CHAPTER 5
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
5-1. Assessment
elements
or soundproofing of buildings.
Special construction techniques to prevent or
The Environmental Assessment (EA) consists of three
minimize stormwater or wastewater runoff into receiving
elements. These elements are (a) an analysis of the
streams.
anticipated environmental impacts of implementation of
Landscaping provisions to prevent erosion, provide
the long-range plan; (b) identification of appropriate
screening or enhance natural or cultural assets or vistas.
mitigation measures; (c) and documentation of the results
- Designation of no-development areas to protect
of this analysis in the Master Plan Report
archaeological sites. endangered species habitat, virgin
forests, wetlands, or former landfill areas for encroachment.
5-2. Analysis methodology
Identification of the need, prior to Plan imple-
a. Each of the environmental factors related to the
mentation, for more intensive study of one or more
installation and identified by data collection and analysis
environmental conflicts.
should be re-evaluated in light of the long-range plan. This
5-3.
Documentation
evaluation will consist of:
(1) Identification of those environmental factors
The results of the EA process will be documented and
which are most likely to be sensitive to physical changes
included in the Master Plan Report The environmental
on the installation.
documentation should be brief but complete in that all
concerns, regardless of level of impact, must be addressed
(2) Identification of the probable short-term effects
The documentation may be completely in narrative form;
of Plan implementation on these sensitive factors.
however, it is often useful to prepare and include in the
(3) Identification of the probable long-term effect
Report a matrix similar to the example given in figure 5-1.
of Plan implementation on these sensitive factors.
If a matrix is used then the narrative need only address
b. All previously prepared environmental documents
will be reviewed to ensure the accuracy and completeness
those environmental impacts which are significant and for
which mitigation is required The appropriate mitigation
of the above evaluation.
measures may require special attention in the development
c. The severity and significance of probable impacts
of the General Site Plan ( see chapter 6). The Master Plan
then should be determined for each environmental factor
EA must lead to either a Finding of No Significant Impact
being evaluated The results of this evaluation should be
(FNSI) or a finding requiring the preparation of an
recorded either in a narrative' form in a table with brief
accompanying notes.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The format for
the EA finding will be in accordance with AR 200-2.
d After probable impacts have been identified and
the level of impact severity determined, mitigation measures
a. The FNSI will briefly describe the reasons why the
should be considered The nature of these measures will
Master Plan will not have a significant effect on the human
depend upon the type of environmental impact anticipated
environment and will not be subject to an EIS.
and the nature of the Plan proposal which will cause the
b. The finding requiring the preparation of an EIS
will be stated in the EA. However, the EIS itself will be
impact Mitigation measures to be considered include
separate document and a separate work effort from the
(1) Reconfiguration, reorienation, or relocation of
the incompatible land use or facility. This could require an
Master Plan.
c. The Master Plan Report is the overall assessment
alteration of the Land Use Plan and if so, most likely
would have been accomplished during the planning process.
for the installation providing a framework for the project
or program EA as required by the program development
(2) Identification of special measures to protect
regulations. Site-specific EAs for a project or program
threatened resources. These measures might include
will reference pertinent data from this Master Plan EA.
Noise attenuation provisions such as berms, walls,
5-1
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