15 october 2010 - plaquemines parish...
TRANSCRIPT
15 October 2010
Dear Reader:
The enclosed articles are mission sustainment-related issues from the United States andabroad. They represent the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of the military/communityinterface on issues of mission sustainability.
While we will attempt to cover the whole spectrum of issues, we will no doubt miss someitems of interest. If you see any articles that you think may be of interest to othersconcerning encroachment, please forward them to us. We will be sending out an updatedcompilation weekly.
Please let us know if you would like to be dropped from the distribution list.
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Navy AICUZ/RAICUZ Center of Excellence
East Coast:
Fred Pierson(757) 322-4935
Bonnie Curtiss(757) 322-4464
West Coast:
Robert Henderson(619) 532-1622
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CONTENTSPage
ARIZONA
Land swaps would preserve bases, aid conservation, supporters say ..................................1
CALIFORNIA
Joint Land Use Study with Camp Roberts forges ahead......................................................2
COLORADO
Impacts of training flights questioned..................................................................................3
FLORIDA
Sonic boom caused by fighter jet taking off from Fla. military base jolts Mobile ..............4
NEW MEXICO
No Title ................................................................................................................................5
Comment by Nov. 15...........................................................................................................6
Low-Altitude Training Plan Goes Before Public.................................................................6
VIRGINIA
Langley base plan goes to City Hall ....................................................................................7
OTHER TOPICS
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
British Model May Hold Key to Solving Wind Energy, Radar Clutter Problem................8
Wind Farms to Bloom Across Eastern Oregon....................................................................8
Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States .....................................................9
Google to build East Coast wind farm spine in the Atlantic................................................9
ASTC Jax now solar powered............................................................................................10
BOMBING RANGE
Bombing range buffer worries Long officials ...................................................................12
Corps reopens comment for bombing range......................................................................12
CIVILIAN AIRPORTS
Chopper noise nags Newport neighbors ............................................................................13
Safety should count............................................................................................................13
Kearny High School is finally to be soundproofed against jet noise as CongressmanRothman secures $22 million grant FAA had long blocked..............................................14
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FIRING RANGE
Naval Base Coronado Re-Opens Small Arms Range ........................................................15
Shooters still hoping military will reopen Miramar range.................................................16
Vermont Guard finds camps on firing range .....................................................................16
JOINT STRIKE FIGHTER
Val-P residents worry about plan to use Eglin for F-35 ....................................................17
North Carolina revs up push to land most of F-35 squadrons ...........................................17
MARINE MAMMALS
Navy Gets OK for Pacific Training ...................................................................................18
OUTLYING LANDING FIELD – NC & VA
City Sensitive to Concerns about Navy’s Plan ..................................................................19
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ARIZONATucson Sentinel
Proposition 110
Land swaps would preserve bases, aid conservation,supporters sayRebekah Zemansky
Cronkite News Service
Posted Oct 14, 2010, 8:11 am
Supporters say a ballot proposition designed to make it easier to swap rather than sell or leasestate trust land would help facilitate agreements that preserve military installations.
Around the Army's Fort Huachuca, they say, keeping state trust land open would preventresidential and commercial encroachment from interfering with sophisticated communication geartested there…
The full text of the article is available on the Tuscan Sentinel website found here:http://www.tucsonsentinel.com/local/report/101410_landswaps
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CALIFORNIAPaso Robles PressJoint Land Use Study with Camp Roberts forges aheadBy: Josh Petray
Modified Tuesday, October 12, 2010
…It's called a Joint Land Use Study [JLUS], and in late September the city of Paso Robles forgedahead with its cooperation in participating in the plan with both the county and Camp Robertswhen the city council voted unanimously to support adoption of a resolution supporting the studyand appoint a council member to sit on a JLUS Committee.
