Attachment_6_-_Environmental_Assessment_for_East_Housing_Area_Solar_Energy_Project_Vandenberg_Air_Force_Base _CA.pdf

Final

Environmental Assessment for

East Housing Area Solar Energy Project

Vandenberg Air Force Base California

July 2014

Final Environmental Assessment for

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Prepared for:

30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management Flight (30 CES/CEI) 1028 Iceland Avenue

Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

Prepared by:

URS Group, Inc.

2625 South Miller, Suite 104

Santa Maria, CA 93455

July 2014

This page intentionally left blank.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

This Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), was prepared per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S. Code 4321 et seq., implementing Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations, 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1500-1508, and 32 CFR Part 989, Environmental Impact Analysis Process.

This FONSI hereby incorporates by reference and attaches hereto the Environmental Assessment, East Housing Area Solar Energy Project, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California (2014). This Environmental Assessment (EA) considered all potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action and the No-Action Alternative, in addition to cumulative impacts, and identified measures to avoid and/or minimize environmental impacts.

PROPOSED ACTION

The Proposed Action (Alternative A) is a Federal project on Federal land that was developed based on the purpose, need, and selection criteria discussed in Chapter 1 and 2 of the attached EA. After evaluating eight renewable energy technologies and seven solar site locations, no other feasible action alternatives were identified that would meet the Project’s purpose and need.

The Proposed Action hereinafter “Project” includes leasing land to and entering into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a private developer who would design, construct, operate and maintain an unmanned photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facility at the former East Housing Area (EHA) on and for the benefit of Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB). The portion of the EHA selected for the Proposed Action is approximately 182 acres in size, was cleared of buildings and structures, is mostly graded, and has few environmental constraints. The EHA exhibits topographic and other locational characteristics needed for cost-effective renewable energy generation, including existing on-site presence of key infrastructure (e.g., roads, power lines, water). The Project is projected to provide almost 25 percent of VAFB’s electrical energy and is not expected to export energy to PG&E’s distribution system. The Project is designed to have a useful life of 20 to 30 years, although the life span could be extended by upgrades and refurbishments. The Project is expected to be operational in 2016.

NO-ACTION

Under the No-Action (Alternative B), the proposed project would not be developed at the former EHA. Based on the VAFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the EHA being developed as a business park or for other commercial uses that can be expected to have environmental impacts similar to or greater than the Proposed Action. Under the No-Action Alternative, VAFB could do the following:

Continue to purchase electricity from PG&E and be exposed to expected but unknown increases in energy costs;

Choose to develop other renewable energy sources and sites, which are likely to be more costly and have environmental impacts similar to or greater than the Proposed Action; or

Purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs), which, unlike the Proposed Action, would not protect the Base from unanticipated increases in energy costs.

The No-Action Alternative would not meet the project’s purpose and need; however, it was analyzed in the EA as required by NEPA.

Executive Summary

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project ES-1 Vandenberg Air Force Base

Executive Summary

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, and the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) regulations, this Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with constructing, operating and maintaining (O&M) a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy facility to provide electricity to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in Santa Barbara County, California. The NEPA of 1969, as amended, and CEQ regulations require lead agencies to evaluate the potential impacts of major federal actions on the surrounding environment. The USAF is the lead agency.

Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to provide approximately 25 percent of VAFB’s electrical power needs from a cost-effective renewable energy source.

The Proposed Action is needed to help comply with 10 US Code § 2911 Energy Performance Goals and Master Plan for the Department of Defense (DoD) that states that it shall be DoD’s goal to produce or procure no less than 25 percent of its facility energy needs from renewable energy sources by the year 2025 (10 USC 2911) Title II, Subtitle A, Sec. 203).

The Proposed Action is part of the Air Force’s plan to achieve a "Net Zero" posture for installation energy, water and waste, as detailed in the Air Force “Net Zero” Energy, Water, and Waste Policy memorandum dated June 23, 2012 (see Appendix D). The project is also needed to help control the Base’s electrical energy costs, which have risen by approximately 40 percent since 2006.

