Appendix_7_-_Beale_AFB_New_Constr._ _Demo._Final_Env._Assessment.pdf

FINAL

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

ADDRESSING

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION AT

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

APRIL 2014

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

µg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter

9 CES/

CEAN

9th Civil Engineer Squadron/ Environmental Element

9 RW 9th Reconnaissance Wing

ABA Architectural Barriers Act

ACC Air Combat Command

ACM asbestos-containing material

AFB Air Force Base

AFI Air Force Instruction

AFOSH Air Force Occupational Environmental Safety, Fire Protection, and Health

AICUZ Air Installation Compatible Use Zone

AQCR Air Quality Control Region

BGEPA Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

BMP Best Management Practice

CAA Clean Air Act

CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standards

CARB California Air Resources Board

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CEQA California Environmental Quality Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide

CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent

CRWQCB California Regional Water Quality Control Board

CWA Clean Water Act dBA A-weighted decibels

DNL Day-Night Average Sound Level

DOD Department of Defense

DODD Department of Defense Directive

EA Environmental Assessment

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EMS Environmental Management System

EO Executive Order

EOD Explosive Ordnance Disposal

ERP Environmental Restoration Program

ESA Endangered Species Act

ESCP Erosion and Sediment Control Plan ft2 square feet

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map

FONPA Finding of No Practicable Alternative

FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact

FR Federal Register

FRAQMD Feather River Air Quality Management District

FY fiscal year

GHG greenhouse gas

HAP Hazardous Air Pollutant

HMMP Hazardous Materials Management Plan

HQ Headquarters

HWMP Hazardous Waste Management Plan

ICP Integrated Contingency Plan

ICRMP Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan

IICEP Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning

INRMP Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan

JPTS Jet Petroleum-Thermally Stable

LBP lead-based paint

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act

MCAQMD Mendocino County Air Quality Management District continued on inside of back cover continued from inside of front cover

MFH Military Family Housing mg/m3 milligrams per cubic meter mgd million gallons per day

MMRP Military Munitions Response Program

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

MSL mean sea level

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NO2 nitrogen dioxide

NOx nitrogen oxide

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NSR New Source Review

O3 ozone

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration

QD Quantity Distance

P2MAP Pollution Prevention Management Action Plan

PCB polychlorinated biphenyl

PBA Programmatic Biological Assessment

PBO Programmatic Biological Opinion pCi/L picocuries per liter

P.L. Public Law

PM10 particulate matter equal to or less than 10 microns in diameter

PM2.5 particulate matter equal to or less than 2.5 microns in diameter

POL petroleum, oils and lubricants ppb parts per billion

PPE Personal Protective Equipment ppm parts per million

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

SAMP Special Area Management Plan

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer

SIP State Implementation Plan

SO2 sulfur dioxide

SR State Route

SSPP Strategic Sustainability Performance Plan

SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

TLF Temporary Lodging Facility

TPH total petroleum hydrocarbon tpy tons per year

UFC Unified Facilities Criteria

URBEMIS Urban Emissions Model

U.S.C. United States Code

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USAF U.S. Air Force

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

UST Underground Storage Tank

UXO Unexploded Ordnance

VOC volatile organic compound

VQ Visitor’s Quarters

COVER SHEET

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

ADDRESSING NEW CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION AT BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA

Responsible Agencies: U.S. Air Force (USAF), Headquarters Air Combat Command (ACC), and Beale Air Force Base (AFB), California.

Affected Location: Beale AFB.

Proposed Action: Implementation of the following three projects at Beale AFB: Construct Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF), Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive, and Implement the Base Demolition Plan.

Report Designation: Final Environmental Assessment (EA)

Abstract: Beale AFB proposes to implement three projects to meet current and future improvements and maintenance requirements on the installation to support ongoing mission requirements. This EA is being prepared to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action and alternatives, including the No Action Alternative. For the Construct TLF project, Beale AFB proposes to construct adequate permanent facilities to provide short-term and temporary housing accommodations for military members and their dependents. For the Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive project, the existing bridges would be demolished and new bridges would be constructed in the same location.