The council's decision represents the next step in what city officials said to address potentialcompatibility with surrounding military bases…
The full text of the article is available on the Paso Robles Press website found herehttp://www.pasoroblespress.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&page=72&story_id=5096
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COLORADOThe Trinidad Times Independent
Impacts of training flights questionedRandy Woock
Staff writer
October 12, 2010
A number of Colorado’s federal representatives and senators are petitioning the U.S. Air Force totake civilian and local military concerns into consideration with its planned low-altitude tacticalnavigation (LATN) area training flights over southeast Colorado and eastern New Mexico…
The full text of the article is available on The Trinidad Times Independent website found here:http://trinidad-times.com/impacts-of-training-flights-questioned-p998-1.htm
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FLORIDAWHNT News 19
Sonic boom caused by fighter jet taking off from Fla.military base jolts MobileBy Associated Press
6:08 PM CDT, October 13, 2010
MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Mobile residents got a jolt Wednesday morning when a fighter jet flyingout of a Florida military base caused a sonic boom…
The full text of the article is available on the WHNT News 19 website found here:http://www.whnt.com/news/sns-ap-al--sonicboom-alabama,0,648564.story
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NEW MEXICOAirforce-magazine
No TitleRelease Number: 031010
Posted 10/7/2010 Updated 10/8/2010
10/7/2010 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The United States Air Force will presentinformation and hear issues and concerns regarding the proposal to establish a Low AltitudeTactical Navigation area for Special Operation Forces here during a series of upcoming publicscoping meetings hosted by several Colorado cities.
The schedule for the meetings is as follows:
Oct. 18, 11-1 p.m., Montrose County Fairgrounds, 1001 N. 2nd St., Montrose, Co., 81401
Oct. 18, 6-8 p.m., Durango Public Library, 1900 E. 3rd Ave, Durango, Co., 81301
Oct. 19, Noon-2 p.m., Alamosa Family Rec Center, 2222 Old Sanford Rd., Alamosa, Colo., 81101
Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m., Central High School Auditorium, 216 E. Orman Ave., Pueblo, Co., 81004
The Air Force is in the very preliminary stages of the Environmental Assessment process. Theinitial public scoping period runs through Nov. 15, and it is the first of several opportunities forpublic input on the proposal. This scoping period is being conducted prior to initiating the EA inorder to ensure the public has an opportunity to identify issues they feel should be studied as theEA progresses.
Comments can also be mailed to: Cannon AFB Public Affairs Office at 110 E Sextant Ave, Suite1150, Cannon AFB NM 88103; or sent via email to [email protected] by Nov15. For more information, visit the Cannon AFB website at www.cannon.af.mil.
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The Pueblo Chieftain
Comment by Nov. 15The Pueblo Chieftain
Posted: Sunday, October 10, 2010 12:00 am
From far Southeastern New Mexico, Cannon Air Force Base proposes hundreds of training flightsper year over Southern Colorado, as The Chieftain reported. The planners know virtually nothingabout this half of Colorado and never heard of the San Luis Valley. They say they'll avoid"populated areas" (definition unknown), landmarks, etc., if informed.
The comment period has been extended to Nov. 15, the first of nine steps…
The full text of the article is available on The Pueblo Chieftain website found here:http://www.chieftain.com/opinion/tell_it_to_the_chieftain/article_e09e720c-d41f-11df-9249-001cc4c002e0.html
Airforce-magazine.comLow-Altitude Training Plan Goes Before PublicMonday October 11, 2010
Low-Altitude Training Plan Goes Before Public: The Air Force has announced a series ofupcoming public hearings to discuss its proposal to use low-altitude airspace in southern Coloradoand northern New Mexico for training MC-130 and CV-22 aircrews from Cannon AFB, N.M. Thehearings are scheduled for Oct. 18 in Montrose, Colo., and Oct. 19 in Alamosa, Durango, andPueblo, Colo., according a Cannon release. The announcement comes on the heels of Colorado'stwo Senators sending a letter to Air Force Special Operations Command, expressing concern overthe proposal. Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and Sen. Mark Udall (D) call on the AFSOC leadership intheir Oct. 7 missive to ensure that the decision process on the airspace is transparent and takes intoaccount "existing civilian and military aviation operations, wilderness areas, agriculture, ski areas,and other national treasures," including a nearby Army National Guard high-altitude range.
USAF announces public scoping meetings on Low Altitude Tactical Navigation Area Proposal.
