Virtual public meetings and comment deadline are coming up in February.

Given the potential impact of military overflights over the Methow Valley on the wildlife and people who live here, we strong encourage you to weigh in on this issue. This is a good opportunity to remind the U.S. Navy of our concerns about how and when flights are conducted and insist on accountability for these operations. There are a few ways you can engage in this issue:

1. Submit questions to the U.S. Navy between Feb. 1 and Feb. 12 prior to virtual public meetings to be held on Feb. 13 and 15.  You can submit questions before February 12 to this email: NASWIPAO@us.navy.mil.  See below for sample questions which relate to areas of potential impact identified in the EA. You can read the full Environmental Assessment here.
2. Tune in on Feb. 13 or 15 to a virtual meeting to learn more about the proposal: see links for joining these sessions below.
3. Submit written comments on the proposal by February 23: The Methow Valley Citizens Council is currently analyzing the proposal and will send out a more detailed summary and talking points during the week of February 12. Submit written comments via email: navfac-nw-NEPA@us.navy.mil or mail written comments to:  Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Northwest, Attention: Code EV23, 1101 Tautog Circle, Silverdale, WA 98315

Background

The U.S Navy, based on Whidbey Island, is proposing the establishment of a new military operations area (MOA) in Okanogan County, extending the airspace west to Mazama and the east slopes of the Cascades. It does not propose to increase the number of flights, but rather redistribute some flights to the new area. The existing MOA includes much of the Methow Valley including Winthrop and Twisp, from close to the Canadian border to just north of Brewster.  It includes portions of the Pasayten and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness areas and the Colville Reservation.  The proposed expansion is west of this existing MOA area. It extends into the upper Methow Valley and includes more of the wilderness areas and roadless areas. The proposal indicates planes would fly at a minimum altitude of 11,500 feet and a maximum of 18,000 feet.

The primary aircraft used for training will be the EA-18G Growlers aircraft which are some of the loudest planes in the Navy’s inventory.  For more information about jet noise and its impacts visit the Sound Defense Alliance.

Examples of Questions to Ask at Virtual Sessions on February 13 or 15. Feel free to come up with your own!

1) Air quality Has the Navy considered alternative methods of training which would result in significantly lower emission of greenhouse gases?

2)    Biological resources Has the Navy considered expanding operations in an area where wildlife would be much less exposed to potential impacts (e.g. over the ocean)?

3) Cultural resources The EA says there is no precise threshold for determining impacts on the  cultural resources listed, so what is the basis for a finding of no significant impact?

4) American Indian Traditional resources What specific tribal consultation is envisioned and when?  The EA implies this has not yet occurred.

5) Public Health and Safety  What steps will be taken to mitigate the impact of noise on the well being of residents and visitors to the Methow Valley?

6) Socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children’s environmental health  Has the Navy conducted any research to evaluate the potential economic impact of Growler activity on tourism in the Methow Valley? (i.e. willingness of people to visit)

7) Also about noise:   How will the Navy document adherence to flight elevation and noise limits specified in the EA especially with elevation levels change between the Okanogan B MOA and Okanogan D MOA? Will the Navy monitor noise levels on an ongoing basis?

Virtual Public Meetings

Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024, 3-4 pm.

Join the meeting:
Online: https://mantech.zoomgov.com/j/1611284707
Phone: 1-669-254-5252
Webinar ID: 1611284707

Thursday, Feb 15, 2024, 6-7 pm.

Join the meeting:
Online: https://mantech.zoomgov.com/j/1616638848
Phone: 1-669-254-5252

Webinar ID: 1616638848