The U.S. Coast Guard has released its Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for the expansion and modernization of Base Seattle, marking a critical step in the facility’s development to support current and future Coast Guard missions. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts associated with the proposed upgrades and evaluates mitigation measures to address these effects.
The expansion project aims to modernize infrastructure, acquire additional land, and enhance operational capabilities at Base Seattle, the largest Coast Guard installation in the Pacific Northwest. The base plays a pivotal role in supporting Coast Guard missions in the region and polar operational areas, including the Arctic and Antarctica.
The PEIS outlines three proposed action alternatives and a No-Action Alternative. Among these, Alternative 1: Modernization with Additional Land and Two Berths at Terminal 46 is identified as the Coast Guard’s preferred alternative. This approach involves acquiring up to 54 acres of land, including two structurally adequate berths, to enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental and socioeconomic impacts. This option prioritizes sustainability, addresses anti-terrorism/force protection measures, and provides the flexibility needed to support expanded operations.
The PEIS also examines other alternatives that involve varying degrees of land acquisition and infrastructure development at terminals and current base properties. Each alternative considers impacts on land use, biological resources, cultural heritage, and socioeconomic factors.
Under the No-Action Alternative, the Coast Guard would forgo the proposed expansion and modernization, leaving existing deficiencies unaddressed and risking the degradation of facilities critical for operational missions. This would significantly impair the Coast Guard’s ability to meet its statutory responsibilities effectively in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
The Coast Guard has incorporated public feedback and conducted additional technical analyses to refine its preferred alternative. The final PEIS includes extensive evaluations of direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts across multiple resource areas, such as water resources, air quality, and climate change. It also highlights potential adverse effects on land use, socioeconomics, and cultural resources, alongside mitigation strategies.
The Coast Guard will announce its Record of Decision following a 30-day waiting period after the Environmental Protection Agency’s notice of availability in the Federal Register. This decision will guide the implementation of the chosen alternative and ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and related environmental regulations.
Click here to view the original notice.