U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is creating 34 permanent zones over open water a few miles from the Great Lakes shoreline where crews can have occasional target practice with machine guns, rifles and small 9mm guns.
The Coast Guard needs to train crews for anything from smugglers to terrorist attacks on commercial ships. Some of the live-fire zones are in the paths of ferries, recreational boaters and anglers. Some environmental groups are concerned over lead casings, which could end up in the lakes. Others believe the Coast Guard should hold hearings that are open to the public.
The plan was announced in the Federal Register on Aug. 1 and the period for public comment has ended. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard is not required to seek comment, hold public hearings or produce an environmental impact study.
September 1, 2006 7:02 AM | Category: Politics