A statement from the Southern Environmental Law Center regarding last night’s decision by the Virginia Beach City Council to limit growth around Oceana Naval Air Station and Fentress Outlying Landing Field.
The Navy contends that development around the Virginia Beach community is encroaching on the Naval Air Station at Oceana, thus requiring a new Outlying Landing Field to support the base be located 70 miles away in Washington and Beaufort counties, North Carolina.
Contact:
- Derb Carter
- SELC Senior Attorney
- 919-967-1450
“Virginia Beach’s decision to halt development around the Oceana Naval Air Station will prevent the encroachment that the Navy contends compromises air training at the facilities. If the Navy determines these actions are adequate, the need for an Outlying Landing Field in northeastern North Carolina will be eliminated. Of course, if the Navy doesn’t find these actions adequate, Oceana is likely to close, also removing the need for an OLF. Regardless, this month’s failed test flights and close encounters with bird strikes should remind the Navy of the real risk of encroachment -- tundra swans and snow geese encroaching in their airspace should they proceed with the OLF at the planned site,” said Derb Carter, attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center.
The Southern Environmental Law Center is representing the National Audubon Society, North Carolina Wildlife Federation, and Defenders of Wildlife in the suit against the Navy. Please see www.SouthernEnvironment.org for more information.
