[Federal Register: February 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 30)]
[Notices]
[Page 7207-7208]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13fe04-54]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the
Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex at Fort Benning, GA
AGENCY: Department of the Army, DOD.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: The Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex (DMPRC) would provide
gunnery training facilities for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) and
the Abrams M1A1 Tank System (Tank), providing the capability for both
active and reserve components to train to required standards under
realistic conditions.
Fort Benning proposes to construct, operate, and maintain a DMPRC.
The DMPRC would provide a state-of-the-art range facility to meet the
Army's training needs for soldiers to conduct gunnery courses in a
realistic training environment by expanding the Installation's training
capacity. The current ranges on Fort Benning do not meet modern gunnery
standards and are inadequate to support full gunnery training and
qualifications, requiring training to modified standards. The project
would include construction of the firing and target area, installation
of fiber optics, construction of support facilities, upgrading and
construction of associated roadways, installation of utilities to
support the site, construction of a helipad, construction of other
related equipment and facilities, and operation and maintenance of the
DMPRC.
DATES: Comments: To be considered in preparation for the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), comments must be received not
later than March 29, 2004, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Meetings: March 2, 2004, 6 p.m., at the Elizabeth Bradley Turner
Center, Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus,
GA, and March 4, 2004, 6 p.m., at the Marion Middle School Gymnasium,
100 East Burkhalter Avenue, Buena Vista, GA.
ADDRESSES: Please direct written comments or requests for copies of the
[[Page 7208]]
Draft EIS (DEIS) to Mr. Richard McDowell, Public Affairs Officer, U.S.
Army Infantry Center, ATTN: ATZB-PO, Fort Benning, GA 31905-5122 or e-
mail to mcdowellr@benning. army. mil.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard McDowell, Public Affairs
Officer, U.S. Army Infantry Center, ATTN: ATZB-PO, Fort Benning, GA,
31905-5122, (706) 545-2211, or e-mail to mcdowellr@benning.army.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Fort Benning is the ``Home of the Infantry''
and conducts training for elements of Mechanized Infantry Division
units. Tank and BFV crews must train and qualify at different skill
levels (gunnery tables) that are designed to develop and test the
proficiency level of individuals, crews, and platoons. Existing
facilities at Fort Benning do not currently meet training standards for
advanced gunnery qualification. Specifically, the existing range
targetry is antiquated; the natural terrain features of Hastings Range
hampers training effectiveness and efficiency; the nearness to the
Installation boundary restricts training due to noise; and the lack of
digital components on the existing range delays the analysis of the
training exercise.
The Army proposes to construct, operate, and maintain a DMPRC. The
DEIS analyzes the No Action/Status Quo and two action alternatives. The
notice of intent to prepare an EIS for the DMPRC included another
alternative, Transport to Fort Stewart, however further analysis
indicated that alternative was not reasonable. Alternatives considered
in detail in the DEIS are:
1. No Action--Continue to conduct modified advanced gunnery
training at Hastings Range on Fort Benning.
2. Construct, operate and maintain a DMPRC in Training Compartment
K21 on Fort Benning. The range dimensions would be approximately 1,500
meters by 4,500 meters and cover about 1,800 acres plus support
facilities; however these dimensions would be subject to site-specific
design requirements and may be modified. The DMRPC would include a
firing and target area with 3 course lanes, numerous stationary and
moving targets, trenches and berms, maintenance roads; a helipad;
utilities and communication systems; and support facilities on about 25
acres including control and instruction buildings, maintenance and
storage buildings. The DMPRC would include a safety zone that is
inaccessible during operation of the range.
3. Preferred Alternative--Construct, operate and maintain a DMPRC
in Training Compartment D13 on Fort Benning with the same approximate
dimensions and facilities as described for Alternative II.
Both Alternatives 2 and 3 would also include changes in training on
other ranges (Ruth, Cactus, Carmouche, and Hastings) to incorporate the
new DMPRC into the training regime.
The DMPRC DEIS includes analyses of the potential environmental
consequences, including cumulative impacts that each alternative may
have on many environmental and socioeconomic resources or topics,
including: soils and vegetation, water quality, wetlands and
streambanks, unique ecological areas, Federally and state listed
species, migratory birds, socioeconomics, land use, cultural resources,
utilities, noise, air quality, public health and safety, hazardous
materials and wastes, and transportation. The findings indicate that
the No Action alternative has the least amount of potential impacts
because no construction is proposed; however, noise concerns will
continue and the needed improvement in range facilities would not be
achieved. Alternatives 2 and 3 would have some potential adverse
impacts to several of the studied resources; however, mitigations to
reduce those impacts are identified in the DEIS, and both alternatives
would result in less noise disturbance from BFV and tank weaponry
firing.
Scoping and Comments: Fort Benning has distributed a series of
newsletters that are also posted on the Fort Benning Web site and may
be viewed at http://www.benning.army.mil/EMD/dmprcLegal&PublicNotices.htm. All
future newsletters, notices of meetings, and other public and
stakeholder participation opportunities will also be posted on this Web
site. Comments or questions may also be submitted on this Web site.
Fort Benning invites individuals and organizations to participate in
the DEIS review process by submitting written comments to the address
listed above and by attending public meetings. Public meetings have
been scheduled for March 2, 2004 and March 2, 2004 (see DATES);
additional notices will be announced in the Columbus Ledger Enquirer,
the Tri-County Journal, The Bayonet, on the Fort Benning Web site
(listed above), and by notices of meeting sent to parties on the
distribution list.
Michael Q. Frnka,
Public Works Director, Installation Management Agency, Southeast
Region.
[FR Doc. 04-2848 Filed 2-12-04; 8:45 am]
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