Q U I E T  S K I E S

This page archives some of the history of Growler decisions and actions.

 

UPDATE:    MARCH 13, 2019:  Record of Decision announced to add more Growlers.  

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OCTOBER 2014:  The Navy is proposing  the addition of up to 36 more EA-18G Growler aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey.

 

As a result, in October, 2014, the Navy announced its intent to revise the scope of the ongoing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for EA-18G Growler airfield

operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

 

Within that process, until January 9, 2015, we had the opportunity to (a) describe our experience and (b) identify topics for inclusion in the EIS study.  Topics included noise mitigation, alternatives, sound measurements, etc.  The study must address the comments submitted during that open Scoping period.  

 

The following text is adapted from information reported in April 2015 by Ingrid Gabriel from the San Juan County Council office: ..."Navy officials and subject matter experts involved in developing the EIS will conduct a thorough analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action, including an examination of issues and concerns identified during the public scoping process. The EIS will also include a comprehensive noise assessment of NAS Whidbey Island and OLF Coupeville operations, including potential health impacts based on a thorough literature review.

 

Following this analytical process, the Navy will release a Draft EIS for additional public comment. The Draft EIS will summarize the themes of all scoping comments received and explain how public concerns were addressed.

 

The Draft EIS is scheduled to be completed and published in the late spring or early summer of 2016. The Navy will again host a series of public meetings on the Draft EIS, affording the public with additional opportunities to participate in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and to comment on the Draft EIS. The Final EIS is expected to be published in the spring of 2017 and will contain written responses to public comments received on the Draft EIS. A Record of Decision on the Final EIS is expected in 2017 and will specify any changes to current Growler operations at NAS Whidbey Island. Until then, you should expect Growler operations to remain consistent with the analyses in Environmental Assessments completed in 2005 and 2012 (available at www.whidbeyeis.com).

 

The EA-18G EIS public website (www.whidbeyEIS.com) will be updated periodically throughout the EIS process. The website contains public announcements and electronic versions of public information such as the Draft EIS, when it is available."

 

At the same time, another initiative of the Navy's is focused on extending Growler usage for the proposed Pacific Northwest Electronic Warfare Range. The use and effects of the Growlers has become a regional issue.

 

Quietskies has obtained copies of comments submitted by several groups during the Scoping period relating to the expansion of the Growlers.   These are public documents and provide significant insight into the issues related to Growler expansion.  Click on each of the icons to the right for comments from the Bureau of Land Management (Spokane and San Juan managers), the National Park Service, Protect the Peninsula's Future, the Sierra Club, Peaceful Skies Coalition.

 

Engaging the Community:

 

To engage the community in the Scoping period, the Quietskies Group provided informative documents. Though the Scoping comment period has closed, these documents provide helpful background; click on the icons to the right. 

 

For more information, see http://olyopen.com/2014/12/04/hundreds-turn-out-for-navy-eis-scoping/