[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 164 (Monday, August 25, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44954-44956]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22492]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Record of Decision for Facilities Development Necessary to 
Support the Homeporting of a Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier at the Naval 
Station, Mayport, Florida

    Pursuant to section 102(2)C of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations 
implementing NEPA procedures (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the Department 
of the Navy announces its findings relative to the analysis of the 
facilities development necessary to support the homeporting of a 
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier at Naval Station (NAVSTA), Mayport, 
Florida. This analysis was required by the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993, because under existing carrier 
force structure plans, all conventional carriers (CVs) will be replaced 
by nuclear-powered carriers (CVNs) at the end of the CVs service life. 
NAVSTA Mayport, which has long been a homeport for conventional 
aircraft carriers, is currently homeport to the USS Kennedy. The 
analysis evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with 
development of facilities to support possible CVN Homeporting at NAVSTA 
Mayport in the year 2010.
    A notice of intent was published in the Federal Register on October 
7, 1993, indicating that Navy would prepare a Programmatic 
Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) evaluating the Facilities 
Development Necessary To Support Potential Aircraft Carrier Homeporting 
at the Naval Station, Mayport, Florida. A public scoping meeting was 
held October 26, 1993 in Neptune Beach, Florida to determine the scope 
of significant issues to be examined in the Draft PEIS (DPEIS). The 
DPEIS was filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 
March 15, 1996 and was distributed to agencies and officials of 
federal, state, and local governments, citizen's groups and 
associations, media, public libraries, and interested parties for 
review and comment. The notice of filing and notice of public 
availability appeared in the Federal Register on March 22, 1996. The 
period of public review and comment on the DPEIS was from March 22, 
1996 through May 13, 1996. A public hearing was held on April 24, 1996 
in Neptune Beach, Florida. Comments on the DPEIS were received in three 
forms: (1) Letters, (2) written comments received at the public 
hearing, and (3) oral statements made at the hearing. Comments included 
concerns regarding wildlife impacts, dredging impacts, water quality, 
and housing impacts. Those comments and Navy responses were 
incorporated into the Final PEIS (FPEIS), which was filed with the EPA 
on March 7, 1997, and distributed for public review. The Notice of 
Filing appeared in the Federal Register on March 14, 1997. The period 
of public review on the FPEIS ended on April 14, 1997.
    The PEIS evaluated the reasonable alternatives to implementing CVN 
homeporting at NAVSTA Mayport and the potential environmental impacts 
of new construction, facilities modification, dredging, and operation 
of a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport. In addition to the various alternatives 
discussed in the PEIS, a ``No Action'' alternative was evaluated. In 
the ``No Action'' alternative, NAVSTA Mayport would not be evaluated as 
a second potential East Coast CVN Homeport, thus leaving all CVNs 
homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. This alternative was dismissed because 
it fails to meet the requirements of Pub. L. 102-484 which requires 
Navy to prepare a plan which could develop NAVSTA Mayport as a Nimitz-
Class aircraft carrier homeport.
    NAVSTA Mayport has two conventionally-powered aircraft carrier 
berthing wharves, Wharf C-1 and Wharf C-2, neither of which are 
currently able to accommodate CVN draft, electrical, and maintenance 
requirements. Wharf C-1 was eliminated from further evaluation because 
it provides no berthing or infrastructure advantage over Wharf C-2 and 
because Wharf C-2 has better opportunities for providing security. 
Three berthing alternatives were evaluated throughout the PEIS: Wharf 
C-2, Wharf F (an industrial maintenance wharf), and a dual capability 
concept where both Wharf C-2 and Wharf F are used. The dual capability 
configuration was chosen as the preferred alternative because it offers 
the most operational flexibility, allowing continued use of Wharf F as 
an industrial rework facility, even when the carrier is in port.
    New construction necessary to support the depot-level maintenance 
requirements of a CVN homeported at NAVSTA Mayport would include a 
depot-level maintenance facility (DMF). The DMF would comprise three 
main components: Controlled Industrial Facility (CIF), Ship Maintenance 
Facility (SMF), and Maintenance Support Facility (MSF). The DMF and its 
surrounding areas would have to be capable of supporting a work force 
of approximately 1,000 workers per day. This would include shipboard 
workers, within the facility, and the project management team. The SMF 
facility would house all non-controlled propulsion plant work, material 
inspection and storage, and pure water production. Radiological work to 
be performed at the DMF would occur in the CIF, while the MSF would 
include the administrative functions.
    Pierside improvements discussed in the PEIS would include required 
modification to the two wharves considered for berthing of a CVN, Wharf 
C-2 and Wharf F. Structural analysis of each wharf for the dredge depth 
of 50 feet below Mean Lower Low Water (mllw), for the additional 
loading introduced by a 100-ton mobile crane at the wharves, and for 
more rigorous mooring standards were performed to assist in the wharf 
improvements recommendations and the analysis results were summarized 
in the PIES. Assessments of the existing infrastructure (utilities) 
were also performed and the study results summarized in the PEIS.

