Attachment B_ INRMP.pdf

Department of the Air Force

Overseas Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan

Moron

Installation Supplement

About This Plan

Document Control

INRMP Approval/Signature Page

Executive Summary

1 Overview and Scope

1.1 Purpose and Scope

1.2 Management Philosophy

1.3 Authority

1.4 Integration with Other Plans

2 Installation Profile

2.1 Installation Overview

2.1.1 Location and Area

2.1.2 Installation History

2.1.3 Military Missions

2.1.4 Natural Resources Needed to Support the Military Mission

2.1.5 Surrounding Communities

2.1.6 Local and Regional Natural Areas

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

2.2.2 Landforms

2.2.3 Geology and Soils

2.2.4 Hydrology

2.3 Ecosystems and the Biotic Environment

2.3.1 Ecosystem Classification

2.3.2 Vegetation

2.3.2.1 Historic Vegetation Cover

2.3.2.2 Current Vegetation Cover

2.3.2.3 Future Vegetation Cover

2.3.2.4 Turf and Landscaped Areas

2.3.3 Fish and Wildlife

2.3.4 Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation-Protected Species

2.3.5 Wetlands and Floodplains

2.3.6 Other Natural Resource Information

2.4 Mission Impacts on Natural Resources

2.4.1 Natural Resource Constraints to Mission and Mission Planning

2.4.2 Land Use

2.4.3 Current Major Impacts

2.4.4 Potential Future Impacts

3 Environmental Management System

4 General Roles and Responsibilities

5 Training

6 Recordkeeping and Reporting

6.1 Recordkeeping

6.2 Reporting

7 Natural Resources Program Management

7.1 Fish and Wildlife Management

7.2 Outdoor Recreation and Access to Natural Resources

7.3 Conservation and Protection Standards Enforcement

7.4 Management of Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation-Protected Species

7.5 Water Resource Protection

7.6 Wetland Protection

7.7 Grounds Maintenance

7.8 Forest Management

7.9 Wildland Fire Management

7.10 Agricultural Outleasing

7.11 Integrated Pest Management Program

7.12 Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH)

7.13 Coastal Zone and Marine Resources Management

7.14 Cultural Resources Protection

7.15 Climate Change Vulnerabilities

7.16 Public Outreach

7.17 Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

8 Management Goals and Objectives

9 INRMP Implementation, Update, and Review Process

9.1 Natural Resources Management Staffing and Implementation

9.2 Monitoring INRMP Implementation

9.3 Annual INRMP Review and Update Requirements

10 Annual Work Plans

11 References

12 Acronyms

13 Definitions

ABOUT THIS PLAN

This installation-specific Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is based on the United States Air Force’s (USAF) standardized Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) template for installations located outside the United States1. This INRMP has been developed in accordance with (IAW) applicable international agreements and Department of Defense (DoD) policy, which includes country-specific environmental Final Governing Standards (FGS). The INRMP documents how natural resources are managed and the roles and responsibilities of various organizations and personnel in implementing the INRMP. Overseas installations will comply with applicable FGSs. External resources, including Air Force Instructions (AFIs), USAF Playbooks, and DoD policy are referenced, where applicable.

Certain sections of this INRMP begin with standardized, USAF-wide “common text” language that addressees USAF and DoD policy, FGSs, and applicable United States laws. This common text language is restricted from editing to ensure it remains standard throughout all plans. Immediately following the USAF-wide common text sections are installation content sections that address installation-specific requirements. Installation sections are unrestricted and are maintained and updated by USAF environmental Sections and/or installation personnel.

NOTE: The terms “Natural Resources Manager,” “NRM,” and “NRM/POC” are used throughout this document to refer to the installation person responsible for the natural resources program, regardless of whether this person meets the qualifications within the definition of a natural resources management professional in Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 4715.03, Natural Resources Conservation Program.

1 "United States" is defined in AFI 32-7091, Environmental Management Outside the United States, as "The several States, District of Columbia, Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Midway and Wake Islands, United States Virgin Islands, any other territory or possession of the United States, and associated navigable waters, contiguous zones, and ocean waters of which the natural resources are under the exclusive management authority of the United States." "Overseas" is used interchangeably with "outside the United States" in this document.

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Standardized INRMP Template

IAW the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) Environmental Directorate (CZ) Business Rule (BR) 08, EMP Review, Update, and Maintenance, the standard content in this INRMP template is reviewed periodically, updated as appropriate, and approved by the Natural Resources and Environmental Overseas Subject Matter Experts (SME).

This version of the template is current as of 6/26/2020 and supersedes the 2018 version.

NOTE: Installations are not required to update their INRMPs every time this template is updated. When it is time for installations to update their INRMPs, they should refer to the eDASH EMP Repository to ensure they have the most current version.

Installation INRMP

Record of Review – The INRMP is updated not less than annually, or as changes to natural resource management and conservation practices occur, including those driven by changes in applicable regulations. IAW AFMAN 32-7003, Environmental Conservation, and AFI 32-7091, Environmental Management Outside the United States, the INRMP is required to be reviewed for operation and effect not less than every five years. Annual reviews and updates are accomplished by the installation Natural Resources Manager (NRM), and/or the AFCEC Facility Engineering Directorate (AFCEC/CF) or AFCEC/CZ Section Natural Resources Media Manager. At a minimum, the installation NRM conducts an annual review of the INRMP and accomplishes pertinent updates. Installations will document the findings of the annual review in an Annual INRMP Review Summary. By signature to the Annual INRMP Review Summary, the Civil Engineering Squadron Commander asserts concurrence with the findings. Any agreed updates are then made to the document, at a minimum updating the work plans.

