Target Complex Invader, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range

154 Pages·2015·14.63 MB·English

Draft Environmental Assessment
Target Complex Invader
Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
Marine Corps Air Station
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION Yuma
YUMA ARIZONA
April 2015

Draft Environmental Assessment
Target Complex Invader
Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
Marine Corps Air Station
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION Yuma
YUMA ARIZONA
April 2015
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Draft
1
Environmental Assessment for Target Complex Invader,
2
Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
3

4 Lead Agency for the EA: United States Marine Corps
5 Title of Proposed Action: Target Complex Invader, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
6 Location of the Proposed Action: State of California, Imperial County
7 Document Type: Environmental Assessment

8 Abstract
9 The United States Marine Corps has prepared this Environmental Assessment in accordance with
10 the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 United States Code §§ 4321–4370h, as
11 implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 40 Code of Federal Regulations
12 Parts 1500–1508, and Marine Corps Order P5090.2A, Change 3, Chapter 12, dated 26 August 2013,
13 Environmental Compliance and Protection Manual, which establishes procedures for implementing
14 NEPA. The proposed action includes the proposed establishment and operation of a target complex that
15 includes a 99-acre target area and associated 2.4-acre Landing Zone, and three Observation Posts within
16 restricted airspace R-2507S at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range in Imperial County. This
17 Environmental Assessment describes the potential environmental consequences resulting from one action
18 alternative (Alternative 1) and the No-Action Alternative on the following resource areas: airspace, air
19 quality, biological resources, cultural resources, hazardous materials and waste, geological resources,
20 public health and safety, and water resources.
21 Prepared By: United States Marine Corps
22 Point of Contact: Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest
23 Mr. Jesse Martinez
24 1220 Pacific Highway
25 Central Integrated Product Team, Building 1
26 San Diego, California 92132-5190

