‘Hybrid approach’ must be permissible within previous DEIS work

U.S military leaders have recently proposed a “hybrid approach” inclusive of Tinian and Saipan for the Air Force’s Divert and Exercises Project in the CNMI. But this, it was learned, must still be within the range of options or alternatives already discussed and evaluated in relevant environmental documents within the ongoing National Environmental Protection Act process.

So far, Tinian and Saipan have only been studied as separate and exclusive Divert and Exercises alternatives locations.

The proposed hybrid approach appears to be a “third alternative” not formally included in the draft environmental impact statement for the Divert and Exercises Project to be located in the CNMI and published in 2012.

In this DEIS, Saipan was listed as preferred alternative number one. Tinian was second, and an option of “no alternative” was also discussed.

But Saipan Tribune learned that even if a hybrid alternative was proven viable under NEPA—as impact studies have been or will be done for both islands—the military would still need to lease property at the civilian airports on both islands, currently owned by the Commonwealth Ports Authority, in order to move forward with the proposed hybrid approach.

Ad-hoc discussions between the CNMI and the military in recent years have clarified the military’s position; however, no formal discussions or talks regarding the leasing of property on Tinian or Saipan has been initiated.

Still, it was reported in 2013 that the military eyed a 50-year lease for some 33-acres of land around the Saipan air and seaport.

For their part, CPA has been set in their position that the Divert Project be sited on Tinian and not on Saipan. The Inos administration has voiced the same position.

Earlier, after briefing CNMI lawmakers on their September resolution that essentially said “no” to siting the Divert and Exercises Project on Saipan, CPA executive director Maryann Lizama re-emphasized her position, when asked if a “collaborative” resolution between lawmakers and CPA was in the works.

“CPA has already issued its resolution regarding divert and the position remains unchanged: Divert shall be sited and permitted on Tinian and CPA will support an Airport Layout Plan to that end. Whether the House and Senate will issue resolutions on the issue articulating the Legislature’s position on divert is a policy decision left to the representatives including Precinct 1,” she had said.