MITT Draft SEIS/OEIS public comment period extended

ASAN, Guam—The U.S. Navy extended the public comment period by 15 days from April 2 to 17 for the Mariana Islands Training and Testing Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

In the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS, the Navy evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with ongoing and future military readiness activities conducted within the Study Area at sea and on Farallon de Medinilla. The Navy requests and welcomes substantive public comments on the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS.

The Navy is seeking public review and comment on the Proposed Action and alternatives, and the accuracy and adequacy of the environmental analysis. The Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS is available for public review online at www.MITT-EIS.com and at the following locations:

GUAM
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Library
University of Guam
UOG Station
Mangilao, GU 96923

Nieves M. Flores Memorial Library
254 Martyr St.
Hagåtña, GU 96910

SAIPAN
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library
Beach Road and Insatto St.
Saipan, MP 96950

TINIAN
Tinian Public Library
San Jose Village
Tinian, MP 96952

ROTA
Antonio C. Atalig Memorial Library
Rota, MP 96951

The Navy will accept comments throughout the extended public comment period, which ends April 2. All comments must be postmarked or received online by April 17, for consideration in the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS. Comments may be submitted online at www.MITT-EIS.com, at the public meetings, or by mail to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Attention: MITT EIS/OEIS Project Manager 258 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100

Pearl Harbor, HI 96860-3134

The Proposed Action is to conduct at-sea training and testing activities within the Study Area. These activities include the use of active sonar and explosives while employing marine species mitigation measures. The purpose of the Proposed Action, which remains the same as the 2015 MITT Final EIS/OEIS, is to maintain a ready force to ensure the military can accomplish its mission to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready forces.

The proposed at-sea training and testing activities are generally consistent with those analyzed in the 2015 MITT Final EIS/OEIS and are similar to activities the military has conducted in the Study Area for decades.

Visit the project website at www.MITT-EIS.com to download the Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS and submit substantive comments online. (PR)