EPA Recommends Environmental Impact Study for Proposed FASTC Site

March 17th, 2010

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has become aware of the Environmental Assessment (EA) under preparation by the General Services Administration (GSA), in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508), for the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center (FASTC) project In accordance with EPA authority under NEP A, Section 309 of the Clean Air Act, and authority for the protection of aquatic, EPA has offered an informal opinion and suggestions to GSA on NEP A compliance for the FASTC project.

The property being investigated by GSA, in Ruthsburg, Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, is proposed to be developed as a training facility for the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security. The proposed facility will be designed for training up to 10,000 students per year, and require venues such as anti-terrorism driving tracks, indoor and outdoor firing ranges, explosive demolition ranges, as well as classrooms, offices and accommodations. Money for the project is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The property selected as the preferred alternative location is currently farmland in eastern Maryland, bordered by Tuckahoe State Park in the watershed of Choptank River in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. There has been considerable public interest and objection to the project, as noted in public hearings held in January and February 2010. EPA has received comments through its website and by letter.

GSA has begun work on an EA to study approximately 2000 acres of land being proposed for use in the development of the FASTC. A cursory review of available GIS environmental data indicate the property to have a high potential for natural resources, and to be adjoining area designated in Maryland’s Green Infrastructure program as a hub and corridor for wildlife passage and habitat. EPA believes that the project may adversely affect the aquatic and terrestrial environment, including wetlands and, potentially, endangered species. We also believe that a determination of jurisdictional wetlands, their current and potential functions and values will need to be established. A voidance of wetland and streams resources, and appropriate protection of water quality, should be maximized. EPA has discussed the project with GSA and stated the opinion that though in accordance with NEP A process, a decision may be reached at the conclusion of the EA to expand the study and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), it might be prudent for GSA to consider an EIS at this stage of investigation. It has been the experience of EPA Region III that projects of a similar nature, requiring large land transfer and development, in a sensitive area, have been studied and publically vetted through the EIS process. EPA has stated to GSA that a key issue of an EIS is evaluation of alternatives. In that vein we suggest that GSA demonstrate that other properties were identified through an adequate investigation and found impracticable or to have potentially more significant environmental impact.

EPA appreciates GSA’s consideration of our concerns, and would be pleased to discuss the project further. The EPA contact for the project is Ms. Barbara J Rudnick, NEP A Team Leader; she can be reached at 215-814-3322.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey D. Lapp
Associate Director
Office of Environmental Programs

[Here is a copy of the letter sent from the EPA]

Planning Commission Agenda - March 17, 2010

March 17th, 2010

County Annex Building - 2nd Floor (B)
206 North Commerce Street
7:00 P.M.

I. CALL TO ORDER – Christopher Frank – Chair
II. Review of Minutes from Previous Meeting
III. Citizen Comment (Citizens are requested to keep their questions/comments to three minutes)
IV. Appearances
a. DMS & Associates - Preliminary Site Plan and Subdivision Plat for a Mixed Residential Redevelopment on the Lands of Bozek, Inc., Spring Street
b. Lane Engineering, LLC - Providence Farm Final Plat Review - Subdivision on the Lands of Peter Sheaffer Read the rest of this entry »

Town Council Meeting Agenda - March 18, 2010

March 17th, 2010

7:00 p.m.
Goodwill Fire Company

I. Convene – Council President Frank C. Ogens
II. Review of Minutes from Past Meetings
a. March 9, 2010 (work session)
b. March 4, 2010 (regular meeting)
III. Announcement of Closed Sessions
IV. Citizens Forum (Citizens are requested to keep their comments to three minutes)
V. Appearances
a. Jim Barton, Chair, Chesterfield Cemetery Advisory Committee
VI. Old Business
a.
VII. New Business
a. Goodwill Fire Company Emergency Services / Release of Funds
b. Railroad Avenue Stormwater Investigation
c. Ordinance 03-2010 Re: Section 170-26 Bulk Standards in a Planned Redevelopment Area
d. Ordinance 04-2010 Re: Spring Street Planned Redevelopment Area Read the rest of this entry »

Video of the 3/9/10 QAC Meeting is now available

March 17th, 2010

Click here. Select “RECENTLY ADDED” from the panel on the right and then “Commissioners meeting:03/09/10?

In this episode:
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Letters sent from QAC Commissioners to various State agencies

March 17th, 2010

Enclosed please find the project fact sheet regarding a proposed Foreign Affairs Security Training Center here in Queen Anne`s County, including the website for more detailed information.

The project has garnered state and national attention and there is a growing grassroots effort of both opposition and support. The General Services Administration has sponsored four public meetings regarding the project. Many issues have been addressed at these meetings but they have also generated many more questions.
Read the rest of this entry »

Sign seen in Ruthsburg

March 16th, 2010

QAC Commissioners request town hall meeting with Congressman Kratovil and Senators Mikulski and Cardin

March 16th, 2010

In light of the incredible amount of debate discussion and interest in the Foreign Affairs Security Training Center proposed for Ruthsburg, the Queen Anne`s County Commissioners respectfully request your participation in sponsoring a town hall meeting.
Read the rest of this entry »

Farm Signs

March 15th, 2010

CLICK HERE TO SEE EVERYTHING ON RUTHSBURG HARD SKILLS FACILITY

March 15th, 2010

[I do my best to keep this current.  Be sure to scroll all the way through the list.  Some newer stuff might appear at the top of this page]

Announcements

  • The Draft Environmental Assessment should be ready in Mid-April. 
    After that there will be another public meeting and a comment period.

Read the rest of this entry »

Email to the GSA regarding the FATC [eco shenanigans Blog]

March 15th, 2010

Before I get going I want to say that i appreciate having this opportunity to communicate my thoughts on this highly delicate matter. I know it’s a long email (over an hour to write) and I will be eternally grateful to the reader for reading every word and not chucking it in the trash. Apologies for any grammar mistakes - it’s past 3 AM where I am right now! Read the rest of this entry »