Area Hearings Next Week On Schofield Generating Station Plan

The Army is inviting the public to provide input on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the construction and operation of a 50-megawatt biofuel-capable power generation plant at Schofield Barracks.

The Schofield Genera ting Station Project (SGSP) would provide renewable power for Oahu residents by supplying power to the islandwide grid during normal operations.

The SGSP also would provide energy security for Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield and Field Station Kunia by serving as a backup source of power should the installations lose normal electric power. Electricity produced from renewable biofuels at the SGSP would help the Army achieve its renewable energy goals.

The EIS studies the impacts of developing the facility. The Army would lease 10.3 acres to Hawaiian Electric Co. and grant a related 2.5-acre interconnection easement on Schofield’s South Range, west of Kunia Road.

HECO would build, own, operate and maintain the power generation plant. A 46-kilovolt subtransmission line would be built to connect the SGSP to the HECO grid.

Air quality, traffic and stormwater are among the key resources that are being addressed. More information is available in the Notice of Intent published in the Federal Register or online at garrison.hawaii.army.mil/schof ieldplant/.

Interested community residents, as well as federal, state and local agencies, are invited to participate in the process by helping to identify possible alternatives, potential environmental impacts and key issues of concern.

During the 45-day scoping period, which runs until March 3, the community can participate in public scoping meetings, submit written comments, or both. Meetings will be held the first week of February, as follows:

Feb. 5, 6:30-9 p.m. Mililani Mauka Elementary School cafeteria; and Feb. 6, 6:30-9 p.m. Wahiawa District Park.

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

In addition to the meetings, individuals can submit written comments via email sgspcomments@tetratech.c om; fax 703-385-6007 (Attention: SGSP EIS); and mail to Melissa DeSantis, Tetra Tech Inc. (Attention SGSP EIS, 10306 Eaton Place, Suite 340, Fairfax, VA 22030).

Written comments should be sent or postmarked no later than March 3.

For questions on the scoping process and meetings, call U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Public Affairs at 656-3152.