Welcome to the U.S. Navy Atlantic Ocean & Gulf of Mexico Warfare Testing Range Section of the ADC Website
ACTION ALERT
There are twelve U.S. Navy Warfare Testing Ranges operating today in the Pacific, Atlantic & the Gulf of Mexico which were initiated under the Bush Administration and have been increasing under the Obama Administration. All twelve of these ranges went into full-scale warfare testing between 2008 and 2011.
The U.S. Navy AFTT Atlantic Fleet Traing & Testing Range Complex issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS), on August 30, 2013. Help us to save 11.7 Million Marine Mammals by attending U.S. Navy Meetings, filing public comments, and contacting your elected officials and all newspapers in order to stop this expansion and protect our National Marine Sanctuaries, Marine Reserves, biologically sensitive areas, breeding and feeding habitat for millions of fish and other aquatic life from bomb blasts, sonar and laser exercises, new and experimental weapons testing, drone warfare and surveillance both inside and outside of these ranges.
The U.S. Navy Final Environmental Impact Statements (EIS/OEIS) were Released on August 30, 2013 for the Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico Warfare Range Complex & the Hawaii-Southern California Warfare Range Complex.
U.S. Navy Range Maps & Website Information:
http://aftteis.com/Home.aspx
U.S. Navy Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS/OEIS):
http://aftteis.com/DocumentsandReferences/AFTTDocuments/FinalEISOEIS.aspx
All of us must take action before September 30, 2013, less than 30 days, to delay the final issuance of the U.S. Navy Final Record of Decision on both of their Atlantic and Pacific Environmental Impact Statements (EIS/OEIS). The links above are for the U.S. Navy Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico Warfare Range Expansion in those areas.
(Sonar-Bomb Blasts-Toxic Chemicals-Lasers-Electromagnetic & Other Experimental Weapons to be used and more…as the U.S. Navy destroys our oceans for war practice when they could protect our National Marine Sanctuaries, Marine Reserves, Biologically Sensitive Areas, Breeding & Feeding Habitats and Other Marine Life. The U.S. Navy Range Complex Maps are located on the home page on their respective websites.)
We have only 30 days until these Environmental Impact Statements are final and the U.S. Navy issues their Final Record of Decision (ROD). Thus, we need an extension of time from our elected officials for 90 days, or more if possible, by contacting our elected officials in Washington, D.C., or at the state level. Note that the U.S. Navy has a history of only approving their “preferred Alternative 2” in their ROD…the worst case scenario for all ocean marine life and habitats.
NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), will automatically approve the “taking” of marine mammals in these areas with a Letter of Authorization (LOA), in the near future because they are a “cooperating agency” and not independent of the Navy (they also receive Navy funding for some of their activities). NOAA/NMFS are working on this request by the Navy and the Rule Changes to allow the Navy to decimate millions of marine mammals and their habitats. Unless we take action the Navy will issue their ROD and the NOAA/NMFS will issue a LOA in 30 days. Without any action by all of us the Navy moves forward…with their destruction of our oceans and marine life in two huge expanded areas; one in the Pacific and one in the Atlantic.
Definition of “Take”
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/glossary.htm
-
Defined under the MMPA as “harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect.”
-
Defined under the ESA as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.”
U.S. Navy Document Regarding the “Taking” of Marine Mammals in the Hawaii-Southern California Range Complex – Check out the numbers…
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/01/31/2013-01808/takes-of-marine-mammals-incidental-to-specified-activities-us-navy-training-and-testing-activities
This NOAA document spreadsheet gives names and numbers of marine mammals to be sacrificed during Navy testing:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/hstt_navy_loa_application2012.pdf
We have started a Washington, D.C. call-in (Toll Free: 1866-220-0044) campaign-letters, petitions, and telephone – The staff will be in their offices this coming Tuesday-Friday…they are not real busy when Senators & Congressmen are out on vacation…so now time to call and try for an extension of the Navy ROD…also lobby NOAA/NMFS as the Navy mitigation measure to protect millions of marine mammals is effective only 9% of the time.
Anything you can do to get the word out and help with this endeavor would be great. Additional Links & Information provided Below.
Sincerely,
Rosalind Peterson, Agriculture Defense Coalition
Post Office Box 499, Redwood Valley, CA 95470
(707) 485-7520 or E-Mail: info@californiaskywatch.com
My website categories section has historical and current information regarding the U.S. Navy…just scroll down to find the six U.S. Navy Sections by region and other information.
http://www.agriculturedefensecoalition.org/?q=content/categories
Note: The U.S. Navy has never chosen, to my knowledge, any “alternative” listed in the Final EIS since 2008, other than “their Preferred Alternative 2, (with one exception in a small range). Thus, the Navy “no alternative or alternative 1” should be disregarded in making public comments.
There are twelve U.S. Navy warfare ranges in operation at this time in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico noted in the U.S. Federal Register.
