Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 4training range on an ongoing basis for routine training activities, no increase in the overall tempo oftraining events at the ranges is anticipated. Thus, no significant increase in emissions is expected fromeither the No Action Alternative or Proposed Action. The future conduct of COMPTUEX/JTFEXtraining activities at NB Coronado will adhere to protocols and protective measures adopted for ongoingenvironmental compliance programs.4.2 WATER RESOURCESPotential impacts on water resources from COMPTUEX/JTFEX activities could result from wastedisposal, floating debris, leaking and deteriorating unexploded ordnance (UXO), expended batteries,accidental spills of hazardous materials, and, on land ranges, from terrain disturbance caused by vehicletravel, ground support activities, and exploding ordnance. Conducting two major training eventsconcurrently could generate short-term water resources impacts above those levels normally resultingfrom a single COMPTUEX/JTFEX (baseline conditions). Therefore, this EA/OEA addresses thepotential for short-term water quality impacts. Neither the No Action Alternative nor the ProposedAction would have a significant impact on long-term water quality levels.COMPTUEX/JTFEX training events are conducted in accordance with range operating proceduresdeveloped in compliance with Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans (INRMPs), BiologicalOpinions, NEPA analyses, and other environmental planning and compliance documents. As newenvironmental requirements are incorporated into the range operating procedures, COMPTUEX/JTFEXtraining activities are updated to comply with the new requirements.The following sections discuss the environmental consequences of the No Action Alternative andProposed Action at each of the test and training ranges to be used during COMPTUEX/JTFEXs, focusingon the potential impacts of short-term changes in water quality.4.2.1 Ocean Area (Southern California Operating Area)The SOCAL OPAREA, including Warning Area 291 (W-291), currently hosts COMPTUEX/JTFEXexercises on a regular basis. The core of COMPTUEX/JTFEX activities occurs in SOCAL OPAREA.The potential for water resources impacts within U.S. Territorial Waters of the SOCAL OPAREA islimited to the waters adjacent to SCIRC, NB Coronado, and offshore Camp Pendleton.Potential impacts to water resources in the SOCAL OPAREA associated with COMPTUEX/JTFEXactivities could occur as a result from the following:Incidental release of materialsExpended materials and/or dischargeExpendable devicesJet fuel, oils, hydraulic fluid, batteries, and explosive cartridgesTorpedoes and missilesChaff and flarePotential impacts to water quality would primarily be associated with the incidental release of materialsfrom surface ships, submarines, or other vessels. Hazardous constituents of concern possibly emittedfrom the surface ship or submarine (i.e., fuel, oil) are less dense than seawater and would remain near thesurface and therefore would not affect the benthic community. Sheens produced from these activities are4-7 February 2007