Environmental Impact Statement: Construction and Operation of Titan IV/Centaur Launch Complex, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Volume 3
Abstract
This Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) addresses the construction and operation of Titan IV/Centaur Launch Complex (TCLC) on South Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California, for launching the Titan IV/Centaur space vehicle. This action would support requirements for timely and reliable launch of critical DoD satellites from a location where highly inclined and polar orbits can be safely achieved; provide capability to launch payloads in the 10,000-pound class to high energy, inclined orbits; and (3) maintain assured access to space by providing backup launch capability for the Titan IV/NUS (no upper stage). Alternatives considered include the no action alternative and the development and operation of the facility at three undeveloped sites (Vina Terrace, Boathouse Flats, or Cypress Ridge) and one developed site, Satellite Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6), on south VAFB. Primary impacts to the physical environment of south VAFB would involve soil and vegetation loss during construction (for the undeveloped sites) and effects of sonic boom on Channel Islands wildlife during launch events. Primary impacts to the human environment of north Santa Barbara County relate to the potential for a maximum of 550 employment opportunities during project construction and 400 during operation. The primary regional effects of temporary and permanent population growth would be increases in economic activity and in demands on public services and facilities. Other impacts would include the visual impacts from implementation at one of the undeveloped sites and the potential closure of Jalama Beach County Park during launch events. Potential impacts to health and safety also would occur, related to the fuels utilized. This EIS concludes that environmental impacts from the TCLC would be substantially less at the SLC-6 site than at the undeveloped sites, and is the preferred alternative to meet DoD launch program requirements. (24 tables, 62 figures, 53 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA413951
Entities
People
- Carolyn E. Trindle
- Daniel M. Evans
- John R. Edwards
- Miro Knezevic
- Tim C. Lassen