Department of Defense March 5, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Department of the Army (Army) announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Modernization and Repair of Piers 2 and 3 at Military Ocean Terminal Concord, California (MOTCO). The Final EIS evaluates the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects that could result from demolition and reconstruction of structural elements, replacement of infrastructure, upgrades to shore-side roads and electrical infrastructure, repair of piles at Pier 3, and maintenance dredging. Environmental consequences were evaluated for noise; air quality; geology, topography, and soils; water resources; biological resources; land use and coastal zone management; transportation; infrastructure; visual resources; recreational resources; socioeconomics; environmental justice and protection of children; cultural resources; and hazardous materials, hazardous waste, toxic substances, and contaminated sites. Based on the analysis described in the EIS, all impacts are anticipated to be less than significant. The potential for environmental impacts is greatest for the following resource areas: water resources; biological resources; transportation; infrastructure; and cultural resources.

The Air Force is issuing this notice of intent (NOI) (40 CFR 1508.22) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to assess the proposed action to base two (2) F-35A squadrons (48 Primary Assigned Aircraft (PAA)) at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB), Alaska. The proposed action will also include the use of related airspace and ranges, particularly the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC). The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). It is a multiple-role fighter with an emphasis on air-to-ground missions. A No-Action Alternative will be included in the EIS, whereby no F- 35A squadrons would be based at Eielson AFB. The analysis of the no- action alternative will provide a benchmark to enable Air Force decision-makers to compare the magnitude of the environmental effects of the proposed action. No-action means the proposed action would not take place, and the resulting environmental effects from taking no- action will be compared with the effects of allowing the proposed activity to go forward. Scoping: The public scoping process will be used to identify community concerns and local issues to be considered during the draft EIS development process. Federal, state, and local agencies; Alaska Native Tribes and organizations; as well as interested persons are encouraged to provide written comments of environmental concern associated with the proposed action to the Air Force. Comments should be provided by the methods and dates indicated below.