[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 159 (Tuesday, August 18, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44247-44248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-22187]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Changes to Utilization 
of Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: This notice of availability announces the public release of 
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Yuma Proving Ground 
(YPG). The Draft EIS is programmatic in nature and discloses impacts 
associated with direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the 
proposed action under a range of alternatives. New missions and 
programs require land use changes and construction of new facilities 
and military ranges. Examples of changes to YPG's mission that may 
result in this action include: combat systems testing, troop training, 
and private sector use of facilities. Activities to support this action 
include modernization of outdated facilities, improvements to 
infrastructure, installation of utilities, and land use changes. An 
environmental assessment prepared to evaluate the effect of the 
Installation Master Plan determined that significant effects were 
likely to result from these changes.

DATES: Written public comments received within 45 days of the date of 
publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Notice of 
Availability in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: To receive a copy of this Draft EIS, or to submit comments, 
contact: Directorate of Environmental Sciences, STEYP-ES-C (ATTN: Mr.

[[Page 44248]]

Junior D. Kerns), Yuma Proving Ground, AZ 85365.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Junior D. Kerns at (520) 328-2148.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Resources discussed in the draft are 
climate, air, water, geology and soils, biology, cultural resources, 
socioeconomics, land use, noise, hazardous materials/waste management, 
radiation, health and safety, aesthetic values, utilities, and 
transportation. Situated in southwestern Arizona, the installation is a 
desert evaluation and test center with premier facilities for testing 
military materiel.
    The proposed action is the conversion of YPG from a traditional 
Army test installation to a diversified, multipurpose test range. The 
multipurpose test installation will integrate training, privatization, 
and other mission-compatible uses with research, development, test, and 
evaluation activities indicated in the Installation Master Plan and 
other applicable planning documents. This proposed action supports the 
defense mission of the United States to maintain a prepared and 
technologically advanced military.
    Five alternatives are considered: (1) Maintain baseline activity 
levels (no action), (2) decreased military mission, (3) increased 
military mission, (4) modified nonmilitary mission, and (5) diversified 
mission. Impacts of each alternative are disclosed in accordance with 
the National Environmental Policy Act. The Army will develop a 
preferred alternative after consideration of impacts described in the 
Draft EIS and public comment.
    Comments may also be submitted via phone at (800) 330-1348.

    Dated: August 13, 1998.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health) OASA(I,L&E).
[FR Doc. 98-22187 Filed 8-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M