- U.S. Federal Register Notice on this Final EIS was issued on August 30, 2013.
http://aftteis.com/Portals/4/aftteis/AFTT%20FEIS%20NOA%208-30-13.pdf
U.S. Navy Letter to NOAA – December 20, 2012 RE: “Taking of Marine Mammals” in AFFT
http://aftteis.com/DocumentsandReferences/AFTTDocuments/LettersofAuthorizationApplication.aspx
U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/laws/mmpa/
REQUEST FOR REGULATIONS AND LETTERS OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE INCIDENTAL TAKING OF MARINE MAMMALS RESULTING FROM U.S. NAVY TRAINING AND TESTING ACTIVITIES IN THE ATLANTIC FLEET TRAINING AND TESTING STUDY AREA
Submitted to: Office of Protected Resources – National Marine Fisheries Service
Submitted by: U.S. Navy Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command
September 2012 Final updated December 2012 – FINAL Updated December 2012
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Navy Training and Testing Activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Study Area Proposed Rule: (January 21, 2013 U.S. Federal Register)
NUWC-NPT Technical Report 12,071A – DRAFT – January 4, 2013
Determination of Acoustic Effects on Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles for the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement – Marine Species Modeling Team – Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division
Newport, Rhode Island
http://aftteis.com/Portals/4/aftteis/Supporting%20Technical%20Documents/AFTT_TR_12071A_Update_04JAN2013-DRAFT.PDF
U.S. Navy AFTT Supporting Technical Reports – Website:
http://aftteis.com/DocumentsandReferences/AFTTDocuments/SupportingTechnicalDocuments.aspx
The U.S. Navy Final Environmental Impact Statements (EIS/OEIS) were Released on August 30, 2013 for the Hawaii-Southern California Warfare Range Complex:
U.S. Navy Website HSTTEIS Home Page:
http://hstteis.com/Home.aspx
U.S. Navy Documents:
http://hstteis.com/DocumentsandReferences/HSTTDocuments/FinalEISOEIS.aspx
http://hstteis.com/DocumentsandReferences/HSTTDocuments/SupportingTechnicalDocuments.aspx
U.S. Marine Corps Letter to NOAA July 13, 2013 for LOA to Take Marine Mammals at Cherry Point Range Complex North Carolina:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/usmc_cherrypoint_loa_application.pdf
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/cherrypoint_iha_application2013.pdf
Eglin U.S. Air Force Base – NOAA Approval Letter for Taking of Marine Mammals in Gulf of Mexico – August 13, 2013 – Maritime Strike Operations at Eglin Gulf Test & Training Range:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/eglinafb_strike_iha_issued2013.pdf
U.S. Federal Register NOAA Notice August 22, 2013 – Eglin U.S. Air Force Base
http://www.federalregister.com/Browse/AuxData/8261A34E-8532-4865-AB58-0E7B086BABFC
NOAA/NMFS listing of all “takes” dates back to 2008:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm
In June 17, 2009 a Letter from several Senators including Senator Dianne Feinstein & Senator Barbara Boxer to NOAA- is the following statement:
“…In many regions, the Navy plans to increase the number of its exercises or expand the areas in which they may occur, and virtually every coastal state will be affected. Some exercises may occur in the nation’s most biologically sensitive marine habitats, including National Marine Sanctuaries and breeding habitat for the endangered North Atlantic right whale. In all, the Navy anticipates more than 2.3 million takes (significant disruptions in marine mammal foraging, breeding, and other essential behaviors) per year, or 11.7 million takes over the course of a five-year permit…”
*Since the date of this letter massive expansions have taken place with regard to range size and also the addition of many experimental weapons experiments…for more information on “takes” and definition see the links below.
NOAA Website: Note the number and scope of programs where marine mammals are “taken”:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm
U.S. Federal Register November 15, 2011 – Lists the Number of Active Range Complexes now in operation in the Pacific, Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr76-70695.pdf
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Parts 216 and 218 – [Docket No. 111019636–1638–01] – RIN 0648–BB53
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: U.S. Navy Training in 12 Range Complexes and U.S. Air Force Space Vehicle and Test Flight Activities in California – AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
-
Hawaii Range Complex (HRC),
-
California (SOCAL) Range Complex,
-
Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training (AFAST) Study Area,
-
Jacksonville (JAX) Range Complex,
-
Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex,
-
Cherry Point (CHPT) Range Complex,
-
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD),
-
Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC),
-
Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC),
-
Keyport Range Complex,
-
Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex,
-
Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GOA TMAA).
-
Additionally, in February 2009, U.S. Air Force USAF) space vehicle and test flight activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB).
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
http://www.stripes.com/25-navy-commanders-dismissed-1.202123
2012: Year in review
25 Navy Commanders Dismissed
By Cristina Silva
Stars & Stripes – Published: December 27, 2012
It is our voice that will make a difference. You may contact your U.S. Senator or U.S. Congressman in Washington, D.C., by calling this toll free number: (1866) 220-0044
See the write-up below for more information:
The U.S. Navy AFTT ATLANTIC FLEET TRAINING AND TESTING Final EIS – Chapter 2 – The description of Proposed Activities does not include new weapons testing with sonar, lasers, and other new weapons systems. It is missing information contained in the individual range complexes which is important to review in order to make an informed public comment.
The Department of the Navy‘s (Navy) Proposed Action is to conduct training and testing activities— that may include the use of active sonar and explosives —primarily within existing range complexes and testing ranges located along the east coast of the United States, the Gulf of Mexico, and Navy pier-side locations, port transit channels, and the lower Chesapeake Bay.
The Proposed Action includes activities such as sonar maintenance and gunnery exercises conducted concurrently with ship transits and that may occur outside of Navy range complexes and testing ranges.
The Proposed Action also includes pier-side sonar testing conducted as part of overhaul, modernization, maintenance, and repair activities at Navy piers, as well as new construction at Navy-contracted shipbuilder locations.
