MINOT AIR FORCE BASE The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron at Minot Air Force Base is taking comments through Feb. 29 on the Environmental Assessment on flood protection for a launch facility in the Minot missile field.
The 5th Civil Engineer Squadron at Minot Air Force Base performed emergency action to drain water from the encroaching wetlands in the area of the Foxtrot-4 launch facility. Excessive snowmelt and heavy rains during the spring of 2011 caused expansion of the wetlands near the facility location and it was in danger of becoming inundated with overland flooding.
The action entailed draining about 150 acre-feet of water, which translates to 49 million gallons from the vicinity of Foxtrot-4 into a wetland that drains to the Douglas Creek watershed in Douglas, which ultimately drains in to Lake Sakakawea.
The EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Air Force Instructions, evaluates potential impacts of the proposed action and the No Action Alternative, on the environment.
The EA evaluated land use and water resources. Based on the EA, the Air Force has prepared a proposed Finding of no Significant Impact and Finding of No Practicable Alternative.
Copies of the EA and proposed FONSI/FONPA are available at the Minot Public Library, Ward County Public Library and Minot AFB Library.
Comments should be provided to: David Garcia, 5th CES, 320 Peacekeeper Place, Minot AFB, ND 58705, or by calling 723-1964.