Tab_2_-_C1_and_B3_Final_EA.pdf

Environmental Assessment for

Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

18 January 2017

Environmental Assessment for

Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Prepared for:

30th Civil Engineer Squadron, Installation Management Flight 1028 Iceland Avenue

Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA 93437

18 January 2017

Executive Summary

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Distribution Electrical Lines, Page ES-1

Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Executive Summary

This Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with replacing aging electrical lines, Feeders C1 and B3 on Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in Santa Barbara County, California. The current proposal addresses Feeder Lines C1 and B3 on north VAFB. These feeder lines supply electrical power specifically to VAFB space launch complexes (SLCs), the airfield, and associated facilities.

This EA was prepared per all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations: the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA; and the Air Force’s Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) (Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 989).

VAFB is headquarters for the 30th Space Wing (30 SW), which represents the Department of Defense (DoD) as the lead agency.

Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to replace overhead and underground electrical distribution lines, feeders C1 and B3. VAFB is home to the 30th Space Wing, a component of the Air Force’s Space Command, which operates the Western Test Range/Pacific Missile Range (Western Range). VAFB operates as an aerospace center that supports west coast launch activities for the Department of Defense (DoD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and commercial contractors. The Air Force’s primary mission at VAFB is to launch and track satellites in space, to test and evaluate intercontinental ballistic missiles, and to support aircraft operations in the Western Range.

The Proposed Action is needed because existing conditions do not provide a reliable power source required to support launch operations on north VAFB. The circuit C1 serves the 576th munitions area of the base and approximately 8 miles of overhead power lines installed during the 1950’s have exceeded design life. All power lines corrode over time and the salt fog on VAFB contributes to and speeds up the corrosion process. The typical life span of power lines is 25 to 30 years, which C1 and B3 lines have exceeded. Outages can be caused by aging cables and connecting devices, fuses, cut-outs, insulators, termination devices, and pole-mounted transformers. VAFB has experienced periodic power outages due to aging power lines like the C1 and B3 lines.

The VAFB electrical system is built with multiple redundancies so that in the case of a power outage on one line, power can be re-routed. The existing condition of the C1 and B3 lines make them susceptible to power outages and jeopardizes the redundant electrical system used on base.

If the C1 or B3 lines were to experience a power outage, large portions of the base could lose power for extended periods of time.

The project would also improve reliability and serviceability of the aging B3 electrical power line to continue providing long-term electrical supply to mission essential facilities, including but not limited to the VAFB airfield and Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2). Under present conditions, existing and future launch operations and range missions at several locations throughout north VAFB would continue to be subject to unexpected mission delays due to power line failures. If these lines are not repaired or replaced, electrical supply to SLC-2 may fail. If such a failure happens during mission-essential space launch operations, key national defense missions may be

Page ES-2 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California delayed or cancelled, which may impact United States (U.S.) security and safety.

Additionally, the deteriorated power lines are unsafe and substantially increase the risk for wildfires. If too many amps are being drawn through the line, the line itself can emit sparks and cause a fire. VAFB has experienced two large fires, totaling nearly 1,900 acres, caused by aging power lines (September 2009 and October 2010) and more than ten smaller fires caused by aging electrical infrastructure since 2007.

Due to the frequent fires in California, wood poles are being replaced by concrete poles to reduce the risk of wildfire.

Description of Alternative C1, B3:

Proposed Action

The Proposed Action for the C1 and B3 power lines includes: removing, cutting-to-grade, or abandoning in-place the power line poles; and removing, recycling, and replacing the electrical wires. Installation of the new C1 power line would be in approximately the same general locations as the existing line, mostly following existing paved roads, except for a small portion of the route where it goes cross-country for about 1.05 miles. A proposed unpaved access road would be constructed for this segment of the route that would be about 12-feet wide.

Approximately 186 new power poles would be installed no more than 10 feet from the edge of existing/new roads and spaced up to 200 feet apart.

After installing the C1 line, the existing line/poles would be removed, cut-to-grade, or abandoned in-place. Cut-to-grade means that poles will be manually cut at or close to the ground surface and the footings will be left in place to avoid soil disturbance.