Lastly, under the Implement Base Demolition Plan project, Beale AFB proposes to demolish Buildings 355, 1028, 2459, 5109, 5110, 5111, 5112, 5113, 5114, and 5116.

Construction of the TLF project requires consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) because the project is in the vicinity of threatened and endangered species habitat. The construction of the TLF project and the Replacement of Bridges 2710 and 2720 would occur in wetlands or vernal pools and therefore, requires a CWA Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Construction of the TLF project and replacement of Bridges 2710 and 2720 requires a Section 401 water quality certification by the CRWQCB, Central Valley Region.

Implementation of the Base Demolition Plan could affect historic properties, including structures, archaeological sites, and other facilities that are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and would require Section 106 consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer

(SHPO).

EO 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (6 November 2000), directs Federal agencies to coordinate and consult with Native American tribal governments whose interests might be directly and substantially affected by activities on federally administered lands. To comply with legal mandates, federally recognized tribes that are affiliated historically with the Beale AFB geographic region have been invited to consult on all proposed undertakings that have a potential to affect properties of cultural, historical, or religious significance to the tribes.

The analyses presented in this EA indicate that implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in significant environmental impacts; therefore, a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been prepared. Additionally, a Finding of No Practicable Alternative (FONPA) has been prepared for the bridge replacement project because construction is proposed in the 100-year floodplain. A FONPA has also been prepared for the TLF project as construction would occur in wetlands or vernal pools.

Resources considered in the impact analysis in this EA include: noise; land use and planning; air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; health and safety; geology and soils; hydrology, water resources, and water quality; biological resources; cultural resources; utilities, service systems, and infrastructure;

transportation and traffic; and hazardous materials and wastes.

FINAL

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

ADDRESSING

NEW CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION

AT

APRIL 2014

Final EA Addressing New Construction and Demolition

Beale AFB, CA April 2014 i

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

ADDRESSING NEW CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION

AT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ................................. INSIDE FRONT AND BACK COVERS

COVER SHEET

1. PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE ACTION ....................................................................... 1-1

1.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.2 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................................................ 1-2

1.2.1 Construct Temporary Lodging Facility ..................................................................... 1-2

1.2.2 Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive ....................................... 1-2

1.2.3 Implement the Base Demolition Plan ........................................................................ 1-6

1.3 SUMMARY OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................... 1-6

1.3.1 National Environmental Policy Act .......................................................................... 1-7

1.3.2 Integration of Other Environmental Statutes and Regulations .................................. 1-7

1.3.3 Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning

(IICEP), Native American Tribal Consultation, and Public Involvement ............... 1-10

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ............................ 2-1

2.1 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION ............................................................. 2-1

2.1.1 Construct Temporary Lodging Facility ..................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive ....................................... 2-5

2.1.3 Implement the Base Demolition Plan ...................................................................... 2-11

2.2 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE ................................................................................................... 2-13

2.2.1 Construct Temporary Lodging Facility ................................................................... 2-13

2.2.2 Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive ..................................... 2-14

2.2.3 Implement the Base Demolition Plan ...................................................................... 2-14

2.3 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED ANALYSIS ..................... 2-14

2.3.1 Construct Temporary Lodging Facility ................................................................... 2-14

2.3.2 Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive ..................................... 2-15

2.3.3 Implementation of the Base Demolition Plan ......................................................... 2-15

2.4 SUMMARY OF IMPACTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES ........................... 2-15

3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ................... 3-1

3.1 NOISE ...................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Definition of the Resource ........................................................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................... 3-3

3.1.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................... 3-3

3.1.4 Environmental Protection Measures ......................................................................... 3-8

3.2 LAND USE ............................................................................................................................... 3-8

3.2.1 Definition of the Resource ........................................................................................ 3-8

3.2.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................... 3-9

3.2.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-10

3.2.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-14

3.3 AIR QUALITY AND GHG EMISSIONS .................................................................................... 3-14

3.3.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-14 ii

3.3.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-17

3.3.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-17

3.3.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-27

3.4 HEALTH AND SAFETY ........................................................................................................... 3-28

3.4.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-28

3.4.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-29

3.4.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-30

3.4.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-36

3.5 GEOLOGY AND SOILS ........................................................................................................... 3-37

