SBCT Final EIS - Govsupport.us

Appendix D ⎯ Responses to Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statementtraining at PCMS would affect the wastewater and stormwater systems at PCMS because existingfacilities are not adequate and new sewer mains would need to be constructed. Thewastewater ponds do not have a discharge permit even though stormwater generated inPCMS’ cantonment area is directed to the ponds and allowed to run directly off site. TheArmy also lacks information on the locations of existing buried telephone line, water pipelines,and other underground utilities. Without this knowledge, increased training associatedwith the 2/25th SBCT would probably damage the utilities infrastructure.Response: The City of Trinidad is currently repairing much of the supply pipeline. Trainingthe 2/25 th SBCT at PCMS would have no more effect on the water systemthan training of any other BCT at PCMS. There is only room for one BCT totrain at PCMS to near-doctrinal standards. Additional throughput is the issuethat could make existing utilities inadequate. If that becomes the case, thenfunding will be needed for upgrades. Under current training conditions andthroughput, water in the wastewater ponds evaporates, and never accumulatesto the point where there would be a discharge. However, if training at PCMSincreases significantly in amount and duration, then the system will need to beupgraded. In general, the Army does not have adequate as-built plans of undergroundutilities. However, digging by troop units is not permitted in thecantonment area. Therefore, it would be nearly impossible for 2/25 th or anyother unit to damage underground utilities in the PCMS cantonment.206. The DEIS does not consider the fact that increased training at PCMS would negatively affectthe Comanche National Grasslands, which adjoin PCMS. Noise from training, live fire exercise,and fighter jet and helicopter overflights will harm wildlife and ruin the character of thearea making it less desirable for recreation. Training by the 2/25th SBCT also may result inair and water pollution that will negatively affect recreation and wildlife on the Grasslands.Response: Studies conducted on PCMS and on Fort Carson over the last 20 to 25 yearshave repeatedly shown that wildlife simply moves out of the way during trainingand is not bothered significantly by the frequency and types of noise generatedat PCMS.207. Training of the 2/25th SBCT will have profound effects on the rural communities surroundingPCMS. Training may lead to contamination of water resources with petroleum productsand other hazardous materials rendering water unfit for agricultural or domestic use. TheDEIS does not address potential effects to visual resources. Training would create congestionproblems on Interstate 25 near Fort Carson and Pueblo.Response: The training of the SBCT would be similar to all other training events done atthe PCMS since its inception. Adherence to all federal, state, and local laws,Army regulations, and policies dealing with protection of the environmentfrom contaminants as discussed above would continue. No significant impactto visual resources is anticipated from the SBCT training at the PCMS. Dustwould be mitigated in accordance with the Installation Dust ManagementPlan. Congestion from traffic may increase, but is not anticipated to be significantas most equipment is sent to the PCMS by rail and convoys are scheduledto travel down to PCMS during days and times when the least amount of trafficis expected to occur. Convoys are configured so as not to create congestion,with a certain number of vehicles traveling together with distances between.February 2008 D–71 2/25th SBCT Final EIS