[Federal Register: January 30, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 19)]
[Notices]
[Page 5715-5718]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30ja09-113]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Finding of No Significant Impact
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of environmental finding document: finding of no
significant impact.
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SUMMARY: The FAA participated as a cooperating agency with the U.S. Air
Force (USAF) in preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for
the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle Program (Falcon Launch Vehicle
Program) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), Florida, November
2007. The Falcon Launch Vehicle Program is a commercial venture by
Space Exploration Technologies, Inc. (SpaceX) to put spacecraft into
orbit and supply the International Space Station (ISS) once the Space
Shuttle is retired. The Proposed Action analyzed in the EA includes
launching two space launch vehicles, the Falcon 1 and the Falcon 9 from
Space Launch Complex (SLC) 40, while utilizing the Solid Motor Assembly
and Readiness Facility (SMARF) building as a vehicle support facility,
and the reentry and recovery of the Dragon reentry capsule in the
ocean.
The EA analyzed the environmental consequences of conducting up to
twelve Falcon 1 launches per year and up to twelve Falcon 9 launches
per year starting in 2008 for the next five years
[[Page 5716]]
from SLC 40 at CCAFS. Two alternative locations, SLC 37 and 47, were
considered for the launch of the Falcon vehicles. The EA also analyzed
the environmental consequences of reentry/recovery of the Dragon
reentry capsule. Additionally, the EA analyzed infrastructure
improvements proposed at CCAFS to support the proposed launch
activities. The USAF signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
on December 21, 2007, which stated that the Proposed Action should not
have a significant environmental impact on the human environment.
SpaceX is required to obtain a launch license from the FAA to
conduct launches of the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles with
commercial payloads. SpaceX also is required to obtain a reentry
license from the FAA for the reentry of the Dragon capsule. The FAA is
using the EA to support its environmental determination for a launch
license for SpaceX to launch Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 vehicles at CCAFS
and a reentry license for the Dragon capsule.
From its independent review and consideration, the FAA has
determined that the Proposed Action addressed in this FONSI, to issue a
launch or reentry license for Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicle
activities, is substantially the same as the actions analyzed in the
Falcon Launch Vehicle Program EA and that FAA's comments and
suggestions have been satisfied (see 1506.3(c) and FAA Order 1050.1E,
518h). The FAA formally adopts the EA and hereby incorporates the
analysis to support future decisions on license applications.
After reviewing and analyzing currently available data and
information on existing conditions, project impacts, and measures to
mitigate those impacts, the FAA has determined that its action is not a
Federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human
environment within the meaning of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). Therefore, the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) is not required and the FAA is issuing this FONSI. The FAA made
this determination in accordance with all applicable environmental
laws.
For a Copy of the EA or FONSI Contact: Questions or comments should
be directed to Mr. Daniel Czelusniak; FAA Environmental Specialist;
Federal Aviation Administration; 800 Independence Ave., SW.; AST-I00,
Suite 331; Washington, DC 20591; (202) 267-5924.
Background
Launches of launch vehicles and reentries of reentry vehicles must
be licensed by the FAA pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Sections 70101-70121, the
Commercial Space Launch Act. Issuing a launch or reentry license is a
Federal action requiring environmental analysis by the FAA in
accordance with NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. Upon receipt of a complete
license application, the FAA must evaluate the information and
determine whether to issue a launch or reentry license to SpaceX, as
appropriate. The FAA would use the analyses in the Falcon Launch
Vehicle Program EA as the basis for the environmental determination of
the impacts to support licensing launches of the Falcon 1 launch
vehicle or the Falcon 9 launch vehicle from CCAFS and/or the reentry of
the Dragon reentry vehicle. The issuance of a FONSI does not guarantee
that a license will be issued by the FAA for the launch of the Falcon
launch vehicles or the reentry of the Dragon capsule. Each license
application also must meet all safety, risk, and indemnification
requirements.
Proposed Action
SpaceX is proposing to launch the Falcon 1 and the Falcon 9 launch
vehicles and the Dragon reentry capsule from CCAF8. The Falcon 1 is a
two-stage, light-lift launch vehicle designed to put small spacecraft
into orbit. The vehicle uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene as
propellants. Some payloads are expected to be loaded with small amounts
of liquid or solid propellants for use in orbit after the launch
flight. The first stage is recoverable and could be reused. The second
stage is not reusable and is not intended to be recovered.
