This law provides an additional tool to support smart planning, conservation,
and environmental stewardship on and off military installations. The
purpose of the program is to acquire real property interests, such as
conservation easements or development rights to address current and
potential encroachment or compatibility threats to an installation’s mission.
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration
To implement the authority provided by the Department of Defense
Conservation Partnering Initiative, the DOD established the Readiness and
Environmental Protection Integration (REPI). This initiative enables the DOD
to work with state and local governments, NGOs, and willing landowners to
limit encroachment and incompatible land use.
REPI funds are used to support a variety of DOD partnerships that promote
compatible land use. By relieving encroachment pressures, the military is
able to test and train in a more effective and efficient manner. By
preserving the land surrounding military installations, habitats for plant and
animal species are conserved and protect ed.
The REPI gives local agencies the opportunity to partner with the military
and other local agencies. This could allow for the establishment of buffers
around the base to assist in the protection of the military mission.
Currently, Maxwell AFB does not have any REPI projects in process.
Department of Defense Energy Siting Clearinghouse
Section 358 of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act pertains to
studying the impacts of the development of new energy production facilities
on military operations and readiness. The Energy Siting Clearinghouse serves
to coordinate the DOD review of existing applications for energy projects.
Several key elements of Section 358 include designation of a senior official
and lead organization to conduct the review of energy project applications, a
specific time frame for completion of a hazard assessment associated with
an application (30 days), specific criteria for DOD objections to projects and
a requirement to provide an annual status report to Congress. This
legislation facilitates procedural certainty and a predictable process that
promotes compatibility between energy independence and military
capability.
Department of Housing and Urban Development Noise Regulation
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
has instituted policies through section 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Part 51 that are designed to promote the creation of controls and standards
for community noise abatement by state and local governments. The focus
of these regulations is to reduce noise levels within residential
developments funded by HUD. Included among the various policies are:
1. A requirement that noise exposure and sources of noise be given
adequate consideration as an integral part of urban environment in
connection with all HUD programs, which provide financial support to
planning;
2. A withholding of HUD assistance for the construction of new dwelling
units on sites (which have or are projected to have unacceptable
noise exposure), or are in runway Clear Zones or incompatible uses in
Accident Potential Zones; and
3. Encouragement of modernization efforts for existing buildings in noise
environments; and
Department of Defense Operational Noise Manual
The Operational Noise Manual provides a practical reference for military and
civilian personnel with duties and responsibilities in operational noise
management. The manual assists personnel to understand and implement
current DOD environmental policy and guidance. The majority of the manual
is devoted to the following subjects: Characteristics of Sound; Effects of
Noise; Military Noise Sources; Noise Monitoring; Reduction of Noise
Conflicts and more.
Page 4‐4
Background Report
June 2017