[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 13, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14557-14558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6187]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Future 
Development and Operations at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: This announces the availability of the DEIS that assesses the 
effects of future development and operations at Fort Meade on the 
natural and human environment.
    The Proposed Action is the preferred alternative of the DEIS, and 
includes future development and operations of Fort Meade's Real 
Property Master Plan expected to occur on the installation between 2000 
and 2005 as part of plans to further Fort Meade's new mission as a 
Federal administrative center. The Proposed Action identifies 11 
projects as being representative of the expected build out during this 
time. These consist of construction of new facilities that would 
consolidate tenants from dilapidated World War II structures and off-
post leased facilities into more cost efficient and effective 
facilities; demolition and construction of barracks and mess halls; and 
providing on-post development opportunities for tenants on 
installations that are currently subject to Base Realignment and 
Closure. Other alternatives considered by the DEIS include the No 
Action Alternative and Alternative A. The No Action Alternative is 
defined as the normal daily operations at Fort Meade and adjacent areas 
as of 1999. Alternative A consists of constructing 9 of the 11 projects 
purposed by the Proposed Action, and excludes the two projects least 
likely to occur. Alternative A would reduce the number of additional 
personnel envisioned by the full build out of the Proposed Action to 
the installation by 272, or 30 percent of the 912 additional personnel 
included in the Proposed Action.

DATES: Written comments received within 45 days of the publication of 
this Notice of Availability by the Environmental Protection Agency in 
the Federal Register for this action will be considered by the Army 
during final decision making and the preparation of the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

ADDRESSES: Send requests for a copy of the DEIS or provide written 
comments to Commander, Fort George G. Meade, ATTN: ANME-DPW (Mr. Jim 
Gebhardt), Bldg. 239, 2\1/2\ Street and Ross Road, Fort Meade, Maryland 
20755-5115.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jim Gebhardt, Environmental 
Engineer, Fort Meade Directorate of Public Works, Environmental 
Management Office at (301) 677-9365.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The DEIS concluded that the cumulative 
impacts of all past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions 
would have a significant impact on traffic and air quality in the study 
area. Whereas the population in the area immediately surrounding Fort 
Meade is not expected to noticeably increase, growth in population and 
activity in the Region of Influence (Anne Arundel and Howard Counties) 
are expected to exceed the average annual rate in Maryland. Detailed 
studies concluded, however, that the contribution of Fort Meade is 
small relative to the regional air quality and traffic problems, and 
that it is reasonable to proceed with the Proposed Action while 
intensifying efforts to work in partnership with the State and others 
to address the larger traffic and air quality issues.
    Fort Meade is currently undertaking four initiatives that will help 
mitigate the adverse air quality impacts in the region: (1) Conversion 
of existing oil-fired heating systems to natural gas, (2) use of 
vehicles powered by natured gas, (3) installation of more energy-
efficient devices, and (4) fostering an extensive tree planting and 
reforestation program. To address traffic impacts, Fort Meade is 
considering encouraging the use of alternative transportation (e.g., 
carpooling and flextime), although major rail or bus lines do not 
currently service the installation. In addition, the construction of 
the MD Route 198 by-pass onto Fort Meade via the former Tipton Army 
Airfield by the Maryland State Highway Administration is designed to 
limit the through traffic at Fort Meade to those who reside, work or 
visit the installation for recreation or other purposes. This is 
expected to reduce congestion at the intersection of MD Routes 198 and 
32.
    Other resources that would be measurably affected by the Proposed 
Action or Alternative A are water quality (by stormwater runoff), 
utility systems infrastructure, and noise. Considering the best 
management practices planned by Fort Meade to address these effects, no 
significant impacts to these resources from the Proposed Action, 
Alternative A or cumulative effects of other actions are expected to 
occur. The completion of the 11 projects under the Proposed Action 
would increase Fort Meade's annual economic contribution to the Region 
of Influence.
    A public meeting will be held after publication of this Notice of 
Availability of the DEIS during the 45-day public comment period at a 
date to be announced in the local news media. All interested 
individuals, private organizations, and government agencies are 
encouraged to provide input into the EIS review process. All comments 
received will be addressed and included in the FEIS.
    Resource agency coordination was undertaken with the following 
agencies: U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service; 
National Park Service; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; State of 
Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Department of the 
Environment, Department of Agriculture, Highway Administration,

[[Page 14558]]

and Historical Trust; Anne Arundel County Office of Planning and 
Zoning, Soil Conservation District, and Department of Public Works.

    Dated: March 7, 2001.
Raymond J. Fatz,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and 
Occupational Health), OASA(I&E).
[FR Doc. 01-6187 Filed 3-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M