Attachment 08 - PRARNG Master Plan EA Final Feb 2021.pdf

Final Environmental Assessment For

Approval of the Real Property Master Plan for Camp Santiago Joint Training Center and Fort Allen Training Center and Implementation of Near-Term

Infrastructure Projects at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center

Salinas and Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Army National Guard 552 Borinqueneer TRL

Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico 00934

February 2021

PUERTO RICO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD FEBRUARY 2021

Environmental Assessment Organization This Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the proposed approval of the Real Property Master Plan (RPMP) prepared by the Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRARNG) for Camp Santiago Joint Training Center (CSJTC) and Fort Allen Training Center (FATC) and the proposed implementation of near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC.

The potential impacts of the Proposed Action are analyzed in this EA as required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 United States Code [USC] 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] Parts 1500-1508), and 32 CFR Part 651 (Environmental Analysis of Army Actions, Final Rule). This EA will facilitate the decision-making process regarding the Proposed Action and its considered alternatives, and is organized as follows:

• Executive Summary: Describes the Proposed Action and its considered alternatives; summarizes potential environmental impacts; and compares the potential impacts associated with the considered alternatives, including the No Action Alternative.

• Section 1.0 – Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action: Summarizes the purpose of and need for the Proposed Action; provides relevant background information; and describes the scope of the

EA.

• Section 2.0 – Description of the Proposed Action and Alternatives: Describes the Proposed Action and alternatives considered by the PRARNG.

• Section 3.0 – Affected Environment: Describes the existing condition of each resource within the Region of Influence for which the considered alternatives are assessed.

• Section 4.0 – Environmental Consequences: Identifies potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of implementing the considered alternatives, and identifies proposed mitigation and management measures, where appropriate.

• Section 5.0 – Comparison of Alternatives and Conclusions: Compares the considered alternatives with respect to their potential impacts on the resources analyzed in this EA.

• Section 6.0 – References: Provides bibliographical information for cited sources.

• Section 7.0 – List of Preparers: Identifies the primary preparers of this EA.

• Section 8.0 – Agencies and Individuals Consulted: Lists agencies and individuals consulted during preparation of this EA.

Funding Sources: Military Construction (MILCON) and Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SRM) funding sources for United Facilities Criteria (UFC) 2-100-01-compliant RPMP Proponent: PRARNG Fiscal Year: 2021

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Environmental Assessment Signature Page LEAD AGENCY: National Guard Bureau

COOPERATING AGENCIES: None

TITLE OF PROPOSED ACTION: Approval of the Real Property Master Plan for Camp Santiago Joint Training Center and Fort Allen Training Center and Implementation of Near-term Infrastructure Projects at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center

AFFECTED JURISDICTION: Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Salinas, Puerto Rico and Fort Allen Training Center, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico

POINT OF CONTACT: Marisol Díaz, EPAS Manager Puerto Rico Army National Guard

PROPONENTS: Puerto Rico Army National Guard

REVIEWED BY:

Marisol Diaz, EPAS Manager, PRARNG

LTC Raul Cordero, Plans and Programs Manager, PRARNG

LT David Santiago, CFMO Environmental Branch Chief Officer, PRARNG

DOCUMENT DESIGNATION: Final Environmental Assessment

ABSTRACT: The Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRARNG) prepared a Real Property Master Plan (RPMP) for Camp Santiago Joint Training Center (CSJTC) in Salinas, Puerto Rico and Fort Allen Training Center (FATC) in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico consistent with the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 2-100-01, Installation Master Planning, which provides guidance for developing RPMPs for DoD installations. In accordance with federal laws and Army regulations, this Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzes the potential environmental impacts of approving the UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP prepared for CSJTC and FATC and implementing near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC.

The overall purpose of the proposed RPMP is to guide land-use planning and infrastructure development at CSJTC and FATC that effectively supports the mission of the PRARNG at the installations over the next 25 years. Most of the specific near-term infrastructure projects addressed under the Proposed Action have been identified primarily based on the degradation or total loss of functions of corresponding facilities severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

This EA provides a detailed analysis of the potential direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts that would result from the Proposed Action of approving the CSJTC and FATC RPMP and implementing the identified near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC, and the No Action Alternative of not approving the RPMP and not implementing the near-term infrastructure projects. Based on the analyses conducted in this EA, there would be no significant adverse impact, either individually or cumulatively, on the environment or quality of life associated with the implementation of the Proposed Action.

