A Guide to the Scoping Meeting for the U.S. Navy ... · PDF fileEA-18G Growler Airfield...

• The EIS Process

• National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106

• Public Involvement

• Notes Pages

• Welcome

• Introduction: Public Scoping

• Proposed Action

• EIS Alternatives

• The Growler at NAS Whidbey Island

• Existing VAQ Mission

• Aircraft Noise

Thursday October 30, 2014 Anacortes High School Cafeteria1600 20th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221

A Guide to the Scoping Meeting for theU.S. Navy Environmental Impact Statement for the EA-18G Growler Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island

What’s Inside:

For more information, please visit the project website at: www.whidbeyeis.com

Tuesday October 28, 2014 Coupeville High School Commons Area501 South Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239

Open House Public Scoping Meetings – 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Wednesday October 29, 2014Oak Harbor Elks Lodge 155 NE Ernst Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Please Check InScoping is your opportunity to provide comments to help us focus our analysis.

Fall 2014

For more information, please visit the project website at www.whidbeyeis.com2

Welcome The official scoping period for the U.S. Navy Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the EA-18G Growler Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island began when the Navy published a Notice of Intent to revise the scope of the ongoing EIS in the Federal Register on October 10, 2014. The EIS will now evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the proposed addition of up to 36 Growler aircraft at NAS Whidbey Island. The Navy is also proposing to continue and increase Growler operations at NAS Whidbey Island’s Ault Field and Outlying Landing Field (OLF) Coupeville and to study the distribution of operations between those two airfields. Comments may be submitted through November 24, 2014.

Scoping meetings are being held to solicit input from the public on what should be analyzed and studied in the EIS, and your input during the scoping period is important. A range of alternatives have been developed for analysis in the EIS. No decisions about the proposal have been made.

The current scoping meetings are different from those held last year because the Navy’s proposed action has changed. Because of that change, we are asking for your input on the issues to be studied in this EIS. Your comments from last year’s scoping process have been retained and will also be considered in the EIS.

Welcome

During the scoping period, the public can provide comments in four ways:

1. Provide written comments at today’s meeting

2. Provide verbal comments to the stenographer, who will record your comments at today’s meeting

3. Submit comments electronically on the project website (www.whidbeyeis.com)

4. Mail comments to:

EA-18G Growler EIS Project Manager Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic 6506 Hampton Boulevard Norfolk, VA 23508 Attn: Code EV21/SS

The names, street addresses, email addresses and screen names, telephone numbers, and other personally identifiable information of individuals who provide comments will be kept confidential and will not be released, unless otherwise specifically indicated by the commenter or as required by law. The city, state, and five-digit zip code of individuals who provide comments may be released.

The project website will be updated periodically throughout the EIS process to keep you informed. The website will contain public announcements and electronic versions of public information such as the Draft EIS.

Fall 2014

3

Enter

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Station 6

Public Involvem

ent

Station 5

NEPA and Section 106

Station 2

EIS Alternatives

Station 3

Growler Operations

Station 4

Aircraft Noise

Table

Table Table

Introduction

Public ScopingThank you for attending today’s public scoping open house.

The proposed action will include the addition of up to 36 Growler aircraft to support an expanded electronic attack mission. The Navy will prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental effects of this proposal. Navy representatives are here today to explain the proposed project, answer questions, and describe the environmental impact analysis process and related timeline. An area has been set aside to provide you with an opportunity to write and submit your comments, or to speak with a stenographer who will record your comments.

What Is the Purpose of this Public Scoping Meeting?Scoping is an early and open process that invites the public to help identify issues to be studied in the EIS. The purpose of this scoping meeting is to inform you about the proposed project, explain the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the associated environmental impact analysis, and solicit your comments and concerns related to the proposal.

Please review the displays located throughout the open house, talk with our representatives, and then provide us with your comments. You may also take a comment sheet home with you and mail your written comments to us through the end of the scoping period (November 24, 2014). The approximate layout of the room is shown below.

General Room Layout for Open House Public Scoping Meeting, 4:00 – 8:00 pm(Actual layout may be different)

Scoping is an early and open process that invites the public to help identify issues to be studied in the EIS.

