[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 146 (Friday, July 28, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 46442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19160]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Additional Public Scoping Meeting In Meridian, 
Mississippi, for the Environmental Impact Statement for Introduction of 
the Atlantic Fleet F/A-18 E/F Aircraft on the East Coast of the United 
States

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 (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), the 
Department of the Navy (Navy) announced its intent to prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential 
environmental consequences of the introduction of the Atlantic Fleet F/
A-18 E/F aircraft on the East Coast of the United States. The Notice of 
Intent and Public Scoping Meetings appeared in the Federal Register on 
June 26, 2000 (65 FR 39373). One additional Public Scoping Meeting has 
been scheduled subsequent to that notice.

DATES: One additional public scoping open house will be held to receive 
oral and/or written comments on environmental concerns that should be 
addressed in the EIS. A public scoping open house will be held from 
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on August 15, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The open house will be held at East Mississippi Electric 
Power Association, 2128 Highway 39 North, Meridian, Mississippi.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Dan Cecchini (Code 2032), Atlantic 
Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 1510 Gilbert Street, 
Norfolk, Virginia 23511; telephone (757) 322-4887, fax (757) 322-4984.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Navy has decided to purchase F/A-18 E/F 
aircraft because of its improved capabilities over earlier aircraft 
models. It is designed to fly farther and carry a heavier payload, 
which will make it a more effective tool for national defense. An EIS 
and Record of Decision (ROD) were completed in 1998 for the 
introduction of F/A-18 E/F aircraft on the West Coast. In 1999, the 
Navy began a phase-in of the F/A-18 E/F aircraft to NAS Lemoore, 
California. Introduction of the F/A-18 E/F aircraft in the Atlantic 
fleet area of responsibility will begin in 2004 and be completed by 
2008.
    The EIS will address the environmental impacts associated with 
basing and operation of the Atlantic fleet F/A-18 E/F aircraft on the 
East Coast, retirement of existing F-14 aircraft and earlier F/A-18 
models, and new construction and/or renovation of buildings and other 
support facilities. In addition, the EIS will assess impacts on each 
local community and economy associated with relocation of military 
personnel to the area to support the operation and maintenance of the 
E/F squadrons.
    The Navy is currently evaluating East Coast installations to 
develop reasonable F/A-18 E/F siting alternatives. To date, four Navy 
and Marine Corps air stations have been identified as potential 
receiving sites: Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South 
Carolina; MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina; Naval Air Station (NAS) 
Oceana, Virginia; and NAS Meridian, Mississippi. Other siting 
alternatives are still being considered. The Navy's preferred 
alternative is to site all the Atlantic Fleet F/A-18 E/F squadrons at 
one location; however, splitting the squadrons between two bases is not 
precluded.
    The Navy intends to analyze the potential environmental impacts of 
the introduction of the Atlantic Fleet F/A-18 E/F aircraft on the 
environment. This includes, but is not limited to air quality, plant 
and animal habitats, and water resources, such as streams. It will also 
evaluate potential effects on the surrounding communities, including 
land use patterns, transportation, housing, and the regional economy. 
Further, the Navy will examine potential effects on existing airspace, 
training range use, and on aircraft noise exposure levels in and around 
the bases.
    The Navy has initiated a scoping process to identify community 
concerns and local issues that will be addressed in the EIS. Federal, 
state, local agencies, and interested persons are encouraged to provide 
oral and/or written comments to the Navy to identify environmental 
concerns that should be addressed in the EIS. To be most helpful, 
scoping comments should clearly describe the specific issues or topics 
that the EIS should address.
    Written comments must be postmarked by September 8, 2000, and 
should be mailed to: Commander, Atlantic Division, Naval Facilities 
Engineering Command, 1510 Gilbert Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23511, 
Attn: Code 2032 (Mr. Dan Cecchini), telephone (757) 322-4887, fax (757) 
322-4984.

    Dated: July 25, 2000.
J.L. Roth,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-19160 Filed 7-27-00; 8:45 am]
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