27 March 2015
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Table of Contents
1 Abstract
2 Acronyms ...................................................................................................................................................... v
3 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ ES-1
4 1 Purpose and Need ............................................................................................................................ 1-1
5 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 1-1
6 1.2 Background ........................................................................................................................... 1-1
7 1.3 Project Location .................................................................................................................... 1-4
8 1.4 Training Functions of the CMAGR ...................................................................................... 1-4
9 1.4.1 CMAGR Operating Area ......................................................................................... 1-4
10 1.4.2 Varied Terrain at the CMAGR ................................................................................. 1-4
11 1.4.3 Training with Live Ordnance at the CMAGR .......................................................... 1-7
12 1.5 Need and Purpose for the Proposed Action .......................................................................... 1-7
13 1.6 Applicable Regulatory Requirements ................................................................................... 1-8
14 1.7 Organization of the Document .............................................................................................. 1-8
15 2 Alternatives Including the Proposed Action .................................................................................... 2-1
16 2.1 Alternative 1 .......................................................................................................................... 2-2
17 2.1.1 Project Components ................................................................................................. 2-2
18 2.1.1.1 Target Area ............................................................................................ 2-2
19 2.1.1.2 Landing Zone ......................................................................................... 2-8
20 2.1.1.3 Observation Posts .................................................................................. 2-9
21 2.1.2 Access ...................................................................................................................... 2-9
22 2.1.3 Military Use Airspace and Transit Routes ............................................................. 2-10
23 2.1.3.1 Military Use Airspace .......................................................................... 2-10
24 2.2 Preferred Alternative ........................................................................................................... 2-13
25 2.3 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................................................... 2-13
26 2.4 Alternatives Considered But Eliminated ............................................................................. 2-13
27 2.4.1 Alternative Locations within the Chocolate Mountain Aerial
28 Gunnery Range ...................................................................................................... 2-13
29 2.4.2 Alternative Design Configurations ........................................................................ 2-14
30 2.5 Resource Areas Eliminated From Detailed Consideration ................................................. 2-14
31 2.6 Anticipated Permits and Approvals .................................................................................... 2-15
32 2.7 Minimization and Mitigation Measures .............................................................................. 2-15
33 2.8 Summary of Impacts ........................................................................................................... 2-15
34 3 Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences .............................................................. 3-1
35 3.1 Airspace ................................................................................................................................ 3-1
36 3.1.1 Affected Environment .............................................................................................. 3-1
37 3.1.1.1 Military Airspace Use ............................................................................ 3-1
38 3.1.1.2 Civilian Airspace Use ............................................................................ 3-2
39 3.1.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-2
40 3.1.2.1 Alternative 1 .......................................................................................... 3-2
41 3.1.2.2 No-Action Alternative ........................................................................... 3-2
42 3.2 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................ 3-3
43 3.2.1 Affected Environment .............................................................................................. 3-4
44 3.2.1.1 Existing Air Quality ............................................................................... 3-4
45 3.2.1.2 Regulatory Framework .......................................................................... 3-5
46
Target Complex Invader, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range i
Draft EA
Table of Contents
1 3.2.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-7
2 3.2.2.1 Alternative 1 .......................................................................................... 3-7
3 3.2.2.2 No-Action Alternative ........................................................................... 3-8
4 3.3 Biological Resources ............................................................................................................. 3-9
5 3.3.1 Affected Environment .............................................................................................. 3-9
6 3.3.1.1 Data Sources ........................................................................................ 3-10
7 3.3.1.2 Vegetation ............................................................................................ 3-10
8 3.3.1.3 Non-Native Plant Species .................................................................... 3-14
9 3.3.1.4 General Wildlife .................................................................................. 3-14
10 3.3.1.5 Special Status Species .......................................................................... 3-14
11 3.3.1.6 Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. ............................................... 3-21
12 3.3.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 3-25
13 3.3.2.1 Alternative 1 ........................................................................................ 3-25
14 3.3.2.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................... 3-32
15 3.4 Cultural Resources .............................................................................................................. 3-33
16 3.4.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................................ 3-33
17 3.4.1.1 Prehistoric and Historic Setting ........................................................... 3-34
18 3.4.1.2 Cultural Resources within the Affected Environment ......................... 3-35
19 3.4.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 3-36
20 3.4.2.1 Alternative 1 ........................................................................................ 3-36
21 3.4.2.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................... 3-36
22 3.5 Hazardous Materials and Waste .......................................................................................... 3-37
23 3.5.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................................ 3-37
24 3.5.1.1 Installation Restoration Program Sites ................................................ 3-37
25 3.5.1.2 Management of Hazardous Materials and Wastes and
26 Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants ............................................................ 3-37
27 3.5.1.3 Toxic Chemical Reporting ................................................................... 3-38
28 3.5.1.4 Range Environmental Vulnerability Assessment ................................ 3-38
29 3.5.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 3-39
30 3.5.2.1 Alternative 1 ........................................................................................ 3-39
31 3.5.2.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................... 3-40
32 3.6 Geological Resources .......................................................................................................... 3-41
33 3.6.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................................ 3-41
34 3.6.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 3-41
35 3.6.2.1 Alternative 1 ........................................................................................ 3-41
36 3.6.2.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................... 3-42
37 3.7 Public Health and Safety ..................................................................................................... 3-43
38 3.7.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................................ 3-43
39 3.7.1.1 Aviation Safety .................................................................................... 3-43
40 3.7.1.2 Ground Safety ...................................................................................... 3-43
41 3.7.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 3-44
42 3.7.2.1 Alternative 1 ........................................................................................ 3-44
43 3.7.2.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................... 3-45
44 3.8 Water Resources ................................................................................................................. 3-47
45 3.8.1 Affected Environment ............................................................................................ 3-47
46 3.8.1.1 Surface Water ...................................................................................... 3-47
47 3.8.1.2 Groundwater ........................................................................................ 3-47
48 3.8.1.3 Water Quality ....................................................................................... 3-48
49 3.8.1.4 Floodplains/Flooding ........................................................................... 3-48
50 3.8.2 Environmental Consequences ................................................................................ 3-48
ii Target Complex Invader, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
Draft EA
Table of Contents
1 3.8.2.1 Alternative 1 ........................................................................................ 3-48
2 3.8.2.2 No-Action Alternative ......................................................................... 3-49
3 4 Cumulative Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 4-1
4 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4-1
5 4.2 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Projects Considered in the
6 Cumulative Analysis ............................................................................................................. 4-1
7 4.3 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 4-7
8 4.3.1 Geographic Scope of the Cumulative Effects .......................................................... 4-7
9 4.3.2 Time Frame of the Cumulative Effects Analysis ..................................................... 4-7
10 4.4 Potential Cumulative Impacts by Environmental Resource Area ......................................... 4-7
11 4.4.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 4-8
12 4.4.1.1 Criteria Pollutants .................................................................................. 4-8
13 4.4.1.2 Greenhouse Gases .................................................................................. 4-8
14 4.4.2 Biological Resources................................................................................................ 4-9
15 4.4.3 Water Resources ...................................................................................................... 4-9
16 5 Other NEPA Considerations ............................................................................................................ 5-1
17 5.1 Energy Requirements and Conservation Potential of Alternatives Including
18 the Proposed Action and All Mitigation Measures Being Considered ................................. 5-1
19 5.2 Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitment of Natural or Depletable
20 Resources .............................................................................................................................. 5-1
21 5.3 Relationship Between Local Short-Term Use of the Human Environment
22 and Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Biological Productivity ........................ 5-1
23 5.4 Any Probable Adverse Environmental Effects that Cannot be Avoided and
24 are Not Amenable to Mitigation ........................................................................................... 5-2
25 6 List of Preparers .............................................................................................................................. 6-1
26 7 References ....................................................................................................................................... 7-1

