Environmental Assessment for the Upgrade of the French Creek Subdivision Utilidor, Eielson AFB, Alaska
Abstract
Introduction. Eielson AFB has a resident base population of more than 5,300 active duty and dependent personnel. These residents live in housing that is located mainly on the east side of the base. Providing infrastructure support to this housing is a critical part of the overall base mission. A portion of the utility system that provides heat for the French Creek Subdivision is in critical need of replacement as a result of high groundwater. Description of the Proposed Action. The proposed action will result in the construction of a 1,800-foot-long section of utilidor that would replace an existing direct buried utility line in the French Creek Subdivision on. Eielson AFB. The utilidor would be constructed by excavating to a depth of approximately 10 feet, constructing a concrete vault, placing the utility lines in the vault, and then backfilling with non-frost susceptible material. The proposed action would result in the loss of 2.3 acres of scrub/shrub wetlands. Alternatives to the Proposed Action. There were two alternatives to the proposed action. Alternative 1 would replace the existing damaged/leaking direct buried utility lines with new lines. The new lines would be placed in the same trenches as the previously installed lines. Alternative 2 would install a system identical to that proposed in the proposed action, but rather than construct it in the existing utility line footprint, it would be rerouted and placed in roadbeds to avoid wetlands. The No Action Alternative. This alternative would result in the continued use of the existing direct buried lines, which currently experience leaks and are constantly in need of repair. The system would be unreliable and costly to maintain, especially during the winter months.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA609823