KC-46 EIS public hearing set for Dec. 15

  • Published
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is holding public hearings to invite public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the KC-46A Third Main Operating Base (MOB 3) Beddown. The public hearing for Seymour Johnson AFB is set for Dec. 15, at the Herman Park Center in Goldsboro.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the USAF has prepared the environmental study in the form of a Draft EIS, which is currently available for public review and comment. The hearings will start with a USAF presentation and an opportunity for public comment before a hearing officer and a court reporter. Written comments will also be accepted.

Seymour Johnson AFB has been identified as the Preferred Alternative for the KC-46A MOB 3 mission with Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; and Westover ARB, Massachusetts, considered as reasonable alternatives for the MOB 3 mission.

Along with the No-Action Alternative, these alternatives were fully evaluated in the Draft EIS. The MOB 3 mission involves the basing of 12 KC-46A aircraft in one squadron. The squadron of KC-46A aircraft will require infrastructure, facilities, airfield operations, training activities, personnel, and airspace to support worldwide refueling, cargo, or aeromedical evacuation missions.

At Grissom ARB, Seymour Johnson AFB and Tinker AFB, the MOB 3 would be a replacement mission for the existing KC-135 mission. At Westover ARB, the KC-46A MOB 3 mission would be a new mission in addition to the existing C-5 mission which would remain unchanged. In addition, KC-46A aircrews from Seymour Johnson AFB would continue to use the Kinston Regional Jetport as an auxiliary airfield as is currently being used by KC-135 aircrews.

The KC-46A aircraft will replace a portion of the aging Tanker fleet. With more refueling capacity and enhanced capabilities, improved efficiency, and increased capabilities for cargo and aeromedical evacuation, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to the USAF, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as allied nation coalition force aircraft.

Pursuant to NEPA, the Draft EIS analyzes the potential environmental consequences associated with basing the KC-46A at each MOB 3 alternative base. The No-Action alternative, which would not beddown KC-46A aircraft at any base, is also examined. More information can be obtained from the project web site at www.KC-46A-beddown.com.

The USAF is soliciting comments on the Draft EIS from interested members of the public as well as interested federal, state, and local agencies and others. Public input is vital in supporting the USAF in making informed decisions, and no action will be taken until after a Final EIS and Record of Decision (ROD) are published.

The USAF will hold public hearings to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the proposal and to provide input. All members of the public are invited and public comments are encouraged. Public input supports the USAF in making more informed decisions.

The public hearing venue will open at 5:00 P.M. At 5:30 P.M., the hearing will start with a USAF presentation, followed by formal public comment beginning at approximately 6:15 P.M. The hearing will conclude at 8:00 P.M.

During the presentation, the USAF will describe the proposed action and alternatives, the purpose and reasoning behind the proposed KC-46A MOB 3 beddown, the NEPA process, and summarize the Draft Environmental Impact Statement findings. The public comment period will then begin; oral public comments will be transcribed by a court reporter.

The Draft EIS is available for download from the following website: www.KC-46A-beddown.com and may be reviewed in hardcopy format at the following local libraries:

• Wayne County Public Library, 1001 E. Ash St., Goldsboro
• Seymour Johnson AFB Library, 1520 Goodson St., Bldg. 3660

Comments on the Draft EIS can be submitted electronically at www.KC-46A-beddown.com, orally or in writing at public hearings, or by providing written comments to the contact information listed below.

As a convenience for those sending comments by mail, a comment form is available on the website to help expedite your submission. Although comments will be accepted throughout the Draft EIS review period, to ensure consideration in the Final EIS, public input must be received by Jan. 2, 2017.

People wishing to mail comments or obtain further information should send them to:

Mr. Hamid Kamalpour
United States Air Force, AFCEC/CZN
2261 Hughes Avenue, Suite 155,
JBSA Lackland, TX 78236-9853