Attachment 09 - TMB ATCT FONSI-ROD FINAL 3_7_2023_Signature Required -- RM Signed.pdf

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`DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT/RECORD OF DECISION

PROPOSED AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT), BASE BUILDING

FACILITY

MIAMI EXECUTIVE AIRPORT (TMB)

MIAMI, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA

I. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE ACTION

The purpose and need for a replacement Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), base building, and associated parking to served TMB located in Miami, Florida. The new ATCT at TMB is to modernize the facility and improve functional efficiency at the airport. The current airport volume and needs have outgrown the facility’s ability to operate safely in the existing ATCT.

II. PROPOSED ACTION

As described in the Final Environmental Assessment for Proposed New Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) And Base Building Facility, dated March 1, 2023 (EA), which is incorporated by reference herein, the Proposed Action is to replace the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities currently on the ATCT site at Miami Executive Airport (TMB); A new building will be constructed for the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), with a total height ranging from approximately 172 to 202 feet above ground level, and an associated parking lot adjacent to the tower. The new ATCT site will have an approximate area of 3 to 4 acres. The new ATCT is anticipated to have a cab area of between 450 and 550 square feet. In the context of an ATCT, the cab area refers to the enclosed space where air traffic controllers sit to observe and manage air traffic.

III. ALTERNATIVES (INCLUDING PREFFERED ALTERNATIVE)

A. No Action

With the No Action Alternative, a new ATCT and base building facility would not be constructed at TMB. The existing TMB facility would continue to be used. The No-Action Alternative would not meet the FAA’s purpose and need.

B. Alternative Sites Considered

Eleven alternative sites for a new ATCT and base building facility were initially assessed by the FAA during the siting study (FAA, 2020). The FAA and TMB participated in ATCT and base building facility siting activities per the FAA Order 6480.4B, Airport Traffic Control Tower Siting Process. There were a total of 11 sites (Sites 1 through 11) considered. Two sites (Site 10 and Site 11) met the Airport’s and FAA’s siting criteria, and purpose and need, and were evaluated in the EA. During the siting study, the FAA assessed a total of 11 alternative sites for a new ATCT and based building facility. The FAA and TMB participated in the siting activities per the FAA Order 6480.4B, Airport Traffic Control Tower Siting Process. Out of the 11 sites considered, two sites (Site 10 and Site 11) met the Airport’s and FAA’s siting criteria and were evaluated in the EA, as they met the purpose and need. The remaining nine (9) ATCT alternative sites were not carried forward for detailed analysis after the Airport Facilities Terminal

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Integration Laboratory (AFTIL) meeting held on March 10-12, 2022, to identify viable sites and determine physical characteristics for a potential replacement for TMB ATCT..

Site 10 is located at 25° 38' 54.50" N, longitude 80° 25' 40.84" W. Site 10 and consists of approximately 3.1-acres of vacant, grass-covered land within TMB, providing the appropriately sized area to construct the tower and associated infrastructure, based on AFTIL-1. According to AFTIL-2, Site 10 does not present a line-of-sight issue for the downwind zone and the touchdown zones of Runway 27R and Runway 27, Taxiway Alpha, nor proposed Taxiway Bravo. Additionally, the site has no obstruction from the VFR pattern. Site 10 has no setback concerns and is appropriately buffered from SW 145th Avenue, which is located to the west of the site and SW 128th Avenue, which is located to the south of the site. A Flight Service Station and associated communications tower and parking lot are located to the east of Site 10. Site 10 was identified as the Preferred Alternative in the Final EA. Based on the FAA’s EA, Site 10 has been identified as the preferred alternative for the FONSI/ROD.

Site 11 is located at 25° 38' 51.99" N, longitude 80° 25' 41.13" W. This site consists of approximately 3.0 acres of vacant, grass-covered land within TMB. The only issue identified in the Siting Report for this site was the potential view of the TMB’s helicopter pad; however, this issue will be addressed by TMB. Burrowing owl, a federally listed species, burrows were identified near site 11. Therefore, further regulatory action will likely be required if Site 11 is chosen.

