[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 159 (Tuesday, August 18, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 44247-44248] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-22187] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Changes to Utilization of Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of Availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice of availability announces the public release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). The Draft EIS is programmatic in nature and discloses impacts associated with direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the proposed action under a range of alternatives. New missions and programs require land use changes and construction of new facilities and military ranges. Examples of changes to YPG's mission that may result in this action include: combat systems testing, troop training, and private sector use of facilities. Activities to support this action include modernization of outdated facilities, improvements to infrastructure, installation of utilities, and land use changes. An environmental assessment prepared to evaluate the effect of the Installation Master Plan determined that significant effects were likely to result from these changes. DATES: Written public comments received within 45 days of the date of publication of the Environmental Protection Agency's Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: To receive a copy of this Draft EIS, or to submit comments, contact: Directorate of Environmental Sciences, STEYP-ES-C (ATTN: Mr. [[Page 44248]] Junior D. Kerns), Yuma Proving Ground, AZ 85365. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Junior D. Kerns at (520) 328-2148. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Resources discussed in the draft are climate, air, water, geology and soils, biology, cultural resources, socioeconomics, land use, noise, hazardous materials/waste management, radiation, health and safety, aesthetic values, utilities, and transportation. Situated in southwestern Arizona, the installation is a desert evaluation and test center with premier facilities for testing military materiel. The proposed action is the conversion of YPG from a traditional Army test installation to a diversified, multipurpose test range. The multipurpose test installation will integrate training, privatization, and other mission-compatible uses with research, development, test, and evaluation activities indicated in the Installation Master Plan and other applicable planning documents. This proposed action supports the defense mission of the United States to maintain a prepared and technologically advanced military. Five alternatives are considered: (1) Maintain baseline activity levels (no action), (2) decreased military mission, (3) increased military mission, (4) modified nonmilitary mission, and (5) diversified mission. Impacts of each alternative are disclosed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The Army will develop a preferred alternative after consideration of impacts described in the Draft EIS and public comment. Comments may also be submitted via phone at (800) 330-1348. Dated: August 13, 1998. Raymond J. Fatz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health) OASA(I,L&E). [FR Doc. 98-22187 Filed 8-17-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M