[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 12, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66879-66882]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26817]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
Basewide Utility Infrastructure Improvements at Marine Corps Base (MCB) 
Camp Pendleton, San Diego County, CA

AGENCY: Department of the Navy, DoD.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with section 102(2)(c) of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(c)), as 
implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR 
parts 1500-1508), the Department of the Navy intends to prepare an 
environmental impact statement (EIS) and conduct a public scoping 
meeting for the proposed construction, installation, and operation of 
multiple utility infrastructure improvements throughout MCB Camp 
Pendleton in San Diego County, California.

DATES: The Department of the Navy will review all comments received 
during the 30-day public scoping period, which starts with the 
publication of this Notice of Intent. The public scoping meeting will 
be held in the San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, 
San Clemente, California, 92672 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 10, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the scope of the MCB Camp Pendleton 
Basewide Utility Infrastructure Improvements EIS should be directed to: 
Ms. Rebecca Loomis, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, 
1220 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California, 92132.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Rebecca Loomis, Naval Facilities 
Engineering Command Southwest at telephone: 619-532-3728, fax: 619-532-
4160, or e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the proposed action is to 
provide reliable, new, expanded, compliant utility systems to support 
Military Training and Operations and delivery of life support and 
quality of life services. The proposed action will also provide system 
redundancy that will enable the delivery of utility services during 
periods of scheduled and unscheduled/emergency outages. The proposed 
action is needed to modernize and expand Camp Pendleton's aging (1940s/
50s era) utility systems and infrastructure in order to:

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(1) Sustain compliance with current and future regulatory and code 
requirements, (2) provide reliable services and alternate sources for 
planned maintenance and unscheduled repairs, and to assure availability 
during periods of emergency and natural disaster, (3) conserve and 
effectively manage resources, and (4) accommodate current and potential 
future growth at MCB Camp Pendleton. The proposed action consists of 
eight projects, which are discussed below.

Northern Regional Tertiary Treatment Plant (NRTTP) and Associated 
Facilities (MILCON P-1043)

    P-1043 would construct a 5-million-gallon per day NRTTP and sludge 
treatment facility near the location of existing Sewage Treatment Plant 
(STP) 11. This project consolidates and replaces the existing Sewage 
Treatment Plants (STP) 10, 11, and 12 and would treat raw sewage from 
the associated collection system and conveyance lines. In order to 
accomplish this, the project would include modification or reuse of the 
existing headworks facilities at STPs 10, 11, and 12; a new sewer 
conveyance line from STP 12 in San Mateo (62 Area) to the new NRTTP; 
lift stations, and the conversion of STP 12 to a Tributary Area Pump 
Station (TAPS). The new NRTTP will include various sewage treatment 
components within the plant compound such as: an influent pump station, 
sludge treatment and handling facilities, preliminary treatment 
facilities, secondary treatment facilities, advanced (tertiary) 
wastewater treatment facilities, chemical storage and feed systems, 
odor control facilities, and a 4,600-square-foot operations facility. 
Some demolition may be required as part of the conversion of STPs 10, 
11, and 12 to TAPS.
    P-1043 would construct approximately 36,000 linear feet (LF) of 
wastewater main lines sized from 8 to 15 inches in diameter. The 
project would begin in Talega (64 Area) and would continue through 
Cristianitos (63 Area) to the proposed TAPS 12 at San Mateo (62 Area). 
The project would provide new wastewater lines to replace the existing 
wastewater lines from the San Onofre Housing area to the proposed 
NRTTP. A new wastewater line would also replace the existing wastewater 
line from Horno (53 Area) through the School of Infantry (52 Area) to 
the proposed NRTTP. The project would also construct approximately 
70,000 LF of pipeline from the NRTTP to convey recycled water to 
selected reuse areas in Talega (64 Area). The project would include new 
Reuse Pump Stations, a 2-million-gallon NRTTP reuse water storage 
facility, and backflow preventors to prevent any cross connections 
between the potable and wastewater systems.
    Alternatives--The alternative for P-1043 would be an alternative 
alignment from San Mateo (62 Area) to STP 11. This alignment would 
extend the line from STP/TAPS 12 south along Coast Road, east of the 
northern agriculture fields and to Basilone Road, and then east along 
Basilone Road to STP 11. This alignment would follow the alignment for 
P-1045 discussed below. Also, the use of Horizontal Directional 
Drilling (HDD) for passing under San Mateo Creek will also be 
considered as a feasible technology. This will be compared to more 
standard pipe laying construction methods such as trenching and 
backfilling.

Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) North and Associated Facilities (MILCON 
P-1044)

    P-1044 would construct AWT facilities to serve the northern region 
of MCB Camp Pendleton to provide a reduction of total dissolved solids, 
total organic carbon, and corrosivity. Construction would include a 
Granulated Activated Carbon/Reverse Osmosis facility and associated 
Brine Disposal System. Micro-filtration system is used for water 
treatment. The Brine Disposal System would connect the Reverse Osmosis 
module and would include a brine/slurry dilution facility, brine line 
pump station, and pipeline to an ocean outfall at San Onofre Nuclear 
Generating Station (SONGS). The project would also construct wellhead 
collection points with associated piping and pumps and an 800-square-
foot operations facility. P-1044 would construct approximately 59,000 
LF of main water lines, with pipelines ranging in size from 10 to 14 
inches in diameter for potable water conveyance in the northern region 
of MCB Camp Pendleton. The new lines would connect into the new AWT 
Facility North. The line would begin at the AWT facility in the San 
Onofre Housing Cantonment area and continue to Horno (53 Area). A 
second water line would link Talega (64 Area) to San Mateo (62 Area). 
The project would include three pump stations with emergency 
generators, asphalt patches, and connection to existing reservoirs and 
distribution system. Potable water loops, 8-inch in diameter would be 
installed within each cantonment and housing area totaling 
approximately 21,000 LF of piping.
    Alternative--Alternatives would include consideration of multiple 
independent raw water treatment facilities and feasible treatment 
technologies located within multiple cantonment areas instead of 
consolidated regional treatment plants.

Connection of North and South Water Systems (MILCON P-1045)

    P-1045 would construct approximately 90,000 LF of potable 
waterlines sized approximately 36 inches in diameter to connect the 
northern and southern water systems of MCB Camp Pendleton. A water line 
would begin at the proposed AWT Facility (P-1044), extend past the 
SONGS Mesa facility, and then continue along the east side of 
Interstate 5 (I-5) before crossing San Onofre Creek. The line would 
travel south along Stuart Mesa Road, cross the Santa Margarita River, 
and then would connect to the southern water system at the intersection 
of Stuart Mesa Road and Vandegrift Boulevard. The project would also 
include three pump stations at the north, central, and south portions 
of the Base to connect Las Pulgas, Las Flores, and the Stuart Mesa 
areas to the South Water System.
    Alternative Alignment--This alternative alignment would begin at 
the proposed AWT facilities (P-1044) and extend east along Basilone 
Road (instead of El Camino Real) to Las Pulgas Road and then south on 
Las Pulgas Road to Stuart Mesa Road. At Stuart Mesa Road the alignment 
would follow the same alignment of the proposed action to the 
connection of the southern system at the corner of Stuart Mesa Road and 
Vandegrift Boulevard. Also, the project would consider the use of 
approximately 7,000 LF of HDD beneath San Onofre Creek and the Santa 
Margarita River.

Upgrades to Electrical Systems and Associated Facilities (MILCON P-
1048)

    P-1048 would construct a 69 kilovolt (kV) electrical transmission 
system that will provide a more efficient and reliable transmission 
method, system redundancy and energy cost savings. The 69 KV system 
will meet industry standard for long distance delivery of power and 
provide capability to back feed all cantonment areas from a secondary 
source during blackouts caused by wildfires, other natural disasters, 
and/or systems failure. The project would construct four new 69 kV 
substations located (1) at the existing Haybarn Canyon location, (2) 
near the intersection of Pulgas Road and Stuart Mesa Road, (3) in the 
vicinity of the SONGS, and (4) in the general area of the intersection 
of Cristianitos Road and San Mateo Road. The first three substations 
would connect to existing

[[Page 66881]]