After poles are cut, they would be transported off-site in a manner that does not affect the sensitive environmental resources. Existing poles and lines normally occur more than 10 feet from edge of roads. In addition, some portions of the existing line are underground and removal may require trenching. Approximately 20.2 acres of vegetation could be cleared to facilitate vehicle and equipment access.

Approximately 10.2 acres is for the existing C1 power line (8.4 miles) considering a 10-foot buffer (20-foot width). Trenching, including digging/creation of pits, may be required or result from the removal of portions of the existing line that are buried and/or for the removal of the existing poles.

For feeder B3, the existing wood poles will be replaced with concrete poles and the new cross arms will be fiberglass and all pole hardware will be stainless steel. The new poles will be installed and strung with new AAAC conductors including all required drops. As many of the new poles would be located in the same location as existing, work would be phased and performed on segments of the line at each phase to minimize interruptions of existing loads on the feeder. The system would be tested at completion of each phase prior to cutover.

The underground cable between 20th Street and 29th Street will be replaced. A new duct bank of one 6 inch conduit with three #500 KCMIL 15 kV cable and one 6 inch spare conduit will be installed parallel to the existing duct bank.

Within the cantonment area, the new overhead electrical B3 line would follow the existing alignment. South of the airfield, most of the new line would be placed approximately 50-100 feet southwest of the existing poles, which was intentionally designed to reduce potential impacts to vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi). Approximately 0.25 miles of trenching would occur for underground portions of the feeder.

Most portions of the B3 line (both installing new and removing old components) are immediately adjacent to existing roads

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Distribution Electrical Lines, Page ES-3

Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California and/or a former railroad abutment now used as a road. A 15-foot wide gravel service road, approximately 0.22 miles in length, would be installed between two points, near the intersection of California Boulevard and 30th Street to near Tangair Road in a northwest direction. Installing the new B3 powerlines and gravel service road would include permanently removing approximately 1.05 acres of vegetation.

The existing B3 line would remain operational until the new B3 line is installed and tested. The existing B3 powerlines would be removed in phases.

For both lines, in areas designated sensitive for natural resources (primarily vernal pool fairy shrimp), existing poles will be cut at the base and removed from the area by crane.

This action would occur to reduce soil disturbance in those sensitive areas.

The project staging area will be located at Substation C for Line C1. Equipment staging will occur only on paved or unpaved parking lots, closed paved or unpaved roads for line B3.

Construction activity would occur in two phases for Line C1, with Phase 1 expected to take about 1 month potentially starting in May 2017. Phase 2 is expected to take at least a year. Line B3 is expected to take a year potentially starting in January 2017.

The Proposed Action would result in a slight and temporary increase in activities due to replacing two electrical lines on north VAFB.

Future maintenance operations resulting from the Proposed Action will remain consistent with current levels. There would be no consequential change in the level of operations and maintenance activities associated with the Proposed Action.

No-Action Alternative

Under the No-Action Alternative, the Proposed Action would not occur. Electrical supply to mission essential facilities, including but not limited to the VAFB airfield and Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) would continue to be at risk of delays due to potential powerline failures. The No-Action Alternative serves as a baseline against which the impacts of the Proposed Action and Alternatives can be evaluated.

Resource Areas Evaluated

The EA describes the affected environment and environmental consequences of Alternative C1, B3 (the Proposed Action) and the No-Action alternative and identifies measures to prevent or minimize environmental impacts. Resource areas analyzed in this EA include: air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and earth resources, hazardous materials and hazardous waste management, human health and safety, land use and coastal zone resources, noise, solid waste, transportation, utilities, visual resources, and water resources.

Summary of Environmental Impacts

With implementation of the minimization measures listed in Table 2-2 of the EA, impacts of implementing the Proposed Action would be less than significant for all resources analyzed. For a detailed description and analysis, refer to Chapter 4, Environmental Consequences.

Implementation of the Proposed Action and the No-Action Alternative would not result in adverse impacts to any resource area.

