SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 4 − Impact Methodology• Alter the existing pattern of surface or groundwater flow or drainage in a manner that wouldadversely affect the uses of the water within or outside the project region;• Be out of compliance with existing or proposed water quality standards or with other regulatoryrequirements related to protecting or managing water resources;• Conflict with Coastal Zone Management Program policies (Hawaii only);• Compliance with the Clean Water Act;• Substantially increase risks associated with human health or environmental hazards; or• Increase the hazard of flooding or the amount of damage that could result from flooding,including from runoff or from tsunami or seiche runup (where applicable).In addition to these factors, public concerns expressed during the scoping process were considered inthe impact analysis. These concerns included the effects of residual contaminants from munitions useon water quality, overall watershed health, depletion of water resources, and the Army’s commitmentto preserving water resources for the future.4.5 WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT4.5.1 Resource-specific Impact Analysis MethodologyMany ecosystems require fire for function and productivity, and fire is not always considered anegative impact. However, wildfires are a concern because of the potential impact on humanactivities and structures, sensitive biological and cultural resources, and military operations.Alteration of the natural fire regime by increasing the rate of ignitions is a potential adverse impact.This is especially important in ecosystems like Hawaii where there is no natural fire regime.Ecosystems that have not developed with the influence of fire are at a greater risk from wildfirebecause they lack fire adaptations. Likewise, wildlife species in these previously fire-free ecosystemsare disproportionately affected by the introduction of fire. Wildfires resulting from military training inHawaii are the largest threat to listed species.Each alternative was evaluated for its potential to impact wildfire risk adversely and its affect onwildfire management. Impacts from cantonment and range construction, and live-fire and maneuvertraining were evaluated for their potential to affect wildfire risk adversely. Construction of facilitiesand the facilities themselves are not considered to impact wildfire risk adversely. Live-fire andmaneuver training were identified as the primary activities capable of increasing the rate of fire toabove natural frequencies. An increase in the overall population at the selected alternative location isnot considered to increase the risk of wildfire ignitions significantly. Fire-related practices andpolicies applicable to each Alternative are presented in Chapter 3, and were evaluated on their abilityto address appropriately changes to wildfire risk or management associated with permanent homestationing of the 2/25 th SBCT.4.5.2 Resource-specific significance criteriaImpact determination was based on the assumption that the existing wildfire condition is acceptable.Any adverse departure from that condition is considered significant and requires mitigation. Thefollowing criteria were used to assess impacts on wildfire management and risk.• Increased frequency of accidental ignitions from SBCT training• Suitability of fire management practices, policies, and firefighting resourcesFebruary 2008 4–9 2/25th SBCT Final EIS