San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) 69 kV lines. The fourth substation 
would convert the proposed MCB Camp Pendleton 69 kV line to the 
existing MCB Camp Pendleton 12 kV system. The project would provide 
distribution of electrical power through four different connecting 
segments. The first segment (Haybarn segment) would include a new 69 kV 
overhead distribution line with a 12 kV line running on the same 
utility poles. These lines would connect the proposed Substation 
1 to Range 409. For the second segment, the 69 kV distribution 
line would extend underground (to avoid conflicts with aircraft 
training and safety) through Range 409 to resurface in the eastern 
portion of the Base. For the third segment, the 69 kV distribution line 
would continue overhead along the eastern and northern Base boundaries 
following the SDG&E 230 kV transmission lines, proceed down 
Cristianitos Road and connect to the proposed Substation 4, 
and continue to I-5. The line would parallel I-5 toward the proposed 
Substation 3 located in the vicinity of SONGS, completing the 
northern loop. For the fourth segment, the final 69 kV overhead power 
line would extend from the proposed Substation 2 and follow 
Pulgas Road with a 69 kV and 12 kV distribution line on the same 
utility pole. At Las Pulgas (43 Area), only the 69 kV line would 
continue south along Basilone Road to Roblar Road to connect to the 
Haybarn line, completing the southern loop.
    Alternative Alignment--The alternative to P-1048 would be to 
underground all four electrical line segments. Under the proposed 
action only the segment through Range 409 is proposed to be 
underground.

MILCON P-1094

    P-1094 would replace the existing 12 kV electrical distribution 
systems currently fed from the Haybarn substation, and the 4.16 kV 
subsystems fed from the 12 kV distribution system. The project would 
construct a total of 8 new 12 kV circuits, which would be fed from the 
new 69 kV substation (P-1048), to provide approximately 60 percent of 
the electrical power for MCB Camp Pendleton. Existing ``A'' circuit 
provides power to the 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16 (Mainside) areas of MCB 
Camp Pendleton. Existing ``C'' circuit would provide power to the 23 
(Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton (MCAS CP)), 25 Vado del Rio), 
32 (MASS-3), and 33 (Margarita) areas. Existing ``E'' circuit would 
provide power to the 20 (Main Gate), 22 (Chappo), and 26 (at the bottom 
of Rattlesnake Canyon Rd) areas and would also provide power to the 
housing areas at Wire Mountain. Existing ``F'' circuit would provide 
power to the 26 Area and the Naval Hospital. Existing ``G'' circuit 
would provide power to the 14 and 15 (Mainside) areas, O'Neil Housing, 
Camp Day, and Range 409. Existing ``H'' circuit would provide power to 
the 23 (MCAS CP) and 24 (Pico) areas. The project would provide 
replacement 12 kV circuits for the existing ``A,'' ``C,'' ``E,'' ``F,'' 
``G,'' and ``H'' circuits and would provide new circuits to supply 
power to 21 Area (Del Mar) and the 31 Area (Edson Range and Assault 
Craft Unit-5). Overhead distribution lines would include aluminum core 
steel reinforced wire and both 45-foot and 70-foot tall wood poles, 
with crossarms and insulators. Underground distribution lines would 
include copper insulation, 4 to 6-inch polyvinyl chloride conduit, 
trenching, pavement cutting, utility vault placement, conduit 
placement, grounding, concrete encasement, and asphalt pavement 
patching.
    Alternative Alignment--Similar to the alternative for P-1048, the 
alternative for P-1094 would be to underground the proposed electrical 
lines.

Wastewater Facilities, Roadway Improvements, and Shoot House 
Construction and Expansion (MILCON P-1049)

    P-1049 would construct approximately 20,000 LF of potable water and 
sanitary sewer utilities, including new sewer lines, manholes, 
cleanouts, and a lift station, to better house and train Marines at the 
Range 130 Complex in the X-Ray Training Area. P-1049 would also include 
approximately 3 miles of roadway improvements, including 10-inch base 
material, track mix asphalt surface course, and culverts at established 
drainage points. Other facilities proposed include a 2,500-square-foot 
shoot house and a 24,000-square-foot covered small arms range. The 
project would also enlarge an existing covered small arms range to 
approximately 34,000 square feet.
    Alternative Alignment--This alignment would extend from the 
preferred alignment along the main access road to Range 130, west to 
the pump station in the 41 Area instead of continuing along the main 
access road southwest to Stuart Mesa Road. This would reduce the 
overall pipe length by approximately 3,000 LF.