Fall 2014


What Is the Navy Proposing?The Navy is proposing to increase electronic attack (VAQ) capabilities by adding up to 36 aircraft to support an expanded VAQ mission and training at NAS Whidbey Island. The Navy is also proposing to continue and increase VAQ operations at NAS Whidbey Island’s Ault Field and OLF Coupeville. As part of the proposal, the Navy will study the distribution of Growler operations between Ault Field and OLF Coupeville. The Navy would construct and renovate facilities at Ault Field to accommodate additional aircraft, and it would station additional personnel and their family members to NAS Whidbey Island and the surrounding community.

The EIS will evaluate the potential environmental effects of the No Action Alternative and four action alternatives related to different levels of operations. This range of alternatives is discussed in detail on page 7 of this booklet.

Why Is the Navy Proposing this Action?NAS Whidbey Island is the home of all Navy VAQ squadrons flying the Prowler and Growler aircraft in the U.S. The proposed action is needed to continue and increase operational readiness to support national defense requirements as specified in the United States Code (Title 10, Section 5062) and also to sustain and continue to support all other aircraft missions at NAS Whidbey Island.

NAS Whidbey Island manages two primary aircraft training fields, Ault Field and OLF Coupeville, which are often used simultaneously to safely and effectively handle air traffic. Both airfields are integral to the training-mission support provided by NAS Whidbey Island.

Proposed Action

Ault Field OLF Coupeville

Ault Field, Oak Harbor, WA

• Primary airfield that supports multiple types of aircraft

• Two 8,000-foot intersecting runways

OLF Coupeville, Island County, WA

• Primarily supports FCLP operations and provides the most realistic training for landing on a carrier

• One 5,400-foot runway

• Allows for other mission-critical training to occur at Ault Field

Fall 2014

5

Proposed Action

Why Is the Navy Revising the Scope of the EIS?Last year, the Navy announced its intent to prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the addition of two new expeditionary squadrons and additional aircraft to the training squadron. The Navy also proposed to continue and increase existing VAQ operations at both Ault Field and OLF Coupeville. That proposal included the evaluation of the distribution of Growler operations between Ault Field and OLF Coupeville, as well as construction or renovation of any related facilities at Ault Field to accommodate additional aircraft. Lastly, that proposal included stationing additional personnel and their associated family members to NAS Whidbey Island and the surrounding community.

Last September, the Navy began an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the addition of two new expeditionary squadrons and additional aircraft to the training squadron. Scoping was conducted between September 2013 and January 2014 on that proposed action, and open-house scoping meetings were held in December 2013 to discuss the proposal.

During spring 2014, the Chief of Naval Operations submitted an Unfunded Requirements List as part of the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 that included a request to purchase 22 additional Growler aircraft. While it is unclear whether more Growlers will ultimately be procured, the Navy is electing to analyze the potential for these aircraft in order to be proactive and transparent. Therefore, a new scoping process is needed and has been initiated based on the proposed action.

The primary difference between the two proposals is the number of aircraft and the way they would be distributed to existing squadrons, new squadrons, or to the training squadron. All other elements of each proposal are the same:

• Both evaluate continued and increased VAQ operations at Ault Field and OLF Coupeville

• Both evaluate the distribution of Growler operations between Ault Field and OLF Coupeville

• Both evaluate related facilities construction or renovation at Ault Field to accommodate additional aircraft

• Both evaluate stationing additional personnel at NAS Whidbey Island and relocating family members to NAS Whidbey Island and the surrounding community

Fall 2014

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EIS Alternatives

The revised EIS scope will analyze impacts from multiple alternatives for operating the Growler aircraft inventory out of NAS Whidbey Island. The alternatives include variations of the following factors:

• Total number of aircraft to be purchased

• Number of aircraft assigned per squadron

• Number of land-based squadrons

• The distribution of aircraft operations at NAS Whidbey Island between Ault Field and OLF Coupeville.

Alternative Force StructureTotal number of Growler aircraft (additional new aircraft indicated in parentheses)

No Action Alternative (Baseline for comparison)

9 carrier squadrons x 5 aircraft3 expeditionary squadrons x 5 aircraft1 reserve squadron x 5 aircraftTraining squadron with 17 aircraft

82

Alternative 1: Establish 2 new expeditionary squadrons

9 carrier squadrons x 5 aircraft5 expeditionary squadrons x 5 aircraft1 reserve squadron x 5 aircraftTraining squadron with 20 aircraft (+3)

95 (+13)

Alternative 2: Add 2 aircraft to each carrier squadron


106 (+24)

Alternative 3: Add 3 aircraft to each carrier squadron


117 (+35)

Alternative 4: Establish 2 new expeditionary squadrons and add 2 aircraft to each carrier squadron


118 (+36)

Notes: New squadrons and/or changes to the number of aircraft in an existing squadron are indicated by bold orange text.