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Executive Summary The Puerto Rico Army National Guard (PRARNG) prepared a Real Property Master Plan (RPMP) for Camp Santiago Joint Training Center (CSJTC) and Fort Allen Training Center (FATC) consistent with the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 2-100-01, Installation Master Planning, which provides guidance for developing RPMPs for DoD installations. In December 2015, the ARNG Environmental Programs Division (ARNG-ILE) issued a memorandum to the ARNG Construction and Facility Management Officers that outlined the requirements for preparation of UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMPs for 48 training installations (ARNG-ILE, 2015); the ARNG Installations and Environment Directorate (ARNG G-9) includes CSJTC and FATC combined as one of the 48 installations.

The Army National Guard (ARNG) is required to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for each UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP per the April 26, 2019 Department of the Army memorandum titled Interim Guidance for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance for Real Property Master Plans (RPMPs) (Department of the Army, 2019). The PRARNG has prepared this EA to analyze the potential environmental impacts of approving the UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP prepared for CSJTC and FATC and implementing near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC. Per 10 USC 10501, the National Guard Bureau (NGB) is a joint activity of the DoD. Pursuant to DoD Directive 5105.77, National Guard Bureau (NGB), dated October 30, 2015, the NGB serves as the principal advisor to the United States (U.S.) Army on matters involving the ARNG, and is responsible for implementing DoD guidance on the structure and strength authorizations of the ARNG.

UFC 2-100-01 is a DoD document that sets standards and guidelines for planning at military installations.

By memorandum dated August 22, 2019, the ARNG G-9 determined that this PRARNG plan includes all UFC 2-100-01 RPMP required elements. A copy of this memorandum is provided as Appendix A.

CSJTC and FATC are located in southern Puerto Rico (Figure ES-1). CSJTC encompasses approximately 11,930 acres in the City of Salinas, approximately 51 miles south of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital and largest city, and approximately 20 miles east of Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest city. FATC encompasses approximately 776 acres in the City of Juana Diaz, approximately 20 miles west of CSJTC.

Although geographically separated from each other, CSJTC and FATC operate as a whole with respect to their support of the PRARNG’s overall mission.

Purpose and Need The Proposed Action consists of two distinct, but integrally linked components, herein referred to as Component Action 1 and Component Action 2. Individually, each action has its own purpose and need.

Collectively, the purpose of these actions is to ensure that land-use planning and infrastructure development at CSJTC and FATC effectively supports the current and long-term mission needs of the PRARNG at the installations. Collectively, the need for these actions is to comply with DoD master planning policy and address infrastructure damage and deficiencies that are negatively impacting the mission of the PRARNG at the installations.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR

CSJTC AND FATC REAL PROPERTY MASTER PLAN AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AT CSJTC

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Figure ES-1. Project Vicinity Map

Purpose Component Action 1 (Approve the UFC 2-100-01-Compliant RPMP for CSJTC and FATC). The RPMP serves as a guide for land-use planning and infrastructure development that effectively supports the mission of the ARNG at each installation over the next 25 years. UFC 2-100-01 is a DoD document that sets standards and guidelines for planning at military installations. By memorandum dated August 22, 2019, the ARNG G-9 determined that the PRARNG RPMP meets the criteria prescribed by UFC 2-100-01 (ARNG G-9, 2019).

A copy of this memorandum is provided as Appendix A. In conjunction with the determination of UFC 2-100-01 compliance and completion of this EA, approval of the RPMP prepared for CSJTC and FATC would allow it to be implemented to meet the short and long-term planning and infrastructure development needs of the PRARNG at the installations.

Component Action 2 (Implement Near-Term Infrastructure Projects at CSJTC). The near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC have been identified primarily based on the degradation or total loss of functions of corresponding facilities severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017; all the near-term projects included under Component Action 2 are identified in the RPMP except for the proposed electric utility microgrid. The proposed projects would support unit training, readiness, and morale, and the installation’s land-use planning, modernization, and development over the long-term.

Each proposed project addresses current deficiencies of infrastructure that currently exists at CSJTC, except for the proposed new Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF), which is currently located at the Isla

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Grande Airport in San Juan, and the proposed microgrid electric utility distribution system. The existing AASF was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and is old and undersized. The decision to relocate the AASF to CSJTC was driven primarily by space constraints and the lack of property ownership by the PRARNG at the Isla Grande Airport. There is sufficient space for the AASF at CSJTC and the land encompassed by CSJTC is owned by the Department of the Army and leased to the PRARNG. In addition, the proposed relocation of the AASF to CSJTC aligns with the PRARNG’s objective to consolidate unit functions and emergency response at the installation. The proposed electric utility microgrid is needed to meet energy resiliency goals outlined in Army Directive 2017-07, Installation Energy and Water Security Policy, to maintain mission critical operations for a minimum of 14 days during a power outage. The proposed electric utility microgrid would improve the ability of the PRARNG to maintain essential functions and mission command at CSJTC during natural disasters and other events that disrupt power at the installation.

