PORT LUDLOW — If you want a say in the future growth of Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, now is the time to do it.
The Navy wants to install a second explosives-handling wharf next to the current one at the base just across the Hood Canal from Jefferson County’s Toandos Peninsula.
A meeting in Port Ludlow on Wednesday night allowed citizens to take a look at the proposed plan for the wharf.
The Navy filed a notice of intent to build the wharf May 15, beginning an initial scoping period. Public comment is being accepted.
The Navy said the second wharf isn’t intended to escalate activity at the facility. The intention is to operate more efficiently.
“It can be difficult at times with only one wharf,” said Joe Graf, Navy spokesman, Wednesday.
“We can optimize our facility and the handling of explosives by building a second wharf. And that is exactly what we are proposing.”
Greg Leicht, Navy spokesman, said the Port Ludlow meeting was intended not only to provide information but also to receive feedback in written form.
“This is the very beginning of this project,” Leicht said. “To start, we are conducting a scoping period to hear what people have to say.”
Eight submarines
Graf said the wharf at the base handles the weapons services for eight Ohio-class submarines.
“That number will stay the same if the wharf is built or not,” he said.
“This is intended to make it easier to meet our current and future work load.”
The nuclear submarines operate with Trident missile systems, which are missiles outfitted with nuclear warheads.
Graf said those weapons systems would also be handled at the new wharf.
The scoping period will extend through July 17.
From there, a draft environmental impact study will be created. It will be presented to the public in November 2010.
At that time, the public hearing process will begin.
The Navy is hoping a decision will be made in August 2011, with construction beginning in 2012.
Another meeting was held Tuesday in Poulsbo, and a third is planned in Seattle today.
To read the proposal and submit comment on it, visit the Navy Web site at http://ehw.nbkeis.com.
Comments also can be e-mailed to nbkehweis@ssp.navy,mil or mailed to Department of the Navy, Strategic Systems Programs, Public Affairs Officer, 2521 South Clark St., Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22202-3930.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
