CHAPTER 2 THE PROPOSED ACTION

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1 CHAPTER 2 THE PROPOSED ACTION 2.0 INTRODUCTION The proposed action(s) must ensure that the Afton Lincoln County Airport complies with minimum FAA and WYDOT design recommendations for a parallel taxiway extension, runway lighting improvements, and land acquisition in support of the proposed relocation of the Airport s AWOS III. The parallel taxiway extension project is proposed to include the extension of the existing parallel taxiway approximately 2,665 linear feet to the north of the existing apron, with associated lighting and site grading improvements. The runway lighting project is proposed to include rehabilitation of the older direct bury conductor system, PAPI upgrades, and improvements to meet the latest FAA lighting circuit requirements and WYDOT recommendations. Lastly, the land acquisition project is proposed to include the acquisition of approximately 65 acres of land through fee or easement(s) in support of the future relocation of the AWOS III. Alternatives 1B, 2B, and 3B, respectively regarding those projects noted above, satisfy the requirements and have been selected as the preferred alternatives for the associated projects. A detailed discussion of the alternatives reviewed and rationale for selection of these alternatives can be found in Chapter 3, Alternatives Considered. The proposed improvements and land acquisition are reflected on the latest approved ALP (Appendix IV). 2.1 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS As the Airport Sponsor, the Afton Lincoln County Airport Joint Powers Board wishes to implement the following improvements to address the identified needs: Parallel Taxiway Extension Extend the existing parallel taxiway approximately 2,665 feet for a full parallel taxiway length of 7,025 feet, and Remove existing Part 77 obstructions to the primary and transitional surface in the area of the parallel taxiway extension through grading, and Install Medium Intensity Taxiway Lighting (MITL) and associated airfield signage to include conduit/light cans/conductor/fixtures for the full length of the parallel taxiway (7,025 feet), and Relocate existing segmented circle and lighted wind cone (relocating due that currently located in the footprint of the taxiway extension), and Install associated striping improvements. Runway Lighting Rehabilitation Replace the existing direct bury conductor and stake mounted lights with new conduit/light cans/conductor/medium Intensity Runway Light (MIRL) fixtures, and Install grounding improvements in accordance with FAA design criteria, and Afton Lincoln County Airport 14 (February, 2013 Draft)

2 Install caution zone lighting in accordance with FAA design criteria, and Upgrade the existing 2-box PAPI s to 4-box PAPI s. AWOS Land Acquisition Acquire approximately 65 acres adjacent to the airport for future relocation of the AWOS III, either through fee or easement(s). 2.2 PROJECTED SCHEDULE Initial development is projected to begin with the design of the projects and land acquisition negotiations in 2013 pending environmental review and FAA and WYDOT funding. Construction of the associated projects is projected to be completed during 2014 pending FAA and WYDOT funding. During 2014, the extension of the parallel taxiway, full parallel taxiway lighting, striping improvements, relocation of the segmented circle and lighted wind cone, runway lighting rehabilitation, electrical equipment grounding and caution zone lighting, and the upgrade of the existing 2-box PAPI s to 4- box PAPI s improvements are proposed to be completed. 2.3 CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE AND FUNDING Initial estimates were prepared approximately seven years ago in support of the Airport s Wyoming Aviation Capital Improvement Program. As part of this EA endeavor, a preliminary design was completed to ascertain the extent of the improvements in order to fully evaluate the extent of the impacts on the various environmental categories, as well as to provide an update for the evaluation of funding. Costs are determined using 2012 construction costs with a 2-year adjustment for inflation at 3.4% per year as well as additional costs for contingencies and construction engineering. Design engineering is proposed to be completed under a separate contract and grant in Unless noted otherwise, proposed projects listed below are eligible for FAA and WYDOT funding at the time of this EA writing. Please note that, although the projects listed below are currently eligible for FAA and WYDOT funding, there is no guarantee that FAA and/or WYDOT funds will be available or that the FAA and/or WYDOT will participate in the cost of any future developments. TABLE 2-1: Development and Cost Breakdown Alternative 1B (TW Extension) & 2B (RW Lighting Rehab.) Total Cost FAA Grant (90%) WYDOT Grant (6%) Local Share (4%) Taxiway Construction (1B) $1,440,782 $1,296,703 $86,447 $57,632 Runway Lighting (2B) $301,754 $271,579 $18,105 $12,070 Total $1,742,536 $1,568,282 $104,552 $69,702 Total Funding Per WACIP (Dec., 2012) $1,444,444 $1,300,000 $86,667 $57,778 Afton Lincoln County Airport 15 (February, 2013 Draft)