In developing the proposed range of alternatives, the Navy utilized long-established operational considerations, which are more fully described in the 2005 and 2012 Environmental Assessments for the replacement of the Prowler aircraft with the newer Growler aircraft at NAS Whidbey Island. These considerations include the fact that all of the Navy’s electronic attack mission and training facilities are located at NAS Whidbey Island, including the substantial infrastructure and training ranges that have developed in over 40 years of operation; the location of suitable airfields that provide for the most realistic training environment; the distance aircraft would have to travel to accomplish training; and the expense of duplicating existing capabilities elsewhere.

No Action AlternativeThe No Action alternative, although it doesn’t meet the purpose and need, would serve as a baseline against which impacts of the proposed action can be evaluated. Under the No Action alternative, no additional VAQ aircraft would be home based at NAS Whidbey Island beyond those already studied in the 2005 and 2012 Environmental Assessments. The transition from Prowler to Growler aircraft is anticipated to be complete by January 2016. Under the No Action alternative, legacy Prowler aircraft would gradually transition to Growler aircraft (approximately 82 aircraft), and annual operations would be maintained at levels consistent with those identified in the 2005 and 2012 environmental assessments.

Fall 2014

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Fall

2014

9

NAS Whidbey IslandNAS Whidbey Island is an integral part of Whidbey Island and the area community. It is the only center of excellence for electronic combat warfare training (electronic surveillance and attack) and is the home of all Navy electronic attack (VAQ) squadrons in the United States. NAS Whidbey Island has supported the VAQ community for more than 40 years. Growler operations began at NAS Whidbey Island in 2009. The Navy is currently replacing the aging EA-6B Prowler with the newer EA-18G Growler aircraft, with the last squadron scheduled to transition within the next year.

VAQ training at NAS Whidbey Island relies on two airfields to support air operations, Ault Field and OLF Coupeville. The ability to train at both fields is important to fulfilling the VAQ mission.

The GrowlerThe training and mission needs of the Navy have changed over time, and efforts to ensure appropriate environmental analyses continue to evolve as well. In 2005, the Navy evaluated the environmental impacts of transitioning carrier and training squadrons from the Prowler to the newer Growler aircraft. The 2005 Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzed 57 Growler aircraft replacing 72 Prowler aircraft, including the disestablishment of three expeditionary squadrons. In 2009, a Deputy Secretary of Defense memorandum directed the Navy to maintain the expeditionary VAQ capabilities indefinitely. As a result, in 2012, the Navy prepared an EA that analyzed retaining three expeditionary VAQ squadrons that operated the Prowlers and their transition to Growlers. Additionally, the 2012 EA analyzed the relocation of a reserve Prowler squadron from Andrews Air Force Base to NAS Whidbey Island and the transition of that squadron to Growlers.

Last September, the Navy began an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the addition of two new expeditionary squadrons and additional aircraft to the training squadron. Scoping was conducted between September 2013 and January 2014 on that proposed action, and open-house scoping meetings were held in December 2013 to discuss the proposal.

During spring 2014, the Chief of Naval Operations submitted an Unfunded Requirements List as part of the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2015 that included a request to purchase 22 additional Growler aircraft. While it is unclear whether more Growlers will ultimately be procured, the Navy is electing to analyze the potential for these aircraft in order to be proactive and transparent. Therefore, a new scoping process is needed and has been initiated based on the proposed action.

The Growler at NAS Whidbey Island

EA-18G Growler at Ault Field

Fall 2014


VAQ Mission and TrainingThe missions of the VAQ squadrons include electronic surveillance and attack against enemy radar and communications systems. This involves the use of jamming equipment and anti-radiation missiles. The Growler has an advanced electronic system that allows it to identify targets and protect itself from those targets. It also has advanced communications capabilities that allow it to interact effectively with personnel on the ground as well as other aircraft.

Growlers are flown by a crew of two: one pilot and one naval flight officer, called the electronic warfare officer.

Types of Navy VAQ Squadrons at NAS Whidbey IslandThree types of Navy VAQ squadrons are home based at NAS Whidbey Island; each of these is discussed below.

• Carrier. These squadrons, when deployed, operate primarily from an aircraft carrier and must conduct field carrier landing practice (FCLP). Currently, nine (9) of these squadrons are at NAS Whidbey Island.

