DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
COMMANDER NAVY REGION 
937 NO. HARBOR DR.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92132

IN REPLY REFER TO:
5090

Ser 
December 17, 2015

 

Mr. David Smith

Manager, NPDES Permits Section (WTR-2-3)
US. Environmental Protection Agency

75 Hawthorne Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

Dear Mr. Smith:

On behalf of Navy Region Southwest, thank you for the opportunity to participate and
provide input to the Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA) process for the Rose Canyon Sustainable Aquaculture Project proposed by
Rose Canyon Fisheries (RCF) Inc. The Navy has been involved with the early planning phases of
this project with RCF and Hubbsr?SeaWorld and appreciates the early coordination that has
already occurred. During initial planning with RCF/Hubbsl?SeaWorld, the Navy expressed serious
concerns about siting of the proposed facility in areas used by the Navy for operations and
testing.

After conducting a thorough review of Operations throughout this area, we request that
the facility be shifted north between latitudes and?32u47.0?N, east of longitude
117?21.0? W, as shown in attachment 1. This location, while still in a Navy Testing area,
signi?cantly reduces the potential for negative impacts to military operations and testing.
However, this alternative site still can'ies the risk of accidental damage if Navy equipment or
debris drifts into the proposed ?sh cages. Any permit issued should include language to eliminate
any liability to the Navy if such accidental damage were to occur. This evaluation is speci?c to
this proposed action and any ?lture expansions or other aquaculture projects in this area would
require additional review by the Navy.

The U.S. Navy welcomes the opportunity to participate in the NEPA process and can
continue to offer consultation and review in developing the Environmental Assessment for the
RCF/Hubbs/SeaWorld Aquaculture Facility in regards to potential impacts to Navy activities.
Please keep us advised to how we may participate in working meetings to assist you in this
regard. Our point of contact for this effort will be Walt Wilson, NRSW Marine Biologist. He can
be reached at 619-532-2747 or by email at: walter.l.wilson2@navy.mil.

Sincerely,

04%

C. STATHOS
By direction

Attachment:
(1) Navy Area Usage Map of 7 Dec 2015

 



 



 
  
 
  
  
    
 
 
  
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    
 
       

   
  
  

 

 
 
 
  
  
 
 

  
 

       
      
  
 
   

 

     
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 



   

 

 

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