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Published: 2010

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"This Final EIS/OEIS has been prepared by the Department of the Navy in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 United States Code [sec.] 4321 et seq.); the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations [C.F.R.] Part 1500-1508); Department of the Navy Procedures for Implementing NEPA (32 C.F.R. Part 775); and Executive Order 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions. The Navy has identified the need to support and conduct current, emerging, and future training and research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT & E) activities (unmanned aerial systems only) in the NWTRC. Three Alternatives are analyzed in this EIS/OEIS. The No Action Alternative will continue training and RDT & E activities of the same types, and at the same levels of training intensity as currently conducted, without change in the nature or scope of military activities in the EIS/OEIS Study Area. Alternative 1, in addition to accommodating training activities addressed in the No Action Alternative, would support an increase in training activities. Alternative 1 also proposes training and RDT & E required by force structure changes to be implemented for new weapons systems, instrumentation, and technology as well as new classes of ships, submarines, and new types of aircraft. Alternative 2 would include all elements of Alternative 1, in addition, under Alternative 2, training activities would be increased over levels identified in Alternative 1, and certain range enhancements would be implemented, to include new electronic combat threat simulators/targets, development of a small scale underwater training minefield, development and use of the portable undersea tracking range, and development of air and surface target services. This EIS/OEIS addresses the potential environmental impacts that result or could result from activities under the No Action Alternative, Alternative 1, and Alternative 2. Environmental resource topics evaluated include geology and soils, air quality, hazardous materials, water resources, acoustic environment (airborne), marine plants and invertebrates, fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, birds, terrestrial biological resources, cultural resources, traffic, socioeconomics, environmental justice and protection of children, and public safety"--Abstract.