DGPS Given Go-Ahead In Northwest

The USCG prepared a programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for implementing a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) in the Northwest region of the U.S. The USCG published a notice to announce the availability of the EA and FONSI, and to solicit comments on them (59 FR 32745; June 24, 1994). The EA concluded that there would be no significant impact on the environment and that preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement will not be necessary.

The DGPS is a new radionavigation system that improves the accuracy of the existing Global Positioning System (GPS). The improved accuracy is critical for electronic navigation in harbors and harbor approaches. The DGPS, according to the USCG, will reduce the number of groundings, collisions, personal injuries, fatalities, and potential hazardous cargo spills resulting from such incidents.

The sites chosen for installation of DGPS equipment are near Fort Stevens, Ore.; Robinson Point, Wash.; and Whidbey Island, Wash.

Other stories from September 1994 issue

Content

Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.