[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 32, Volume 6]
[Revised as of July 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 32CFR989.38]

[Page 257-265]
 
                        TITLE 32-NATIONAL DEFENSE
 
                CHAPTER VII--DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
 
PART 989_ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS PROCESS (EIAP)--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 989.38  Requirements for analysis abroad.

    (a) The EPF will generally perform the same functions for analysis 
of actions abroad that it performs in the United States. In addition to 
the requirements of 32 CFR Part 187, the following Air Force specific 
rules apply:
    (b) For EAs dealing with global commons (geographic areas beyond the 
jurisdiction of the United States or any foreign nation), HQ USAF/ILEB 
will review actions that are above the MAJCOM approval authority. In 
this instance, approval authority refers to the same approval authority 
that would apply to an EA in the United States. The EPF documents a 
decision not to do an EIS.
    (c) For EISs dealing with the global commons, the EPF provides 
sufficient copies to HQ USAF/ILEB for the HQ USAF ESOHC review and 
AFCEE/EC technical review. After ESOHC review, the EPF makes a 
recommendation as to whether the proposed draft EIS will be released as 
a draft EIS.
    (d) For environmental studies and environmental reviews, forward, 
when appropriate, environmental studies and reviews to HQ USAF/ILEB for 
coordination among appropriate federal agencies. HQ USAF/ILEB makes 
environmental studies and reviews available to the Department of State 
and other interested federal agencies, and, on request, to the United 
States public, in accordance with 32 CFR Part 187. HQ USAF/ILEB also may 
inform interested foreign governments or furnish copies of studies, in 
accordance with 32 CFR Part 187.

[64 FR 38129, July 15, 1999; 66 FR 16869, Mar. 28, 2001]

Appendix A to Part 989--Glossary of References, Abbreviations, Acronyms, 
                                and Terms

                               References

                               Legislative

10 U.S.C. 2687, Base Closures and Realignments
42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
42 U.S.C. 7506(c), Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
42 U.S.C. 13101(b), Pollution Prevention Act of 1990
43 U.S.C. 155-158, Engle Act

                            Executive Orders

Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, May 24, 1977
Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands, May 24, 1977
Executive Order 12088, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control 
Standards.
Executive Order 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal 
Actions, January 4, 1979
Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, 
July 14, 1982
Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice 
in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, February 11, 1994

                   U.S. Government Agency Publications

Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the 
Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, 40 CFR 
parts 1500-1508
Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 4715.1, Environmental Security
Department of Defense Directive (DoDD) 6050.7, Environmental Effects 
Abroad of Major Department of Defense Actions, March 31, 1979 (32 CFR 
Part 187)
Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4715.9, Environmental Planning 
and Analysis
DoDD 5000.1, Defense Acquisition
Department of Defense Regulation 5000.2-R, Mandatory Procedures for 
Major Defense Acquisition Programs and Major Automated Information 
System Acquisition Programs

                         Air Force Publications

AFPD 32-70, Environmental Quality
AFI 32-1021, Planning and Programming of Facility Construction Projects

[[Page 258]]

AFI 32-7002, Environmental Information Management System
AFI 32-7005, Environmental Protection Committees
AFI 32-7040, Air Quality Compliance
AFI 32-7062, Air Force Comprehensive Planning
AFI 32-7063, Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Program
AFI 32-7064, Integrated Natural Resources Management
AFI 32-7080, Pollution Prevention Program
AFI 35-101, Public Affairs Policies and Procedures
AFMAN 37-139, Records Disposition Schedule

