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MITT out in coming weeks
Adding more impact documents for the CNMI to review, the Mariana Island Training and Testing’s final environmental impact statement is due in the next few weeks, though no exact date has been set yet, according to Joint Region Marianas public affairs officer Lt. Tim Gorman.
The final environmental impact statement comes on top of other impact documents in draft review for military training activity in the CNMI. The MITT draft EIS describes ranges and training areas on the islands of Guam, Rota, Saipan, Tinian, and Farallon de Medinilla.
Expansive airspace, surface sea space, and underwater sea space are also described for this training.
According to consultation documents between the Navy and the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, the Navy would train in the Cowtown area of Saipan. This “urban warfare training” would maneuver in the existing environment with no construction, clearing, or helicopter use.
Military activities on Rota would involve amphibious raids using swimming or rubber craft. This training would be “infrequent” and be coordinated with local authorities.
“Substantial increases” in the explosive detonations at Farallon De Medinilla are also proposed in the military’s two action alternatives.
BECQ is expected to review the FEIS when it is out. After a formal comment period, the secretary of the Navy will issue a Record of Decision.
