[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68113-68114]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-27762]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Department of the Navy


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplement to the 2008 
Environmental Impact Statement for Introduction of the P-8A Multi-
Mission Maritime Aircraft Into the U.S. Navy Fleet

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 of 1969 and regulations implemented by the Council on 
Environmental Quality (40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 1500-1508), 
the Department of the Navy (DoN) announces its intent to prepare a 
Supplement to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 
Introduction of the P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) to the 
U.S. Navy Fleet. The Supplemental EIS will address the potential 
environmental impacts of new homebasing alternatives and updated P-8A 
MMA program information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In September 2008, the DoN completed the 
Final EIS for the Introduction of the P-8A MMA into the U.S. Navy 
Fleet, which evaluated the environmental impacts of homebasing 12 P-8A 
MMA fleet squadrons (72 aircraft) and one Fleet Replacement Squadron 
(FRS) (12 aircraft) at established maritime patrol homebases. The Final 
EIS analyzed transitioning personnel, new construction or renovation of 
structures, and all airfield operations necessary to accommodate the P-
8A MMA as the DoN phases the P-3C Orion out of service.
    The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and 
Environment reviewed the Final EIS, and after carefully weighing the 
operational, social, and environmental impacts of the proposed action, 
determined the DoN would homebase five fleet squadrons and the FRS at 
Naval Air

[[Page 68114]]

Station (NAS) Jacksonville, four fleet squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island, 
and three fleet squadrons at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Hawaii Kaneohe 
Bay, with periodic squadron detachments at NAS North Island 
(Alternative 5). A notice of the Record of Decision (ROD) was published 
in the Federal Register on January 2, 2009 (74 FR 100). At the time, 
Alternative 5 was considered to best meet mission requirements because 
it optimized operational efficiencies related to training and 
contractor logistics support functions at the three established 
maritime patrol homebase locations.
    To meet the DoN's current and future requirements and maximize the 
efficiency of support facilities, simulation training equipment, and 
on-site support personnel, the DoN proposes to analyze additional 
alternatives for P-8A aircraft homebasing. The DoN has determined that 
a dual-siting alternative, rather than homebasing the aircraft at three 
locations, now best meets current requirements. The two potential 
homebase locations for the P-8A MMA are NAS Jacksonville, located in 
Duval County, Florida, and NAS Whidbey Island, located in Island 
County, Washington.
    Homebasing the P-8A MMA at two locations would result in 
differences in numbers of aircraft and personnel, as well as associated 
facility requirements at several Naval installations when compared to 
the 2008 ROD. For NAS Jacksonville, this would mean an increase in P-8A 
MMA aircraft and personnel permanently assigned, but would require no 
new facilities. For NAS Whidbey Island, this would mean an increase in 
P-8A MMA aircraft and personnel permanent assigned, as well as an 
expanded facility footprint. For MCB Hawaii Kaneohe Bay, the proposed 
dual-siting would result in the new assignment of two rotating P-8A MMA 
detachments, the elimination of permanently assigned P-8A MMA aircraft 
and personnel, and a reduced facility footprint. For NAS North Island, 
there would be no change in P-8A MMA aircraft, personnel or facility 
requirements from the 2008 ROD.
    The environmental analysis in the Supplemental EIS will focus on 
several aspects of the proposed action: facility and infrastructure 
renovation and construction, personnel changes, and aircraft operations 
at the homebase airfields. Resource areas to be addressed in the 
Supplemental EIS will include, but not be limited to: air quality, 
noise environment, land use, socioeconomic, infrastructure and 
community services, natural resources, biological resources, cultural 
resources, safety and environmental hazards. The analysis will evaluate 
direct and indirect impacts, and will account for cumulative impacts 
from other relevant activities near the installations. Relevant and 
reasonable measures that could avoid or mitigate environmental effects 
will also be analyzed. Additionally, the DoN will undertake any 
consultation applicable by law and regulation. No decision will be made 
to implement any alternative for homebasing the P-8A aircraft until the 
Supplemental EIS process is completed and a new ROD is signed by the 
DoN.
    During the 45-day public comment and agency review period following 
release of the Draft Supplemental EIS, anticipated in Summer 2013, the 
DoN will schedule public meetings to discuss findings of the Draft 
Supplemental EIS and to receive public comments. The public meetings 
will be held near each of the homebasing locations. Dates, locations, 
and times for the public meetings will be announced in the Federal 
Register and local media at the appropriate time.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The DoN has established a public Web 
site for the Supplemental EIS: http://www.mmaseis.com. This public web 
site includes up-to-date information on the project and schedule, as 
well as related documents associated with the Supplemental EIS and 2008 
Final EIS. To be included on the DoN's mailing list for the 
Supplemental EIS (or to receive a copy of the Draft Supplemental EIS), 
submit an electronic request through the project Web site under 
``mailing list'' or a written request to: P-8A MMA EIS Project Manager 
(Code EV21/CZ); Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic, 
6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508.

    Dated: November 8, 2012.
S.F. Thompson,
Captain, Office of the Judge Advocate General, U.S. Navy, Alternate 
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-27762 Filed 11-14-12; 8:45 am]
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