                       Abbreviations and Acronyms

------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Abbreviation or Acronym                     Definition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFCEE........................  Air Force Center for Environmental
                                Excellence
AFCEE/EC.....................  Air Force Center for Environmental
                                Excellence/Environmental Conservation
                                and Planning Directorate
AFI..........................  Air Force Instruction
AFLSA/JACE...................  Air Force Legal Services Agency/
                                Environmental Law and Litigation
                                Division
AFLSA/JAJT...................  Air Force Legal Services Agency/Trial
                                Judiciary Division
AFMAN........................  Air Force Manual
AFMOA/SG.....................  Air Force Medical Operations Agency/
                                Aerospace Medicine Office
AFPD.........................  Air Force Policy Directive
AFRES........................  Air Force Reserve
ANG..........................  Air National Guard
ANGRC........................  Air National Guard Readiness Center
BMP..........................  Best Management Practice
CATEX........................  Categorical Exclusion
CEQ..........................  Council on Environmental Quality
CFR..........................  Code of Federal Regulations
DoD..........................  Department of Defense
DoDD.........................  Department of Defense Directive
DoDI.........................  Department of Defense Instruction
DOPAA........................  Description of Proposed Action and
                                Alternatives
EA...........................  Environmental Assessment
EIAP.........................  Environmental Impact Analysis Process
EIS..........................  Environmental Impact Statement
E.O..........................  Executive Order
EPA..........................  Environmental Protection Agency
EPC..........................  Environmental Protection Committee
EPF..........................  Environmental Planning Function
ESOHC........................  Environmental Safety and Occupational
                                Health Committee
FAA..........................  Federal Aviation Administration
FEIS.........................  Final Environmental Impact Statement
FOA..........................  Field Operating Agency
FONPA........................  Finding of No Practicable Alternative
FONSI........................  Finding of No Significant Impact
GSA..........................  General Services Administration
HQ AFMC......................  Headquarters, Air Force Materiel Command
HQ USAF......................  Headquarters, United States Air Force
HQ USAF/ILE..................  The Air Force Civil Engineer
MAJCOM.......................  Major Command
MGM..........................  Materiel Group Manager
MOA..........................  Military Operating Area
MOU..........................  Memorandum of Understanding
MSL..........................  Mean Sea Level
NEPA.........................  National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
NGB-CF.......................  National Guard Bureau Air Directorate
NGB-JA.......................  National Guard Bureau Office of the Staff
                                Judge Advocate
NGB-PA.......................  National Guard Bureau Office of Public
                                Affairs
NOA..........................  Notice of Availability
NOI..........................  Notice of Intent
OSD..........................  Office of the Secretary of Defense
OSHA.........................  Occupational Safety and Health
                                Administration
PDEIS........................  Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact
                                Statement
PGM..........................  Product Group Manager
REO..........................  Air Force Regional Environmental Office
ROD..........................  Record of Decision
SAF/AQR......................  Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air
                                Force (Science, Technology, and
                                Engineering)
SAF/GC.......................  Air Force General Counsel
SAF/LL.......................  Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison
SAF/MI.......................  Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for
                                Manpower, Reserve Affairs,
                                Installations, and Environment
SAF/MIQ......................  Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air
                                Force (Environment, Safety, and
                                Occupational Health)
SAF/PA.......................  Air Force Office of Public Affairs
SJA..........................  Staff Judge Advocate
SM...........................  Single Manager
SPD..........................  Single Program Director
SPOC.........................  Single Point of Contact
TDY..........................  Temporary Duty

[[Page 259]]


U.S.C........................  United States Code
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  Terms

    Note: All definitions in the CEQ Regulations, 40 CFR part 1508, 
apply to this part. In addition, the following definitions apply:

    Best Management Practices (BMPs)--Under the EIAP, BMPs should be 
applied in furtherance of 40 CFR 1508.22, Mitigations or to fulfill 
permit requirements (see also E.O. 12088, ``Federal Compliance with 
Pollution Control Standards).
    Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives (DOPAA)--An Air 
Force document that is the framework for assessing the environmental 
impact of a proposal. It describes the purpose and need for the action, 
the alternatives to be considered, and the rationale used to arrive at 
the proposed action. The DOPAA often unfolds as writing progresses. The 
DOPAA can change during the internal scoping and public scoping process, 
especially as ideas and issues become clearer, and as new information 
makes changes necessary.
    Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP)--The Air Force program 
that implements the requirements of NEPA and requirements for analysis 
of environmental effects abroad under E.O. 12114.
    Finding of No Practicable Alternative (FONPA)--Finding contained in 
a FONSI or ROD, according to Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, that 
explains why there are no practicable alternatives to an action 
affecting a wetland or floodplain, based on appropriate EIAP analysis or 
other documentation.
    Interdisciplinary--An approach to environmental analysis involving 
more than one discipline or branch of learning.
    Pollution Prevention--``Source reduction,'' as defined under the 
Pollution Prevention Act, and other practices that reduce or eliminate 
pollutants through increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, 
energy, water, or other resources, or in the protection of natural 
resources by conservation.
    Proponent--Any office, unit, or activity that proposes to initiate 
an action.
    Scoping--A process for proposing alternatives to be addressed and 
for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. 
Scoping includes affirmative efforts to communicate with other federal 
agencies, state, Tribal, and local governments, and the public.
    Single Manager--Any one of the Air Force designated weapon system 
program managers, that include System Program Directors (SPDs), Product 
Group Managers (PGMs), and Materiel Group Managers (MGMs).
    United States--All states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia, 
territories and possessions of the United States, and all waters and 
airspace subject to the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. 
The territories and possessions of the United States include American 
Samoa, Guam, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Island, Navassa 
Island, Palmyra Island, the Virgin Islands, and Wake Island.

