Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Grow the Army Actions at Fort Lewis and the Yakima Training Center (YTC), WA, 46985-46986 [E9-21932]

Download as PDF cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 176 / Monday, September 14, 2009 / Notices increase numbers and types of aviation assets and training at Fort Wainwright, Fort Richardson, or other military installations in Alaska. The proposed aviation unit, an Aviation Task Force or Combat Aviation Brigade, would potentially consist of up to 62 medium and heavy lift helicopters, 30 combat scout helicopters, 24 attack helicopters, and between 1,200 to 2,850 Soldiers. DATES: The waiting period for the FEIS will end 30 days after the publication of an NOA in the Federal Register by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ADDRESSES: Written comments should be forwarded to Ms. Carrie McEnteer, Directorate of Public Works, Attention: IMPA–FWA–PWE, 1060 Gaffney Road #4500, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703– 4500, by fax at (907) 361–9867, or by e-mail at carrie.mcenteer@us.army.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Linda L. Douglass, Public Affairs Office, 1060 Gaffney Road #5900, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703–5900; telephone: (907) 353–6701, e-mail: linda.douglass@us.army.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Proposed Action and analysis in the FElS includes the reorganization of existing aviation assets (approximately 490 Soldiers and 32 medium and heavy lift helicopters) in U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) to become a frontline aviation unit with an increased capacity that could range in size from an Aviation Task Force (approximately 1,200 Soldiers, 42 medium and heavy lift helicopters and 30 combat scout helicopters) to a Combat Aviation Brigade (approximately 2,850 Soldiers, 62 medium and heavy lift helicopters, 30 combat scout helicopters, and 24 attack aviation helicopters). While USARAK has historically supported unit training activities within Alaska with rotary-winged aircraft (helicopters), the types and numbers of current assets are not sufficient to provide the full range of integrated tactical training required by the modern Brigade Combat Team. The proposed increase and reorganization of USARAK’s aviation assets would resolve this shortcoming. The new aviation unit would provide key aviation assets for operational deployment abroad and would serve to enhance the training capability of USARAK’s two Brigade Combat Teams by providing a local opportunity to conduct integrated training with multiple types of Army aviation assets. In addition to consideration of a No Action Alternative (use of existing aviation assets and infrastructure to support USARAK Brigade Combat Team training with no increase to current VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:23 Sep 11, 2009 Jkt 217001 integrated land-air training capability), two additional alternatives are proposed as possible scenarios for the reorganization of existing USARAK aviation assets. The alternatives vary by aviation unit size, aviation asset composition, and stationing location. Alternatives include: (1) Expansion of Existing Aviation Units into an Aviation Task Force—convert existing USARAK aviation assets into an Aviation Task Force (station 710 additional Soldiers and 40 additional helicopters, build sufficient new infrastructure to support the new aviation inventory at Fort Wainwright, and conduct increased aviation training on existing Alaska military training lands and ranges); and (2) Expansion of Existing Aviation Assets into a Combat Aviation Brigade with stationing of Soldiers and helicopters at Fort Wainwright, Fort Richardson, and Eielson Air Force Base—convert existing USARAK aviation assets into a Combat Aviation Brigade (station 2,360 additional Soldiers and an additional 84 helicopters (30 medium and heavy lift type, 30 combat scout type, and 24 attack type) at the three military installations, build sufficient new infrastructure only at Fort Wainwright to support the new aviation inventory, and conduct increased aviation training on existing Alaska military training lands and ranges). After reviewing the alternatives presented in the FEIS, the Army has selected the Aviation Task Force alternative as its preferred alternative. Implementation of this proposed action is expected to result in direct, indirect and cumulative impacts as a result of troop stationing, facilities construction and helicopter training exercises at USARAK. The principal environmental impacts discussed in the EIS are airspace management, cultural and visual resources, noise, hazardous materials and hazardous waste, and wildlife. Although additional helicopters would be stationed in Alaska, existing airspace aviation travel routes would be utilized resulting in minor increases in air traffic. Significant adverse impacts would occur to the Ladd Field National Historic Landmark as a result of facility construction at Fort Wainwright. Adverse impacts