for f-35 beddown at eglin air force base, florida

580 Pages·2014·19.2 MB·English

Final Supplemental
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
FOR F-35 BEDDOWN AT EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA
JANUARY 2014
COVER SHEET
F-35 BEDDOWN AT EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE
FINAL SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

a. Responsible Agency: U.S. Air Force
b. Cooperating Agencies: Not Applicable
c. Proposals and Actions: This Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)
describes the potential consequences to the human and natural environment from the
implementation of various Alternatives for implementing the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) beddown
portion of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions and related actions at Eglin Air
Force Base (AFB), Florida. The locations of the proposed beddown activities are in Okaloosa
and Santa Rosa Counties in Florida. Airspace over the following counties may also be affected
by JSF training activities: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Jackson, Liberty, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa,
Wakulla, Walton, and Washington Counties in Florida; Coffee, Choctaw, Clarke, Covington,
Crenshaw, Dallas, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Marengo, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox
Counties in Alabama; Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Decatur, Early, Miller, Mitchell, Quitman,
Randolph, and Seminole Counties in Georgia; and Forest, George, Greene, Perry, and Stone
Counties in Mississippi.
d. Comments and Inquiries: Questions regarding this document should be directed to Mr. Mike
Spaits, Eglin AFB Public Affairs Office, 96 TW/PA, 101 West D Avenue, Room 238, Eglin AFB,
FL 32542-5499; telephone: [phone]; or email:
Printed on Recycled Paper
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................................... ix
List of Figures .......................................................................................................................................................... xiv
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................................................... xviii
1. PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION ....................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Background .............................................................................................................................................1-3
1.2.1 Summary of BRAC 2005 Relevant to this SEIS ......................................................................1-3
1.2.2 7SFG(A) Relocation to Eglin AFB Summary ..........................................................................1-3
1.2.3 Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) IJTS Summary ...............................................................................1-3
1.2.4 Record of Decision Signed for 59 F-35 Aircraft and Limitation of Operations .................1-5
1.2.5 BRAC SEIS ..................................................................................................................................1-6
1.2.6 Updates Included in the Revised Draft SEIS .........................................................................1-6
1.3 Purpose of and Need for Action ......................................................................................................... 1-12
1.4 Environmental Impact Analysis Process ........................................................................................... 1-13
1.4.1 Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 1-13
1.4.2 Summary of Public Scoping Process ..................................................................................... 1-13
1.4.3 Summary of Concerns Raised in the Public Scoping Process and Public Comment
Period ........................................................................................................................................ 1-13
1.4.4 Summary of Comments Provided During the Draft SEIS Review and Comment
Period ........................................................................................................................................ 1-14
1.4.4.1 Noise ........................................................................................................................ 1-16
1.4.4.2 Adaptive Management, Mitigation, and Monitoring ........................................ 1-19
1.4.4.3 Children/Minorities .............................................................................................. 1-21
1.4.4.4 Costs ......................................................................................................................... 1-21
1.4.4.5 Domestic Animals .................................................................................................. 1-22
1.4.4.6 Encroachment ......................................................................................................... 1-22
1.4.4.7 Flying Days and Late Night Operations ............................................................. 1-23
1.4.4.8 Gulf Regional Airspace Strategic Initiative (GRASI) ......................................... 1-23
1.4.4.9 Maps ......................................................................................................................... 1-23
1.4.4.10 Military Training Route Operations .................................................................... 1-24
1.4.4.11 Public Comment Synopsis .................................................................................... 1-25
1.4.4.12 Supersonic Flight Information .............................................................................. 1-25
2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ..........................................................2-1
2.1 No Action Alternative ............................................................................................................................2-2
2.1.1 Personnel .....................................................................................................................................2-2
2.1.2 Facilities/Infrastructure ............................................................................................................2-3
2.1.3 Air Operations ............................................................................................................................2-3
2.1.4 Ordnance Use .............................................................................................................................2-4
2.2 Proposed Action .....................................................................................................................................2-5
2.2.1 Personnel .....................................................................................................................................2-6
2.2.2 Facilities/Infrastructure ............................................................................................................2-6
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TABLE OF CONTENTS, CONT’D
Page
2.2.3 Air Operations ............................................................................................................................2-6
2.2.4 Ordnance Use .............................................................................................................................2-7
2.3 Alternatives .............................................................................................................................................2-8
2.3.1 Initial Alternative Screening Process ......................................................................................2-9
2.3.1.1 Main Operating Base ...............................................................................................2-9
2.3.1.2 Auxiliary Fields ...................................................................................................... 2-14
2.3.1.3 Summary of Initial Screening Results ................................................................. 2-19
2.3.2 Alternatives Considered But Eliminated From Detailed Analysis ................................... 2-21
2.3.2.1 Alternatives Changed to Mitigations .................................................................. 2-21
2.3.2.2 Additional Alternatives Considered ................................................................... 2-21
2.3.2.3 Additional Analysis of Candidate Alternatives ................................................. 2-21
2.3.2.4 Summary of Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed
Analysis ................................................................................................................... 2-36
2.3.3 Alternatives Carried Forward for JSF Beddown ................................................................. 2-37
2.3.4 Alternative 1: Eglin Main Base Alternative .......................................................................... 2-38
2.3.4.1 Alternative 1A – No Runway Changes at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field (Preferred Alternative) ........................................................ 2-40
2.3.4.2 Alternative 1I – One New Runway at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field ................................................................................................. 2-40
2.3.5 Alternative 2: Duke Field Alternative ................................................................................... 2-43
2.3.5.1 Alternative 2A – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Choctaw
Field .......................................................................................................................... 2-43
2.3.5.2 Alternative 2B – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 ....................................................................................................................... 2-45
2.3.5.3 Alternative 2C – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 and Choctaw Field ..................................................................................... 2-45
2.3.5.4 Alternative 2D – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Eglin RW 12
