Possible Navy drone base environmental assessment underway

NORFOLK, Va.— Officials say the results of an environmental assessment for a potential Navy drone base on Virginia's Eastern Shore may be finished by late summer.

The Virginian-Pilot reports the Navy made the announcement Wednesday, saying the assessment could help determine where it'll locate its East Coast hub for a surveillance drone that is being developed.

The service is considering locating four MQ-4C Triton drones at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore, but Virginia is competing with Key West Naval Air Station and Mayport Naval Air Station in Florida.

Fleet Forces Command spokesman Ted Brown says they're currently assessing each installation and results could be ready for public comment by late June.

The assessment includes potential impacts on noise, air quality, socioeconomics, transportation and biological, water and cultural resources.

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