Integrated Training Area Management EA and Final FNSI

CHAPTER 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ANDENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCESThis chapter describes the affected environment (existing conditions) and the environmentalconsequences for the proposed action and alternatives. The table below describes thresholds to whichenvironmental impacts are compared. Exceeding a threshold would represent a significant impact underNEPA.Table 3.a Impact Thresholds 1 in Relation to Issue and Region of Influence.Resource/Issue ofRegion of Influence Threshold 2ConcernSoilsVegetationWetlands andWater ResourcesWildlifeFisheriesFire ManagementPublic Access andRecreationCultural ResourcesHuman Health andSafetySocioeconomicsNoiseInstallationwatershedsInstallationlandscapeWatershedsLandscape scaleWatershedsLandscape scaleInstallation andimmediatesurrounding areaInstallation andimmediatesurrounding areaInstallation andimmediatesurrounding areaRegional scaleInstallation andsurrounding areaErosion resulting in soil loss or compaction that precludesestablishment of native vegetation or sediment delivery;unpermitted construction during summer months; or unpermittedmechanical digging or drilling.Fragmentation, loss, or degradation of high quality natural areas orsensitive sites; local extirpation of rare or sensitive plant species; orthe introduction or extreme increased prevalence of undesirablenon-native species.Unpermitted deposition of dredged or fill materials into wetlandsand other “Waters of the U.S.”; a violation of federal or statedischarge permits; significant sedimentation of waterways; and/orpotential degradation of an aquifer.Population-level impacts (e.g., potential to reduce local populationsbelow self-sustaining levels, or long-term loss or impairment ofsubstantial portions of local habitat [species specific]); or directimpacts/disturbance to birds protected by the Migratory BirdTreaty Act.Impeded movement or access to habitat; removal of cover andforaging area; or unpermitted work conducted in anadromousstreams, especially during critical anadromous fish life cycles(mid-May to mid-July).Significantly increased risk of fire or reduced access for fireprotection crews.Significant impact on levels of recreational use or significantnumbers of users displaced to alternative locations for recreationalopportunities; non-compliance with the Sikes Act.Irreversible damage to a prehistoric or historic site that is listed oris eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, oris listed as a National Historic Landmark.Significant increased risks to human health resulting fromhandling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials; orconditions leading to a Notice of Violation of laws pertaining tothe generation, use, or disposal of hazardous and/or toxic materialsor wastes.Significant impacts on levels of employment or family income,disproportionate impacts to minorities or low-income individuals,or causes health and safety risks for children.Any increase in Zone II or Zone III noise contours that wouldextend off installation boundaries into populated areas._____________________________________________________________________________________________Environmental AssessmentUnited States Army Alaska, Integrated Training Area Management ProgramManagement Plan 14