• Expeditionary. These squadrons are deployed from NAS Whidbey Island and operate from various land bases throughout the world. Because they are land-based, they are not required to conduct FCLP. The expeditionary squadrons support Regional Combatant Commander requirements, U.S. Air Force expeditionary wings, and U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary forces. These squadrons do not train at OLF Coupeville. Currently, there are three (3) active squadrons and one (1) reserve squadron at NAS Whidbey Island.

• Training. This squadron provides post-graduate training for assigned personnel (aircrews and maintainers). Training is provided for both carrier and expeditionary squadrons. One (1) such squadron is at NAS Whidbey Island.

Field Carrier Landing PracticeFCLP is a critical component of the initial training required for all aircrews and is an ongoing requirement for carrier-based aircrew. FCLP is a graded flight exercise that prepares pilots for landing on aircraft carriers. The exercises are conducted on shore facilities to provide pilots the opportunity to simulate carrier landing operations in an environment where the risks associated with at-sea carrier operations can be safely managed on land.

Existing VAQ Mission

EA-18G Growler at Whidbey Island

Fall 2014

11

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Aircraft Noise

What Is Noise?Noise is defined as unwanted sound that interferes with normal activities.

The EIS will include a noise assessment of NAS Whidbey Island and OLF Coupeville operations. The study will use the latest approved computer model for aircraft noise analysis. Once projected noise exposure levels are determined, they will be assessed for their potential to impact the natural and human environment.

How Is Noise Assessed?The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Defense (DoD) measure aircraft operational noise levels in decibels (dB) using two common metrics: the Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) and Sound Exposure Level (SEL).

DNL represents the average sound energy of events over a 24-hour period, with a 10-dB penalty added to night-time (10:00 pm to 7:00 am) operations. This 10-dB penalty accounts for the added intrusiveness of noise when background noise levels are low and noise-sensitive activities such as sleep take place. DNL is depicted as a continuous line around a noise source (i.e., a contour line) and is usually shown using 5-DNL increments (e.g., 65 DNL, 70 DNL, 75 DNL). DNL takes all of those factors that influence our perception of noise—loudness, number and duration of events, and time of day—and includes them in one metric that is used to identify land uses that are compatible within specific noise zones.

SEL represents the total noise energy of a single event, such as a flyover, as if it occurred in one second. This metric combines the loudness and duration of the event.

Lmax, or maximum sound level, is the highest A-weighted sound level measured during a single event. Lmax is the maximum level that occurs over a fraction of a second. For aircraft noise, the fraction of a second corresponds to one-eighth (1/8) of a second.

How Is Noise Modeled?Computer noise modeling input includes type of aircraft, number of operations, flight tracks, altitude, power settings, speed of aircraft, terrain, temperature, and relative humidity. Engine maintenance testing is also included. Results are presented on installation land use maps in the form of noise contours.

Noise is modeled using a computer program called NOISEMAP, which considers the number and type of flight operations planned over the course of a year to establish noise contours for all types of aircraft operating at a specific location.

A noise assessment will be conducted as part of the EIS and it will include a supplemental noise analysis, a potential hearing-loss analysis, and an assessment of non-auditory health effects. The supplemental noise analysis will include an evaluation of sleep disturbance, indoor speech interference, and classroom learning interference. The potential hearing loss analysis will focus on any portion of the local population that may be exposed to noise levels greater than 80 DNL. Lastly, the assessment of non-auditory health effects will consist of a comprehensive literature review.

Response to Noise Depends on Many Factors• How long the noise lasts (duration)• How many times it occurs (repetition)• Time of day• Background or ambient noise levels• Interference with activity• Previous experiences within the community

Fall 2014

For m

ore

info

rmat

ion,

ple

ase

visi

t the

pro

ject

web

site

at w

hidbeyeis.com

Not

e: F

or il

lust

rativ

epu

rpos

es o

nly

The

Less

tha

n 60

dB

DN

L N

oise

Zon

e is

gene

rally

con

side

red

an a

rea

of lo

w e

xpos

ure.

The

60 t

o 75

dB

DN

L N

oise

Zon

e is

an

area

of no

ise

impa

ct w

here

som

ela

nd u

se c

ontr

ols

are

requ

ired.

