Feds Approve Machine Gun Range At Cape National Guard Base

FALMOUTH, MA — The Massachusetts National Guard got the green light from federal environmental regulators to build a controversial machine gun range at Joint Base Cape Cod, according to a CAI report.

"We received the completed FONSI (finding of no significant impact report) from the Federal National Guard Bureau," state guard officials said in an email to the Massachusetts congressional delegation.

State and local officials said they have concerns about the range's environmental impact, particularly because it would be built within the Upper Cape Water Supply Reserve, an important water source for Falmouth, Barnstable, Yarmouth and several upper Cape communities.

Guard officials said the report was "thorough" and "independent." As a result of the report, officials with the Federal National Guard Bureau said a more detailed environmental impact statement isn't required. But the machine gun range must clear one more state environmental review before its approval.

The $11 million firing range would expand an existing range at the base. Guard officials said the range is needed for weapons training. Constructing it requires clearing more than 170 acres of forest to accommodate the range footprint, lighting, facilities, road maintenance and more.

Last month, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Rep. Bill Keating sent a letter demanding residents concerns be heard. The lawmakers said many Cape Cod residents want a more detailed environmental study before the range is built.

"The overwhelming majority of constituents who have contacted our offices believe that further review of the project should be required beyond the standard study that was conducted, despite the draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that the Guard has indicated will be finalized this week," the letter read. "With this in mind, we would also request a congressional staff briefing on the MPMG (multi-purpose machine gun range), including details about the FONSI."

Local officials also had concerns about the machine gun range. Falmouth Select Board members were upset because they hadn't found out about the National Guard's proposal until it was seeking approval.