INRMP APPROVAL/SIGNATURE PAGE

Installation Supplement

The plan has been approved by the ESOHC Chair and attached in Appendix G.

Annual administrative review complete. Nothing significant added to the current plan. A full update will be accomplished by Arcadis under contract with AFIMSC Det 4/CEIE during FY 23.

CAO: 5 Jun 24, first draft of the Arcadis INRMP was received on 31 May 24 and is currently under installation and Det 4/CEIE review.

Digital Signature

PERFECTO, ANDY A CTR USAF USAFE 496 ABS/CEIE PERFECTO, ANDY A CTR USAF USAFE 496 ABS/CEIE Date: 06/05/2024 11:02:06 am

PERFECTO, ANDY A CTR USAF USAFE 496 ABS/CEIE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) is a tool to ensure the protection and maintenance of natural resources on United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) installations. The protection of natural resources is accomplished by proper management and integration of these resources into all phases of the installation's mission and comprehensive planning processes.

The principal regulatory drivers for development of the INRMP are the current Final Governing Standards-Spain (FGS-S) (May 2014), and applicable Air Force guidance documents such as AFIs, AFMANs, etc.

The goal of the plan is to manage natural resources in accordance with the FGS-S and provide recommendations for actions and a path forward to achieve solutions. Specific objectives and solutions established for the INRMP reflect the requirements of the FGS-S, which include:

1. Develop the INRMP so that long-term continuity is maintained between managers overseeing natural resources management.

2. Establish a scientifically sound baseline for habitat and species inventories, and define the frequency and proper sequencing of the inventory updates.

3. Develop management guidelines for threatened and endangered (T&E) species that address impacts arising from base actions.

4. Establish an understanding of acceptable strategic and tactical management practices that are consistent with Air Force and host nation standards and policies.

5. Ensure data collected are properly managed for analysis and effective decision-making.

6. Establish a process for monitoring and ongoing assessment of projects to ensure the intended results are achieved.

7. Develop methods to gain greater understanding of natural resources management solutions through training and information transfer between organizational elements within the Air Force and the host-nation agencies.

The INRMP includes a description of the natural resources baseline, Air Force and host nation coordination procedures, issues and concerns, and specific actions to be implemented by the 496 Air Base Squadron (ABS) to maintain the natural resources at

Morón Air Base (AB). Specific actions provide a path forward to ensure that natural resources are managed and integrated into all phases of installation and mission planning.

1 OVERVIEW AND SCOPE

This INRMP was developed to provide for effective management and protection of natural resources. It summarizes the natural resources present on the installation and outlines strategies to adequately manage those resources. Natural resources are valuable assets of the USAF. They provide the natural infrastructure needed for testing weapons and technology, as well as for training military personnel for deployment. Sound management of natural resources increases the effectiveness of USAF adaptability in all environments. The USAF has stewardship responsibility for the physical lands on which installations are located to ensure all natural resources are properly conserved, protected, and used in sustainable ways. The primary objective of the USAF natural resources program is to sustain, restore, and modernize natural infrastructure to ensure operational capability and no net loss in the capability of the lands host nations make available for USAF use to support the military mission of the installation. The plan outlines and assigns responsibilities for the management of natural resources, discusses related concerns, and provides program management elements that will help to maintain or improve the natural resources within the context of the installation’s mission. The INRMP is intended for use by all installation personnel. The FGS, supported by AFI 32-7091, is the driver for the INRMP.

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) recognizes its role in protecting the inherent value of natural resources through planning, decision-making, and implementing natural resources management programs. Functional and resilient natural ecosystems are the "green infrastructure" that sustains human uses, including day-to-day military readiness and the long-term mission. Therefore, maintaining and restoring ecosystem integrity is the primary goal of natural resources management activities.

This plan establishes the procedures for the 496 ABS to ensure the protection and maintenance of natural resources at Morón AB. It is designed to ensure that the installation tracks and maintains the status of its natural resources.

The INRMP is an integral tool for the successful management of installation ecosystems. It provides an interdisciplinary approach to ecosystem management, integrating all applicable aspects involved in natural resources management. This INRMP is a living document and will be reviewed annually in accordance with AFMAN 32-7003, Environmental Compliance (20 April 2020).

This INRMP has been created to:

Ensure compliance with the FGS-S and associated USAFE environmental regulations;

Protect surrounding properties from potential impacts resulting from mission-essential operations through the monitoring of natural resources and rehabilitation of problem areas;

Document the future direction of natural resource programs;

Manage existing natural resources and protected species to maintain current resource levels, and enhance and protect these resources in a manner consistent with mission requirements;

Maintain a "no-net-loss" natural resources management approach, if impacts to resources are unavoidable due to mission requirements, which provides for the compensation of any lost or displaced resources; and Coordinate all planning efforts with appropriate on- and off-site entities to ensure natural resources management practices are compatible with USAF and host nation requirements and are integrated into the appropriate installation plan and budgets.