[64 FR 38129, July 15, 1999; 66 FR 16869, Mar. 28, 2001]

             Appendix B to Part 989--Categorical Exclusions

                   A2.1. Proponent/EPF Responsibility

    Although a proposed action may qualify for a categorical exclusion 
from the requirements for environmental impact analysis under NEPA, this 
exclusion does not relieve the EPF or the proponent of responsibility 
for complying with all other environmental requirements related to the 
proposal, including requirements for permits, and state regulatory 
agency review of plans.

                        A2.2. Additional Analysis

    Circumstances may arise in which usually categorically excluded 
actions may have a significant environmental impact and, therefore, may 
generate a requirement for further environmental analysis. Examples of 
situations where such unique circumstances may be present include:
    A2.2.1. Actions of greater scope or size than generally experienced 
for a particular category of action.
    A2.2.2. Potential for degradation (even though slight) of already 
marginal or poor environmental conditions.
    A2.2.3. Initiating a degrading influence, activity, or effect in 
areas not already significantly modified from their natural condition.
    A2.2.4. Use of unproved technology.
    A2.2.5. Use of hazardous or toxic substances that may come in 
contact with the surrounding environment.
    A2.2.6. Presence of threatened or endangered species, archaeological 
remains, historical sites, or other protected resources.
    A2.2.7. Proposals adversely affecting areas of critical 
environmental concern, such as prime or unique agricultural lands, 
wetlands, coastal zones, wilderness areas, floodplains, or wild and 
scenic river areas.

[[Page 260]]

    A2.2.8. Proposals with disproportionately high and adverse human 
health or environmental effects on minority populations or low-income 
populations.