Description of Alternative A (Proposed Action)

The Proposed Action is a Federal project on Federal land that includes leasing land to and entering into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a private developer who would design, construct, operate and maintain an unmanned PV solar energy facility at the former East Housing Area (EHA) on VAFB.

The Proposed Action will serve the Base’s energy needs and is not expected to export energy to PG&E’s distribution system. The Project is designed to have a useful life of 20 to 30 years, although the life span could be extended by upgrades and refurbishments.

The Proposed Action includes environmental protection measures and minimization that would be implemented to avoid and minimize adverse impacts.

Description of Alternative B (No–Action Alternative)

Under the No-Action Alternative, the proposed solar project would not be developed at this location. Based on the VAFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the EHA being developed as a business park or for other commercial uses. Under the No-Action Alternative, the Base would need to develop another site or other source of renewable energy if it were to meet the need. Impacts from developing another site or source could result in environmental impacts similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending upon location. Environmental protection and minimization measures similar to those identified for the Proposed Action would also be implemented under the No-Action Alternative.

Preferred Alternative

Alternative A is the preferred alternative because it is the only alternative that fulfills

ES-2 Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project Vandenberg Air Force Base the purpose and need for the Proposed Action.

Alternatives Considered but Eliminated

As part of the Air Force’s decision-making process, a number of alternative energy sources and alternative solar sites were considered but not carried forward for detailed analysis as they were determined infeasible because they do not meet the project purpose and need, and would not minimize environmental impacts compared to the Proposed Action. Alternative renewable energy sources considered but rejected based on costs, schedule, mission and/or environmental constraints include wind, wave, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas capture, concentrated solar, and rooftop solar. Seven alternative site locations for the Proposed Action were considered and rejected based on a consideration of costs, schedule, mission constraints, environmental constraints and other site selection criteria described in Section 2.1 of this EA.

Resource Areas Evaluated

The resources analyzed in this EA include:

air quality; biological resources; cultural resources; geology and earth resources;

land use and coastal zone resources; noise;

public health and safety; transportation;

visual resources and water resources.

Summary of Environmental Impacts

The environmental consequences associated with implementation of the Proposed Action and alternatives are presented and compared in Table ES-1. For a detailed description and analysis, refer to Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences.

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project ES-3 Vandenberg Air Force Base

Table ES-1. Summary of Potential Environmental Consequences

Resource Alternative A (Proposed Action) Alternative B (No-Action Alternative) Air Quality Proposed emissions associated with construction activities would not exceed the significance thresholds for criteria pollutants or greenhouse gases. O&M activities would consist of a few trips per year. The solar project would reduce emissions of criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases over its lifetime compared to a traditional fossil fuel-based electrical generating system. This is an overall beneficial effect. Therefore, the Proposed Action would not have adverse impacts on air quality.

Based on the V AFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the EHA being developed as a business park or other commercial uses. Such a development, which would attract workers and consumers, can be expected to have environmental impacts greater than the Proposed Action as a result of greater vehicle emissions.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case air quality impacts can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

The No-Action Alternative may also result in no development of a renewable energy source on the Base. Under this scenario, there would be no air quality benefits because the Base would continue to rely on existing electricity sources that for the most part rely on traditional fossil-fuels.

Biological Resources

The Proposed Action would be constructed on a highly degraded site that was formerly a residential neighborhood. The Proposed Action would avoid impacts to listed species; however direct and/or indirect effects may occur to other biological resources. Wetlands and non-wetland waters of the U.S. are not present within the site and indirect effects off-site would be avoided. Possible short-term and long-term effects of the Proposed Action include: soil erosion and sedimentation in adjacent and downstream habitats; displacement of sensitive habitat for rare species due to dispersal of non-native invasive plant species from the project site; possible removal of at least 16 coast live oak trees; possible removal of 4 acres of degraded Burton Mesa chaparral and 0.11 acre of arroyo willow thicket if the site were completely disturbed; night lighting that could disrupt wildlife activity in adjacent habitat areas;

bird mortality due to physical appearance of the array of solar panels; dust and noise during construction;

and loss of foraging habitat for loggerhead shrike.

