Army downplays airspace changes

A proposal to modify restricted airspace over Fort A.P. Hill would have no significant impact on the environment.

That’s according to a recently completed  environmental assessment, which looks at potential impacts on such things as wetlands, endangered species, vegetation, air quality, transportation, cultural resources and other categories.

 The Army installation, which encompasses more than 76,000 acres in Caroline and Essex counties, wants to ease its longstanding airspace restrictions to allow it to get full use of its training sites.

 Military pilots currently cannot exceed 5,000 feet mean sea level. The plan is to replace that with a  three-tiered replacement: from the surface to 4,500 feet; from 4,501 feet  to 7,500 feet; and from 7,501 feet to 9,000 feet.

 A.P. Hill  officials say the current restrictions limit the height of certain training, along with operations of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Jets, for example, provide close air support for training exercises, and transport aircraft drop paratroopers over landing zones.

 According to the document, “Although the restricted airspace provides room for their training activities, it limits the approach that the aircraft can take as they approach the installation, and often requires them to circle the area before beginning their training exercise.”

 Raising the airspace ceiling would also enhance high-angle artillery training. Soldiers must have that training prior to deployment to war zones. No increase in the frequency of artillery training is planned.

 Fort A.P. Hill manages its restricted airspace and provides air-traffic advisories. The Federal Aviation Administration manages the nation’s  air traffic.

 According to the environmental assessment, there would be a few minor adverse effects with the planned modifications. For example, light from aircraft and artillery could be visible for longer periods.

 One long-term minor beneficial impact would be improved and more consistent air-traffic conditions over the installation and in the region, the report says, along with improved safety of air-to-ground training.

 The Army says that, overall, there would be no increase in the type or frequency of training activities.

 Public comments on the draft finding of no significant impact will be accepted by the Army through May 17. Documents are available for review at Caroline County’s Bowling Green, Milford and Port Royal library branches, and at the Essex County public library in Tappahannock.

Source:  http://blogs.fredericksburg.com