[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 246 (Friday, December 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 67322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32357]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army


Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant 
Impact (FNSI) for the Relocation of the U.S. Army Concepts Analysis 
Agency (CAA) From Bethesda, MD to Fort Belvoir, VA

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Public Law 101-510, the Defense Base 
Closure and Realignment Commission recommended the relocation of CAA 
from Bethesda, Maryland, to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The realignment is 
scheduled to occur in 1999 following construction scheduled to begin in 
the first quarter of fiscal year 1998.
    The EA analyzed the environmental and socioeconomic effects of the 
realignment on the organization, its functions, missions and personnel, 
as well as the planned construction.
    The EA evaluated, as a preferred alternative, the environmental 
impacts of construction of a new facility for CAA on a developed site. 
The other action alternatives considered include the use of existing 
administrative space, renovation of existing buildings or construction 
of a new administrative facility within a large tract of undeveloped 
land. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, a no-
action alternative is described in which CAA would remain in leased 
space. This is required to establish baseline conditions.
    For the preferred alternative (construction of a new facility at 
the intersection of Goethals, Franklin and Lampert Roads, Fort 
Belvoir), the existing infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate the 
new facility. Demolition and construction will create potential minor 
short-term impacts such as noise, dust and soil erosion. Measures will 
be taken, such as time-sensitive scheduling of construction work, 
provision of erosion and sedimentation control, landscaping and 
screening with trees and shrubs, and management of stormwater to 
mitigate potentially adverse effects. Socioeconomic impacts to the area 
will be positive, but insignificant.
    The Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, has 
concluded that the effects of the proposed action are not significant 
and will not adversely affect the quality of the environment. Fort 
Belvoir will implement necessary mitigation measures and will consult 
with regulatory agencies, as may be necessary, to ensure compliance 
with all Federal, state, regional, and local regulations and 
guidelines, Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not 
required and will not be prepared.

DATES: Public comments will be accepted on or before January 21, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the EA/FNSI may be obtained by writing to,and any 
inquiries concerning the same should be addressed to, the Commander, 
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, ATTN: James Gregory (ANFB-PWE), 9430 
Jackson Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5130, or by calling (703) 806-
0047, or sending a telefax to (703) 806-3246 within 30 days of the 
publication of this notice. Individuals wishing to review the EA may 
examine a copy at the following locations: Directorate of Public Works, 
Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and the following Fairfax County Public 
Libraries; John Marshall, Lorton and Sherwood branches.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Gregory at (703) 806-0047.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA(I,L&E).
[FR Doc. 96-32357 Filed 12-19-96; 8:45 am]
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