EIS for Beddown of F/A-18 E/F (Super Hornet) Aircraft, US East Coast Home Basing, Norfolk, Virginia

As a continuation of its work under previous NAVFAC Atlantic contracts, E & E provided environmental planning and engineering support by preparing a high-quality, final EIS documenting impacts of the introduction/home basing of F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft to the United States East Coast, to replace the F-14 Tomcats and earlier-version F/A-18 Hornets.  In accordance with NEPA requirements, the EIS included an airfield/airspace study for Naval Air Station Oceana, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and associated special use airspace and military training routes used by 10 Atlantic Fleet Super Hornet Squadrons and the Fleet Replacement Squadron on the East Coast.

E & E analyzed potential environmental impacts resulting from projected changes in flight operations, personnel transitions, and new construction.  We evaluated potential impacts of noise and accident potential zones on nearby populations; noise-sensitive receptors; land uses; and historical, cultural, and archaeological resources.  As a supporting study to the NEPA EIS document, we used in-house geographic information system (GIS) technology, data management resources, and graphics capabilities to create map overlays and delineate noise contours in order to evaluate alternative locations for a proposed new outlying landing field (OLF) to support the Navy’s Field Carrier Landing Practice. 

E & E conducted biological assessments to determine impacts on threatened and endangered (T/E) species, marine mammals, sea turtles, and essential fish habitat from ongoing ordnance delivery at Dare County Range, as well as the proposed operations at the selected OLF.  We performed air conformity analyses, conducted carbon monoxide modeling, and prepared coastal zone consistency determinations for three states. 

We planned and conducted a comprehensive public involvement program that included development of an introductory scoping video and design and maintenance of a public-access Web site.  We organized and conducted open houses and public hearings in four states.  To manage thousands of pages of comments on the draft EIS, E & E computer specialists and NEPA experts developed a database that enabled E & E’s technical staff to develop and use standard responses for recurring comments and to create new responses for unique comments at any time during the review cycle.  The three-year EIS process, which included over 20 public hearings, served as the foundation for the draft Record of Decision (ROD) for Super Hornet home basing that was prepared by E & E.