                            A2.3. CATEX List

    Actions that are categorically excluded in the absence of unique 
circumstances are:
    A2.3.1. Routine procurement of goods and services.
    A2.3.2. Routine Commissary and Exchange operations.
    A2.3.3. Routine recreational and welfare activities.
    A2.3.4. Normal personnel, fiscal or budgeting, and administrative 
activities and decisions including those involving military and civilian 
personnel (for example, recruiting, processing, paying, and records 
keeping).
    A2.3.5. Preparing, revising, or adopting regulations, instructions, 
directives, or guidance documents that do not, themselves, result in an 
action being taken.
    A2.3.6. Preparing, revising, or adopting regulations, instructions, 
directives, or guidance documents that implement (without substantial 
change) the regulations, instructions, directives, or guidance documents 
from higher headquarters or other Federal agencies with superior subject 
matter jurisdiction.
    A2.3.7. Continuation or resumption of pre-existing actions, where 
there is no substantial change in existing conditions or existing land 
uses and where the actions were originally evaluated in accordance with 
applicable law and regulations, and surrounding circumstances have not 
changed.
    A2.3.8. Performing interior and exterior construction within the 5-
foot line of a building without changing the land use of the existing 
building.
    A2.3.9. Repairing and replacing real property installed equipment.
    A2.3.10. Routine facility maintenance and repair that does not 
involve disturbing significant quantities of hazardous materials such as 
asbestos and lead-based paint.
    A2.3.11. Actions similar to other actions which have been determined 
to have an insignificant impact in a similar setting as established in 
an EIS or an EA resulting in a FONSI. The EPF must document application 
of this CATEX on AF Form 813, specifically identifying the previous Air 
Force approved environmental document which provides the basis for this 
determination.
    A2.3.12. Installing, operating, modifying, and routinely repairing 
and replacing utility and communications systems, data processing cable, 
and similar electronic equipment that use existing rights of way, 
easements, distribution systems, or facilities.
    A2.3.13. Installing or modifying airfield operational equipment 
(such as runway visual range equipment, visual glide path systems, and 
remote transmitter or receiver facilities) on airfield property and 
usually accessible only to maintenance personnel.
    A2.3.14. Installing on previously developed land, equipment that 
does not substantially alter land use (i.e., land use of more than one 
acre). This includes outgrants to private lessees for similar 
construction. The EPF must document application of this CATEX on AF Form 
813.
    A2.3.15. Laying-away or mothballing a production facility or 
adopting a reduced maintenance level at a closing installation when (1) 
agreement on any required historic preservation effort has been reached 
with the state historic preservation officer and the Advisory Council on 
Historic Preservation, and (2) no degradation in the environmental 
restoration program will occur.
    A2.3.16. Acquiring land and ingrants (50 acres or less) for 
activities otherwise subject to CATEX. The EPF must document application 
of this CATEX on AF Form 813.
    A2.3.17. Transferring land, facilities, and personal property for 
which the General Services Administration (GSA) is the action agency. 
Such transfers are excluded only if there is no change in land use and 
GSA complies with its NEPA requirements.
    A2.3.18. Transferring administrative control of real property within 
the Air Force or to another military department or to another Federal 
agency, not including GSA, including returning public domain lands to 
the Department of the Interior.
    A2.3.19. Granting easements, leases, licenses, rights of entry, and 
permits to use Air Force controlled property for activities that, if 
conducted by the Air Force, could be categorically excluded in 
accordance with this Appendix. The EPF must document application of this 
CATEX on AF Form 813.
    A2.3.20. Converting in-house services to contract services.
    A2.3.21. Routine personnel decreases and increases, including work 
force conversion to either on-base contractor operation or to military 
operation from contractor operation (excluding base closure and 
realignment actions which are subject to congressional reporting under 
10 U.S.C. 2687).
    A2.3.22. Routine, temporary movement of personnel, including 
deployments of personnel on a TDY basis where existing facilities are 
used.
    A2.3.23. Personnel reductions resulting from workload adjustments, 
reduced personnel funding levels, skill imbalances, or other similar 
causes.
    A2.3.24. Study efforts that involve no commitment of resources other 
than personnel and funding allocations.
    A2.3.25. The analysis and assessment of the natural environment 
without altering it (inspections, audits, surveys, investigations). This 
CATEX includes the granting of any permits necessary for such surveys, 
provided that the technology or procedure involved is

[[Page 261]]

