Historical Documents

In 2005 and 2012, the Navy prepared environmental analyses pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the replacement of the Prowler aircraft with the newer Growler aircraft at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island. The 2005 Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluated the environmental consequences of a transition of carrier and training squadrons from Prowler to Growler aircraft and the disestablishment of three expeditionary squadrons. The 2012 EA evaluated the environmental consequences of retaining and transitioning three expeditionary Growler squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island from Prowler to Growler aircraft, the relocation of a reserve expeditionary Prowler squadron from Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and the transition of that squadron to Growlers at NAS Whidbey Island.

2005 Final EA

The 2005 Final EA is available to download or view online. The following Adobe PDF files represent the main text of the EA and its supporting appendices.

2005 NAS Whidbey Island Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Study Update

• Click here to view the 2005 NAS Whidbey Island AICUZ Study Update

2012 Final EA

The 2012 Final EA is available to download or view online. The following portal document file (PDFs) represent each individual section. Additionally, you can download the entire EA (Full EA [60 MB]) as a single PDF.

2013 - 2014 Scoping Effort

In September 2013, the Navy began an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the addition of two new expeditionary squadrons and additional Growler aircraft to the training squadron. Scoping was conducted between September 2013 and January 2014 on that proposed action, and open house scoping meetings were held in December 2013 to discuss the proposal.

In the spring of 2014, the Chief of Naval Operations requested the purchase of an additional 22 Growler aircraft as part of the Unfunded Requirements List in the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2015. While it was unclear at that time how many Growler aircraft would ultimately be procured, if any, the Navy elected to analyze the potential environmental impacts of these additional aircraft in order to be proactive and transparent. Therefore, the Navy revised the scope of the EIS originally presented to the public in 2013 and initiated a new scoping effort on Oct. 8, 2014, that was completed on Jan. 9, 2015 (additional information and scoping materials may be found on the Public Involvement tab)

Copies of the Federal Register Notices related to the 2013 and 2014 efforts are available for download or to view online:

• Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS and to Announce Public Scoping Meetings, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013
• Notice Regarding Scoping Comment Period, Friday, Jan. 17, 2014

A copy of the scoping booklet provided during the 2013-2014 scoping effort is available for download here.

2016 Draft Environmental Impact Statement for EA-18G Growler Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

The electronic version of the Draft EIS may be downloaded for review by clicking on the links below.

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for EA-18G Growler Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex Volume I (full document)

• Executive Summary and Front Matter
• Chapter 1: Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action
• Chapter 2: Proposed Action and Alternatives
• Chapter 3: Affected Environment
• Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences
• Chapter 5: Cumulative Impacts
• Chapter 6: Other Considerations Required by NEPA
• Chapter 7: References
• Chapter 8: List of Preparers
• Chapter 9: Distribution List

Draft Environmental Impact Statement for EA-18G Growler Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex Volume II (full document)

• Appendix A: Draft Aircraft Noise Study
• Appendix B: Air Emissions Calculations
• Appendix C: Section 106 Documentation
• Appendix D: Transportation Trip Generation Data
• Appendix E: Land Use Data, High-tempo FCLP Year
• Appendix F: Environmental Justice Data, High-tempo FCLP Year
• Appendix G: Coastal Consistency Determination
• Appendix H: Civilian Airfield Analysis

Copies of the Draft EIS also are available for review at 22 area libraries: