[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9900]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 25, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
 

Finding of No Significant Impact for the Use of Military Surplus 
Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction

AGENCY: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the U.S. Army Materiel 
Command (AMC), Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: An environmental assessment on the use of Military Surplus 
Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction was prepared pursuant to 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 
(et seq) and the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR 
parts 1500-1508). The environmental assessment concluded that there 
will be no significant impact on the environment and that preparation 
of an Environmental Impact Statement will not be necessary. Interested 
parties may submit comments to the address listed below for a 30-day 
period from the date of this notice.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 22 April 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Larry J. Wilson, CAAV, Staff 
Director, Public Affairs Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Cameron 
Station, Alexandria, VA 22304-6100, (703) 274-6135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DLA is responsible for overseeing the 
disposal of excess military assets. The normal disposal protocols for 
military tanks involve the selling of demilitarized tanks to salvage 
companies. However, the size of the current surplus inventory and the 
likely growth due to DoD downsizing motivated consideration of other 
methods of disposition. An environmental assessment has been prepared 
to address the proposed use of surplus tanks for reef construction 
material, possible alternative approaches, environmental consequences 
of the proposed action, and measures recommended to mitigate 
potentially adverse effects. This environmental assessment has been 
prepared jointly by the DLA and AMC in accordance with Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and DLA implementing regulation 
DLAR 1000.22, Environmental Consideration in DLA Actions in the United 
States.
    The proposed action involves the use of as many as 200 surplus 
military armored tanks for placement in coastal waters for artificial 
reef construction. These surplus tanks are located at the Anniston Army 
Dept (ANAD), Anniston Al. The Artificial Reef Program is administered 
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) pursuant to 33 USC Section 
2104. Under this program, the COE designates specific areas to be used 
as artificial reef sites and issues permits to ensure that only 
suitable materials are placed in the artificial reef. There has been 
considerable interest by various coastal states in using surplus 
armored tanks as artificial reef material. It is believed that the 
heavy gauge steel construction of the tanks will extend the useful life 
of the artificial reef. Properly designed, constructed, and located, 
artificial reefs can enhance recreational and commercial fishing 
opportunities, increase the production of fishery products, increase 
the energy efficiency of recreational and commercial fisheries, and 
contribute to coastal economies.
    DLA and AMC will institute measures which will mitigate potential 
adverse effects. Tank cleanup and preparation procedures have been 
developed to ensure that tanks are cleaned of environmentally harmful 
materials and that they meet applicable environmental criteria. These 
procedures include draining all fluids, removal of the tank engine, 
transmission and hydraulic systems, and steam cleaning exterior and 
interior surfaces. Tank preparation, transportation and deployment will 
be in accordance with military operational and safety plans with 
comprehensive transportation and deployment plans if performed by 
nonmilitary activities.
    The use of surplus military armored tanks for artificial reef 
construction materials is not considered a major action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment or requiring the 
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. A public comment 
period regarding the environmental assessment will begin at the time of 
publication of this notice and will conclude 30 days following. Copies 
of the environmental assessment are available for inspection at the 
address listed above. Interested parties may also contact the DLA 
Public Affairs Office at commercial telephone (703) 274-6135.

    Dated: 20 April 1994.
Jan B. Reitman,
Staff Director, (Environmental and Safety Policy).
[FR Doc. 94-9900 Filed 4-22-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3620-01-M