The

Gre

ater

tha

n75

dB

DN

L N

oise

Zone

is t

he m

ost

nois

e-im

pact

ed a

rea

and

requ

ires

the

grea

test

deg

ree

ofla

nd u

se c

ontr

ol.

>75 D

NL60-75

DNL

<60 DNL

Runway

Noi

se A

sses

smen

t•

A n

oise

stu

dy w

ill b

e co

nduc

ted

as p

art

of t

he E

IS

• Th

e no

ise

anal

ysis

will

eva

luat

e sl

eep

dist

urba

nce,

in

door

spe

ech

inte

rfer

ence

, an

d cl

assr

oom

lear

ning

in

terf

eren

ce

• A

pot

entia

l hea

ring-

loss

ana

lysi

s w

ill fo

cus

on t

he lo

cal

popu

latio

n th

at m

ay b

e ex

pose

d to

noi

se le

vels

gre

ater

th

an 8

0 D

NL

• A

n as

sess

men

t of

non

-aud

itory

hea

lth e

ffect

s w

ill b

e co

nduc

ted

thro

ugh

a co

mpr

ehen

sive

lite

ratu

re r

evie

w

Supp

lem

enta

l Noi

se M

etrics

Soun

d Exp

osur

e Le

vel (

SEL)

• U

sed

to a

sses

s th

e po

tent

ial f

or s

leep

dis

turb

ance

• R

epre

sent

s th

e to

tal n

oise

ene

rgy

of a

sin

gle

even

t, s

uch

as a

flyo

ver,

as if

it o

ccur

red

in o

ne s

econ

d

Max

imum

Ins

tant

aneo

us S

ound

Lev

el (

L max)

• U

sed

to a

sses

s th

e po

tent

ial f

or s

peec

h an

d cl

assr

oom

le

arni

ng in

terf

eren

ce

A

ltitu

de R

elat

ive

hum

idity

E

ngin

e m

aint

enan

cete

stin

g

P

ower

set

tings

A

ircra

ft s

peed

T

erra

in T

empe

ratu

re

Noi

se M

odel

ing

• C

ompu

ter

Mod

el

• In

put

Dat

a In

clud

es:

• N

oise

con

tour

s ar

e ge

nera

ted

and

pres

ente

d on

a m

ap

A

ircra

ft t

ype

N

umbe

r of

oper

atio

ns F

light

tra

cks

Airc

raft

Noi

se

EA-1

8G

Gro

wle

r

Day

-Nig

ht A

vera

ge S

ound

Lev

el (D

NL)

is th

e fe

dera

l sta

ndar

d fo

r det

erm

inin

g co

mm

unity

noi

se im

pact

s.

Fall

2014

A-weighted Sound Level(decibels re 20 microPascals)

Tim

e (s

econ

ds)SE

L =

102.

7 dB

A

L max

= 9

3.5

dBA

100

90

80

70

010

20

30

Sour

ce: W

yle

Labo

rato

ries

SEL

and

L max

Noi

se Z

one

Illus

trat

ion

Qua

ntify

ing

Noi

seD

ay-N

ight

Ave

rage

Sou

nd L

evel

(D

NL)

• U

sed

to d

eter

min

e lo

ng-t

erm

com

mun

ity r

espo

nse

to a

ircra

ft n

oise

and

land

-use

com

patib

ility

• A

24

-hou

r cu

mul

ativ

e no

ise

met

ric

• A

10

-dB

pen

alty

is a

dded

to

nois

e ev

ents

occ

urrin

g be

twee

n 1

0 p

.m.

and

7 a

.m.

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L

24 H

our P

erio

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oon

Mid

nigh

tA

M

12

12

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01

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23

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89

10

11

12

Ope

ratio

nal N

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KEY: A

cous

tical

Nig

httim

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djus

tmen

t

Day

-Nig

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vera

ge S

ound

Lev

el


The EIS Process

Why Is the Navy Preparing an EIS? As part of our compliance with NEPA, the Navy is conducting an evaluation of the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. NEPA requires all federal agencies to consider potential environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable options in making decisions about those actions. Public involvement is an essential part of the process. With public involvement and environmental analysis, the NEPA process helps the Navy arrive at the best possible informed decision.

Informed decisions are based on a candid and factual representation of environmental impacts. These facts come from collecting information on the areas and resources affected by the proposal and then identifying the type and extent of potential impacts resulting from the proposal.