3.5.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-37

3.5.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-37

3.5.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-40

3.5.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-44

3.6 WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................................. 3-44

3.6.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-44

3.6.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-46

3.6.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-47

3.6.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-58

3.7 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ..................................................................................................... 3-60

3.7.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-60

3.7.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-61

3.7.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-66

3.7.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-80

3.8 CULTURAL RESOURCES ........................................................................................................ 3-84

3.8.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-84

3.8.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-84

3.8.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-86

3.8.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-89

3.9 UTILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................................................ 3-89

3.9.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-89

3.9.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-90

3.9.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-91

3.9.4 Environmental Protection Measures ....................................................................... 3-95

3.10 TRANSPORTATION ................................................................................................................ 3-95

3.10.1 Definition of the Resource ...................................................................................... 3-95

3.10.2 Existing Conditions ................................................................................................. 3-95

3.10.3 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................. 3-96

3.10.4 Environmental Protection Measures ..................................................................... 3-100

3.11 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE............................................................................... 3-100

3.11.1 Definition of the Resource .................................................................................... 3-100

3.11.2 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................... 3-101

3.11.3 Environmental Consequences ............................................................................... 3-105

3.11.4 Environmental Protection Measures ..................................................................... 3-111

4. CUMULATIVE AND OTHER EFFECTS .................................................................................. 4-1

4.1 CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ........................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Projects Identified With the Potential for Cumulative Effects .................................. 4-1

4.1.2 Cumulative Effects Analysis ..................................................................................... 4-3

4.2 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE EFFECTS ........................................................................................ 4-3 iii

4.3 COMPATIBILITY OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF

FEDERAL, REGIONAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAND USE PLANS, POLICIES, AND

CONTROLS .............................................................................................................................. 4-3

4.4 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SHORT-TERM USE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND LONG-

TERM PRODUCTIVITY ............................................................................................................. 4-3

4.5 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES ..................................... 4-9

5. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 5-1

6. LIST OF PREPARERS ................................................................................................................. 6-1

APPENDICES

A. Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning, Native American Tribal Consultation, and Public Involvement Correspondence

B. Summary of Air Emissions Calculations

C. Documentation of NRHP Eligibility Evaluations, SHPO Concurrence, and Memorandums of Agreement for the Proposed Action

D. Documentation of USFWS Consultation Evaluations and Not Likely to Adversely Affect Letters

FIGURES

1-1. Beale AFB and Surrounding Area ..................................................................................................... 1-3 1-2. Map of Beale AFB and Proposed Project Areas ................................................................................ 1-5 2-1. Construct Temporary Lodging Facility ............................................................................................. 2-3 2-2. Proposed Site Layout for Temporary Lodging Facility ..................................................................... 2-4 2-3. Replace Bridge 2710 Along Gavin Mandery Drive: Proposed Action .............................................. 2-6 2-4. Replace Bridge 2720 Along Gavin Mandery Drive: Proposed Action ............................................. 2-7 2-5. Replace Bridge 2710 Along Gavin Mandery Drive: Alternative 1 .................................................. 2-9 2-6. Replace Bridge 2720 Along Gavin Mandery Drive: Alternative 1 ................................................ 2-10 2-7. Buildings on Beale AFB Proposed for Demolition Under the Base Demolition Plan .................... 2-12 3-1. Aircraft Operations Related Noise Contours at Beale AFB .............................................................. 3-5 3-2. Land Uses at Beale AFB.................................................................................................................. 3-11 3-3. Environmental Restoration Program Sites at Beale AFB ................................................................ 3-31 3-4. Soils at Beale AFB .......................................................................................................................... 3-39 3-5. Water Features and Floodplains: Temporary Lodging Facility ....................................................... 3-49 3-6. Water Features and Floodplains: Proposed Action Replace Bridge 2710 ....................................... 3-52 3-7. Water Features and Floodplains: Proposed Action Replace Bridge 2720 ....................................... 3-53 3-8. Water Features and Floodplains: Alternative 1 Replace Bridge 2710 ............................................. 3-55 3-9. Water Features and Floodplains: Alternative 1 Replace Bridge 2720 ............................................. 3-56 3-10. Water Features and Floodplains: Base Demolition Plan ............................................................... 3-59 3-11. Biological Resources: Construction of the TLF ............................................................................ 3-69 3-12. Biological Resources: Proposed Action Replace Bridge 2710 ...................................................... 3-71 3-13. Biological Resources: Proposed Action Replace Bridge 2720 ...................................................... 3-72 3-14. Biological Resources: Alternative 1 Replace Bridge 2710 ........................................................... 3-74 3-15. Biological Resources: Alternative 1 Replace Bridge 2720 ........................................................... 3-75 3-16. Biological Resources: Base Demolition Plan ................................................................................ 3-78 iv