Page ES-4 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

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Table of Contents

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page i Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables Acronyms and Abbreviations

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 ............................................................................................................1-2

1.4 Interagency and Intergovernmental Coordination and Consultation ..............................1-2

1.5 Scope of the Environmental Assessment .....................................................................1-3

CHAPTER 2. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ....................................................2-1

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

2.2 Alternative C1 and B3: Proposed Action ......................................................................2-1

2.2.1 Construction of New Lines .....................................................................2-1

2.2.2 Removal of Existing Lines .....................................................................2-2

2.2.3 Staging Areas ........................................................................................2-3

2.2.4 Construction Equipment and Timing ......................................................2-3

2.2.5 Operation and Maintenance ..................................................................2-3

2.2.6 Environmental Protection Measures ......................................................2-3

2.3 The No-Action Alternative .............................................................................................2-3

2.4 Other Alternatives Considered ......................................................................................2-4

2.5 Preferred Alternative .....................................................................................................2-4

CHAPTER 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................3-1

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

3.1.1 Regulatory Setting .................................................................................3-1

3.1.2 Air Quality Setting ..................................................................................3-4

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

3.2.1 Regulatory Setting .................................................................................3-4

3.2.2 Biological Setting ...................................................................................3-6

3.2.2.1 Vegetation Communities ..........................................................3-6

3.2.2.2 Wildlife Species .......................................................................3-7

3.2.2.3 Listed Species .........................................................................3-8

3.2.2.4 Wetlands and Waters of the United States ............................ 3-24

3.3 Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................... 3-26

3.3.1 Regulatory Setting ............................................................................... 3-26

3.3.2 Cultural Setting .................................................................................... 3-26

3.3.3 Cultural Resources within the Project Area .......................................... 3-27

3.4 Geology and Earth Resources .................................................................................... 3-28

3.5 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management ......................................... 3-29

3.5.1 Regulatory Setting ............................................................................... 3-29

3.5.2 Hazardous Materials at VAFB ............................................................. 3-29

3.5.3 Hazardous Waste at VAFB .................................................................. 3-29

3.5.4 Installation Restoration Program at VAFB ........................................... 3-30

Page ii Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

3.6 Human Health and Safety........................................................................................... 3-30

3.7 Land Use and Coastal Zone Resources ..................................................................... 3-31

3.8 Noise ............................................................................................................ 3-33

3.9 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................ 3-34

3.10 Transportation ............................................................................................................ 3-34

3.11 Utilities ............................................................................................................ 3-35

3.12 Visual Resources ....................................................................................................... 3-36

3.13 Water Resources ........................................................................................................ 3-36

3.13.1 Regulatory Setting ............................................................................... 3-36

3.13.2 Surface Water and Floodplains ........................................................... 3-37

3.13.3 Groundwater ....................................................................................... 3-37

CHAPTER 4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ............................................................4-1

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

4.1.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-1

4.1.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-1

4.1.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-2

4.2 Biological Resources ....................................................................................................4-2

4.2.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-2

4.2.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-2

4.2.2.1 Wildlife Species ........................................................................4-3

4.2.2.2 Listed Species ..........................................................................4-3

4.2.2.3 Wetlands and Waters of the United States ...............................4-5

4.2.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-6

4.3 Cultural Resources .......................................................................................................4-6

4.3.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-6

4.3.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-6

4.3.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-6

4.4 Geology and Earth Resources ......................................................................................4-7

4.4.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-7

4.4.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-7

4.4.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-7

4.5 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Management ...........................................4-7

4.5.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-7

4.5.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-7

4.5.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-8

4.6 Human Health and Safety.............................................................................................4-8

4.6.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-8

4.6.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-9

4.6.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-9

4.7 Land Use and Coastal Zone Resources .......................................................................4-9

4.7.1 Significance Thresholds ........................................................................4-9

4.7.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action..............................................4-9

4.7.3 No-Action Alternative .............................................................................4-9

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page iii Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

4.8 Noise .............................................................................................................. 4-10

4.8.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-10

4.8.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-10

4.8.3 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-10

4.9 Solid Waste .............................................................................................................. 4-10