The Falcon 9 is a two-stage, medium class, liquid launch vehicle
designed to put space systems and satellites into orbit. Falcon 9 uses
LOX and kerosene as propellants. The second stage and payloads on the
Falcon 9 could use small quantities of LOX or kerosene or other
propellants including nitrogen tetroxide (NTO), monomethylhydrazine
(MMH), or other hydrazine propellants, and solid propellants. Both the
first and second stages of the Falcon 9 are recoverable and could be
reused.
The Dragon capsule could be carried as a payload on the Falcon 9
vehicle. The Dragon capsule is being developed to deliver cargo to the
ISS. Following its mission to deliver cargo to the ISS, the Dragon
would reenter the atmosphere on a pre-planned trajectory, would be
tracked to a soft landing in the ocean, and would be recovered by a
salvage vehicle. The capsule could be refurbished and reused. Locations
in the Atlantic Ocean (off the east coast of Florida), the Pacific
Ocean (off the coast of California), and the equatorial Pacific (near
the Marshall Islands) are being considered as recovery zones.
SpaceX has proposed several infrastructure improvements to CCAFS to
support the proposed launch activities, including modifications to SLC
40 and construction of a vehicle and payload processing facility. The
potential environmental consequences of these connective actions are
considered in this FONSI.
Under the No Action Alternative, SLC 40 would not be modified and
proceed towards planned demolition. SLC 40 would not be used by the
Falcon Launch Vehicle Program to meet the National Space Transportation
Policy's goal of providing low-cost and reliable access to space.
Environmental Impacts
The following presents a brief summary of the environmental impacts
described in the Falcon Launch Vehicle Program EA, which are
incorporated by reference in this FONSI. This FONSI is based upon the
impacts discussed in that EA. The potential impacts addressed in the EA
have been analyzed in previous NEPA documents such as the 1998 Evolved
Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Final EIS and 2002 NASA Routine
Payload Final EA and were used as the ``generic standard'' for launch
vehicles and spacecrafts. Specifically, the Dragon capsule design
parameters fit within the ``generic'' spacecraft analyzed in the
Routine Payload Final EA. Also, the 2005 Programmatic Assessment for
Reactivation/Reuse of Launch Complexes on CCAFS document provided
background information for environmental impacts associated with the
reuse/reactivation of one or more SLCs and the construction of a
possible new SLC based on currently known conditions. These documents
were used to compare possible impacts of the Falcon Launch Vehicle
Program.
Air Quality: Any use of ozone-depleting substances would be in
accordance with federal, state, and local laws regulating ozone-
depleting substance use, reuse, storage, and disposal. There would be
no impact on stratospheric ozone. Generator emissions associated with
payload processing would be regulated as stationary sources by the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Emissions from launch vehicles would not substantially impact
ambient air quality or endanger public health. Each launch would be
considered a discrete event that would generate short-term impacts on
the local air
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quality. Long-term effects resulting from the launches would not be
expected because the launches would be infrequent and the resulting
emissions would be rapidly dispersed and diluted by winds in the
troposphere. The Falcon Launch Vehicle Program would not have an
appreciable affect on PM2.5 standards under the current attainment
status of CCAFS.
Biological Resources: Site modifications would take place in a
developed area and would not entail new ground disturbance. In
addition, there would be no disturbance of wetlands because there are
no wetlands within the boundary of SLC 40. Biological resource impacts
would not be expected from the modification, construction, or use of
proposed launch and support facilities. A United States Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) approved light management plan would be
implemented prior to construction activities and activation of the
launch facility to ensure sea turtles are not impacted.
Launch activities could cause some small impacts near the launch
pad associated with fire and acidic deposition, but impacts from the
Falcon vehicles would be less than those from previous launch vehicles.
Although Florida scrub jays, gopher tortoise, southeastern beach mice,
indigo snakes and sea turtle nesting occur in the vicinity of SLC 40,
post-launch monitoring conducted on previous launches concluded that
launch impacts to these species are minimal. Additionally, sonic booms
from launches are not expected to negatively affect the survival of any
marine species. Exterior lighting at all facilities used for spacecraft
processing at CCAFS would comply with established lighting policy to
minimize disorienting effects on sea turtle hatchlings.