Need Component Action 1 (Approve the UFC 2-100-01-Compliant RPMP for CSJTC and FATC). The PRARNG needs to comply with DoD master planning for approval of a UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP for CSJTC and FATC. The RPMP is needed to guide growth and development at the installations in a clear and sustainable manner that meets the real property requirements of current missions, addresses infrastructure damage and deficiencies, and preserves the military capabilities and readiness of training units over the long-term.

Additionally, the format and standards prescribed by UFC 2-100-01 ensures that the PRARNG’s installation planning is consistent with other DoD components and uses the latest techniques in planning.

Component Action 2 (Implement Near-Term Infrastructure Projects at CSJTC). Implementation of the proposed near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC is needed to address installation infrastructure damage and deficiencies, replace facilities damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, and preserve the military capabilities and readiness of training over the long-term. The need to implement the identified projects over the near term is driven by the vital functions they provide and their overall importance to the mission of the PRARNG. Not implementing the proposed projects over the near term would adversely impact unit training, readiness, and morale, and would have a compounding negative effect on land-use planning and installation development over the long-term.

Proposed Action The Proposed Action consists of the following two components:

1. Approval of the PRARNG’s UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP developed for CSJTC and FATC and

2. Implementation of specific near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC.

Approval of Real Property Master Plan for CSJTC and FATC The first component of the Proposed Action is the approval of the UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP developed for CSJTC and FATC. The RPMP for CSJTC and FATC includes the following elements to address future development at the installations:

a. Vision Plan, which provides the history and setting of the installations; identifies the planning vision, goals, and objectives; summarizes the constraints and opportunities, and outlines the planning framework.

b. Capacity, Constraints, and Opportunities, which includes assessments of current military operations, infrastructure, environmental constraints, and development opportunities at the installations.

c. Program Development, which identifies the existing and authorized real property assets for the installations.

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d. Installation Development Plan, which is the primary component of the RPMP that addresses proposed future development at the installations. The Installation Development Plan includes an Illustrative Plan, which presents the preferred development scenario at each installation; several individual Area Development Plans, which cover specific areas/districts at each installation where common land uses and functions are proposed; and an Implementation Plan, which outlines the timelines and sequencing for the proposed development.

e. Design Guide, which provides guidance for those who are responsible for infrastructure design; it includes established standards for buildings, roads, and other types of infrastructure and design recommendations that are specific to each installation.

Per National Guard Regulation 5-3, Army National Guard Garrison Training Centers, CSJTC and FATC are jointly classified as a Level III Training Center based on their combined annual training throughput and associated real property assets to support individual and collective training for multiple battalions. The real property asset requirements of the installations identified in the RPMP are based on the authorizations for a Level III Training Center; criteria in NG PAM 415-12, Army National Guard Facilities Allowances; and stakeholder input. In addition to the standardized criteria and requirements for ARNG real property assets, several key issues drove planning decisions during development of the RPMP. The primary installation-specific issues identified by the master planning team and stakeholders during development of the RPMP included the following:

• Asset Shortfalls – Collectively, existing real property assets at both installations fall well below their respective authorizations.

• Hurricane Damage – Numerous facilities and other infrastructure at both installations were destroyed or severely damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

• Vehicle Maintenance – The existing Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES) at CSJTC and the existing Field Maintenance Shop 9 at FATC are undersized and inadequate to support current vehicle maintenance operations.

• Incompatible Education/Training Units at FATC – The existing Youth Challenge Program, Regional Training Institute (RTI), and Puerto Rico Language Center campuses at FATC overlap, which causes comingling of students. This condition adversely impacts education and training, and results in inefficient use of facilities.

• Development Constraints at FATC – Future development at FATC is constrained by the presences of floodplains, the Relocatable Over the Horizon Radar (ROTHR), and historic buildings.

Sources of funding for the infrastructure projects proposed at the installations include Military Construction (MILCON) funding; Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (SRM) funding; and other funding sources. Implementation of the infrastructure projects identified in the RPMP is proposed to be conducted in the following four phases, depending on their need, funding source, and other factors.