Communication Upgrades (MILCON P-1093)

    P-1093 would provide both intercamp and intracamp fiber-optic cable 
and telephone cable connections. This project would provide a redundant 
communications network by providing a minimum of two separate 
communication line paths to each area on the Base.
    Alternatives--Potential alternatives for P-1099 include placing all 
communication lines overhead. Another alternative to be addressed would 
include the use of wireless communication instead of landline 
communication.

Natural Gas System Upgrades (MILCON P-1099)

    P-1099 installs new high pressure 6 inch High Density Polyethylene 
(HDPE) gas mains in four separate locations: (1) Approximately 15,000 
LF from 62 (San Mateo) Area to 63 (Christainitos) Area and to 64 
(Talega) Area (currently the 63 and 64 Cantonment Areas are only 
supplied by propane gas storage tanks), (2) approximately 30,000 LF 
from 41 Area to 43 Area, (3) approximately 30,000 LF from 43 Area to 25 
Area (interconnecting the southern and northern natural gas systems, 
and (4) approximately 15,000 LF from the Naval Hospital to the 
Headquarters Area (providing the Naval Hospital with back-up source of 
natural gas). Construction would consist of saw cutting existing 
asphalt concrete pavement, trench excavation, and installation of new 
HDPE pipe including fittings, etc. P-1099 would also include patching 
of existing pavement and related roadway lane striping and traffic 
control.
    Alternative Alignment--The alternative alignment for P-1099 would 
extend the proposed natural gas the line from the Naval Hospital east 
through undeveloped land directly to De Luz Road.

Preliminary Alternatives

    The EIS will address the proposed utility alignments, alternative 
utility segment alignments, and alternative alignment installation 
(aboveground, underground) as briefly discussed above. In addition, 
alternative technologies, including multiple smaller systems; and the 
No Action Alternative will be addressed.

Environmental Issues and Resources To Be Examined

    The EIS will evaluate the potential environmental effects 
associated with each of the alternatives. Issues to be addressed 
include, but are not limited to, biological resources, historic and 
archaeological resources, geology and soils, hydrology, water quality, 
air quality, visual resources, and public

[[Page 66882]]

services. Relevant and reasonable measures that could alleviate 
environmental effects will be identified and considered.

Other Agency Involvement

    The Department of the Navy will undertake necessary consultations 
with regulatory entities pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, Clean 
Water Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and any other applicable 
law or regulation. Consultation will include but is not limited to the 
following federal, state, and local agencies: U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service; State Historic Preservation Officer; American Indian Tribes; 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; all 
local Historic Site Boards and Heritage organizations; California 
Regional Water Quality Control Board; California Coastal Commission; 
San Diego Air Pollution Control District; and the County of San Diego, 
Department of Environmental Health.
    Public Scoping Process: The Department of the Navy is initiating 
the scoping process to identify community concerns and local issues 
that should be addressed in the EIS. Federal, State, and local agencies 
and interested persons are encouraged to provide oral and/or written 
comments to identify specific issues or topics of environmental concern 
for consideration in the EIS. The Navy will consider these comments in 
determining the scope for the EIS. The public scoping period begins 
with the publication of this Notice of Intent, and will continue for 30 
days, ending on December 15, 2008. Written comments on the scope of the 
EIS should be submitted no later than December 15, 2008 by mail to Ms. 
Rebecca Loomis, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, 1220 
Pacific Highway, San Diego, California 92132 or e-mail to 
[email protected]. The public scoping meeting will be held in 
the San Clemente Community Center, 100 North Calle Seville, San 
Clemente, California 92672 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 10, 2008. 
The meeting also will be announced by notices published in the North 
County Times and San Clemente Times 15 days prior to the scoping 
meeting. A court reporter will be available at the meeting to accept 
oral comments.

    Dated: November 5, 2008.
T. M. Cruz,
Lieutenant Commander, Judge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. Navy, 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
 [FR Doc. E8-26817 Filed 11-10-08; 8:45 am]
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