The Department of the Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard have jointly published a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS) evaluating the environmental effects of training and testing activities conducted within the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) Study Area. This area includes portions of the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern U.S. coast, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and some inland and nearshore waterways.
The draft document, identified as SEIS-007-17-USN-1723491961, assesses the potential environmental impacts of military readiness activities carried out by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. These activities are largely consistent with those previously analyzed in the 2018 EIS/OEIS and have been ongoing in the AFTT Study Area for decades.
Public Comment Period Open
In line with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, the Navy and Coast Guard are encouraging public input on the draft EIS/OEIS. The public comment period began on September 20, 2024, and will close on November 21, 2024. During this time, interested parties can submit comments electronically or by mail, and are invited to participate in a series of public meetings.
The meetings aim to provide more information about the proposed actions, alternative options, and the environmental analysis. Three in-person, open-house-style meetings and two virtual meetings will be held to allow the public to engage with subject matter experts, ask questions, and provide comments. These meetings are part of the Navy’s ongoing efforts to involve the public in the environmental review process.
More details on the public meetings and the available avenues for submitting comments can be found on the project website at www.nepa.navy.mil/aftteis.
Study Area Overview
The AFTT Study Area covers a vast region extending from the Atlantic Ocean along the eastern coast of North America, portions of the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The area also includes select inland and nearshore waterways where the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard have long conducted training and testing activities.
These activities, which are essential for military readiness, have the potential to affect the human environment in several ways. The Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS explores the foreseeable environmental impacts, including effects on marine life, habitats, and water quality.
The current assessment updates previous environmental studies conducted in 2018, reflecting ongoing commitments by the military to remain compliant with environmental regulations while ensuring the preparedness of its forces.
Public Involvement Encouraged
The Navy and Coast Guard stress the importance of public participation in the NEPA process. “We encourage the public to submit comments on the AFTT Draft Supplemental EIS/OEIS during the public comment period,” a statement from the Navy said. Input from the public will play a critical role in shaping the Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS.
In an effort to reach as many stakeholders as possible, the Navy has requested that local governments and organizations help disseminate information about the public comment period. Notices and updates about the project, along with information on how to attend public meetings, are available for sharing on official city websites, newsletters, and other communication platforms.
The Navy has expressed appreciation for public engagement and emphasized its commitment to ensuring transparency throughout the process. Mr. Ted Brown, from U.S. Fleet Forces Environmental Public Affairs, serves as the primary point of contact for any questions. He can be reached by email at theodore.c.brown4.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at 757-836-4427.
Moving Forward
Once the public comment period ends on November 21, 2024, the Navy and Coast Guard will review all substantive feedback. The Final Supplemental EIS/OEIS will address these comments and make adjustments as necessary to the environmental impact analysis.
Public participation is considered an essential component of the NEPA process, ensuring that environmental considerations are fully explored and understood. As military readiness continues to be a top priority, balancing operational needs with environmental stewardship remains a key focus for both the Navy and Coast Guard.
The draft document and all related information remain available on the project’s dedicated website, providing transparency and accessibility for those interested in learning more or contributing to the discussion.
