Finding of No Significant Impact for the Use of Military Surplus Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Finding of No Significant Impact for the Use of Military Surplus

Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction

AGENCY: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the U.S. Army Materiel

Command (AMC), Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: An environmental assessment on the use of Military Surplus

Armored Tanks for Artificial Reef Construction was prepared pursuant to

the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321

(et seq) and the Council on Environmental Quality Guidelines (40 CFR

parts 1500-1508). The environmental assessment concluded that there

will be no significant impact on the environment and that preparation

of an Environmental Impact Statement will not be necessary. Interested

parties may submit comments to the address listed below for a 30-day

period from the date of this notice.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 22 April 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Larry J. Wilson, CAAV, Staff

Director, Public Affairs Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Cameron

Station, Alexandria, VA 22304-6100, (703) 274-6135.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DLA is responsible for overseeing the

disposal of excess military assets. The normal disposal protocols for

military tanks involve the selling of demilitarized tanks to salvage

companies. However, the size of the current surplus inventory and the

likely growth due to DoD downsizing motivated consideration of other

methods of disposition. An environmental assessment has been prepared

to address the proposed use of surplus tanks for reef construction

material, possible alternative approaches, environmental consequences

of the proposed action, and measures recommended to mitigate

potentially adverse effects. This environmental assessment has been

prepared jointly by the DLA and AMC in accordance with Council on

Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations and DLA implementing regulation

DLAR 1000.22, Environmental Consideration in DLA Actions in the United

States.

The proposed action involves the use of as many as 200 surplus

military armored tanks for placement in coastal waters for artificial

reef construction. These surplus tanks are located at the Anniston Army

Dept (ANAD), Anniston Al. The Artificial Reef Program is administered

by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) pursuant to 33 USC Section

2104. Under this program, the COE designates specific areas to be used

as artificial reef sites and issues permits to ensure that only

suitable materials are placed in the artificial reef. There has been

considerable interest by various coastal states in using surplus

armored tanks as artificial reef material. It is believed that the

heavy gauge steel construction of the tanks will extend the useful life

of the artificial reef. Properly designed, constructed, and located,

artificial reefs can enhance recreational and commercial fishing

opportunities, increase the production of fishery products, increase

the energy efficiency of recreational and commercial fisheries, and

contribute to coastal economies.

DLA and AMC will institute measures which will mitigate potential

adverse effects. Tank cleanup and preparation procedures have been

developed to ensure that tanks are cleaned of environmentally harmful

materials and that they meet applicable environmental criteria. These

procedures include draining all fluids, removal of the tank engine,

transmission and hydraulic systems, and steam cleaning exterior and

interior surfaces. Tank preparation, transportation and deployment will

be in accordance with military operational and safety plans with

comprehensive transportation and deployment plans if performed by

nonmilitary activities.

The use of surplus military armored tanks for artificial reef

construction materials is not considered a major action significantly

affecting the quality of the human environment or requiring the

preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. A public comment

period regarding the environmental assessment will begin at the time of

publication of this notice and will conclude 30 days following. Copies

of the environmental assessment are available for inspection at the

address listed above. Interested parties may also contact the DLA

Public Affairs Office at commercial telephone (703) 274-6135.

Dated: 20 April 1994.

Jan B. Reitman,

Staff Director, (Environmental and Safety Policy).

[FR Doc. 94-9900 Filed 4-22-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3620-01-M