97675. DoD Seeks Public Comments on New Environmental Rules

By Lisa E. Stafford
American Forces Press Service

        WASHINGTON -- Public comments on rules for 
environmentally safe transfers of military training ranges 
to civilian use are invited at a series of DoD regional 
meetings starting this month.
        The first forum is scheduled Oct. 22 in Jacksonville, 
Fla. Others will be held Oct. 29 in Baltimore, Nov. 5 in 
Kansas City, Mo., and Dec. 10 in Reno, Nev. All will be from 
3 to 9 p.m. local time.
        The services are giving up ranges previously used for 
ordnance training and weapons testing as part of the base 
realignment and closure process and other transfer 
arrangements. The forums will examine potential 
environmental impacts of issuing a "Range Rule" vs. 
alternatives and will help decision makers assess resulting 
plans.
        "Years of day-to-day experience in managing 
environmental programs have taught us many valuable 
lessons," said Sherri W. Goodman, deputy undersecretary of 
defense for environmental security. "One of the most 
important lessons is that public involvement is key to our 
overall success.".
        The meetings will include exhibits and get-acquainted 
sessions with the DoD Range Rule team, composed of 
technical, legal, health and safety specialists. Question 
and answer periods throughout the day will become part of 
the public record.
                The forums will also give the public the chance to 
review and comment on an environmental impact statement to 
be prepared in connection with the rules. 
        Forum locations are::
        o Jacksonville -- Radisson Riverwalk Hotel and 
Conference Center, 1515 Prudential Drive; (904) 396-5100.
        o Baltimore -- Best Western Hotel and Conference 
Center, Baltimore Travel Center, 5625 O'Donnell St.; (410) 
633-9500.
        o Kansas City -- Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4445 Main St.; 
(816) 531-3000.
        o Reno -- Lawlor Events Center, Hall of Fame Room, 
University of Nevada, North Virginia and 15th Streets; (702) 
784-4659.
        Copies of DoD's proposed Range Rule will be available 
at the forums, or you can obtain a copy by writing to:
        Department of Defense Range Rule
        PO Box 4137
        Gaithersburg, MD 20885-4137.
Call toll-free (888) 541-1081 or (800) 870-6557 for the 
hearing impaired.  Send fax requests can be sent to (800) 
670-6547. The e-mail address is fbarrule@b-r.com; the World 
Wide Web address is http://www.acq.osd.mil/ens/ with the 
link words "Munitions Range Rule."




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