4.9.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-10

4.9.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-10

4.9.3 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-10

4.10 Transportation .............................................................................................................. 4-10

4.10.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-10

4.10.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-11

4.10.3 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-11

4.11 Utilities .............................................................................................................. 4-11

4.11.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-11

4.11.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-11

4.11.3 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-11

4.12 Visual Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-12

4.12.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-12

4.12.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-12

4.12.3 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-12

4.13 Water Resources ......................................................................................................... 4-12

4.13.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-12

4.13.2 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-12

4.13.3 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-13

4.14 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................................................... 4-13

4.14.1 Significance Thresholds........................................................................ 4-13

4.14.2 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions in the

Region of Infuence................................................................................ 4-13

4.14.3 Alternative C1, B3: The Proposed Action ............................................ 4-13

4.14.4 No-Action Alternative ............................................................................ 4-17

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

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

CHAPTER 7. LIST OF AGENCIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND PERSONS CONTACTED ....... 7-1

Appendices

A INTERAGENCY AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING

B SHPO CONSULTATION AND NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBAL CONSULTATION

C USFWS CONSULTATION

D CCC CONSULTATION

E AIR QUALITY CALCULATIONS

F PROOF OF DELIVERY/PUBLICATION, COMMENTS RECEIVED ON FINAL DRAFT, AND

RESPONSES

Page iv Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

LIST OF FIGURES

1-1 Project Site Location .....................................................................................................1-5 2-1 Line C1 Location ..........................................................................................................2-5 2-2 Line B3 Location ...........................................................................................................2-7 3-1A Line C1 Vegetation ..................................................................................................... 3-11 3-1B Line B3 Vegetation ..................................................................................................... 3-13 3-1C Line B3 Overgrown Road and New Road ................................................................... 3-15 3-2A C1 Special-Status Species and Habitats .................................................................... 3-17 3-2B B3 Special-Status Species and Habitats ..................................................................... 3-19

LIST OF TABLES

2-1 Construction Equipment ...............................................................................................2-3 2-2 Environmental Protection Measures .............................................................................2-9 3-1 NAAQS, CAAQS, and Santa Barbara County’s Attainment Status ...............................3-3 3-2 Applicable SBCAPCD Rules .........................................................................................3-4 3-3 Special-Status Species with Potential to Occur Within the Project Area .................... .3-24 3-4 Applicable California Coastal Act Policies ................................................................... 3-32 3-5 Estimated Construction Equipment Noise Levels ....................................................... 3-33 4-1 Proposed Emissions (Tons/Year) .................................................................................4-2 4-2 List of Past, Present, and Reasonbly Foreseeable Actions in the Region of Influence…. ............................................................................................................ 4-14

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page v

Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

30 CES/CEI 30th Space Wing Installation Management Flight 30 CES/CEIEA 30th Space Wing Installation Management Flight, Environmental

Conservation

AB Assembly Bill

ACM asbestos containing material

AETC Air Education and Training Command AFOSH Air Force Occupational Safety and Health AOCs Areas of Concern AOIs Areas of Interest AT/FP Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection

BMPs best management practices BO Biological Opinion BP Before Present

CAA Clean Air Act CAAQS California Ambient Air Quality Standard

Cal/OSHA California Division of Occupational Health and Safety

CARB California Air Resources Board CCA chromated copper arsenate CCAA California Clean Air Act CCC California Coastal Commission

CCR California Code of Regulations

CDFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act

CESA California Endangered Species Act

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CH4 methane

CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database

CNEL community noise equivalent level

CNPS California Native Plant Society

CO carbon monoxide

CO2 carbon dioxide

CO2e CO2-equivalents

CRLF California red-legged frog

CWA Clean Water Act

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act dB decibel dBA “A-weighted” decibel

DoD Department of Defense

Page vi Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

DTSC Department of Toxic Substances Control

EA Environmental Assessment EIAP environmental impact analysis process EIS Environmental Impact Statement EO Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act ESBB El Segundo Blue Butterfly ESOHC Environmental, Safety, and Occupational Health Council

