Alternative Energy Draft EA - NASA Visitor Center at Wallops Flight ...

Agencies, Organizations, and Persons Consulted
SECTION SEVEN: AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PERSONS CONSULTED
7.1 INTRODUCTION
NEPA states that “There shall be an early and open process for determining the scope of issues
to be addressed and for identifying the significant issues related to the proposed action.” NASA
has engaged stakeholders and the general public in planning the Alternative Energy Project and
preparing this EA. Stakeholders include Federal and State agencies, local governments, business
interests, landowners, residents, and environmental organizations.
7.2 SCOPING PROCESS
During the Alternative Energy Project planning process, NASA provided several opportunities
for public and stakeholder involvement. Scoping letters were sent to targeted stakeholders and
agencies in April 2008. An example letter and stakeholder responses are included in Appendix
G. NASA also held several meetings with various stakeholders during the planning of this
project. The meetings are summarized below:
In February 2008, NASA met with members of the Accomack County Board of
Supervisors to introduce and discuss the proposed project.
In March 2008, NASA met with A&N Electric Cooperative to introduce the project and
to discuss interconnection requirements for installing alternative energy sources at WFF.
In April 2008, NASA hosted six stakeholder groups including Federal and State
regulatory agencies and local environmental organizations at the Chincoteague National
Wildlife Refuge’s Herb Bateman Center. This meeting was held to discuss NASA’s
proposed Avian and Bat Study Plan. In spring and summer 2008, Draft and Final copies
of the Plan were sent to each participant for review and comment.
In August 2009, NASA held a Trust Resources Meeting with six Federal and State
regulatory agencies. During this meeting, NASA consulted with the other agencies on
potential impacts to wetlands and protected species.
NASA formally invited the USACE to participate as a cooperating agency in the EA process.
The USACE accepted this request and has assisted NASA in the preparation of this Draft EA
(Appendix G).
7.3 DRAFT EA
NASA considered information obtained during scoping in preparing the Draft EA. The public
was notified of the opportunity to review and comment on this Draft EA by e-mail and
announcements in local newspapers. The Draft EA is also available for public review at the
following locations:
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