NEPA
National Environmental Policy Act
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applies only to actions in which Federal authority is involved and which have the potential for environmental effects. The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), in its effort to comply with NEPA, has initiated the most detailed analysis required by NEPA: an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The AFRH's EIS includes studies of four alternative development scenarios including a no-build scenario.
NEPA is a procedural law. The EIS process includes the following steps:
- Step 1: Scoping Session (Held on September 9, 2004 at AFRH)
- Step 2: Draft EIS (Released May 20, 2005)
- Step 3: Public Comment Period & Public Hearings
- Step 4: Final EIS
- Step 5: Public Comment Period
- Step 6: Record of Decision
Download/Print the Draft EIS
Download/Print Comments to Draft EIS
Download/Print the June 22 Public Hearing Handout
Download/Print the Transcript of the June 22 Public Hearing on the Draft EIS
AFRH has completed the updating of the EIS, based on the selected developers concept.
Download/Print the Final EIS
On February 26th, AFRH signed its Record of Decision (ROD), which outlines the selected EIS alternative and discusses mitigation measure.
Download the Record of Decision
If you have questions on the EIS or ROD, please call Tim Sheckler at (202) 401-5806.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980 and amended on October 17, 1986. This law established prohibitions and requirements concerning closed and abandoned hazardous waste sites; provided for liability of persons responsible for releases of hazardous waste at these sites; and established a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no responsible party could be identified.
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) conducted a Phase I study of the Washington, D.C. campus to determine if there are any potentially hazardous waste materials at the site. The Phase I study identified potential hazardous materials in the eastern part of the campus where the current industrial facilities are located. AFRH then completed a Phase II study in that specific area in the fall of 2006 to determine the extent, if any, of potential contamination. This study was completed in April 2007.
More information regarding CERCLA can be found by visiting www.epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm.
Final Master Plan
AFRH has completed a Master Plan for its Washington Campus to leverage its real estate assets, which will be the basis for facilitating and directing future development by the private sector and AFRH. Private development on the site will create an independent revenue stream for the Home.
NCPC Commission Action
The AFRH Master Plan was approved by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) on July 10, 2008. This approval allows AFRH to begin planning implementation of its Master Plan. AFRH is currently engaged in working to implement its Master Plan.