Final FONSI and EA for hot cargo pad on Kirtland AFB - Kirtland Air ...

<strong>Final</strong> <strong>EA</strong> Addressing Construction, Operation, <strong>and</strong> Maintenance of a Hot Cargo Pad
4.14.4 Compatibility of the Proposed Action <strong>and</strong> Alternatives with the
Objectives of Federal, Regional, <strong>and</strong> Local L<strong>and</strong> Use Plans, Policies,
<strong>and</strong> Controls
The Proposed Action would occur entirely within Kirtl<strong>and</strong> AFB. Demolition, construction, operation,
<strong>and</strong> maintenance activities would not be incompatible with any current l<strong>and</strong> uses on Kirtl<strong>and</strong> AFB. The
Proposed Action would not conflict with any applicable off-installation l<strong>and</strong> use ordinances. The
Proposed Action would follow all applicable permitting, construction, <strong>and</strong> safety requirements.
4.14.5 Relationship Between Short-term Uses <strong>and</strong> Long-term Productivity
Short-term uses of the biophysical components of the human environment include direct constructionrelated
disturbances <strong>and</strong> direct effects associated with an increase in population <strong>and</strong> activity that occurs
over a period of less than 5 years. Long-term uses of the human environment include those effects
occurring over a period of more than 5 years, including permanent resource loss.
Implementation of the Proposed Action would not require short-term resource uses that would result in
long-term compromises of productivity. The Proposed Action would not result in intensification of l<strong>and</strong>
use at Kirtl<strong>and</strong> AFB <strong>and</strong> the surrounding area. Implementation of the Proposed Action would not
represent a significant loss of open space. There<strong>for</strong>e, it is anticipated that the Proposed Action would not
result in any cumulative l<strong>and</strong> use or aesthetic impacts.
4.14.6 Irreversible <strong>and</strong> Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
Irreversible <strong>and</strong> irretrievable resource commitments are related to the use of nonrenewable resources <strong>and</strong>
the effects that use of these resources would have on future generations. Irreversible effects primarily
result from use or destruction of a specific resource that cannot be replaced within a reasonable timeframe
(e.g., energy <strong>and</strong> minerals). The irreversible <strong>and</strong> irretrievable commitments of resources that would result
from implementation of the Proposed Action involve the consumption of material resources used <strong>for</strong>
construction, energy resources, l<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> human labor resources. The use of these resources is considered
to be permanent.
Material Resources. Material resources utilized <strong>for</strong> the Proposed Action include construction materials,
concrete <strong>and</strong> asphalt, <strong>and</strong> various material supplies. Most of the materials that would be consumed are
not in short supply, would not limit other unrelated construction activities, <strong>and</strong> would not be considered
significant.
Energy Resources. Energy resources used <strong>for</strong> the Proposed Action would be irretrievably lost. This
includes petroleum-based products (such as gasoline <strong>and</strong> diesel) <strong>and</strong> electricity. During demolition <strong>and</strong>
construction activities, gasoline <strong>and</strong> diesel would be used <strong>for</strong> the operation of vehicles <strong>and</strong> equipment.
Electricity <strong>and</strong> minimal amounts gasoline <strong>and</strong> diesel would be used during operation <strong>and</strong> maintenance of
the proposed <strong>hot</strong> <strong>cargo</strong> <strong>pad</strong>. Consumption of these energy resources would not place a significant
dem<strong>and</strong> on their availability in the region; there<strong>for</strong>e, no significant effects would be expected.
Biological Resources. The Proposed Action would result in minor loss of vegetation <strong>and</strong> wildlife habitat.
Because the project area has been previously disturbed, the loss would be minimal <strong>and</strong> not considered
significant.
Human Resources. The use of human resources <strong>for</strong> demolition, construction, operation, <strong>and</strong>
maintenance activities is considered an irretrievable loss only in that it would preclude such personnel
from engaging in other work activities. However, the use of human resources <strong>for</strong> the Proposed Action
represents employment opportunities <strong>and</strong> is considered beneficial.
Kirtl<strong>and</strong> AFB, NM January 2011
4-31