For this project, the Navy will analyze potential impacts to air quality, safety, land use and compatibility, socioeconomics, community services, transportation, biological resources, cultural resources, and hazardous materials and waste, among other resources. Numerous federal laws and regulations govern the protection and preservation of environmental resources. The Navy strictly

adheres to these laws and regulations, such as the Endangered Species Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and National Historic Preservation Act, among others. The EIS will evaluate direct and indirect impacts, and will account for cumulative impacts from other relevant activities near the installation. Measures that could avoid or mitigate environmental effects will also be analyzed.

Public Involvement in the EIS ProcessThe Navy invites public participation during the scoping process to help understand community-specific issues and concerns regarding the proposed action. We expect to receive scoping comments from interested individuals; business and community leaders; federal, state, and local officials; Native American tribes and nations; regulatory agencies; and non-governmental organizations. No decisions about the proposal have been made because the impact analysis is ongoing and not yet complete. Scoping comments will help the Navy determine the issues and concerns to analyze in the preparation of the Draft EIS.

The public will have another opportunity to participate in the NEPA process after publication of the Draft EIS. The release of the Draft EIS and the opening of the Draft EIS comment period will be announced in a newspaper that serves the local area, and additional meetings will be held to receive comments on the report. All comments on the Draft EIS will be addressed in a Final EIS.

NEPA requires that all federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of any major proposed action.

Informed decisions are based on candid and factual presentation of environmental impacts.

EA-18G Growler

Fall 2014

15

Nat

iona

l Env

iron

men

tal P

olic

y Ac

t

The

Nav

y ha

s re

vise

d th

e sc

ope

of th

e G

row

ler E

IS, o

rigin

ally

pre

sent

ed in

201

3.

EIS

Pro

cess

Notic

e of

Inte

nt to

Pre

pare

EIS

(Oct

ober

10,

201

4)

Revi

sed

Scop

ing

Deci

sion

(Jul

y 25,

201

4)

Publ

ic S

copi

ng P

erio

d (O

ctob

er 1

0, 2

014,

to N

ovem

ber 2

4, 2

014)

Draf

t EIS

(Spr

ing

2016

)

Fina

l EIS

30-D

ay W

aitin

g Pe

riod

Reco

rd o

f Dec

isio

n (S

prin

g 20

17)

45-D

ayPu

blic

Com

men

t Per

iod

and

Publ

ic M

eetin

g

45-D

ayAg

ency

Com

men

tPe

riod

We

Are

Here

Publ

ic S

copi

ng (S

epte

mbe

r 201

3 - J

anua

ry 2

014)

Notic

e of

Inte

nt fr

om O

rigin

al E

ffort

Issu

ed 2

013 Fo

r mor

e in

form

atio

n, p

leas

e vi

sit t

he p

roje

ct w

ebsi

te a

t whidbeyeis.com

Nat

iona

l Env

iron

men

tal P

olic

y A

ct(N

EPA

) P

roce

ss•

NEP

A r

equi

res

all f

eder

al a

genc

ies

to e

valu

ate

pote

ntia

l en

viro

nmen

tal i

mpa

cts

of a

ny m

ajor

act

ions

the

y m

ay

prop

ose

and

to in

form

and

invo

lve

the

publ

ic in

the

de

cisi

on-m

akin

g pr

oces

s

• Yo

ur in

put

durin

g th

e pu

blic

sco

ping

pe

riod

will

ass

ist

the

Nav

y in

id

entif

ying

key

env

ironm

enta

l co

ncer

ns t

hat

need

to

be e

valu

ated

in

the

EIS

• Fi

ndin

gs w

ill b

e pu

blis

hed

in t

he E

IS,

whi

ch w

ill d

escr

ibe:

E

xist

ing

Con

ditio

ns E

valu

atio

n of

Impa

cts

P

urpo

se a

nd N

eed

P

ropo

sed

Act

ion

and

Alte

rnat

ives

• A

Dra

ft E

IS w

ill b

e m

ade

avai

labl

e fo

r pu

blic

rev

iew

and

com

men

t

• Th

e Fi

nal E

IS w

ill b

e re

leas

ed t

o th

e pu

blic

. Fo

llow

ing

a 3

0-d

ay w

aitin

g pe

riod,

the

Sec

reta

ry o

f the

Nav

y w

ill is

sue

a R

ecor

d of

Dec

isio

n.

Your

sco

ping

com

men

ts w

ill h

elp

us fo

cus

our s

tudy

.

rdof

Dec

isio

n.