FHWA Federal Highway Administration FONPA Finding of No Practicable Alternative FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact

GHGs greenhouse gases

GIS geographic information system GPS global positioning system

HQ AFSC Headquarters Air Force Space Command

ICRMP Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan INRMP Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan IRP Installation Restoration Program kV kilovolt

LBP lead-based paint

Leq equivalent noise levels

LF Launch Facility

LOS level of service

LYS Lompoc Yerba Santa µg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act mg/m3 milligrams per cubic meter mm millimeters

MMPA Marine Mammal Protection Act mph mile per hour

MSW municipal solid waste

MS4s Small Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer Systems

MTCO2e CO2-equivalents

N2O nitrous oxide

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standard NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page vii Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

NOAA Fisheries National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries NOI Notice of Intent NOx nitrogen oxides NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

O3 ozone OSHA Occupational Health and Safety Administration

PCBs polychlorinated biphenyls

PERP Portable Equipment Registration Program PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric PL Public Law PM2.5 fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers PM10 fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers ppb parts per billion ppm parts per million

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board

SBCAPCD Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer SLC Space Launch Complex SR State Route SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board

TCE trichloroethylene

THZs toxic hazard zones

TPHs total petroleum hydrocarbons

TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act

TWW treated wood waste

US United States USACE US Army Corps of Engineers USAF US Air Force USC US Code US EPA US Environmental Protection Agency USFWS US Fish and Wildlife Service

UXO unexploded ordnance

VAFB Vandenberg Air Force Base

VMF Vandenberg monkeyflower

VMT vehicle miles traveled

VOCs volatile organic compounds

VPFS Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp

Page viii Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page 1-1

Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Chapter 1. Purpose and Need for the Proposed Action

The United States Air Force (USAF or Air Force) proposes to replace the 12 kilovolt (kV) overhead and underground distribution lines, feeders C1 and B3, on Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California.

This EA has been prepared per the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ’s) Regulations for Implementing NEPA (40 CFR 1500-1508), and the Air Force’s Environmental Impact Analysis (EIAP) regulations, 32 Code of Federal Regulations

[CFR] 989).

1.1 Purpose of the Proposed

Action

The purpose of the Proposed Action is to replace 12 kV overhead and underground distribution lines, feeders C1 and B3.

1.2 Need for the Proposed

Action

VAFB is home to the 30th Space Wing, a component of the Air Force’s Space Command, which operates the Western Test Range/Pacific Missile Range (Western Range). VAFB operates as an aerospace center that supports west coast launch activities for the Department of Defense (DoD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and commercial entities. The Air Force’s primary mission at VAFB is to launch and track satellites in space, to test and evaluate intercontinental ballistic missiles, and to support aircraft operations in the Western Range.

The Proposed Action is needed because existing conditions do not provide a reliable power source required to support launch operations on VAFB. The circuit C1 serves the 576th munitions area of the base and approximately 8 miles of overhead power lines installed during the 1950’s have exceeded design life. All power lines corrode over time and the salt fog on VAFB contributes to and speeds up the corrosion process. The typical life span of power lines is 25 to 30 years, which C1 and B3 lines have exceeded. Outages can be caused by aging cables and connecting devices, fuses, cut-outs, insulators, termination devices, and pole-mounted transformers. VAFB has experienced periodic power outages due to aging power lines like the C1 and B3 lines.

The VAFB electrical system is built with multiple redundancies so that in the case of a power outage on one line, power can be re-routed. The existing condition of the C1 and B3 lines make them susceptible to power outages and jeopardizes the redundant electrical system used on base.

If the C1 or B3 lines were to experience a power outage, large portions of the base could lose power for extended periods of time.

The project would also improve reliability and serviceability of the aging B3 electrical power line to continue providing long-term electrical supply to mission essential facilities, including but not limited to the VAFB airfield and Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2). Without this project, the space launch mission at SLC-2 will be vulnerable to unexpected mission down-time due to power supply loss.

