Fallon range training complex EIS available for public review

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, the U.S. Navy, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The completion of this Final EIS concludes the evaluation of the potential environmental effects of current and proposed naval training activities conducted within the Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC) as described in the EIS. The Final EIS is available to the public, and today begins a 30 day wait period and public review period before the Navy may take action.

The Navy proposes to adjust current training activities to accommodate evolving mission requirements, including those resulting from training, tactics development, testing and introduction of new aircraft and weapons systems into the fleet.

The completion of the Final EIS follows several years of research, technical analysis and public involvement. The Navy held four public scoping meetings in June 2013 and one public meeting in February 2015 in association with the Draft EIS. Public, government agency and tribal comments received during the public review and comment period (January 23, 2015, through March 9, 2015) for the Draft EIS were considered and responded to in the Final EIS.

The Final EIS is available at www.FRTCEIS.com and at the following libraries:

Austin Branch Library, 88 Main St., Austin, NV 89310

Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St., Carson City, NV 89701

Churchill County Library, 507 S. Maine St., Fallon, NV 89406

Crescent Valley Branch Library, 5045 Tenabo Ave., Suite 103, Crescent Valley Town Center, Crescent Valley, NV 89821

Eureka Branch Library, 80 S. Monroe St., Eureka, NV 89316

Gabbs Community Library, 602 3rd St., Gabbs, NV 89409

For more information please visit the project website (www.FRTCEIS.com) or contact:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest

Attention: Code EV21.AK

1220 Pacific Highway, Building 1, 5th Floor

San Diego, CA 92132

This Notice of Availability (NOA) initiates a 30-calender day wait period and review period for the Final EIS, beginning the date that this NOA is published in the Federal Register (December 4, 2015). During this time no federal decision on the proposed action shall be made or recorded. Following the 30-day wait/review period, as required by CEQ Regulations for Implementing NEPA, the DoN may make a decision on the proposed action and a Record of Decision (ROD) could be issued.

The FRTC, located in the high desert of northern Nevada approximately 65 miles east of Reno is a set of well-defined geographic areas encompassing land area and associated airspace. Throughout its 75-year history, the FRTC has served as a vital and irreplaceable asset for training naval forces. The FRTC is the only naval training complex that can support, house and train an entire carrier air wing for advanced integrated strike warfare, Electronic Warfare and air warfare training.