Scop

ing

is a

n ea

rly a

nd o

pen

proc

ess t

hrou

gh w

hich

the

publ

ic

is in

vite

d to

hel

p id

entif

y iss

ues t

o be

stud

ied

in th

e En

viro

nmen

tal

Impa

ct S

tate

men

t (EI

S)

Fall

2014

Wha

t Is

Im

port

ant

to Y

ou?

Noi

se•

Aul

t Fi

eld,

OLF

Cou

pevi

lle,

and

surr

ound

ing

com

mun

ities

Com

mun

ity•

Land

use

com

patib

ility

• Ec

onom

ic e

ffect

s

• Po

tent

ial g

row

th

• Lo

cal c

omm

unity

ser

vice

s

• Tr

ansp

orta

tion/

traf

fic

• En

viro

nmen

tal j

ustic

e

Air

field

s an

d A

irsp

ace

• N

umbe

r of

airc

raft

ope

ratio

ns a

nd fl

ight

pat

hs

• C

ivil

avia

tion

impa

cts

Air Q

ualit

y•

Airc

raft

, m

aint

enan

ce,

and

vehi

cle

emis

sion

s

Safe

ty•

Airc

raft

and

mai

nten

ance

oper

atio

ns

• H

azar

dous

and

tox

ic m

ater

ials

and

was

te

Bio

logi

cal a

nd N

atur

al R

esou

rces

• Pr

otec

ted,

thr

eate

ned,

and

enda

nger

ed s

peci

es

• W

ildlif

e an

d ve

geta

tion

• W

ater

qua

lity,

sto

rmw

ater

Cul

tura

l Res

ourc

es•

His

toric

str

uctu

res

• A

rcha

eolo

gica

l res

ourc

es


National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106

What is Section 106?Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 requires the Navy to consider the effects of a federal action on historic properties. Historic properties include prehistoric or historic districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects included or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Compliance with NEPA requires the Navy to demonstrate that the project is also in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA. Therefore, the NEPA and Section 106 processes run concurrently, as shown on page 17.

Consultation is a critical component of the Section 106 review. Consultation does not mandate a specific outcome. Instead, it is the process of seeking, discussing, and considering the views of consulting parties to assist in the identification of historic properties in the project area and potential effects to those historic properties.

How Can the Public Participate in the Section 106 Process?You are invited to comment on information, concerns, or issues about historic properties in the project area or that may be affected by the proposed action. Your input will assist the Navy in considering the potential effects of the proposed action on historic properties in accordance with Section 106 of the NHPA.

How to Become a Consulting PartyOther individuals and organizations with a demonstrated interest in the project may participate in the Section 106 review as consulting parties due to the nature of their legal or economic relation to the undertaking or affected properties, or their concern with the undertaking’s effects on historic properties. Under these circumstances, you or your organization may write to the Navy asking to become a consulting party.

To request consulting party status, explain in a letter to the Navy why you believe your participation would be important to successful resolution of the Section 106 process. Because the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) and the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) will assist the Navy in deciding who will participate in the consultation, please provide the ACHP and SHPO with a copy of your letter. Make sure to emphasize your relationship with the project and demonstration of how your connection will inform the Navy’s decision making.

Consulting party status allows you to share your views, receive and review pertinent information, offer ideas, and consider possible solutions together with the Navy and other consulting parties.

For More InformationIf you have questions regarding the information on this page, please contact Kendall Campbell at NAS Whidbey Island at [email protected] or 360-257-6780.

Fall 2014

17

Notice of Intent (NOI)

NEPA EIS Process Section 106 Process

Draft EIS

Final EIS30-Day Waiting Period

Public Scoping Period

We are here

• Coordinate with other reviews (NEPA)

• Notify State Historic Preservation O�cer (SHPO) andappropriate Tribal Historic Preservation O�cer (THPO)

• Identify and notify tribes and other consulting parties

• Invite the public to participate

Initiate Section 106

Identify Historic Properties• Identify area of potential e�ect (APE)

• Identify historic properties in APE

• Consult with SHPO/THPO, tribes, and other consultingparties on determination of APE and identi�cation ofhistoric properties


Assess E�ects on Historic Properties• Identify historic signi�cance

• Determine e�ects

• Consult with SHPO/THPO, tribes, and other consultingparties on Navy’s �nding of e�ects


Determination of E�ects:Adverse E�ects

Determination of E�ects:No Adverse E�ects

• Identify and evaluate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse e�ects

• Notify Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP)

• Consult with SHPO/THPO, tribes, and other consulting parties on resolutionof adverse e�ects

• Develop memorandum of agreement for resolution of adverse e�ects

Complete Section 106 Process Complete Section 106 Process

1002860.0041.02\Whidbey EIS Booklet\Section106-NEPA Comparison-Whidbey.ai-GRA-10/6/14

Record of Decision (ROD)

45-Day PublicComment Period

and Public Meeting

45-Day AgencyComment Period

We are hereWe are here

Fall 2014

The

Nav

y is

inte

rest

ed in

you

r inp

ut o

n hi

stor

ic p

rope

rtie

s.

