trenching for micronesia cable system dep-06-001.0

DOCUMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ACTIVITY:

TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM

CONTROL NUMBER DEP-06-001.0

JULY 2006

EFFECTIVE DATE: OCTOBER 17, 2006

U.S. ARMY KWAJALEIN ATOLL IN THE

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

PREPARED BY TELEDYNE SOLUTIONS, INC. HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.


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DOCUMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

ACTIVITY: TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM CONTROL NUMBER DEP-06-001.0

Consistent with the provisions of the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA)

Environmental Standards (UES), Sections 2-17.3.8 , the Environmental Assessment for Micronesia Cable System, May 2006, is the substantive documentation for the enclosed Document of Environmental Protection (DEP). Where applicable, the references for corresponding discussions in the environmental assessment (EA) are identified parenthetically at the end of each discussion below. DATE SUBMITTED: July 2006 REFERENCES

• U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll. Draft Document of Environmental Protection Trenching for Micronesia Cable System, Control Number Draft DEP-06-001.0. May 2006

• U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll. Notice of Proposed Activity (NPA) Trenching for Micronesia Cable System, Control Number NPA-06-001.0. February 2006

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Environmental Assessment for Micronesia Cable System. May 2, 2006

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Environmental Standards and Procedures for United States Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Activities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 10th Edition. January 2006.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Final Report Assessment of Marine Biological Resources at the Proposed Micronesian Cable System Landing Sites: U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll and Majuro Atoll Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia. October 2005.

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Document of Environmental Protection for Protection of Cultural Resources, DEP-04-001. November 2004

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Document of Environmental Protection for Disposal of Munitions and Other Explosive Material, DEP-02-001.1. January 2003

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

(Where applicable, the references for corresponding discussions in the companion EA are identified parenthetically at the end of each section below.)

The proposed Micronesia Cable System (MCS) will provide high speed, broadband fiber-optic telecommunications services connecting Agat, Guam with Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), with branching segments to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and to Majuro, RMI. There will be a dedicated pair of fibers for exclusive U.S. Army


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Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test Site (USAKA/RTS) use in the main cable segment connecting Kwajalein to Guam.

The MCS landing at Kwajalein will require trenching across the reef to a beach manhole, then trenching across the island to its terminus. (EA Sections 2.1.2.1 and 2.1.2.3) LOCATION OF ACTIVITY

The activity is located at Kwajalein Island, USAKA, RMI. COMPLIANCE STATUS

The Micronesia Cable System trenching activities at USAKA shall be conducted in compliance with the UES and this DEP.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1.0 Requirements and Limitations ........................................................................................1 2.0 Monitoring Procedures....................................................................................................2 3.0 Minor DEP Modifications...............................................................................................2 4.0 Notification Procedures ..................................................................................................2

4.1 Emergency Notifications ....................................................................................2 4.2 Public Notifications ............................................................................................3 4.3 Agency Notification............................................................................................3

5.0 Records Keeping ............................................................................................................3 6.0 Reporting Procedures......................................................................................................3 7.0 Resolution of Noncompliant Areas ...............................................................................4 8.0 Environmental Comments and Recommendations Received on the

Notice of Proposed Activity (NPA) and USAKA Responses ........................................4 9.0 Environmental Comments and Recommendations Received on the

Draft DEP and USAKA Responses ................................................................................5

APPENDICES

Appendix A Environmental Comments and Recommendations Received on the Draft Document of Environmental Protection Trenching for Micronesia Cable System, Control Number Draft DEP-06-001.0 ...................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B Environmental Comments and Recommendations Received

on the Notice of Proposed Activity Trenching for Micronesia Cable System, Control Number NPA-06-001.0 .............................................B-1

Appendix C Notice of Proposed Activity: Trenching for Micronesia

Cable System, Control Number NPA-06-001.0 .............................................C-1


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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS DEP Document of Environmental Protection EA Environmental Assessment FSM Federated States of Micronesia LAT lowest astronomical tide MCS Micronesia Cable System NPA Notice of Proposed Activity RMI Republic of the Marshall Islands RMIEPA RMI Environmental Protection Authority UES USAKA Environmental Standards USAKA U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll USAKA/RTS U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test Site USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USNMFS U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service


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(Where applicable, the references for corresponding discussions in the EA are identified parenthetically at the end of each section below.) 1.0 REQUIREMENTS AND LIMITATIONS

1.1 The chosen method for installing fiber-optic cable across the Kwajalein reef shall be

one of the three methods specified in the Finding of No Significant Impact, dated June 28, 2006, for the Micronesia Cable System Environmental Assessment, dated May 2, 2006. (Section 2.1.2.1)

1.2 If it is determined by the project contractor that trenching will be required below the

lowest astronomical tide (LAT), USAKA shall determine (with input from the Appropriate Agencies) prior to project start any additional requirements and limitations essential for the protection of environmental resources.

1.3 The proposed routing shall take advantage of existing reef gaps to the extent possible to

avoid or minimize the loss of special aquatic site habitat (coral reefs). (Section 4.1.1.1 and 4.2.1.1)

1.4 The cable shall be anchored or placed in a saw-cut trench in the reef-flat area to avoid

abrasion to the reef from tide and current action. 1.5 Scheduling of trenching on the reef flat shall coincide with low-tide periods to prevent

water quality degradation, and shall be curtailed during adverse tidal and weather conditions. (Section 4.1.1.1)

1.6 Efforts shall be made to avoid trenching in the marine environment during coral

spawning and recruitment periods (i.e., June through August). (Section 4.1.1.1) 1.7 Turbidity and siltation from the trenching activity shall be minimized and contained to

within the vicinity of the site through the use of effective silt containment devices that extend from the surface to the bottom. (Section 4.1.1.1)

1.8 Trenched material shall not be stockpiled in the marine environment. All dredged

material from trenching activities across the reef flat shall be placed, dewatered, and stored on upland areas and used to backfill the trench as needed. Dredged material shall be placed behind berms to minimize disturbance to the marine environment and to


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allow for percolation into the ground. No overland return flow resulting from dewatering shall be allowed to directly enter nearshore water. (Section 4.1.1.1)

1.9 No contamination of the marine environment with vegetation or man-made trash shall

result from project-related activities. These debris materials shall be disposed of in accordance with the solid waste management standard practice instructions of the USAKA base operations contractor. (Section 4.1.1.1)

1.10 All fueling and servicing of equipment operating in the marine environment shall be

performed in upland areas in a manner to prevent any releases to the marine or terrestrial environments. Prior to use, all equipment shall be inspected and cleaned of any petroleum-based product or other potentially polluting material that could be released into the marine environment. In the unlikely event of an accidental fuel or hydraulic oil spill, emergency response personnel shall respond in accordance with the Kwajalein Environmental Emergency Plan. Absorbent pads and containment booms shall be stored on-site to facilitate the immediate clean up of any petroleum spills. (Section 4.1.1.1 and 4.2.1)

1.11 If cultural or historic remains are discovered during the activities, work shall cease and

the USAKA Environmental Management Office shall be notified. The RMI Historic Preservation Office (RMIHPO) shall be notified, and appropriate mitigation measures, developed in consultation with the RMIHPO, shall be implemented to minimize the effects on the resource or to recover as much of the resource as possible (conforming to professional standards for research), as directed by UES Section

3-7.5.7. (EA Section 4.2.2)

1.12 All explosive materials that are encountered during the activity shall be handled in accordance with the Document of Environmental Protection for Disposal of Munitions and Other Explosive Material, DEP-02-001.1, and UES Sections 3-6.5.7(a)(2) and (3).

1.13 Personnel shall avoid all contact with any bird nests located in the area. (Section

4.2.1.1) 2.0 MONITORING PROCEDURES 2.1 The affected area shall be monitored before and during trenching and unexploded

ordnance activities for threatened and endangered species (such as marine mammals and green and hawksbill sea turtles). Work shall be delayed until any such species


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observed has moved out of harms way, leaves the area, or is relocated (attached organisms only in the near shore area) to similar habitat. (Section 4.2.1.1)

2.2 All project personnel shall be briefed on the protection afforded to listed or other protected species (i.e. migratory birds, coral, and spider conchs) and instructed to avoid areas on the islet designated as migratory bird nesting or roosting habitat. (EA Section 4.2.1.2)

3.0 MINOR DEP MODIFICATIONS

Minor modifications to this DEP may be accomplished under the provisions of UES Section 2-17.3.6(e).

4.0 NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES 4.1 Emergency Notifications

4.1.1 Within 24 hours of discovery of an emergency environmental condition, USAKA shall notify the public affected or potentially affected by the condition and the Appropriate Agencies by the most expeditious means available.

4.1.2 Within 10 days following emergency notification, USAKA shall submit

written notification of the event to the Appropriate Agencies that contains at a minimum the relevant information described in UES Section 2-7.2.2.

4.1.3 Emergency notifications shall be made for any condition that the Commander,

USAKA, determines to constitute an emergency condition. 4.2 Public Notifications

4.2.1 Public notifications shall be made by USAKA to advise the public of an activity or action that USAKA has taken or is planning.

4.2.2 Public notification shall be made in The Kwajalein Hourglass and The

Marshall Islands Journal, posters or bulletins displayed in public places, announcements on the television “Roller”, and radio announcements.


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4.3 Agency Notification

In the event that any listed species, critical habitats, or migratory birds are disturbed, transplanted, injured or killed due to the activities related to the creation of the trench, and placement of the cable, the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (USNMFS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the RMI Environmental Protection Authority (RMIEPA) shall be informed by USAKA within 24 hours.

5.0 RECORDS KEEPING

The NPA, Environmental Comments, and Recommendations, and DEP permitting MCS activities at USAKA shall be preserved for the duration of the activity plus ten years or for ten years after expiration of the DEP, whichever is less.

6.0 REPORTING PROCEDURES 6.1 A report shall be provided to USNMFS, USFWS, and the RMIEPA within 30 days of an

incident resulting in the disturbance, transplant, injury, or death of a listed species, critical habitat or migratory bird. The report shall provide the type and number of organisms disturbed, transplanted, injured, or killed; their condition; the locations and conditions of the original and new habitats; and the projected chances of recovery if injured.

6.2 A report shall be provided to the Appropriate Agencies if any of the requirements of the

DEP or the UES are violated during the activity covered by this DEP. 7.0 RESOLUTION OF NONCOMPLIANT AREAS Currently there are no non-compliant MCS activities at USAKA. 8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED

ON THE NPA AND USAKA’S RESPONSES U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HONOLULU DISTRICT COMMENT: NPA does not affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. No comments are provided. USAKA RESPONSE: Reply noted.


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U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE COMMENT: NPA may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Agree with proposed environmental controls. No comments provided. RESPONSE: Reply noted. U. S. NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE, PACIFIC ISLANDS REGIONAL OFFICE, PROTECTED RESOURCES DIVISION COMMENT: NPA may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Agree with proposed environmental controls. No comments provided. RESPONSE: Reply noted. REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY COMMENT: NPA may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Agree with proposed environmental controls. No comments provided. RESPONSE: Reply noted. U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY COMMENT: No response received. 9.0 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED ON THE DRAFT DEP AND USAKA’S RESPONSES U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, HONOLULU DISTRICT COMMENT: Draft DEP does not affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. No comments are provided. USAKA RESPONSE: Reply noted. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION FISHERIES SERVICE COMMENT: Draft DEP may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Agree with proposed environmental controls. No comments provided. RESPONSE: Reply noted. U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE COMMENT: NPA may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Conditionally agree with proposed environmental controls, subject to the enclosed comments/ recommendations. “The Draft DEP may affect resources within the Service’s jurisdiction, and we conditionally agree with the proposed environmental controls provided they include the conservation measures


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recommended by the Service in Chapter 4 of the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed project. It is important to note that the Draft DEP is cumbersome to review due to the large number of references to related discussions in various sections of the companion EA, which was prepared to serve as the Notice of Proposed Activity (NPA) for the action. The UES allows relevant information in an EA to be used to support sections in an NPA or Notice of Continuing Activity (NCA) or DEP (UES section 2-17.3.8), and it is prudent to include this information within the text of these documents to avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations among personnel who may use the documents after they are completed.” “In the past, appropriate information from EAs has been inserted into the correct sections of related NPAs/NCAs/DEPs for clarity and completeness. This approach allows for a much easier review of these documents and ensures that the documents represent an accurate stand-alone record of an activity’s approval process in the intended UES format. Therefore, we recommend that the relevant EA information be inserted into the appropriate sections of the final DEP for the Micronesia Cable System. We further recommend that this approach be used any time an EA or Environmental Impact Statement is used to support an NPA/NCA/DEP.” RESPONSE: USAKA appreciates the Draft DEP review by the USFWS. Additions were made to the requirements of DEP Section 1.0 based on the USFWS recommendations stated in the MCS EA, Section 4.1.1.1, “Trenching, Environmentally Sensitive Habitat.” The original order of listings in Section 1.0 was changed due to the addition of requirements, reorganization, and new formatting. U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY COMMENT: Draft DEP may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Agree with proposed environmental controls. No comments provided. RESPONSE: Reply noted. REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY COMMENT: Draft DEP may affect resources within the jurisdiction of this agency. Agree with proposed environmental controls. No comments provided. RESPONSE: Reply noted.


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APPENDIX A

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED ON THE DRAFT DOCUMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM, CONTROL NUMBER DRAFT DEP-06-001.0, MAY 2006


A-2



A-3


A-4


A-5


A-6


A-7


A-8


A-9


A-10



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APPENDIX B

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS RECEIVED ON THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY

TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM, CONTROL NUMBER NPA-06-001.0, FEBRUARY 2006


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B-3


B-4


B-5


B-6

CONTROL NUMBER NPA-06-001.0

C-1

APPENDIX C

NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM,

CONTROL NUMBER NPA-06-001.0, FEBRUARY 2006


C-2



NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY:

TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM


FEBRUARY 2006

U.S. ARMY KWAJALEIN ATOLL IN THE

REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS

PREPARED BY TELEDYNE SOLUTIONS, INC. HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA


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NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY: TRENCHING FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM CONTROL NUMBER NPA-06-001.0

CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE U.S. ARMY KWAJALEIN

ATOLL (USAKA) ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS (UES), SECTIONS 2-17.3.8 , THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR MICRONESIA CABLE SYSTEM, DECEMBER 2005, IS THE SUBSTANTIVE DOCUMENTATION FOR THE ENCLOSED NOTICE OF PROPOSED ACTIVITY (NPA). WHERE APPLICABLE, THE REFERENCES FOR CORRESPONDING DISCUSSIONS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) ARE IDENTIFIED PARENTHETICALLY AT THE END OF EACH DISCUSSION BELOW. DATE SUBMITTED: February 24, 2006 REFERENCES

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Coordinating Draft Environmental Assessment for Micronesia Cable System. February 10, 2006

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Environmental Standards and Procedures for United States Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) Activities in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, 10th Edition. January 2006.

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Final Report Assessment of Marine Biological Resources at the Proposed Micronesian Cable System Landing Sites: U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll and Majuro Atoll Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia. October 2005.

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Document of Environmental Protection for Protection of Cultural Resources, DEP-04-001. November 2004

• U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command. Document of Environmental Protection for Disposal of Munitions and Other Explosive Material, DEP-02-001.1. January 2003

TYPE OF ACTIVITY: A “Proposed Activity” for trenching of fiber optic cable across the reef LOCATION OF ACTIVITY

The activity is located at the southwest end of Kwajalein Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). COMPLIANCE STATUS

The Micronesia Cable System activities at USAKA will be in compliance with the UES.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1.0 Technical Description of the Activity.............................................................................1

1.1 Technical Drawings of the Activity....................................................................1 2.0 Environmental Areas Potentially Affected by the Activity ............................................1

2.1 Water Quality and Reef Protection .....................................................................1 3.0 Description of Activity Environmental Setting ..............................................................2 4.0 Analysis of Effect of Activity on Environmental Areas in Absence of Environmental Controls ..................................................................................................2

4.1 Cultural Resources ..............................................................................................2 4.2 Explosive Materials ............................................................................................2 4.3 Water Quality and Reef Protection .....................................................................2

5.0 Technical Description and Analysis of Environmental Controls Used in Activity ..............................................................................................................3

5.1 Cultural Resources ..............................................................................................3 5.2 Explosive Materials ............................................................................................3 5.3 Water Quality and Reef Protection .....................................................................3

6.0 Dispersion Model for Modeling Air Sources .................................................................4 7.0 Analysis of Waste Discharge for Point-Source Waste Discharges to Water..................4 8.0 Information for Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Facilities ..........................................................................................................4 9.0 Biological Assessment if Endangered Resources May Be Affected .............................5

10.0 Information on Receiving Water Quality for Water Discharges ...................................5 11.0 Information on Marine Life, Currents, and Other Characteristics of

Ocean Disposal Site ........................................................................................................5 12.0 Information on Marine Life and Environment in Dredging or

Filling Area ..................................................................................................................... 5 13.0 Species and Numbers of Migratory Birds and Other Wildlife Resources and Habitats that May Be Taken.....................................................................................6 14.0 Notification .....................................................................................................................6

14.1 Emergency Notifications ....................................................................................6 14.2 Public Notifications ............................................................................................6

15.0 Records Keeping ............................................................................................................7 16.0 Resolution of Noncompliant Areas ...............................................................................7


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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS DEP Document of Environmental Protection EA Environmental Assessment FSM Federated States of Micronesia MCS Micronesia Cable System NPA Notice of Proposed Activity RMI Republic of the Marshall Islands UES USAKA Environmental Standards USAKA U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service


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1.0 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY

The proposed Micronesia Cable System (MCS) comprises a marine route approximately 2909 km in length connecting Agat, Guam with Kwajalein, RMI, with branching segments of 112 km to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and 500 km to Majuro, RMI. The MCS will provide high speed, broadband fiber-optic telecommunications services to the FSM, the Reagan Test Site at the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll and to the capital of RMI at Majuro. There will be a dedicated pair of fibers for exclusive Reagan Test Site use in the main cable segment connecting Kwajalein to Guam. Separate fibers within the main cable will connect Guam with the FSM and RMI through branching units.

The MCS will be a state of the art optical cable system with high transmission capacity,

superior transmission performance, high availability, extensive longevity (>25 years) and seamless upgradeability. From the end user perspective, the system will provide high speed, real time connectivity to the Continental United States and other locations via Guam. (EA Sections 1.1 and 2.1)

The MCS landing at Kwajalein will require trenching across the reef to a beach man-

hole, then trenching across the island to its terminus in Building 1017. The cable will then be installed in existing conduit from Building 1017 to Building 1010. (EA Sections 2.1.2.1 and 2.1.2.3)

1.1 Technical Drawing of Activity: EA Figures 1-1, 1-2, 2-1, and 2-3 2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED BY ACTIVITY

(Intent: Addresses all areas with the potential to be affected by the activity. Does not discuss how the area

will be protected. Environmental areas are the seven addressed in the UES: air quality, water quality and

reef protection, drinking water quality, endangered species and wildlife resources, ocean disposal,

material and waste management, and cultural resources.) 2.1 Water Quality and Reef Protection

Marine habitats of importance to biological resources at Kwajalein include the lagoon-

facing and ocean-facing reef slopes and flats, inter-island reef flat, lagoon floor, seagrass beds, and intertidal zone. (Section 3.2.1)


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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING (Intent: Provides basic information on the island(s) and geology.) Kwajalein Atoll is dotted with a string of approximately 100 islands that enclose the

world’s largest lagoon (1,100 square miles). It is located 2,300 miles west-southwest of Hawaii. Lagoon depths are typically 120-180 feet. The reefs and islands of the atoll consist of coral rock and sediments lying atop submarine volcanoes formed 70 to 80 million years ago. As the volcanoes subsided, coral reefs grew upward to the ocean surface and formed the islands that create the lagoon. Kwajalein Island is a crescent shape island of approximately 750 acres.

