Environmental Assessment: Transforming the 49th Fighter Wing's Combat Capability, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

摘要

This EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The public and agency scoping process focused the analysis on the following environmental resources: airspace management, noise safety, air quality, physical resources, biological resources, cultural resources, land use, socioeconomics, and environmental justice. The Proposed Action would result in a decrease in aircraft operations and therefore not effect Holloman AFB airspace management, safety or air quality. Off-base land area subjected to a Day/Night Average Sound Levels (Ldn) of 65 decibels (dB) or greater subsonic noise would be reduced as would subsonic noise over White Sands National Monument. Renovation and construction in previously disturbed base areas would result in no significant effects to physical and biological resources. Buildings proposed for renovation or demolition are not on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No long term effects to land use or transportation are anticipated. Short-term regional socioeconomic stimulation is anticipated from renovation and construction. Long-term personnel and population reductions are anticipated from the transformation. Off-base housing demand and secondary employment would be reduced. There would be no disproportionate effects upon minorities or low-income populations or children. Alternative A has the same consequences as the Proposed Action from activities at Holloman AFB. Comments on the Draft EA expressed concerns with the loss of positions at the base, property values, fire risk, and noise. Modern weapon systems require fewer personnel, F-22A training is at high altitudes and would not be expected to cause a change in property values, and altitude restrictions on flare use reduce any potential fire risk. F-22A training in existing airspace would result in minimal changes to subsonic onset rate-adjusted Ldn under the Cowboy, Beak, Talon, and northern portion of WSMR airspaces.