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VIRGINIADaily Press
Langley base plan goes to City Hall
Plan will restrict future development in areas around baseBy David Macaulay
8:10 p.m. EDT, October 12, 2010
…The Hampton-Langley Air Force Base Joint Land Use Study was published earlier this yearbefore a series of public meetings. The document being put before the council for approvalWednesday evening is little changed from the draft plan.
It's intended to resolve conflicts such as those around Oceana in Virginia Beach where jet noisehas put the future of a military base in doubt…
The full text of the article is available on the Daily Press website found here:http://www.dailypress.com/news/hampton/dp-nws-langley-plan-20101012,0,4254159.story
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ALTERNATIVE ENERGYNational Defense
British Model May Hold Key to Solving Wind Energy,Radar Clutter ProblemBy Stew Magnuson
October 2010
…The clean energy industry has found itself clashing with the Defense Department and FAA inrecent years over the location of windmills, which are sprouting up across the nation from theprairies to the shores.
The crux of the problem is radar clutter. Both the moving blades and the towers they sit on cancreate false readings. Personnel monitoring screens at military bases, training facilities or otherinstallations that watch U.S. airspace could mistake a windmill for an aircraft. Interference canalso create blind spots that pilots of a hijacked airplane, or a small aircraft, could use to avoiddetection…
The full text of the article is available on the National Defense Magazine website found here:http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2010/October/Pages/BritishModelMayHoldKeytoSolvingWindEnergy,RadarClutterProblem.aspx
KTVZ.COM
Wind Farms to Bloom Across Eastern Oregon
Pentagon Drops Hold Over Radar IssuesKTVZ.COM
POSTED: 9:52 pm PDT October 3, 2010
WASHINGTON -- After months of working with the Department of Defense to strike a balancebetween domestic energy and national security needs, Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (bothD-Ore.) praised the Pentagon’s announcement Friday that it will no longer block the developmentof eight new wind farms: six in Oregon and two in Washington state…
The full text of the article is available on the KTVZ website found here:www.ktvz.com/news/25267157/detail.html
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REVE
Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United StatesREVE
October 11, 2010
The report, "Large-Scale Offshore Wind Power in the United States: Assessment of Opportunitiesand Barriers," includes a detailed assessment of the nation's offshore wind resources and offshorewind industry….
The United States is now deliberating an energy policy that will have a powerful impact on thenation’s energy and economic health for decades to come. This report provides a broadunderstanding of today’s wind industry and the offshore resource, as well as the associatedtechnology challenges, economics, permitting procedures, and potential risks and benefits. Anappreciation for all sides of these issues will help to build an informed national dialog and shapeeffective national policies…
The full text of the article and summary of the report are available on the REVE website foundhere: http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=7759
Daily Press
Google to build East Coast wind farm spine in theAtlanticBy Cory Nealon
11:28 p.m. EDT, October 12, 2010
Google and several companies plan to build a $5 billion underwater transmission line for futurewind farms off the Atlantic Coast…
… Earlier this year, the Defense Department opposed a plan to drill for oil and natural gas 50miles off Virginia's coast. The department, which must increase its renewable energy consumptionto 25 percent by 2025, is working with Trans-Elect to ensure the lines don't interfere with navaloperations, Mitchell said….
The full text of the article is available on the Daily Press website found here:http://www.dailypress.com/news/newport-news/dp-nws-google-transmission-line-20101012,0,5620066.story
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The Florida Times-Union
ASTC Jax now solar poweredBy Clark Pierce
Editor
Posted: October 13, 2010 - 12:54pm
To help achieve the Secretary of the Navy’s goal of producing at least half of shore-based energyrequirements from renewable sources by 2015, leaders from naval medicine and facilities tookpart in the Oct. 7 ribbon cutting at Aviation Survival Training Center (ASTC) Jacksonville tocelebrate one of the Navy’s largest alternative energy projects.
The project was funded by Navy Bureau ofMedicine and Surgery (BUMED) andadministered by Naval Facilities EngineeringCommand (NAVFAC) Southeast, Public WorksDepartment Jacksonville.
