[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 3, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 30315] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-14346] [[Page 30315]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Site-Specific Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Design, Construction and Operation of a Facility to Pilot Test the Neutralization (Hydrolysis) Process, Followed by Either On-Site Supercritical Water Oxidation or Off-Site Post Treatment, for VX at Newport Chemical Depot (NECD), IN AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This announces the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare a site- specific EIS on the potential impacts of the design, construction, and operation of a facility to pilot test, as part of a research and development program, the neutralization (hydrolysis) process, followed by either on-site supercritical water oxidation or off-site post treatment in a permitted hazardous waste treatment facility, as a potential disposal technology for VX in bulk storage containers only. The ``no action'' alternative will also be examined. The ``no action'' alternative is considered to be deferral of research and development of the neutralization process as an alternative technology which would cause continued storage of the VX-filled ton containers at NECD. This NOI rescinds the previous NOI announced in the Federal Register on February 13, 1992 (57 FR 5254). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (40 CFR 1500-1508), the Army will prepare a site-specific EIS to assess the health and environmental impacts of design, construction and operation of a pilot facility to demonstrate, as part of a research and development program, the feasibility of adopting the neutralization process, followed by either on-site super-critical water oxidation or off-site post treatment in a permitted hazardous waste treatment facility, for the VX currently stored in ton containers at NECD. SCOPING MEETING: The Army will hold a scoping meeting to aid in determining the significant issues related to the proposed action which will be addressed in the EIS. The scoping process will incorporate public participation, including Federal, State, and local agencies, as well as residents within the affected environment. The date, time, and location of the scoping meeting will be announced in the local news media at least 15 days prior to the meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Program Manager for Chemical Demilitarization, ATTN: SFAE-CD-ME, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland 21010-5401. Individuals desiring to be placed on a mailing list to receive additional information on the public scoping process and copies of the draft and final EIS should contact the Program Manager at the above address. Dated: May 28, 1997. Richard E. Newsome, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health), OASA (I, L&E). [FR Doc. 97-14346 Filed 6-2-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M