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Citizens Voice Concerns Over Navy Sonar Use

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 March 2008, 09:00 CDT

MOREHEAD CITY -- Joan Gerdsen of Swansboro used a poem to express to the Navy her concerns about sonar training on sea turtles, whales and other marine life.

"If we need more research, let's do it now. Let's not be afraid to explore this whole thing of sonar sounds and notes of 'ping ping' so our grandchildren's children can still hear the whales sing," said Gerdsen, who recited her poem during a Tuesday night public hearing on the issue.

Gerdsen was one of six people to speak during the public comment period, which followed an open house held by the Navy to inform the public about a review now under way regarding active sonar training for the Atlantic Fleet.

She said after the meeting that one of the reasons she moved to the area was to work with sea turtles, and she believes it is important to preserve the marine life and natural environment for future generations.

"I want my grandchildren to be able to come and see them," she said.

The Department of the Navy has filed an Atlantic Fleet active sonar training (AFAST) draft environmental impact statement evaluating the potential environmental effects associated with the use of mid- and high-frequency active sonar technology for fleet activities along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.

The draft AFAST environmental impact statement is separate from one being developed by the Navy on a proposed undersea warfare training range. The initial draft EIS on the undersea range identified a 500-square-nautical-mile site off Camp Lejeune as a preferred location.

The AFAST document examines four alternatives for designating and conducting active sonar activities. The preferred alternative is to take no action and continue active sonar activities within and adjacent to existing operating areas.

Jene Nissen, U.S. Fleet Forces Command project manager, said the preferred alternative would give the Navy flexibility to train in locations along the coast that closely match where they will be operating.

And active sonar training is particularly important, the Navy said, because it is the most effective in detecting today's quieter diesel submarines and considered the only effective means in detecting hostile submarines and underwater mines.

There are more than 300 quiet, diesel submarines operated by more than 40 nations, the Navy said.

But Nissen said the training needs are only part of the analysis. The draft EIS also looks at marine life and habitat.

"We are really trying to balance our need for training with our environmental stewardship," he said.

Comments during the public hearing primarily focused on the need to protect the marine life and environment.

Michelle Nowlin, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, said that while specific research on the issue may still be developing, there is information from which conclusions can be drawn. And the conclusions show a potential for serious impact to whales, sea turtles and other marine life.

"The absence of information does not mean the absence of impact," she said.

Katie Hall, an environmental policy analyst for the office of state Sen. Marc Basnight, D-Dare, said at least one study shows a link, and that's reason for concern.

"We don't see any positive environmental or economic impact for North Carolina, especially coastal Carolinians, while data on the science of sonar's impact on mammals is still in progress, and there is at least one study that has linked sonar to a mass marine stranding," she said following the meeting.

Christine Miller of the North Carolina Coastal Federation did not speak during the hearing but noted the three other alternatives proposed appear to take a more precautionary stance by adjusting where and when training would be, such as seasonal training to avoid migration patterns of animals.

While the public hearing brought out concerns with environmental impact, Ronald E. Smith of Morehead City expressed support for the military's training efforts during the open house.

"The Navy is international, working ocean to ocean. We are the peacekeepers, and it's important we get the training we need," said Smith, a Navy veteran.

Public comment is being accepted through March 31. Comments can be submitted in writing to: Command, Atlantic Division, Attention: Code EV22 (Atlantic Fleet Sonar Project Manager), 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508-1278. The fax number is 888-875-6781.

The AFAST draft EIS can be viewed and comments made electronically be going to http://afasteis.gcsaic.com

Source: The Daily News

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