• Phase I: 0 to 5 years (Fiscal Year [FY] 2020 to FY 2025)

• Phase II: 6 to 10 years (FY 2026 to FY 2030)

• Phase III: 11 to 16 years (FY 2031 to FY 2035)

• Phase IV: 17 to 25 years (FY 2036 to 2045)

Proposed future development at CSJTC and FATC would involve demolition of buildings and structures destroyed or severely damaged by Hurricane Maria; repair, stabilization, and/or renovation of facilities that are in poor condition; and construction of new facilities. Overall, there would be less redevelopment at FATC than at CSJTC in terms of the number and size of projects that would be conducted over the same 25-year planning period. All proposed development at CSJTC and FATC would occur in or near the cantonment areas of each installation. In general, planning of future development at FATC currently is less

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definitive and more conceptual relative to CSJTC. For these reasons, specific projects at FATC are not analyzed in detail in this EA; instead this EA analyzes the general types and locations of projects proposed at FATC and the installation is analyzed only under Component Action 1. The PRARNG will prepare a separate EA to analyze specific infrastructure projects at FATC after further planning is conducted and funding is obtained for the projects.

Implementation of Near-Term Infrastructure Projects at CSJTC The second component of the Proposed Action is the implementation of several near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC. The infrastructure projects analyzed in detail in this EA are all currently funded for design and are referred to as Act of Nature (AoN) projects because they have resulted from a natural disaster that could not be prevented; these projects would replace similar infrastructure that was severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Maria. The AoN projects at CSJTC that are analyzed in detail include eight projects funded through the MILCON program and six projects funded through the SRM program.

These projects are planned to be executed during Phase I, which covers the 5-year period from FY 2020 to FY 2024. All proposed new facilities would be designed to last a minimum of 50 years per UFC 2-100- 01, Installation Master Planning; meet minimum DoD Antiterrorism/Force Protection standards per UFC 4-010-01, DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings; and withstand Category 5 hurricane wind speeds.

MILCON Projects The eight AoN MILCON projects at CSJTC would all involve construction of new facilities in or near the cantonment area; implementation of some of these projects would also include associated demolition.

These MILCON projects are shown on Figure ES-2 and described in the subsections that follow.

MILCON Project 430073 – National Guard Readiness Center

MILCON Project 430073 would involve construction of a new National Guard Readiness Center (RC) at CSJTC. The RC would be a complex of facilities that would provide administrative, training, logistics, and material storage functions, as well as emergency response services during natural disasters. Facilities and other infrastructure within the complex are expected to include a combined RC Facility, General Purpose Training Bay, Unheated Storage Facility, Controlled Waste Facility, Flammable Materials Facility, and pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the RC facilities is estimated to be 81,141 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks is estimated to be 33,684 square yards. The existing National Guard RC at CSJTC was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and is no longer operational.

MILCON Project 431846 – Army Aviation Support Facility

MILCON Project 431846 would involve construction of a new AASF at CSJTC, adjacent to the unimproved airstrip at the installation. The AASF would be complex of facilities that would provide storage, repair, and maintenance of PRARNG helicopters, as well as support training of helicopter pilots. Facilities and other infrastructure within the complex are expected to include an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar, Unheated Aircraft Storage Hangar, Aviation Operations Support Building, Aviation Ground Support Building, Unheated Storage Facility, Bulk Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) Storage Facility, Flammable Materials Facility, Controlled Waste Facility, and pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the AASF facilities is estimated to be 81,239 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks is estimated to be 41,046 square yards.

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Figure ES-2. Proposed Near-Term Infrastructure Projects at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center

The existing AASF currently located at the Isla Grande Airport in San Juan was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria. The site of the existing AASF is owned by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. After the AASF is relocated to CSJTC, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority may potentially redevelop the site for other functions. The specific manner in which the property would be reused is currently not known and would not involve the PRARNG; therefore, reuse of the property is not analyzed in this EA.

In addition to construction of the proposed new AASF, the Proposed Action analyzed in this EA covers the operations that would be conducted out of the new AASF at CSJTC, including storage, repair, and maintenance of PRARNG helicopters, as well as helicopter flight operations that are conducted out of the new facility. Helicopter flight operations, including the type and number of helicopters used, daily and annual training flight activity, and overall manner in which the helicopters are used for training would not change under the Proposed Action. The AASF at the Isla Grande Airport currently supports six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and four UH-72 Lakota helicopters, and also provides intermittent support for transient helicopters. There are typically five helicopter flights per day conducted out of the AASF. Approximately 60 percent of the total flights are conducted by UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and 40 percent of the total flights are conducted by UH-72 Lakota helicopters; most helicopter flights are conducted during daytime.

The number of daily flights increases to approximately eight flights per day during the PRARNG’s 2-week annual training event.

