The United States Navy says there will be no significant impact on the environment resulting from its proposed drone base at the Naval Base Ventura County in Point Mugu. The Navy recently released a Final Environmental Assessment of its proposal to establish the local naval base as the west coast home for its MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), in which is issued a “Finding of No Significant Impact.” As a result of the finding, an Environmental Impact Statement won’ be prepared.
“The Navy finds that home basing the Triton UAS at NBVC Point Mugu, California, will not significantly affect the quality of the natural and manmade environment,” a statement from the Navy read.
In February, the United States Navy revealed plans to station four drones out of its Naval Base in Point Mugu, west of Malibu. Drones are unmanned aircraft used for surveillance and airstrikes that have become controversial warfare tools.
Up to 700 new jobs would be created if the plans come to fruition, according to an environment assessment published online. The new drone base would become a home base, “maintenance hub” and flight operations site for four drones known as Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Triton UAS are surveillance aircraft measuring 48 feet long with a 131-foot wingspan. Personnel would conduct an average of five flight operations per day, the assessment states, with takeoffs and landings primarily happening over the Pacific Ocean.
The proposed plan is expected to be implemented between 2013 and 2020, according to the Navy.
To see the Navy’s full report on the project’s environmental impact, visit navyregionsouthwest.com.