Navy to Review Effects of Expanded Bombing Practice

The Navy has decided to do a full environmental review of its proposal to expand its practice runs at a target in Ft. Hunter Liggett, about 40 miles south of Big Sur.

The Navy is proposing to increase its practice runs, during which dummy bombs are dropped on a 500-foot diameter target of shipping containers, from as few as 200 sorties to more than 2,900. That translates to about four flights a day with three planes in each flight.

U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel) has pushed for the full environmental impact statement for the proposal instead of the less comprehensive environmental assessment, which the Navy had already begun.

The Navy made the decision “due to the high level of public interest and concern,” said Navy spokesman Cmdr. Jack Papp.

“The Navy did not make this decision because it believes this proposal will have impact on the environment on and surrounding Fort Hunter Liggett,” he said. “The environmental impact statement will make that determination on whether or not there will be an environmental impact.”

Residents and recreational users of the area along with environmentalists oppose the plan because of its proximity to the habitats of endangered and protected species, such as the bald eagle and the California condor.

Also, they are concerned about noise levels from the jets that will come from Lemoore Naval Air Station in the Central Valley, and from aircraft carriers in the Pacific Ocean, as well as accidents, such as stray bombs landing in residential areas.

Farr opposes the expanded military exercises and said a full environmental impact statement would bring serious environmental risks to light.