The Navy is holding a series of meeting this week on the draft Environmental Impact Survey, or EIS, on the proposed increase in the number of EA-18G Growler aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The release of the EIS begins a 75-day public comment period, which will conclude January 25, 2017.

“This represents an extended public comment period to support public participation in this process,” according to a Navy press release.

The draft EIS evaluates the potential environmental effects associated with the addition of up to 36 EA-18 Growler aircraft and the increase of airfield operations at Ault Field and Outlying Landing Field Coupeville.

Navy officials said they are encouraging the public to attend the meetings, ask questions and provide comments.

Two of the meetings will be on Whidbey Island:

Tuesday, Dec. 6, Oak Harbor Elks Lodge, Grande Hall, 155 NE Ernst Street, Oak Harbor, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9, Coupeville High School Commons, 501 South Main Street, Coupeville, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Comments may be provided in person at one of the meetings. Comments may also be posted to the project website: http://www.whidbeyeis.com, or submitted in writing to:

EA-18G EIS Project Manager

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic, Attn: Code EV21/SS

6506 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23508

All comments must be postmarked, received online or provided in a format listed above no later than January 25, 2017.