Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to acquire or lease a HLZ closer to Kirtland AFB to support lowdust HLZ training for CV-22 and HH-60 aircrews (with only occasional use by UH-1 aircrews). The current low-dust HLZ is located over 100 miles away from Kirtland AFB, in southeast Colorado. The need for the Proposed Action is to decrease the wear and tear on aircraft engines and equipment, minimize time lost flying to and from the base to the distant HLZ, lessen costs incurred for fuel, and decrease the distance maintenance aircrews need to travel in case of aircraft breakdowns. The EA considered all potential impacts of the Proposed Action and No Action Alternative as well as cumulative environmental effects with other projects in the area of the proposed HLZ.
REPORT DATE
NOV 20122
Same as Report (SAR)18
PROPOSED ACTIONThe AF would acquire (by sublease) a new low-dust HLZ for CV-22, HH-60, and UH-1 aircraft operating out of Kirtland AFB, NM. The proposed 25-acre HLZ is located 65 miles from Kirtland AFB, is privately owned, and maintained as a sod farm. The AF would lease the land but the site would still be maintained by the land owner for sod production. The site will be used in its current condition, no improvements such as grading or construction would be required.
NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVEUnder this alternative, HLZ operations would continue at the current site in southeast Colorado.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGSProposed Action: No significant impacts are anticipated for airspace management and use and safety. No new airspace would be created, and there would be no increases in flight operations to conflict with existing civilian, commercial, and military use of the regional airspace, and the 58 SOW would continue to follow all Federal Aviation Administration-regulated airspace management procedures. All safety regulations and procedures currently in force would continue to be applied to minimize risks to aircrews and the general population. No unacceptable hazards to military personnel, the public, and property would occur nor would the ability to provide safe operations be hindered. In terms of land management and use, there would be no incompatibilities introduced to preclude current management and use of land...