1.2 Management Philosophy

Installation Supplement

The INRMP serves as a key component of the Installation Development Plan, which provides background and rationale for the policies and programming decisions related to land use, resource conservation, facilities and infrastructure development, and operations and maintenance to ensure that they meet current requirements and provide for future growth. The INRMP supports the mission by identifying the natural resources present on the installation, developing management goals for these resources, and integrating these management objectives into the military requirements for mission operations/support and regulatory compliance to minimize natural resource constraints.

Goals and objectives require monitoring on a continuous basis and management strategies are updated whenever there are changes in mission requirements, adverse effects to or from natural resources, or changes in regulations governing management of natural resources.

Management issues and concerns, as well as goals and objectives, are developed from analysis of all the gathered information, and are reviewed by 496 ABS personnel involved with or responsible for various aspects of natural resources management. The INRMP was developed using an interdisciplinary approach and is based on existing information of the physical and biotic environments, mission activities, and environmental management practices at Moron Air Base . Information was obtained from a variety of documents, interviews with installation personnel, on-site observations, and communications with both organizations and personnel.

1.3 Authority

Installation Supplement

DoDI 4715.05-G, Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document (OEBGD), requires the implementation of uniform conservation standards for natural resources at DoD installations and facilities in foreign countries. The OEBGD provides criteria, standards, and management practices to be used by DoD Lead Environmental Components in determining FGS IAW DoDI 4715.05, Management of Environmental Compliance at Overseas Installations.

FGS for each Host Nation requires preparation of INRMPs in Chapter 13 for “Installations with significant land or water areas…” See installation and Host Nation specifics listed in the table below.

AFMAN 32-7003 applies overseas to the extent that it is consistent with applicable international agreements, Unified Combatant Command (UCC) policy, environmental annexes to operational orders or plans, country-specific FGS, or in their absence, the OEBGD.

AFI 32-7001, Environmental Management, requires installations to identify processes or activities that include reducing pollution, reducing the use of natural resources, and conserving water. USAF Policy Directive (AFPD) 32-70, Environmental Quality, identifies general United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) requirements for a natural resources management program.

Installation-Specific Policies (including Host Nation and/or Local Laws and Regulations) FGS - S Chapter 13 of the 2014 FGS-S, "Natural Resources and Endangered Species", contains criteria for required plans and programs required to ensure proper protection, enhancement, and management of natural resources and any biological species declared threatened or endangered by the U.S., Spanish, or European Union (EU) Governments. The FGS-S criteria describe inventories, planning, and protective action to be performed by personnel with natural resources management expertise.

The Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC)

The aim of this Directive is the maintenance of biodiversity within the European territory of member states through the conservation of natural habitats of wild flora and fauna. It extends several of the protection methods established in the Birds Directive and imposes obligations on Member States similar to those laid down in the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife.

Measures to be implemented under this Directive fall into two parts: The conservation of habitats and the protection of species. A habitat type is defined as being of community interest if it is in danger of disappearance within its natural range, or has a small natural range, or represents an outstanding example of one or more of five biogeographical regions (Alpine, Atlantic, Continental, Macaronesian, Mediterranean).

Specific habitat types are provided in Annex I of the Habitats directive. Annex II contains a list of animal and plant species of community interest, the conservation of which requires the special designation of their habitats. Such species are defined as endangered, vulnerable, rare, or endemic and require particular attention.

Beyond establishing the required management regimes, the Habitats Directive also provides for assessment of development proposals that are likely to impact sites designated as SACs. These provisions are based on existing practices with respect to environmental impact assessments and not only address a reduction in habitat quality, but also other impacts, such as noise, that could disturb protected species. Even where such assessments show that significant damage to a site could occur, the Habitats Directive does not preclude development. Member States may authorize development in cases where no viable alternatives are available and where an overriding public interest in the development is demonstrated. In these cases they are obliged to implement compensation measures by creation or improvement of habitat elsewhere to maintain the integrity of the network. In the case of development that will have an adverse impact on sites that host priority habitats or species (particularly rare and vulnerable habitats and species that are a small part of the overall list), the Directive requires the European Commission (EC) to give an opinion on whether an overriding public interest is involved.

Member states are also obligated to establish a system of strict protection for both a list of animal species of community interest (Annex IV [a]) and a parallel list of plant species (Annex IV [b]). Many of the species are the same as those listed in Annex II. For animal species, all forms of deliberate capture or killing of animals in the wild must be prohibited.

Currently, there are no SACs on or near Morón AB.

The Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC)

This Directive aims to control the hunting and killing of wild birds, and to protect their eggs and nests. In addition, it also requires the provision of sufficient diversity and area of habitats so as to maintain the populations of all species. This can be achieved primarily by creating protected areas, managing habitats both inside and outside protected areas, re-establishing destroyed biotopes and creating new ones. The following are prohibited:

Deliberate killing or capture by any method Deliberate destruction of, or damage to, their nests and eggs or removal of nests Removal of eggs, even if empty Deliberate disturbance, particularly during breeding and rearing Keeping birds whose hunting and capture is prohibited

Annex I lists the many species of birds that are considered to be particularly vulnerable. Member states are required to classify the most suitable areas for the conservation of these species.