would be the result of the new construction being out of scale with historic buildings, historical view-shed obstruction and change in use of two historic buildings. Temporary minor noise impacts would occur due to facility construction. Noise associated with helicopter training would increase but not to a level that would significantly increase annoyance PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 46985 levels at Fort Wainwright or surrounding lands. Hazardous materials and waste, both existing sources and those created by the stationing and operation of an aviation unit, will be managed under existing programs and agreements. Facility construction is proposed within known areas of contamination. USARAK will continue to consult with the appropriate State and Federal agencies as outlined in existing agreements in order to protect human health and the environment. Various wildlife species would be affected by increased military training (specifically moose, bison, caribou, trumpeter swan and bear); however, population level impacts would not occur. In addition, increased hunting pressure on game mammals could result from increased stationing of Soldiers. Copies of the FEIS are available for public review at local libraries and at the following Web site: https:// www.usarak.army.mil/conservation/ NEPA_home.html. Comments from the public will be considered before any final decision is made. Dated: September 2, 2009. Addison D. Davis, IV, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health). [FR Doc. E9–21933 Filed 9–11–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–08–M DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Grow the Army Actions at Fort Lewis and the Yakima Training Center (YTC), WA Department of the Army, DoD. Notice of Availability (NOA). AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of a DEIS that analyzes the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of implementing the stationing and realignment decisions in the 2007 ‘‘Grow the Army’’ Programmatic EIS (GTA PEIS) and other ongoing Army realignment and stationing initiatives pertaining to Fort Lewis and YTC. The GTA PEIS Record of Decision (ROD) specified the stationing of additional units at Fort Lewis including an Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and directed unit restructuring actions that would increase active duty strength at Fort Lewis by approximately 1,900 Soldiers. The DEIS also analyzes Fort Lewis and YTC as potential locations for the E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1 cprice-sewell on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES 46986 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 176 / Monday, September 14, 2009 / Notices stationing of approximately 1,000 combat service support (CSS) Soldiers consisting of quartermaster, medical, transportation, headquarters or other CSS units to support combat operations, and the potential stationing of a medium Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) consisting of approximately 2,800 soldiers and 110 helicopters. DATES: The public comment period for the DEIS will end 45 days after publication of an NOA in the Federal Register by the Environmental Protection Agency. ADDRESSES: Questions or comments regarding the DEIS should be forwarded to: Department of the Army, Directorate of Public Works, Attention: IMWE– LEW–PWE (Mr. Paul T. Steucke, Jr.), Building 2012, Liggett Avenue, Box 339500 MS 17, Fort Lewis, WA 98433– 9500. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bill Van Hoesen, Fort Lewis National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Coordinator, at (253) 966–1780 during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT, Monday through Friday). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fort Lewis is an 86,176 acre major Army installation in western Washington (approximately 35 miles south of Seattle) and is one of 15 U.S. power projection platforms. The 327,231 acre YTC is a subinstallation of Fort Lewis located about 7 miles northeast of the City of Yakima in central Washington. Fort Lewis and YTC are important Army facilities for weapons qualification and field training. In addition to the units stationed there, Reserve and National Guard units, as well as units from allied nations, train at Fort Lewis and YTC. The DEIS evaluates the potential impacts of the site-specific actions for the alternatives to implement the Proposed Action. These actions include troop stationing, maneuver and live-fire training, and construction. The following alternatives are evaluated: (1) The No Action alternative assumes that the Army GTA decisions would not be implemented. It is not a viable alternative because the Army GTA decisions have already been made, and the decisions need to be implemented. Analysis of the No Action alternative serves as a baseline for comparison of the other alternatives. Under this alternative, planned construction that is not part of the GTA decisions includes troop barracks, recreational facilities, traffic flow improvements