[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 106 (Friday, June 3, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13525]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: June 3, 1994]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Air Force
Solid Waste Management Facility, Andersen AFB, Guam; Notice of
Availability Draft Environmental Impact Statement
The United States Air Force announces the availability of a Draft
Environmental Impact Statement for the construction of a new solid
waste management facility at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The new
facility will provide for recycling, composting, and disposal of
asbestos, rubble (hardfill), and municipal solid waste. The purpose of
the proposed action is to manage the solid waste generated by Andersen
AFB (12,000 tons per year) after the existing on-base unlined landfill
reaches capacity in approximately 2 years. The preferred alternative
for municipal solid waste disposal is vertical expansion of the
existing landfill. The proposed action is considered an interim
measure, designed not to exceed 10 years, to accommodate Air Force
needs until an island-wide solid waste management system can be
implemented; however, the proposed action does have the capability for
limited extension in the event that an island-wide system does not
become available at the end of 10 years. Specifically, it is proposed
that a new landfill be constructed on top of the existing one in such a
manner that the liner system for the new facility will serve as a cap
for the old facility. Provisions will be made for the collection,
removal, and treatment of leachate, and for groundwater monitoring.
Other alternatives considered include: a new landfill constructed at
one of seven alternate sites on Andersen AFB, use of the Government of
Guam Ordot Landfill, use of a proposed Government of Guam waste-to-
energy facility, future use of an island-wide Government of Guam and
Department of Defense landfill, incineration on base, use of the Navy
landfill at the Apra Harbor Complex, and no action.
Two major environmental issues affect the selection of a preferred
alternative. First, the majority of Andersen Air Force Base overlies
the Northern Guam Lens, which has been designated a sole source aquifer
under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Guam Environmental Protection
Agency has established a groundwater protection zone that constrains
activities in areas overlying the aquifer or serving as recharge zones.
Second, the forested area along the cliffline on the east, north, and
west boundaries of Andersen Air Force Base is habitat for endangered
species. The primary endangered species of concern are the Mariana crow
and the Mariana fruit bat. The principal threat to these species is
predation on eggs and young by an introduced species, the brown tree
snake. The proposed action includes engineering controls (a double
liner with leachate collection, removal, and treatment) to minimize the
likelihood of impacts to the aquifer. Furthermore, by capping the
existing landfill, the proposed action will reduce the production of
leachate from previously landfilled materials. Potential effects on the
biota, and endangered species in particular, are unlikely because the
proposed action will take place at a site that is already disturbed and
has minimal habitat value.
The United States Air Force invites comments and suggestions from
all interested parties on the findings of the Environmental Impact
Statement, and has tentatively scheduled a public hearing for May 1994.
Notice of the exact time and place of the hearing will be published in
the news media. If concerned persons are not able to attend the public
hearing, written comments and suggestions will be accepted. To ensure
that the Air Force will have sufficient time to fully consider public
contributions, written comments must be received no later than forty-
five (45) days from the publication of today's notice. Comments or
requests for further information concerning this Environmental Impact
Statement should be addressed to Mr. Roy N. Tsutsui, Chief,
Environmental Flight, Andersen AFB, Guam, 633 CES/CEV, Bldg. 18001,
Unit 14007, APO, AP 96543-4007; Phone: (671) 366-2101.
List of Subjects
Environmental Protection, Environmental Impact Statement, U.S. Air
Force, Anderson AFB, Guam, Notice of Availability, Solid waste.
Patsy J. Conner,
Air Force Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 94-13525 Filed 6-2-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3190-01-P
