NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT (FNSI) AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) FOR SOLO POINT BOAT RAMPS REPLACEMENT AT JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, WASHINGTON
Pursuant to Section 102 (2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500‑1508), the U.S. Department of the Army (Army) announces the availability for public review and comment of an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with replacing a concrete boat ramp at Solo Point between the cities of DuPont and Steilacoom in Pierce County, Washington. Solo Point is the only portion of Joint Base Lewis-McChord with marine access and is designated for the purpose of various amphibious training operations including small watercraft and helicopters.
The purpose of the proposed action is to correct structural deficiencies of the boat launch facility at the Solo Point Amphibious Site A-1 while balancing the needs of sensitive environmental resources and the surrounding human environment. The current state of the boat launch facility presents hazardous conditions to users of Solo Point, which could injure users and/or damage military and civilian equipment. A reliable boat ramp is needed for authorized users of Solo Point, which includes military personnel for training, Department of Defense identification card holders, and Native Americans, and is essential to military readiness and disaster support services.
A 30-day public comment period is being held to receive written comments on the EA and Draft FNSI. Members of the public, government agencies, and tribes are invited to review and comment on the EA and Draft FNSI.
The EA is available online for public review and comment at:
https://home.army.mil/lewis-mcchord/index.php/my-Joint-Base-Lewis-Mcchord/all-services/public_works-environmental_division/environmental-impact-analysis
For further information, or to submit comments, send an email to:
usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dpw-eis@mail.mil
or mailed to the following address:
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC WORKS
ATTN ENVIRONMENTAL DIVISION
2012 LIGGETT AVE, BOX 339500 MS 17
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD WA 98433-9500
Comments must be received by XX XXXX, 2020.