SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 4 − Impact Methodology4.14 AIRSPACE4.14.1 Resource-specific Impact Analysis MethodologyImpacts on airspace were assessed by evaluating the potential effects of both project construction andoperations activities on the principal attributes of airspace, namely controlled and uncontrolled ornavigable airspace, special use airspace, military training routes, en-route airways and jet routes, andairports/airfields. Impacts on controlled and uncontrolled airspace were assessed by determining if theproject would reduce the amount of navigable airspace by creating new or expanding existing specialuse airspace by introducing temporary flight restrictions or by constituting an obstruction to airnavigation. Impacts on special use airspace were assessed by determining the project’s requirementfor modifications to existing special use airspace. Impacts on military training routes were assessedby determining if the project would require a change to an existing or planned military training route.Impacts on en route airways were assessed by determining if the project would lead to a change in aregular flight course or altitude or instrument procedures. Impacts on airports and airfields wereassessed by determining if the project restricts access to or affects the use of airports or airfieldsavailable for public use, or if it affects airfield or airport arrival and departure traffic flows.4.14.2 Resource-specific significance criteriaFactors considered in determining whether an alternative would have a significant impact on airspace,based in part on FAA Order 7400.2E, Procedures for Handling Airspace Matters (FAA 2001), includethe extent or degree to which its implementation would result in the following:• Reduce the amount of navigable airspace;• Lead to the assignment of new special use airspace (including prohibited areas, restricted areas,warning areas, and military operations areas) or require the modification of special use airspace;• Change an existing or planned military training route or slow route;• Change an existing or planned IFR minimum flight altitude, a published or special instrumentprocedure, or an IFR departure procedure, or require a visual flight rules operation change from aregular flight course or altitude;• Restrict access to or affect the use of airports or airfields available for public use, or if it wouldaffect commercial or private airfield or airport arrival and departure traffic flows; or• Create an obstruction to air navigation.4.15 ENERGY4.15.1 Resource-specific Impact Analysis MethodologyThe evaluation of potential impacts to energy demand or generation, delivery systems, or costs isbased on the project’s potential to affect energy demand and costs. Population changes projected forthe ROI for each alternative were used for forecasting energy demands. These energy demandforecasts were compared to existing levels of energy use and generation to determine if regionalenergy prices are expected to increase significantly.4.15.2 Resource-specific significance criteriaFactors considered in determining whether an alternative would have a significant impact on energydemand, generation, delivery systems, or costs would include the extent or degree to which itsimplementation would result in the following:February 2008 4–19 2/25th SBCT Final EIS