and Choctaw Field ................................................................................................. 2-46
2.3.5.5 Alternative 2E – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Choctaw Field ................... 2-46
2.4 Regulatory Compliance ....................................................................................................................... 2-46
2.4.1 Other Regulations and Permit Requirements ...................................................................... 2-47
2.5 Environmental Comparison of Alternatives ..................................................................................... 2-49
2.6 Mitigation .............................................................................................................................................. 2-70
2.6.1 Defining a Mitigation Measure .............................................................................................. 2-70
2.6.2 Resource-Specific Measures Proposed to Reduce the Potential for Environmental
Impacts ...................................................................................................................................... 2-71
2.6.3 Unavoidable Impacts .............................................................................................................. 2-81
3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 Airspace ...................................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2.1 Definition ....................................................................................................................................3-1
3.2.2 Background ................................................................................................................................3-1
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3.2.3 Region of Influence ....................................................................................................................3-2
3.2.4 Analysis Methodology ..............................................................................................................3-6
3.2.5 Laws and Regulations ...............................................................................................................3-6
3.2.6 No Action Alternative Consequences .....................................................................................3-6
3.3 Noise .........................................................................................................................................................3-7
3.3.1 Definition ....................................................................................................................................3-7
3.3.2 Region of Influence ....................................................................................................................3-8
3.3.3 Analysis Methodology ..............................................................................................................3-8
3.3.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-13
3.3.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-13
3.4 Land Use ................................................................................................................................................ 3-29
3.4.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-29
3.4.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-29
3.4.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-32
3.4.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-32
3.4.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-33
3.5 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice ...................................................................................... 3-41
3.5.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-41
3.5.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-42
3.5.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-42
3.5.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-43
3.5.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-43
3.6 Transportation....................................................................................................................................... 3-52
3.6.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-52
3.6.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-52
3.6.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-54
3.6.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-54
3.6.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-54
3.7 Utilities ................................................................................................................................................... 3-60
3.7.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-60
3.7.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-60
3.7.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-63
3.7.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-63
3.7.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-64
3.8 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 3-67
3.8.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-67
3.8.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-70
3.8.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-70
3.8.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-71
3.8.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-74
3.9 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................. 3-79
3.9.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-79
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3.9.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-79
3.9.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-80
3.9.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-80
3.9.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-80
3.10 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................................................ 3-85
3.10.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-86
3.10.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-86
3.10.3 Analysis Methodology ............................................................................................................ 3-88
3.10.4 Laws and Regulations ............................................................................................................. 3-89
3.10.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................... 3-90
3.11 Hazardous Materials and Wastes ....................................................................................................... 3-93
3.11.1 Definition .................................................................................................................................. 3-93
3.11.2 Region of Influence .................................................................................................................. 3-94
3.11.3 Analysis Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3-101
3.11.4 Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3-101
3.11.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................. 3-102
3.12 Physical Resources ............................................................................................................................. 3-106
3.12.1 Definition ................................................................................................................................ 3-106
3.12.2 Region of Influence ................................................................................................................ 3-107
3.12.3 Analysis Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3-107
3.12.4 Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3-108
3.12.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................. 3-110
3.13 Biological Resources ........................................................................................................................... 3-112
3.13.1 Definition ................................................................................................................................ 3-112
3.13.2 Region of Influence ................................................................................................................ 3-114
3.13.3 Analysis Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3-116
3.13.4 Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3-116
3.13.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................. 3-117
3.14 Cultural Resources ............................................................................................................................. 3-122
3.14.1 Definition ................................................................................................................................ 3-122
3.14.2 Region of Influence ................................................................................................................ 3-123
3.14.3 Analysis Methodology .......................................................................................................... 3-124
3.14.4 Laws and Regulations ........................................................................................................... 3-124
3.14.5 No Action Alternative Consequences ................................................................................. 3-126
4. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES ......................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Airspace ...................................................................................................................................................4-2
4.2.1 Commonalities Across All Alternatives .................................................................................4-2
4.2.2 Mitigations ..................................................................................................................................4-2
4.3 Noise .........................................................................................................................................................4-3
4.3.1 Commonalities Across All Alternatives .................................................................................4-4