TABLES

1-1. Listing of Applicable Statutes and Regulations ................................................................................. 1-8 2-1. Estimated Area of Disturbance from Construction of the Temporary Lodging Facility ................... 2-2 2-2. Condition of Bridges Proposed for Replacement under the Proposed Action ................................... 2-5 2-3. Condition of Bridges Proposed for Replacement under Alternative 1 .............................................. 2-8 2-4. Buildings Proposed for Demolition at Beale AFB .......................................................................... 2-13 2-5. Summary of Environmental Impacts ............................................................................................... 2-17 2-6. Best Management Practices and Environmental Protection Measures ............................................ 2-19 3-1. Sound Levels and Human Response .................................................................................................. 3-1 3-2. Predicted Noise Levels for Construction Equipment ........................................................................ 3-3 3-3. Estimated Noise Levels from Construction and Demolition Activities ............................................. 3-4 3-4. Land Use Categories Associated with the Proposed Action and Alternatives ................................ 3-10 3-5. National and State Ambient Air Quality Standards ......................................................................... 3-15 3-6. Conformity de minimis Emissions Thresholds ................................................................................ 3-19 3-7. FRAQMD Significance Thresholds ................................................................................................ 3-19 3-8. Emissions Resulting from Constructing TLF FY 2015: Proposed Action ..................................... 3-22 3-9. Emissions Resulting from Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 FY 2014: Proposed Action ................ 3-23 3-10. Emissions Resulting from Bridge 2710 and 2720 Replacement FY 2014: Alternative 1 ............. 3-25 3-11. Emissions Resulting from Implement the Base Demolition Plan, FY 2015: Proposed

Action ............................................................................................................................................. 3-26 3-12. Federal- and State-listed Species with the Potential to Occur in the Areas of the Proposed

Projects and Alternatives ................................................................................................................ 3-63 3-13. Summary of Impacts on Biological Resources for the Construction of a Temporary

Lodging Facility ............................................................................................................................. 3-67 3-14. Summary of Impacts on Biological Resources for Replacement of Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive ............................................................................................................... 3-70 3-15. Summary of Impacts on Biological Resources Associated with Alternative 1 ............................. 3-73 3-16. Summary of Impacts on Biological Resources for the Implementation of the Base

Demolition Plan Projects ................................................................................................................ 3-79 3-17. NRHP Eligibility Status of Structures Proposed for Demolition at Beale AFBError! Bookmark not defined.

4-1. Cumulative Effects on Resource Areas at Beale AFB ...................................................................... 4-4

Beale AFB, CA March 2014 1-1

1. Purpose of and Need for the Action

This Environmental Assessment (EA) describes Beale Air Force Base’s (AFB) proposal to implement three projects at Beale AFB, California. The three projects to be evaluated in this EA are as follows:

Construct Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF) Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive Implement the Base Demolition Plan.

The objective of this EA is to disclose and analyze the potential for environmental impacts from implementation of the proposed projects, which include development projects and long-term, mission-based actions at Beale AFB in accordance with Beale AFB’s General Plan (Beale AFB 2008).

This EA discusses direct, indirect, permanent, temporary, and cumulative impacts at or near project sites on resource areas including noise; land use and planning; air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; health and safety; geology and soils; hydrology, water resources, and water quality; biological resources; cultural resources; utilities, service systems, and infrastructure; transportation and traffic; and hazardous materials and wastes.

