[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 61 (Wednesday, March 31, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 15354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-7895]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Termination of Environmental Impact Statement for Management of 
Aircraft Operations at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, 
Washington

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DOD.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental 
Quality regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), the Department of the 
Navy, announced its intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) for the management of air operations at NAS Whidbey Island. The 
Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on February 7, 
1989. The EIS was to cover proposed air operations associated with 
increased training activity at Ault Field and Outlying Field (OLF) 
Coupeville. The Notice of Availability for the Draft EIS (DEIS) was 
published in the Federal Register on August 27, 1993. The DEIS was 
distributed to various federal, state, and local agencies, elected 
officials, special interest groups, interested individuals, and the 
media. Public hearings were held on September 29, 1993 and November 10, 
1993.
    At the time of the preparation of the DEIS, all Navy EA-6B Prowler 
electronic warfare squadrons and all west coast A-6E Intruder squadrons 
were stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. Ault Field and Outlying Field 
(OLF) Coupeville were used for aircraft training exercises on Whidbey 
Island.
    Since the publication of the DEIS, the conditions at NAS Whidbey 
Island have changed significantly. All A-6E aircraft have been 
decommissioned and are no longer based at NAS Whidbey Island. 
Accordingly air operations at NAS Whidbey Island have been reduced 40-
50% from 1988 levels.
    The significant reduction in air operation activities has 
eliminated the need for proposed modifications to NAS Whidbey Island 
air operations. Therefore, the preparation of an EIS for Management of 
Aircraft Operations at NAS Whidbey Island is no longer required and the 
process is hereby terminated.

ADDRESSES: Questions regarding this notice may be directed to: Ms. 
Kathryn Souders, Environmental Affairs Director, NAS Whidbey Island at 
(360) 257-1009.

    Dated: 25 March 1999.
Pamela A. Holden,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-7895 Filed 3-30-99; 8:45 am]
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