The Air Force is asking for public input on a plan to begin work in an area on Eielson Air Force Base where a small nuclear reactor would be located. The so-called microreactor would provide backup electricity and heat for the base.
Ever since the 1950s, a 20-megawatt coal-fired heat and power plant has provided energy for Eielson. But if all goes according to plan, the base would be the first U.S. military installation to be powered, at least partly, by a 5-megawatt microreactor.
The Air Force’s preferred site is located near wetlands, so the agency must first ask for public comment on the project, as required by federal law.
“This is kind of standard procedure for construction in the Interior,” says Jeff Durham. He’s the director of the Salcha-Delta Soil and Water Conservation District. “There's a lot of wetlands in Alaska. And I’m sure they’re following the Clean Water Act and they’re going through that process. And so no, I’m not aware of any concerns of anyone in our agency.”
Durham says his agency is aware of the project, but isn’t involved in it. And he says his office probably won’t submit comments on it, because federal agencies generally comply with federal laws.
“ We're aware of the Air Force's process and how they move forward on stuff like this,” he said. “And I think that's why you're not gonna see a comment from us -- they follow those rules.”
Members of the public can offer comments, but they must be submitted to the Eielson Public Affairs Office no later than Sept. 30.
Air Force officials say preconstruction work will include site-preparation work like vegetation clearing, soil excavation, and filling and grading to prepare a level site for future construction.
The Air Force officials have already been gathering data on the site for a draft Environmental Assessment of the project, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. Agency officials said that that work was completed in July. The officials said in an emailed response to questions that the work included delineating wetlands around the site near Spruce Lake, located east of the south end of the main runway.
The email said the agency will continue analyzing the site to gather details on the potential impacts of the project on surrounding wetlands, floodplains, and animal and plant species. That data will be used as part of the process of developing the draft Environmental Assessment that’ll be available to the public late next year.
Air Force officials anticipate the project won’t require a full-blown Environmental Impact Statement, which would take more time to complete. If federal regulators agree that only a draft Environmental Assessment is needed, Air Force officials hope to get the microreactor built and operational in 2030.
Editor's note: Comments about the proposed microreactor site work may be submitted to the Eielson Air Force Base Public Affairs Office by email, USPS mail and by telephone:
- Phone: (907) 377-2116
This notice is also available for online review at: https://www.eielson.af.mil/General-Information/Environmental/.
