Environmental Assessment for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Mission Control Station for Defense Support Program Consolidation

Abstract

A number of different missile warning, defense, and battlespace characterization systems are currently in use by the Department of Defense (DoD) and other national users. These systems include the Defense Support Program (DSP), Large Processing Station (LPS), Attack and Launch Early Reporting to Theater (ALERT), Tactical Detection and Reporting (TACDAR), and Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS). The DoD proposes to integrate and ultimately replace these systems with the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS). SBIRS would be the sole national and DoD overhead nonimaging infrared satellite system. A new Mission Control Station (MCS) is needed to consolidate current DSP operations. With this consolidation, the current high costs of DSP operations and its dependence on overseas processing stations can be reduced. Construction would begin in fiscal year 1997. The construction and operation of the MCS requires an Environmental Assessment (EA). This EA will assist Air Force decisionmakers in determining a site location by analyzing the environmental impacts associated with the construction and initial operation of the MCS. The decision is whether to construct the MCS at Buckley Air National Guard Base, Colorado (proposed action); reconfigure a portion of the National Test Facility (NTF) at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado, to accommodate the MCS (alternative action); or take no action. This EA evaluated the environmental effects on the following resources: air quality, water resources, transportation, socioeconomics, water quality, solid waste, hazardous materials/waste management, pollution prevention, utilities, land use, noise, cultural resources, biological resources, geological resources, and health and safety. This EA concludes that construction of the SBIRS MCS will not have a significant environmental impact on either location, and an environmental impact statement is not required. (18 tables, 8 figures,

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA413950

Entities

People

  • Anthony C. Davis
  • Craig Mccolloch
  • Donald L. Koehler
  • J. D. Latimer
  • Josephine Jarrell

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Birds
  • Cells
  • Dielectric Gases
  • Drainage Basins
  • Employment
  • Environment
  • Environmental Protection
  • Groundwater
  • Habitats
  • Medical Personnel
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Rodents
  • Wildlife

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of Proposed Air Force Base Actions.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites