Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess current, emerging, and future training operations necessary to achieve and maintain readiness, and to upgrade/modernize existing range capabilities to enhance and sustain U.S. Air Force training capabilities at Grand Bay Range, immediately adjacent to and east of Moody Air Force Base (AFB), in Lowndes and Lanier Counties, Georgia. The EA is incorporated by reference into this Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
REPORT DATE
JUN 20132
PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTIONThe purpose of the Proposed Action is to: Maintain pace with emerging and future air-to-ground training needs through continued upgrading and modernizing of Grand Bay Range's targets and impact areas as well as Bemiss Field; Sustain the primary mission of providing air-to-ground training opportunities and the long-term viability of Grand Bay Range, while at the same time protecting human health and the environment; Ensure continued ability to support current, emerging, and future EOD ground-based training operations at the Range; Offer air-to-ground training assets that meet advanced military technology, including new platforms and weapons systems; and Support, to the maximum extent possible, other types of ground-based training for units stationed at the base and other DoD users.The Proposed Action is needed so that Grand Bay Range, Bemiss Field, and EOD range can maintain their overall strategic mission of supporting military combat readiness by providing a realistic, air-toground, live-training environment for aircrews and operational support personnel.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVESThe Proposed Action would provide increased ordnance use for air-to-ground training for the 23rd Fighter Group, 41st Rescue Squadron (RQS), and 71 RQS. It would also extend Grand Bay Range operating hours to support expanded ground-based training as needed. Typically, Grand Bay Range operates 17 hours per day Monday through Thursday, and 8.5 hours on Fridays (which includes a 4-hour maintenance period. Under the Proposed Action, the operating hours would be extended to accommodate 820th Base Defense Group (BDG) operations during the night and on weekends after normal flying hours cease. ...