3 While the updated estimate reflects that existing funding is not adequate, there are factors to provide flexibility in the design and bidding process to maximize funding. The estimates provided include a number of contingencies of 10-15% on a number of the unit quantities. An overall contingency factor of 15% is also provided on the overall construction total and inflation of 3.5% for two years noted previously. The project is also proposed to be broken out with one schedule being the taxiway construction, a second schedule being the runway lighting, and a number of additive alternatives (ie. 4- box PAPI s) such that the Sponsor may be able to select any combination of the schedules as funding facilitates. TABLE 2-2: Development and Cost Breakdown Alternative 3B (AWOS Land) Projected Cost WYDOT Grant (80%) WYDOT Grant (98%) Local Share (20%) Local Share (2%) Land Acquisition* Land Acquisition $287,500 $200,000 $230,000 $196,000 $57,500 $4,000 Total Funding WACIP Dec. 12 $487,500 $230,000 $196,000 $57,500 $4,000 *Note: The WYDOT grant for $287,500 has been executed and funds are dedicated as of July 9, 2012 (WYDOT State Project No. AFO-19A). The estimate provided above reflects projected land acquisition costs to acquire the property in fee title. While an appraisal has been completed, land negotiations have not been finalized to provide a final cost of either fee title ownership or easement(s). 2.4 PROJECTED BENEFITS The extension of the parallel taxiway to a full parallel taxiway will provide a safer environment by removing the present use of the runway as a taxiway to and from the threshold of Runway 16. The taxiway extension will also improve safety through the removal of existing terrain obstructions that penetrate the primary and transitional surfaces. The project will facilitate the installation of taxiway lighting for the entire parallel taxiway system, bringing the airport into compliance with the latest FAA airfield lighting design circulars. The rehabilitation of the aged portion of the runway lighting will involve replacement of an existing direct bury system and fixtures that have exceeded their design lives. Replacement of the existing system will facilitate airfield readiness and address the airport s increasing maintenance of the system. The installation of 4-box PAPI s would improve visual vertical descent guidance information during the approach to the runway, as is recommended in the 2010 Wyoming Airports Instrument Approach Analyses. Afton Lincoln County Airport 16 (February, 2013 Draft)

4 The acquisition of land to the west of the airport through either fee or easement(s) will facilitate the installation of the existing airport AWOS III in an FAA standard location/position that is free from sheltering obstructions. Relocation of the AWOS will result in reliable weather that will augment the approaches to the airport and provide for accurate, on field, real time weather information critical to pilots. Conclusion: These improvements and land acquisition provide for the Sponsor to comply with minimum FAA and WYDOT design recommendations for a parallel taxiway extension, and runway lighting improvements, and land acquisition in support of the proposed relocation of the Airport s AWOS III. 2.5 PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL MITIGATION Of the affected environments reviewed for this the proposed actions, those noted below were identified as having moderate (measurable, but can be mitigated) impacts. Chapter 4, Affected Environment, Environmental Consequences and Mitigation addresses these environments in greater detail. Parallel Taxiway Extension 1) Air Quality, 2) Biotic Resources (general vegetation and wildlife), 3) Construction, 4) Energy Supplies, Natural Resources, Sustainable Design, and 5) Noise Runway Lighting Rehabilitation 1) Construction 2) Induced Socioeconomic AWOS Land Acquisition There are no environments proposed to be affected at a moderate level or higher AIR QUALITY While the construction of the proposed improvements associated with Alternative 1B (TW Extension) are not projected to result in increased levels of aviation traffic in and of themselves, there is the possibility of having moderate air quality impacts associated with construction of the improvements. Site grading will result in significant ground disturbance along the alignment of the taxiway that will result in the temporary production of dust and added emissions from construction equipment. There are no projected air quality impacts above an insignificant level associated with Alternatives 2B (RW Lighting Rehab.), or 3B (AWOS Land). Afton Lincoln County Airport 17 (February, 2013 Draft)

5 Conceptual mitigation will include extensive watering efforts and potential hydromulching in areas adjoining the Afton Airpark area to reduce the impacts of dust created from the excavation BIOTIC RESOURCES Permanent loss of vegetation will occur in the area where the taxiway extension (ALT 1B) and associated improvements, as well as runway lighting improvements (ALT 2B), are constructed within the project area. General wildlife species (i.e. ground-nesting mammals, and birds) may be displaced with the implementation of the proposed improvements. Therefore, impacts resulting from this alternative were determined to be moderate for general vegetation and wildlife. Moderate impacts are defined as those that are measurable, but can be mitigated. Conceptual mitigation will include the re-vegetation of bare ground that is created from construction with a desirable seed mix that is appropriate for the area and that will provide competition against invasive species establishment and spread. A weed management plan should be developed in coordination with the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council agent, Town of Afton and Lincoln County to identify weed control strategies within the proposed project area. At a minimum, equipment will be thoroughly cleaned prior to mobilization to the site. Implementation of these mitigation measures shall prevent adverse effects from noxious weeds. Re-vegetation of disturbed areas will also mitigate impacts on general wildlife. In addition, areas of adjacent suitable habitat exists that can support species that are potentially displaced by construction activities and project improvements CONSTRUCTION Alternative 1B (TW Extension) is the one alternative that will entail extensive excavation and import of base material and paving operations. This alternative could result in increases to noise levels due to temporary operation of construction equipment. Temporary and minor impacts to air quality due to vehicle emissions from construction equipment and particulate generation (dust) are also a possibility. While not likely, there is also the potential for surface water contamination from construction activities. Comprehensive coordination will be made with the residences of the Afton Airpark to ensure that the impacts of construction are kept to as acceptable levels as possible. Conceptual mitigation for Alternative 1B (TW Extension) includes maintaining construction operations during reasonable day time working hours. Mitigation for emissions will be in compliance with EPA standards and dust control will be required by the contractor throughout the project. Best Management Practices will utilize the installation of silt fencing, earthen dams, and erosion control measures as necessary to prevent contamination from either construction equipment fuels and oils or erosion from disturbed areas, in accordance with any necessary project permits. Afton Lincoln County Airport 18 (February, 2013 Draft)