The collective analysis of all appropriate projects in a single EA will eliminate project fractionation and segmentation; facilitate coordination of land use planning; expedite project execution by using early planning; reduce installation, reviewing agency, and major command workloads; provide cost savings;

help better evaluate potential cumulative environmental impacts; assist in maintaining a baseline for future analysis; support strategic decisionmaking; encourage agency coordination; streamline the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process; and meet the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) Environmental Impact Analysis Process goals.

Individual projects analyzed in the EA should be considered independent of each other. Beale AFB might eventually choose to implement all, none, or any combination of these projects.

This section presents background information, the purpose of and need for the Proposed Action, and a summary of key environmental compliance requirements.

1.1 Background

Beale AFB is a USAF installation under the ACC. Beale AFB is the HQ of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing (9 RW). The 9 RW is responsible for providing national and theater command authorities with timely, reliable, high-quality, high-altitude reconnaissance products. To accomplish this mission, the wing is equipped with the nation’s fleet of U-2, RQ-4 Global Hawk, MC-12 Liberty reconnaissance, and T-38 jet trainer aircraft and associated support equipment. The wing also maintains a high state of readiness in its combat support and combat service support forces for potential deployment in response to theater contingencies. The 9 RW also provides support for Beale AFB, ranging from financial, personnel, housing, maintenance, legal, recreational, and medical needs to fire protection, chaplain services, and installation security (Beale AFB 2004).

Beale AFB is a 23,192-acre military installation in Yuba County, California, approximately 40 miles north of Sacramento, 13 miles east of Marysville, and 25 miles west of Grass Valley. The installation is located between the Yuba and Bear rivers in an area that characterizes the transition from the western Sacramento Valley east to the Sierra Nevada foothills (Beale AFB 2004) (see Figure 1-1). Figure 1-2 shows Beale AFB and the proposed project areas.

1-2

1.2 Purpose of and Need for the Proposed Action

The overall purpose of the Proposed Action is to complete construction and demolition projects at Beale AFB to ensure that future mission and facility requirements are met. The overall need for the Proposed Action is to sustain mission functions to meet ongoing installation and Department of Defense (DOD) mission requirements. The purpose of and need for each individual project included in the Proposed Action is discussed in the following paragraphs.

1.2.1 Construct Temporary Lodging Facility

The purpose of the TLF project is to create adequate permanent facilities to provide short-term and temporary housing accommodations for military members and their dependents. The project is needed to expand and replace outdated existing lodging facilities, which require major maintenance and repair to meet current standards and have insufficient capacity to handle projected personnel needs. In November 2011, Headquarters Air Force Services conducted a project validation assessment for the proposed TLF Facility (HQ AFSVA 2011). This analysis determined that the existing TLF would require extensive repair of their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, windows, and plumbing; kitchen and bathroom replacement; and fire suppression systems to meet Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), and DOD Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) standards. All of the existing TLF units are two-story units with stairs;

therefore, none of the existing units are compliant with DOD ABA standards. Furthermore, Beale AFB is frequently visited by personnel receiving training in support of intelligence operations. It is expected that the expansion of the installation’s missions would bring a significant number of additional personnel to Beale AFB over the next several years. These personnel would require lodging at Beale AFB’s TLF, and the existing facilities would be unable to accommodate all visitors.

1.2.2 Replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive

The purpose of this project is to replace Bridges 2710 and 2720 on Gavin Mandery Drive. A Sustainability Assessment performed in March 2012 assessing the condition of Beale AFB infrastructure determined that the bridges are in “unsatisfactory” condition. The project is needed because the condition of the bridges has deteriorated such that they pose a risk to human health and safety and could disrupt mission operations at Beale AFB. Bridge 2710 has been evaluated and determined to be in “critical” condition. Bridge 2720 has been evaluated and determined to be in “poor” condition. Because these bridges are in advanced stages of deterioration of primary structural elements they need to be replaced.

The allowable load on Bridge 2710 has been reduced from 18 tons to 3 tons. Bridge 2720 has also deteriorated and needs to be replaced to prevent further deterioration. The bridges have evidence of fatigue cracks in the steel and shear cracks in the concrete structures and scouring, which has weakened the substructure support. If these bridges continue to deteriorate, it might be necessary to close them until corrective action is taken, which could impact transportation access and cause delays in mission-support functions.

