F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment - Joint Base Elmendorf ...

F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment
5.0 Cumulative Impacts
and ongoing military action in the region were considered as part of the baseline or existing
condition in Chapter 3.
5.1.1.1 Elmendorf AFB, Fort Richardson, Other Military Actions, and the
Establishment of JBER
Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson, separately and jointly, were active military installations
that experienced continuous and rapid evolution of mission and training requirements. This
process of change is consistent with the U.S. defense policy that the United States Military
Forces must be ready to respond to threats to American interest throughout the world. The two
bases were combined into JBER in 2010 and will continue to experience changes in mission and
training requirements.
The combined base, like other major military installations, regularly requires new construction,
facility improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. In addition, Table 5.1-1 lists past, present,
and potential future major military projects occurring in the region. Each project was reviewed
to consider the implication of each action and its synergy with the proposed F-22 plus-up. Of
particular interest were potential overlap in affected area and project timing. The projects listed
on Table 5.1-1 have the potential to interact in time or location with the proposed F-22 plus-up.
The relocation of three F-15 aircraft squadrons, the beddown of C-17 aircraft, BRAC decisions
regarding C-130 aircraft, proposed transportation projects, and other regional projects were
cumulatively evaluated. As JBER combines administrative, air, and ground activities over the
next few years, there could be a desire to assess such combined efforts in a future
environmental analysis. Such a future analysis, should it occur, would address all JBER
activities. No significant environmental consequences would cumulatively result from
preparation of an undefined separate environmental analysis not directly related or connected
with the F-22 plus-up EA.
5.1.1.2 Non-Federal Actions
Non-federal actions include major public and private projects within the ROI. The Municipality
of Anchorage is a large urban area with multiple construction projects occurring, especially in
the summer months. Specific major actions within the vicinity of JBER are summarized in Table
5.1-2. The projects listed on Table 5.1-2 have the potential to interact in time or location with the
proposed F-22 plus-up.
5.1.2 Cumulative Effects Analysis
5.1.2.1 Airspace Management and Air Traffic Control
This EA addresses the JBER cumulative airspace effects by incorporating all existing and plus-up
F-22s, C-17s, C-130s, helicopters, and other aircraft at JBER along with the outgoing F-15s. The net
effect is an estimated overall reduction in JBER flight operations by jet fighters over the past five
years. The change in flight operations does not substantially change JBER tower responsibility.
These actions do not substantially affect the AATA management of Anchorage airspace.
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