4.3.2 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ...............................................................................................4-8
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TABLE OF CONTENTS, CONT’D
Page
4.3.2.1 Alternative 1A – No Runway Changes at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field (Preferred Alternative) ..........................................................4-8
4.3.2.2 Alternative 1I – One New Runway at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field and
Choctaw Field ......................................................................................................... 4-21
4.3.3 Alternative 2 – Duke Field ...................................................................................................... 4-31
4.3.3.1 Alternative 2A – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Choctaw
Field .......................................................................................................................... 4-31
4.3.3.2 Alternative 2B – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
Runway 12 ............................................................................................................... 4-41
4.3.3.3 Alternative 2C – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
Runway 12 and Choctaw Field ............................................................................ 4-51
4.3.3.4 Alternative 2D – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Eglin Runway 12
and Choctaw Field ................................................................................................. 4-61
4.3.3.5 Alternative 2E – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Choctaw Field ................... 4-72
4.3.3.6 Summary ................................................................................................................. 4-81
4.3.4 Mitigations ................................................................................................................................ 4-82
4.4 Land Use ................................................................................................................................................ 4-87
4.4.1 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ............................................................................................. 4-87
4.4.1.1 Alternative 1A – No Runway Changes at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field (Preferred Alternative) ........................................................ 4-87
4.4.1.2 Alternative 1I – One New Runway at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field and
Choctaw Field ......................................................................................................... 4-91
4.4.2 Alternative 2 – Duke Field ...................................................................................................... 4-96
4.4.2.1 Alternative 2A – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Choctaw
Field .......................................................................................................................... 4-96
4.4.2.2 Alternative 2B – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 ..................................................................................................................... 4-102
4.4.2.3 Alternative 2C – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 and Choctaw Field ................................................................................... 4-107
4.4.2.4 Alternative 2D – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Eglin RW 12
and Choctaw Field ............................................................................................... 4-113
4.4.2.5 Alternative 2E – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Choctaw Field ................. 4-120
4.4.3 Mitigations .............................................................................................................................. 4-123
4.5 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice .................................................................................... 4-123
4.5.1 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ........................................................................................... 4-124
4.5.1.1 Alternative 1A – No Runway Changes at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field (Preferred Alternative) ...................................................... 4-124
4.5.1.2 Alternative 1I – One New Runway at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field and
Choctaw Field ....................................................................................................... 4-131
4.5.2 Alternative 2 – Duke Field .................................................................................................... 4-136
4.5.2.1 Alternative 2A – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Choctaw
Field ........................................................................................................................ 4-136
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4.5.2.2 Alternative 2B – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 ..................................................................................................................... 4-143
4.5.2.3 Alternative 2C – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 and Choctaw Field ................................................................................... 4-149
4.5.2.4 Alternative 2D – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Eglin RW 12
and Choctaw Field ............................................................................................... 4-154
4.5.2.5 Alternative 2E – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Choctaw Field ................. 4-160
4.5.3 Mitigations .............................................................................................................................. 4-164
4.6 Transportation..................................................................................................................................... 4-166
4.6.1 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ........................................................................................... 4-166
4.6.1.1 Alternative 1A – No Runway Changes at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field (Preferred Alternative) ...................................................... 4-166
4.6.1.2 Alternative 1I – One New Runway at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field and
Choctaw Field ....................................................................................................... 4-166
4.6.2 Alternative 2 – Duke Field .................................................................................................... 4-167
4.6.3 Summary of Improvements ................................................................................................. 4-172
4.6.4 Mitigations .............................................................................................................................. 4-177
4.7 Utilities ................................................................................................................................................. 4-177
4.7.1 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ........................................................................................... 4-177
4.7.2 Alternative 2 – Duke Field .................................................................................................... 4-177
4.7.3 Mitigations .............................................................................................................................. 4-182
4.8 Air Quality ........................................................................................................................................... 4-183
4.8.1 Commonalities Across All Alternatives ............................................................................. 4-183
4.8.2 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ........................................................................................... 4-183
4.8.2.1 Alternative 1A – No Runway Changes at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field
and Choctaw Field (Preferred Alternative) ...................................................... 4-183
4.8.2.2 Alternative 1I – One New Runway at Eglin Plus Use of Duke Field and
Choctaw Field ....................................................................................................... 4-184
4.8.3 Alternative 2 – Duke Field .................................................................................................... 4-186
4.8.3.1 Alternative 2A – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Choctaw
Field ........................................................................................................................ 4-186
4.8.3.2 Alternative 2B – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 ..................................................................................................................... 4-189
4.8.3.3 Alternative 2C – Duke Field Parallel Runways and LHA Plus Eglin
RW 12 and Choctaw Field ................................................................................... 4-191
4.8.3.4 Alternative 2D – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Eglin RW 12
and Choctaw Field ............................................................................................... 4-193
4.8.3.5 Alternative 2E – Duke Field Single Runway Plus Choctaw Field ................. 4-196
4.8.4 Mitigations .............................................................................................................................. 4-198
4.9 Health and Safety ............................................................................................................................... 4-198
4.9.1 Alternative 1 – Eglin Main Base ........................................................................................... 4-199
vi Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement January 2014
for F-35 Beddown at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida
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