The U.S. Navy is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Impact Statement to evaluate the potential impact of military readiness training and testing conducted in the Northwest Training and Testing study area.

The Navy wants to identify community concerns and issues for analysis in the EIS/OEIS, and is seeking public involvement and input with a series of open house information sessions throughout existing range complexes and testing ranges.

An information session for the Oak Harbor area will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 at the Oak Harbor School District administrative services center board room. There is no formal presentation or oral comment session, so people may arrive at any time during the three-hour window and provide comments on factors to be considered in the EIS/OEIS.

Written comments must be postmarked by April 27 and sent to: Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Attn: Kimberly Kler – NWTT Project Manager, 1101 Tautog Circle, Silverdale, WA 98315-1100. Comments can also be submitted online at www.NWTTEIS.com or submitted in person at the open house.

The Navy proposes to adjust training and testing activities to support current and planned requirements and to accommodate changing mission requirements associated with force structure changes, including those resulting from the development, testing, introduction of new vessels, aircraft and weapon systems.

The proposed action would ensure the Navy can accomplish its mission to maintain, train and equip combat-ready military forces.

Open house/information session:

Northwest Training and Testing Environmental Impact Statement

Tuesday, March 13

5 to 8 p.m.

Oak Harbor School District

Administrative Services Center Board Room

350 S. Oak Harbor St., Oak Harbor