SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 3 ⎯ Affected Environmentformers is 32,200 kW (USACE 2007a). The training facilities within the Range and Butts Army Airfieldare also supplied power from Colorado Springs Utilities. Electrical supply lines to the airfieldwere upgraded in 1986. During maneuvers, targets are locally powered by battery or generator.FTC receives natural gas from Colorado Springs Utilities via two feeds at the north end of the installation,near Gate 4. The natural gas is metered and piped through a series of gas mains and distributionlines to FTC’s four central heating plants, Butts Army Airfield, and the Family Housing Area.The existing gas line servicing Butts Army Airfield does not have the capacity to accommodate additionalgas service to the Range or Training Support Complex, located at the far west end of WildernessRoad. Colorado Springs Utilities is in the planning stages for a gas feed to Gate 1 area, in supportof the new Cheyenne Mountain State Park west of this gate (DECAM 2005d). The peak historicaldaily consumption of natural gas at FTC is 8,600 million cubic feet (mcf)/day, and the peak historicalmonthly consumption is 186,000 mcf. Colorado Springs Utilities’ maximum delivery capacityto the installation is 10,650 mcf/day (USACE 2007a).FTC also is trying to reduce its consumption of energy and use more renewable sources of energy.For example, FTC generates 1 to 2 percent of its energy from renewable sources, such as solar heat(indoor pool), photovoltaics, and a solar wall at a hanger. FTC has established a 30-kW photovoltaicpower system project for water pumping, off-grid lighting, and telecommunications. In addition, a 2-MW solar array is being constructed on a former landfill. FTC also is purchasing electrical powergenerated from renewable sources from a Colorado Springs utility.The PCMS purchases electricity from San Isabel Electric Association (DECAM 2002a). High-voltageoverhead power lines enter the installation on the west side of the cantonment, where the power linesconnect to an electrical substation. The capacity of the existing transformer is 2,000 kilovolt ampere(KvA), and the existing demand is 164 KvA. Therefore, electricity demand at the site is below the designcapacity of the existing transformer.The substation supplies electricity to the existing buildings in the cantonment through undergrounddistribution lines located adjacent to the roads. Electric service is not available outside the cantonment(Fort Carson 2005). Batteries and portable generators are used to supply power to the training areas.Trucked-in heating oil and propane provide adequate fuel for heating at the PCMS. Most buildings inthe cantonment are heated by oil-fueled furnaces. Heating oil is trucked to the cantonment and storedin building-specific underground storage tanks. Heating oil is not used outside the cantonment. Propaneis used to heat some buildings at the PCMS. Distribution lines are not required because storageof these fuels occurs at the point of use. Natural gas is not currently used at the PCMS (Fort Carson2005).3.3.14 FACILITIESThis section identifies the existing facilities at FTC and PCMS, including utilities associated with potablewater, wastewater, stormwater, communications, and solid waste. Thus, the ROI includes FTCand PCMS. The environmental consequences for utilities include assessing the need for upgrades andany secondary impacts associated with those upgrades.3.3.14.1 Fort CarsonThis section describes the Army real property and facilities at FTC. The topics addressed include realestate, facilities, public services, and infrastructure for utilities.February 2008 3–179 2/25th SBCT Final EIS