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550 FW 3 Exhibit 3 64 Page 1 of 2 - REVISED FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT PROPOSED LAND ACQUISITION FOR NATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER VICINITY OF HARPER'S FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to acquire property near Shepherdstown, West Virginia, for the 5ervice's National Education and Training Center (NETC). An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared which addressed five alternative land acquisition sites and a no-action alternative (copy enclosed). The acquisition of a selected site is an essential first step in meeting the Service's goal to construct a facility that would provide training center for Service staff and scientists. General considerations were that the site would accommodate a development envelope of at least 250 acres and that the selected site would fully conform with Federal, State, and local plans and requirements. A notice of availability for the EA and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was published in the Federal Register on July 9, 1991. At that time, the selected alternative was Site E -- Origgs (Quarry) and Springs Run. However, due to the difficulty in remediating minor contamination on the site, the Service has determined that it is not in the best interest of the government to acquire Site E. The new selected alternative is Site D -- Terrapin Neck. Site D is located approximately three miles north of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. The Potomac River serves as the northern boundary, with Terrapin Neck Road to the east, and Shepherd Grade Road bordering the southwestern sections of the site. The site occupies approximately 525 acres and is comprised of forested land, agricultural land, and open fields. Site D was selected because it has many of the amenities which would be supportive of the NETC goal. The picturesque site overlooks the Potomac River Palley and is surrounded by a diversity~of habitats. Several 16th and 19th century buildings occur on the site that will be maintained for their historical value. Community acceptance of Site D is anticipated to be goad. Except for several debris piles containing minor, former farm- related refuse, no other hazardous materials or~evidence of other contaminants occur on the property. Although some minor improvements may be needed, the capacity of existing roadways appears adequate. We anticipate no adverse impacts to State or Federal rare, threatened, or endangered species that may occur on the site. The other land acquisition alternatives considered were the Gibson and Capriotti Properties, Cooper Farm, Nalls Property, Driggs (Quarry)/Springs Run, and no-action. The previous plan to include a public education (habitat) component to Lne P~ETC has been dropped. 03!29/96 FWM 248 ENVIRONMENTAL pU~-l t• • Now