1-3

Figure 1-1. Beale AFB and Surrounding Area

1-4

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

1-5

Figure 1-2. Map of Beale AFB and Proposed Project Areas

1-6

1.2.3 Implement the Base Demolition Plan

The purpose of this project is to demolish Buildings 355, 1028, 2459, 5109, 5110, 5111, 5112, 5113, 5114, and 5116 on Beale AFB (Figure 1-2). These buildings have reached the end of their useable life and have been identified as excess, obsolete, under-sized, under-used, and deteriorating. Demolition would increase consolidation of mission-support functions, optimize space allocation and use, and promote other emerging initiatives. The USAF currently expends a disproportionate amount in both manpower and money to maintain and operate these facilities.

The need for the project is to comply with the USAF’s “20/20 by 2020” goal and Executive Order (EO) 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance. The “20/20 by 2020” term describes a major goal of USAF Civil Engineering to achieve offsetting efficiencies to ensure that installations remain capable of fulfilling USAF missions and at the same time reduce the amount of the physical plant that it spends money on by 20 percent by the year 2020. USAF Civil Engineering currently manages more infrastructure than is necessary and must focus limited time and funding on only the infrastructure needed to perform the USAF mission. To achieve this goal, the USAF must divert its resources away from excess, obsolete, and under-used infrastructure, and implement processes to increase consolidation and demolition, optimize space allocation and utilization, and promote other emerging initiatives. Therefore, HQ ACC has worked to align ACC’s consolidation/demolition plan with the 2009 through 2013 USAF Civil Engineer Strategic Plan to develop sustainable ACC installations by implementing asset management principles for built and natural assets. As a result of this alignment, the ACC’s target is to reduce the building footprint at Beale AFB by 500,000 square feet (ft2) by 2020 and thus reduce the manpower and money needed to maintain and operate these facilities.

1.3 Summary of Key Environmental Compliance Requirements

The proposed projects are subject to Federal environmental review requirements because Beale AFB proposes the use of Federal funds and requires a Federal approval action. Therefore, project documentation has been prepared in compliance with NEPA. A Section 401 water quality certification would also be required from the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB), Central Valley Region. This NEPA document will help facilitate the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements of the Section 401 water quality certification process.

The scope of this EA includes an evaluation of proposed projects that have the potential to impact the 100-year floodplain or wetlands. The projects that directly impact floodplain or wetland areas would require a Finding of No Practicable Alternative (FONPA) and approval from HQ ACC. Floodplain and wetland impacts would be reduced to the maximum extent practicable through project design and the implementation of environmental protection measures. In addition, appropriate permits would be obtained from applicable regulatory agencies to address impacts on wetland areas and to determine potential mitigation, if required.

This EA includes projects that could have a direct impact on historic properties. All projects that would impact properties listed in or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) are subject to the consultation requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966. Coordination under Section 106 would be completed as necessary for each project within the EA prior to a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) being signed.

1-7

1.3.1 National Environmental Policy Act

NEPA (42 United States Code [U.S.C.] Section 4321–4347) is a Federal statute requiring the identification and analysis of potential environmental impacts associated with proposed Federal actions before those actions are taken. The intent of NEPA is to help decisionmakers make well-informed decisions based on an understanding of the potential environmental consequences, and take actions to protect, restore, or enhance the environment. NEPA established the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) that was charged with the development of implementing regulations and ensuring Federal agency compliance with NEPA. The CEQ regulations mandate that all Federal agencies use a prescribed, structured approach to environmental impact analysis. This approach also requires Federal agencies to use an interdisciplinary and systematic approach in their decisionmaking process. This process evaluates potential environmental consequences associated with a proposed action and considers alternative courses of action.

The process for implementing NEPA is codified in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 1500–1508, Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. The CEQ regulations specify that an EA be prepared to provide evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare a FONSI or FONSI/FONPA, where a FONPA is appropriate, or whether the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary. The EA documents an agency’s compliance with NEPA when an EIS is unnecessary and facilitates preparation of an EIS when one is required.

Air Force Policy Directive 32-70, Environmental Quality, states that the USAF will comply with applicable Federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, including NEPA. The USAF’s implementing regulation for NEPA is Environmental Impact Analysis Process, 32 CFR Part 989, as amended.

