[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 178 (Friday, September 12, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52967-52969]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21343]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Public Hearings for the Naval Sea Systems Command Naval 
Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport Range Complex Extension Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement

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 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 4321); the 
Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for implementing the 
procedural provisions of NEPA (Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations 
[CFR] Parts 1500-1508); Department of the Navy Procedures for 
Implementing NEPA (32 CFR 775); Executive Order (EO)12114, 
Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions; and Department 
of Defense (DoD) regulations implementing EO 12114 (32 CFR Part 187), 
the Department of the Navy (Navy) has prepared and filed with the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/
Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS) on September 3, 
2008. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is a Cooperating 
Agency for the EIS/OEIS.
    The EIS/OEIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts 
associated with current and proposed research, development, testing, 
and evaluation (RDT&E) and related activities scheduled and coordinated 
by Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Keyport at the Naval Sea 
Systems Command (NAVSEA) NUWC Keyport Range Complex in Washington 
State. The proposed action includes an extension of the operational 
areas of the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex and small increases in 
the average annual number of tests and days of testing at two of the 
three range sites that comprise the Range Complex. A Notice of Intent 
for this Draft EIS/OEIS was published in the Federal Register on 
September 11, 2003 (68 FR 176).

[[Page 52968]]

    The Navy will conduct four public hearings to receive oral and 
written comments on the Draft EIS/OEIS. Federal agencies, state 
agencies, and local agencies and interested individuals are invited to 
be present or represented at the public hearings. This notice announces 
the dates and locations of the public hearings for this Draft EIS/OEIS.
    An open house session will precede the scheduled public hearing at 
each of the locations listed below and will allow individuals to review 
the information presented in the Draft EIS/OEIS. Navy representatives 
will be available during the open house sessions to clarify information 
related to the Draft EIS/OEIS.

