JRM preps EIS for missile defense system in Guam

ASAN, Guam—The Missile Defense Agency, with the U.S. Department of the Army, U.S. Department of the Navy, U.S. Department of the Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration as cooperating agencies, is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate the potential environmental impacts and potential mitigation of deploying and operating an Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense system to defend Guam against advanced missile threats (Proposed Action).

Within the context of homeland defense, Guam is a key strategic location for sustaining and maintaining U.S. influence, deterring adversaries, responding to crises, and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. An attack on Guam would be considered a direct attack on the United States and would be met with an appropriate response. Current U.S. forces are capable of defending Guam against regional ballistic missile threats. However, regional missile threats to Guam continue to increase and advance technologically. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has identified a requirement for an Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability on Guam as soon as possible to address the rapid evolution of adversary missile threats.

Below is information about the Proposed Action, the upcoming open house public scoping meetings, and the process for submitting public comments. MDA welcomes the public’s comments on the scope of the EIS, potential alternatives, identification of environmental concerns, issues that should be addressed in the EIS, and the project’s potential to affect historic properties pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The EIS process requires public involvement during the scoping period and when the Draft EIS is available for public review and comment.

Proposed action

The Proposed Action is to deploy and operate a comprehensive, persistent, 360-degree Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense system to defend Guam against the rapidly evolving threats of missile attacks from regional adversaries. MDA and the Army need to strategically locate and integrate various system components, including a command and control center, radars, sensors, missile launchers, missile interceptors, and support facilities, at multiple sites around Guam. MDA is preparing an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action, including potential impacts on airspace, natural and cultural resources, socioeconomics, public health and safety, transportation, utilities, and other resource areas.

Open house public scoping meetings

MDA will hold three public scoping meetings to inform the public about the Proposed Action and accept comments on the scope of the analysis. The meetings will be in an open-house format and will include poster stations staffed by project representatives who can provide information and answer questions about the Proposed Action and the upcoming environmental impact analysis. The public may arrive at any time between 4 and 7 p.m. as there will not be a presentation or formal oral comment session. The public scoping meetings will be held at the following locations:

– June 14, 2023: University of Guam Calvo Field House Gymnasium, 303 University, Dr. Mangilao, Guam
– June 15, 2023: Okkodo High School Gymnasium; 660 Biradan Anakko 3rd St., Dededo, Guam
– June 16, 2023: Southern High School Gymnasium, #1 Jose, Perez Leon Guerrero Dr., Santa Rita, Guam

Submitting comments

The public is encouraged to submit comments during the scoping period from May 5, 2023, through June 27, 2023. Comments must be postmarked or received online by June 27, 2023, for consideration in the development of the Draft EIS. Comments may be submitted in the following ways:

In person: Public scoping meeting
Email: info@EIAMD-EIS.com
Website: www.mda.mil/system/eiamd.html
Mail: ManTech International Corporation Attention: EIAMD EIS Project Support
PMB 403
1270 N. Marine Corps Dr., Suite 101
Tamuning, Guam 96913-4331

National Historic Preservation Act Section 106

This public scoping effort will also support additional consultation under Section 106 of the NHPA of 1966 and its implementing regulations at 36 Code of Federal Regulations Part 800.

MDA is committed to meaningful public involvement and will keep the public informed throughout the development of the EIS. Please help MDA inform the community about the intent to prepare an EIS by sharing this information.
Visit the project website at www.mda.mil/system/eiamd.html to learn more about the project. (PR)