SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental Consequencesin magnitude between the impacts caused by the current IBCT unit and the SBCT unit that wouldreplace it. The differences were introduced in Chapter 2 and are discussed in this impact analysis asthey pertain to proportionately increased or decreased impacts to soil resources on the installationrelative to activities under Alternative B.Table 5-20Summary of Potential Soil Erosion Impacts from Alternative BActivity GroupLocationDonnellyFort Richardson Training AreaImpacts from Cantonment Construction N/AImpacts from Range Construction N/AImpacts from Live-Fire Training Impacts from Maneuver Training = Significant + = Beneficial Impact = Significant but mitigable to less than significant N/A = Not Applicable☼ = Less than Significant = No ImpactImpacts resulting from construction and training activities in Alaska would be similar to thosediscussed for Alternative A with some exceptions. They include the presence of permafrost and theseasonal differences of training area carrying capacity. Portions of FRA and DTA contain permafrost,which is soil, silt, and rock that remains frozen year-round. Disturbance of the insulating peat andvegetation above permafrost can cause it to melt, which in turn can lead to irregular subsidence(thermokarst) and areas that are continually wet or flooded during the summer. Impacts to permafrostare often long-term and irreversible once initiated.The following mitigation measures specified in the USARAK INRMP and ITAM annual work planwould reduce the potentially significant impacts of soil erosion, compaction, rutting, and damage topermafrost caused by increased cantonment and range construction, live-fire training, and maneuvertraining activities at FRA and DTA. These measures are currently in place and are continually revisedand reviewed to respond to new or increasing impacts.• Comply with training exercise regulations as stipulated by USARAK Range Regulation 350-2.• Use environmental limitations maps to determine when and where USARAK units can traineffectively while limiting environmental disturbance.• Apply the ITAM program to inventory and monitor, repair, maintain, and enhance training lands.• Use RTLA program and the Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance program to inventory landconditions, monitor vegetation trends, repair damaged areas, and minimize future damage.• Obtain wetlands permits to conduct military training in wetland areas• Implement programs to track munitions use.• Use the Range and Facility Maintenance Support System (RFMSS) and input range use data.• Implement a soil and water monitoring program for DTA.• Implement recreational vehicle use policy on installation landsFebruary 2008 5-72 2/25th SBCT Final EIS