As part of their military readiness and training programs the U.S. Navy utilizes sonar and explosives which impact marine life. To evaluate the impacts of this program, the Navy has prepared a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and is now inviting public comment on this draft EIS. Click here for the EIS Document and here for the on-line public comment form. More information appears in the Navy press releases below.
Hear more on this story in the report below, submitted and aired by KMUD News Director, Terri Klemetson, on the KMUD Local NEWS, Friday, Jan. 24, 2014.
Press releases from the Navy Public Affairs Ofice:
The U.S. Navy has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with military readiness training and testing activities conducted primarily within existing range complexes, operating areas and testing ranges in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area.
The Navy invites the public to comment on the NWTT Draft EIS, whether it be online on the project website, in person at one of our public meetings, or by mail. The document as well as an online comment form can be found on the project's website at www.NWTTEIS.com. All comments must be postmarked or received online by March 25, 2014, for consideration in the Final EIS.
*Note: This EIS is different from the EA-18 G Growler Airfield Operations EIS for Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the P-8 A MMA Supplemental EIS for Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility Boardman EIS in Boardman, Oregon.
Release #14-001;Jan. 24, 2014:
Northwest Training and Testing Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement Available for Public Review and Comment
SILVERDALE, Wash. - The U.S. Navy has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with military readiness training and testing activities conducted primarily within existing range complexes, operating areas and testing ranges in the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) Study Area. The Navy invites you to comment on the NWTT Draft EIS/OEIS.
Proposed Action
The Navy proposes to conduct training and testing activities, to include the use of active sonar and explosives, within the NWTT Study Area. The Proposed Action also includes pierside sonar maintenance and testing within the NWTT Study Area.
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to ensure that the Navy accomplishes its mission to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas. This mission is achieved in part by training and testing within the NWTT Study Area. The NWTT EIS/OEIS also supports the renewal of federal regulatory permits and authorizations for current training and testing activities and future activities requiring environmental analysis.
The NWTT Study Area is composed of Navy training and testing range complexes, operating areas, testing facilities, and select Navy pierside locations in the Pacific Northwest. Aircraft training and testing activities that take place on or within established Navy airfields at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. or Naval Weapons Systems Training Facility Boardman, Ore. are not included in this NWTT EIS/OEIS.
Visit the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com to download the Draft EIS/OEIS, view a map of the NWTT Study Area, learn more about the project and submit comments online.
Availability of Draft EIS/OEIS and Public Comment Period:
The Navy is seeking public input on the Proposed Action and alternatives, and the accuracy and adequacy of the Draft EIS/OEIS analysis. The Draft EIS/OEIS is available for public review online at www.NWTTEIS.com and at the following locations:
Northern California:
. Fort Bragg Branch Library
. Humboldt County Public Library, Arcata Main Library
. Humboldt County Public Library, Eureka Main Library
The Navy is accepting comments throughout the 60-day public comment period, from Jan. 24, 2014, to March 25, 2014. All comments must be postmarked or received online by March 25, 2014, for consideration in the Final EIS/OEIS. Written comments may be submitted via the project website at www.NWTTEIS.com, in person at the public meetings or by mail to:
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest
Attention: Ms. Kimberly Kler - NWTT EIS/OEIS Project Manager
1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 203
Silverdale, WA 98315-1101
Public Meetings:
Eight public meetings will be held to inform the public about the Navy's Proposed Action and findings in the Draft EIS/OEIS, and solicit public comments on the environmental analysis. The public meetings will include an open house information session starting at 5 p.m. During this time, Navy representatives will provide information and answer questions about the Proposed Action and Draft EIS/OEIS. A short presentation by the Navy will begin at 6:30 p.m. Comments will be accepted throughout the public meeting.
The North Coast Calif. Meetings are listed below: Open House Information Sessions: 5-8 p.m./Navy Presentation: 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Red Lion Hotel Redwood Ballroom
1929 4th St.
Eureka, CA
Friday, March 7, 2014
Redwood Coast Senior Center West Room
490 N. Harold St.
Fort Bragg, CA
Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations, please contact Liane Nakahara, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs Specialist, at 360-396-1630 or liane.nakahara@navy.mil.