DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR HOME BASING OF
THE MQ-9 MARINE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE SQUADRON AND
KC-130J MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON AT
mARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII KANEOHE BAY OAHU, HAWAII
The U.S. Marine Corps has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and applicable regulations and guidance to home base KC-130J and MQ-9 aircraft at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH). This EA informs interested parties of impacts associated with the proposed home basing action. Based upon the EA, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been prepared and the determination made that preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required.
In accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Marine Corps consulted with the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), Native Hawaiian organizations, interested parties, and the public regarding a determination of adverse effects to historic properties resulting from the proposed action to home base KC-130J and MQ-9 squadrons at MCBH. The Marine Corps determined that the proposed undertaking will result in adverse effects to historic properties in accordance with 36 CFR 800.5(a)(1). This process resulted in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the Marine Corps, SHPD, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The MOA documents mitigation measures to be implemented for the proposed undertaking.
In accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), MCBH conducted informal consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Pacific Islands Office for the proposed action’s potential impacts to ESA-listed species. USFWS concurred with the MCBH determination that the proposed action would have no effect or is not likely to adversely affect ESA-listed species.
The Marine Corps received public comments on the Draft EA from Aug. 8 to Sept. 21, 2022, which included a 14-day extension to the public comment period. In accordance with Section 106 Implementing Regulations at 36 CFR 800.6(a)(4), the Marine Corps also requested comments from the public on mitigating the adverse effects of the undertaking on properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. These comments were considered as part of the decision-making process as reflected in Appendix B.
The EA, FONSI, and their associated appendices are available at the document links below and at the website: https://planning.hawaii.gov/erp. A printed copy is available at the Hawaii Documents Center (Hawaii State Public Library). If you are unable to access the materials through these means, please reach out to: NFPAC-Receive@us.navy.mil
Announcements
MCBH Press Release - Marine Corps Completes Environmental Assessment for Home Basing Two New Aircraft (PDF)
MCBH Public Statement - Marine Corps to extend the public review and comment period for the Draft EA for Home Basing MQ-9s and C-130s at MCBH (PDF)
MCBH Press Release - Public review and comment period begins for the Draft EA for Home Basing MQ-9s and C-130s at MCBH (PDF)
FINAL EA DOCUMENTS
Vol 1 Main Body - MCBH HB Final EA (Dec 2022) (PDF)
Vol 2 Appendices - MCBH HB Final EA (Dec 2022) (PDF)
DRAFT EA DOCUMENTS
Draft EA (PDF)