[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 246 (Friday, December 20, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 67322] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-32357] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the Relocation of the U.S. Army Concepts Analysis Agency (CAA) From Bethesda, MD to Fort Belvoir, VA AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with Public Law 101-510, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommended the relocation of CAA from Bethesda, Maryland, to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The realignment is scheduled to occur in 1999 following construction scheduled to begin in the first quarter of fiscal year 1998. The EA analyzed the environmental and socioeconomic effects of the realignment on the organization, its functions, missions and personnel, as well as the planned construction. The EA evaluated, as a preferred alternative, the environmental impacts of construction of a new facility for CAA on a developed site. The other action alternatives considered include the use of existing administrative space, renovation of existing buildings or construction of a new administrative facility within a large tract of undeveloped land. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, a no- action alternative is described in which CAA would remain in leased space. This is required to establish baseline conditions. For the preferred alternative (construction of a new facility at the intersection of Goethals, Franklin and Lampert Roads, Fort Belvoir), the existing infrastructure is sufficient to accommodate the new facility. Demolition and construction will create potential minor short-term impacts such as noise, dust and soil erosion. Measures will be taken, such as time-sensitive scheduling of construction work, provision of erosion and sedimentation control, landscaping and screening with trees and shrubs, and management of stormwater to mitigate potentially adverse effects. Socioeconomic impacts to the area will be positive, but insignificant. The Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Military District of Washington, has concluded that the effects of the proposed action are not significant and will not adversely affect the quality of the environment. Fort Belvoir will implement necessary mitigation measures and will consult with regulatory agencies, as may be necessary, to ensure compliance with all Federal, state, regional, and local regulations and guidelines, Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required and will not be prepared. DATES: Public comments will be accepted on or before January 21, 1997. ADDRESSES: Copies of the EA/FNSI may be obtained by writing to,and any inquiries concerning the same should be addressed to, the Commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, ATTN: James Gregory (ANFB-PWE), 9430 Jackson Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5130, or by calling (703) 806- 0047, or sending a telefax to (703) 806-3246 within 30 days of the publication of this notice. Individuals wishing to review the EA may examine a copy at the following locations: Directorate of Public Works, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and the following Fairfax County Public Libraries; John Marshall, Lorton and Sherwood branches. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James Gregory at (703) 806-0047. Raymond J. Fatz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health) OASA(I,L&E). [FR Doc. 96-32357 Filed 12-19-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M