SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 4 − Impact Methodology4.4 WATER RESOURCES4.4.1 Resource-specific Impact Analysis MethodologyPotential impacts to water resources were identified based on regulatory standards, scientificjudgment, and public concerns expressed during the scoping process. Regulatory standardsconsidered during the impact analysis included, but were not limited to, the following:• Federal and state primary and secondary drinking water standards under the Safe Drinking WaterAct;• State and local plans and policies protecting surface water and groundwater resources;• Limits on development of available surface and groundwater resources;• Compliance with the Clean Water Act;• Source water protection program requirements;• Floodplain Management regulations;• Coastal Zone Management Act regulations; and• State water code regulations.Analysis of impacts was based on multiple factors related to activity groups associated withtransformation. Impacts from cantonment and range construction, and live-fire and maneuvertraining, as well as impacts from construction of facilities were evaluated for their potential to affectadversely water resources.Impacts on water resources were analyzed by evaluating four groups of impact issues. These includeimpacts on surface water quality, impacts on groundwater quality, impacts as an increased floodpotential, and impacts on groundwater supply.Both direct and indirect impacts were evaluated for each alternative. Examples of direct impacts towater resources include increased water use due to increased troop numbers and impacts to waterquality from introduction of chemical constituents. Impacts to water resources may also result fromimpacts to other affected resources, such as soils and vegetation, which also have the potential to alterflow dynamics and water quality.A quantitative analysis utilizing the computer model ATTACC was performed to estimate erosionimpacts associated with vehicle use in the training ranges. Historic and scientific data was used topredict positive or negative change to water resources for impact evaluation in Alaska and Colorado.4.4.2 Resource-specific significance criteriaFactors considered in determining whether an alternative would have a significant impact on waterresources include the extent or degree to which its implementation would:• Degrade surface or groundwater quality in a manner that would reduce the existing or potentialbeneficial uses of the water;• Reduce the availability of, or accessibility to, one or more of the beneficial uses of a waterresource;February 2008 4–8 2/25th SBCT Final EIS