Under this directive, Spain has accepted a commitment on "the maintenance and protection of habitats favorable to the reproduction and survival of Spanish protected species and habitats and indigenous plants, fish, and wildlife." Beyond this, Spain is committed to take special measures to conserve the habitats of certain rare or vulnerable species as well as all regularly occurring migratory species. Conservation measures include the designation of suitable areas as SPAs and procedures to protect these from damaging developments.

Currently, there are no SPAs on or near Morón AB.

Natura 2000

The Natura 2000 network of protected areas encompasses the designated SPAs and SACs. Most of the SPAs and SACs are already designated as protected areas under host nation federal and state legislation. The SPAs are designated directly by the host nation / Member State, while a list of nominations for SACs must be submitted to the EU, where the Commission will determine whether it is a site of community importance (SCI) (Lugares de Importancia Comunitaria [LIC]) and should be included in the Natura 2000 network.

Developments that destroy or harm a Natura 2000 site will only be permitted if a need is demonstrated, there is no alternative, and the government agrees that it is in the overriding public interest that the proposed action should proceed. Any loss must be mitigated by the creation of new habitat or other appropriate compensation measures.

Bonn Convention

Council Decision 82/461/EEC on the Conservation of Migratory Species (24 June 1982) approves the Bonn Convention (1 November 1983) on wildlife and habitat conservation on a global scale. The Convention acts as a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory species through coordinated conservation efforts through the migratory Range States.

The Bonn Convention provides lists of those species threatened with extinction (Appendix I of the Convention) and those that need or would significantly benefit from international cooperation (Appendix II of the Convention (http://www.cms.int/en).

Bern Convention Council Decision 82/72/EEC on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (3 December 1981) approves the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention of 19 September 1979). The goal of the Bern Convention is the conservation of wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats. The Convention also considers the impact other policies may have on natural heritage, recognizing the intrinsic value of wild flora and fauna, and the importance of conservation for future generations (http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/Bern/default_en.asp)

Spain – Host Nation

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente) (MAGRAMA) is the current overarching government body responsible for proposing and implementing regulations with regard to government policy on the environment, as well as agriculture, livestock and fisheries, the food industry, and rural development (Royal Decree 1823/2011, 21 December).

The Ministry of Environment (Secretaria de Estado de Medio Ambiente) was established to focus on the preparation of the basic environmental legislation for Spain, in accordance with the European standards, and coordinate actions between the various regions concerning the conservation of wild plants and animal species.

Within the Ministry of Environment, the Directorate General of Quality and Environmental Assessment and Natural Environment (Dirección General de Calidad y Evaluación Ambiental y Medio Natural), with the help of the General Branch of Natural Environment (La Subdirectión General de Medio Natural), is responsible for functions provided in Law 42/2007 of 13 December on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity (including the Spanish Inventory of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity), the Natura 2000 network and protected natural areas, and implementing national and international programs for biodiversity and conservation (including the State Strategic Plan for Natural Heritage and Biodiversity), among other responsibilities (Royal Decree 401/2012 of 17 February – The Basic Organizational Structure of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment).

In response to provisions established by Law 42/2007, Royal Decree 556/2011 of April 20 was created to regulate the Spanish Inventory of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, its content, structure, and operation.

Royal Decree 139/2011 of February 4 was created to provide for the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species. This list, as referenced in the FGS-S, is available on the website for the MAGRAMA (www.magrama.gob.es). An annex to Royal Decree 139/2011 (Order AAA/75/2012 of 12 January), was prepared to add applicable Mediterranean species to the protection list. This additional list can also be found on the MAGRAMA website.

http://www.cms.int/en http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/nature/Bern/default_en.asp http://www.magrama.gob.es/

Regional Government

– Junta de Andalucía

Morón AB is within the province of Sevilla, in the region of Andalusia, which is one of 17 autonomous communities in Spain. Andalusia is characterized by extraordinary biodiversity of natural spaces and great diversity of landscape. To protect and maintain these vast resources, the Junta de Andalucia, via the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (Consejería de Medio Ambiente y Ordenación del Territorio), acts to integrate all territorial policies for the greater good of the environment throughout the region. As environmental agents, they are tasked with the administration, protection, and monitoring of the environmental heritage.

Law 2/1989 of 18 July, approving the inventory of protected natural areas of Andalusia, was accepted, providing additional measures for the protection of these areas. This includes a framework for the planning required for the successful revitalization The Act 8/2003, 28 October, of Wild Flora and Fauna is the principal mechanism for the legislative protection of wildlife in Andalucía. This legislation includes the following features:

a. Ensure a coordinated manner by the maintenance of biodiversity and the preservation of wildlife and their habitats along the lines of this Act.

b. Give priority to the conservation of native species in their natural habitat, and to regulate the introduction of them.

c. Prevent the introduction and spread of species, subspecies or races that can compete with native species or alter their genetic or biological or ecological processes.

d. Protect the habitat of wild species itself against actions that threaten their conservation or recovery.

e. Promote and monitor the use and exploitation orderly and responsible for wildlife in the context of sustainable development aimed at improving the level and quality of life of the Andalusian population.

f. Promote scientific knowledge, environmental education for conservation of biodiversity and active social participation in fulfilling the objectives of this Act.