well understood and there are no adverse environmental impacts 
anticipated from it. The EPF must document application of this CATEX on 
AF Form 813.
    A2.3.26. Undertaking specific investigatory activities to support 
remedial action activities for purposes of cleanup of Environmental 
Restoration Account (ERA)--Air Force and Resource Conservation and 
Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action sites. These activities include 
soil borings and sampling, installation, and operation of test or 
monitoring wells. This CATEX applies to studies that assist in 
determining final cleanup actions when they are conducted in accordance 
with legal agreements, administrative orders, or work plans previously 
agreed to by EPA or state regulators.
    A2.3.27. Normal or routine basic and applied scientific research 
confined to the laboratory and in compliance with all applicable safety, 
environmental, and natural resource conservation laws.
    A2.3.28. Routine transporting of hazardous materials and wastes in 
accordance with applicable Federal, state, interstate, and local laws.
    A2.3.29. Emergency handling and transporting of small quantities of 
chemical surety material or suspected chemical surety material, whether 
or not classified as hazardous or toxic waste, from a discovery site to 
a permitted storage, treatment, or disposal facility.
    A2.3.30. Immediate responses to the release or discharge of oil or 
hazardous materials in accordance with an approved Spill Prevention and 
Response Plan or Spill Contingency Plan or that are otherwise consistent 
with the requirements of the National Contingency Plan.
    A2.3.31. Relocating a small number of aircraft to an installation 
with similar aircraft that does not result in a significant increase of 
total flying hours or the total number of aircraft operations, a change 
in flight tracks, or an increase in permanent personnel or logistics 
support requirements at the receiving installation. Repetitive use of 
this CATEX at an installation requires further analysis to determine 
there are no cumulative impacts. The EPF must document application of 
this CATEX on AF Form 813.
    A2.3.32. Temporary (for less than 30 days) increases in air 
operations up to 50 percent of the typical installation aircraft 
operation rate or increases of 50 operations a day, whichever is 
greater. Repetitive use of this CATEX at an installation requires 
further analysis to determine there are no cumulative impacts.
    A2.3.33. Flying activities that comply with the Federal aviation 
regulations, that are dispersed over a wide area and that do not 
frequently (more than once a day) pass near the same ground points. This 
CATEX does not cover regular activity on established routes or within 
special use airspace.
    A2.3.34. Supersonic flying operations over land and above 30,000 
feet MSL, or over water and above 10,000 feet MSL and more than 15 
nautical miles from land.
    A2.3.35. Formal requests to the FAA, or host-nation equivalent 
agency, to establish or modify special use airspace (for example, 
restricted areas, warning areas, military operating areas) and military 
training routes for subsonic operations that have a base altitude of 
3,000 feet above ground level or higher. The EPF must document 
application of this CATEX on AF Form 813, which must accompany the 
request to the FAA.
    A2.3.36. Adopting airfield approach, departure, and en route 
procedures that are less than 3,000 feet above ground level, and that 
also do not route air traffic over noise-sensitive areas, including 
residential neighborhoods or cultural, historical, and outdoor 
recreational areas. The EPF may categorically exclude such air traffic 
patterns at or greater than 3,000 feet above ground level regardless of 
underlying land use.
    A2.3.37. Participating in ``air shows'' and fly-overs by Air Force 
aircraft at non-Air Force public events after obtaining FAA coordination 
and approval.
    A2.3.38. Conducting Air Force ``open houses'' and similar events, 
including air shows, golf tournaments, home shows, and the like, where 
crowds gather at an Air Force installation, so long as crowd and traffic 
control, etc., have not in the past presented significant safety or 
environmental impacts.

[64 FR 38129, July 15, 1999; 66 FR 16869, Mar. 28, 2001]

Appendix C to Part 989--Procedures for Holding Public Hearings on Draft 
                  Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)

                       A.3.1. General Information

    A3.1.1. The Office of the Judge Advocate General, through the Air 
Force Legal Services Agency/Trial Judiciary Division (AFLSA/JAJT) and 
its field organization, is responsible for conducting public hearings 
and assuring verbatim transcripts are accomplished.
    A3.1.2. The EPF, with proponent, AFLSA/JAJT, and Public Affairs 
support, establishes the date and location, arranges for hiring the 
court reporter, funds temporary duty costs for the hearing officer, 
makes logistical arrangements (for example, publishing notices, 
arranging for press coverage, obtaining tables and chairs, etc.).

[[Page 262]]

    A3.1.3. The procedures outlined below have proven themselves through 
many prior applications. However, there may be rare instances when 
circumstances warrant conducting public hearings under a different 
format, e.g., public/town meeting, information booths, third party 
moderator, etc. In these cases, forward a request with justification to 
deviate from these procedures to HQ USAF/ILEVP for SAF/MIQ approval.