Through this Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement (OEIS), the Navy will:
1. Reassess the environmental analysis of Navy at-sea training and testing activities contained in six separate EISs/OEISs and various Environmental Assessments (EAs)/Overseas Environmental Assessments (OEAs) and consolidate these analyses into a single environmental planning document.
2. This reassessment will support reauthorization of incidental takes of marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and incidental takes of threatened and endangered marine species through consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
3. The following six U.S. Navy Final EIS/OEIS documents for 5-Year Warfare Testing Ranges are being consolidated:
- Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training,
- Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex,
- Navy Cherry Point Range Complex,
- Jacksonville (JAX) Range Complex,
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Mission Activities, and the
- Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex
- Incorporate the training activities occurring on the Undersea Warfare Training Range contained in the Undersea Warfare Training Range Environmental Impact Statement.
5. Adjust baseline training and testing activities from current levels to the level needed to support Navy training and testing requirements beginning January 2014.
6. As part of the adjustment, the Navy proposes to account for other activities and sound sources not addressed in the previous analyses.
7. Analyze the potential environmental impacts of training and testing activities in additional areas (areas not covered in previous documents) where training and testing historically occurs, including Navy ports, naval shipyards, and Navy-contractor shipyards, and the transit channels serving these areas.
8. Update the at-sea environmental impact analyses in the previous documents to account for force structure changes, including those resulting from the development, testing, and use of weapons, platforms, and systems that will be operational by 2019.
9. Implement enhanced range capabilities.
10. Update environmental analyses with the best available science and most current acoustic analysis methods to evaluate the potential effects of training and testing activities on the marine environment.
U.S. Navy Note: The terms ‘explosive’ and ‘high explosive’ will be used interchangeably throughout the document.
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The NOAA Definition of “Take”: “Defined under the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act), as “harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect.” Defined under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct…”
************************************************************************************
U.S. Navy Map of Proposed Range Expansions in the Pacific, Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico May 11, 2012 (Please note that the Hawaii-Southern California Ranges will be connected.) The Northwest Training Range Complex (Northern California-Oregon-Washington & Idaho), is being expanded to include the Gulf of Alaska. The Atlantic Fleet Range Map will include all existing U.S. Navy 5-Year Warfare Testing Ranges. (The U.S. Navy has now designated these ranges as “study areas” instead of 5-Year Warfare Testing Ranges. U.S. Navy Website:
U.S. NAVY’S TWELVE 5-YEAR WARFARE TESTING PROGRAMS &
THE INCREASING & ONGOING THREAT TO THE GULF OF MEXICO, ATLANTIC & PACIFIC OCEANS
HELP SAVE OUR MARINE MAMMALS & THEIR OCEAN HABITAT TODAY!
A CALL TO TAKE ACTION
By Rosalind Peterson
May 11, 2012
The Washington Post (Associated Press) May 11, 2012 – Revealed today that a “New Navy study says use of sonar, explosives may hurt more marine mammals than once thought”[25]. “…HONOLULU-The U.S. Navy may hurt more dolphins and whales by using sonar and explosives in Hawaii and California under a more thorough analysis that reflects new research and covers naval activities in a wider area than previous studies…” (The Public Comment period for the new U.S. Navy Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico 5-Year Warfare Testing Range that will use bomb blasts and Sonar is from May 11, 2012 through July 10, 2012 [8C]).
The Washington Post also stated: “…The Navy estimates its use of explosives and sonar may unintentionally cause more than 1,600 instances of hearing loss or other injury to marine mammals each year, according to a draft environmental impact statement that covers training and testing planned from 2014 to 2019. The Navy calculates the explosives could potentially kill more than 200 marine mammals a year…” (The Public Comment period for the new U.S. Navy Pacific 5-Year Warfare Testing Range that will use bomb blasts and Sonar is from May 11, 2012 through July 10, 2012 [8B]).
What do your Elected Officials Know?
In a letter to NOAA, dated June 19, 2009, several U.S. Senators, including U.S. Senator Feinstein and U.S. Congressman Henry Waxman, stated: “…In many regions, the Navy plans to increase the number of its exercises or expand the areas in which they may occur, and virtually every coastal state will be affected. Some exercises may occur in the nation’s most biologically sensitive marine habitats, including National Marine Sanctuaries and breeding habitat for the endangered North Atlantic right
whale. In all, the Navy anticipates more than 2.3 million takes (significant disruptions in
marine mammal foraging, breeding, and other essential behaviors) per year, or 11.7 million takes over the course of a five-year permit…”[2]
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The NOAA Definition of “Take”: “Defined under the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act), as “harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, kill or collect.” Defined under the ESA (Endangered Species Act) as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct…”[3]
On January 19, 2010, NOAA (Dr. Jane Lubchenco), sent a letter to Ms. Nancy Sutley, Chair, Council on Environmental Quality that states: “…In the Environmental Assessments, NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service-NOAA), also identified the relevant uncertainties regarding the impacts of the proposed training on marine mammals. Two are worth highlighting:
- One involves lack of knowledge about the mechanism whereby some species of marine mammals…are adversely affected by mid-frequency sonar.
- The other concerns the difficulties of limiting the impact of active sonar where the mitigation efforts depend on visual sighting of whales…”
Dr. Jane Lubchenco, NOAA Administrator, shortly after approving the “taking” of marine mammals in the U.S. Navy’s NWTRC (Northern California, Oregon, Washington & Idaho), made this brief statement after audience prompting, in a Meeting in Ukiah, California on December 9, 2010: “…”also an area where I have serious concerns. We are in active discussions with the Navy. There is a lot we don’t know about the impact of sonar on whales, and we will continue to get the information we need to reach the best possible outcomes…” The answer raises an obvious question: “How does NOAA approve the “taking” of marine mammals when there are still unresolved questions about the impact of sonar on whales?”
With respect to military readiness activities, the MMPA defines ‘‘harassment’’ as: “…(i) any act that injures or has the significant potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild [Level A Harassment]; or (ii) any act that disturbs or is likely to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of natural behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, surfacing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering, to a point where such behavioral patterns are abandoned or significantly altered [Level B Harassment]…training activities may expose some of the marine mammals present in the area to sound from various mid-frequency and high-frequency active tactical sonar sources or to pressure from underwater detonations..” [3]
One of the most recent, and shocking, NOAA permits allowing for the taking of thousands of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy in the Southern California Range Complex [19].Take a look at the graphs on this Navy document which lists the thousands of marine mammals that the Navy intends to “take” between 2012-2014.
U.S. Warfare Training Range History & U.S. Cooperating Agencies
Starting under the Bush Administration and continuing under the Obama Administration, twelve U.S. Navy 5-Year Warfare Testing Range Complexes, initiated between 2008 and 2012, are in full operation in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic, and the Pacific. [7] The tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is still threatening local economies, human health, the fishing and tourism industry. The oil and Corexit pollution has been threatening this environment for years.
Adding to this ongoing problem in the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force, with permits approval by NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration), have now started another assault on this area using multifaceted warfare testing experiments that include bomb blasts, sonar use, missile exercises, and the testing of new weapons systems. NOAA has issued permits allowing the U.S. Navy to “take” marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans areas[4-7].
NOAA (U.S. Department of Commerce – National Marine Fisheries Service), had previously approved the “taking” of marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico. And then NOAA, in the first few months during the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, admitted that they knew little about the marine environment in this underwater area. Now NOAA has issued permits to the U.S. Navy and Air Force for 5-Years of warfare testing in the Gulf of Mexico (December 19, 2011 [4+6-7]), and in other areas, which may exacerbate the current environmental problems in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. [4]
Using the Earth & Inhabitants as Test Subjects
Our oceans and land areas, in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico along with all inhabitants, are to be used as warfare test guinea pigs without public consent, debate, U.S. Congressional hearings or any public oversight.
Drone Weapons Testing & Surveillance Over the United States
In addition, the U.S. Navy is now working to expand their drone operations over the United States. In Oregon, a new draft Navy Environmental Impact Statement is due out this spring for public comment [9]. Drones carrying and testing bombs, new weapons systems, testing new types of drones, and surveillance over land and ocean areas are planned for our future. Compounding this issue, as reported by The Guardian.co.uk on April 2, 2012, “…American scientists have drawn up plans for a new generation of nuclear-powered drones capable of flying over remote regions of the world for months on end without refueling…” [20]. In addition, there is increasing drone surveillance leading to questions over public privacy in the U.S. Accidents are increasing as police departments in Texas and other areas are increasing drone usage [21-22].
Marine Mammal Mitigation Measures – Effective Only 9% of the Time
Mitigation measures, to protect marine mammals from sonar, are effective only 9% of the time according to NOAA & the U.S. Navy. Fish, birds, ocean habitats, feeding and breeding grounds, biologically sensitive areas, and human health, are not protected by any government agency in most areas of the Gulf of Mexico from military weapons testing. The U.S. Navy is using toxic chemicals, sonar, missile exercises, bomb blasts and other types of new weapons testing which threaten the Gulf of Mexico and many areas in the Atlantic Ocean.[7] U.S. Navy and Air Force bomb blasts could trigger earthquakes or create underwater fissures causing more oil leaks in the Gulf of Mexico. Fragile, capped, oil wells in the Gulf could be damaged and start leaking as bomb blasts rock the Gulf during the next five years of warfare testing.
Ocean Problems = Dead Zones & Military Dumping of Old Toxic Arsenals
We do know that many toxic chemicals are found in all ocean areas along with numerous dead zones(12-13). According to a New York Times article on July 20, 2010: “…The Gulf’s floor is littered with bombs, chemical weapons and other ordnance dumped in the middle of last century, even in areas busy with drilling, and miles outside of designated dumping zones, according to experts who work on Deepwater hazard surveys…”[14] In many ocean areas, including the Gulf of Mexico, military dumping of arsenals, in the past, which now reside on ocean bottom areas and contain toxic chemicals which already may be leaking, could be disturbed by these bomb blasts and other warfare testing exercises(14).