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Daily flight operations would involve departure from the new AASF to various existing locales over water and land throughout Puerto Rico where the helicopter units currently train. Training operations at these existing locales would not be affected by the Proposed Action and are not analyzed in this EA. The Proposed Action would not require the helicopters to use any airspaces in addition to the ones they currently use. The flight corridors within existing airspaces that would be used by helicopters that operate out of the new AASF are discussed in detail in the EA.

MILCON Project 431847 – Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site

MILCON Project 431847 would involve construction of a new MATES at CSJTC. The MATES would provide maintenance and repair of PRARNG equipment and vehicles, and is expected to include a Maintenance Shop, Unheated Storage Facility, and pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the MATES facilities is estimated to be 157,850 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks is estimated to be 40,089 square yards. The existing MATES at CSJTC was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and is no longer operational.

MILCON Project 431848 – Transient Training Enlisted Personnel Barracks and Officer’s Quarters

MILCON Project 431848 would involve construction of new Transient Training (TT) Enlisted Personnel Barracks and Officer’s Quarters at CSJTC. The barracks and quarters would house unaccompanied enlisted personnel and officers, respectively, who are conducting training at the installation. The barracks and officer’s quarters would be located within a complex referred to as the Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) in the RPMP, which would also include the proposed new TT Company Headquarters (HQ) (MILCON Project 431849) and TT Dining Facility (MILCON Project 431852). This project is expected to include multiple billeting facilities (barracks) and pavement for operations and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the billeting facilities is estimated to be 251,688 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations and sidewalks is estimated to be 4,944 square yards. Most of the existing TT facilities at CSJTC, including the TT barracks and officer’s quarters, were damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Maria.

MILCON Project 431849 – Transient Training Company Headquarters

MILCON Project 431849 would involve construction of new TT Company HQ at CSJTC. The Company HQ would be located within the proposed new TT ORTC area, which would also include the proposed new TT Enlisted Personnel Barracks and Officer’s Quarters (MILCON Project 431848) and TT Dining Facility (MILCON Project 431852). The TT Company HQ is expected to include a Brigade HQ Building and multiple Battalion HQ Buildings, Company Supply/Administration Buildings, and Cleaning/Maintenance Buildings, and pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the facilities is estimated to be 77,343 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks is estimated to be 18,078 square yards. Most of the existing TT facilities at CSJTC, including the TT Company HQ, were damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Maria.

MILCON Project 431850 – Engineering/Housing Maintenance Shop

MILCON Project 431850 would involve construction of new Engineering/Housing Maintenance Shop at CSJTC. The Engineering/Housing Maintenance Shop would be operated by the Department of Public Works (DPW) and would support maintenance and repair of facilities and other infrastructure at the installation. The project is expected to include an Engineering/Housing Maintenance Shop and pavement for operations and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the facility is estimated to be 21,117 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations and sidewalks is estimated to be 1,702 square yards. The existing Engineering/Housing Maintenance Shop was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and is no longer operational.

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MILCON Project 431851 – Electric Utility Microgrid with Power Substation/Switching Station Building

MILCON Project 431851 would involve construction of a new electric utility microgrid system at CSJTC, including a central substation, distribution network, and generation facilities. An electric utility microgrid is a small, localized electrical grid that can be operated independently of the larger grid to which it is attached. In the event of an extended outage of the main grid, the electric utility microgrid would distribute and regulate the power from solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays, backup batteries, and/or backup diesel generators, and deliver it to the installation to support operation of essential facilities and emergency response operations.

The proposed electric utility microgrid at CSJTC would include centralized backup batteries and diesel generators, transfer switches, connections to the existing 3.6-megawatt solar PV array, and a modernized distribution network at the installation. A centralized Power Substation/Switching Station Building would be constructed to house the equipment and support functions for the electric utility microgrid. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the electric utility microgrid components is estimated to be 8,000 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations is estimated to be 1,928 square yards.

MILCON Project 431852 – Transient Training Dining Facility

MILCON Project 431852 would involve construction of a new TT Dining Facility. The TT Dining Facility would be located within the proposed new TT ORTC area, which would also include the proposed new TT Enlisted Personnel Barracks and Officer’s Quarters (MILCON Project 431848) and TT Company HQ (MILCON Project 43189). This project is expected to include two Dining Facilities and pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks. Per the preliminary design for the project, the total area of the facilities is estimated to be 15,428 square feet and the total area of the pavement for operations, parking, and sidewalks is estimated to be 2,685 square yards. Most of the existing TT facilities at CSJTC, including the TT dining facility, were damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Maria.

