Environmental Assessment for the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Second Formal Training Unit (FTU-2) Beddown

This EA has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The EA team focused the analysis on the following environmental resources: airspace management, noise, safety, air quality, physical resources, water supply/quality, biological resources, cultural resources, land use, socioeconomics, and environmental justice. Increases in operations and personnel associated with the Proposed Action would occur, but would be equal to or less than the historic numbers of operations and personnel at either installation. Therefore, no or negligible effects on the installations' airspace management, safety, water supply, air quality and transportation systems are expected. Off-base land area would not be subjected to Day/Night Average Sound Levels greater than 65 decibels during construction activities. Noise generated by the operation of the UAS would not be perceptible by the general public. Renovation and construction in previously disturbed base areas would result in no significant effects to physical and biological resources. One building at Holloman AFB and two buildings at Edwards AFB that would require renovation or demolition to accommodate the beddown are considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places; any disturbance to these structures would need to be coordinated through the respective State Historic Preservation Office. Short-term regional socioeconomic stimulation is anticipated from renovation and construction. Long-term personnel and population increases are anticipated from the proposed beddown, with concomitant increases in regional income, sales volumes, and taxes. There would be no disproportionate effects upon minorities or low-income populations or children.