[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 106 (Friday, June 3, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13525]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 3, 1994]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Air Force

 

Solid Waste Management Facility, Andersen AFB, Guam; Notice of 
Availability Draft Environmental Impact Statement

    The United States Air Force announces the availability of a Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement for the construction of a new solid 
waste management facility at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The new 
facility will provide for recycling, composting, and disposal of 
asbestos, rubble (hardfill), and municipal solid waste. The purpose of 
the proposed action is to manage the solid waste generated by Andersen 
AFB (12,000 tons per year) after the existing on-base unlined landfill 
reaches capacity in approximately 2 years. The preferred alternative 
for municipal solid waste disposal is vertical expansion of the 
existing landfill. The proposed action is considered an interim 
measure, designed not to exceed 10 years, to accommodate Air Force 
needs until an island-wide solid waste management system can be 
implemented; however, the proposed action does have the capability for 
limited extension in the event that an island-wide system does not 
become available at the end of 10 years. Specifically, it is proposed 
that a new landfill be constructed on top of the existing one in such a 
manner that the liner system for the new facility will serve as a cap 
for the old facility. Provisions will be made for the collection, 
removal, and treatment of leachate, and for groundwater monitoring. 
Other alternatives considered include: a new landfill constructed at 
one of seven alternate sites on Andersen AFB, use of the Government of 
Guam Ordot Landfill, use of a proposed Government of Guam waste-to-
energy facility, future use of an island-wide Government of Guam and 
Department of Defense landfill, incineration on base, use of the Navy 
landfill at the Apra Harbor Complex, and no action.
    Two major environmental issues affect the selection of a preferred 
alternative. First, the majority of Andersen Air Force Base overlies 
the Northern Guam Lens, which has been designated a sole source aquifer 
under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Guam Environmental Protection 
Agency has established a groundwater protection zone that constrains 
activities in areas overlying the aquifer or serving as recharge zones. 
Second, the forested area along the cliffline on the east, north, and 
west boundaries of Andersen Air Force Base is habitat for endangered 
species. The primary endangered species of concern are the Mariana crow 
and the Mariana fruit bat. The principal threat to these species is 
predation on eggs and young by an introduced species, the brown tree 
snake. The proposed action includes engineering controls (a double 
liner with leachate collection, removal, and treatment) to minimize the 
likelihood of impacts to the aquifer. Furthermore, by capping the 
existing landfill, the proposed action will reduce the production of 
leachate from previously landfilled materials. Potential effects on the 
biota, and endangered species in particular, are unlikely because the 
proposed action will take place at a site that is already disturbed and 
has minimal habitat value.
    The United States Air Force invites comments and suggestions from 
all interested parties on the findings of the Environmental Impact 
Statement, and has tentatively scheduled a public hearing for May 1994. 
Notice of the exact time and place of the hearing will be published in 
the news media. If concerned persons are not able to attend the public 
hearing, written comments and suggestions will be accepted. To ensure 
that the Air Force will have sufficient time to fully consider public 
contributions, written comments must be received no later than forty-
five (45) days from the publication of today's notice. Comments or 
requests for further information concerning this Environmental Impact 
Statement should be addressed to Mr. Roy N. Tsutsui, Chief, 
Environmental Flight, Andersen AFB, Guam, 633 CES/CEV, Bldg. 18001, 
Unit 14007, APO, AP 96543-4007; Phone: (671) 366-2101.

List of Subjects

    Environmental Protection, Environmental Impact Statement, U.S. Air 
Force, Anderson AFB, Guam, Notice of Availability, Solid waste.
Patsy J. Conner,
Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 94-13525 Filed 6-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-01-P