[Federal Register: August 6, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 151)]
[Notices]
[Page 47916-47917]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06au04-58]
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Department of the Army
Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement
for the Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex at Fort Benning, GA
AGENCY: Department of the Army, DOD.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: The Department of the Army announces the availability of the
Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) for the Digital Multi-Purpose Range Complex (DMPRC) at Fort
Benning, GA. The ROD details the Army's decision with respect to the
proposed action and alternatives considered in the EIS, and the
rationale for the decision. Based on the EIS and other factors, the
Army has decided to implement its preferred alternative. This decision
allows the Army to proceed with the necessary actions to allow the
construction, operation and maintenance of a DMPRC at Fort Benning. The
decision also affirms the Army's commitment to implementing a series of
mitigations and monitoring measures, as identified in the EIS, to
offset potential adverse environmental impacts associated with the
proposed action.
ADDRESSES: Interested parties desiring to review the ROD may obtain a
copy by contacting Mr. Richard McDowell, Public Affairs Officer, U.S.
Army Infantry Center, ATTN: ATZB-PO, Fort Benning, GA, 31905-5122 or by
sending an electronic mail request to mcdowellr@benning.army.mil. The
ROD may also be viewed on the Fort Benning Web site (http://www-benning.army.mil/EMD/dmprcLegal&PublicNotices.htm
).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard McDowell at 706-545-2211.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with the National
[[Page 47917]]
Environmental Policy Act, the Army prepared an EIS for the
construction, operation, and maintenance of the DMPRC. The EIS
identified the relevant environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the
proposed action and alternatives on the biological, physical, and
cultural environment.
As a result of this decision, the Army will proceed with the
necessary actions to begin to construct and operate the facilities
described in the Preferred Alternative (Alternative III). Although the
Environmentally Preferred Alternative (Alternative I-No Action)
generally had few environmental impacts than the two action
alternatives, it had significant adverse impacts from noise and did not
meet the overall training needs of the installation. Noise was a major
concern raised in public comments. The Army Preferred Alternative
substantially reduces adverse noise impacts on the communities near Ft.
Benning by moving the training range to a more interior portion of the
installation. Alternative II would also meet the basic purpose and need
for the DMPRC, but would have more adverse environmental effects that
Alternative III. All practicable measures will be used to mitigate the
impacts. The mitigation measures are listed in the ROD. The proposed
project site is an approximately 1,800 acre area in the D13 area that
would utilize an existing dudded impact area, K15. The DMPRC would
contain 35 stationary infantry targets, 11 evasive moving armor
targets, 55 stationary armor targets, two defense trenches with
foxholes, 19 defilade positions (Abrams Tank and Bradley Fighting
Vehicle hiding places), four tank trails, eight low-water crossings
(four on Bonham Creek and four on Sally Beach). A helipad will also be
constructed for use in emergency evacuations. The following support
facilities would be constructed in an approximately 20-acre area to the
southwest of the range and target firing area and just off of Hourglass
Road: latrines; bivouac pads; a covered mess (dining area); vehicle
holding and maintenance areas; a well house; water distribution and
wastewater collection/treatment systems; a secondary power and data
distribution system; a Control Building; and buildings for After Action
Review; general instruction; operations and storage; central
maintenance and for ammunition breakdown (with ammunition dock).
Michael Q. Frnka,
Director Public Works Division, Installation Management Agency,
Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 04-18000 Filed 8-5-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3710-08-M