Comment period extended for draft divert EIS

The U.S. Air Force announced Saturday that the comment period for the Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Divert Activities and Exercises in the CNMI has been extended from Dec. 1 until Dec. 14. The Air Force published the Revised Draft EIS Oct. 16 and can be downloaded at www.PACAFDivertMarianasEIS.com.

The Revised Draft EIS analyzes potential environmental impacts of modified versions of the alternatives originally presented in the June 2012 Draft EIS. Since June 2012, the Air Force determined the policies and objectives of the National Environmental Policy Act would be best served by preparing a Revised Draft EIS and seeking additional comments on changes made as a result of comments received on the 2012 Draft EIS. Based on public and agency input into the 2012 Draft EIS, the Air Force removed a runway extension, aircraft hangar, munitions storage facilities, arm/disarm pad, tent lodging and fighter aircraft operations from each of the three modified alternatives in the Revised Draft EIS.

The Proposed Action is to improve an existing airport or airports and associated infrastructure in support of expanding mission requirements and to achieve divert capabilities in the western Pacific. Under this action, the Air Force proposes to construct facilities and infrastructure at an existing airport or airports to support a combination of cargo, tanker and similar aircraft and associated support personnel for divert operations, periodic exercises and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Proposed facilities would be used on an as-needed basis and would not be used as a permanent full-time beddown or installation location. Saipan International Airport and Tinian International Airport and small areas near the respective seaports are considered alternative locations for the Proposed Action.

In accordance with NEPA and the Air Force regulations for implementing NEPA in 32 CFR Part 989.19(e), the Air Force prepared the Revised Draft EIS and provided it to the public for review.

Electronic files can be downloaded from the project website address listed above and below. In addition, printed copies of the Revised Draft EIS will available for review at the following locations:

– Saipan: Saipan Office of the Mayor; Joeten‐ Kiyu Public Library

– Tinian: Tinian Office of the Mayor; Tinian Public Library

The public is encouraged to provide written comments to the Air Force for consideration in preparing the Final EIS. Written comments may be submitted via postal mail, email or the project website. All comments must be submitted or postmarked no later than Dec.14.

Mail comments to:

PACAF/PA
25 E Street, Suite G-108
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853
ATTN: PACAF Divert EIS

Email comments to pacaf.paops@us.af.mil, or submit comments on the project website at www.PACAFDivertMarianasEIS.com. (Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs)