Environmental Assessment for the Use of White Phosphorus Rockets at Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico

Abstract : The EA provides an analysis of the potential environmental consequences under the Proposed Action, Alternative A, and the No Action Alternative. Resource areas evaluated in detail to identify potential environmental consequences under the Proposed Action and Alternative A include airspace management, safety, materials management, air quality, physical resources (earth and water), biological resources, cultural resources and socioeconomic/environmental justice. The EA demonstrates the WP rocket use under the Proposed Action or Alternative A would not result in significant environmental impacts to any resource area. No change in airspace, land use, personnel or range configuration would be required as a result of the use of WP rockets. Therefore, no impacts are expected to airspace and range management, air quality, and socioeconomic/environmental justice resources. WP rocket use would have minimal adverse consequences to safety, materials management, physical, biological, and cultural resources. White phosphorus can create handling safety risks, potential water and soil contamination, and increased fire risk. Cannon AFB would institute a program for training base personnel and educating local fire departments and ranchers using the Melrose AFR for cattle grazing. Crazing leases on Melrose AFR have restrictions that reflect the inherently hazardous nature of grazing on an active range, and no grazing is permitted in any of the impact areas considered for WP rocket use Neither the Proposed Action nor Alternative A has construction related activities that would cause ground disturbance. Potential risks to soil and water are minimal as the environmental conditions at Mel rose AFR are not conducive for white phosphorus to remain in its reactive state. Alternative A avoids the more environmentally sensitive areas on the south range.