[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 250 (Thursday, December 31, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 69333]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30594]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Army


Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Development and 
Implementation of Range-Wide Mission and Major Capabilities at White 
Sands Missile Range (WSMR), NM

AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of an 
FEIS that analyzes environmental and socioeconomic impacts resulting 
from expanding testing and training capabilities at WSMR. The FEIS 
analyzes the impacts of land use changes that provide for expanded off-
road maneuver and facilities to support new testing and training 
requirements associated with increased Brigade Combat Team (BCT) 
modernization (formerly known as Future Combat Systems) testing 
(preferred alternative) and the stationing of a Heavy Brigade Combat 
Team (HBCT) (or comparable unit) of approximately 3,800 Soldiers. On 
June 2, 2009, the Secretary of the Army announced a decision not to 
station an HBCT at WSMR in 2013; however, it was decided to retain the 
analysis in this FEIS to support implementation of potential future 
stationing decisions.

DATES: The waiting period will end 30 days after publication of a 
notice of availability for the FEIS in the Federal Register by the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency.

ADDRESSES: For specific questions regarding the FEIS, please contact: 
White Sands Test Center, Operations Office, Attention: Catherine 
Giblin, 124 Crozier Street, Building 124, Room B-15, White Sands 
Missile Range, NM 88002. Written questions may be mailed to the above 
address, faxed to (575) 678-4082, or e-mailed to: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Monte Marlin, Public Affairs 
Office, Building 1782, Headquarters Avenue, White Sands Missile Range, 
NM 88002; (575) 678-1134; or e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed action (Alternative 1) would 
result in a flexible, capabilities-based land use and airspace plan 
able to accommodate rapidly evolving customer needs, support current 
and future mission activities, and support a full range of test and 
training efforts from individual components up through major joint and 
multi-national programs. The FEIS analyzes the environmental impacts 
associated with the testing, training, and stationing activities under 
the proposed plan. Testing typically involves activities such as 
missile flight tests, aerial intercepts, air-delivered munitions tests 
against ground targets, directed energy and various weapons systems 
tests. Training involves military personnel using the land for 
maneuver, as well as for field evaluation of weapons, equipment, 
communication systems, or other objectives. Testing, training and 
stationing require additional infrastructure such as barracks, motor 
pools, and administrative buildings.
    The development and implementation of a land use and airspace plan 
is intended to integrate and realize more fully the capabilities of the 
WSMR primary mission (research, development, testing, and evaluation 
(RDTE)) with new training capabilities and potential future Army 
stationing decisions. Establishing new test and training capabilities 
requires changing land use designations within the current installation 
boundaries. These changes would support current and future requirements 
and allow off-road vehicle maneuver on designated portions of the 
installation. WSMR will maintain its current RDTE mission and continue 
to support testing objectives of all military services and federal 
agencies.
    In addition to consideration of Alternative 1 and a No Action 
Alternative (current test capabilities and land use designations with 
current levels of operations and activities), one additional 
alternative was analyzed. Alternative 2 includes those activities 
described in Alternative 1 plus potential future stationing of an HBCT 
(or comparable unit) by expanding the cantonment area and construction 
of supporting infrastructure and additional off-road maneuver areas for 
training on WSMR.
    Copies of the FEIS are available at local libraries surrounding 
WSMR and may also be accessed at http://www.wsmr.army.mil. Comments 
from the public will be considered before any final decision is made.

    Dated: December 14, 2009.
Addison D. Davis IV,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety, and 
Occupational Health).
[FR Doc. E9-30594 Filed 12-30-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M