SRM Projects The six AoN SRM projects at CSJTC would all involve improvements to existing infrastructure in or near the cantonment area; implementation of some of these projects would also include associated demolition. The following six SRM projects are proposed to be implemented at CSJTC under the Proposed Action:

SRM Project 431504 – Potable Water Supply System

SRM Project 431504 would involve improvements to the existing potable water supply system at CSJTC.

Improvements would be made to various components of the potable water system, including but not limited to, wells, pump systems, treatment plant, storage tanks, and associated monitoring and communication systems. The proposed improvements would occur near the main gate where existing potable water infrastructure is located. Most of the existing potable water infrastructure at CSJTC sustained damage from Hurricane Maria; some of the infrastructure was severely damaged and is no longer operational.

SRM Project 431628 – Fire Station Bay Parking

SRM Project 431628 would involve replacement of the bay parking structure of the existing Fire Station at CSJTC. This project would include demolition of the existing bay parking structure, which is 1,472 square feet, and construction of a new bay parking structure, which is expected to be 4,050 square feet. The bay parking structure of the existing Fire Station at CSJTC sustained damage from Hurricane Maria but is still intact; however, the existing structure is undersized and does not meet the needs of the PRARNG at the installation.

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SRM Project 431632 – Medical Clinic Generator

SRM Project 431632 would involve installation of a new electric generator for the existing Medical Clinic at CSJTC. This project would include installation of a new electric generator and construction of a concrete pad for the generator. The existing Medical Clinic at CSJTC currently does not have an electric generator.

SRM Project 431707 – Dining Facility

SRM Project 431707 would involve replacement of the existing Building 404 Dining Facility at CSJTC. This project would include demolition of the existing dining facility, which is 3,279 square feet, and construction of a new dining facility within the same footprint. The existing Building 404 Dining Facility at CSJTC was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and is no longer operational.

SRM Project 431802 – Billeting Facility

SRM Project 431802 would involve replacement of the existing Building 420 Billeting Facility at CSJTC. This project would include demolition of the existing billeting facility, which is a one-story and 3,240 square feet, and construction of a new billeting facility, which is expected to be two-story and 6,108 square feet.

The existing billeting facility at CSJTC was severely damaged by Hurricane Maria and is no longer operational.

SRM Project 431913 – ARMAGTM Container Pad

SRM Project 431913 would involve construction of a new concrete pad to support four ARMAGTM containers for the temporary storage of ammunition at CSJTC. The project would include construction of a concrete pad, which is expected to be 3,500 square feet, and an associated security fence, vehicle access gate, and pedestrian access gate. The existing ARMAGTM containers at CSJTC currently do not have concrete pads.

Alternatives The primary criteria used to screen alternatives for approval of the RPMP prepared for CSJTC and FATC (Component Action 1) included complying with DoD master planning policy and requirements; meeting the real property asset requirements of a Level III Training Center, which are identified in NG PAM 415- 12, Army National Guard Facilities Allowances; and supporting the short-term and long-term mission needs of the PRARNG. The following alternatives for Component Action 1 were evaluated to determine if they meet the purpose of and need for the Proposed Action, are feasible from a technical and economic standpoint, and if they meet the screening criteria:

• Proposed Action Alternative – Approve the CSJTC and FATC RPMP. Under this alternative, the entire RPMP would be approved.

• Alternative 1 – Partially approve the CSJTC and FATC RPMP. Under this alternative, certain components of the RPMP, but not the entire Plan, would be approved.

• No Action Alternative – Do not approve the CSJTC and FATC RPMP. Under this alternative, real property planning and development at the installations may still occur but would not be guided by the current UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP.

Based on the analysis conducted, only the Proposed Action Alternative met all the screening criteria used to evaluate alternatives. Alternative 1 would not fully meet the purpose of or need for the Proposed Action, or any of the screening criteria used to evaluate alternatives; therefore, this alternative was determined to not be reasonable and was eliminated from detailed analysis in this EA. The No Action Alternative would not meet the purpose of or need for the Proposed Action, or any of the screening criteria used to evaluate alternatives. While the No Action Alternative would not satisfy the purpose of or need for the Proposed Action, this alternative was retained to provide a comparative baseline against

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which to analyze the effects of the Proposed Action, as required under the CEQ Regulations (40 CFR §1502.14). The No Action Alternative reflects the status quo and serves as a benchmark against which the effects of the Proposed Action can be evaluated.

The primary criteria used to screen alternatives for implementation of the identified near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC (Component Action 2) included meeting the real property asset requirements of a Level III Training Center and meeting the current infrastructure needs of the PRARNG at CSJTC. The following alternatives for Component Action 2 were evaluated to determine if they meet the purpose of and need for the Proposed Action, are feasible from a technical and economic standpoint, and if they meet the screening criteria:

• Proposed Action Alternative – Implement the identified near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC.

