From We Are Guahan: Ritidian

FROM WE ARE GUAHAN
DOD SELECTS ONLY CRITICAL RECOVERY HABITAT ON GUAM FOR SITE OF FIRING RANGE COMPLEX
DOD has released a draft Supplemental EIS or SEIS proposing a site for a firing range complex that impacts over 250 acres of critical recovery habitat at Ritidian.  A bill has also been introduced in Congress allowing DOD to place a “surface danger zone” over the Ritidian Wildlife Refuge.  
WHAT IS THE SEIS?
The Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement or “SEIS” is a DOD study that announces DOD’s preferred choice for the location of two things:
  • DOD's proposed firing range complex; and
  • DOD's proposed Marine base and housing.  
The SEIS also identifies environmental, social, cultural and economic consequences associated with DOD’s preferred choices.
WHY IS IT BEING PREPARED?
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Guam Preservation Trust and We Are Guahan filed a lawsuit against DOD in November 2010 based on DOD’s failure to look at all reasonable alternatives when it selected Pagat Village as the site of its firing range complex.  One year later, DOD agreed to prepare an SEIS that looked at new alternatives it had not considered in its original EIS.  DOD has also changed its plans for its proposed Marine Corps base because of a reduction in the number of Marines and dependents that are set to be moved to Guam.    
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
The purpose of the SEIS is to allow our community to participate in DOD’s decision-making process.  As with the first EIS, the public can submit comments and to attend public hearings raising any concerns with DOD’s proposal.  DOD has only given us 60 days to review the draft SEIS and submit comments.
During the commenting period, DOD will hold (3) public hearings.  
  • May 17, 2014 at Okkodo High School  
  • May 19, 2014 at Father Duenas Memorial School
  • May 20, 2014 in Santa Rita at the former McCool School
After the commenting period concludes, DOD will release its Final SEIS and ultimately issue a Record of Decision.  
Links:
View the draft SEIS at:
http://guambuildupeis.us/draft-documents
Reference Links:
http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2014304300002

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