Specific environmental protection measures listed in Section 4.2 would be implemented to reduce all impacts to acceptable limits.

Development of the site with a business park or other commercial uses can be expected to have impacts to biological resources similar to or greater than the Proposed Action.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case biological resource impacts can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

Cultural Resources

The proposed solar site was previously surveyed; two cultural resources are present within the Area of Potential Effect (APE): CA-SBA-3270 and CA-SBA- 3487. CA-SBA-3270 has not been evaluated for eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places and will be assumed eligible for the purposes of this project only and protected with temporary exclusionary fencing to keep vehicles and equipment from inadvertently entering site boundaries. CA-SBA- 3487 was determined ineligible for the Register by consensus determination.

In the event previously undocumented cultural resources are discovered during construction activities, environmental protection measures listed in Section 4.3 would minimize impacts on any undiscovered eligible sites within the project area.

Not constructing and operating the solar site would avoid affecting historic properties.

Development of the site as a business park or for other commercial uses would require assessment of effect based on the details of the specific development plan. The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case cultural resource impacts can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

ES-4 Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project

Resource Alternative A (Proposed Action) Alternative B (No-Action Alternative) Geology and Earth Resources

With the use of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and implementation of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), adverse impacts to geology and earth resources would not occur.

Development of the site with a business park or other commercial uses can be expected to have impacts to geology and earth resources, similar to or greater than the Proposed Action.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case impacts to geology and earth resources also can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

Land Use The Proposed Action is consistent with the Base’s General Plan and would have no land use impacts.

The site is more than 6 miles from the coast and the Proposed Action would not impact coastal resources.

Based on the AFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the EHA being developed as a business park or other commercial uses. Such a result would be consistent with the General Plan and compatible with adjacent land uses (Commercial/Services).

Therefore, the No-Action Alternative would have no impacts on land use and coastal zone resources.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case land use impacts can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

Noise Implementation of the Proposed Action would temporarily increase noise in the project vicinity due to construction activities. Construction activities could result in substantial increases of ambient sound above existing conditions. However, during construction, environmental protection measures listed in Section 4.6 would be implemented to reduce noise at the schools to acceptable limits.

Noise generated from normal operation of the PV solar facility and its routine maintenance activities would not substantially differ from sound sources that contribute to the existing noise environment near the project vicinity. No environmental protection measures are proposed for operations and maintenance as the project will not result in an adverse change in existing conditions.

Noise impacts thus would be temporary and reduced to acceptable limits.

Based on the VAFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the East Housing Area being developed as a business park or other commercial uses. Such development would require more workers and attract consumers that can be expected to have noise impacts greater than the Proposed Action.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case noise impacts can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

Public Health and Safety

Proposed construction activities would require the use of typical hazardous materials found at most construction projects; however, compliance with all applicable federal, state and local rules during proposed activities would minimize the potential for adverse effects. All relevant Air Force regulations would be specified in construction contractor contracts and implemented with standard BMPs and environmental protection measures listed in Section

4.7. Therefore, adverse impacts on public health and

safety would not occur.

Based on the VAFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the EHA being developed as a business park or other commercial uses. If such uses were developed, impacts to public health and safety can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case impacts to public health and safety can be expected to be similar to the Proposed Action.

Any development under the No-action Alternative would be subject to the same compliance requirements and environmental protection measures as the Proposed Action and thus adverse effects on public health and safety should not occur.

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project ES-5 Vandenberg Air Force Base

Resource Alternative A (Proposed Action) Alternative B (No-Action Alternative) Transportation Implementation of the Proposed Action would temporarily affect the local roadway network during project construction. However, during construction specific environmental protection measures listed in Section 4.8 would be implemented to reduce traffic impacts to acceptable limits during construction.

