The DAF conducted a remote public scoping period in accordance with the 2020 version of 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1506.6. All of the scoping materials are included here for the duration of the project and also are available for download on the Resources page of this website. This page will be updated when the public review period for the Draft EIS begins.
Background
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 was enacted to address concerns about federal actions and their effects on the environment. NEPA’s main objectives are as follows:
What is an EIS?
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is the most detailed analysis prescribed by the regulations implementing NEPA.
An EIS is a detailed public document describing:
Steps in the EIS Process
What is Public Scoping?
The DAF initially issued an NOI on April 20, 2021, to prepare an EIS for Infrastructure Upgrades at Andersen AFB, Guam. Following the initial scoping period conducted in 2021, the DAF placed the EIS on a strategic pause to further consider the scope of the EIS, including the requirements of evolving strategic initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region and how the Proposed Action could best support these initiatives. As a result of the strategic pause, the DAF revised the scope of the Proposed Action to include the beddown of up to 12 Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15 fighter aircraft and associated mission support. The DAF has now reissued an NOI to prepare an EIS for the proposed F-15 Beddown and Infrastructure Upgrades at Andersen AFB, Guam. The DAF is the lead agency for the EIS, and the Department of the Navy is a cooperating agency.
What Role Does the Public Have During Public Scoping?
During public scoping, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public are invited to:
What Happens After Public Scoping?
After the public scoping period has ended, the DAF will:
Project Background
Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action
General Description of the Proposed Action
Figure 1: Andersen AFB Project Area
Proposed Action:
North Ramp Infrastructure
Approximately 80 acres of paved surfaces; 16 acres of stormwater management infrastructure; and 96 acres that would be cleared, graded, revegetated, and maintained.
Figure: Proposed North Ramp Infrastructure Upgrades
Proposed Action:
Munitions Storage Area-1 Infrastructure:
Approximately 2 acres of paved surfaces; 1.5 acres of stormwater management infrastructure; 2.3 acres of temporary disturbance to support construction; and 11.2 acres that would be cleared, revegetated, and maintained.
Figure: Proposed MSA-1 Infrastructure Upgrades
Key Elements to the F-15 Beddown include:
Approximately 80 acres of paved surfaces; 16 acres of stormwater management infrastructure; and 96 acres that would be cleared, graded, revegetated, and maintained.
The following topics will be analyzed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS):
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Water Resources
Social Resources
Other Considerations
Potential Impact Review
The Department of the Air Force will conduct cultural and natural resources surveys in the areas proposed for upgrades and consult with appropriate resource agencies to determine the potential for significant impacts on those resources. Additional analysis will be provided in the Draft EIS.
Comments, questions, and relevant information are welcomed on the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) proposed F-15 Beddown and Infrastructure Upgrades at Andersen Air Force Base (AFB), Guam. The DAF also welcomes comments under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 800) regarding the identification of or effects on historic properties, and requests to become a consulting party in the Section 106 process. Please submit comments in English using one of the following methods:
Scoping materials are available on the project website for browsing or download. Requests for printed scoping materials can also be made to the addresses above. For printed material requests, the standard U.S. Postal Service shipping timeline will apply. Please consider the environment before requesting printed material.
To ensure the DAF has sufficient time to consider public input, please submit comments by January 15, 2024.
Thank you for your participation in the public scoping period for the F-15 Beddown and Infrastructure Upgrades at Andersen AFB!