The Department of Defense identified the need to standup a new combatant command for space (i.e., USSPACECOM) and designated the DAF as the Interim Combatant Command Support Agent for this command.

To function efficiently, USSPACECOM must permanently establish a consolidated HQ facility. This EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with establishing a permanent USSPACECOM HQ at one of six alternative sites in the United States (Proposed Action). The Proposed Action includes construction and operation of an HQ facility specifically designed to accommodate the functional requirements of USSPACECOM.

Approximately 1,450 personnel would be assigned to the proposed HQ facility, although staffing levels could vary depending on mission and operational requirements. Should there be a validated requirement to base personnel beyond 1,450, separate basing actions and associated approvals may need to occur before such basing could be considered reasonably foreseeable.

Additionally, USSPACECOM may support contractors and mission partners who would be co-located with the permanent HQ and, therefore, the impact of 1,800 personnel is included in this EA. The proposed HQ would consist of approximately 464,000 square feet of office, administrative, and functional interior space across multiple stories.

The main HQ building would be supported by approximately 402,000 square feet of vehicle parking in surface lots and/or parking structures. Under the No Action Alternative, a single, permanent USSPACECOM HQ facility would not be built.

The following environmental resources analyzed in the EA: land use and zoning, noise, air quality and climate, earth resources, water resources, biological resources, cultural resources, socioeconomics and environmental justice, transportation, and hazardous and toxic materials and waste. Resources, not meaningfully or measurably affected by the Proposed Action, include occupational safety and health, and utilities and infrastructure, were dismissed from detailed analysis.

Based on the analysis presented in this EA, the DAF has determined that with implementation of regulatory compliance measures and other alternative-specific design commitments included in this EA, the Proposed Action would have no significant impacts on the human or natural environment.

USSPACECOM - FINAL - Environmental Assessment
USSPACECOM - FINAL - FONSI

Relevant documents are:
2019 USSC Final - Environmental Assessment
2019 USCC Final - Environmental Assessment Appendices A-F
2019 USSC HQ Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
USSPACECOM - Memorandum of Agreement for Environmental Assessment (Signed)

Bird/wildlife aircraft strike hazards (BASH) constitutes a safety concern because of the potential for damage to aircraft or injury to aircrews or local populations if an aircraft crash should occur in a populated area.  The Department of the Air Force (DAF) has prepared this Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) to analyze the programmatic environmental impacts of an adaptive approach to wildlife hazard management utilizing short-, medium-, and long-term management strategies and non-lethal and lethal techniques, as deemed appropriate within the wildlife exclusion zone on DAF installations within the continental United States (CONUS).

These strategies comply with all applicable federal regulations, state regulations, and permitting requirements. The Proposed Action, in accordance with DAF Instruction 91-212, Bird/wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Management Program, outlines an approach to BASH management that supports unique DAF airfield operational and security requirements as well as airfield operation safety in general.  Implementation of the approved management procedures and techniques would ensure an adaptive management approach to BASH is optimized for consistency with scientifically evidenced best management practices as detailed in wildlife damage management guidance, manuals, and literature.

This PEA for implementation of BASH management procedures evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative to the following resource areas: airfield operations and management, biological resources, water resources, cultural resources, hazardous materials and wastes, human health and safety, air quality, noise, and land use.

For more information or to comment on this Proposed Action contact:
via USPS: AFCEC/CZN (Attn. Helen Kellogg), 2261 Hughes Ave., JBSA Lackland, TX 78236-9853
via FedEx or UPS: AFCEC/CZN (Attn. Helen Kellogg), Building 1 Bay 8 Room 6009, 3515 South General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78226-1710
via email: AFIMSC.PA.Workflow@us.af.mil (Include Attn. Programmatic BASH PEA in the subject line)
via phone at 1-866-725-7617 mention Programmatic BASH EA

Relevant Documents:
Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Bird/wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard Management Procedures