Cultural Resources: SLC 40 is not eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historical Places. It is not considered a historic
complex, and there are no historic properties or known archeological
sites located in the immediate vicinity. No significant impacts to
known historic or archeological resources would be expected as a result
of the Proposed Action.
Geology and Soils: No unique geologic features of exceptional
interest or mineral resources occur in the project area. Construction
related to the Proposed Action would not affect geology and soils; nor
would operation of the Falcon Launch Vehicle Program affect geology or
soils in the vicinity of SLC 40. Potential wind and water erosion would
be controlled by the development and implementation of a Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan.
Hazardous Materials and Waste: All hazardous materials associated
with the Proposed Action would be handled and disposed of per the
requirements established by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and the Hazardous Materials Contingency Plan
developed for the Falcon Launch Vehicle Program. Any materials
remaining after completion of payload processing would be properly
stored for future use or disposed of in accordance with all applicable
regulations. All applicable federal, state, county, and USAF rules and
regulations would be followed for the proper storage, handling, and
usage of hazardous materials under the Falcon Launch Vehicle Program.
Furthermore, the Proposed Action would not be expected to result in
significant impacts on hazardous materials management or hazardous
materials emergency response.
Hazardous waste streams generated by the Falcon Launch Vehicle
Program would be typical of other hazardous waste streams in Florida.
The existing hazardous waste landfills would have sufficient capacity
to handle the small amounts of hazardous waste expected to be generated
under the Proposed Action. Furthermore, no significant impacts on
hazardous waste management would be expected.
Health and Safety: Proposed refurbishment activities would comply
with all federal OSHA regulations and all applicable Air Force
Instructions and regulations on refurbishment safety, including AFI 32-
1023, Design and Refurbishment Standards and Execution of Facility
Refurbishment Projects, and Air Force Occupational Safety and Health
Standards (AFOSH). Therefore, health and safety impacts during
refurbishment would not be significant.
CCAFS range safety regulations ensure that the general public,
launch area personnel, and foreign landmasses are provided an
acceptable level of safety, and that all aspects of pre-launch and
launch operations adhere to public laws. Range safety organizations
review, approve, monitor, and impose safety holds, when necessary, on
all pre-launch and launch operations. Health and safety impacts to
personnel involved in propellant loading operations in the payload
processing facilities would be minimized by adherence to OSHA and AFOSH
regulations. The Proposed Action would not be expected to result in
significant impacts on health and safety.
Orbital Debris: Lower stages of the Falcon would burn out and
splash down in the open ocean. Upper stages that achieve Low Earth
Orbit would be programmed after spacecraft separation to burn residual
propellants to depletion in a vector that would result in reentry in
two to three months for a soft-water landing. Upper stages going to
higher orbits are not subject to controlled reentry and would
contribute to orbital debris. The contribution to orbital debris from
the launch of Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 vehicles and spacecraft would not
be expected to have a significant impact on the environment.
Utilities: The existing water supply system at SLC 40 can support
Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch requirements. The amount of solid waste
generated under the Proposed Action would be minimal compared to the
capacity of the on-base or approved off-base landfills. The electrical
power needs of the Falcon Launch Vehicle Program are within the
capacity of existing systems. Therefore, no significant impacts on
water supply, solid waste management, or electrical power would be
expected.
Transportation: A maximum of 15 personnel and 15 daily vehicle
round trips would support construction and refurbishment activities,
which would not constitute a significant increase in traffic volumes on
roadways in the vicinity of CCAFS. A maximum of 25 personnel and 25
daily vehicle round trips would support launch operation activities,
which would not constitute a significant increase in traffic volumes on
key roadways within CCAFS areas.
Land Use and Visual Resources: The Proposed Action would occur
primarily in areas designated for space launch activities. Operations
would be consistent with both the Base General Plan and the USAF
mission at CCAFS. Activities at SLC 40 and surrounding areas would be
in conformance with its designated use. Therefore, no significant land
use impacts would be expected.
SpaceX operational activities would have less visual impact than
that of prior SLC 40 activities; therefore, no significant impacts
within the flight range of the Falcon launch vehicles would be
expected.
Noise: There would be a temporary increase in ambient noise levels
during construction and refurbishment activities. However, there are no
residential areas or sensitive receptors in the vicinity of SLC 40.
