HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The U.S. Air Force announces the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for providing the facilities necessary to consolidate the Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) mission here.
The NC3 mission focuses on critical C3 tools, such as sophisticated radio systems, receivers and more that allow the rapid and accurate passing of emergency action messages. It does not involve work on nuclear weaponry or any nuclear materials.
The purpose of the proposed action is to establish facilities at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, to allow NC3 staff to move from their current location at the MITRE complex in Bedford, Massachusetts, to permanent workspace at Hanscom AFB, pending completion of the Environmental Impact Analysis Process. The preferred alternative involves demolition of two existing buildings at Hanscom AFB and construction of a new building in the same location.
The EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Council on Environmental Quality regulations, and Air Force instructions implementing NEPA evaluates potential impacts of the Proposed Action and alternatives on the environment including the No Action Alternative.
Based on this analysis, the Air Force has prepared a proposed FONSI. The Air Force seeks public comments on the draft EA and draft FONSI and will consider all input received before reaching a final decision.
Copies of the Draft EA and Draft FONSI are available for review and can be downloaded at the following internet link: https://www.hanscom.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/379486/civil-engineering.
Civil engineering officials recommend individuals without internet access visit a local library or city hall for assistance in downloading the document. Requests for hardcopies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Air Force is aware of the potential impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on the usual methods of access to information and ability to communicate, such as the closure of local public libraries and challenges with internet access. The Air Force seeks to implement appropriate measures to ensure that the public and all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to participate fully in this Environmental Assessment process. Accordingly, do not hesitate to contact civil engineers directly at the email address or telephone number provided. Officials are available to discuss and help resolve issues involving access to the draft EA and proposed FONSI, or the ability to comment.
For further information, contact the Environmental Office at Hanscom AFB at 978-835-5895.
Written comments will be received through Feb. 14, and may be either emailed to Taylor O’Brien at taylor.obrien@us.af.mil or mailed to: 66 ABG/CEIE; 120 Grenier Street; Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-1910.