[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 25, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28163-28164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13215]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for
Enhanced Training and Operations at the National Guard Training Center
(NGTC)--Fort Indiantown Gap (FTIG), Pennsylvania
AGENCY: National Guard Bureau (NGB), Department of the Army (DA), DoD.
ACTION: Notice of intent.
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SUMMARY: This Notice of Intent is for the preparation of a Draft EIS
for proposed actions at the NGTC-FTIG. The proposal includes 11
actions, consisting of 42 component projects, identified in the
Pennsylvania Army National Guard's (PAARNG's) Range and Training Land
Program Plan (RTLPP) and in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard's
(PAANG's) Master Plan (MP) for NGTC-FTIG. The proposed actions include:
Tracked Vehicle Training Complex (TVTC) Projects (8 projects);
Ammunition Supply Point (ASP) Projects (2 projects); Artillery Training
Support Projects (2 projects); Multi-Purpose Range Complex (MPRC)
Development Project (1 project); Garrison Improvement Projects (5
projects); Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and Collection System
Project (1 project); Muir Army Airfield (MAAF) Complex Project (8
projects); Air-to-Ground range Projects (4 projects); Regional
Equipment Operators Training School (REOTS) Projects (3 projects);
Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) Implementation
Project (1 project); and Air-Guard Station Projects (7 projects).
The proposed actions are necessary to maintain NGTC-FTIG as an
important training asset within the Total Force structure, which
includes active and reserve component forces. By implementing the
proposed actions, NGTC-FTIG will be better able to meet the specific
missions of current military organization users and non-military
tenants. Through these actions, the Pennsylvania National Guard (PANG)
which includes both the PAARNG and the PAANG, will ensure that NGTC-
FTIG will continue to provide the training and support facilities
necessary to ensure the installation's long-term viability,
sustainability, and value as a major NGB installation. A summary of
impact analysis of previously completed EAs will be incorporated into
the DEIS.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties can furnish written comments or materials
to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Richard Shertzer, NGTC-FTIG EIS Project
Officer, Environmental Section, 1119 Utility Road, Annville,
Pennsylvania 17003-5002. Commercial telephone number is (717) 861-2548;
or to LTC Christopher Cleaver, NGTC-FTIG Public Affairs Officer, PADMVA
Headquarters, Building 0-47, Annville, Pennsylvania 17003-5002.
Commercial telephone number is (717) 861-8468.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Alternatives to the proposed actions to be
analyzed are: Alternative 1, Preferred Project Alternative--under this
alternative, the 11 proposed projects identified would be implemented,
including a restricted maneuver TVTC, an east-to-west oriented MPRC,
and a 6,000-foot military runway. On-going operations would continue,
as modified by the proposed action. Alternative 2, Competing Build
Alternative--under this alternative, the proposed actions are scaled
down or modified versions of some or all of the proposed projects.
Alternative 3, No Action Alternative--under this alternative, none of
the proposed upgrade or facility construction actions called for in the
PAARNG Range and Training Land Program Plan (RTLPP) and the PAANG
Master Plan (MP) would be
[[Page 28164]]
implemented. On-going actions will be continued.
Scoping: The PAANG and NGB will conduct public scoping meetings to
discuss public concerns and identify issues relating to the proposed
actions. Resource categories that will be analyzed include: physical
environment, water quality , groundwater, air quality, biological
resources (protected species, habitat, plant communities, wetlands,
other), land use, socioeconomic, noise, health and safety, airspace,
and cultural resources. Public participation in the EIS process is
essential to assist the decisionmakers in defining the scope of the
analysis considered in the EIS. Participation by Native Americans,
concerned interest groups, individuals, and Federal, State, and local
resource agencies is sought and encouraged in the public scoping
process.
Public scoping meetings will be held at two locations, one in
Dauphin County and one in Lebanon County in the vicinity of NGTC-FTIG.
Dates, times, and exact locations for these meetings will be announced
through letters, public notices, display advertisements, and legal
advertisements and will be released to newspapers of general
circulation a minimum of 15 days prior to the meeting. Those wishing to
provide information or data relevant to the environmental analysis of
the proposed actions or alternatives are encouraged to do so at the
public scoping meetings.
Dated: May 19, 1999.
Richard E. Newsome,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and
Occupational Health) OASA (I&E).
[FR Doc. 99-13215 Filed 5-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M
