The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 requires federal agencies to examine the potential environmental effects of their actions to allow for more informed decision-making. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a detailed public document that provides an assessment of the potential effects that a major federal action might have on the human, natural, and physical environment. An Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS) is prepared to comply with Executive Order 12114, Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions (1979). This order requires federal agencies to consider the potential effects of their actions on the environment outside the U.S. territorial sea. The Navy's analysis under NEPA extends through the U.S. territorial sea (from shore to 12 nautical miles).

The NEPA process emphasizes the importance of community involvement during the development of an EIS/OEIS. Community involvement is a critical part of the NEPA process and there are a number of opportunities for the public to participate throughout the development of the Northwest Training and Testing (NWTT) EIS/OEIS, including a scoping period, open house information sessions, and public hearings to be held when the draft document is available for public review. All public comments are considered in the development of the EIS/OEIS.

Nine public open house information sessions were held in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska. Representatives from the Navy provided information and answered questions about the proposed action. The public information sessions were held at the following locations:

1.) Oak Harbor, WA:  Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Oak Harbor School District Office

Administrative Services Center Board Room

350 S. Oak Harbor St
Oak Harbor, WA
Get Directions

2.) Quilcene, WA:  Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Quilcene School District Multipurpose Room

294715 U.S. Highway 101
Quilcene, WA

Get Directions

3.) Silverdale, WA:  Thursday, March 15, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Central Kitsap High School Cafeteria

3700 NW Anderson Hill Road
Silverdale, WA

Get Directions

4.) Aberdeen, WA:  Friday, March 16, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Grays Harbor College HUB

1620 Edward P. Smith Drive
Aberdeen, WA

Get Directions

5.) Tillamook, OR:  Monday, March 19, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Tillamook County Fairgrounds Auditorium

4603 E. 3rd Street
Tillamook, OR

Get Directions

6.) Newport, OR:  Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Hatfield Marine Science Center

2030 SE Marine Science Drive
Newport, OR

Get Directions

7.) Eureka, CA:  Thursday, March 22, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Eureka Public Marina, Wharfinger Building

1 Marina Way
Eureka, CA

Get Directions

8.) Fort Bragg, CA:  Friday, March 23, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fort Bragg Town Hall

363 North Main Street
Fort Bragg, CA

Get Directions

9.) Ketchikan, AK: Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 
Ted Ferry Civic Center
888 Venetia Ave.
Ketchikan, AK 
Get Directions

Scoping Period
A scoping period is included to give community members and public agencies the opportunity to submit comments on the content and issues to be considered in the development of the NWTT EIS/OEIS. The comment period closed April 27, 2012. 

Public Review and Comment on the Draft NWTT EIS/OEIS 
The draft document will be available for public review in Fall of 2013. You may also check back on this website for updates.