Types of Warfare Testing to be Used in Our Oceans & Over Land Areas
The Navy Warfare Testing Program will, according to their E.I.S. documents: “…utilize mid- and high frequency active sonar sources and explosive detonations. These sonar and explosive sources will be utilized during Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Tracking Exercises, Mine Avoidance Training, Extended Echo Ranging and Improved Extended Echo Ranging (EER/IEER) events, Missile Exercises, Gunnery Exercises, Bombing Exercises, Sinking Exercises, and Mine Warfare Training…”(8)
U.S. Navy Warfare Chemical Menu
The “Navy Warfare Chemical Menu” [6], will contaminate air, water, the ocean, and soil. Their list of toxic chemicals is a long one as noted in various Navy E.I.S documents: Depleted uranium, red and white phosphorus, cadmium, lead, perchlorate, titanium oxide, atmospheric releases of aluminum oxide (from U.S. Navy C.A.R.E. Atmospheric Experiments over East Coast of U.S. [16-17]), Chaff releases (aluminum coated fiberglass particulates), and a whole host of chemicals known to be toxic not only to man, but to marine life and fish, are being served up on this menu. In addition, highly classified weapons systems are also to be used during these 5-Year Warfare Testing Experiments over both land and ocean areas in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico [7].
12 U.S. Navy 5-Year Warfare Ranges Now in Full Operation in Pacific, Atlantic & Gulf of Mexico
Many new 5-Year Navy Warfare programs are to be implemented in the near future and twelve have already been approved (between 2008 and 2012), by NOAA and are underway in the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Ocean areas including over land areas as new drones (carrying and testing weapons – U.S. Navy Boardman Range Complex), and surveillance systems are being tested over both land and ocean areas. [7-9]
Proposed Expansions of Existing Ranges & Proposed New Ranges
The U.S. Navy has just introduced two new very large 5-Year warfare ranges complexes in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans which will both need permits from NOAA to “take” marine mammals [8]. The Public Comment Period for the Atlantic Fleet Warfare Training and Testing Range is from May 11, 2012, through July 10, 2012. Their new environmental impact statement is now online. This map for this 5-Year Warfare Range is stunning because it covers training from the state of Maine to Florida and includes the Gulf of Mexico [8C]
The Public Comment Period for the new U.S. Navy Pacific Range Complex is from May 11, 2012, through July 10, 2012. This is one of the largest 5-Year Warfare ranges in the Pacific and their draft environmental impact statement is now online. The U.S. Navy Extent Map is stunning when one views the scope of the area in which U.S. Navy testing will occur [8B].
No U.S. Congressional Hearing Held on this Issue & None Planned in the Future (WHY?)
Our U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House have refused, so far, to postpone these disastrous “takings” or hold U.S. Congressional Hearings while pretending to be ocean environment friendly in their re-election speeches. In addition to refusing to be interviewed by the press with regard to this issue (only a few exceptions), all of our elected officials have steadfastly refused to hold U.S. Congressional hearings in order to protect our marine mammals, fish, birds, endangered species, and human health.
National Cancer Institute Report: “…The military is a major source of toxic occupational and environmental exposures that can increase cancer risk…”
The U.S. Congress, NOAA, and the U.S. Navy are ignoring Chapter 5 of the April 2010, Report of the NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE – PRESIDENT’S CANCER PANEL“Exposure to Contaminants and Other Hazards from Military Sources”[11]. We do know that the U.S. Navy and the Air Force will be using toxic chemicals and other contaminants in the Gulf of Mexico and other ocean areas. We can’t afford to go forward with new forms of ocean and land contamination from these 5-Year Warfare Testing Experiments until these issues are examined. Hearings should be held by the U.S. Congress in order to protect human, and ocean health, the health of our marine mammals, and our coastal fishing industries. It is time for all of us to step up and say “NO” to the U.S. Navy and Air Force War on our oceans.
“Military Training in the Middle of Miami Jolts Residents Out of Bed” Terrifying U.S. Citizens
In other news, the U.S. Army decided that none of the hundreds of thousands of acres which all branches of the military now have to conduct warfare training was enough for “realistic training”. Thus, on May 8, 2012, the Miami Herald reported the U.S. Army scaring citizens out of their wits the following news report [24]:
“…there was the thunderous whump whump of low-flying helicopters, and even the jarring blast of explosions at the abandoned Grand Bay Hotel in Coconut Grove early Tuesday during a military training exercise that jolted many unsuspecting residents from their beds. “It was quite a shocking experience,” said Jane Muir, who was awakened around 1:45 a.m. by the sound of military choppers…”
“The show of force was so overwhelming,” she said…The maneuvers were part of a “realistic urban training” exercise…organized by the U.S. Special Operations Command, said Maj. Michael Burns, a U.S. Army spokesman…“They have to train in a realistic environment,” Burns said. “We didn’t use any real bullets,” he added…” Question: Just when will the U.S. Navy, or other branches of our military, use the excuse of “realistic practice” invade one of our coastal towns frightening local residents? This behavior is unacceptable!
TAKE ACTION TODAY TO PROTECT OUR OCEANS!
