Environmental Impact Analysis Process. Environmental Impact Statement for the Closure of Pease Air Force Base. Volume 1.

摘要

The action evaluated in this EIS is the halting of operations and removal of equipment and personnel from Pease AFB, New Hampshire. The action involves the deactivation of the 509th Bombardment Wing, which currently operates 21 FB-111 fighter/bomber aircraft and 13 KC-135A tanker aircraft. Provisions of the Base Closure and Realignment Act preclude the examination of any alternatives to closure. Because the Act requires implementation of the closure, 'no action' is not an alternative and is not specifically included. A second EIS will be prepared to cover the final disposition of the base property including potential reuse. Closure would significantly reduce on-base activity and associated environmental impacts. Air emissions, wastewater effluents, and solid wastes generated would be substantially reduced from current levels and would result in beneficial impacts to the environment. Effects on ecological resources are expected to be minimal with mitigation as planned. A significant reduction in the area within the 65 dB noise contour would occur due to base closure. Approximately 30 percent of the off-base population previously affected by this level of noise would no longer be subject to it. This reduction in the area affected by high levels of noise is not expected to result in any indirect land use changes because of the uncertainty regarding future use of the base and the possibility that it may be used as a commercial airport.