Law 42/2007 of 13 December provides the Autonomous Communities with the responsibility to establish the required conservation measures with regard to SPAs and SACs, ensuring the proper planning and management of species and habitat types in these areas (www.juntadeandalucia.es).

The governing council of Andalusia approved the Agreement of 18 January 2011 and Agreement of 13 March 2012, which provide measures necessary for the recovery and conservation of threatened species and protected habitats.

1.4 Integration with Other Plans

INRMP revisions and concurrence with the final plan must be coordinated through the installation chain of command. The NRM must ensure that the INRMP, and any other plans that may affect natural resources are mutually supportive and not in conflict.

The following documents have direction impact or interaction with this INRMP. They are located at the hyperlinks listed below.

Pest Management Plan http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/

The Pest Management shop at Morón Air Base (MAB) is an integral part of the Morón Base Maintenance Contract and provides surveillance and control of pest species. The contract is presently held by KBR. 1.2. The MAB PMP utilizes the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and incorporates the ideas of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control. Cultural and mechanical control utilizes rodent and insect traps, proper sanitation measures, correction of structural defects, and abolishment of breeding areas.

Chemical control measures include the use of insecticides, herbicides, and rodenticides for the control of insects, weeds and rodents.

Surveys for pest problems are conducted regularly at base facilities under the Recurring Work Program (RWP). Housing is inspected and treated on change of occupancy if evidence of infestation has been found. All work is done by service calls/job orders. 1.3. The 496 ABS installation pest management supervisor/coordinator (i.e. Pest Management Shop Supervisor), and the Command Entomologist/MAJCOM Pest Management Consultant at USAFE A7NE, Ramstein, will review this plan annually and update as necessary. The plan will be completely revised and formally staffed every five years with the following individuals: • Installation natural resources manager and/or pest management coordinator • Installation environmental coordinator • Public health officer • Bioenvironmental engineer officer • Installation civil engineer • Mission support group commander • Wing commander • Command Entomologist 1.4 As per AFI 32-1053, revision 20 November 2014, para. 3.5.2. , this PMP is being updated for FY 2020 as it was completely revised and formally staffed in 2016, a coordinated hardcopy can be found at MAB Facility 240, Entomology shop. Next complete revision and formal staffed of this PMP will be due in 2021.

Pest Management Plan: https://usaf.dps.mil/:b:/t/10626/Moron/EckBSX72LhBOs-G80V5kY7IBTkP-8uqkLuBnhBcwLKBm9Q

The Bird Air Strike Hazard (BASH) plan provide pilots with a safe operating environment to conduct both peacetime and wartime operations by reducing the potential threat of wildlife strikes and maintaining our combat capability. 1

General: Bird/wildlife activity is very dynamic, requiring continuous adjustment to established procedures. The potential hazard posed by birds is also very dynamic and requires subjective judgment. This plan cannot establish procedures for every situation. Good judgment and effective teamwork by all organizations is required to reduce the bird/wildlife risk at Morón AB.

Airfield and Local Area: A bird/wildlife strike hazard exists at Morón AB, Spain due to its resident bird species and its vicinity to migratory bird patterns. Daily and seasonal bird movements create various hazardous conditions. This plan establishes procedures to minimize the bird strike hazard at Morón AB.

The primary mission of the United States DoD presence on this installation is to provide support for United Nations, NATO, and DoD exercises/contingency operations. Although there are no permanently assigned US DoD aircraft on Morón AB, it does support a wide array of USAF and USMC aircraft.

Morón AB has a SpAF Bird Control Team with a falconry program that reduces the bird population and strike probability in the vicinity of the airfield.

Agricultural land surrounds Morón AB and is thus susceptible to seasonal bird concentrations. All open fields in and around Morón AB are currently being used for agriculture and the bird strike potential increases during seeding and harvest seasons. Several species of birds inhabit the area and create a high potential of aircraft strikes, of particular concern are the storks, hawks, and waterfowl.

Ponds and Lakes: Swamp along the east side of the runway 2,000 feet from the approach end of runway 20.

Migratory Routes: The Doñana wildlife refuge, the largest in Europe, is approximately 20 NM west of Morón AB along the Guadailquivir River. This refuge MOI 91-212 1 SEPTEMBER 2018 5 contains both migratory and non-migratory birds. The preserve is bounded by LER-154. Flights below 6,000 feet in this area are prohibited.

Summer Migration (Jun-Aug): The continuous presence of water at Morón AB and its surroundings (Guadalquivir River) are a strong attraction to many migratory species during the summer months. Morón AB is within the vicinity of two natural areas where large bands of migratory birds meet: Cádiz Bay and the highly protected area of the Doñana marshes.

Winter Migration (Jan-Feb): Morón AB lies directly in line with the migratory route of European bird species on their way to Africa, crossing the strait of Gibraltar. It is commonplace to see large flocks of birds during winter migration season.