                 A3.2. Notice of Hearing (40 CFR 1506.6)

    A3.2.1. Public Affairs officers:
    A3.2.1.1. Announce public hearings and assemble a mailing list of 
individuals to be invited.
    A3.2.1.2. Distribute announcements of a hearing to all interested 
individuals and agencies, including the print and electronic media.
    A3.2.1.3. Place a newspaper display advertisement announcing the 
time and place of the hearing as well as other pertinent particulars.
    A3.2.1.4. Distribute the notice in a timely manner so it will reach 
recipients or be published at least 15 days before the hearing date. 
Distribute notices fewer than 15 days before the hearing date when you 
have substantial justification and if the justification for a shortened 
notice period appears in the notice.
    A3.2.1.5. Develop and distribute news release.
    A3.2.2. If an action has effects of national concern, publish 
notices in the Federal Register and mail notices to national 
organizations that have an interest in the matter.
    A3.2.2.1. Because of the longer lead time required by the Federal 
Register, send out notices for publication in the Federal Register to 
arrive at HQ USAF/ILEB no later than 30 days before the hearing date.
    A3.2.3. The notice should include:
    A3.2.3.1. Date, time, place, and subject of the hearing.
    A3.2.3.2. A description of the general format of the hearing.
    A3.2.3.3. The name and telephone number of a person to contact for 
more information.
    A3.2.3.4. A suggestion that speakers submit (in writing or by return 
call) their intention to participate, with an indication of which 
environmental impact (or impacts) they wish to address.
    A3.2.3.5. Any limitation on the length of oral statements.
    A3.2.3.6. A suggestion that speakers submit statements of 
considerable length in writing.
    A3.2.3.7. A summary of the proposed action.
    A3.2.3.8. The location where the draft EIS and any appendices are 
available for examination.

           A.3.3. Availability of the Draft EIS to the Public.

    The EPF makes copies of the Draft EIS available to the public at an 
Air Force installation and other reasonably accessible place in the 
vicinity of the proposed action and public hearing (e.g., public 
library).

                       A3.4. Place of the Hearing

    The EPF arranges to hold the hearing at a time and place and in an 
area readily accessible to military and civilian organizations and 
individuals interested in the proposed action. Generally, the EPF should 
arrange to hold the hearing in an off-base civilian facility, which is 
more accessible to the public.

                          A3.5. Hearing Officer

    A3.5.1. The AFLSA/JAJT selects a military trial judge to preside 
over hearings. The hearing officer does not need to have personal 
knowledge of the project, other than familiarity with the Draft EIS. In 
no event should the hearing officer be a judge advocate from the 
proponent or subordinate command, be assigned to the same installation 
with which the hearing is concerned, or have participated personally in 
the development of the project, or have rendered legal advice or 
assistance with respect to it (or be expected to do so in the future). 
The principal qualification of the hearing officer should be the ability 
to conduct a hearing as an impartial participant.
    A3.5.2. The primary duties of the hearing officer are to make sure 
that the hearing is orderly, is recorded, and that interested parties 
have a reasonable opportunity to speak. The presiding officer should 
direct the speakers' attention to the purpose of the hearing, which is 
to consider the environmental impacts of the proposed project. Speakers 
should have a time limit to ensure maximum public input to the decision-
maker.

                       A3.6. Record of the Hearing

    The EIS preparation team must make sure a verbatim transcribed 
record of the hearing is prepared, including all stated positions, all 
questions, and all responses. The EIS preparation team should append all 
written submissions that parties provide to the hearing officer during 
the hearing to the record as attachments. The EIS preparation team 
should also append a list of persons who spoke at the hearing and 
submitted written comments and a list of the organizations or interests 
they represent with addresses. The EIS preparation team must make sure a 
verbatim transcript of the hearing is provided to the EPF for inclusion 
as an appendix to the Final EIS. The officer should also ensure that all 
persons who request a copy of the transcript get a copy when it is 
completed.

[[Page 263]]

Copying charges are determined according to 40 CFR 1506.6(f).

