SEATTLE – The U.S. Coast Guard has announced the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Overseas Environmental Assessment (OEA) for its proposal to acquire up to six second-generation Special Purpose Craft – Heavy Weather (SPC-HWX) II vessels. The proposal includes actively operating four vessels while maintaining two as maintenance relief hulls, each with an operational lifespan of 25 years.
The proposed action encompasses vessel operations and training exercises essential to fulfilling the Coast Guard’s mission responsibilities within the operational area. While emergency response actions are excluded from this proposal, training for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations is included to ensure mission readiness. Operational deployment would service the Pacific Northwest from four designated deepwater ports:
- Station Grays Harbor, Washington
- Station Cape Disappointment, Washington
- Station Yaquina Bay, Oregon
- Station Coos Bay, Oregon
The Draft EA/OEA is available for public review from December 20, 2024, through January 20, 2025. During this 30-day period, agencies and the public are encouraged to submit written comments to help evaluate the final assessment. Comments must be submitted no later than January 20, 2025, to be considered.
The Draft EA/OEA can be reviewed at the following public library locations:
- Ilwaco Timberland Library, 158 First Ave N, Ilwaco, WA 98624, (360) 642-3908
- Westport Timberland Library, 101 E Harms Dr, Westport, WA 98595, (360) 268-0521
- Newport Public Library, 35 NW Nye St, Newport, OR 97365, (541) 265-2153
- Coos Bay Public Library, 525 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420, (541) 269-1101
The document is also accessible online at: https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Engineering-Logistics-CG-4-/Program-Offices/Environmental-Management/Environmental-Planning-and-Historic-Preservation/
Submitting Comments Written comments should be directed to:
Paul Andron
Lead Systems Engineer
Boat Acquisition Program (CG-9325)
Coast Guard Acquisition Directorate
2703 Martin Luther King Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20593-7800
Email: Paul.T.Andron@uscg.mil
The Coast Guard’s decision to implement the proposed action will follow the conclusion of the public comment period. If the proposal is approved, the Record of Decision will detail the selected alternative and outline any necessary mitigation measures to address environmental impacts.
For further information, please contact the Coast Guard’s Boat Acquisition Program at the address or email listed above.
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