1.3.2 Integration of Other Environmental Statutes and Regulations

To comply with NEPA, the planning and decisionmaking process for actions proposed by Federal and state agencies involves a study of other relevant environmental statutes and regulations. The NEPA process, however, does not replace procedural or substantive requirements of other environmental statutes and regulations. The USAF addresses them collectively in the form of an EA or EIS, which enables the decisionmaker to have a comprehensive view of major environmental issues and requirements associated with the Proposed Action. According to CEQ regulations, the requirements of NEPA can be integrated “with other planning and environmental review procedures required by law or by agency practice so that all such procedures run concurrently rather than consecutively.”

This EA examines potential effects of the Proposed Action and alternatives on 11 resource areas: noise;

land use and planning; air quality and GHG emissions; health and safety; geology and soils; hydrology, water resources, and water quality; biological resources; cultural resources; utilities, service systems, and infrastructure; transportation and traffic; and hazardous materials and wastes. These resources were identified as being potentially affected by the Proposed Action and include applicable elements of the human and natural environments that are prompted for review by EO, regulation, or policy. While not comprehensive, a list of potentially applicable laws, regulations, policies, and planning criteria is provided in Table 1-1.

Some environmental resources that are often analyzed in an EA have been omitted from the analysis in this EA. The basis for such exclusion is as follows:

Aesthetics/Visual Resources. The Proposed Action and alternatives do not involve any activities that would significantly alter the aesthetic qualities of the area or landscape. The Proposed Action would be

1-8 consistent with the current characteristic features of the area and landscape. Accordingly, Beale AFB has omitted detailed examination of visual/aesthetic resources in this EA.

Agriculture Resources. The Proposed Action and alternatives do not involve any activities that would conflict with existing agricultural uses. The Proposed Action and alternatives would not convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance to non-agricultural uses. Accordingly, Beale AFB has omitted detailed examination of agriculture resources in this EA.

Environmental Justice. The Proposed Action and alternatives do not involve any activities that would contribute to changes in low-income or minority populations or disproportionately impact children (EO 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations and EO 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks) because all work would be performed within the boundary of Beale AFB and would not impact adjacent communities. Accordingly, Beale AFB has omitted detailed examination of environmental justice in this

EA.

Mineral Resources. The Proposed Action and alternatives would not result in the loss of availability of known mineral resources. Accordingly, the USAF has omitted detailed examination of mineral resources in this EA.

Table 1-1. Listing of Applicable Statutes and Regulations

Regulation Source

Noise

Noise Control Act of 1972 42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq., Public Law (P.L.)

92-574

Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Program Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7063;

DOD Instruction 4165-57

Architecture Noise and Vibration Control UFC 3-101-01; UFC 3-450-01

Land Use and Planning

Land Use Planning Bulletin, Base Comprehensive Planning HQ USAF/LEEVX, 1 August, 1986

Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Clean Air Act of 1970 and Amendments of 1977 and 1990, including the General Conformity Rule and the Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule

42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq., as amended

Air Quality Compliance and Resource Management AFI 32-7040 Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance (5 October 2009)

EO 13514

Health and Safety

USAF Mishap Prevention Program AFI 91-202 Protection of Children from Environmental Health and Safety Risks (23 April 1997)

EO 13045

Hydrology, Water Resources, and Water Quality

Clean Water Act of 1972 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., as amended Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 42 U.S.C. 300 Water Quality Compliance AFI 32-7041 Protection of Wetlands (24 May l977) EO 11990 Floodplain Management (24 May l977) EO 11988

1-9

Regulation Source Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 P.L. 110-140

Biological Resources

Endangered Species Act of 1973 16 U.S.C. 1531–1543 Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 16 U.S.C. 703–712 Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1977 16 U.S.C. 670a–670o, 74 Stat. 1052 Invasive Species (3 February 1999) EO 13112 Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality (5 March 1970)

EO 11514

Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance (5 October 2009)

EO 13514

Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds (10 January 2001)

EO 13186

Integrated Natural Resources Management AFI 32-7064

Cultural Resources

National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 16 U.S.C. 470 et seq., as amended Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 16 U.S.C. 470a–11, as amended

