. However, Navy and Marine Corps personnel need to gain 
proficiency in handling and employment of ordnance with live warheads 
in a safe, controlled training environment before entering the 
inherently unsafe environment of live combat. Consequently, this 
alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of the proposed action 
and was not carried forward for analysis.
    Nineteen 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 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. 131, pp 38991-38993) on July 08, 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 is expected.
    The Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS was distributed to Federal, State, and 
local agencies, elected officials, and other interested individuals and 
organizations

[[Page 52972]]

on September 12, 2008. The public comment period will end on October 
27, 2008. Copies of the Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS are available for 
public review at the following libraries: Hatteras Library, 57690 NC 
Highway 12, Hatteras, NC; New Hanover County Library, 201 Chestnut 
Street, Wilmington, NC; Webb Memorial Library Center, 812 Evans Street, 
Morehead City, NC; Onslow County Library, 58 Doris Avenue East, 
Jacksonville, NC; Kill Devil Hills Branch Library, 400 S. Mustian St., 
Kill Devil Hills, NC; Havelock-Craven County Public Library, 301 
Cunningham Boulevard, Havelock, NC. The Navy CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS is 
also available for electronic public viewing at: https://
www.navycherrypointrangecomplexeis.com/.
    A paper copy of the Executive Summary or a single CD with the Navy 
CHPT Draft EIS/OEIS will be made available upon written request by 
contacting Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic Division; 
Attention: Code EV22SA (Navy CHPT 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 EV22SA (Navy CHPT 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.navycherrypointrangecomplexeis.com/ during the comment period. All 
written comments must be postmarked by October 27, 2008 to ensure they 
become part of the official record. All comments will be addressed in 
the Final EIS/OEIS.

    Dated: September 3, 2008.
T. M. Cruz,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-21342 Filed 9-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810-FF-P
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