Additionally, aging power lines increase the risk of catastrophic wildfire. If too many amps are being drawn through the line, the line itself can emit sparks and cause a fire.

Due to the frequent fires in California, wood poles are being replaced by concrete poles to reduce the risk of wildfire. VAFB has experienced two large fires, totaling nearly 1,900 acres, caused by aging power lines (September 2009 and October 2010) and more than ten smaller fires caused by aging electrical infrastructure since 2007.

Page 1-2 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Therefore, repair of the C1 and B3 power lines are needed to ensure that direct and/or indirect effects to the mission are avoided or minimized to the extent possible. Under present conditions, existing and future launch operations and range missions at several locations throughout VAFB would continue to be subject to unexpected mission delays due to powerline failures. If such a failure happens during mission-essential space launch operations, key national defense missions may be delayed or cancelled, which may impact United States (U.S.) security and safety.

1.3 Project Location

VAFB is over 99,000 acres in western Santa Barbara County, California (Figure 1-1), adjacent to the City of Lompoc and approximately 55 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez River and State Route (SR)-246 form a physical divide of VAFB into north VAFB and south VAFB.

The Proposed Action starts at Substation C in the southeast (north of 13th Street/Terra Road) and the National Reconnaissance Office/Rod and Gun Club locations (Building 1521), to the northwest (35th Street/Taco Road) for Line C1. Substation C is located to the north of 13th Street/Terra Road. For line B3, the action area is located on north VAFB, in an area totaling approximately 13 acres, south of Tangair Road and west of electrical Substation B. Line B3 is from the existing switchgear in Substation B Building 7315 to the end of the feeder in Building 1605.

1.4 Interagency and

Intergovernmental Coordination and Consultation

The Proposed Action is a federal undertaking subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (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 (Appendix B).

Executive Order (EO) 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, 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. The Federally-recognized Santa Ynez Band of the Chumash Indians was consulted on the Proposed Action and determined that no impacts to cultural sites would occur and a Native American monitor would be unnecessary (Appendix B).

VAFB determined that the Proposed Action may affect threatened or endangered species and consultation with the USFWS was completed under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Appendix C).

The Proposed Action will occur within the California Coastal Zone. The Air Force, therefore, conducted an analysis of the Proposed Action to determine whether there would be adverse impacts to the coastal zone, as defined by the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and California Coastal Act (CCA). The Air Force determined that there would be no significant impacts to the coastal zone as a result of the Proposed Action and prepared a Negative Determination. The California Coastal Commission concurred with the Air Force determination (Appendix D).

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page 1-3

Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

1.5 Scope of the

Environmental Assessment

Consistent with the Air Force’s EIAP process and the CEQ Regulations for Implementing NEPA, the scope of the analysis presented in this EA is defined by the potential range of environmental impacts associated with implementing the Proposed Action and alternatives, including the No-Action Alternative. Resources potentially impacted are considered in more detail to determine whether additional analysis is required pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1501.4(c).

This EA identifies, describes, and evaluates the potential environmental impacts that could result from the Proposed Action, reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Action, and the No-Action Alternative, as well as possible cumulative impacts from other past, present and planned actions on VAFB. In addition, the EA identifies environmental permits relevant to the Proposed Action. The EA describes, in terms of a regional overview or a site-specific description, the affected environment and environmental consequences of the action and identifies measures to avoid, prevent or minimize environmental impacts.

Page 1-4 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, United States Air Force Vandenberg Air Force Base

Project Site Location

5383 Hollister Avenue Suite 130

Santa Barbara, CA 93111

30700

.0005 9/15/2016 REYNOLDS 9728 1-1

EA for the Replacement of Electrical Lines Feeders C1 and B3

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

TC NO. DATE DRAWN BY FIGUREMAP NO.

Legend _̂ Project Site

VAFB Boundary Swamp/Marsh Golf Course Area Surface water body

Proposed Line C1 Proposed Line B3 Coastal Zone Boundary

0 4 82 Miles

_̂ Los Angeles

San Francisco

Vandenberg AFB

Page 1-6 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Chapter 2. Proposed Action and Alternatives

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page 2-1 Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Chapter 2. Proposed Action and Alternatives

Chapter 2 describes in detail the Air Force’s Proposed Action to replace the 12 kV overhead and underground distribution lines, feeders C1 and B3. The chapter also describes the No-Action Alternative.

