The U.S. Air Force announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate potential environmental effects associated with the implementation of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, or GBSD, Test Program. The GBSD program would modernize the aging U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III system.
The Air Force proposes to modernize the land-based leg of the nuclear triad, recapitalizing its ICBM fleet while upgrading the weapon system technology, supporting infrastructure, and command and control functions. Test program-related actions would occur primarily at Hill Air Force Base, Utah and at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Such tests would include conducting missile launches from Vandenberg AFB with flights over the Pacific Ocean in the Western Test Range. Additional test support activities would occur at U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. The environmental assessment also includes analysis of the proposed GBSD Formal Training Unit/Schoolhouse at Vandenberg AFB. The GBSD and Minuteman III test demonstrations are proposed to occur at U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll and within the Republic of the Marshall Islands territorial waters. The analysis of overseas environmental impacts is also included in the assessment. Test activities would comply with the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll environmental standards.
The Draft GBSD Test Program environmental assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact, or FONSI, are available at http://gbsdtesteaoea.govsupport.us
