Environmental Impact Analysis Process, Environmental Assessment Space Test Experiments Platform Mission 3, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA
Abstract
The following environmental areas were assessed for environmental effects in this EA: air quality, global climate change and stratospheric ozone depletion, waste management, energy, space debris, and safety and risk. Air pollutant emissions are minor in quantity, and do not exceed the base aggregate limit. The emissions of greenhouse and ozone-depleting compounds from the proposed action will not significantly increase the atmospheric concentrations of these compounds. Minimal amounts of hazardous and nonhazardous waste will be generated during satellite processing, which can be accommodated by existing VAFB waste management practices. Energy requirements of the STEP M3 are insignificant, and can readily be obtained from local supplies. The probability of personal injury or property damage from space debris is so low that the hazard is taken as part of the accepted risk for the program. Safety and risk concerns were identified in planning for the STEP M3, and safety procedures were incorporated into mission procedures. Final risk levels are considered acceptable. Minor issue areas of noise, public services, utilities, transportation, socioeconomics, hydrology and water quality, natural resources, and visual resources were evaluated in the previous STEP Mission 1 EA, and were found not to be adversely affected. Because the proposed action does not include the construction of any new ground facilities, biological resources, cultural resources, coastal resources, and soils and geology have not been evaluated in this EA. No mitigation measures are required for the proposed action.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA413249