Range 74 Target Complexes, Environmental Assessment, Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada.

摘要

This EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the construction and operation of three target complexes on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Two of the target complex locations, the Saucer Mesa and Limestone Ridge complexes, would consist of reconfigurable target arrays and associated roads and trails with vehicles downed aircraft, and silhouettes located in mountainous terrain at discrete target sites. Targets would be either dragged or hauled into place from existing roads or 2-track trails, and placed along or adjacent to existing roads in and under trees or adjacent to steep slopes to provide natural cover making target identification difficult. Targets at the nine Saucer Mesa sites would employ both large-scale live and inert munitions, and the targets at the 10 Limestone Ridge sites would employ large-scale inert munitions; both the Saucer Mesa and Limestone Ridge target sites would employ small-scale live munitions. The third target complex location, the Cliff Springs target complex, would consist of a single linear 15-acre site with fifteen no-drop targets located north of Cliff Springs in the Belted Range. The no-drop targets would be placed along an existing 2- track trail in and under trees, providing cover for the targets. The targets would be laser and simulated attack targets; no munitions would be used involving these targets. This EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and 32 CFR 989 the Air Force Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) to analyze the potential environmental consequences of the Proposed Action, the Reduced Target Sites Alternative, and the No-Action Alternative. Under the Reduced Target Sites Alternative, the same types of targets and training operations and munitions as described for the Proposed Action would occur. However instead of utilizing all nine target sites at Saucer Mesa and 10 target sites at Limestone Ridge, only five target sites would be constructed and used