BASH: https://usaf.dps.mil/:b:/t/10626/Moron/EdOjFnft2Z9PsEuYQsjxWPUBtrt7WbZBvyQDAaq23yz6BQ

The Climate Survey has been included in pertinent sections of this plan. If you wish to read the entire Climate Survey as one document it can be found at the following location.

Climate Survey: https://usaf.dps.mil/:b:/t/10626/Moron/EV5_iEfCuhZMkxj0_tQ0EOYB5Tmec4d_jJ25MU7NSdz7ig

2 INSTALLATION PROFILE

Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) 496 ABS/CEIE has overall responsibility for implementing the Natural Resources Management program and is the lead organization for monitoring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Natural Resources Manager/Point of Contact (POC) Name: Andy Perfecto Phone: 722-8047 Email: andy.perfecto.ctr@us.af.mil

Host Nation POCs NA Total acreage managed by installation 3433 Total acreage of wetlands NA Total acreage of forested land NA Natural Resources Program Applicability (Place an X in the brackets "[ X ]" next to each program that must be implemented at the installation. Document applicability and current management practices in Section 7.0)

[ ] Fish and Wildlife Management [ ] Outdoor Recreation and Access to Natural Resources [ ] Conservation and Protection Standards Enforcement [ ] Management of Threatened, Endangered, and Host Nation- Protected Species [ ] Water Resource Protection [ ] Wetland Protection [ ] Grounds Maintenance [ ] Forest Management [ ] Wildland Fire Management [ ] Agricultural Outleasing [x] Integrated Pest Management Program [x] Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) [ ] Coastal Zone and Marine Resources Management [x] Cultural Resources Protection [ ] Climate Change Vulnerabilities [ ] Public Outreach [x] Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

2.1 Installation Overview

2.1.1 Location and Area

Installation Supplement

Installation/GSU Location and Area Descriptions

Installation/ Geographically

Separated Unit (GSU)

Main Use/ Mission Acreage Addressed in INRMP? Describe Natural Resource Implications

Moron AB Contingency

YES This information is discussed in the following paragraphs/sections of this plan.

2.1.2 Installation History

The 496 ABS is the current USAFE host unit stationed at Morón AB, a pivotal power projection base. The 496 ABS maintains a high state of readiness to receive forces in support of the United Nations (UN), NATO, and the U.S. contingency and exercise operations.

The installation is a Spanish Air Force (SpAF) facility that is occupied and operated under treaty arrangements by both the SpAF 11th

Tactical Wing and 496 ABS. Although the SpAF occupies, operates, and maintains its own separate containment area at an older portion of the base, SpAF and USAF facilities are intermingled in most of the remaining area. The SpAF performs normal maintenance and support activities, as well as a security police-training unit on base. The USAF provides airfield maintenance, utilities and some supply support functions to the SpAF. Each Air Force operates and maintains their specific facilities. The water supply system and the wastewater treatment and disposal facilities serving the jointly occupied portions of the base were installed and operated and maintained by the USAF. Both sanitary and industrial wastewaters are drained through the same sewer system.

Morón AB has had a varied past, beginning with a 10-year agreement between the U.S. and Spanish governments that resulted in the establishment of Spanish-American air bases, which included Morón AB. On 1 June 1957, after three years of construction, the 3973rd

Air Base Group at Morón AB was formally activated as part of Sixteenth Air Force assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC). In 1958, the first flight of B-47s were assigned to Morón AB to conduct Reflex operations until 29 April 1962, when the first Chrome Dome KC-135 aircraft arrived. Two days later, the first fueling sortie was generated. On 3 April 1963 the last B-47 aircraft departed Morón, and on 26 September 1963 the U.S. Spanish bilateral agreement was extended for five additional years.

On 15 April 1966, the mission of Sixteenth Air Force and Morón AB transferred from the SAC to USAFE. The mission changed to communications support, "fair weather" flying operations of Temporary Duty (TDY) RF-4 and RF-101 reconnaissance units and the support of air rescue operations provided by the 67 ARRS. In 1969, Morón AB became a Standby Dispersal Base (SDB). The host unit, the 7473rd Combat Support Group, became the 7473rd Combat Support Squadron (CSS), and military personnel were reduced, and flight activities were limited to occasional flying exercises. Subsequently, Civil Engineering, Supply, and Transportation functions were contracted under the Spain Base Maintenance Contract (SBMC), which became operational in July 1972. The 7473rd CSS was deactivated on 31 May 1976.

In September 1976, The Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Spain and the United States became effective and reconfirmed the standby status of Morón AB. And in 1983, Morón AB began hosting multiple exercises and has since developed into a major peacetime staging base. In 1984, Morón AB became a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Shuttle Transoceanic Abort Landing Site.

In August 1990, SAC deployed 22 KC-135 and KC-10 tankers to support Operation DESERT SHIELD. In January 1991, SAC changed Morón AB from refueling to bomber operations for DESERT STORM. The 801st Bomb Wing (Provisional) at Morón AB consisted of 24 B-52s, 3 KC-135s and over 2,800 personnel. This was the largest deployed bomber wing during the war. On 1 June 1993, the 7120th

Air Base Flight was re-designated as the 712th Air Base Flight.

In July 1994, the 712th Air Base Flight became the 496th ABS, under the newly formed 616th Regional Support Group located at Aviano AB, Italy. In NATO terms, Morón AB remained a standby base, but on 14 December 1995, HQ USAFE/XP message re-designated Morón AB as a limited base. This designation recognizes that Morón AB is "austerely manned" and "'has no permanently assigned operational tactical forces", but does have "facilities for communications, air traffic control navigational aids, maintenance, base supply, billeting, recreation, messing, transportation, and operational support".

In 1997, Morón AB welcomed the addition of a 15 person SPACECOM Space Surveillance Unit – detached from the 18 SPSS at Edwards AFB, California. In February 1999, Morón AB became the home of the 92nd AEW – tasked with providing fuel to OPERATION

ALLIED FORCE.

Since January 2000, Morón's mission has assumed a peacetime role in supporting the rotation of Aerospace Expeditionary Forces (AEF) – deployed in European Command (EUCOM) and Central Command (CENTCOM) Areas of Responsibilities.

Interspersed on 22 March 2004, the 712th Air Base Group (ABG) was stood up over the 496 ABS; and the 712 MUNSS and 712 RHF at Camp Darby, Italy and the 2 APS at Ramstein AB, Germany. The 712 ABG was realigned under the 38 CSW, Ramstein AB, on 24 May 2004.

In April 2007, the 496th Air Base Squadron was realigned under the 86th Operations Group, 86th Airlift Wing, at Ramstein AB, Germany.

The NASA mission at Morón AB ended in January 2012, and the AF Space Command (SPACECOM) Space Surveillance mission ended in 2013. Subsequently, the U.S. Marine Corps became temporary occupants of various facilities on the installation in support of U.S.

Africa Command (AFRICOM).

2.1.3 Military Missions

Installation Supplement

Listing of Tenants and Natural Resource Responsibility

Tenant Organization Natural Resource Responsibility SpAF Owner of the installation. Have authority to interact with the local environmental authorities.

2.1.4 Natural Resources Needed to Support the Military Mission

NA to this installation.

2.1.5 Surrounding Communities

2.1.6 Local and Regional Natural Areas

Installation Supplement

General air quality surrounding Morón AB is good with no nearby industrial operations. The installation is surrounded primarily by farmland. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) identified the Doñana National / Nature Park as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Program in 1980. The park is 56 km (35 miles) west of Morón AB, just across the Guadalquivir River and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994 (Tetra Tech, 2013).

Morόn AB is located in the Guadalquivir River Basin. The Guadalquivir River runs approximately 40 km (25 miles) to the west of the installation, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean near Cadiz. The basin is bordered by the Sierra Morena mountain chain immediately to the north and the Sistemos Beticos mountain chain to the southeast. In 2003, the general groundwater flow at the installation was from the south-southwest to north-northeast with flow patterns controlled by the Guadaira River.

2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

Installation Supplement

The installation is within the Guadalquivir river basin, inside the Mediterranean Continental climate zone. The climate in this region is characterized by a seasonal change between a dry summer period with high temperatures, which lasts between four and five months, and a humid autumn-winter period with mild temperatures. Annual average temperatures are around 18 degrees Celsius (°C) (64 degrees Fahrenheit [°F]). Summer temperatures in the region are extreme, with maximum temperatures reaching above 40°C (104°F).

In spite of the summer heat, the Guadalquivir River Depression is opened to Atlantic flows from the north, giving rise to a broad temperature range. Frosts are seldom encountered, but when they occur, they coincide with cold waves from the north of Europe.

Average rainfall in this part of the Guadalquivir Valley is 615 millimeters (mm) (24.2 inches) per year, with the majority falling during the months of October through March. The least rainfall is experienced in the months of July and August. Drought period lasts nearly five months, encompassing the extreme heat in summer.

Climate projections for Morón Air Base (Morón AB) (Table 1) suggest minimum and maximum temperatures will increase over time under two emission scenarios – a moderate carbon emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway [RCP] 4.5) and a high emission scenario (RCP 8.5). The potential impact of these two climate change scenarios on the site’s natural resources was analyzed using extracted climate data from 2026 to 2035 to represent the decadal average for 2030, and extracted data from 2046 to 2055 for the decadal average for 2050. For the decade centered around 2030, both of the scenarios project a similar degree of increase in average annual temperature (TAVE) of between 1.4 ℃ (2.6 ℉) and 2.0 ℃ (3.6 ℉) over historic average. The two emission scenario projections show higher warming by 2050, with RCP 4.5 expressing a warming of 2.3 ℃ (4.1 ℉). RCP 8.5 expresses a slightly greater warming of 3.2 ℃ (5.7 ℉) for this period.

Average annual precipitation (PRECIP) varies between emission scenarios and over time due to larger interconnected ocean-atmosphere dynamics associated with the NCAR CCSM model. For 2030, the RCP 4.5 scenario projects a small increase in PRECIP of 1% while RCP 8.5 shows an increase of 8%. For 2050, RCP 4.5 projects a PRECIP decrease of 22% while RCP 8.5 shows a decrease of 28%.

Table 1. Summary climate data

Understanding changes in daily intensity and total precipitation for multi-day precipitation events is helpful to evaluate precipitation patterns in addition to assessment of annual averages. Three-day storm events (design storms) were generated from projected precipitation data based on RCP 4.5 and 8.5 emission scenarios for the 2030 and 2050 timeframes (Table 2). Historical precipitation data were used to calculate a baseline storm event for the year 2000 for comparison.