IV. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

Surrounding properties beyond TMB include commercial properties, residential properties, and cropland.

The Proposed Action will not impact the change in aircraft activity, runway use patterns, taxi times or vehicles accessing the airport. As a result, no additional impacts from ground-access vehicles or aircraft emissions are expected. There will be a temporary increase in emissions from construction activities occurring at Site 10 (preferred) or Site 11. The Potential emissions from commercials and construction vehicles were calculated for the Proposed Activity using the USEPA MOVES 2014b Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator for Non-road applications. The results occur during construction and the applicable de minimis threshold for the EPA regulatory air emission standards; the proposed replacement of the ATCT should not increase air emissions and be applicable to local, state and federal regulations and will not have adverse effects on air quality.

A Threatened & Endangered Species Desktop Review was conducted for Site 10 and 11. A review was conducted of the official species list pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Suitable habitat for the species listed was identified within the Project Study Area for Site

10. Based on a review of aerial photographs, the site appears to consist of vacant, grass-covered land located on the north side of SW 128th street. TMB Wild Life Services conducted the reviewed and determined no threatened or endangered species, specifically burrows owls or their burrows, were identified on or near site ten in December 2021. Currently, no records of threatened and endangered species or designated critical habitats are included within Section

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3.2.1. of the EA. The Site 11 review was also conducted in December 2021, and identified borrowings owls and their burrows were located near the proposed site.

The Proposed Action consists of a new ATCT to replace the existing ATCT. Due to the close proximity of Site 10 and Site 11, the proposed construction and development activities are expected to include a temporary increase in Green House Gas (GHG) emissions; however, the expansion will have minimal impacts on emissions of GHGs and any emissions of GHGs as a result of the proposed actions would be considered negligible compared to the annual U.S.

emissions of GHG. FAA has not established a significant threshold for the climate.

Site 10 and 11 are not located within a coastal zone; therefore, issues that relate to Coastal Zone Management Act are not applicable to the proposed action.

No Department of Transportation Section 4(f) sites are located within the immediate vicinity of the proposed ATCT site alternatives. TMB usage in the setting of the proposed ATCT area is compatible with the proposed FAA operation.

USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey determined that Krome very gravelly loam (Unit 7) is depicted on the site. Site 10 and Site 11 both consist of Krome, which is classified as Farmland of unique importance; however, the Farmland Protection Policy Act does not apply to land already committed to urban development. Site 10 and 11 are located within the existing airport footprint;

therefore, no environmental consequences are expected.

Site 10 and Site 11’s parent parcel is identified by the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser as Parcel Number 30-5915-000-0010. Both sites are located within the existing airport footprint.

Areas surrounding the preferred sites consist of TMB facilities and runways, cropland, grass-covered land, and wooded land.

Site 10 and Site 11 are located within an urban area and with adequate access to natural resources. The energy supply for TMB consists of electricity supplied by Florida Power & Light Company. Additionally, jet fuel is utilized for aircraft taxiing and operations; gasoline, diesel, and small batteries for vehicles; and on-site combustion engines, emergency generators, compressors, and other various equipment are utilized for routine airport facility operations and maintenance. Water and sewer services are available in the vicinity of the subject through Miami-Dade County.

Based on the 2018 Noise Contours Map, TMB annual aircraft operations forecast by the FAA to increase to 377,111. In addition, a proposed 1,000-foot extension to the west end of the Runway 9R-27L is anticipated to be in place. The 2018 60, 65, 70, and 75 DNL noise contours are presented in Appendix III (Exhibit 3-5). The noise contours are larger than the 2008 contours, which is a result of the increase in aircraft operations. The FAA considers the DNL 65 dB to be the threshold of impact for noise-sensitive areas and considers all land use activities to be compatible with DNL below 65 dB, including residential.

The FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) mapping program panel 12086C0443L, dated September 11, 2009, indicated that Site 10 and Site 11 are located in Zone X, which is outside the 100-year floodplain elevation.

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According to the EPA Sole Source Aquifers GIS Mapping, Site 10 and Site 11 is not located over a sole source aquifer, and therefore, the proposed action is not subjected to the EPA Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The USFSW National Wetland Mapper does not depict the wetlands features for Site 10 and Site 11.

On May 13, 2021, ECS submitted a Florida Master Site File TRS Search form to the Florida Department of State Bureau of Historic Preservation to investigate previously recorded cultural resources in the area of Site 10 and Site 11. On May 18, 2021, Mr. Eman Vovia, Ph.D, Sr. Data Base Analyst, responded that no listed cultural resources were identified in the designated area.

On May 12, 2022, ECS contacted the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, The Muscogee Nation, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida to provide an opportunity to comment on the Proposed Action with respect to Tribal Lands. As of this time, the contacted tribes have not responded.

In the event of any unanticipated discoveries, there should be a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) in place to guide the appropriate course of action. This would likely involve stopping work immediately and contacting a liaison for further guidance.

V. ENVIROMNETAL CONSEQUENCES

As demonstrated in the EA, the potential environmental impact resulting from the implementation of the Proposed Action at Site 10 and 11 would not be significant. Site 10 and Site 11 are vacant grass-covered and/or lightly wooded land within TMB. Site 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 do not meet the FAA Order 6480.4B Airport Traffic Control Tower Siting Process.

The Proposed Action is not anticipated to exceed the US EPA de minimis thresholds for nonattainment areas, with the exception of CO for Site 10 and Site 11. The proposed replacement of the ATCT should not increase air emissions.

Based on a review of aerial photographs and impacts to general fish, wildlife and vegetation, as well as a site review by Wild Life Services at TMB, no significant impacts was found at Site 10.

However, Wild Life Services identified burrowing owls on Site 11, which would result in a significant impact and require further action prior to construction.

Site 10 and Site 11 are not located within coastal waters and their adjacent shorelands. Florida’s coastal zone is the entire State but it has two tiers. Local governments eligible to receive coastal management funds are limited to those Gulf and Atlantic coastal cities and counties which include or are contiguous to state water bodies where marine species of vegetation constitute the dominant plant community. Florida’s seaward boundary in the Gulf of Mexico is three marine leagues (9 nautical miles) and is three nautical miles in the Atlantic.

Exhibit 4-1 of the FAA order 1050. F provides the FAA’s significance threshold for farmlands.

A significant impact would occur when the total combined score on Form AD-1006, “Farmland Conversion Impact Rating,” ranges between 200 and 260 points. Site 10 and Site 11 consist of vacant, grass-covered land. While the development activities will occur on Krome very gravelly loam (considered farmland of unique importance), this land does not currently consist of pastureland, cropland, or forested land. The sites would not be considered to be important

-5-farmlands based on the definition provided in FAA Order 1050.1F and the sites are located in the Urbanized Area of Miami, Florida.

Hazardous waste will not be generated, handled, or stored at the new ATCT site. The Construction activities associated with the development of the new ATCT will utilize petroleum materials such as diesel fuel and other automotive fluids for construction equipment. However, best management practices, such as secondary containment, would allow construction to occur without significant impact from these materials. No significant environmental impacts are expected with respect to hazardous materials, solid waste, or pollution prevention at this time.

No known historical structures or archaeological sites were indicated at Sites 10 and 11;

therefore, no significant environmental impacts with respect to historical structures anticipated.

If cultural materials and/or human remains are discovered during ground disturbing activities, work will immediately be stopped, and the appropriate federal agencies will be notified.

