NCC NBAF
NCC-NBAF Public Statement: August 8, 2008
The North Carolina Consortium for the National Bio- and Agro- Defense Facility (NCC-NBAF) continues to evaluate its position following renewed expressions of concern relative to the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Many residents of south Granville County and the city of Raleigh have voiced concern about the potential siting of the facility near Butner, NC. These concerns focus on the integrity of the Falls Lake region and the welfare of restricted populations at Umstead Hospital and the federal prison in Butner.
The NCC-NBAF believes strongly that the NBAF program would help protect the U.S. livestock industry, enhance public health and bring significant economic benefit to the Granville County region. However, the consortium remains concerned by claims from citizens and elected officials that DHS has not adequately addressed their concerns. Members of the consortium are strong advocates for community involvement, government transparency and accountability. Wherever the NBAF program is located, it requires a strong, positive partnership between the host community and the responsible government entity.
NCC-NBAF continues to urge DHS to address community concerns and the consortium will closely monitor the relationship between DHS and the constituent communities. The views of local citizens and guidance of elected officials will determine whether North Carolina will proceed with its bid.
Warwick Arden,
For the North Carolina Consortium for NBAF
North Carolina Consortium statement upon initial review of the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the NBAF
On Friday, June 20, the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) concerning the development of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) was released by the federal government. The writers and agencies involved are to be commended for producing a comprehensive and highly detailed study.
After an initial technical review of the draft EIS, subject matter experts with the North Carolina Consortium for the NBAF report that North Carolina’s proposed site within the Umstead Research Farm remains a strong contender for the diagnostic and research center, as the report did not reveal any significant negatives or identify any new issues that could detract from North Carolina’s proposal. The attributes (location, qualified workforce, educational systems, and proximity to world-class research) that resulted in North Carolina becoming a finalist for this national center continue to position our state as a premiere research location.
While the EIS does not rank the six potential sites, the 1,040-page report does address the critical need for a national center of excellence for animal and public health and the details elements involved in locating the diagnostic and research center at each of the six possible sites. Among the numerous issues addressed in the report are health and safety, water, air quality, biology, geology and soils, land use, visual impact, infrastructure, noise, cultural impacts, socioeconomic impacts, traffic and transportation, and hazardous waste and waste management.
The EIS indicated that the general environmental impacts at all alternate sites are quantifiable and that the economic benefit for the final chosen site will be larger than initially projected. While the report confirms that the introduction or release of some specific agents could have significant economic consequences, the report also finds that risk of release is extremely low at all sites.
As we move forward with the final selection process, it is clear that further discussion and consideration of specific risks and benefits must occur and become part of the final EIS. There is a process in place to obtain this public commentary. We anticipate a final decision in late fall.
June 24, 2008
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
If you are reviewing the report and find you have a specific question, please feel free to contact us and we will share your question and a response from the appropriate individual.
Ten Common NBAF Misconceptions
NBAF At a Glance
Congressional Research Service Report on NBAF
Click here to read the report prepared for Congress
Questions? Contact http://www.ncc-nbaf.org/contact.cfm
The interlaced circles represent several levels of integration, collaboration, and synergies related to the NBAF and the Consortium.
Mission (shown above)
To improve both Animal Health and Public Health by Researching and Delivering tools and techniques.
Participants
The NBAF is being developed cooperatively by the federal Departments of Agriculture, Health & Human Services, and Homeland Security.
Activities
The national security activities are to enhance Prevention, to improve Detection, and to augment Response to animal and public health incidents.
NC Consortium
The NC Consortium is a three-fold membership representing the foundation of the life sciences: Academia, Government, and the Private Sector.