NEPA

EIS

Pro

cess

Sect

ion

10

6 P

roce

ssW

hat

is S

ectio

n 1

06

?•

Sect

ion

106 r

equi

res

Fede

ral a

genc

ies

to

take

into

acc

ount

the

effe

cts

of t

heir

unde

rtak

ings

on

hist

oric

pro

pert

ies

• Se

ctio

n 106 r

equi

res

agen

cies

to

cons

ult

with

Sta

te H

isto

ric P

rese

rvat

ion

Offi

cer

(SH

PO

), t

ribes

, an

d in

tere

sted

par

ties

For m

ore

info

rmat

ion,

ple

ase

visi

t the

pro

ject

web

site

at w

hidbeyeis.com

Notic

e of

Inte

nt (N

OI)

• De

term

ine u

nder

takin

g•

Dete

rmin

e pot

entia

l to c

ause

effe

ct

Publ

ic S

copi

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erio

d

Draf

t EIS

Reco

rd o

f Dec

isio

n (R

OD)

Initi

ate

Sect

ion

106

Nat

iona

l His

tori

c Pr

eser

vati

on A

ctan

d Se

ctio

n 10

6Fa

ll 20

14

Fina

l EIS

30-D

ay W

aitin

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riod

45-D

ay P

ublic

Com

men

t Per

iod

and

Publ

ic M

eetin

g

Unde

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ay a

ffect

hist

oric

pro

perti

es

Hist

oric

pro

perti

es a

ffect

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If hi

stor

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rope

rties

adve

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No h

isto

ric p

rope

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affe

cted

Conc

lude

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ctio

n 10

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oces

s

Conc

lude

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Conc

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Of A

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sto

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Appl

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• Co

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th p

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s on

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fin

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s of e

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Hist

oric

oric

pro

prop

ert

perti

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ulta

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• Id

entif

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a of

Pot

entia

l Effe

ct (A

PE)

• Id

entif

y hist

oric

prop

ertie

s•

Eval

uate

hist

oric

signi

fican

ce

Cont

inue

Con

sulta

tion

• Re

solve

adv

erse

effe

cts

We

Are

Here

Will

owoo

d Fa

rm,

Ebey

's R

eser

ve.

Cou

rtes

y of

Ebe

y's L

andi

ng N

atio

nal

His

tori

cal R

eser

ve.

Ault

Fie

ld

(SH

PO

), t

ribes

, an

d in

tere

sted

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Wi

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s R

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d

Publ

ic In

volv

emen

t

Ther

e ar

e se

vera

l way

s to

par

ticip

ate

in th

e En

viro

nmen

tal I

mpa

ct S

tate

men

t (EI

S) p

roce

ss.

How

to

Pro

vide

Com

men

ts D

urin

gTh

e Sc

opin

g Pe

riod

How

to

Part

icip

ate

in t

he F

utur

eYo

ur in

put

is e

ssen

tial t

o en

sure

the

mos

t in

form

edde

cisi

on is

mad

e. T

here

are

sev

eral

way

s to

par

ticip

ate:

• Jo

in o

ur m

ailin

g lis

t

• C

heck

the

pro

ject

web

site

for

new

info

rmat

ion

• R

evie

w t

he D

raft

EIS

in s

prin

g 2

01

6

• A

tten

d th

e pu

blic

mee

ting

follo

win

g pu

blic

atio

n of

th

e D

raft

EIS

• Pr

ovid

e yo

ur fe

edba

ck d

urin

g th

e D

raft

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Notes

1002860.0041.02-B4093-GRA-10/6/14

For more information, please visit the project website at: www.whidbeyeis.com

Fall 2014

A Guide to the Scoping Meeting for the U.S. Navy ... · PDF fileEA-18G Growler Airfield...

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