NORFOLK, Va. –
The Navy has released a final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Training Operations at the Pinecastle Range Complex (PRC), Florida.
The Proposed Action consists of continuing existing military readiness activities and conducting anticipated future military readiness activities, which include changes in aircraft use, at the PRC, Florida. Existing military readiness activities include aviation and ground activities at Pinecastle Range, Rodman Range, and aviation activities at Lake George Range. Collectively, these three ranges support rotary, fixed-wing, and tilt-rotor aircraft traveling from land military bases and sea-based military platforms. The continuation of military readiness activities also includes periodic closures of access gates along roads near and around Pinecastle Range when certain activities are conducted. Anticipated future range mission requirements at the PRC include the incorporation of mobile electronic warfare equipment, and mission support for the A-29, F/A-18, F-35, T-45 and other aircraft as identified in the 2017 Range Air Installations Compatible Use Zones Study.
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to achieve, sustain, and maintain fleet training and aviation readiness using the PRC to support and conduct current, emerging, and future military readiness activities. The Proposed Action is needed to maintain and expand Fleet operational readiness to support national defense requirements under Title 10 United States Code section 8062.
The Navy has determined the proposed action will not significantly impact the quality of the human or natural environment or generate significant controversy. Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement will not be required, and a Finding of No Significant Impact has been issued. Interested parties may view copies of the Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for this action at the following website:https://www.nepa.navy.mil/pinecastle.