Increases in traffic volumes would be temporary and no long-term impacts to the regional transportation network would occur. Proposed operations and maintenance activities at the unmanned solar facility would only involve periodic visits by a small number of people that would not substantially increase traffic volumes or affect circulation patterns within the Base.

Therefore, adverse impacts to transportation would not occur.

Development of a business park or commercial development, which would attract more workers and consumers, can be expected to have environmental impacts greater than the Proposed Action.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case transportation impacts can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

Visual Resources

No important or designated scenic resources are present. The proposed facility would not be visible from most areas within a 2-mile perimeter of the project site. The site is highly disturbed from previous development and contains no unique visual features.

Much of the site when viewed from State Route 1 (SR-1) is largely screened by large windrows of mature trees. Some viewers at some locations at the school sites and some travelers on nearby roadways will have views of the project and some may consider the visual change as adverse since the project will remove mature trees from the interior of the site and introduce industrial elements. Some large trees along SR-1 may be removed if needed to improve solar exposure. Replacing such trees with lower-growing native vegetation would screen the project to some extent, from motorists and thus would reduce adverse effects.

Lighting will be directed downward and shielded to focus illumination on desired areas. The Proposed Action includes non-reflective PV solar module arrays and no substantial changes in light and glare would result.

Overall, there would be a change in visual setting but no important or designated scenic resources would be affected.

Based on the VAFB General Plan, the No-Action Alternative might result in the EHA being developed as a business park or other commercial uses. In terms of mass, height and lighting, commercial developments constructed at the site pursuant to the VAFB General Plan can be expected to be more noticeable than the Proposed Action and some may find the change in visual characteristics adverse although such developments would not result in any effect on important or designated scenic resources.

The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case impacts to visual resources can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location.

Water Resources

Proposed grading and construction activities would result in temporary soil disturbance, thus increasing the potential for short-term erosion within the immediate area. No surface water bodies are present but an existing storm drain is located along the site’s southwestern border parallel to SR-1. The project design would be required to match predevelopment hydrology. Implementation of a SWPPP and standard BMPs during construction and operations would ensure the Proposed Action would not result in adverse impacts to water resources.

Development of a business park or other commercial uses, which would attract workers and/or consumers, can be expected to have impacts to water resources that are potentially greater than the Proposed Action. The Base may also develop renewable energy sources at other sites, in which case impacts to water resources can be expected to be similar to or greater than the Proposed Action, depending on location. However, implementation of environmental protection measures, BMPs, and other standard design features can be expected to avoid and reduce potential adverse effects to acceptable levels.

ES-6 Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project

Table of Contents

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project i Vandenberg Air Force Base

Table of Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... ES-1 Acronyms and Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. v Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action ........................................................... 1-1

1.1 Purpose of the Proposed Action ............................................................................. 1-1

1.2 Need for the Proposed Action .................................................................................. 1-1

1.3 Project Location ...................................................................................................... 1-1

1.4 Legal Requirements ................................................................................................ 1-1

1.5 Interagency Coordination and Consultation ............................................................ 1-5

1.6 Objectives of the Environmental Assessment ......................................................... 1-5

Chapter 2. Proposed Action and Alternatives ........................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Selection Criteria for Alternatives............................................................................ 2-1

2.2 Alternative A: Proposed Action (Preferred Alternative) ........................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Project Site ................................................................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 Project Design and Construction ............................................................... 2-5

2.2.3 Operations/Maintenance ........................................................................... 2-6

2.3 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................................ 2-6

2.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 2-7

2.5 Other Alternatives Considered ................................................................................ 2-7

2.5.1 Alternative Energy Sources ....................................................................... 2-7

2.5.2 Alternative Sites ......................................................................................... 2-9

2.6 Preferred Alternative ............................................................................................. 2-10 Chapter 3. Affected Environment ............................................................................................. 3-1

