(Editor’s note: The comment period has been extended from Jan. 20 to Feb. 15)
SEATTLE – The Coast Guard announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) / Overseas Environmental Assessment (OEA) for its proposal to acquire up to six, second generation Special Purpose Craft- Heavy Weather II (SPC-HWX II) vessels.
Of these vessels, four would be placed in operation and training status, and two would serve as maintenance relief hulls, each with a service design life of 25 years.
The proposed action would include vessel operations as well as training exercises to meet the Coast Guard’s mission responsibilities in the proposed action area. The proposed action does not include emergency response but would include training for search and rescue (SAR). Any Coast Guard response during a SAR mission is considered an emergency and is not a part of the proposed action. Like the original 52-foot SPC-HWX, the SPC-HWX II would service Coast Guard District 13 and the Pacific Northwest from the following 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 Dec. 20, 2024, through Feb. 15, 2025. During this period, agencies and the public are encouraged to submit written comments to help evaluate the final assessment. Comments must be submitted no later than Feb. 15, 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: Special Purpose Craft - Heavy Weather Second Generation (SPC-HWX II) Environmental Assessment (EA)/Overseas Environmental Assessment - DRAFT > United States Coast Guard > Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation
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
Or via 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.