22 May 1998 Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aaces002.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Federal Register: May 22, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 99)] [Notices] [Page 28374] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr22my98-75] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army Environmental Assessment and Finding of no Significant Impact for the Realignment of Missions and Personnel at Fort Meade, Maryland AGENCY: Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with Public Law 101-510, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990, the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommended relocating the Defense Investigative Service (DIS) from Fort Holabird, Maryland, to a new facility to be built on Fort Meade, Maryland, and closing the leased space at Crown Ridge in Fairfax County, Virginia, and relocating the Information Systems Software Center (ISSC) to Fort Meade. ISSC has two component elements, the Software Development Center-Washington (SDC-W) and the Executive Software Systems Directorate (ESSD). The Commission also recommended realigning Fort Meade by eliminating inpatient services at Kimbrough Army Community Hospital (KACH) and reducing the facility to a clinic and outpatient surgical center. An Environmental Assessment (EA) examined the proposed transfer of personnel and missions to 445 civilian and 67 military positions and Form 71 civilian and 57 military positions at Fort Meade, Maryland. Plans for relocation include construction of a new facility for the DIS in the Central Administrative Area and renovation of a portion of Pershing Hall to house the ISSC elements of SDC-W and ESSD. This allows for construction of DIS in a developed area and collocates the two ISSC functions in the same building, enhancing mission effectiveness. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated from any of the alternatives analyzed in the EA. All of the alternatives, including the Army's preferred alternative, could result in some minor adverse impacts that can be avoided or minimized. Minor adverse impacts may occur in the areas of noise, stormwater, soil, traffic and transportation, and asbestos and lead-based paint management. Noise will be minimized by limiting construction hours. Stormwater and soil erosion control plans will minimize impacts to water resources. Asbestos and lead-based paint, if encountered during renovation, will be removed, encapsulated, or disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws. Additionally, the Fort Meade Transportation Master Plan will reduce impacts on traffic. Unsuitable soil, wetlands and cultural resources are present only on the DIS Alternative B site and would be avoided if that site were selected. Section 106 consultation with the Maryland State Historic Preservation Office has been completed for the preferred alternative sites. Therefore, based on the analysis found in EA, which was incorporated into the Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI), it has been determined that implementation of the proposed action will not have significant individual or cumulative impacts on the quality of the natural or the human environment. Because no significant environmental impacts will result from implementation of the proposed action, an Environmental Impact Statement is not required and will not be prepared. DATES: Public comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 1998. The Army will not initiate the proposed action for 30 days following completion of the EA and publication of this Notice of Availability. ADDRESSES: Individuals wishing to review the EA may obtain a copy and may provide comments during this 30-day period by writing to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ATTN: Ms. Maria de la Torre (CENAB-PL-E), P.O. Box 1715, Baltimore, Maryland 21203-1715 or by sending a telefax to (410) 962-4698. Individuals wishing to review the EA may examine a copy at the following locations: Fort George G. Meade Library, Building 4418, Fort Meade, Maryland; and the Provinces Library, 2624 Annapolis Road, Severn, Maryland. Dated: May 14, 1998. Raymond J. Fatz, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, (Environment, Safety and Occupational Health) OASA (I,L&E). [FR Doc. 98-13723 Filed 5-21-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3710-08-M