2.2.2 Landforms

Installation Supplement

Topography

Morón AB is situated in the basin of the Guadalquivir River in the northern part of the Subbetic zone. Physiographically, Morón AB lies at an elevation of 500 meters (m) (1,640.4 feet [ft]) above mean sea level (amsl) (maximum height of 587 m [1,925.8 ft] amsl at the Vértice del Espartero), in an essentially flat plain on the northern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

2.2.3 Geology and Soils

Based on structural geology, Morón AB belongs to the external orogenic belt of the Betics system, called Subbetica. The principal geology includes sediments from the Mesozoic through Tertiary to Quaternary age. Orogenic processes resulted in tectonics deformation. Older sediments were thrusting younger sediments under detrition. The detrital deposits are highly heterogeneous sediments of large clasts older than the enclosing matrix. The Olistostrome are subdivided into an autochthonous unit of the Triassic and an overlaying allochthonous unit of the late Miocene. These are Maritime against the upwards following post-orogenic sediments comprising Miocene and Plio-Quaternary deposits (Tetra Tech, 2015).

The geological profile beneath Morón AB comprises:

Quaternary alluvial sediments formed by the Guadaira River consist of clays, silts, sands, and some gravels, with thicknesses between 5 and 15 m (16 and 49 ft).

Upper Miocene sediments comprising a sandier unit (limestones, calcarenites, sands, sandstones, and marls (and a less permeable unit (marls, sandstones, silts, and clays), with a total thickness of approximately 50 m (164 ft).

'Allochthonous' unit of the late Miocene Olistostrome deposits that is relatively undeformed. Recent documents class this unit into the middle Miocene (Tetra Tech, 2015).

2.2.4 Hydrology

Installation Supplement

Morόn AB is located in the Guadalquivir River Basin. The Guadalquivir River runs approximately 40 km (25 miles) to the west of the installation, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean near Cadiz. The basin is bordered by the Sierra Morena mountain chain immediately to the north and the Sistemos Beticos mountain chain to the southeast. In 2003, the general groundwater flow at the installation was from the south-southwest to north-northeast with flow patterns controlled by the Guadaira River.

The regional hydrogeology is characterized by two main aquifer units:

Aquifer 1: The shallow aquifer is approximately 2 m (6.6 ft) below ground surface (bgs) with the water-bearing sand and gravel lenses of the Quaternary alluvium, and Aquifer 2: The deeper limestone and sandstone aquifers of the Upper Miocene Yellow Formation named Arahal- Coronil-Morena-Puebla de Cazalla; these are detrital deposits.

The local hydrogeologic situation is described in the Final Hydrogeological Study, with the lithology detailed further in more recent documents.

The general groundwater conditions at Morόn AB can be summarized as follows:

Aquifer 1 at depths < 10 m (32.8 ft) bgs. The first water bearing layer (Mio-Quaternary) encountered beneath Morón AB is found under the brown silts and cohesive marks (sandy-silt to silty-clay with carbonate nodules) at depths less than 10 m bgs. It is formed of poorly consolidated sand and gravel layers, generally with a combined thickness less than 1 m. This first aquifer is likely connected to the Guadaira River and underlain by a several meter thick low permeability Miocene layer that may be considered an aquitard. The aquifer may be considered, in general, as a water table (or unconfined) aquifer.

Aquifer 2 at depths between 15 to 20 m (49.2 to 65.6 ft) bgs. A second aquifer is encountered in the Miocene sand and gravels at depths between 15 and 20 m (49.2 and 65.6 ft) bgs, with an average thickness of 3.4 m (11.2 ft).

Information on this aquifer has been derived from the borehole logs of 21 monitoring wells drilled at depths ranging from 15.2 to 96 m (49.9 to 315.0 ft) bgs as part of the Final Hydrogeological Study. Based on well data analysis, several of the 21 monitoring wells are screened only in this deeper Miocene sand and gravel layer (Tetra Tech, 2015).

Based on November 2012 groundwater elevation measurements, the general groundwater flow at Morόn AB was found to be from the southeast to north-northwest. Flow patterns were still controlled by the Guadaira River and, contrary to previous assumptions, obviously not significantly impacted by the base's drinking water extraction. Filter sections of the production wells 1-A and 1-C start at 10.3 m (33.8 ft) bgs exploiting Aquifer 2 and may catch some Aquifer 1 waters.

In the past, several hydrogeological tests were conducted to investigate the aquifer properties:

2003: Simultaneous 72-hour pump tests at wells W-2, W-3 and W-5 with flow rates of 6.7, 8.4, and 15.8 liter per second (L/s), respectively, and drawdown monitoring at up to nine piezometers.

2002: The URS 2002 report contains information derived from a pump test performed on supply well 1B, with an estimated permeability of 7 meters per day (m/d) (8.1x10-5 meter per second [m/s]).

1999: Pump test at Well R1 with an estimated permeability of 16 m/d and slug tests at MW6 and MW8, with permeabilities ranging from 0.11 to 0.82 m/d (1.3-9.5x10-6 m/s).