LEGAL NOTICE – Government

U.S. ARMY WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NEW MEXICO, DRAFT FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT NAME OF THE PROPOSED ACTION: Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Expanded Test Activities at Lee and Yucca Impact Areas at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION: This supplemental environmental assessment (SEA) is prompted by a need for expanding the size of Lee and Yucca Impact Areas and increasing the amount of missile testing activities into them. Lee Impact Area is located in the Northern Call-up Area (NCUA) and Yucca Impact Area is located on the southeast corner of WSMR. Lee and Yucca Impact areas were established through the analysis of previous environmental assessments (EA). Test activities have been analyzed and are covered under existing NEPA documentation. Environmental analysis of this SEA focused on impacts resulting from the enlargement of the impact areas and increased number of test missions. PURPOSE AND NEED: The purpose of the proposed action is to increase the number of extended range test missions into Lee and Yucca Impact Areas. Extended range testing is essential for the development of effective weapon systems with the capability for precision engagement beyond the range of current systems. Proposed testing includes continued development of STORM family of missiles and similar systems to assure combat readiness of the United States armed services and protect national security. ALTERNATIVES CONSISDERED: Two alternatives to the proposed action were considered, including use of test ranges other than WSMR and the no action alternative. Other military installations have launch facilities and missile impact capabilities located within desirable test distances of each other; however, WSMR, Ft. Wingate Launch Complex, Ft. Bliss McGregor Range and the NCUA have co-developed over time to accommodate missile flight testing and Lee and Yucca Impact Areas were established for extended range testing. WSMR is the largest overland test range in the United States, and the skilled personnel, unique facilities, and instrumentation required are already in place, thus enhancing both test execution and safety. Duplication of this infrastructure and test capabilities at other test facilities is not feasible. The need to recover and analyze post-test debris eliminated consideration of ocean based test ranges. No other nearby test sites can support the desired distances. The No-Action Alternative would not increase the size of Lee and Yucca Impact Areas as well as not increase the number of test missions into these areas. If this alternative is selected, the purpose and need of the proposed test and evaluation program will not be met. Not increasing the site sizes or increasing the number of tests prevents the on time accomplishment of seriously needed test events. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES: Potential consequences to the natural and human environments because of the proposed testing and construction activities were evaluated in this EA to provide a basis for assessing their significance. No significant impacts on the environment have been identified. Construction and test activities will disturb soils and vegetation leading to temporary increases in fugitive dust and vehicle emissions. Water trucks will be used for dust control, if necessary. Ground disturbance will be recontoured after testing. To minimize impacts, Yucca impact area will be expanded in smaller increments of 10 to 20 acres. When feasible mowing instead of blading will be used to maintain vegetation cover in the impact areas. Archaeologists surveyed a 361-acre parcel encompassing the existing Yucca Impact Area. Five archaeological sites were identified and recommended as eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed Yucca Impact Area boundary was revised to a 282-acre parcel that avoids all cultural sites identified. Traffic volume will increase on Highway 380, county and private roads to Lee Impact Area due to increased test missions. Traffic volume at roadblocks will be minimal and will be publicly announced prior to tests activities to reduce traffic issues. CONCLUSIONS: Based on analysis present in this EA no significant impacts on the environment were found. Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations would be followed. Accordingly, the U.S. Army and WSMR have determined that an environmental impact statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act is not required, and this Finding of No Significant Impact is hereby submitted. To minimize potential impacts the following mitigations would be followed: Cultural sites have been excluded and are outside of the Yucca Impact Area and will be marked with Seibert stakes to ensure no activities take place within them. If ground disturbing activities occur during the active nesting season, then a migratory bird survey for nesting birds will take place before any ground preparation activities begin to avoid disturbing active bird nests. If active bird nests (with eggs or nestlings) are found during surveys the following mitigations may be applied, delay of ground-clearing activities until nestlings have fledged, some ground-clearing occurs, but with buffers placed around active nests. As a last resort relocation of active nests by installation biologists under a federal relocation permit. Installation biologists would be consulted to determine how to best address the situation. POINT OF CONTACT: The environmental assessment which supports this Finding of No Significant Impact is available for public reading at the following locations: WSMR Library, 465 Rock Island, WSMR, NM; Public Affairs Office, Building 1782, WSMR, NM; Octavia Fellin Public Library, Gallup, NM, Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, Las Cruces, NM; the Alamogordo Public Library, Alamogordo, NM; and the Socorro Public Library, Socorro, NM or viewed online at https://www.wsmr.army.mil/gar/GarrisonPublications/Pages/default.aspx. All members of the public are invited to submit written comments within 30 days of this notice. Address all correspondence to: Department of the Army White Sands Missile Range 100 Headquarters Avenue ATTN: MT-R Range Support White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002-5000 Phone: (575) 678-1941 Comments can also be emailed to james.j.thompson120.civ@ @army.mil Published in the El Defensor Chieftain on May 23, 2024