[[Page 44955]]

    The Jacksonville District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) 
completed a study in 1994 of dredged material disposal areas for the 
Navy. The dredged material disposal alternatives considered for the 
potential homeporting at NAVSTA Mayport included: (1) The Jacksonville 
offshore dredged material disposal site (ODMDS), (2) diked upland 
disposal, (3) beach nourishment, and (4) beneficial uses.
    Sediment quality, sediment volume, and the practicality and 
feasibility of disposal were considered during the evaluation of 
dredged material disposal alternatives. The preferred alternative 
method and site selected for the disposal of new work and maintenance 
dredged material is the Jacksonville ODMDS. All other methods and sites 
discussed in the USACE dredge study were dismissed as being too costly 
or not feasible for the potential homeporting project. New work 
dredging would utilize both hopper dredging and clam shell dredging 
methods.
    The ODMDS is located approximately five miles southeast of the 
entrance marker for the Jacksonville Harbor Channel. An ODMDS Site 
Management and Monitoring Plan (SMMP) prepared by EPA limits annual 
dredged material disposal volumes to two million cubic yards (MCY). 
Navy's plan to dispose of approximately 5.7 MCY in 18 months would 
exceed this limitation. In order not to exceed the SMMP limits, the 
Navy could extend the dredging work period to 36 months or more, or 
should Navy wish to proceed with the 18 month disposal plan, the Navy 
would have to conduct additional dispersion predictive model studies. 
If the results of these model studies demonstrated that sufficient 
dispersive characteristics could be achieved, the disposal volume 
restriction on ODMDS could be waived or modified. Also, sediment 
sampling and bioassay testing of dredged material is required by the 
EPA prior to authorization of offshore disposal. Samples have been 
taken from the Mayport turning basin and the entrance channel. The EPA 
has reviewed the sediment and water quality analysis from these areas 
and has concurred with the finding that the material is suitable for 
ocean disposal in the Jacksonville ODMDS in accordance with the Marine 
Protection Research and Sanctuaries Act. This concurrence is valid 
through March 1999, contingent upon finalization of the SMMP, 
therefore, if a future proposal is made to homeport a CVN at NAVSTA 
Mayport, additional sediment characterization would be required.
    Impacts from construction and operations of proposed facilities 
were evaluated in the PEIS. Other impacts evaluated included those 
associated with the increased CVN crew size and their dependents, 
construction personnel, and maintenance facilities personnel. A summary 
of the physical, biological, and socioeconomic impacts that would be 
caused by the potential action follows.
    The St. Johns River entrance channel, the entrance channel to 
NAVSTA Mayport, and the turning basin would be dredged to 50 feet below 
mllw, plus two-foot overdredge, to accommodate the water depth 
requirements for a CVN. The total volume of the dredged material would 
be approximately 5.7 MCY. Dredging and dredged material disposal 
operations would temporarily cause turbidity in the water. Navy would 
comply with the provisions of Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act 
of 1899, Section 103 of the Marine Protection, Research, and 
Sanctuaries Act of 1972, and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, by 
obtaining all required permits from the USACE, the Florida Department 
of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the St. John's River Water 
Management District.
    Construction activities would disturb approximately 20 acres of 
land, some of which have been previously disturbed. Potential short-
term erosion would be minimized by implementing erosion control 
measures as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
System (NPDES) General Permit for Construction Activity. Since more 
than five acres would be disturbed for the construction, a Notice of 
Intent (NOI) would be submitted to EPA, Region IV should a future 
proposal be made. The NOI would describe preparation and implementation 
of a Storm Water Prevention Plan. Accidental spills of hazardous 
materials during construction and operation of facilities would be 
contained, and remediated, following existing Navy contingency plans. 
These measures and plans would also protect water resources in the 
area.
    Short-term impacts to local air quality would be expected from 
operation of heavy construction equipment, including dredges. No 
permanent deterioration of air quality would result from the associated 
construction activities. Operation of the maintenance facilities would 
produce welding fumes, cleaning solution fumes, and other emissions. 
All sources would comply with the air regulations in the Florida 
Administrative Codes. Emissions from dredging would possibly be above 
de minimis levels for the ozone precursor nitrogen oxide 
(NOX) and a conformity determination would be prepared if 
Duval County is still classified as a maintenance area should the 
project be proposed. Further mitigative measures such as extending the 
work period to reduce annual emissions could be required as a result of 
the analysis. Maintenance facilities would produce emissions from paint 
booths and solvents. Emissions controls will be used as required by the 
FDEP permits. Construction and operation of facilities would generate 
noise in the waterfront area. Noise levels would be similar to existing 
levels in this industrial area.
    Wastewater from the CVN and maintenance facilities would be 
discharged to existing shore facilities. The NAVSTA Mayport wastewater 
treatment plant has capacity for the anticipated slight increase in 
volume and would treat the water to permit standards before discharge. 
Industrial/bilgewater (including oily wastewater) production is less 
for a CVN than a CV and would be pretreated at the oily wastewater 
treatment plant.
    Four acres of existing landscaped vegetation would be removed 
during construction. Open areas of the sites would be revegetated 
following construction. Dredging would affect aquatic species, causing 
some to relocate temporarily. The feeding areas of some birds would be 
temporarily disturbed.
    Plankton and benthos in the turning basin would be temporarily 
affected by wharf construction and dredging. Dredged material disposal 
at the ODMDS would also temporarily affect biological communities. 
These communities would recover shortly after the activities. It is not 
anticipated that threatened and endangered species would be adversely 
affected by construction, dredging, or facilities operations. 
Particular attention will be paid during dredging to safeguard marine 
mammals (e.g., manatees and right whales) by controlling timing and 
speeds, and by employing lookouts for early detection.
    Should Navy pursue future homeporting of a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport, 
coordination would occur with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National 
Marine Fisheries Service, EPA, FDEP and other state regulatory agencies 
to effect full compliance with the Marine Protection, Research, and 
Sanctuaries Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Fish and Wildlife 
Coordination Act.
    In accordance with section 106 of The National Historic 
Preservation Act, potential impacts to historic and archeological 
resources have been