NAS Jacksonville Resource Efficiency ManagerCliff Plante briefed guests on the project benefits.“This $1,079,000 system not only heats thesurvival training pool, it also provides hot waterfor the building’s showers and rest rooms. On acloudless day like today, the solar panels produceone million BTUs of energy per hour – enough toheat the center’s 270,000-gal. pool by one degreeevery two hours.”
He added, “The technology in this project goes along way in meeting SECNAV mandates to utilizerenewable energy sources.
Rear Adm. Eleanor Valentin, commander, Navy Medicine Support Command (NMSC) told theaudience, “Projects like this are the kind our Navy is looking for to reduce dependency on fossilfuels.”
“ASTC Jacksonville is vital to warfighter readiness by training more than 2,300 aviators andaircrew in aviation survival each year. So it’s important to maintain a comfortable trainingenvironment for students, because you can’t concentrate on learning lessons when you’reshivering during winter months,” she stated.
“I expect this center will receive many visitors in the future from commands seeking similarbenefits from renewable energy. Congratulations to everyone associated with this impressiveproject,” said Valentin.
NAVFAC Southeast Commanding Officer Capt. John Heinzel said that Commander Navy RegionSoutheast Adm. Tim Alexander regretted not being to attend today’s event.
Photo by Cliff Plante
The new energy system consists of 168 flat-plate,solar-thermal collectors on the roof of Building 928that are interconnected with an efficient, natural-gas-fired heating system.
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“His top-three priorities are encroachment, excess infrastructure and energy. He considers thissolar project to be a major improvement within the tri-base area. It was great to see the nexus ofcommands that made this project happen – from the public works department to the headquarterselements of BUMED, NAVFAC Southeast and NAS Jax. My hat is off to our contractor partnersTeco Energy, Energy Systems Group and Florida Solar Inc. for their commitment to innovation,safety and quality.”
ASTC Jacksonville Director Lt. Cmdr. Leslie Kindlie is looking forward to a dramatic drop in hercommand’s energy usage now that the obsolete steam heating system has been replaced by anintegrated solar thermal and natural gas system.
“I’m told that estimated savings for going thermal, along with other energy efficiencies, can reachmore than $90,000 annually – and payback for the project is about 11 years. I know those arenumbers that will gain positive attention from our BUMED leadership,” she said.
ASTC Jacksonville is one of eight centers in the Navy – and the first to implement such a majorrenewable energy project.
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BOMBING RANGECoastal Courier
Bombing range buffer worries Long officials
State gets 6,900 acres for Townsend WABy Mike Riddle
Correspondent
Updated October 8, 2010 11:58 a.m.
The state recently acquired land in Long County for increased wildlife conservation and toprovide a buffer around the Townsend Bombing Range…
…Long County Tax Assessor Beverly Johnson said the estimated annual revenue the county willlose as a result of the 6,911-acre purchase will be around $42,950.
That estimate concerns County Commissioner Wallace Shaw. “It’s just another take-away forLong County,” he said. “I don’t know what the state and the federal governments are doing, but ifthey keep taking land, they’re going to put us out of business.”…
The full text of the article is available on the Coastal Courier website found here:http://www.coastalcourier.com/news/article/24939/
The Island Packet
Corps reopens comment for bombing rangeThe Island Packet
Published Friday October 8, 2010-10-11
A problem with a post office box prompted Marine Corps officials to reopen the public commentperiod on a proposed land acquisition that would expand Townsend Bombing Range, owned byMarine Corps Air Station Beaufort…
The full text of the article is available on the Island Packet website found here:http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/10/08/1400975_corps-reopens-comment-for-bombing.html
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CIVILIAN AIRPORTSWKYC.com
Chopper noise nags Newport neighborsBy: Kim Wendel
Updated: 10/8/2010 2:14:45 PM Posted: 10/8/2010 2:11:54 PM
…But the noise of helicopters landing on Newport's riverfront has become too much for some.Two helipads built in June next to Gen. James Taylor Park on Newport's riverfront serve as alaunching point for tours of Cincinnati given by Stratus Helicopters.
