Report

STATIONING AND TRAINING OF INCREASED AVIATION ASSETS WITHIN U.S. ARMY ALASKA. Part 1 of 3

2009

Overview

PURPOSE: The stationing and training of increased aviation assets within U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) is proposed. USARAK includes the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Wainwright and the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Richardson. Key issues identified during scoping include those related to cultural resources, noise effects, hazardous materials management, and area wildlife including beluga whales. Three alternatives, including a No-Action Alternative (Alternative 1), are evaluated in this final EIS. Under Alternative 2, which is the preferred alternative, an Aviation Task Force would be formed by augmenting USARAK's existing aviation assets with 40 additional helicopters and 710 additional soldiers. The Task Force would be stationed at Fort Wainwright where construction of new facilities and operation of additional generators and support vehicles would be required. Takeoffs and landings from Ladd Army Airfield would more than double and would average 40 airfield operations per day. Training would occur on current USARAK training lands, use existing flight corridors, and occur year-round with some restrictions on season, time, altitude, and location. Alternative 3 would form a Combat Aviation Brigade by augmenting existing aviation assets with 84 additional helicopters and 2,360 additional soldiers. Sixty percent of the Brigade would be stationed at Fort Wainwright and the remaining soldiers would be distributed evenly between Fort Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base. Aircraft also would be distributed among the three installations. Under Alternative 3, construction of all the facilities required for Alternative 2, as well as construction of some additional facilities, would occur at Fort Wainwright Main Post. The Combat Aviation Brigade would operate more vehicles and generators to support training which would occur on all USARAK training lands and use existing flight corridors. The number of takeoffs and landings from Ladd Army Airfield would be the same as for Alternative 2, but additional takeoffs and landings would occur from Fort Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base. POSITIVE IMPACTS: Implementation of the proposed action would enhance USARAK aviation capabilities, improve training opportunities for existing forces, and improve the Army's ability to support worldwide military operations. Increasing the types and numbers of aviation assets available to USARAK would provide the full range of integrated tactical combat support options and training needs required by the modern Brigade Combat Team. NEGATIVE IMPACTS: Construction would increase the amount of impervious surfaces. Increased airfield operations would raise the potential for interaction with general aviation, but USARAK would continue to coordinate with local civilian aviation interests and the U.S. Air Force to reduce potential conflicts in heavily used corridors. Under both Alternatives 2 and 3, the World War II-era National Historic Landmark at Fort Wainwright would be adversely impacted from infill development of facilities, viewshed obstruction from infill development, and the potential for change in the use of Hangars 2 and 3. Wildlife would be affected by both the increased use of flight corridors and the increased number of exercises at training areas. Bald eagles nest along the flight corridors and could be affected by the aircraft and helicopter noise. Alternative 3 would increase effects to sandhill cranes. Alternative 2 would result in shortage of military family housing as well as barracks housing at Fort Wainwright as compared to Alternative 1 and temporary housing would be required. LEGAL MANDATES: National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).

• Subject: Air Quality Assessments / Aircraft / Aircraft Noise / Alaska / Birds / Buildings / Eielson Air Force Base Alaska / Electric Generators / Fort Richardson Alaska / Fort Wainwright Alaska / Helicopters / Historic Sites / Historic Sites Surveys / Housing / Marine Mammals / Military Facilities (Air Force) / Military Facilities (Army) / Military Operations (Army) / Motor Vehicles / National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, Historic Sites