With the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill and many areas still struggling with the aftermath, all we need now is to subject this area and the people who live there to another ecological disaster that began this year. Expanding and initiating warfare testing in more areas of the Pacific, the Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico, will also spell disaster for millions of marine mammals, and fish, and their habitats. We do not elect to be the guinea pigs for these experiments or to have our oceans used for massive warfare testing. Say “no” today…Ask for U.S. Congressional Hearings to protect human health and our marine mammals. (Call Your Elected Officials in Washington, D.C. Toll Free: (1866) 220-0044)
Respectfully,
Rosalind Peterson
Post Office Box 499, Redwood Valley, CA 95470
(707) 485-7520
E-Mail: info@californiaskwatch.com
1, USA TODAY News: “Navy Plans Could Affect More Marine Mammals” August 5, 2010
USA TODAY revealed bad news for our oceans when they published a news story titled: “Navy Plans Could Affect More Marine Mammals” on August 5, 2010 [1]. According to USA Today news article, backed up by federal documents from the U.S. Navy and NOAA: “…The Navy plans to increase ocean warfare exercises, conduct more sonar tests and expand coastal training…activities that could injure hundreds of thousands of marine mammals or disturb their habitats…”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/environment/2010-08-05-navymammals05_ST_N.htm?csp=34news
2, Many U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, Environmental Impact Statements, U.S. Congressional Letters, and NOAA Documents regarding these 5-Year Warfare Testing programs are located on the following website: http://www.warcosts.net/u-s-navy/
3, NOAA Definition of “TAKE” and a listing of U.S. Navy & Air Force requests for permits to “take” marine mammals in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/glossary.htm
4, NOAA Current Incidental “Take” Permit Requests & Authorizations – NOAA Website:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental.htm
5, Eglin Air Force Base’s NEODS Training Operations LOA to NOAA – Gulf of Mexico:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/eglin_neods_loa2009.pdf
6, Navy’s Gulf of Mexico Range Complex Training Exercises LOA Application & NOAA Approval:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/gomex_loa_application.pdf
NOAA issued LOA for the U.S. Navy to take Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Mexico on March 17, 2011:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/gomex_loa_issued2011.pdf
Annual Range Complex Reports-Atlantic Ranges 2011 and 2012:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/exercisereport2011_vacapes_chpt_jax_gomex.pdf
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/monitoringreport2011_vacapes_chpt_jax_gomex.pdf
Partial Listing of Toxic Chemicals of the hundreds used in Navy Ranges: Depleted Uranium, Red & White Phosphorus, Chaff (Aluminum Coated Fiberglass Particles), Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Mercury, Manganese, Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, Naphthalene, Barium Chromate, Hydrogen Cyanide, Potassium Perchlorate, Jet & Rocket Fuel Emissions, Titanium Compounds…and more.
7, U.S. Federal Register – November 15, 2011 – Listing of All Twelve Approved U.S. Navy & Air Force 5- Year Warfare Testing Ranges: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/fr/fr76-70695.pdf
Between January 2009 and May 2011, pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), (NOAA) NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service), issued 5-year warfare testing final regulations to govern the taking of marine mammals incidental to Navy training and associated activities conducted in:
- Hawaii Range Complex (HRC) http://www.govsupport.us/navynepahawaii/hawaiirceis.aspx
- Southern California (SOCAL) Range Complex Southern California Range Complex EIS/OEIS
- Atlantic Fleet Active Sonar Training Range
- Sonar Training (AFAST) Study Area
- Jacksonville (JAX) Range Complex
- Virginia Capes (VACAPES) Range Complex
- Cherry Point (CHPT) Range Complex
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD)
- Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC)
- Northwest Training Range Complex (NWTRC – Northern California, Oregon, Washington & Idaho
- Keyport Range Complex (NAVSEA NUWC)
- Gulf of Mexico (GOMEX) Range Complex Gulf of Mexico Range Complex EIS/OEIS
Gulf of Mexico Range Complex Project Documents:
- Gulf of Alaska Temporary Maritime Activities Area (GOA TMAA).
- Additionally, in February 2009, pursuant to the MMPA, NMFS issued 5-year regulations to govern the taking of marine mammals incidental to U.S. Air Force (USAF) space vehicle and test flight activities from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB).
- U.S. Navy East Coast LOA May 2008: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/uswtr_loa.pdf
8, U.S. NAVY is expanding or adding new 5-Year Warfare testing ranges at a staggering rate in the Pacific, Atlantic, and the Gulf of Mexico:
A. Proposed New U.S. Navy 5-Year Warfare Testing Range Expansion include the NWTRC and the Alaska Range Complexes: https://nwtteis.com/
(Please note that the U.S. Navy closed Public Comment for this NWTT Range Expansion without revealing this information about their new study regarding new threats to marine mammals from sonar and bomb blasts to the public prior to the date that the public comment period expired on April 27, 2012.)
The U.S. Navy has introduced two new very large 5-Year warfare ranges complexes in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans which will both need permits from NOAA to “take” marine mammals:
B. The one in the Pacific Ocean will connect the area between the ongoing Hawaii warfare range complex and the Southern California warfare range complex. This new U.S. Navy 5-Year Warfare Hawaii-Southern California Range Complex Training & Testing Environmental Impact Statement Notice of Intent in the U.S. Federal Register on July 15, 2010 U.S. Navy Website: http://hstteis.com/
The U.S. Navy Public Comment Period for their draft Environmental Impact Statement (now online), is from May 11, 2012 through July 10, 2012.
C. The new one in the Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico (U.S. Navy 5-Year Warfare Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing Complex/Range) is even larger than the one in the Pacific… Notice of Intent in the U.S. Federal Register on July 15, 2010 – U.S. Navy Website: http://www.aftteis.com/
- The U.S. Navy Public Comment Period for their draft Environmental Impact Statement (now online), is from May 11, 2012 through July 10, 2012.