Refurbishment activities would not be expected to significantly impact
endangered species potentially located at SLC 40. Hearing protection
would be provided if sound levels exceed OSHA limits.
Based on modeled engine noise levels for the Falcon 1, noise levels
associated with the Proposed Action would not be
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expected to exceed the DNL threshold of 65 dBA in nearby residential
areas or exceed the 85 dBA noise threshold limit value recommended for
workers in an 8-hour day. Noise produced from Falcon 1 and Falcon 9
launch vehicles would be sufficiently reduced by the deluge system and
would not be expected produce negative affects beyond those that have
already been analyzed and experienced under ongoing launch activities.
Impacts on humans from sonic booms would not be significant under the
Proposed Action.
Socioeconomics: Construction and refurbishment activities would
result in a temporary and minor increase in the number of on-base
personnel. This increase would not represent a significant increase in
the population or growth rate of the region, since most of the
construction crew already live and work in the area.
The addition of up to 25 workers at CCAFS to support the Proposed
Action does not represent a significant increase in the population or
growth rate of the region. The Proposed Action would not significantly
affect the local housing market or result in the need for new social
services or support facilities. The Proposed Action would not generate
negative socioeconomic impacts in the region.
Environmental Justice: Environmental impacts generated by
operation, construction, and refurbishment activities for the Proposed
Action would not be significant and would not adversely affect minority
or low-income populations or children. The operation and refurbishment
of the Proposed Action would not cause any environmental justice
impacts.
Water Resources: Construction in the northeast quadrant of SLC 40
would not substantially alter the existing drainage course and adverse
impacts to natural drainage would not be expected. A Storm Water
Erosion and Pollution Prevention Plan would be developed and
implemented to minimize impacts from erosion. SpaceX would obtain all
necessary permits. Proposed construction and refurbishment activities
would not be expected to disturb wetlands or affect any floodplains.
No impacts on surface water quality would occur from industrial
wastewater from the deluge water system. Significant impacts would not
be expected on jurisdictional waters of the United States from
inadvertent discharge of deluge wastewater. When the first stage
splashes down in the ocean, approximately 5 gallons of RP-l would be
expelled and would dissipate within hours and would not significantly
impact water quality. Water demands for the Proposed Action would be
supplied by existing water distribution systems at CCAFS, and
wastewater would be processed through existing wastewater handling and
treatment systems at CCAFS. Water demands would have a negligible
impact on these existing systems, and local and regional water
resources would not be affected.
Cumulative Impacts: Cumulative impacts to biological resources, air
quality, and water resources were considered in the Falcon Launch
Vehicle Program EA. Some vegetative damage could occur from occasional
brush fires and/or heat from the launch and acid deposition in the
near-field areas. The loss of tree and shrub species and an increase of
grass and sedge species could occur. Far-field vegetation should
recover between launches since far-field deposition would not occur in
the same area after each launch. There should be no significant impacts
on terrestrial wildlife from the exhaust cloud because the cloud would
remain in anyone area for only a short period of time. The
implementation of a light management plan to reduce beach lighting
during the nesting season should reduce adverse impacts to sea turtles.
Because the atmospheric emissions associated with launch programs
are brief and sporadic, the long-term cumulative air quality impacts in
the lower atmosphere would not be expected to be significant. Short-
term cumulative air quality impacts would not occur because launches
for the various programs would not be conducted at the same time. The
relatively small emissions associated with ground support operations
would have little incremental and cumulative impact in an area that
presently meets air quality standards. No long-term adverse air impacts
would be expected from refurbishment activities. No cumulative impacts
to water resources would be expected.
Determination: An analysis of the Proposed Action has concluded
that there would be no significant short-term or long-term effects to
the environment or surrounding populations. After careful and thorough
consideration of the facts herein, the undersigned finds that the
proposed Federal action is consistent with existing national
environmental policies and objectives set forth in Section 101(a) of
the NEPA and other applicable environmental requirements and will not
significantly affect the quality of the human environment or otherwise
include any condition requiring consultation pursuant to Section I
02(2)( c) of NEPA. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement for the
Proposed Action is not required.
Issued in Washington, DC on: January 15, 2009.
George Nield,
Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.
[FR Doc. E9-1974 Filed 1-29-09; 8:45 am]
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