EARLY NOTICE AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FLOODPLAIN
Pursuant to Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management, the United States Department of the Navy (Navy) gives notice that the Navy is conducting an evaluation of a proposed action which would involve construction in a floodplain to determine the potential effects that its activity in the floodplain would have on the human environment. The Navy will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action in the floodplain and the potential impacts on the floodplain from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988 and the Puerto Rico Coastal Management Program.
The proposed action is to replace the aged and deteriorated Underground Storage Tank with two new double wall steel Aboveground Storage Tanks on concrete slabs at the Aguada Facility. There are two locations being considered for the two new Aboveground Storage Tanks; however, other alternative locations may also be considered within the Installation’s fenced boundaries on previously developed and suitable land that will have no or minimal environmental impacts. A Project Site Location Map and a Potential Site Location Map for the Aboveground Storage Tanks are attached for reference. During the 2022 Hurricane season, impacts to the site further damaged existing tank structure, but identified that existing tanks were under capacity, which led to negative mission interruptions and impacts. If Aguada was impacted in a similar capacity today they would most likely experience interruptions and negative mission impacts due to lack of fuel capacity and storage. The Navy is proposing the action in a floodplain because it is replacing existing equipment, which is already located within the boundaries of floodplains associated with the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The impact if the two new Aboveground Storage Tanks are not provided is this critical antenna site will not be able to meet mission requirements during interruptions to regular fuel supply. Increasing fuel storage capacity increases the overall resiliency for continued mission operations.
There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain and wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain and wetlands, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain and wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain and wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.
Interested parties may submit written comments no later than 5:00 PM on September 9, 2023 by email to wendy.s.dauberman-zerby.civ@us.navy.mil or by mail postmarked no later than September 9, 2023 to:
NAVFAC SE PWD NAS Jacksonville Environmental
Attn: Wendy Dauberman
PO Box 5, Building 27
Jacksonville, FL 32212
Final Public Notice for Aguada Tank Replacement - English
Final Public Notice for Aguada Tank Replacement - Spanish