3.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Regional Setting ........................................................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases .................................................. 3-3

3.2 Biological Resources .............................................................................................. 3-4

3.2.1 Vegetation ................................................................................................. 3-4

3.2.2 Botanical Resources .................................................................................. 3-8

3.2.3 Wildlife Resources ..................................................................................... 3-8

3.2.4 Special Status Species Documented in the Project Vicinity ...................... 3-9

3.2.5 Wetlands .................................................................................................. 3-10

3.2.6 Bird Nests ................................................................................................ 3-10

3.3 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................... 3-10

3.3.1 Area of Potential Effects .......................................................................... 3-10

3.3.2 Cultural Resources within the Project Area ............................................. 3-10

3.4 Geology and Earth Resources .............................................................................. 3-11

3.4.1 Soils ......................................................................................................... 3-11

3.4.2 Faulting and Seismicity ............................................................................ 3-12

3.4.3 Geologic Hazards .................................................................................... 3-12

3.5 Land Use and Coastal Zone Resources ............................................................... 3-12

3.6 Noise ..................................................................................................................... 3-13

3.6.1 Noise Characteristics ............................................................................... 3-13

3.6.2 Sound Level and Frequency .................................................................... 3-15

3.6.3 Noise Descriptors .................................................................................... 3-15

3.6.4 Human Response to Noise ...................................................................... 3-16

3.6.5 Noise Sensitive Receptors ...................................................................... 3-16

3.6.6 Existing Noise Sources ............................................................................ 3-16

3.7 Public Health and Safety ...................................................................................... 3-16 ii Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project Vandenberg Air Force Base

3.7.1 Hazardous Materials Management .......................................................... 3-17

3.7.2 Hazardous Waste Management .............................................................. 3-17

3.7.3 Installation Restoration Program ............................................................. 3-17

3.7.4 Unexploded Ordnance ............................................................................. 3-18

3.8 Transportation ....................................................................................................... 3-18

3.8.1 Roadway Operation ................................................................................. 3-18

3.9 Visual Resources .................................................................................................. 3-21

3.9.1 Visual Quality ........................................................................................... 3-22

3.9.2 Glare ........................................................................................................ 3-22

3.10 Water Resources .................................................................................................. 3-22

3.10.1 Surface Water .......................................................................................... 3-23

3.10.2 Groundwater ............................................................................................ 3-23

Chapter 4. Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 4-1

4.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action .................................................................. 4-1

4.1.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative .......................................................... 4-5

4.2 Biological Resources .............................................................................................. 4-5

4.2.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action .................................................................. 4-5

4.2.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-10

4.3 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................... 4-10

4.3.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-10

4.3.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-11

4.4 Geology and Earth Resources .............................................................................. 4-11

4.4.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-11

4.4.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-12

4.5 Land Use and Coastal Zone Resources ............................................................... 4-12

4.5.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-12

4.5.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-13

4.6 Noise ..................................................................................................................... 4-13

4.6.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-13

4.6.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-15

4.7 Public Health and Safety ...................................................................................... 4-15

4.7.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-15

4.7.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-17

4.8 Transportation ....................................................................................................... 4-17

4.8.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-17

4.8.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-18

4.9 Visual Resources .................................................................................................. 4-18

4.9.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-18

4.9.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-22

4.10 Water Resources .................................................................................................. 4-22

4.10.1 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-22

4.10.2 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-24

4.11 Cumulative Impacts .............................................................................................. 4-25

4.11.1 Projects Considered in the Cumulative Analysis ..................................... 4-25

4.11.2 Alternative A: Proposed Action ................................................................ 4-26

4.11.3 Alternative B: No-Action Alternative ........................................................ 4-29

Chapter 5. List of Preparers ..................................................................................................... 5-1 Chapter 6. List of Agencies, Organizations, and Persons Contacted ....................................... 6-1 Chapter 7. References ............................................................................................................. 7-1

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project iii Vandenberg Air Force Base

