Page 9 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, June 11, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND
PROPOSED FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

FOR THE ADDITION OF F-35 JOINT STRIKE FIGHTERS, F-22As

AND CONTRACT ADVERSARY AIR AT NELLIS AFB, NEVADA

A Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) have been
prepared to analyze the potential impacts associated with the addition of 17 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, three
F-22As, and operation of contractor-owned contractor-operated Adversary Air (COCO ADAIR) at Nellis Air

Force Base (AFB). Facility construction, demolition, renovation, and addition, as well as an increase in personnel,
would be necessary to support the actions. The purpose of the proposed actions is to improve test, training and
tactics development capabilities at Nellis AFB to keep pace with U.S. Air Force and United Kingdom Royal Air
Force mission requirements, evolving technology and enemy capabilities.

The EA, prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Council on Environmental
Quality regulations, and Air Force instructions implementing NEPA, evaluates potential impacts of the
alternative actions on the environment including the No-Action Alternative. Based on this analysis, the Air
Force has prepared a proposed FONSI.

The Draft EA and proposed FONSI, dated May 2021, are available for review at the following locations: Las
Vegas Library, Nevada State Clearinghouse, Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) Technical Library at Edwards
AFB, CA; Inyo County Free Library, Kern County Library Branches at Boron, California City, Mojave, Ridgecrest,
Wands Kirk, and River Valley; Los Angeles County Library, and Kern River Valley Library.

Electronic copies of the documents can also be found on the Nellis AFB website at http://www.nellis.af.mil/

About/Environment.aspx. You are encouraged to submit comments through 26 July 2021. Please provide any
comments within 30 days of the date of this Notice of Availability. Comments should be provided to Tod
Oppenborn, NEPA Program Manager, at 6020 Beale Ave., Nellis AFB, NV, 89191; by phone (702) 652-9366; or
email tod.oppenborn@us.af.mil

The Air Force is aware of the potential impact of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the usual
methods of access to information and ability to communicate, such as the mass closure of local public libraries
and challenges with the sufficiency of an increasingly-overburdened internet. The Air Force seeks to implement
appropriate additional measures to ensure that the public and all interested stakeholders have the opportunity
to participate fully in this Environmental Assessment process. Accordingly, please do not hesitate to contact
us directly at the email address or telephone number provided above; we are available to discuss and help
resolve issues involving access to the Draft EA and Proposed FONSI, or the ability to comment.

PRIVACY ADVISORY NOTICE

This Draft Environmental Assessment and proposed FONSI are provided for public comment in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the President’s Council on Environmental Quality NEPA Regulations (40 CFR §1500-1508), and
32 CFR §989, the Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP). The EIAP provides an opportunity for public input on Air Force
decision-making, allows the public to offer inputs on alternative ways for the Air Force to accomplish what it is proposing, and
solicits comments on the Air Force’s analysis of environmental effects.

Public comment allows the Air Force to make better, informed decisions. Letters or other written or oral comments provided may
be published in the EA. As required by law, comments provided will be addressed in the EA and made available to the public.
Providing personal information is voluntary. Any personal information provided will be used only to identify your desire to make
a statement during the public comment portion of any public meetings or hearings or to fulfill requests for copies of the EA and
associated documents. Private addresses will be compiled to develop a mailing list for those requesting copies of the EA; however
only the names of the individuals making comments and specific comments will be disclosed. Personal home addresses and
phone numbers will not be published in the EA.