and other infrastructure upgrades at Fort Lewis. (2) The GTA alternative implements the Army GTA decisions affecting Fort Lewis and YTC. Maneuver and live-fire training of an additional 1,900 Soldiers VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:23 Sep 11, 2009 Jkt 217001 will occur at Fort Lewis and YTC. This alternative also includes the training of three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT5) present simultaneously at Fort Lewis and YTC. Planned new construction includes brigade barracks complexes, the upgrade of sub-standard SBCT facilities to meet Army standards, and additional firing ranges at Fort Lewis and YTC. (3) The CSS alternative represents the potential stationing at Fort Lewis of up to 1,000 CSS Soldiers in addition to Alternative 2. Maneuver and live-fire training of up to 2,900 new Soldiers would occur at Fort Lewis and YTC. Specific construction projects cannot be identified until the types and numbers of CSS units are known, but new construction would include barracks, motor pools, classrooms and administrative facilities. (4) The CAB alternative represents the potential stationing at Fort Lewis of a medium CAB in addition to Alternative 3. Maneuver and live-fire training of up include the air and ground assets of the CAB. New construction facilities to support the CAB would be similar to those required for Alternative 3. Major impacts expected from implementing the Proposed Action include noise from the increased frequency of demolitions and live-fire training, which would extend further beyond the boundaries of Fort Lewis into the surrounding communities. Additional traffic volume from the potential stationing of the medium CAB would increase the delays and congestion at key intersections during peak traffic hours. Although the additional number of schoolchildren from each alternative would increase the number of schoolchildren in the local school systems, the potential CAB stationing would significantly impact the local school systems that support Fort Lewis. At YTC, increased use of training lands and firing ranges for maneuver and live-fire training would increase the risk of damage to wildlife and wildlife habitat. A copy of the DEIS may be accessed at the following Web site: https:// www.lewis.army.mil/publicworks/sites/ envir/EIA_2.htm. Comments from the public will be considered before any decision is made regarding implementation of the Proposed Action. Dated: September 2, 2009. Addison D. Davis, IV, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health). [FR Doc. E9–21932 Filed 9–11–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710–08–M PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) 05 Actions at Fort Monroe, VA Department of the Army, DoD. Notice of Availability (NOA). AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of the DEIS, which evaluates the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts of BRAC actions at Fort Monroe, Virginia. DATES: The public comment period for the DEIS will end 45 days after publication of an NOA in the Federal Register by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Public meeting date is: October 6, 2009, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VA. ADDRESSES: Please send written comments on the DEIS to: Ms. Robin Mills, Chief, Directorate of Public Works, 318 Cornog Lane, Fort Monroe, VA 23651. E-mail comments should be sent to monr.post.nepapublic@us.army.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Robin Mills, Chief, Directorate of Public Works, 318 Cornog Lane, Fort Monroe, VA 23651. E-mail comments should be sent to monr.post.nepapublic@us.army.mil. The DEIS covers activities associated with the BRAC actions at Fort Monroe, Virginia. The 2005 BRAC Commission recommended the closure of Fort Monroe and the relocation of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Headquarters; the Installation Management Agency (IMA) Northeast Region Headquarters; the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) Northeast Region Headquarters; and the Army Contracting Agency Northern Region Office to Fort Eustis, VA. The 2005 BRAC Commission also recommended the U.S. Army Accessions Command and U.S. Army Cadet Command relocate to Fort Knox, KY. Under BRAC, closure will be no later than September 15, 2011. Following closure, Fort Monroe will be surplus to Army needs and the Army will dispose of its real property interests. The Army has recognized the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority (FMFADA) as the local reuse authority for reuse planning. The FMFADA Fort Monroe Reuse Plan was approved by the Governor in August SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\14SEN1.SGM 14SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 176 (Monday, September 14, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 46985-46986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21932]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS) for Grow the Army Actions at Fort Lewis and the Yakima 
Training Center (YTC), WA