6 Alternative 2B (RW Lighting Rehab.) will involve the construction of trenches and installation of conduit, light cans, conductor, and other lighting improvements within the existing 150 wide (centered on the runway centerline) Runway Safety Area (RSA). Most of the construction will occur at the periphery of the RSA limits (60 from runway centerline), but will still occur within the RSA boundary that is 75 from the runway centerline. Conceptual mitigation for the construction of improvements within the RSA include coordinating with airport users to establish limited hours allowing air traffic to facilitate construction during daylight hours, establishing work hours for the contractor during nighttime hours when air traffic is not as frequent, and/or potential airport closure for several days during the week to facilitate extended work hours by the contractor. Air traffic may also be allowed to occur during construction with prior permission required in advance of arrival or departure. Construction operations may also be able to be conducted in conjunction with air traffic depending on the location of operations on the airfield. Coordination will be made with the Sponsor, FAA, and WYDOT during the preparation of the Construction Operations and Phasing Plan (COPP) to address potential operational issues. A COPP is the primary tool used to ensure operational safety on an airport during construction and will be incorporated in any construction specifications ENERGY SUPPLIES, NATURAL RESOURCES, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Alternatives 1B (TW Extension) and 2B (RW Lighting Rehab.) will both involve the installation or rehabilitation of existing lighting systems. The increase in electrical load from the new parallel taxiway lighting system will result in additional impacts on the existing energy supply system. The local electrical supplier (Lower Valley Energy) has been contacted regarding potential supply issues and has not indicated that there will be any problems in meeting the need. While Lower Valley Energy has not noted there to be any supply issues, the design of the electrical improvements will incorporate cost benefit analysis to evaluate different lighting improvements. Conceptual mitigation will include the review of fixtures (LED vs. quartz) and lighting intensities (30 Watt vs. 45 Watt) to provide for the most economical system (equipment and utility costs) that will still facilitate the needs of the airfield INDUCED SOCIOECONOMIC While there are no alternatives that would require relocation of any housing or businesses, or negatively impact the community tax base, the construction of Alternative 2B (RW Lighting Rehab.) may require limited closure of the airfield to facilitate the installation of improvements. Closing of the runway will likely impact the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) and on airport repair facilities with respect to lost revenue for fuel, repairs, etc. Afton Lincoln County Airport 19 (February, 2013 Draft)

7 Conceptual mitigation includes utilization of turf facilities by aircraft to access the FBO and other on-site facilities, coordinating with airport users to establish limited hours allowing air traffic to facilitate construction during daylight hours, establishing work hours for the contractor during nighttime hours when air traffic is not as frequent, and/or potential airport closure for several days during the week to facilitate extended work hours by the contractor. Air traffic may also be allowed to occur during construction with prior permission required in advance of arrival or departure. Construction operations may also be able to be conducted in conjunction with air traffic depending on the location of operations on the airfield. Coordination will be made with the Sponsor, FAA, WYDOT, and FBO/maintenance businesses during the preparation of the COPP to address potential operational issues NOISE While the construction of Alternative 1B (TW Extension) will result in the parallel taxiway being close to neighboring residential (Afton Airpark), the air traffic is projected to be compatible with the general guidelines of the development. The main exit taxiway from the Airpark to access the airport is also located such that it would be between the Airpark residences and the parallel taxiway. Aircraft will also be in a taxi mode while traveling on the new parallel taxiway and will not be in a powered up situation which would produce larger noise impacts. Construction of the parallel taxiway would result in increased noise from construction activities. The plans and specifications for the project will address appropriate times of work so as to minimize impacts on the neighboring residences. Conceptual mitigation for Alternative 1B (TW Extension) includes maintaining construction operations during reasonable day time working hours. Coordination will be made with the Sponsor, FAA, WYDOT, and Afton Airpark residences during the preparation of the COPP to address potential operational issues. Afton Lincoln County Airport 20 (February, 2013 Draft)