Under this alternative, all the proposed near-term infrastructure projects at the installation would be implemented.

• Alternative 1 – Partially implement the identified near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC. Under this alternative, some but not all the proposed near-term infrastructure projects at the installation would be implemented.

• No Action Alternative – Do not implement the identified near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC.

Under this alternative, none of the proposed near-term infrastructure projects at the installation would be implemented.

Based on the analysis conducted, only the Proposed Action Alternative met all the screening criteria used to evaluate alternatives. Alternative 1 would not fully meet the purpose of or need for the Proposed Action, or any of the screening criteria used to evaluate alternatives; therefore, this alternative was determined to not be reasonable and was eliminated from detailed analysis in this EA. The No Action Alternative would not meet the purpose of or need for the Proposed Action, or any of the screening criteria used to evaluate alternatives for Component Action 2. The No Action Alternative was retained to provide a comparative baseline against which to analyze the effects of the Proposed Action, as required under the CEQ Regulations (40 CFR §1502.14).

Environmental Consequences Based on the findings of this EA, the Proposed Action would have no appreciable effect on geology or cultural resources. The Proposed Action would have less-than-significant adverse impacts on air quality, noise, topography, soils, water resources, biological resources, and hazardous and toxic materials/wastes.

The potential adverse impacts on these resources would be further reduced via implementation of the best management practices (BMPs) and required regulatory permits and actions necessary to maintain compliance with applicable laws, policies, and plans identified in Section 5.0. The Proposed Action would have beneficial impacts on visual quality, land use, socioeconomics, utilities, and transportation. The Proposed Action would not result in disproportionate environmental health or safety risks to children, and it would not disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations. When added to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, the Proposed Action is not expected to have significantly adverse cumulative impacts on any resource. The potential impacts of the Proposed Action and No Action Alternative on the resources analyzed in this EA are compared in Table ES-1.

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Table ES-1. Impacts Comparison Matrix

Technical Resource Area Proposed Action No Action Alternative

Location Description (Section 4.1)

Short and long-term beneficial impacts to the visual quality of the location due to replacement of hurricane-damaged infrastructure and design guidance in the RPMP that would enhance overall site aesthetics and achieve a unifying visual character throughout each installation’s physical environment.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts to the visual quality of the location due to potential for unguided siting, layout, and design resulting in inconsistent or otherwise suboptimal visual character, thereby adversely impacting the overall appearance and aesthetics of the installations.

Land Use (Section 4.2) Short and long-term beneficial impacts due to proposed changes to the mix and distribution of land uses within the cantonment areas that would consolidate related functions, improve operational functionality, and increase land-use compatibility at the installations.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to potential for unguided land-use planning and development to adversely impact operational efficiency and land-use compatibility at the installations.

Air Quality (Section 4.3) Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to construction-related emissions of criteria pollutants, volatile organic compounds, and GHGs. Any long-term increase in air emissions from facility operations is expected to be minor overall and not result in any violation of an ambient air quality standard or regulatory threshold.

Operations at the new AASF at CSJTC, including helicopter flight operations, would be comparable to operations at the existing AASF in San Juan; therefore, a net increase in associated air emissions is not expected.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to construction-related emissions from development that may still occur at the installations.

Noise (Section 4.4) Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to construction noise, that would be heard only during daytime and only over the duration of the construction period. Overall annoyance from noise generated by helicopter overflights conducted out of the new AASF at CSJTC would be negligible.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to construction noise from development that may still occur at the installations.

Geology, Topography, and Soils (Section 4.5)

No effect on geology, and short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts on topography and soils from construction activities, such as site clearing, excavation, filling, grading, and paving.

No effect on geology, and short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts on topography and soils from development that may still occur at the installations.

Water Resources (Section 4.6)

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to displacement of relatively minor amounts of floodplain area at FATC; impacts would be minimized to the extent practicable and offset by the permanent stormwater control features.

Development at both installations would have no direct impacts on jurisdictional wetlands or surface water bodies.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to potential displacement of floodplain area at FATC from development that may still occur at the installation.

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Table ES-1. Impacts Comparison Matrix

Technical Resource Area Proposed Action No Action Alternative

Biological Resources (Section 4.7)

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to displacement of vegetation and disturbance to wildlife from noise generated by construction at both installations and by increased helicopter flights at CSJTC. There is no critical habitat at either installation and the Proposed Action is not expected to adversely impact any threatened or endangered species. In a letter dated August 24, 2020, the USFWS concurred with the PRARNG’s determination that the Proposed Action would have no effect on the Puerto Rican boa, Woodbury’s stopper, St. Thomas prickly-ash, or cobana negra, and that the Proposed Action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the Puerto Rican nightjar.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to displacement of vegetation and disturbance to wildlife from development that may still occur at the installations.

