The Air Force plans to conduct environmental impact studies in areas near bases where the service hopes to permanently base F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. In a notice of intent published in Dec. 30 issues of the Federal Register, the Air Force stated that the assessments should be complete in about one year. The list of installations includes Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Shaw Air Force Base/McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., Burlington Air Guard Station, Vt., and Jacksonville Air Guard Station, Fla. The studies will focus on land use, airspace and safety, air and water quality, noise, socioeconomic impact, biological and cultural resources, and cumulative actions, the Air Force stated. The service also published a schedule of public hearings, to be held in communities near these bases, between mid-January and mid-February.