…The frequent take-offs and landings cause continuous disruptions throughout the weekend, saidDan Bell, who lives along the Licking River in Covington...
The full text of the article is available on the WKYC website found here:http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=152506&catid=91
The Reporter
Safety should countPublished by The Reporter
Posted: 10/10/2010 01:02:24 AM PDT
As a father of five, a pilot with 30 years experience, a corporate attorney and a Vacaville andSolano County resident, I was stunned and saddened Tuesday night when two members of theSolano Airport Land Use Commission disregarded the warnings of the head of aeronautics fromthe state, experts from the California Pilots Association and the pilots who fly in and out of theNut Tree daily, all of whom said that the location of 250-plus new homes just 700 feet from ourrunway was not compatible with safe airport operations…
The full text of the article is available on The Reporter website found here:http://www.thereporter.com/opinion/ci_16303043
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The Jersey Journal
Kearny High School is finally to be soundproofedagainst jet noise as Congressman Rothman secures $22million grant FAA had long blockedBy BRETT WILSHE
Journal Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
KEARNY - The roar of jet engines overhead might soon take a back seat to the sound of teachers'voices at Kearny High School…
…The project will consist of replacing old windows with new soundproof frames and introducinga state-of-the-art central air system. Currently, when it gets hot, teachers have to open thewindows…..
The full text of the article is available on The Jersey Journal website found here:http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/kearny/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1286951172171820.xml&coll=3
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FIRING RANGENavy Compass
Naval Base Coronado Re-Opens Small Arms RangeMass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
14 OCT 10
CORONADO, Calif. – Naval Base Coronado celebrated the U.S. Navy’s 235th birthday by re-opening the small arms range at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) Oct. 13.
Both the 12-lane pistol and 10-lane rifle ranges will be used to qualify and train Sailors in the SanDiego metropolitan area on the basic use of small arms…
"It’s a range right here in their backyard, it saves them a lot of time," said Capt. Yancy Lindsey ,commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado. "They don’t have to transit that far to get to it andit’s readily available for them to get the qualifications required to accomplish their mission."
The range had been closed for upgrades to comply with a change in safety standards.
"It’s been two long years of work by a lot of great and smart people to finally get the range re-opened and make it available to our Sailors," said Lindsey.
The range includes a Surface Danger Zone (SDZ) to protect commercial and military vehicles,aircraft, personnel and wildlife on and around NASNI. The SDZ extends from the firing line to thehigh tide line and includes a 200 acre fan-shaped area in the Pacific Ocean. The ocean portion ofthe SDZ is open to fishing, training and general navigation when small arms training isn’tscheduled, but anchoring in the SDZ is prohibited at all times.
"I think they did a great job on the range," said Lindsey. "We got the right amount of funds to getthe safety equipment needed to make sure we can operate the range safely."
The range is currently open to Naval Base Coronado personnel and all tenant commands on board;however, there are plans to eventually open it to local law enforcement personnel.
The range, which was originally established in 1959, is scheduled to be open five days a week,Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Sign on San Diego – News
Shooters still hoping military will reopen MiramarrangeBy Ed Zieralski
Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 6:05 p.m.
It’s been more than two years since the Marines, citing environmental concerns, ordered a ceasefire and closed the civilian shooting range located in a crash zone on the south side of the MiramarMarine Corps Air Station…
…Recent developments indicate an announcement is expected soon from Navy Secretary RayMabus on the future of the range, which has been the subject of environmental studies on vernalpools, fairy shrimp and possible lead contamination.
After a review of the studies and other assessments — which was requested by Rep. Duncan D.Hunter, R-Alpine, in an amendment to a defense authorization bill — Gen. James T. Conway,Marine Corps commandant, is expected to pass on the final recommendation to Mabus…
The full text of the article is available on The Sign on San Diego – News website found here:http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/oct/14/environmental-issues-continue-silence-miramar-gun-/
Burlington Free Press
Vermont Guard finds camps on firing rangeFree press staff report
Thursday October 14, 2010
The Vermont National Guard has posted eviction notices at two hunting camps illegallyconstructed on part of the federally owned Ethan Allen Firing Range in northeastern ChittendenCounty…
The full text of the article is available on Burlington Free Press website found here:http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20101014/NEWS02/10140309/Vermont-Guard-finds-camps-on-firing-range
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JOINT STRIKE FIGHTERNorthwest Florida Daily News
Val-P residents worry about plan to use Eglin for F-35Mona Moore
October 12, 2010 9:45 PM
…Residents urged Eglin to choose Duke Field as the main runway and Choctaw as an auxiliaryfield.
