Department of Defense February 14, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to Section (102)(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1500-1517), the U.S. Department of the Navy (Navy) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of utilizing Avon Park Air Force Range (APAFR), Florida, as a location for high-explosive (HE) and inert/ practice air-to-ground ordnance training for East Coast carrier-based strike/fighter aviation squadrons. Squadrons would use APAFR in combination with other available air-to-ground range assets to meet the operational requirements of its Fleet Readiness Training Program (FRTP). FRTP air-to-ground training will encompass operations associated with Navy integrated and sustainment level training exercises and combat certification. The Draft EIS focuses on air-to- ground training alternatives within APAFR. These alternatives encompass varying mixtures of ordnance types among different impact areas within APAFR. This notice is to announce public hearings for the Draft EIS. An open information session will precede the scheduled public hearing and will allow individuals to review the data presented in the Draft EIS. Navy representatives will be available during the information session to clarify information related to the Draft EIS. The information session of the hearing is scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., followed by a formal public hearing from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m.