Appendices
27 A Applicable Federal Regulations, Instructions, and Public Law
28 B Mitigation, Monitoring, and Reporting Record (MMMR) Tracking Sheet
29 C 1996 and 2003 Biological Opinions for the Military Use of the Chocolate Mountain Aerial
30 Gunnery Range
31 D Agency Consultation

Target Complex Invader, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range iii
Draft EA
Table of Contents
List of Tables
1 Table 2.1-1. Ammunition Expenditures within R-2507S at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial
2 Gunnery Range ................................................................................................................... 2-5
3 Table 2.1-2. Annual Sorties within R-2507S at the Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range ........ 2-11
4 Table 2.1-3. Military Training Routes that Provide Entry to the Chocolate Mountain Aerial
5 Gunnery Range ................................................................................................................. 2-13
6 Table 2.6-1. Anticipated Permits and Concurrence/Determinations ..................................................... 2-15
7 Table 2.8-1. Summary of Impacts ......................................................................................................... 2-16
8
9 Table 3.2-1. California and National Ambient Air Quality Standards .................................................... 3-3
10 Table 3.3-1. Landforms, Vegetation, and Associated Acreages in the Survey Area for Target
11 Complex Invader ............................................................................................................... 3-11
12 Table 3.3-2. Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Plant and Animal Species Known to
13 Occur or Potentially Occurring in the Project Vicinity ..................................................... 3-15
14 Table 3.3-3. Desert Tortoise Sign Key .................................................................................................. 3-18
15 Table 3.3-4. Desert Tortoise Survey Results for CMAGR Target Complex Invader ........................... 3-18
16 Table 3.3-5. Special Status Plant and Animal Species Known to Occur or Potentially Occurring
17 in the Project Vicinity ....................................................................................................... 3-20
18 Table 3.3-6. Avian Species of Concern under the MBTA Known to Occur or Potentially
19 Occurring in the Project Vicinity ...................................................................................... 3-21
20 Table 3.3-7. Vegetation Communities Potentially Disturbed under Alternative 1 ................................ 3-25
21
22 Table 4.2-1. Cumulative Project and Associated Anticipated Impacts ................................................... 4-2

List of Figures
23 1.1-1. Regional Map ............................................................................................................................ 1-2
24 1.4-1. Military Ranges, Air Installations, and Bases in the CMAGR Operating Area ........................ 1-5
25 1.4-2. Training Support Facilities at CMAGR ..................................................................................... 1-6

26 2.1-1. Target Complex Invader Conceptual Layout............................................................................. 2-3
27 2.1-2. Photos of the Proposed Targets within Target Complex Invader .............................................. 2-4

28 3.3-1. Vegetation Known to Occur in the Project Vicinity ................................................................ 3-12
29 3.3-2. Survey Area within Desert Tortoise Critical Habitat on Chocolate Mountain Aerial
30 Gunnery Range ........................................................................................................................ 3-16
31 3.3-3. Potential Waters of the U.S. in the Project Vicinity ................................................................ 3-24

32 4.2-1. General Location of Cumulative Projects in the Project Vicinity ............................................. 4-6

iv Target Complex Invader, Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range
Draft EA