SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental Consequences5.4.4.4 Impacts from Maneuver TrainingSignificant ImpactsImpact 2: Increased wildfire risk. Maneuver training would occur at both FTC and PCMS. Except forthe differences described below, SBCT training would have similar impacts as current IBCT trainingat each location. Brigade- and battalion-level training would primarily occur at PCMS at levelssimilar to those that occur for an IBCT. The frequency of maneuver training at FTC and PCMS isexpected to be the same but the MIMs would increase by nearly double existing levels (49,576 MIMsassociated with the IBCT versus 104,898 MIMs associated with the SBCT). Platoon- and companyleveltraining would primarily occur at FTC, and would increase in frequency also by about 50percent when comparing the SBCT to the IBCT it would replace, but by less than 10 percent whenfactoring in all other units at FTC. Munitions use is not part of maneuver training, so the risk ofwildfire ignition is from vehicle use and general human activity. The inherent minor risk of accidentalignition resulting from SBCT maneuver training is expected to be similar to the existing IBCTmaneuver training. However, SBCT maneuver training typically covers a larger area, potentiallyextending training into areas that have not been used as frequently. These areas may not have beenmanaged to reduce wildfire risk or have been incorporated into fire management strategies.Implementation of Mitigation Measures described above under Impact 1 would reduce increased risk,but the impacts of a wildfire would remain significant.Regulatory and Administrative Mitigation 2. 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.5.4.5 Cultural ResourcesImpacts on cultural resources including historic structures, prehistoric and historic archaeologicalsites, and PRTCSs could include intrusion of new buildings or structures that are not consistent withthe historic characteristics of a historic site or district, renovation or demolition of historic buildings,ground disturbance at archaeological sites, removal of objects or artifacts from eligible sites,increased access to archaeologically sensitive areas, or restriction of access to sacred sites.Stationing of an additional 663 SBCT Soldiers and their support staff and their families would requireeventual construction of additional residential and support facilities and would result in increasedoverall use and traffic. Construction of training support facilities could disturb or damage culturalresources. The overall increase in traffic and use could result in accelerated disturbance anddegradation. New training ranges would be required on FTC, including 3 acres of disturbed landassociated with the UAC. Increased frequency and intensity of training could result in more extensiveand more frequent damage to cultural resources. The acquisition of new systems and equipment,including Stryker vehicles, could entail the use of more extensive areas during maneuver training,resulting in more damage to cultural resource sites. Stryker vehicle exercises tend to focus more onrapid deployment and remain on existing roads than training with conventional vehicles. Managementactivities, land stewardship, policy and programs implementation, on the other hand, are expected toimprove data collection and management and improve the protection and enhancement of culturalresources. Table 5-40 summarizes the types of impacts to cultural resources that would occur underAlternative C.February 2008 5-145 2/25th SBCT Final EIS