stop the bombing range expansion

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Help to stop the bombing range expansion that both commercial and recs use Send a Fax today

Coastal Conservation Association

4809 Hargrove Road, Suite 123, Raleigh NC 27616

Email: stephen@ccanc.org Website: www.ccanc.org



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2008 CONTACT: Stephen Ammons, 919-781-3474



OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF BOMBING RANGES IN THE PAMLICO SOUND

(BT-9 and BT11)


Raleigh, N.C. - The Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina (CCA NC) strongly opposes the expansion of the existing bombing ranges found in the Pamlico Sound. Furthermore, the use of an Environmental Assessment is totally inadequate to assess the potential damages to the area and a full Environmental Impact Study should be done.


BT-9

Encompassing approximately 6 nautical miles, this area incorporates some of the most pristine marine environments in North Carolina. Not only is it a great producer of shrimp, crabs, oysters and finfish for commercial fishermen, it is also one of the most sought after inshore, recreational fishing sites in the state. The proposed expansion will extend the eastern demarcation line to a point that will eliminate all access to this area.


In addition to restricting fishing access for both recreational and commercial fishermen, this expansion will effectively prevent all transit of boats from crossing Brant Island Shoal through the Brant Island Slue. As a result, boats will be forced into unprotected and dangerous (for small craft) waters that may result in death or injury.


BT-11

With an approximate diameter of 4 miles, the current restricted area near Piney Island (also referred to as Piney Marsh and/or Point of Marsh) excludes all forms of access by both recreational and commercial traffic. The proposed expansion takes the demarcation line out to an additional 3/4 mile all the way around the prohibited circle increasing the closed area to 5 1/2 miles across. This would prohibit the public from accessing a very large amount of shoreline and prime fishing areas.


CCA NC finds these expansions to be both unacceptable and unnecessary. The pinpoint accuracy of modern weaponry would indicate that the current ranges are more than adequate. In addition, these ranges are not presently subject to public monitoring and the environmental insults are largely unknown. Under no circumstances should expansion be considered until a fully independent and transparent evaluation of the current effects to the marine environment on the present range is completed.


North Carolina continues to struggle with issue of access, with fishermen and the public increasingly being shut out from our own state waters. Expansion of these areas will only exacerbate this problem and create an even larger negative economic impact than is currently being felt in the area.


Concerned anglers are urged to mail/fax a written correspondence voicing their opposition. Any correspondence should be sent to:


Ms. Susan Admire
Naval Facilities Engineering Command
6506 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23508
FAX: (757) 322-4894
The stated purpose of the Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. The objective of CCA is to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public.