The cable landing area is located on the southwestern shore of Kwajalein Island in the

vicinity of Telemetry Hill. The area is generally in the lee from prevailing weather and is characterized by short crossing of the reef from deep water, facilitating a direct landing of the cable from the main lay vessel without necessitating the use of smaller auxiliary vessels. (Section 2.1.2.3, Figure 2-3) 4.0 ANALYSIS OF EFFECT OF ACTIVITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS “IN ABSENCE OF” ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

(Intent: Referring to each of the areas in Section 2, provides the consequences of not having environmental

controls for that area.) 4.1 Cultural Resources

Cultural resources at Kwajalein could be damaged or destroyed during the project if the

guidelines of the Document of Environmental Protection (DEP) for Protection of Cultural Resources, DEP-04-001, are not implemented. (Section 4.2.2)

4.2 Explosive Materials The Kwajalein environment and its inhabitants could be physically harmed during the project if the guidelines of the DEP for Disposal of Munitions and Other Explosive Material, DEP-02-001.1, are not implemented. 4.3 Water Quality and Reef Protection

Activities during the construction of the trench and laying of the cable could endanger workers, harm reef organisms and the reef environment in excess of that which is required to install the cable if precautions are not taken. Marine life including coral could be smothered if


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turbidity is not controlled to the maximum possible. Marine life could be harmed unnecessarily by loose rock if trenched material is not removed from the trenched area. Excess cement and/or other construction material could be deposited in the marine environment if environmental protection controls are not followed (see Section 5). During trenching, avoidable detonation of unexploded ordnances could occur if workers do not follow USAKA unexploded ordnance protocols. 5.0 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL

CONTROLS USED IN ACTIVITY (Intent: Presents the methods to be employed to protect the areas discussed in Section 3 and 4.) 5.1 Cultural Resources

All proposed activities will be performed in accordance with the existing DEP,

Protection of Cultural Resources, DEP-04-001. (Section 4.2.2) 5.2 Explosive Materials

All explosive materials that are encountered during the project will be handled in

accordance with the Document of Environmental Protection for Disposal of Munitions and Other Explosive Material, DEP-02-001.1. 5.3 Water Quality and Reef Protection

The cable will be anchored or placed in a trench in the reef area to avoid abrasion to the

reef from tide and current action. Other than the potential loss of a small amount of coral during this process, no impacts are anticipated. A collaborative assessment among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service and USAKA, determined a proposed route with the least impact to the reef. The proposed routing will take advantage of existing reef gaps to the extent possible to minimize disturbance. (Section 4.2.1.1)

When possible, turbidity and siltation from the trenching activity will be minimized and

contained to within the vicinity of the site through the use of effective silt containment devices. Scheduling of trenching will coincide with low-tide periods when possible. Trenched material will not be stockpiled in the marine environment. All dredged material will be placed, dewatered, and stored on upland areas behind impermeable berms to minimize disturbance to the marine environment. No return flow resulting from dewatering will be allowed to enter the


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nearshore water. No contamination of the marine environment (trash or debris disposal) will result from project-related activities.

All fueling and servicing of equipment operating in the marine environment will be

performed in upland areas in a manner to prevent any releases to the marine or terrestrial environments. Prior to use, all equipment will be inspected and cleaned of any petroleum-based product or other potentially polluting material that could be released into the marine environment. In the unlikely event of an accidental fuel spill, emergency response personnel will respond in accordance with the Kwajalein Environmental Emergency Plan prepared by USAKA in accordance with the UES. Absorbent pads and containment booms will be stored on-site to facilitate the immediate clean up of any petroleum spills. (Section 4.2.1)

The affected area will be monitored before and during trenching for threatened and

endangered species (such as green and hawksbill sea turtles). Work will be delayed until any such species observed has moved out of harms way, leaves the area, or is relocated (attached organisms only in the nearshore area) to similar habitat. (Section 4.2.1.1) 6.0 DISPERSION MODEL FOR MODELING AIR SOURCES

(Intent: Applicable if an air source is being built, or emissions are related to or will result from the

activity.) Micronesia Cable System activities at USAKA are not expected to require any regulated

continuous air emission sources; therefore, dispersion modeling is not required. 7.0 ANALYSIS OF WASTE DISCHARGE FOR POINT-SOURCE WASTE

DISCHARGES TO WATER (Intent: Explains source and content of any waste that will be part of a point source discharge. Every

effort should be made to not create a point source discharge; explains how it will be avoided.) There are no point-source discharges associated with this activity; therefore, analysis of

waste discharge is not required. 8.0 INFORMATION FOR HAZARDOUS WASTE TREATMENT, STORAGE, OR

DISPOSAL FACILITIES (Intent: Treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste are prohibited at USAKA. The text should

reaffirm that such will not take place with the activity. If hazardous waste will be created due to the

activity, it should be identified and how it will be removed from USAKA.)


