Forum Offers Information on Marine Corps Operations Expansion

By Sue Book, Sun Journal, New Bern, N.C.

Jun. 13–HAVELOCK — Expanding Eastern North Carolina Marine Corps base range operations brought more than a dozen people to Thursday’s last public information open house.

Three alternatives being assessed as required by the National Environmental Policy Act were discussed by officials from the proposed locations, as well as from Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic in Norfolk. Project Manager Susan Admire, of Naval Facilities in Norfolk, said most questions had already been addressed in earlier meetings with the Corps of Engineers, N.C. Division of Wildlife and Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA).

“We are conducting a comprehensive review of current and proposed operations,” said Mark Condra of the Cherry Point range management department.

One alternative would be to keep the status quo, which includes the planned arrival of helicopter and Super Hornet squadrons. A second option increases aircraft, small arms range activities and .50 caliber weapon training that would result in a restriction on small boats and helicopters by seventh-tenths of a nautical mile at Brant Island.

The third option combines each of the other two options and increases the water danger zone at Piney Island due to missile firing.

Each of the options would maintain and not require an increase in the 115 and 130 decibels already in use, said Jim Schleining of Naval Facilities.

Carmen Lombardo of Cherry Point said the environmental assessment will look at all environmental considerations, human, natural, and socioeconomic, from noise and public health to historical and coastal impacts.

A first draft is to be posted at the N.C. Clearinghouse Review this summer. The Corps of Engineers, N.C. Division of Wildlife and CAMA then get another opportunity to address concerns.

Those still wishing to be heard can submit their comments by July 7 to Admire at 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23508-1278.

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