Cultural Resources (Section 4.8)

No effect on cultural resources at either installation. The PRARNG would consult with the PRSHPO under separate NHPA Section 106 review for any proposed future projects at FATC regarding effects to historic properties, and to complete appropriate mitigation as determined through consultation with the PRSHPO for the proposed impacts. If cultural materials are inadvertently discovered during construction, the procedures identified in the ICRMP for the protection of the inadvertent find would be implemented. In a letter dated October 19, 2020, the PRSHPO concurred with the PRARNG’s determination of “no historic properties affected” for the Proposed Action.

Development that may still occur at either installation would have no effect on cultural resources. The PRARNG would consult with the PRSHPO under separate NHPA Section 106 review for any proposed future projects at FATC regarding effects to historic properties, and to complete appropriate mitigation as determined through consultation with the PRSHPO for the proposed impacts. If cultural materials are inadvertently discovered during construction, the procedures identified in the ICRMP for the protection of the inadvertent find would be implemented.

Socioeconomics (Section 4.9)

Short and long-term beneficial impacts due to contributions of construction work to the local economies as well as proposed improvements to on-post housing, recreational, and emergency service facilities.

The Proposed Action would not result in disproportionate environmental health or safety risks to children.

Short and long-term beneficial impacts due to economic contributions of development that may still occur at the installations. The No Action Alternative would not result in disproportionate environmental health or safety risks to children.

Environmental Justice (Section 4.10)

The Proposed Action would not disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations.

The No Action Alternative would not disproportionately impact minority or low-income populations.

Utilities and Transportation (Section 4.11)

Short and long-term beneficial impacts due to proposed improvements to on-post utility and transportation infrastructure.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to all needed utility and transportation infrastructure improvements not being implemented or not sufficiently being implemented at the installations without the guidance of the RPMP.

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Table ES-1. Impacts Comparison Matrix

Technical Resource Area Proposed Action No Action Alternative

Hazardous and Toxic Materials/Wastes (Section 4.12)

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to the presence of contamination in some areas proposed to be developed. The PRARNG would properly investigate and remediate contamination, including ACM, LBP, and PCBs, in all areas proposed for development at the installations.

Short and long-term, less-than-significant, adverse impacts due to the presence of contamination in some areas that may be still be developed. The PRARNG would properly investigate and remediate contamination, including ACM, LBP, and PCBs, in all areas proposed for development at the installations.

Cumulative Effects (Section 4.14)

When added to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, the Proposed Action would not have significantly adverse cumulative impacts on any resource.

When added to past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, the No Action Alternative would not have significantly adverse cumulative impacts on any resource.

Public and Agency Involvement Per the requirements of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 (42 USC 4231[a]) and Executive Order (EO) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, the PRARNG sent consultation letters to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on July 21, 2020 and to the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office (PRSHPO) on July 23, 2020 requesting their input and concurrence on the Proposed Action (Appendix B). Received comments are included in Appendix B and addressed in the applicable sections of this EA.

A Notice of Availability published in the El Neuvo Dia newspaper on December 3, 2020 announced the 15-day availability of the Final EA and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for public review and comment (Appendix C). Copies of the documents were made available at CSJTC and on the PRARNG website during the public review period. The PRARNG received comments from one commenter during the public review. The letter containing the comments as well as a matrix prepared by the PRARNG that lists the specific comments in the letter and the PRARNG’s responses to the comments are included in Appendix C.

Mitigation Measures No mitigation measures are required under the Proposed Action to reduce adverse impacts to below significant levels for any resource analyzed in this EA. The measures identified in this EA to minimize potential impacts associated with the Proposed Action consist mostly of BMPs and required regulatory permits and actions necessary to maintain compliance with applicable laws, policies, and plans. The impact minimization measures identified for the Proposed Action are discussed in detail in Section 4.0.

Conclusions The PRARNG has prepared this EA to analyze the potential environmental impacts of approving the UFC 2-100-01-compliant RPMP prepared for CSJTC and FATC and implementing near-term infrastructure projects at CSJTC.

The analyses presented in this EA support the conclusion that implementation of the Proposed Action would not have a significant impact on the natural or human environment either by itself or considering cumulative impacts. Based on this conclusion, issuance of a FNSI is appropriate, and preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is not needed.

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