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WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 1997 – Public comments on rules for environmentally safe transfers of military training ranges to civilian use are invited at a series of DoD regional meetings starting this month.
The first forum is scheduled Oct. 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Others will be held Oct. 29 in Baltimore, Nov. 5 in Kansas City, Mo., and Dec. 10 in Reno, Nev. All will be from 3 to 9 p.m. local time. The services are giving up ranges previously used for ordnance training and weapons testing as part of the base realignment and closure process and other transfer arrangements. The forums will examine potential environmental impacts of issuing a "Range Rule" vs. alternatives and will help decision makers assess resulting plans. "Years of day-to-day experience in managing environmental programs have taught us many valuable lessons," said Sherri W. Goodman, deputy undersecretary of defense for environmental security. "One of the most important lessons is that public involvement is key to our overall success.". The meetings will include exhibits and get-acquainted sessions with the DoD Range Rule team, composed of technical, legal, health and safety specialists. Question and answer periods throughout the day will become part of the public record. The forums will also give the public the chance to review and comment on an environmental impact statement to be prepared in connection with the rules. Forum locations are: - Jacksonville -- Radisson Riverwalk Hotel and Conference Center, 1515 Prudential Drive; (904) 396-5100.
- Baltimore -- Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, Baltimore Travel Center, 5625 O'Donnell St.; (410) 633-9500.
- Kansas City -- Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4445 Main St.; (816) 531-3000.
- Reno -- Lawlor Events Center, Hall of Fame Room, University of Nevada, North Virginia and 15th Streets; (702) 784-4659.
Copies of DoD's proposed Range Rule will be available at the forums, or you can obtain a copy by writing to: Department of Defense Range Rule
PO Box 4137
Gaithersburg, MD 20885-4137.Call toll-free (888) 541-1081 or (800) 870-6557 for the hearing impaired. Send fax requests can be sent to (800) 670-6547. The e-mail address is fbarrule@b-r.com; the World Wide Web address is http://www.acq.osd.mil/ens/ with the link words "Munitions Range Rule."
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