Final Environmental Assessment for Low-Level Flight Testing, Evaluation, and Training, Edwards Air Force Base.

摘要

The U.S. Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) proposes to modify use of its low-level routes to accommodate changes in projected use and aircraft types likely to use those routes through 2007. The proposed change in the mix of aircraft recognizes the changes in the types of aircraft that test, train, and operate within the AFFTC low-level routes. This Environmental Assessment evaluates the potential effects of the proposed action, as well as the no action alternative, to continue use of the 30 low-level routes based on the mix of aircraft and average annual sorties rate as established in 1997-2000. The proposed action, Alternative A, represents a change in aircraft mix resulting in an overall 7 percent decrease in use (with some routes projected to increase up to 138 percent and some projected to decrease as much as a 54 percent), while the no-action alternative, Alternative B, is the historic mix and usage for the base years 1997-2000. The proposed decrease in use is not evenly distributed among the 30 low-level routes. The effects of these alternatives are discussed in regard to airspace management, land jurisdiction and use, noise, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, public health and safety, socioeconomics, and environmental justice. No significant impacts were identified during the impact assessment.