Final Environmental Assessment for the High Explosive Research and Development Complex's Proposed Long Term Upgrade and Expansion
Abstract
Pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulation for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) statute 500-1508); Air Force Environmental Impact Analysis Process regulations 32 CFR statute 989 and Department of Defense Directive 6050.1, the Air Force has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to identify and assess the potential impacts on the natural and human environment associated with the long term upgrade and expansion of the High Explosive Research and Development (HERD) complex at Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida. Purpose and Need for Expansion and Upgrade at the HERD Complex (EA Chapter 1.0, Pages 1-1 to 1-7) The proposed action will support Advanced Energetics by providing the scientific and engineering research infrastructure required to formulate, analyze, produce, test and evaluate new explosive mixtures. AFRL is collaborating with several government agencies and academia to develop, characterize and produce new energetic formulations. Over the next several years, the Munitions Directorate is expecting to attract dozens of scientists and collaborators to help mature the nano-energetic technology. Currently, AFRL has been conducting very limited testing and evaluation of potential nano-energetic components at the HERD Complex. While the testing has been productive, the advanced energetics team is rapidly reaching the limit of the research capabilities provided by available infrastructure. The existing buildings were constructed in the 1960s, and the environmental controls, space and electrical power are insufficient or inappropriate to introduce new materials or accommodate testing on a scale needed for the expanding research programs at the HERD. To reduce costs and improve efficiency, it would be beneficial to conduct these tests in the HERD complex, at or near the existing buildings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA605449
Entities
People
- Ann B. Shortelle
- Judith L. Dudley