Appendices

A Air Quality Emissions Calculations B Biological Survey Report for the Solar Photovoltaic Project at East Housing Area, Vandenberg Air Force Base (including Wetland Delineation forms) C Consultations D “Net Zero” Energy, Water, and Waste Policy E Public Comment Process

List of Figures

Figure 1-1. Project Region ........................................................................................................ 1-2 Figure 1-2. Project Location ...................................................................................................... 1-3 Figure 2-1. East Housing Area Solar Project ............................................................................ 2-3 Figure 2-2. East Housing Area Solar Project Detail .................................................................. 2-4 Figure 3.2-1. Biological Resources in the Study Area .............................................................. 3-5 Figure 3.5-1. Future Land Use Map in the Cantonment Area, Vandenberg AFB ................... 3-14 Figure 3.8-1. Regional Transportation Map ............................................................................ 3-19 Figure 3.8-2. Local Transportation Map .................................................................................. 3-20 Figure 3.10-1. Project Site Drainage Features ....................................................................... 3-24 Figure 4.9-1. Project Viewshed Map ....................................................................................... 4-20 Figure 4.9-2. Project Viewshed Map Detail ............................................................................. 4-21

List of Tables

Table ES-1. Summary of Potential Environmental Consequences Table 2.5.1. Summary of Alternative Energy Sources and Constraints .................................... 2-7 Table 2.5-2. Summary of Alternative Solar Site Locations and Constraints .............................. 2-9 Table 3.1-1. Santa Barbara County Attainment/Nonattainment Classification Summary

2013 ............................................................................................................................ 3-2 Table 3.1-2. Ambient Air Quality at VAFB ................................................................................. 3-3 Table 3.2-1. Vegetation ............................................................................................................. 3-4 Table 3.2-2. Special Status Plant Species Observed within the Study Area ............................ 3-8 Table 3.2-3. Special Status Wildlife Observed within the Study Area ....................................... 3-9 Table 3.6-1. Definitions of Acoustical Terms .......................................................................... 3-13 Table 3.6-2. Typical Noise Levels in the Environment ............................................................ 3-15 Table 4.1-1 Emissions Estimates for Construction Emissions under Alternative A .................. 4-2 Table 4.1-2 Annual Emissions estimates for Operational Emissions under Alternative A ........ 4-2 Table 4.2-1. Effects on Vegetation ............................................................................................ 4-6 Table 4.6-1: Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels .................................................... 4-13 Table 4.6-2. Predicted Construction Noise Levels at Two Nearest Noise-Sensitive

Receivers .................................................................................................................. 4-14 Table 4.11-1. Federal Projects ................................................................................................ 4-25 iv Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project v Vandenberg Air Force Base

Acronyms and Abbreviations

30 CES 30th Civil Engineer Squadron 30 CES/CEIEA 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management Flight, Natural

Resources Management 30 CES/CEIEC 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Civil Engineering Installation Management

Environmental Compliance 30 SW/SEW 30th Space Wing Safety-Weapon Safety 30 CES/CEI 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management Flight 30 CES/CEIEEC 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management, Environmental

Compliance Element 30 SW/SE 30 SW Safety Office 30 SWP 32-7043A Vandenberg AFB Hazardous Waste Management Plan AB Assembly Bill AFB Air Force Base AFI Air Force Instruction AOC Area of Concern AOI Area of Interest ATC Authority to Construct Basin Plan Central Coast Water Quality Control Plan BMP Best Management Practice CAA Clean Air Act CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards CalEEMod California Emissions Estimator Model CalEPA California Environmental Protection Act CAP Collection Accumulation Point CAPCOA California Air Pollution Control Officers Association CARB California Air Resources Board CCR California Code of Regulations CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CDMG California Division of Mines and Geology CEQ Environmental Quality CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CGS California Geological Survey CH4 Methane CO Carbon Monoxide CO2 Carbon Dioxide CO2e Carbon Dioxide Equivalent CWA Clean Water Act CY calendar year CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act dB Decibel dBA A-Weighted Sound Level DoD Department of Defense EA Environmental Assessment EISA Energy Independence and Security Act EESOH-MIS Enterprise Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Information

