Army Collecting Testimony On Proposed Power Station

The U.S. Army is collecting public input on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the construction and operation of a 50-megawatt biofuel-capable power generation plant at Schofield Barracks.

Maintained by Hawaiian Electric Co., Schofield Generating Station Project will be owned and operated by the Army.

The plant would serve as a backup power source for Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield and Field Station Kunia, and use renewable biofuels.

The DEIS evaluates the impacts of the proposed action and “no action” regarding land use, airspace use, visual resources, air quality, noise, traffic, water resources, geology, biological resources, cultural resources, hazardous and toxic substances, socioeconomics, environmental justice, and utilities and infrastructure. Impacts would be less than significant for all resources, and beneficial effects would be expected for some resources.

The DEIS and additional project information are available at garrison.hawaii.army.mil/schofieldplant.

Copies of the DEIS are also available at Sgt. Rodney J. Yano Main Library at Schofield Barracks, Fort Shafter Library, Wahiawa, Mililani and Waialua public libraries, and City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services Municipal Library.

The 45-day public comment period continues through June 8, and the community can participate in public meetings and submit written comments. Public meetings are slated for 6:30 p.m. May 20 at Mililani Mauka Elementary School, and 6:30 p.m. May 21 at Wahiawa District Park Recreation Center.

The meetings will start with informational displays, followed by an overview presentation at 7 p.m., and an oral comment period from 7:30 to 9.

Written comments may be submitted to sgspcomments@ tetratech.com, or by mail to Department of the Army, Directorate of Public Works, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii ATTN: IMHW-PWE (L. Graham), 947 Wright Ave., Wheeler Army Airfield, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857-5013. All comments must be sent or postmarked no later than June 8.

For questions regarding the EIS process or comment period, contact U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs at 656-3158 or 656-3160.