Final Chance to Address Navy OLF Plan April 17

Photo by Joe Albea

Thousands of snow geese fly off Pungo and Phelps lakes each day from December through March, posing a threat to low-flying aircraft.

The public will get a final chance April 17 in Charlotte to have input regarding the Navy’s plan to place at Outlying Landing Field in eastern N.C. near Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge and threaten wintering birds and its own pilots.

A hearing regarding a Draft Environmental Impact Statement is set for 7 p.m. at Ballroom A of the Charlotte Convention Center at South College Street.

Two busloads of Washington and Beaufort County residents are planning to make the trip to Charlotte, participate in the hearing and return home Tuesday night.

The meeting is the final in a series of public hearings. All other public hearings have been held in eastern N.C.

An opening information session will be held from  4:30- 6:30 p.m. with the formal public hearing set for 7-10 p.m.

Displays, literature pertaining to the proposed OLF sites, and the ability to ask questions to Navy personnel will be offered.

Public speakers must sign up prior to the 7 p.m. hearing and  give their name and county of residence.  Residents from the host county will speak before the visitors from other counties. Each speaker’s comments will be limited to three minutes. If a longer statement is to be presented, it should be summarized at the public hearing and the full text submitted in writing.

Other comments must be received or mailed/postmarked by May 9, 2007.

Mail written comments to:
Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Attn: OLF SEIS Project Manager, Code EV21, 6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508-1278.

Fax written comments to: OLF SEIS Project Manager, Code EV21 at 757 322-4894.