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

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F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment 5.0 Cumulative Impacts re-suspension of mud substrate by propeller scour. Construction impacts on belugas could include avoidance of the construction zone, changes in resting or feeding cycles, displacement from habitat, masking of sounds and changes in vocal behavior, changes in swimming or diving behavior, altered direction of movement, and physical injury (FHWA 2007). Resumption of year-round live-fire training at Eagle River Flats Impact Area could result in local effects on beluga whales unless mitigated by establishing training protocols that prohibit firing explosive munitions at Eagle River Flats Impact Area when beluga whales are present in Eagle River. Minor impacts would be expected on CIBW because 160 dB noise contours for the 105-mm and 120-mm weapons systems extend into Eagle Bay. Studies have shown that underwater noise can cause whales and other marine mammals to exhibit avoidance behavior which is classified as a “Class B take.” Neither the 60-mm nor the 81-mm mortars would generate noise within either Eagle River or Eagle Bay at levels greater than 160 dB at frequencies within the hearing range of a beluga whale (40Hz or higher). Any impacts, even minor, could contribute to the overall cumulative effects on the beluga whale. The Knik Arm Crossing EIS indicated that cumulative impacts to the beluga whale could be substantial due to the importance of Knik Arm and Upper Cook Inlet as habitat for whales. The reasons for the decline in the beluga whale population are unknown, and increased human interaction undoubtedly plays a part. The cumulative effect of overflight from fighter aircraft based at JBER-Elmendorf would be expected to be less than had been experienced in 2008 before the replacement of 60 F-15s by 36 plus the proposed six similarly-sized F-22 aircraft. The F-22 plus-up, with the potential for 0.04 whales per year to display avoidance behavior, is not projected to contribute significantly to the cumulative impacts upon the beluga population. No biological adverse cumulative impacts would be expected in conjunction with the F-22 plus-up either at the base or under the training airspace. 5.1.2.7 Cultural Resources There would be no construction associated with the F-22 plus-up. Thus, historic buildings and archaeological sites would not be impacted. Previous aircraft beddown projects resulted in onbase construction, some of which affected historic architectural resources at JBER. Consultations and adopted mitigations reduced impacts to acceptable levels. Civil projects with potential to contribute to cumulative impacts to area cultural resources include the Knik Arm Crossing and bridge access routes. Such projects potentially impact the viewshed and traffic use patterns within the NRHP-eligible historic districts as well as result in direct impacts to archaeological resources. The State of Alaska is pursuing the construction of a natural gas pipeline that could include construction in the Anchorage area that would have the potential to impact cultural resources, contributing to area cumulative impacts. Any federal-related projects would be subject to compliance with NEPA and Section 106 of the NHPA with the result that adverse effects would be mitigated, reducing cumulative impacts that could occur. The F-22 plus-up would not be expected to result in incremental significant or adverse cumulative effects to NRHP-eligible buildings, archaeological sites, or traditional resources in the region in conjunction with past, present, or reasonably foreseeable projects. Page 5-8
F-22 Plus-Up Environmental Assessment 5.0 Cumulative Impacts 5.1.2.8 Land Use, Transportation, and Recreation Base flight activity and personnel changes would be consistent with existing land use plans and would not be expected to substantially affect land use patterns or traffic circulation in the ROI. Implementation of certain foreseeable future actions however, is likely to generate land use and transportation effects in the vicinity of JBER. The Knik Arm Crossing is proposed to alter circulation by linking the Municipality of Anchorage and the Mat-Su Borough, potentially affecting development patterns in the region. In addition, proposed bridge access routes would traverse JBER. Proposed expansion at the Port of Anchorage, just west of JBER, could alter land use and land ownership patterns, and increase traffic congestion. Construction of these and other reasonably foreseeable projects could increase pressure on regional infrastructure and construction resources. The F-22 plus-up would not be expected to result in incremental significant or adverse cumulative effects to land use, transportation, or recreation in the region in conjunction with past or reasonably foreseeable projects. 5.1.2.9 Socioeconomics Proposed personnel changes and airspace activities associated with the proposed F-22 plus-up are not expected to generate discernible impacts to populations or economic activity in the ROI. Regional cumulative socioeconomic effects are driven by energy development and overall economic activity. Economic pursuits in the region, including those related to Alaska Native subsistence activities, are not expected to experience any major limitations or negative effects under implementation of the F-22 plus-up separately or in conjunction with relevant past, present and reasonably foreseeable future actions. A number of military and non-military projects would increase the demand for construction employment and activity in the region. Although the increase in economic activity associated with a specific project would be temporary, lasting only for the duration of the construction period, the cumulative effects of the construction projects create employment for the foreseeable future. Net JBER increases with the transformation of U.S. Army, which involves an influx of approximately 4,000 personnel to the region, result in regional employment and population effects which are perceived as positive to the community. Incremental effects of the F-22 plus-up, in combination with past and reasonably foreseeable future actions, would not be expected to create any significant or adverse cumulative effect to socioeconomic resources in the region. 5.1.2.10 Environmental Justice Nearly all the cumulative projects identified in Tables 5.1-1 and 5.1-2 affect the larger population of Municipality of Anchorage in a way that does not disproportionately impact minority, low-income, or youth populations. Changes in access to areas, changes in on-base projects, and changes in airspace affect all users and/or residents under the airspace which include non-minority and minority populations. No disproportionate effects would be expected to minority or disadvantaged populations, and there would be no expected health or safety effects to children. Page 5-9
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Cover Sheet ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMEN
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Page 167 and 168: APPENDIX B CHARACTERISTICS AND ANAL
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Alaska Department of Natural Resour
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Eklutna Native Village ATTN: Doroth
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Senator Lisa Murkowski ATTN: Karen
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Village of Stony River ATTN: Mary W
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Senator Lisa Murkowski ATTN: Karen
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Village of Stony River ATTN: Mary W
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Appendix D Aircraft Noise Analysis
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Appendix E Sec 7 (ESA) Compliance W
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SECTION 7 (ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT)
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not require additional construction
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Other diet items include cod, pollo
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1.5.6 Northern Sea Otter—Southwes
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Most sound is actually transmitted
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The visual experience of an F-22 ov
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Figure 2. Water Surface Area Below
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approached by projected sound level
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whale are considered to be possible
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_____. 2010c. Proposed Critical Hab
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APPENDIX 1. NOISE IMPACTS ASSESSMEN
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important in determining whether an
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SPL (dB) Frequency (Hz) Figure 2. U
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e 1 µPa, 125-130 dB re 1 µPa, and
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1.18 Appendix 1 References Blackwel
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APPENDIX 2. INFORMATION ON BELUGA W
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Delphinapterus leucas, after exposu
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F2.1 Ungulates Wild ungulates appea
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F2.2 Waterfowl and Other Waterbirds
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leaving an aircraft during training
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Cavedo, A. M., K. S. Latimer, H. L.
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Perry, E. A., D. J. Boness, and S.
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