Management System e-GGRT Electronic GHG reporting tool vi Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project Vandenberg Air Force Base

EO Executive Order EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal EPM Environmental Protection Measures EPP Environmental Protection Plan ESA Endangered Species Act FHWA Federal Highway Administration Fisheries Service National Marine Fisheries Service FTA Federal Transit Administration GHG Greenhouse Gas GWP Global Warming Potential HazMart Vandenberg Hazardous Materials Pharmacy Hz Frequency IRP Installation Restoration Program kV Kilovolt Leq Equivalent Noise Level LOS Level of Service MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act mph Miles Per Hour MRR EPA Mandatory Reporting Rule MT Metric tons MW Mega Watts N2O Nitrous Oxide NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NCA Noise Control Act NDAA National Defense Authorization Act NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOX Nitrogen Oxides NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System O&M Operation and Maintenance O3 Ozone OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act PCBs Polychlorinated Biphenyls PM10 Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns in Diameter PM2.5 Particulate Matter Less Than 2.5 Microns in Diameter ppm Parts Per Million PTO Permit to Operate PV Photovoltaic ROG Reactive Organic Gases RWQCB Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board SAPs Authorized satellite accumulation points SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act SBCAPCD Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District SCCAB South Central Coast Air Basin SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer SIP State Implementation Plan SLC Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex SO2 Sulfur dioxide SR State Route SWP Space Wing Plan

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project vii Vandenberg Air Force Base

SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board TPH Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons USAF United States Air Force USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service UST Underground Storage Tank UXO Unexploded Ordnance VOC Volatile Organic Compound Western Range Western Test Range/Pacific Missile Range μg/m3 Micrograms per cubic meter viii Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project

Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project 1-1 Vandenberg Air Force Base

Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared per: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended; the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR §§ 1500-1508); and the Air Force’s supplemental NEPA regulations (32 CFR Part 989).

Specifically, this EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with constructing, operating and maintaining (O&M) a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy facility on Federal land to provide electricity to Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in Santa Barbara County, California. The United States Air Force (USAF) is the lead agency.

1.1 Purpose of the Proposed

Action

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to provide approximately 25 percent of VAFB’s electrical power needs from a cost effective renewable energy source.

1.2 Need for the Proposed Action

The Proposed Action is needed to help comply with 10 US Code § 2911 Energy Performance Goals and Master Plan for the Department of Defense (DoD) that states that it shall be DoD’s goal to produce or procure no less than 25 percent of its facility energy needs from renewable energy sources by the year 2025 ((10 USC 2911) Title II, Subtitle A, Sec. 203). A 20 megawatt (MW) solar facility would provide approximately 24.5 percent of VAFB’s current electrical energy needs.

The Proposed Action is part of the Air Force’s plan to achieve a "Net Zero" posture for installation energy, water and waste, as detailed in the Air Force “Net Zero” Energy, Water, and Waste Policy memorandum dated June 23, 2012 (Appendix D). A Net Zero Energy posture is defined as reducing energy demand, improving the assured availability of facility/process energy for mission-critical operations, and increasing generation of renewable energy to the greatest extent practicable in order to consume no more energy than is generated. The Air Force Net Zero policy supports and builds upon the sustainability goals and objectives already established in Executive Order (EO) 13514, "Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance," the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Air Force Energy Plan, the 2011 Air Force Implementation Plan for the DoD Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan, and the Air Force policy memorandum on Pollution Prevention, dated April 27, 2012. Further information about the Air Force Net Zero Plan may be found at http://www.afcec.af.mil/energy/ ratesandrenewables/index.asp.

The project is also needed to reduce the Base’s energy costs. Since 2006, electricity costs to the Base have risen approximately 40 percent (King 2014).

