[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 214 (Friday, November 5, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68334-68335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-28036]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Record of Decision (ROD) for Training Range and Garrison Support
Facilities Construction and Operation at Fort Stewart, GA
AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD.
ACTION: Record of Decision.
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SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of the
ROD for the construction and operation of up to twelve range projects
and two garrison support facilities at Fort Stewart. The Army, through
the ROD, selects Alternative B for implementation. Alternative B
includes sites for projects that predominantly utilize footprints of
existing ranges, limits construction and restrictions on existing
maneuver terrain, are located in relative close proximity to the
cantonment area to reduce unit transit
[[Page 68335]]
time, and have less overall environmental impacts. The decision sites
ranges and support facilities in locations that reflect the proper
balance of initiatives for the protection of the environment, mission
needs, and Soldier and Family quality of life considerations.
ADDRESSES: To request a copy of the ROD, please contact Mr. Charles
Walden, Project Manager, Directorate of Public Works, Prevention and
Compliance Branch, Environmental Division, 1550 Frank Cochran Drive,
Building 1137-A, Fort Stewart, Georgia 31314-4928 or e-mail
[email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kevin Larson, Public Affairs
Office, at (912) 435-9879 during normal business hours.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The decision to proceed with the
implementation of Alternative B allows the Army to better accomplish
its sustainability goals on Fort Stewart because the sites are optimal
for design, lessen environmental impacts, and are more land-use
compatible. Minor to negligible impacts have been identified for
cultural resources and consultation with the Georgia State Historic
Preservation Office is complete. Moderate adverse impacts have been
identified for soils, water quality, protected species, timber
resources, wildland fire, and noise as part of implementing the
decision. There are no practicable alternatives to locating the
projects in wetlands or floodplains, but the selected alternative
minimizes floodplain and wetland impacts. There will be moderate
adverse impacts to protected species (red-cockaded woodpecker and
frosted flatwood salamander). Formal consultation with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service is complete and all practicable mitigation
measures and best management practices will be implemented to offset
environmental impacts. The action will not jeopardize the continued
existence of these species. The Known Distance Range, a Qualification
Training Range, an Infantry Squad Battle Course, a Fire and Movement
Range, and a 25 Meter Zero Range were analyzed as part of the proposed
action in the Environmental Impact Statement, but have been deferred
due to funding. These five ranges have been included in the ROD because
they may be funded in the future. Mitigation associated with these
ranges will be implemented in the event the ranges are constructed. The
No Action Alternative would not provide enough ranges and support
facilities needed to adequately accomplish the mission. Alternative C,
with different range and support facility sitings than Alternative B,
would result in greater adverse environmental impacts and is not
preferred operationally.
The Final EIS and ROD may be accessed at http://www.fortstewart-mmp-eis.com.
Dated: 25 October 2010.
Hershell E. Wolfe,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Environment, Safety and
Occupational Health.
[FR Doc. 2010-28036 Filed 11-4-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-P