The Department of the Navy has decided on an alternative training method in the Gulf of Alaska. This decision follows the results of an environmental impact statement (EIS) conducted as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The preferred alternative, which is Alternative 2, involves continuing current training activities while increasing certain ones from current levels to support fleet exercise requirements, includes active sonar use and accommodates new training requirements associated with force structure changes and the introduction of new weapons and systems to the fleet.
Such specifications include increasing the number of training activities from current levels as necessary to support two carrier strike group exercises that would last up to 21 days from April to October. It also means accommodating training enhancement instrumentation, including the use of a portable undersea tracking range. A sinking exercise will also be conducted during each summer exercise in a designated training area in the Gulf of Alaska. There are a maximum of two such exercises.
A release states the decision of Alternative 2 via a Record of Decision (ROD) is the final step in the NEPA process and allows the Navy to meet its statutory mission to conduct activities in a realistic, live-training environment while ensuring military personnel are well-equipped and prepared.
Navy Northwest Region Public Affairs Officer Sheila Murray explained that the Navy was faced between three alternatives, one of which was the No Action Alternative. Under this, training would continue at current levels without changes.
She said that although the EIS showed training did not have adverse environmental effects, Alternative 2 was selected to allow training to use increased technology.
“They need to increase training activities to keep up with what’s going on in the world,” she said. She said the No Action Alternative would not have allowed that.
She said the increased technology will help prepare the personnel better and keep up with advances they will need to know if they go into harm’s way.
Murray said the Navy has been working on the EIS for three years, requiring analyses on the environmental effects from the training methods used. These included effects on air quality, expended materials, water resources, acoustic environment, marine life, socioeconomics, cultural resources, traffic, environmental justice, public safety and cumulative impacts.
The Navy also held public meetings and hearings throughout the state during that time.
The ROD is available to the public at: www.gulfofalaskanavyeis.com.
• Contact reporter Jonathan Grass at 523-2276 or at jonathan.grass@juneauempire.com.