1.3 Project Location

VAFB is located on the south-central coast of California, approximately 55 miles northwest of Santa Barbara (Figure 1-1). The Base covers approximately 99,000 acres in western Santa Barbara County. The Santa Ynez River and State Route (SR) 246 divide VAFB into two distinct areas: north VAFB and south VAFB. The Proposed Action is located on north VAFB adjacent to the Main Gate near the intersection of State Route 1 (SR-1) and California Boulevard. The Proposed Action is located outside the Base’s secured perimeter and is located on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Surf and Casmalia 7.5 minute topographic quadrangles (Figure 1-2).

1.4 Legal Requirements

A critical component of preparing this EA is a thorough identification of all environmental laws, regulations, and directives that may apply to the Proposed Action and alternatives.

1-2 Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project

Figure 1-1. Project Region

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project 1-3

Figure 1-2. Project Location

1-4 Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project Vandenberg Air Force Base

Federal Laws and Regulations

American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] 1996) Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 469a et seq.)

Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa-mm), Supplemental Regulations of 1984 Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.)

Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.)

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601-9675), Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451-1464) Energy Independence and Security Act of 2009 (EISA) Energy Policy Act of 1992 as amended (42 U.S.C. 8256 et seq.)

Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)

EO 11990-Protection of Wetlands EO 12088, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards EO 12898--Environmental Justice EO 13045 - Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks EO 13112—Invasive Species EO 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management EO 13432— Cooperation Among Agencies in Protecting the Environment with Respect to Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles, Nonroad Vehicles, and Nonroad Engines EO 13514--Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918 as amended (16 U.S.C. 703-712) NEPA of 1969 as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.)

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (25 U.S.C. 3001-3013) Noise Control Act (NCA) of 1972 (42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq.)

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 659-678) Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13101-13109) Presidential Memorandum on Federal Leadership on Energy Management (5 Dec 2013) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.)

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (42 U.S.C. 9601-9675) Title II of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.)

10 US Code § 2911 Energy Performance Goals and Master Plan for the Department of Defense

State Laws and Regulations

California Coastal Act of 1976 California Clean Air Act of 1988 Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act California Endangered Species Act California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, California Assembly Bill (AB) 939

The Air Force determined that the following licenses, permits, and/or other authorizations are required for the implementation of the Proposed Action (Alternative A):

Issuance of real property authorization by VAFB to the private contractor to conduct, operate, and maintain the facility on behalf of VAFB;

Permits for use of equipment used in the construction and/or operation of the solar facility if equipment is not registered in the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) (see Section 4.1);

EISA Section 438. A Maximum Extent Technically Feasible Determination will be submitted as part of the design to 30 CES/CEIEC (See Section 4.9);

A Notice of Intent to comply with the California National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction General Permit (Order No. 2009-0009-DWQ); and

A discharge-to-grade form for panel washing will be submitted for approval to 30 CES/CEIEC (see Section 4.9).

Environmental Assessment for the East Housing Area Solar Energy Project 1-5 Vandenberg Air Force Base

1.5 Interagency Coordination

and Consultation

The Proposed Action is a federal undertaking subject to compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA. VAFB initiated consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) under 36 CFR Part 800. VAFB determined that the Proposed Action would have no adverse effect to any properties listed in or potentially listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The SHPO has concurred with VAFB’s determination of no adverse effect to historic properties and has confirmed that both CA-SBA-3270 and CA-SBA-3487 were previously determined ineligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places by the SHPO (see Appendix C). At this time no changes to the environmental protection measures in Section 4.3 have been made; however, future discussion with the SHPO and consulting tribes may result in modification to those measures if determined to be unnecessary.

VAFB determined that the Proposed Action will not affect threatened or endangered species or their designated critical habitat and therefore consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service per Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act is not required.

1.6 Objectives of the

Environmental Assessment

This EA describes the affected environment, environmental consequences of the Proposed Action and No-Action Alternative, and identifies measures to prevent or minimize environmental impacts.