[[Page 44956]]

evaluated. No known archeological or historic architectural sites are 
documented in the proposed construction or facility improvement areas. 
No historic or archeological sites are expected to be encountered 
during the dredging activity; however, should sites or artifacts be 
encountered during dredging, the activities would cease and site 
inspections would be performed. The State of Florida Historic 
Preservation Officer has concurred with this analysis.
    A CVN has a crew size of 3,217 persons which is 102 persons more 
than that of a CV. The potential increase in personnel and dependents 
from replacing an existing CV with a CVN would be approximately 217 
persons. Most of the additional crew would live aboard the carrier. On-
base family housing resources are anticipated to remain at full 
occupancy, and the additional personnel with families would probably 
seek housing in residential areas near NAVSTA Mayport.
    The maintenance facilities would employ approximately 1,000 workers 
during a six month maintenance availability. These employees would live 
in rental housing (apartments, hotels, motels, and other). This would 
have a positive economic effect on the temporary housing market.
    Most of the utilities requirements of the carrier can be supplied 
by the existing infrastructure within the station. Additional 
electrical substations and connections to wharf outlets would be 
required. NAVSTA Mayport can supply the additional water supply 
requirement of 32,000 gallons per day (GPD), and wastewater treatment 
facilities have approximately 0.7 million gallons per day (MGD) 
available capacity.
    Approximately 15,000 pounds per year of hazardous waste would be 
generated from CVN activities in port, approximately the same amount as 
for a CV. The waste storage facility on base has adequate capacity to 
store the waste. Construction of maintenance facilities located 
southwest of Wharf F could impact a contaminated site [Solid Waste 
Management Unit (SWMU #23)]. Should this occur, an additional 
investigation and possible cleanup may be required.
    A minor increase in vehicle trips would result from homeporting the 
CVN, and these would be distributed throughout the area. Roadway 
improvements to Mayport Road and Atlantic Boulevard proposed by the 
Jacksonville Transportation Authority would improve levels of service 
on area roadways. The proposed Wonderwood Expressway would also improve 
access in the area of the Naval Station.
    Pursuant to Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice, potential 
environmental and economic impacts on minority and low-income persons 
and communities were assessed. No disproportionate concentrations of 
minority or low-income populations were identified in the area of 
impact of the potential facilities and operations. Additionally, Navy 
has ensured that opportunities for community participation (including 
minority and low-income persons and populations) in the NEPA process 
have been provided.
    The population increase associated with CVN homeporting would place 
minor additional demands on housing and community services, such as 
police, fire, recreation, and education. These effects would be a small 
part of the total impact from projected population increases in the 
Jacksonville area from other (non-Navy) causes.
    The completion of this PEIS fulfills the Navy requirements to 
analyze NAVSTA Mayport as a second East Coast homeport for a Nimitz-
Class aircraft carrier as required by Public Law 102-484. The analysis 
presented in the PEIS and supporting studies indicate that NAVSTA 
Mayport is a feasible homeport site should the Navy define such a need 
in the future providing the identified construction, renovations, and 
dredging can be accomplished.
    Should the Navy decide to pursue facilities development necessary 
to support a CVN at NAVSTA Mayport, additional NEPA analysis would be 
conducted defining the action as then proposed. If the proposed 
dredging would occur after March 1999, bioassay analysis will be 
required for all new work dredged material. Also, should the Navy 
exceed the OSMDS SMMP annual dredged material disposal limits of two 
million cubic yards per year, dispersion modeling will need to be 
performed to determine if the annual disposal volume limit on the OSMDS 
site may be modified or waived. Finally, a conformity determination for 
the ozone precursor NOX would be prepared if Duval County 
were still classified as a maintenance area when the project was 
proposed.
    Questions regarding the Environmental Impact Statement prepared for 
this action may be directed to Southern Division, Naval Facilities 
Engineering Command, P.O. Box 190010, North Charleston, South Carolina 
29419-9010 (Attn: Mr. Ronnie Lattimore, Code 064RL), telephone (803) 
820-5888.

    Dated: August 19, 1997.
Duncan Holaday,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy, (Installations and Facilities).
[FR Doc. 97-22492 Filed 8-22-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3810-FF-M