9, U.S. Navy Boardman Range Complex Proposed Drone Test Range Expansion:
http://nwstfboardmaneis.com/Home.aspx
10, KTVU Channel 2 Oakland/San Francisco Report on the Northern California 5-Year Warfare Testing Experiments: http://www.ktvu.com/news/19499224/detail.html
11, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk Annual Report NCI Presidential Cancer Panel Report April 2010: http://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp/pcp08-09rpt/PCP_Report_08-09_508.pdf
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL CANCER RISK 2008-2009 ANNUAL REPORT
HISTORY & “WHAT WE CAN DO NOW”
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE – PRESIDENT’S CANCER PANEL
See: Chapter 5 Exposure to Contaminants and Other Hazards from Military Sources
Summary: “…The military is a major source of toxic occupational and environmental exposures that can increase cancer risk.Information is available about some military activities that have directly or indirectly exposed military and civilian personnel to carcinogens and contaminated soil and water in numerous locations in the United States and abroad…Nearly 900 Superfund sites are abandoned military facilities or facilities that produced materials and products for or otherwise supported military needs. Some of these sites and the areas surrounding them became heavily contaminated due to improper storage and disposal of known or suspected carcinogens including solvents, machining oils, metalworking fluids, and metals. In some cases, these contaminants have spread far beyond their points of origin because they have been transported by wind currents or have leached into drinking water supplies.
12, July 6, 2010 Arsenic Levels Rise in Gulf of Mexico Herald Sun News
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-bad-news-for-bp-as-arsenic-levels-rise-around-gul
13, Scientific American August 15, 2008 Oceanic Dead Zones and Maps
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=oceanic-dead-zones-spread
14, The New York Times July 20, 2010 “The Gulf of Mexico Has Long Been A Dumping Site:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/us/30gulf.html?_r=2&th&emc=th
“…The gulf’s floor is littered with bombs, chemical weapons and other ordnance dumped in the middle of last century, even in areas busy with drilling, and miles outside of designated dumping zones, according to experts who work on deepwater hazard surveys…”
15, NOAA 2008 State of Coral Reefs Report & Information:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/ecosystems/coralreef/coral2008/landing.aspx
16, U.S. Navy / NASA C.A.R.E. (Charged Aerosol Release Experiment), September 19, 2009 Aluminum Oxide Dust Cloud Released Over the East Coast of the United States using a NASA Brandt Rocket: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/CARE.html
17, U.S. Navy / NASA C.A.R.E. Experiment –“…CARE’s principal investigator, Paul Bernhardt of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington: “The CARE experiment could also pave the way for future launches that would use the uppermost part of Earth’s atmosphere as a large physics laboratory for studying charged dust…Dusty plasmas, like those that will be created in the CARE (aluminum oxide dust cloud) experiment…” No Congressional or public oversight necessary for these types of programs.
(Note: Release of Aluminum Oxide or Sulfur particles into the atmosphere to deflect direct sunlight from reaching the Earth was promoted in three U.S. House Science & Technology Congressional Hearings (2009-2010), and an AAAS Geoengineering Presentation (2010), by Geoengineering promoters David Keith & Ken Caldeira.)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17822-artificial-cloud-created-at-the-edge-of-space
18, Groups Sue U.S. Navy Over Sonar Use off Northwest Coast
By GENE JOHNSON | Associated Press – January 26, 2012
http://news.yahoo.com/groups-sue-over-navy-sonar-off-northwest-coast-150339575.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 26, 2012 2:45 PM
“…SEATTLE (AP) — Conservationists and Native American tribes are suing over the Navy’s expanded use of sonar in training exercises off the Washington, Oregon and California coasts, saying the noise can harass and kill whales and other marine life…” Earth Justice
19, U.S. Navy Southern California Listing of Marine Mammals the want to “take” during operations in the Southern California 5-Year Warfare Testing Range between 2012-2014:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/permits/socal_loa_application.pdf
20, The U.S. Working on New Plans to Use Nuclear Powered Drones – April 2, 2012 – The Guardian.co.uk News http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/02/us-plans-nuclear-drones/print
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/02/us-plans-nuclear-drones/print
21, October 29, 2011 Drones in the News – United States:
22, March 5, 2012 – Texas cops hit obstacles (and their own truck) testing UAVs; drones coming anyway – High maintenance costs, frequent errors and crashes slow tests in various Texas police agencies
http://www.itworld.com/print/255830
23, Police departments Wait for FAA Clearance to Fly Drones – April 29, 2012 – McClatchy-Tribune News
