SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental Consequences• Promote vegetated buffer zones between small arms range footprints and lakes and streams.Vegetated buffer zones intercept runoff from the ranges, trapping sediment that can containdissolved and particulate metals.• Impacts from spills would be addressed effectively through the Spill Prevention Control andCountermeasure Plan and standard procedures, including training personnel in spill preventionand control techniques and requirements.• White phosphorus is not used at Eagle River Flats.Flood Potential. Personnel and equipment could be affected by floodwaters when training in floodproneareas. The safety of troops and equipment is a priority during training, and training proceduresdirect that troops relocate away from flood-prone areas when conditions are favorable for flooding.Consequently, the impacts are expected to be less than significant.The Jarvis Creek Flood Control Project investigation would be continued. This flood control projectwould construct a dike in DTA East that would direct floodwaters back into Jarvis Creek.5.3.3.4 Impacts from Maneuver TrainingLess Than Significant ImpactsNonpoint source contamination of surface and groundwater. Maneuver training of an SBCT maylead to increased sedimentation due to the frequency and intensity of maneuver training. However,given the extensive existing trail system, and that no new off-road maneuver areas would be created,impacts are expected to be less than significant.Increased maneuver training activities could have impacts on soil compaction and overland surfaceflow. Bank-side erosion is also expected to occur from both non-winter stream crossings as well as atice bridge approaches. Sedimentation would increase over background levels, and localized changesto stream width could occur, particularly at the crossing points. Sedimentation impacts would be lessthan significant due to the high base levels of sediment in area waterways.Increased maneuver training with the Stryker is expected to lead to increased maneuver impacts. Thiswould lead to soil compaction and overland surface flow, which in turn may reduce percolation andgroundwater recharge. However, these impacts are expected to be less than significant.Increased maneuver training at FRA and DTA would increase the use of fuels, solvents, and otherhazardous and toxic substances, which might result in indirect impacts to surface and/or groundwaterif accidentally released into the environment. However, implementing BMPs including SPCC wouldminimize potential impacts resulting from leaks or spills of hazardous materials. Impacts are expectedto be less than significant.The following measures already implemented would continue to protect water resources frompotential nonpoint source impacts resulting from maneuver training:• Maintain protective buffer zones along some waterways to reduce maneuver impacts. Bufferzones would reduce vegetation loss and sediment transport from areas directly adjacent towaterways, and would also reduce the deposition of fugitive dust, petrochemicals, and otherchemicals resulting from maneuvers.February 2008 5-82 2/25th SBCT Final EIS