DATES AND ADDRESSES:  All meetings will start with an open house 
session from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A presentation and formal public 
comment period will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Public hearings will 
be held on the following dates and at the following locations: 
Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at the Naval Undersea Museum, 610 Dowell 
Street, Keyport; Thursday, October 2, 2008, at North Mason Senior High 
School, 200 E. Campus Drive, Belfair; Monday, October 6, 2008, at 
Gray's Harbor Fire District 8, 4 First Street N., Pacific 
Beach; and Tuesday, October 7, Quilcene Public Schools, Multi-Purpose 
Room, 294715 Hwy 101, Quilcene.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 
Northwest, Attention: Ms. Kimberly Kler (EIS/OEIS PM), 1101 Tautog 
Circle, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98315-1101; facsimile: 360-396-0857; 
or http://www-keyport.kpt.nuwc.navy.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of the Navy (Navy) proposes 
to extend the operational areas associated with the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport 
Range Complex in Washington State. The Keyport Range Complex is 
composed of three geographically distinct range sites: The Keyport 
Range Site, Dabob Bay Range Complex (DBRC) Site, and the Quinault 
Underwater Tracking Range (QUTR) Site. The proposed action would 
provide additional operating space at each of the three range sites and 
would also include small increases in the average annual number of 
tests and days of testing at the Keyport Range Site and the QUTR Site. 
Portions of the proposed extension associated with the QUTR Site fall 
outside the 12-nautical mile (nm) (22-kilometer [km]) Territorial 
Waters established by Presidential Proclamation 5928. Therefore, this 
Draft EIS/OEIS has also been prepared in accordance with Navy 
procedures implementing Executive Order 12114 addressing components of 
the proposed action beyond U.S. Territorial Waters.
    The purpose of the proposed action is to enable NUWC Keyport to 
continue fulfilling its mission of providing test and evaluation 
services and expertise to support the Navy's evolving manned and 
unmanned undersea vehicle program. NUWC Keyport has historically 
provided facilities and capabilities to support testing of torpedoes, 
other unmanned vehicles, submarine readiness, diver training, and 
similar activities that are critical to the success of undersea 
warfare. Technological advancements in the materials, instrumentation, 
guidance systems, and tactical capabilities of manned and unmanned 
vehicles continue to evolve in parallel with emerging national security 
priorities and threat assessments. In response, range capabilities and 
vehicle test protocols must also evolve in order to provide effective 
program support for such advancements.
    The proposed action to extend range operational areas is needed 
because the existing Range Complex is becoming increasingly incapable 
of satisfying the existing and evolving operational capabilities and 
test requirements of next-generation manned and unmanned vehicles. The 
Navy requires a range complex with assets that provide a broader 
diversity of sea state conditions, bottom type, deeper water, and 
increased room to maneuver and combine activities. Extending the Range 
Complex operating areas as proposed would enable the Navy to better 
support current and future vehicle test requirements in multiple marine 
environments.
    The proposed action would support current and evolving test 
requirements and range activities conducted at the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport 
Range Complex. The action also proposes increases in the average annual 
number of tests and days of testing at Keyport Range and QUTR Sites. As 
the three range sites within the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex are 
geographically distinct, the set of alternatives for one range site is 
independent of the set of alternatives for another range site. One or 
more action alternatives have been identified for each range site (in 
addition to the No-Action Alternative):
     Keyport Range Site: Keyport Range Alternative 1 (Preferred 
Alternative)--extend range boundaries to the north, east, and south, 
increasing the size of the range from 1.5 square nautical miles 
(nm2) to 3.2 nm2 (5.2 square kilometers 
[km2] to 11.0 km2). The average annual days of 
use would increase from 55 to 60 days.
     DBRC Site: DBRC Alternative 1--extend the southern 
boundary of this range approximately 10 nm (19 km). DBRC Alternative 2 
(Preferred Alternative)--extend the southern boundary approximately 10 
nm (19 km), and the northern boundary to 1 nm (2 km) south of the Hood 
Canal Bridge, increasing the size of the range from 32.7 nm2 
to 45.7 nm2 (112.1 km2 to 156.7 km2). 
There would be no increase in average annual days of use under either 
DBRC alternative.
     QUTR Site: QUTR Alternative 1--extend the range boundaries 
to coincide with the overlying special use airspace of W-237A plus 
locate an 8.4 nm2 (28.8 km2) surf zone at 
Kalaloch. The total range area under QUTR Alternative 1 would increase 
from approximately 48.3 nm2 (165.5 km2) to 
approximately 1,840.4 nm2 (6,312.4 km2). QUTR 
Alternative 2 (Preferred Alternative)--extend the range boundaries the 
same as Alternative 1 but locate a 7.8 nm2 (26.6 
km2) surf zone at Pacific Beach instead of at Kalaloch. The 
total range area under QUTR Alternative 2 would be 1,839.8 
nm2 (6,310.2 km2). QUTR Alternative 3--extend the 
range boundaries the same as Alternative 1 but locate a 22.6 
nm2 (77.6 km2) surf zone at Ocean City instead of 
at Kalaloch. The total range area under QUTR Alternative 3 would be 
1,854.6 nm2 (6,361.2 km2). For all three QUTR 
alternatives, the average annual use for offshore activities would 
increase from 14 days to 16 days and activities in the selected surf 
zone would occur an average of 30 days per year.
    The Navy considered a number of other alternatives that were 
potentially able to support the NUWC Keyport mission. These testing 
alternatives were initially screened and evaluated to determine their 
ability to meet the minimum operational selection criteria but were 
eliminated from consideration due to their inconsistency with the 
mission and strategic vision for NUWC Keyport and with the purpose and 
need for the Proposed Action. Three additional surf zone alternatives 
were initially considered but eliminated from consideration because 
they did not meet the screening criteria for the Proposed Action. 
Therefore, these alternatives were not carried forward for analysis in 
the EIS/OEIS.
    Section 1502.14(d) of the CEQ guidelines requires that the 
alternatives analysis in the EIS ``include the alternative of no 
action.'' In its NEPA's Forty Most Asked Questions, CEQ identifies two 
distinct interpretations of ``no action.'' The interpretation selected

[[Page 52969]]