American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 P.L. 95-341 and 42 U.S.C. 1996, as amended

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990

P.L. 101-601 and 25 U.S.C. 3001–3013

Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment (13 May 1971)

EO 11593

Indian Sacred Sites (24 May 1996) EO 13007 Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (6 November 2000)

EO 13175

Preserve America (3 March 2003) EO 13287 Cultural Resources Management Program AFI 32-7065 Locating Federal Facilities on Historic Properties in Our Nation’s Central Cities (21 May 1996)

EO 13006

DOD Interactions with Federally Recognized Tribes (14 September 2006)

DODI 4710.02

Transportation and Traffic

Hazardous Material Transportation Act of 1975 49 U.S.C. 1761

Hazardous Materials and Wastes

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 42 U.S.C. 6901, as amended Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980

42 U.S.C. 103

Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 42 U.S.C. 133 Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 15 U.S.C. 53 Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 26 U.S.C. 9507 Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation (24 January 2007)

EO 13423

Waste Management AFI 32-7042 Environmental Restoration Program AFI 32-7020

1-10

Regulation Source Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards (7 October 1978)

EO 12088

Defense Environmental Restoration Program 10 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.

General

California Environmental Quality Act California Public Resources Code 21000- 21177

California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15000- 15387

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 42 U.S.C. 4321–4347 Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act

40 CFR, Parts 1500–1508

Public Services. The Proposed Action and alternatives would not result in changes in area population or associated changes in demand for public services. The Proposed Action and alternatives do not involve any activities that would affect the provision of public services. Accordingly, Beale AFB has omitted detailed examination of public services in this EA.

Recreation. The Proposed Action and alternatives are on Federal property (i.e., Beale AFB) and do not include the construction of recreational facilities. The Proposed Action and alternatives do not involve any activities that would place increased demand on or lead to the deterioration of recreational facilities.

Accordingly, Beale AFB has omitted detailed examination of recreation in this EA.

Socioeconomics and Population/Housing. The Proposed Action and alternatives do not involve any activities that would directly affect activities outside of Beale AFB, or directly or indirectly contribute to changes in socioeconomic resources. It is anticipated that all of the construction and demolition work would be accomplished by local workers in the local labor force, and would not result in any outside workers and their dependents moving to the area. There would be no change in the number of personnel assigned to Beale AFB and no changes in area population or associated changes in demand for housing.

No persons or existing housing would be displaced as a result of the Proposed Action and alternatives.

Accordingly, Beale AFB has omitted detailed examination of socioeconomics and population/housing in this EA.

1.3.3 Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning (IICEP), Native American Tribal Consultation, and Public Involvement

IICEP. NEPA requirements help ensure that environmental information is made available to the public during the decisionmaking process and prior to actions being taken. The premise of NEPA is that the quality of Federal decisions will be enhanced if proponents provide information to the public and involve the public in the planning process. The Intergovernmental Coordination Act and EO 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, require Federal agencies to cooperate with and consider state and local views in implementing a Federal proposal. Air Force Instruction (AFI) 32-7060, Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination for Environmental Planning, requires the USAF to implement the IICEP process, which is used for the purpose of agency coordination and implements scoping requirements.

Through the IICEP process, Beale AFB notified relevant Federal, state, and local agencies of the Proposed Action and alternatives and provided them sufficient time to make known their environmental

1-11 concerns specific to the action. The IICEP mailing list is provided in Appendix A. The IICEP process also provided Beale AFB the opportunity to cooperate with and consider state and local views in implementing the Federal proposal. IICEP material related to this action has been included in Appendix A.

Native American Tribal Consultation. EO 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments (6 November 2000), directs Federal agencies to coordinate and consult with Native American tribal governments whose interests might be directly and substantially affected by activities on federally administered lands. To comply with legal mandates, federally recognized tribes that are affiliated historically with the Beale AFB geographic region have been invited to consult on all proposed undertakings that have a potential to affect properties of cultural, historical, or religious significance to the tribes. Because many tribes were displaced from their original homelands or moved, tribes with cultural roots in an area might not currently reside in the region where the undertaking is proposed.

Effective consultation requires identification of tribes based on ethnographic…