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/04/29/147099/police-departments-wait-for-faa.html
24, Miami Herald News May 8, 2012 “Military Training in the Middle of Miami Jolts Residents Out of Bed” Terrifying U.S. Citizens
http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/05/08/2789687/military-training-in-the-middle.html
25, The Washington Post (Associated Press) May 11, 2012 – “New Navy study says use of sonar, explosives may hurt more marine mammals than once thought”
*****************************************************************************************************
17_1_2012_us_navy_atlantic_fleet_5_year_warfare_testing_range_complex_map_may_11_2012.pdf
17 1 2012 U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet 5-Year Warfare Testing Range Complex Map May 11, 2012.pdf
317 1 2012 U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet 5-Year Warfare Testing Range Complex Map May 11, 2012.pdf
317 1 2012 U.S. Navy Cartoon-No Visual Sightings-Bombs Away-Sonarize the Oceans.pdf
317 1 2012 U.S. NAVY VS NATURE POSTCARD.pdf
317A 1 2009 U.S. Navy Range Complex United States Map-Atlantic, Pacific+Gulf of Mexico.pdf
317AF 1 2012 U.S. Navy AFTT U.S. Federal Register Notices May 11, 2012.pdf
317B 1 2012 AFTT B U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet Training+Testing Range Background Information+Maps.pdf
317D 5 2008 U.S. Navy AFAST Final Atlantic Sonar Training EIS-OEIS Appendices A-J December 2008.pdf
317D 5 2008 U.S. Navy AFAST Final EIS-OEIS Executive Summary+MAP December 2008.pdf
317DA 2 2011 U.S. Navy AFAST Marine Species Monitoring Report September 2011.pdf
317DZ 3 2010 U.S. Navy AFAST Documents Listing+Links Website December 19, 2010.pdf
317G 1 2009 U.S. Navy GOMEX Range Complex U.S. MAP+Gulf of Mexico+Island Areas-U.S. Navy Website.pdf
317G 1 2012 U.S. Navy GOMEX Gulf of Mexico Range Complex Final EIS-OEIS MAP Website May 29, 2012.pdf
317G 5 2008 U.S. Navy Used Ship Island for Ocean Experiments in Gulf of Mexico OCT 1, 2008.pdf
317GA 3 2010 NOAA Office of Coast Survey MAP 411 Gulf of Mexico Unexploded Ordnance Areas.pdf
317GA 6 2007 NOAA Office of Coast Survey Chart 411 September 1, 2007 Gulf of Mexico.pdf
317GH 3 2010 Gulf of Mexico Has Long Been Toxic Dumping Site July 29, 2010 NYTimes.pdf
317GN 3 2010 Aquatic Dead Zones in the Gulf of Mexico NASA MAP March 11, 2010 SDNews.pdf
317GN 3 2010 U.S. Navy Involved in Gulf of Mexico PB Oil Spill Clean-up NYTimes April 29, 2010.pdf
317GP 4 2009 U.S. Navy GOMEX Draft EIS Public Comment from Federal Agencies February 16, 2009.pdf
317I 1 2009 U.S. Navy Cherry Point Complex Range Map Website August 8, 2009.pdf
317I 4 2009 U.S. Navy Cherry Point Range Complex Website-Range Complex Map August 8, 2009.pdf
317IZ 1 2012 No Comment Sonar Training a Threat to Marine Life Website May 14, 2012.pdf
317J 1 2009 Jacksonville Range Complex Final FEIS-OEIS Volume 1 Website March 2009 See MAP.pdf
317JU 4 2009 U.S. Navy UNITAS MAYPORT AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT DEMONSTRATION APRIL 14, 2009.pdf
317K 1 2012 Second Dead Dolphin Washes up on Sagaponack Beach May 4, 2012 Southampton Patch News.pdf
317K 1 2012 Stranded Dolphins in Cape Cod Baffle Scientists February 3, 2012 Guardian.co.uk News.pdf
317M 1 2012 U.S. Navy Fact File Website May 24, 2012.pdf
317M 2 2011 U.S. Navy Hope for Carrier-Based Drone Takes Flight October 10, 2011 Innovation News.pdf
317N 1 2012 NOAA Summary of Listed Species March 20, 2012-Endangered or Threatened.pdf
317N 1 2012 NOAA TAKE AUTHORIZATIONS Website May 21, 2012 Entire Listing+Definitions.pdf
317N 2 2011 NOAA U.S. Atlantic+Gulf of Mexico Marine Mammal Stock Assessments-2011.pdf
317R 9 2004 U.S. Navy NRL Conducts Ocean Research off Mississippi Coast August 3, 2004.pdf
317U 1 2009 U.S. Navy Undersea Warfare Training Range Final EIS-OEIS Volume 1 June 26, 2009.pdf
317U 1 2009 U.S. Navy USWTR Undersea Warfare Training Range USWTR Map August 10, 2009 Website.pdf
317U 4 2009 U.S. Navy USWTR Final FEIS Volume 1-Chapter 3 Affected Environment June 2009.pdf
317U 4 2009 U.S. Navy USWTR Final FEIS Volume I-Chapter 1 Purpose+Need June 26, 2009.pdf
317U 4 2009 U.S. NAVY USWTR Final FEIS Volume I-Chapter 10 List of Preparers June 26, 2009.pdf
317U 4 2009 U.S. NAVY USWTR Final FEIS Volume I-Chapter 9 Glossary June 26, 2009.pdf
317U 4 2009 U.S. Navy USWTR Final FEIS Volume II-Chapter 8 References June 26, 2009.pdf
317UL 5 2008 Navy Southern Environmental Law Center October 27, 2008 USWTR Final DEIS comments.pdf
317UP 4 2009 U.S. Navy USWTR Final FEIS Volume I-Chapter-7 Public Review June 2009.pdf
317V 4 2009 U.S. Navy VACAPES Final EIS-OEIS August 10, 2009 Table of Contents on Navy Website.pdf
317YZ 1 2012 No Comment U.S. Air Force Information Website Wikipedia June 2, 2012.pdf
June 20, 2013 – Monroe County, Florida “…Presentation And Discussion Of The United States Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Training And Testing Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) And The Proposed Operational Alternatives Within The Key West Range Complex Which May Impact The County And Authorization For The Mayor To Sign The County’s Comment Letter Of The DEIS Which Will Be Drafted By Keith And Schnars, P.A., And Tyson Smith, Esq., AICP (Outside Legal Counsel For Monroe County)…”