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability (NOA).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of a 
DEIS that analyzes the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of 
implementing the stationing and realignment decisions in the 2007 
``Grow the Army'' Programmatic EIS (GTA PEIS) and other ongoing Army 
realignment and stationing initiatives pertaining to Fort Lewis and 
YTC. The GTA PEIS Record of Decision (ROD) specified the stationing of 
additional units at Fort Lewis including an Expeditionary Sustainment 
Command, and directed unit restructuring actions that would increase 
active duty strength at Fort Lewis by approximately 1,900 Soldiers. The 
DEIS also analyzes Fort Lewis and YTC as potential locations for the

[[Page 46986]]

stationing of approximately 1,000 combat service support (CSS) Soldiers 
consisting of quartermaster, medical, transportation, headquarters or 
other CSS units to support combat operations, and the potential 
stationing of a medium Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) consisting of 
approximately 2,800 soldiers and 110 helicopters.

DATES: The public comment period for the DEIS will end 45 days after 
publication of an NOA in the Federal Register by the Environmental 
Protection Agency.

ADDRESSES: Questions or comments regarding the DEIS should be forwarded 
to: Department of the Army, Directorate of Public Works, Attention: 
IMWE-LEW-PWE (Mr. Paul T. Steucke, Jr.), Building 2012, Liggett Avenue, 
Box 339500 MS 17, Fort Lewis, WA 98433-9500.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bill Van Hoesen, Fort Lewis 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Coordinator, at (253) 966-1780 
during business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. PDT, Monday through Friday).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fort Lewis is an 86,176 acre major Army 
installation in western Washington (approximately 35 miles south of 
Seattle) and is one of 15 U.S. power projection platforms. The 327,231 
acre YTC is a subinstallation of Fort Lewis located about 7 miles 
northeast of the City of Yakima in central Washington. Fort Lewis and 
YTC are important Army facilities for weapons qualification and field 
training. In addition to the units stationed there, Reserve and 
National Guard units, as well as units from allied nations, train at 
Fort Lewis and YTC.
    The DEIS evaluates the potential impacts of the site-specific 
actions for the alternatives to implement the Proposed Action. These 
actions include troop stationing, maneuver and live-fire training, and 
construction. The following alternatives are evaluated:
    (1) The No Action alternative assumes that the Army GTA decisions 
would not be implemented. It is not a viable alternative because the 
Army GTA decisions have already been made, and the decisions need to be 
implemented. Analysis of the No Action alternative serves as a baseline 
for comparison of the other alternatives. Under this alternative, 
planned construction that is not part of the GTA decisions includes 
troop barracks, recreational facilities, traffic flow improvements and 
other infrastructure upgrades at Fort Lewis.
    (2) The GTA alternative implements the Army GTA decisions affecting 
Fort Lewis and YTC. Maneuver and live-fire training of an additional 
1,900 Soldiers will occur at Fort Lewis and YTC. This alternative also 
includes the training of three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT5) 
present simultaneously at Fort Lewis and YTC. Planned new construction 
includes brigade barracks complexes, the upgrade of sub-standard SBCT 
facilities to meet Army standards, and additional firing ranges at Fort 
Lewis and YTC.
    (3) The CSS alternative represents the potential stationing at Fort 
Lewis of up to 1,000 CSS Soldiers in addition to Alternative 2. 
Maneuver and live-fire training of up to 2,900 new Soldiers would occur 
at Fort Lewis and YTC. Specific construction projects cannot be 
identified until the types and numbers of CSS units are known, but new 
construction would include barracks, motor pools, classrooms and 
administrative facilities.
    (4) The CAB alternative represents the potential stationing at Fort 
Lewis of a medium CAB in addition to Alternative 3. Maneuver and live-
fire training of up include the air and ground assets of the CAB. New 
construction facilities to support the CAB would be similar to those 
required for Alternative 3.
    Major impacts expected from implementing the Proposed Action 
include noise from the increased frequency of demolitions and live-fire 
training, which would extend further beyond the boundaries of Fort 
Lewis into the surrounding communities. Additional traffic volume from 
the potential stationing of the medium CAB would increase the delays 
and congestion at key intersections during peak traffic hours. Although 
the additional number of schoolchildren from each alternative would 
increase the number of schoolchildren in the local school systems, the 
potential CAB stationing would significantly impact the local school 
systems that support Fort Lewis. At YTC, increased use of training 
lands and firing ranges for maneuver and live-fire training would 
increase the risk of damage to wildlife and wildlife habitat.
    A copy of the DEIS may be accessed at the following Web site: 
https://www.lewis.army.mil/publicworks/sites/envir/EIA_2.htm. Comments 
from the public will be considered before any decision is made 
regarding implementation of the Proposed Action.

    Dated: September 2, 2009.
Addison D. Davis, IV,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health).
[FR Doc. E9-21932 Filed 9-11-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M

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