[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 79 (Monday, April 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9900]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: April 25, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Finding of No Significant Impact for the Use of Military Surplus
Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction
AGENCY: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the U.S. Army Materiel
Command (AMC), Department of Defense (DoD).
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: An environmental assessment on the use of Military Surplus
Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction was prepared pursuant to
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321
(et seq) and the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR
parts 1500-1508). The environmental assessment concluded that there
will be no significant impact on the environment and that preparation
of an Environmental Impact Statement will not be necessary. Interested
parties may submit comments to the address listed below for a 30-day
period from the date of this notice.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 22 April 1994.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Larry J. Wilson, CAAV, Staff
Director, Public Affairs Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Cameron
Station, Alexandria, VA 22304-6100, (703) 274-6135.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DLA is responsible for overseeing the
disposal of excess military assets. The normal disposal protocols for
military tanks involve the selling of demilitarized tanks to salvage
companies. However, the size of the current surplus inventory and the
likely growth due to DoD downsizing motivated consideration of other
methods of disposition. An environmental assessment has been prepared
to address the proposed use of surplus tanks for reef construction
material, possible alternative approaches, environmental consequences
of the proposed action, and measures recommended to mitigate
potentially adverse effects. This environmental assessment has been
prepared jointly by the DLA and AMC in accordance with Council on
Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and DLA implementing regulation
DLAR 1000.22, Environmental Consideration in DLA Actions in the United
States.
The proposed action involves the use of as many as 200 surplus
military armored tanks for placement in coastal waters for artificial
reef construction. These surplus tanks are located at the Anniston Army
Dept (ANAD), Anniston Al. The Artificial Reef Program is administered
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) pursuant to 33 USC Section
2104. Under this program, the COE designates specific areas to be used
as artificial reef sites and issues permits to ensure that only
suitable materials are placed in the artificial reef. There has been
considerable interest by various coastal states in using surplus
armored tanks as artificial reef material. It is believed that the
heavy gauge steel construction of the tanks will extend the useful life
of the artificial reef. Properly designed, constructed, and located,
artificial reefs can enhance recreational and commercial fishing
opportunities, increase the production of fishery products, increase
the energy efficiency of recreational and commercial fisheries, and
contribute to coastal economies.
DLA and AMC will institute measures which will mitigate potential
adverse effects. Tank cleanup and preparation procedures have been
developed to ensure that tanks are cleaned of environmentally harmful
materials and that they meet applicable environmental criteria. These
procedures include draining all fluids, removal of the tank engine,
transmission and hydraulic systems, and steam cleaning exterior and
interior surfaces. Tank preparation, transportation and deployment will
be in accordance with military operational and safety plans with
comprehensive transportation and deployment plans if performed by
nonmilitary activities.
The use of surplus military armored tanks for artificial reef
construction materials is not considered a major action significantly
affecting the quality of the human environment or requiring the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. A public comment
period regarding the environmental assessment will begin at the time of
publication of this notice and will conclude 30 days following. Copies
of the environmental assessment are available for inspection at the
address listed above. Interested parties may also contact the DLA
Public Affairs Office at commercial telephone (703) 274-6135.
Dated: 20 April 1994.
Jan B. Reitman,
Staff Director, (Environmental and Safety Policy).
[FR Doc. 94-9900 Filed 4-22-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3620-01-M
