MIL-HDBK-1130
not particularly unique, it may not be worth the caretaker operation and
maintenance costs required to maintain the facility in an inactive status.
In each case, the activity owning the facility should perform an
economic analysis using NAVFAC P-442, Economic Analysis Handbook, to compare
the cost of closure with the long-term cost of maintaining the facility in an
inactive status. Factoring the cost and probability of future facility needs
into this equation will help determine the time span over which to evaluate
alternatives. If a requirement for use of a facility cannot be identified,
closure process should be executed.
Expected Length of Inactivation. Probably the most critical and
1.5.2
most difficult factor to predict in determining whether to inactivate or close
and demolish/excess a facility is the length of time until it could be needed
again. Extending the period of inactivation makes closure and demolition/
excessing more attractive, both economically and from a management standpoint.
The nuisance of managing an inactive facility over a long period is avoided by
demolishing or excessing the facility. The economic analysis described in
para. 1.3.1 could determine a break-even point for inactivation duration.
1.5.3
Probable Future Use. Another consideration in determining what to
do with unneeded facilities is the nature of the unneeded facility. If it is
unique and can only support limited functions, its potential for future use
can be far more limited than a general purpose facility that can be easily and
cheaply modified to support many uses.
Maintaining Building Utility Service. Maintaining utility
1.5.4
services, particularly heating, power, and air conditioning, is the most
effective way to minimize deterioration of and damage to inactive facilities.
However, utilities are expensive. In an unheated building in a cold climate,
interior paint will peel, floor tile will pop up, and residual water in pipes
will freeze. Heating the facility can preclude these problems. On the other
hand, if the facility is inactive for many years, it may be more economical to
repaint, replace floor tile, and repair piping upon reactivation, than to
continuously heat the facility. A parallel situation exists with air
conditioning and humidity control in warm climates. In all cases, the shore
activity will have to compare costs to decide the right course of action to
take.
Environmental Issues
1.6
1.6.1
Introduction. Inactivation or closure of a base may have a
significant environmental impact. Before the decision is made to inactivate
or close facilities, the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) and Navy policy will have to be followed. OPNAVINST 5090.1,
Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Manual, provides guidance on
this process. In addition, EFD environmental expertise should be consulted
since state and local regulations are variable and complex. The focus of this
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