JOINT BASE CAPE COD — The federal National Guard Bureau issued a finding last week that the multipurpose machine-gun range planned for Camp Edwards would not have a significant impact on the surrounding environment.
The April 30 finding in support of the Massachusetts Army National Guard's environmental assessment allows the Guard to move forward in the process of planning for the range.
The decision comes amid public outcry over the project.
Over the past year, community members, environmental activists and state and federal legislators have spoken out against the proposed project. Concerns have been raised about how the proposed range would affect the surrounding wildlife habitat and the region's sole source aquifer, which accounts for 100% of the Cape's drinking water, as well as traffic and noise brought about by the range.