The selection criteria that were used to identify and select alternatives are discussed below. Other alternatives that were originally considered but that have since been dismissed from consideration are also discussed in Section 2.5 below.

2.1 Selection Criteria for

Alternatives

The range of reasonable alternatives in this EA was identified by evaluating their ability to meet the purpose and need of the Proposed Action and their ability to meet the following screening criteria:

Criterion 1: Be located on north

VAFB;

Criterion 2: Provide a reliable power source required to support launch operations on north VAFB;

Criterion 3: Be located within areas where reasonable access is available to the new poles and powerlines for annual maintenance;

and

Criterion 4: Provide a redundant power source (i.e., one line operable at all times) during replacement of the lines, and during launch operations on north VAFB.

In addition, CEQ Regulations for Implementing NEPA require federal agencies to use the NEPA process to identify and assess the reasonable alternatives to the Proposed Action that will avoid or minimize adverse effects of those actions on the quality of the human environment.

2.2 Alternative C1 and B3:

Proposed Action

The Proposed Action would involve the replacement of all poles, conductors, and hardware on 12 kV feeders C1 and B3.

More details are provided below.

2.2.1 Construction of New Lines

The Proposed Action involves the construction of a new C1 powerline and poles followed by the subsequent removal and/or partial abandonment of the existing lines and poles. The existing C1 power line is approximately 8.4 miles in length with 241 wooden power poles (40 to 45 feet tall) going off-road over relatively undisturbed areas, in several locations. The new C1 power line would run between Substation C in the southeast and the National Reconnaissance Office/Rod and Gun Club locations (Building 1521), to the northwest.

Figure 2-1 depicts the location of the C1 line.

Installation of the new C1 power line would be in approximately the same general locations as the existing line, mostly following existing paved roads, except for a small portion of the route where it goes cross-country for about 1.05 miles. A proposed unpaved access road would be constructed for this segment of the route that would be about 12-feet wide.

Approximately 186 new power poles would be installed no more than 10 feet from the edge of existing/new roads and spaced up to 200 feet apart.

For line B3, the Proposed Action would replace in several phases, the existing electrical line, wooden poles and related

Page 2-2 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1, and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California structures originally installed in the early 1950’s. The Proposed Action would replace the existing 12 kV B3 Feeder starting from Substation B, Building 7315, and continuing on overhead poles and underground conduit and cable to Building 1605 toward the end of the airport runway.

For feeder B3, the existing wood poles will be replaced with concrete poles and the new cross arms will be fiberglass and all pole hardware will be stainless steel. The new poles will be installed and strung with new AAAC conductors including all required drops. As many of the new poles would be located in the same location as existing, work would be phased and performed on segments of the line at each phase to minimize interruptions of existing loads on the feeder. The system would be tested at completion of each phase prior to cutover.

The underground cable between 20th Street and 29th Street will be replaced. A new duct bank of one 6 inch conduit with three #500 KCMIL 15 kV cable and one 6 inch spare conduit will be installed parallel to the existing duct bank.

Within the cantonment area, the new overhead electrical line would follow the existing alignment. South of the airfield, most of the new line would be placed approximately 50-100 feet southwest of the existing poles, which was intentionally designed to reduce potential impacts to vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi). Approximately 0.25 miles of trenching would occur for underground portions of the feeder.

Most portions of the B3 line (both installing new and removing old components) are immediately adjacent to existing roads and/or a former railroad abutment now used as a road. A 15-foot wide gravel service road, approximately 0.22 miles in length, would be installed between two points, near the intersection of California Boulevard and 30th Street to near Tangair Road in a northwest direction. Installing the new B3 powerlines and gravel service road would include permanently removing approximately 1.05 acres of vegetation.

Figure 2-2 depicts the location of the B3 line.

