Intro to the Draft Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement

***PLEASE NOTE: The comment period for the Draft Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement has been extended through December 2, 2011***

The Draft Site-Wide Environmental Impact Statement (SWEIS) for the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and Off-Site Locations in Nevada is available for public review and comment through October 27, 2011.

Within the draft SWEIS, the U.S. Department of Energy, National Security Administration Nevada Site Office presents a formal analysis of how current and potential missions at the NNSS (formerly the Nevada Test Site) and related off-site locations may affect the environment over the next ten years.
As required by federal regulations, the document's analysis must consider several reasonable alternatives. The draft SWEIS explores the environmental implications of three alternatives:
• The No Action Alternative reflects activity levels remaining consistent with current levels;
• The Expanded Operations Alternative includes activity levels consistent with the No Action Alternative, while considering additional proposed activities and increased frequency of ongoing activities;
• The Reduced Operations Alternative reflects activity levels being reduced. Activity reductions would vary across programs.

Each alternative discusses potential impacts, including those that may affect nearby communities. Public input, therefore, plays an important role in crafting the final document, which is anticipated in mid-2012.

The draft document can be accessed online at www.nv.energy.gov/sweis, or by calling 877-781-6105. Public comments can be provided via the website, by calling 877-781-6105, faxing 702-295-5300, or by U.S. Mail at P.O. Box 98518, Las Vegas, NV 89193-8518 (attention: NNSS SWEIS Document Manager).

Community members also have the option of submitting comments during public hearings being held September 20-22, 2011, in Las Vegas, Pahrump, and St. George, and September 27-28, 2011, in Tonopah and Carson City, respectively. Each hearing will include an open house (5-8pm), where subject matter experts will provide information and answer questions regarding the draft SWEIS. The public may provide comments during the formal public hearing (6:30-8pm) portion, or privately to a stenographer during the open house.

Please call 877-781-6105 or visit www.nv.energy.gov/sweis for information.

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