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Sacramento Peak Observatory review process

NSF announces start of environmental review regarding proposed changes to operations at Sacramento Peak Observatory

SacPeak Observatory

NSF seeks feedback on proposed changes to operations at Sacramento Peak Observatory.


July 19, 2016

This material is available primarily for archival purposes. Telephone numbers or other contact information may be out of date; please see current contact information at media contacts.

On July 5, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced in the Federal Register the beginning of an environmental impact statement (EIS) process to evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with proposed changes to operations at Sacramento Peak Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico.

The announcement also provided information regarding the start of a 30-day public comment period during which the public is invited to provide comments on the preliminary proposed alternatives and resource areas identified for analysis.

A meeting will be held July 21 at the New Mexico Museum of Space History, where members of the public will be able to submit verbal comments in person. The public comment period will remain open until August 5; written comments may be submitted via email or regular mail. Further information regarding this process and ways to provide public comments to NSF are described below.

What is the proposed action?

NSF is conducting a scoping meeting to obtain public input on the scope of an EIS to study proposed changes to operations at Sacramento Peak Observatory. A range of preliminary proposed alternatives is being considered for evaluation in the EIS. These preliminary proposed alternatives, which will be refined through public input, include the following:

  • Continuing NSF investment for science-focused operations (No-Action Alternative).
  • Transitioning to full operations with interested parties for solar astronomy research.
  • Transitioning to partial operations with interested parties and decommissioning or mothballing of facilities not proposed to be used.
  • Mothballing of facilities limited to basic maintenance, deconstruction and site restoration.

What is NEPA?

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) requires federal agencies to consider potential environmental consequences of proposed actions on the environment prior to making final decisions. The NEPA review process is intended to provide the public with an opportunity to comment and provide input on those issues to be analyzed during the NEPA process. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including identifying viable alternatives. Additional opportunities for public participation will be available at other junctures during the process.

What is Section 106?

NSF also intends to initiate consultation under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) to evaluate potential effects on historic properties as a result of the proposed action. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to consult with interest parties and the State Historic Preservation Officer regarding potential effects of proposed actions on significant historic properties.

Who owns, funds and manages the Sacramento Peak Observatory?

Sacramento Peak Observatory is located within the Lincoln National Forest in the Sacramento Mountains (Otero County, New Mexico). Established by the U.S. Air Force via a memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Forest Service in 1950, the facility was transferred to NSF in 1976. NSF and the U.S. Forest Service executed a land use agreement, signed in 1980, to formalize this transfer and the continued use of the land for the observatory.

NSF owns and funds Sacramento Peak Observatory and, as a federal agency, is responsible for NEPA compliance. NSF has contracted with CH2M HILL, an environmental consultant, to prepare the EIS.

EIS Timeline

Scoping comment period: July 5-Aug. 5

  • Public meeting July 21, 6 p.m. at New Mexico Museum of Space History

Draft EIS target: Winter 2016

  • 45-day public comment period on Draft EIS
  • Public meeting on Draft EIS

Final EIS target: Summer 2017

NSF Record of Decision target: Fall 2017

How to submit comments

Scoping comments will be accepted through Aug. 5 and may be submitted during public meetings or via the following methods:

Email: Envcomp-AST-sacpeak@nsf.gov

Mail: Elizabeth Pentecost, National Science Foundation, Division of Astronomical Sciences, 2415 Eisenhower Ave, Room W9152, Alexandria VA 22314.

Additional information will be posted throughout the EIS process at www.nsf.gov/AST.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Ivy F. Kupec, NSF, (703) 292-8796, email: ikupec@nsf.gov

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

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