Submitted by Navy U.S. Pacific Fleet

The Department of the Navy announced its intent to prepare a supplement to the 2015 Northwest Training and Testing final Environmental Impact Study (EIS) / Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS) to assess the potential environmental effects associated with military readiness activities, including training and research, development, testing and evaluation (hereafter referred to as “training and testing”) activities conducted within the EIS/OEIS study area (hereafter referred to as the “study area”). As part of this process, the Navy will seek the issuance of federal regulatory permits and authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act to support future military readiness activities within the study area beyond 2020.

The supplemental EIS/OEIS will include an analysis of training and testing activities projected to occur after 2020 using the best available scientific information currently available, including an updated acoustic effects model and updated marine mammal density data. Proposed training and testing activities are generally consistent with those analyzed in the previous EIS/OEIS and approved in the 2016 record of decision, and are representative of activities the Navy has been conducting in the study area for decades.

Scoping Comment Period for the Supplemental EIS/OEIS

The scoping comment period is open from Aug. 22 to Sept. 21. The public is encouraged to submit substantive comments on the scope of the analysis, including potential environmental issues and viable alternatives. Visit http://nwtteis.com/Public-Involvement/Public-Comment to comment online or mail comments to:

Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest

Attn: NWTT Supplemental EIS/OEIS Project Manager

3730 North Charles Porter Ave., Building 385

Oak Harbor, WA 98278-3500