                          A3.7. Hearing Format

    Use the format outlined below as a general guideline for conducting 
a hearing. Hearing officers should tailor the format to meet the hearing 
objectives. These objectives provide information to the public, record 
opinions of interested persons on environmental impacts of the proposed 
action, and set out alternatives for improving the EIS and for later 
consideration.
    A3.7.1. Record of Attendees. The hearing officer should make a list 
of all persons who wish to speak at the hearing to help the hearing 
officer in calling on these individuals, to ensure an accurate 
transcript of the hearing, and to enable the officer to send a copy of 
the Final EIS (40 CFR 1502.19) to any person, organization, or agency 
that provided substantive comments at the hearing. The hearing officer 
should assign assistants to the entrance of the hearing room to provide 
cards on which individuals can voluntarily write their names, addresses, 
telephone numbers, organizations they represent, and titles; whether 
they desire to make a statement at the hearing; and what environmental 
area(s) they wish to address. The hearing officer can then use the cards 
to call on individuals who desire to make statements. However, the 
hearing officer will not deny entry to the hearing or the right to speak 
to people who decline to submit this information on cards.
    A3.7.2. Introductory Remarks. The hearing officer should first 
introduce himself or herself and the EIS preparation team. Then the 
hearing officer should make a brief statement on the purpose of the 
hearing and give the general ground rules on how it will be conducted. 
This is the proper time to welcome any dignitaries who are present. The 
hearing officer should explain that he or she does not make any 
recommendation or decision on whether the proposed project should be 
continued, modified, or abandoned or how the EIS should be prepared.
    A3.7.3. Explanation of the Proposed Action. The Air Force EIS 
preparation team representative should next explain the proposed action, 
the alternatives, the potential environmental consequences, and the 
EIAP.
    A3.7.4. Questions by Attendees. After the EIS team representative 
explains the proposed action, alternatives, and consequences, the 
hearing officer should give attendees a chance to ask questions to 
clarify points they may not have understood. The EIS preparation team 
may have to reply in writing, at a later date, to some of the questions. 
While the Air Force EIS preparation team should be as responsive as 
possible in answering questions about the proposal, they should not 
become involved in debate with questioners over the merits of the 
proposed action. Cross-examination of speakers, either those of the Air 
Force or the public, is not the purpose of an informal hearing. If 
necessary, the hearing officer may limit questioning or conduct portions 
of the hearing to ensure proper lines of inquiry. However, the hearing 
officer should include all questions in the hearing record.
    A3.7.5. Statement of Attendees. The hearing officer must give the 
persons attending the hearing a chance to present oral or written 
statements. The hearing officer should be sure the recorder has the name 
and address of each person who submits an oral or written statement. The 
officer should also permit the attendees to submit written statements 
within a reasonable time, usually two weeks, following the hearing. The 
officer should allot a reasonable length of time at the hearing for 
receiving oral statements. The officer may waive any announced time 
limit at his or her discretion. The hearing officer may allow those who 
have not previously indicated a desire to speak to identify themselves 
and be recognized only after those who have previously indicated their 
intentions to speak have spoken.
    A3.7.6. Ending or Extending a Hearing. The hearing officer has the 
power to end the hearing if the hearing becomes disorderly, if the 
speakers become repetitive, or for other good cause. In any such case, 
the hearing officer must make a statement for the record on the reasons 
for terminating the hearing. The hearing officer may also extend the 
hearing beyond the originally announced date and time. The officer 
should announce the extension to a later date or time during the hearing 
and prior to the hearing if possible.

                      A3.8. Adjourning the Hearing

    After all persons have had a chance to speak, when the hearing has 
culled a representative view of public opinion, or when the time set for 
the hearing and any reasonable extension of time has ended, the hearing 
officer adjourns the hearing. In certain circumstances (for example, if 
the hearing officer believes it is likely that some participants will 
introduce new and relevant information), the hearing officer may justify 
scheduling an additional, separate hearing session. If the hearing 
officer makes the decision to hold another hearing while presiding over 
the original hearing he or she should announce that another public 
hearing will be scheduled or is under consideration. The officer gives 
notice of a decision to continue these hearings in essentially the same 
way he or she announced the original hearing, time permitting. The 
Public Affairs officer provides the required public notices and directs 
notices to interested parties in coordination with the hearing officer. 
Because of lead-time constraints, SAF/MIQ may

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waive Federal Register notice requirements or advertisements in local 
publications. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer 
should inform the attendees of the deadline (usually 2 weeks) to submit 
additional written remarks in the hearing record. The officer should 
also notify attendees of the deadline for the commenting period of the 
Draft EIS.

[64 FR 38129, July 15, 1999; 66 FR 16869, Mar. 28, 2001, as amended at 
66 FR 31177, June 11, 2001]

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       Subtitle B--Other Regulations Relating to National Defense

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