Development of Mission Avoidance Zones in the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range
Abstract
This report discusses development of a preliminary computer model to help establish mission avoidance zones in the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR), an overwater range of Eglin Air Force Base (AFB). These zones are being developed to protect marine mammals from impacts resulting from military activities. Eglin AFB seeks to avoid areas of high marine mammal concentration; these areas are called "mission avoidance zones" (MAZs). The ability to identify MAZs on a near real-time basis, and to direct missions to other areas accordingly, is a powerful mitigation tool that can expedite the regulatory consultation process and decrease costs and mission delays. Department of Defense (DoD) water ranges, such as EGTTR, are critical assets in support of weapons systems testing and training. However, efforts to comply with environmental regulations can lead to increased costs of military and training activities, as well as delays. DoD has been facing increased environmental scrutiny and compliance challenges, particularly regarding activities in the marine environment. For example, all Air Force Special Operations Command gunnery test missions in the EGTTR were suspended for three years (1996-1998) due to underwater noise concerns.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 27, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA574885
Entities
People
- Ronald Combs