SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 3 ⎯ Affected EnvironmentHousingThere is no housing at the DTA. Regionally, housing is available at Delta Junction. Because of theconstruction of the Missile Defense System at Fort Greely, the vacancy rates for housing in the areahave recently been very low. As a result, housing costs have increased in the area and there is currentlya shortage of affordable housing near DTA.SchoolsThe Delta School District shows a somewhat higher student/teacher ratio and lower expenditures perstudent than Fairbanks and Anchorage. Although it has a higher cost differential, it does not have thetax base that Anchorage and Fairbanks have to afford supplementing state educational expenditures.Therefore, less is spent per student.Environmental JusticeDTA is located in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, which covers a large region. Several communitiesin this census area harvest subsistence resources from within the ADFG’s Game ManagementUnit 20D.Based on census data from 2000, the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area had a population of 6,174. Ofthat total, 1,297 persons (21 percent) were minorities and 1,136 persons (18.4 percent) had incomesbelow poverty level.Protection of ChildrenNo children live on the DTA, and the DTA is secured to prevent trespassing. There are few residencesimmediately adjacent to the DTA.3.2.8 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL AND HAZARDOUS WASTEThis section provides an overview of the hazardous materials and wastes typically used or generatedwithin the ROI in Alaska (Figure 3–2). The hazardous materials and wastes at USARAK facilities include ammunition and livefire,unexploded ordnance, POLs, contaminated and IRP sites, lead, asbestos, PCBs, pesticides, andradon.USARAK has developed and implemented Pollution Prevention Plans to eliminate or reduce hazardouswaste, hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants. The Army recycles fuel and oil, batteries,antifreeze, and brass from shell casings. In addition, USARAK has purchased an aluminum canrecycling machine and actively works to substitute products that pose environmental risks. The Armyalso has worked to replace ozone-depleting refrigerants and fire protection equipment. The OzoneDepleting Chemical Management Plans for USARAK detail compliance with international and federallaws that restrict the production, purchase, and use of certain ozone-depleting substances.Most activities that use or generate hazardous materials on USARAK lands are conducted within thecantonment areas. The hazardous materials used or generated at the Army facilities potentially affectedby the proposed project would primarily be at FRA. DTA is not considered a USARAK propertyhaving significant issues associated with hazardous materials or wastes.February 2008 3–118 2/25th SBCT Final EIS