The Project Study Area is located entirely on TMB property. As a result, no zoning or land use changes will be necessary. The usage of each proposed site for the purpose of developing a new ATCT would be compatible with current land uses and aesthetic values of the surrounding properties. The existing airport footprint consists of buildings, runways, taxiways, the current ATCT, and associated parking. The future use of the site would continue to maintain the current values of the area. The project will involve the loss of partially wooded land for the development of the ATCT if Site 11 is chosen and other impervious surfaces are; however, no significant impacts to land use are expected for Site 10.

The Proposed Action is not expected to change the overall noise exposure levels at TMB.

No persons will be displaced as a result of the proposed construction of the new ATCT. Impacts on businesses, recreational areas, community institutions, social services, surface transportation patterns, and emergency vehicles will not be significantly impacted.

The usage of the site for the purpose of constructing a new ATCT would have compatible visual character, matching the aesthetics values of the surrounding properties and other buildings in the area.

Wetlands and other waters are not located on Site 10 and Site 11; therefore, significant impacts to jurisdictional wetlands and other waters are not expected. Federally designated wild, scenic, or recreational rivers are not located on-site.

Earth disturbance as part of the construction will occur; however, the Proposed Action will require coordination with Miami-Dade County to determine the level of specific stormwater management measures and permits required. The proposed action will not generate wastewater or significantly influences overland runoff to a receiving surface water source.

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The proposed construction and operation of the new ATCT would not create significant indirect or cumulative impacts11. The Proposed ATCT would replace the existing ATCT at the Airport. It is not anticipated that the proposed ATCT and associated features would cause cumulative impacts when considered with other ongoing and planned construction projects at the airport.

The proposed construction will be required to follow all environmental regulations, such as obtaining a Construction General Permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and notifying the SHPO of any potentially historically significant items unearthed during the project. Also, the project will follow Best Management Practices during construction. These measures will prevent any significant environmental impacts on the proposed site or surrounding areas during the construction phases.

VI. PUBLIC AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

As part of the environmental review process, the Draft EA was made available for public review and comments. A Notice of Public Availability (NOA) of the Draft EA was published in the Miami Times on January 11, 2023. The EA was available for review by agencies and the public for 30 days. There are no outstanding regulatory agency issues related to this project. In addition, no additional agency, public, or other stakeholder comments were received in response to the notice of intent and advertisement of a 30-day review period for the Draft EA dated.

VII. FINDINGS

After careful and thorough consideration of the facts contained herein, the undersigned finds the proposed Federal action is consistent with the existing national environmental policies and objectives as set forth in Section 101(a) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), and that will not significantly affect the quality of the human environmental or otherwise include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of NEPA.

VIII. DECISION

Based on the summary of effects discussed in the attached Final EA, the FAA has determined that the Federal actions required to implement the Selected Alternative would not have a significant effect on the human or natural environment. For this reason, no Environmental Impact Statement is required.

Finally, based on the administrative review of this project, I certify, as prescribed by 49 U.S.C. 44502(b) that implementation of the Proposed Action is reasonably necessary for use in air commerce.

Having met all relevant requirements for environmental considerations and consultation, the Proposed Action described in the Final EA and in this FONSI/ROD are approved and authorized to be undertaken at such time as other requirements have been met.

1 The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) revised its regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) effective September 14, 2020. The regulations provide that agencies may, but are not required to, apply the revised regulations to projects originating before the effective date of the revised regulations. In the case, the project began before the revised CEQ regulations became effective, and FAA has opted to apply the regulations in place when the project began, rather than the revised regulations.

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Richard Morgan

AJW-E

Director, Technical Operation ESA Eastern Service Area

DATE: ______________________

RIGHT OF APPEAL

This FONSI/ROD presents the Federal Aviation Administration's final decision and approvals for the actions identified, including those taken under provisions of 49 U.S.C.

Subtitle VII, Parts A and B. This decision constitutes a final order of the Administrator subject to review by the Courts of Appeals of the United States in accordance with the provisions of 49 U.S.C. Section 46110.

RM SIgnature Please