During the Mission Compatibility Evaluation process, if a proposed project is determined
to have potential adverse impacts to a military base or military readiness, the
Department of Defense will establish a Mitigation Response Team (MRT) that is
responsible for working with a project developer to identify potential impacts and
reasonable mitigation options. This MRT process typically results in a binding Mitigation
Agreement between the DoD and the developer, which memorializes the solutions
developed through that consultation process.
The DoD Siting Clearinghouse also provides an informal review when requested.
requests are typically made by developers, who want to receive a preliminary
determination before filing under the requirements of the U.S. Code.
On December 12, 2017, the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act was signed into
law. The Act includes changes to the DoD Siting Clearinghouse, which will be transitioned
to the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse. This new
Clearinghouse must develop procedures for energy project developers to consult with
affected military installations in order to facilitate better coordination and
communication from when projects are first proposed through completion. As part of
enhanced communication and coordination, developers will be required to submit the
project area and preliminary layout for review at least one year before the developer
plans to begin construction, if the proposed energy project is within any DoD‐operated
surveillance radar areas or military training routes. the new procedures will provide a
more clearly defined trigger for coordination and outreach between affected military
installations and energy project developers. Also, the review period upon receiving an
energy project application from the Secretary of Transportation is extended from 30 to
60 days, allowing more time for the Clearinghouse and affected military installations to
assess the proposed development for any potential adverse impacts.
Department of Defense Operational Noise
Management Program
The Operational Noise Management Program provides a methodology for assessing the
impacts of noise generated by military operations. This program was established by the
Department of the Army to assist installations and surrounding communities in
developing guidelines for land use planning to mitigate noise and other hazards to the
general public while protecting the continuation of the military’s mission(s) at an
installation. This program encourages compatibility measures by both the US Army and
surrounding communities through the development of an Operational Noise
Management Plan (ONMP). The Operational Noise Management Handbook, completed in
November 2005, provides guidance for the development of an ONMP.
Background Report
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