SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental Consequencesestablished for existing restricted airspace would continue to apply to all aircraft, including UAVoperations. Although closures of currently restricted airspace are expected to increase in frequencybecause of increased training, the UAV is not designed to fly during high wind or extremely coldconditions, which would limit the periods during which operation is possible.A CFA may have to be established above new firing ranges at FTC. However, CFAs pose noproblems for VFR or IFR flights because activities within a CFA must be suspended immediatelywhen radar, spotter aircraft, or ground lookouts detect an approaching aircraft. No live-fire trainingwould occur at PCMS; therefore, impact analysis is Not Applicable. No mitigation is necessary forimpacts from live-fire training.5.4.13.4 Impacts from Maneuver TrainingLess Than Significant ImpactsManeuver training would occur at both FTC and PCMS. Except for the differences described below,SBCT training would have similar impacts as current IBCT training at each location. Brigade- andbattalion-level training would primarily occur at PCMS, and the frequency of maneuver training atPCMS is not expected to increase above existing levels. Platoon- and company-level training wouldprimarily occur at FTC, and would increase in frequency by approximately 6 to 7 percent.UAVs would be the only permanently assigned aerial equipment associated with the SBCT at FTC.UAVs could be used throughout FTC, as needed, to support training activities. Restricted airspace atFTC would allow UAVs to be used safely throughout the installation. Procedures established forexisting restricted airspace would continue to apply to all aircraft, including UAV operations.Unlike at FTC, UAVs could not be used at the PCMS under current conditions. PCMS lacksrestricted airspace (that is, an area that is restricted from entry, usually up to a certain elevation, byother aircraft). UAVs can only operate in areas without restricted airspace if they are accompanied bymanned aircraft. No manned aircraft are assigned to FTC. Consequently, none are available toaccompany UAVs over PCMS.5.4.14 Energy Demand and GenerationTable 5-50 summarizes the potential energy impacts under implementation of Alternative C. Impactsto energy use and costs are expected to be less than significant; however, to minimize energy use andcosts, additional measures are proposed.Table 5-50Summary of Potential Energy Impacts from Alternative CLocationActivity Group Fort Carson PCMSImpacts from Cantonment Construction ☼ N/AImpacts from Range Construction ☼ N/AImpacts from Live-Fire Training ☼ N/AImpacts from Maneuver Training ☼ ☼ = Significant + = Beneficial Impact = Significant but mitigable to less than significant N/A = Not Applicable☼ = Less than Significant= No ImpactFebruary 2008 5-181 2/25th SBCT Final EIS