by Nick Delgado

Guam – The U.S. Navy is in the initial stages of preparing an environmental impact statement and overseas environmental impact statement to evaluate the potential environmental effects with the military readiness training, research, development, testing and evaluation activities. Navy officials state this may include the use of active sonar and explosives in the Mariana Islands training and testing (MITT) EIS/OEIS study area. The study area includes the existing Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC), additional areas on the high seas and a transit corridor where training and testing activities occur.

The military is encouraging public input to identify community concerns and issues for the analysis in the EIS/OEIS during the NEPA process. Comments will be taken for the next 60 days, and scoping meetings will be held on September 22^nd at the University of Guam Leon Guerrero School of Business and Public Administration Building - Anthony Leon Guerrero Multi-Purpose Room 129, as well as September 23^rd at Southern High school cafeteria. Public scoping meetings will be held from 5 to 8pm.