by the action proponent depends on the nature of the proposal being 
evaluated. One interpretation of the No-Action alternative is that the 
proposed activity would not take place. This would mean that Navy would 
not conduct test or training activities in the Range Complex. This 
interpretation does not meet the purpose and need of the proposed 
action and would neither be reasonable nor practical. The other 
interpretation of the No-Action alternative is ``no change from current 
management direction or level of management intensity.'' This 
interpretation would meet the purpose and need of the proposed action 
and would allow the Navy to compare the potential impacts of the 
proposed action to the impacts of maintaining the status quo. With 
regard to this EIS/OEIS, the No-Action Alternative represents the 
regular and historic level of activity on the Range Complex. Thus, the 
No-Action Alternative serves as a baseline ``status quo'' when studying 
levels of range use and activity. In the Draft EIS/OEIS, the potential 
impacts of the current level of RDT&E and fleet activity on the NAVSEA 
NUWC Keyport Range Complex (defined by the No-Action Alternative) are 
compared to the potential impacts of activities proposed under the 
action alternatives.
    The Navy analyzed potential effects of its current and proposed 
activities on marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, marine flora and 
invertebrates, terrestrial wildlife, sediments and water quality, 
cultural resources, recreation, land and shoreline use, public health 
and safety, socioeconomics and environmental justice, and air quality.
    No significant adverse impacts are identified for any resource area 
in any geographic location within the NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex 
Study Area that cannot be mitigated, with the exception of exposure of 
marine mammals to underwater sound. The Navy has requested from NMFS a 
Letter of Authorization (LOA) in accordance with the Marine Mammal 
Protection Act to authorize the incidental take of marine mammals that 
may result from the implementation of the activities analyzed in the 
NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex Extension Draft EIS/OEIS. In 
compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Management 
Act, the Navy is in consultation with NMFS regarding potential impacts 
to Essential Fish Habitat. In accordance with section 7 of the 
Endangered Species Act, the Navy is consulting with NMFS and U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for potential impacts to federally listed 
species. The Navy is coordinating with the Washington Department of 
Ecology for a Coastal Consistency Determination under the Coastal Zone 
Management Act. Navy analysis has indicated that under the Clean Air 
Act requirements, no significant impacts would occur to the regional 
air quality and under the Clean Water Act there would be no significant 
impacts to water quality. National Historic Preservation Act analysis 
indicated that no significant impacts to cultural resources would occur 
if the proposed action or alternatives were implemented. Implementation 
of the No Action Alternative or any of the proposed action alternatives 
would not disturb, adversely affect, or result in any takes of bald 
eagles. None of the alternatives would result in a significant adverse 
effect on the population of a migratory bird species.
    The decision to be made by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy 
(Installations & Environment) is to determine which alternatives 
analyzed in the EIS/OEIS best meet the needs of the Navy given that all 
reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts have been considered.
    The Draft EIS/OEIS was distributed to Federal, State, and local 
agencies, elected officials, and other interested individuals and 
organizations on September 12, 2008. The public comment period will end 
on October 27, 2008. Copies of the Draft EIS/OEIS are available for 
public review at the following libraries:

 Aberdeen Timberland Library, 121 E. Market St., Aberdeen, WA
 Hoodsport Timberland Library, N. 40 Schoolhouse Hill Road, 
Hoodsport, WA
 Jefferson County Rural Library District, 620 Cedar Avenue, 
Port Hadlock, WA
 Kitsap Regional Library, 1301 Sylvan Way, Bremerton, WA
 North Mason Timberland Library, 23801 NE State Rt. 3, Belfair, 
WA
 Ocean Shores Public Library, 573 Pt. Brown Ave., NW., Ocean 
Shores, WA
 Port Orchard Library, 87 Sidney St., Port Orchard, WA
 Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St., Port 
Townsend, WA
 Poulsbo Branch Library, 700 NE Lincoln St., Poulsbo, WA
 Quinault Indian Nation Tribal Library, P.O. Box 189, Taholah, 
WA
 Skokomish Tribal Center, N 80 Tribal Center Road, Shelton, WA

    The NAVSEA NUWC Keyport Range Complex Extension Draft EIS/OEIS is 
also available for electronic public viewing at: http://www-keyport.kpt.nuwc.navy.mil. A paper copy of the Executive Summary or a 
single CD with the Draft EIS/OEIS will be made available upon written 
request by contacting Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, 
Attention: Mrs. Kimberly Kler (EIS/OEIS PM), 1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 
203, Silverdale, WA 98315-1101; facsimile: 360-396-0857.
    Federal, State, and local agencies and interested parties are 
invited to be present or represented at the public hearing. Written 
comments can also be submitted during the open house sessions preceding 
the public hearings.
    Oral statements will be heard and transcribed by a stenographer; 
however, to ensure the accuracy of the record, all statements should be 
submitted in writing. All statements, both oral and written, will 
become part of the public record on the Draft EIS/OEIS and will be 
responded to in the Final EIS/OEIS. Equal weight will be given to both 
oral and written statements. In the interest of available time, and to 
ensure all who wish to give an oral statement have the opportunity to 
do so, each speaker's comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. If 
a long statement is to be presented, it should be summarized at the 
public hearing with the full text submitted either in writing at the 
hearing, or mailed or faxed to Naval Facilities Engineering Command, 
Northwest, Attention: Mrs. Kimberly Kler (EIS/OEIS PM), 1101 Tautog 
Circle, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98315-1101; facsimile: 360-396-0857. 
In addition, comments may be submitted on-line at http://www-keyport.kpt.nuwc.navy.mil during the comment period. All written 
comments must be postmarked by October 27, 2008 to ensure they become 
part of the official record. All comments will be addressed in the 
Final EIS/OEIS.

    Dated: September 3, 2008.
T.M. Cruz,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-21343 Filed 9-11-08; 8:45 am]
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