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There are no hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facilities associated with this activity; therefore, analysis of these activities is not required. 9.0 BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT IF ENDANGERED RESOURCES MAY BE

AFFECTED (Intent: Addresses strictly endangered resources, as defined by UES §3-4. Endangered resources at

USAKA are all marine. Explains precautions to protect endangered resources.) The USFWS conducted a marine biological survey of the proposed cable landing area on Kwajalein Island in October 2005. Although no endangered species were identified in the project area at Kwajalein, the USFWS recommended routes and specific mitigation measures to minimize the impact to the coral reef. (Section 3.2.1) 10.0 INFORMATION ON RECEIVING WATER QUALITY FOR WATER

DISCHARGES (Intent: Discusses the quality of water where a point source (including stormwater) is being introduced.

Only existing Class B waters can receive point sources (water classification maps, UES Appendix 3-2A). There are no water discharges associated with this activity; therefore, associated

information on receiving water quality is not required. 11.0 INFORMATION ON MARINE LIFE, CURRENTS, AND OTHER

CHARACTERISTICS OF OCEAN DISPOSAL SITE (Intent: Applicable for ocean disposal activities).

There is no ocean disposal associated with this activity.

12.0 INFORMATION ON MARINE LIFE AND ENVIRONMENT IN DREDGING OR

FILLING AREAS (Intent: Applies if doing dredging or filling activities in waters of the RMI.)

Although no dredging or filling will occur as part of the proposed action, some trenching will be required on the reef and reef flat on the southwest end of Kwajalein Island. The USFWS conducted a marine biological survey of the proposed cable landing area on Kwajalein Island in October 2005. The survey identified coral, micro-invertebrate, marine plant and reef fish species in the project area. (Section 3.2.1)


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13.0 SPECIES AND NUMBERS OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE RESOURCES AND HABITATS THAT MAY BE TAKE (Intent: Provides complete discussion for migratory birds, wildlife resources, and habitats that may be

“taken” because of the activity. “Take” and “taking” are defined in the UES.)

The combination of increased noise levels and human activity could displace any birds that forage, feed, or nest within the 15-meter (50 foot) radius surrounding construction activities; however, the project area is marginal habitat for migratory birds. No migratory bird species or other wildlife resources are expected to be taken as a result of this activity. No known nesting occurs in the project area; however, personnel will be instructed to avoid all contact with any nest that may be encountered. (Section 4.2.1.1) 14.0 NOTIFICATION

(Intent: Provides emergency notification and any other type of notifications that are applicable to the

activity.) 14.1 Emergency Notifications

Within 24 hours of discovery of an emergency environmental condition, USAKA shall

notify the public affected or potentially affected by the condition and the Appropriate Agencies by the most expeditious means available. Emergency environmental conditions are those that pose an immediate threat to human health and safety, incidental take of protected species or habitats, and unplanned impacts to sensitive natural and cultural resources. Within 10 days following emergency notification, USAKA shall submit written notification of the event to the Appropriate Agencies that contains, at a minimum, the relevant information described in UES Section 2-7.2.2. Emergency notifications shall be made for any condition that the Commander, USAKA, determines to constitute an emergency condition. 14.2 Public Notifications

Public notifications shall be made by USAKA to advise the public of an activity or action that USAKA has taken or is planning. Public notification shall be made through means that are widely available and consulted by the public at USAKA and the RMI. This normally includes publication in The Kwajalein Hourglass and The Marshall Islands Journal, posters or bulletins displayed in public places, announcements on the television “Roller”, and radio announcements, and shall be effective for the locations affected.


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15.0 RECORDS KEEPING (Intent: States how long and where records will be stored.)

The NPA, Environmental Comments, and Recommendations, and DEP permitting MCS activities at USAKA shall be preserved for the duration of the activity plus ten years or for ten years after expiration of the DEP, whichever is less. 16.0 RESOLUTION OF NONCOMPLIANT AREAS

(Intent: Fully explains areas of noncompliance and how the activity will or will not correct the

noncompliance.) Currently there are no non-compliant MCS activities at USAKA.

trenching for micronesia cable system dep-06-001.0

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