Navy drafts Atlantic/Gulf training ops

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - The second of five public hearings regarding the Navy’s potential environmental effects from training and testing activities conducted within the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area took place July 25 in Morehead City, N.C. The public meetings have been conducted in an open-house format with informational stations staffed by the Navy representatives regarding efforts to conduct training in the open waters of the Atlantic, and to clarify information related to a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The draft EIS analyzes training and testing activities planned to occur across all operating areas off the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico starting in November 2018. Navy representatives will offer three plans. Interested parties are encouraged to provide written comments in person at any of the public meetings. Comments may also be submitted by U.S. postal mail or electronically via the project website at www.AFTTEIS.com. The next scheduled meeting is Aug. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla.; and Aug. 3 in Panama City, Fla. (Source: Jacksonville [NC] Daily News 07/31/17)