NEPA Documentation (EA) for Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle Training Facility at MCB Camp Pendleton
CLIENT
Southwest Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command
SERVICES PROVIDED
Environmental Impact Statement; Environmental Assessment; Biological Assessment
DRC conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Biological Assessment (BA), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, for the testing of the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) prototypes. The EA and BA addressed the proposed testing of two prototypes at two Camp Pendleton off-shore water locations in addition to a 30-mile Pacific Ocean transit. Landing areas and emergency water exit points during water testing included base beaches. DRC staff systematically described the environmental resources present and possible effects of the proposed action. Resources addressed land use, cultural, socioeconomic and environmental justice. Information on the following resources were provided and specifically addressed in the EA, specifically:
- Air and noise: All air emissions data, noise impact studies for the project were included where applicable (matrix, text, impacts, conclusions, appendix, etc.). DRC staff identified all significant noise resources in the area generated or affected (directly or indirectly).
- Biology: DRC staff addressed the action’s timing (seasonal perspective) for the planned test events and analyzed if and how it would impact any vegetation/wildlife, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act. DRC detailed potential for impacts to marine mammals, based on available audiometric data and assumptions the marine mammal scientific community accepts for those species without audiograms and addressed the potential for acoustic harassment, physical injury, entanglement, exposure to hazardous materials/wastes, ingestion, disturbance of migration, disturbance to feeding areas, disturbance to haul out areas (for pinniped species), and any other potential impacts that could occur to marine mammals. DRC calculated impact probability and recommended mitigation measures.