2.2.2 Removal of Existing Lines

After installing the C1 Line, the existing line/poles would be removed and/or cut-to-grade with the foundation abandoned-in-place. The latter means that poles will be manually cut at or close to the ground surface and the footings (sub-surface portions of the pole) will be left in place to avoid soil disturbance. After poles are cut, they would be transported off-site in a manner that does not affect the sensitive environmental resources. Existing poles and lines normally occur more than 10 feet from edge of roads. In addition, some portions of the existing line are underground and removal may require trenching.

Approximately 20.2 acres of vegetation could be cleared to facilitate vehicle and equipment access. Approximately 10.2 acres is for the existing C1 power line (8.4 miles) considering a 10-foot buffer (20-foot width). Trenching, including digging/creation of pits, may be required or result from the removal of portions of the existing line that are buried and/or for the removal of the existing poles.

The existing B3 line would remain operational until the new B3 line is installed and tested. The existing B3 powerlines would be removed in phases. The new access road constructed from California Boulevard pole B3-01/06 to access runway pole B3-01/15 would be used for both installing the new and removing the existing powerlines.

In areas designated sensitive for natural resources (primarily vernal pool fairy shrimp), existing poles (approximately 30 poles) will be cut at the base and removed from the area by crane. This action would

Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Page 2-3 Feeders C1 and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California occur to reduce soil disturbance in those sensitive areas.

2.2.3 Staging Areas

The project staging area will be located at Substation C for Line C1. Equipment staging will occur only on paved or unpaved parking lots, closed paved or unpaved roads for line B3.

2.2.4 Construction Equipment and

Timing

Construction activity would occur in two phases for Line C1, with Phase 1 expected to take about 1 month potentially starting in May 2017. Phase 2 is expected to take at least a year. Line B3 is expected to take a year potentially starting in January 2017.

Table 2-1 lists the equipment that would be used for construction of the project. It is anticipated that generators would be used during construction for approximately 96 hours per year. All generators will be registered under California’s Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP).

In areas where sensitive resources are noted by 30 CES/CEI personnel, access would be either straight from a paved area or circuitously in a route that would avoid impacts.

Table 2-1 Construction Equipment

Construct New Service Road

Bulldozer – D6 Loader - 2 cubic yards

Grader Water truck

Haul New Line Poles

Flatbed truck

Erect New Line Poles

Heavy line truck Boom/crane truck

Install Conductors (Lines)

Bucket truck Bull wheel puller

Heavy line truck Static truck/tensioner

Boom/crane truck Backhoe/loader

3 Drum sock line puller Flatbed truck

Remove Existing Conductor

Bucket truck Bull wheel puller

Boom/crane truck Static truck/tensioner

Construct Access Road Along Existing Poles

Bulldozer – D6

Grader

Water truck

Remove Existing Wood Poles

Bucket truck Flatbed truck

Boom/crane truck Dump truck

Auger truck w/compressor Backhoe/loader

2.2.5 Operation and Maintenance

Maintenance of the new powerlines would be conducted along the new gravel service road. Therefore, no additional disturbances are anticipated under operation and maintenance of the new line.

2.2.6 Environmental Protection

Measures

Table 2-2 lists the environmental protection measures that would be implemented to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects to various environmental resources during implementation of the Proposed Action.

2.3 The No-Action Alternative

Under the No-Action Alternative, distribution Lines C1 and B3 would not be replaced.

Electrical supply to mission essential facilities, including but not limited to the VAFB airfield and Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) would continue to be at risk of delays due to potential power line failures.

The typical life span of power lines is 25 to 30 years, which C1 and B3 lines have exceeded. Outages can be caused by aging cables and connecting devices, fuses, cut-outs, insulators, termination devices, and pole-mounted transformers. VAFB has experienced periodic power outages due to aging power lines like the C1 and B3 lines.

The existing condition of the C1 and B3 lines make them susceptible to power

Page 2-4 Environmental Assessment for the Replacement of Electrical Lines, Feeders C1, and B3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California outages and jeopardizes the redundant electrical system used on base.