SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental ConsequencesRegardless of the level of protection, the Incident Commander makes determines how each fire is tobe handled for initial response. Specific tactics for the suppression of wildland fires are generallytaken or adapted from the Field Reference Guide for Control of Wildlife Fires (National WildfireCoordinating Group 1989).5.4.4.1 Impacts from Cantonment ConstructionNo ImpactsWhen compared to the IBCT that it would be replacing, permanent stationing of the 2/25 th SBCT atFTC would slightly increase the overall population with the addition of Soldiers, their families, andsupport personnel. Cantonment construction to accommodate the new population and SBCT-specificfacilities would not be required initially. Temporary parking for Stryker vehicles would need to beprovided in the cantonment area. This could create a small potential for accidental ignition from thecontact of hot equipment with vegetation or carelessness by personnel. This short-term, negligibleincrease is not expected to impact the risk of accidental wildfire ignition because the area would bemowed as needed to minimize contact with the vehicles and vegetation. No cantonment constructionwould be necessary at PCMS; therefore, impact analysis is Not Applicable. No mitigation isnecessary for impacts from cantonment construction.5.4.4.2 Impacts from Range ConstructionNo ImpactsConstruction of two new ranges at FTC would temporarily increase human presence and activity atconstruction sites. Only 3 acres of undisturbed land for construction of the UAC would be impacted.This would create a small potential for accidental ignition from the contact of hot equipment withvegetation or carelessness by construction workers. This short-term, negligible increase is notexpected to impact the risk of accidental wildfire ignition. No range construction would be necessaryat PCMS; therefore, impact analysis is Not Applicable. No mitigation is necessary for impacts fromrange construction.5.4.4.3 Impacts from Live-Fire TrainingSignificant ImpactsImpact 1: Increased Wildfire Risk. A larger number of Soldiers would use existing and newlyconstructed ranges at Fort Carson for live-fire training. There would be a corresponding increase inthe total number of rounds fired as well as increased vehicular traffic. An increased risk of accidentalwildfire ignition would come from ordinance, vehicles, flammable materials, or cigarettes.Reclassification of fire management options may occur as needed to ensure fire management meetsanticipated changes in wildfire risk. Prescribed burning resulting from any management prescriptionswould create short-term adverse impacts to air quality and would require a permit. Withimplementation of the mitigation measures below, fire risk would be reduced, but the impacts of awildfire would remain significant.Regulatory and Administrative Mitigation 1. If necessary, fire management practices and guidelines,as well as fire detection and firefighting resources, would be modified to reflect SBCT training. Allparties would continue to implement the Prescribed Burn Plan (DECAM 2003b) to limit fire hazards.Prescribed burning to create buffer areas would provide additional protection from wildfires near livefiretraining activities.February 2008 5-144 2/25th SBCT Final EIS