…Nearly 20 people were allotted three minutes each to publically comment on the SEIS.Valparaiso Mayor Bruce Arnold was the first to speak. His first complaint was of the time limit.“Our goal has always been to cooperate and support the missions at Eglin,” Arnold said. “Inreturn, our patriotism and our commitment to that cause has been questioned by our sister citiesour county leadership and local and elected state officials. It is the Air Force that continuallyignores the rights of our citizens.”…
The full text of the article is available on the Northwest Florida Daily News website found here:http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/use-33825-val-valparaiso.html
The Island Packet
North Carolina revs up push to land most of F-35squadronsBy PATRICK DONOHUE
Published Thursday, October 14, 2010
Some North Carolina politicians have stepped up their lobbying to get 11 of 13 Marine CorpsJoint Strike Fighter squadrons stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
In about two months, Navy officials are expected to decide how to divide 13 F-35 squadronsbetween Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. A Navy reportreleased in May recommended basing three active-duty squadrons and two pilot trainingsquadrons at MCAS Beaufort. Eight active-duty squadrons would be assigned to MCAS CherryPoint…
The full text of the article is available on the Island Packet website found here:http://www.islandpacket.com/2010/10/14/1407938/north-carolina-revs-up-push-to.htms!l
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MARINE MAMMALSEnvironmental Compliance News
Navy Gets OK for Pacific TrainingOctober 15, 2010
An authorization issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)allows the U.S. Navy to conduct training exercises around the Mariana Islands in the SouthPacific. According to NOAA, the authorization requires that the Navy follow certain measures tomitigate effects on marine mammals…
The full text of the article is available on the Environmental Compliance News website foundhere: http://enviro.blr.com/environmental-news/EHS-management/industrial-facility-compliance-training/Navy-Gets-OK-for-Pacific-Training/
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OUTLYING LANDING FIELD– NC & VA
Tidewater News
City Sensitive to Concerns about Navy’s PlanBy: James P. Councill III, Mayor, Franklin
Letter to the Editor
13 OCT 10
To the Editor:
It has become apparent, as anticipated, that there are very valid questions about the recentannouncement that the Navy will begin negotiating a potential contract with the city for the use ofthe Franklin Municipal Airport and its facilities.
The Navy’s use of the airport will co-exist with the current civilian use of the airport. It is notintended that this new use will replace civilian use of the airport.
The city is very sensitive to everyone’s concerns and shared them as well. This phase ofdiscussion would never have advanced this far had not many of the same concerns been answeredto our satisfaction to this point.
The questions being asked are valid, and the city has information and answers for most of themfrom prior evaluations. Please be aware that this process requires a full environmental impactstudy to be performed by the Navy with noise contours and with citizen input.
In addition, the Navy is scheduling a “field day” of flying activity by the E-2 Hawkeye aircrafthere in Franklin, both in the daytime and at night, so everyone can observe and see, hear and feelthe impact of their practicing “touch-and-gos.”
Several people have already experienced a demonstration up close and can attest there will belittle to no noise concerns. These aircraft make no more impact than a private twin engine “KingAir” would make when landing or taking off at our field.
You can anticipate a public announcement of this event within the next three weeks.
The flight paths have been evaluated as well as training altitudes, and at this point, we are verycomfortable with this project.
The Navy will be soliciting input and questions, and public information meetings will be plannedand announced to encourage input and to disseminate accurate information.
The City Council appreciates everyone’s interest, support and concerns. We will do our best toaddress all concerns in the final evaluation of this project.
Please send in questions/concerns to me at [email protected] or City AttorneyTaylor Williams at [email protected] or call 562-8505.