SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Chapter 5 – Environmental Consequencesthese rounds for both units are used for individual weapons qualification and machine gunqualification and most of these rounds would be used on SBMR qualification ranges. The 4/4th wouldconduct weapons qualification on new ranges not previously available to the 2/25 th ID (L). Live fireactivities would occur on ranges including the QTRs, anti-armor live fire tracking range, theCALFEX range to be constructed at PTA, and the IPBC to be constructed at SBMR. AdditionallySRTA training would occur at the CACTF at KTA.Maneuver TrainingThe 4/4th IBCT would execute approximately 49,576 MIMs during maneuver training. Thisrepresents a 26 percent increase from the No Action baseline. Maneuver training would be splitapproximately evenly between training areas on Oahu and Hawaii Islands. As with the 2/25 th ID(Light), the majority of MIMs would be executed at SBER and PTA. Maneuver areas at the KeamukuParcel, the SRAA, KLOA, and KTA would also be used.The 4/4th IBCT would add the use of 4 UAVs. UAV training would occur at all training areas.5.4.16.2 Potential ImpactsSummary of ImpactsThe primary activity group responsible for soil erosion is maneuver training. Expansion of maneuverareas into those not currently used for maneuver would expose stable, vegetated soils to vehicle andfoot traffic. This would cause loss of vegetation, soil compaction, and alterations to drainage patternsthat would increase soil erosion from both wind and water. Though maneuver training wouldincrease, it would be executed over a larger area. BMPs and mitigation measures listed in the 2004FEIS and installation institutional programs would be implemented. These mitigations and programswould minimize soil loss to a less than significant level.Impacts to threatened and endangered species would occur from continued use of Army lands, butformal consultation with the USFWS has resulted in non-jeopardy Biological Opinions. The activitiesof the 4/4th would fall within the parameters addressed in the Biological Opinions, which had alreadyconsidered both the intensive impacts associated with SBCT training and the impacts of Legacytraining; which is consistent with that of an IBCT. Range construction and use at PTA are expected tohave a significant impact on listed species and their habitat.Construction and training activities would increase the possibility of accidental ignition of a wildfire.Implementation of the IWFMP would greatly reduce the potential effects of a wildfire; however, thepotential loss of individuals of a sensitive species or damage to its habitat would be a significantimpact.The potential loss of cultural resources could occur from range construction and use. Mitigationmeasures would minimize impacts to cultural resources, however the potential loss of culturalresources is considered a significant impact.There would remain the potential to introduce or spread noxious weeds. Mitigation measures wouldreduce these impacts to less than significant. General wildlife, habitats, and vegetation would sustainonly less than significant impacts. No impacts to wetlands would be expected.February 2008 5-186 2/25th SBCT Final EIS