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THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the
DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, McGregor, Texas
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), lead; National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
cooperating agency.
ABSTRACT: This Final Environmental Assessment (EA) addresses the potential environmental impacts of
FAA’s Proposed Action of issuing an experimental permit to Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
(SpaceX) for operation of the DragonFly reusable launch vehicle (RLV) at the McGregor test site, in
McGregor, Texas. This Final EA evaluates the potential impacts of the operation of the DragonFly RLV as
well as construction of a launch pad.
Potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative analyzed in detail
in this Final EA include impacts to air quality; noise and compatible land use; Department of
Transportation Act: Section 4(f); historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources; fish,
wildlife, and plants; water quality (surface waters, groundwater, wetlands, and floodplains); natural
resources and energy supply; hazardous materials, pollution prevention, and solid waste; light emissions
and visual impacts; and socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children’s environmental health
risks and safety risks. Potential cumulative impacts of the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative
are also addressed in this Final EA.
PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
amended (NEPA; 42 United States Code 4321, et seq.), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA
implementing regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1500 to 1508), and FAA Order 1050.1E,
Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, Change 1, the FAA published a Notice of Availability of
the Draft EA in the Federal Register on May 21, 2014, which started a 30‐day public review and
comment period. A Notice of Availability of the Draft EA was also published in The McGregor Mirror on
May 22, 2014. The FAA mailed copies of the Draft EA to the following agencies:
• The State Historic Preservation Officer – Texas Historical Commission
• The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
An electronic version of the Draft EA was also made available on the FAA website. In addition, the FAA
printed and mailed a copy of the Draft EA to the McGinley Memorial Library, located at 317 Main Street,
McGregor, Texas 76657.
Interested parties were invited to submit comments on environmental issues and concerns. The public
comment period ended on June 20, 2014. The FAA received letters from the U.S. Department of Interior,
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma. No substantive changes were
made to this Final EA.
[INSERT FFONSI]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Finding of No Significant Impact
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
ACTION: Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
SUMMARY: The FAA prepared the attached Final Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 4321‐4347 (as
amended), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) NEPA implementing regulations, 40 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) Parts 1500 to 1508, FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and
Procedures, to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
(SpaceX) conducting suborbital launches and landings of the DragonFly reusable launch vehicle (RLV) at
the McGregor, Texas test site located in McLennan and Coryell counties. To conduct these operations,
SpaceX must obtain an experimental permit from the FAA.
After reviewing and analyzing currently available data and information on existing conditions and the
potential impacts of the Proposed Action as compared with the No Action Alternative, the FAA has
determined that the Proposed Action would not significantly impact the quality of the human
environment. Therefore, preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement is not required, and the
FAA is issuing this FONSI. The FAA made this determination in accordance with all applicable
environmental laws. The Final EA is incorporated by reference in this FONSI.
FOR A COPY OF THE EA OR FONSI: Visit the following internet address:
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/environmental/review/permits or
contact Daniel Czelusniak, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration,
800 Independence Ave., SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20591; e‐mail [email protected]; or
phone (202) 267‐5924.
PURPOSE AND NEED: SpaceX’s purpose of applying for an experimental permit from the FAA is for
SpaceX to test the capability of the DragonFly RLV to execute precision landings on land. SpaceX’s need
for the experimental permit is to conduct tests to further develop the capability for the Dragon capsule
to land, so that it can be reused. One of SpaceX’s goals is to reduce the cost of access to space. Being
able to reuse the Dragon capsule would help meet this goal by eliminating the costs associated with
building another capsule.
The purpose of the FAA’s Proposed Action in connection with SpaceX’s application for an experimental
permit is to fulfill the FAA responsibilities under the Commercial Space Launch Act, 51 U.S.C. Subtitle V,
Ch. 509, §§ 50901‐50923, for oversight of experimental permit activities. The Proposed Action would be
consistent with the objectives of the Commercial Space Launch Act.
The need for the FAA action of issuing an experimental permit results from the statutory direction from
Congress under the Commercial Space Launch Act to protect the public health and safety, safety of
property, and national security and foreign policy interest of the U.S. and to encourage, facilitate, and
promote commercial space launch activities by the private sector in order to strengthen and expand U.S.
space transportation infrastructure. The FAA expects to receive an application for an experimental
permit from SpaceX to conduct launch operations of the DragonFly RLV at the McGregor test site. The
FAA must review the application and determine whether to issue the experimental permit.
PROPOSED ACTION: The Proposed Action is for the FAA to issue an experimental permit to SpaceX,
which would authorize SpaceX to conduct suborbital launches and landings of the DragonFly RLV from
the McGregor test site in McGregor, Texas. To support the DragonFly RLV activities under the
experimental permit, SpaceX would construct a 40 foot by 40 foot launch pad. Therefore, the Proposed
Action analyzed in the Final EA includes the activities that would be authorized by the experimental
permit (i.e., the operation of the launch vehicle) as well as the construction of the launch pad.
Under the FAA experimental permit program (implemented by 14 CFR Part 437), the FAA issues
experimental permits to commercial launch operators for the operation of developmental reusable
suborbital rockets on suborbital trajectories. Under the Proposed Action, the experimental permit would
be valid for one year and would authorize an unlimited number of launches. The FAA could renew the
experimental permit if requested, in writing, by SpaceX at least 60 days before the permit expires.
SpaceX anticipates that the DragonFly RLV program would require up to 2 years to complete (2014 –
2015). Therefore, the Proposed Action considers one new permit and one potential permit renewal. A
maximum of 30 annual operations are proposed in each year of operation.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED: Alternatives analyzed in the Final EA include the Proposed Action and the
No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, the FAA would not issue an experimental permit
to SpaceX for the operation of the DragonFly RLV at the McGregor test site. Existing SpaceX activities
would continue at the McGregor test site, which include engine testing for the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
Please refer to Section 2.2 of the Final EA for a brief discussion of existing activities at the McGregor test
site. The FAA and SpaceX determined there were no other reasonable alternatives to be evaluated in the
Final EA.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: The potential environmental impacts from the No Action Alternative and
the Proposed Action were evaluated in the attached Final EA for each of the environmental impact
categories identified in FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures.
Chapter 3, Section 3.0, of the Final EA identifies those environmental impact categories that are not
analyzed in detail, explaining why the Proposed Action would have no potential effect on those impact
categories. Those categories are: Coastal Resources, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Farmlands, and Secondary
(Induced) Impacts.
Chapter 4 of the Final EA provides detailed evaluations of the environmental consequences of each
Alternative for each of the remaining environmental impact categories (including the construction‐
related impacts in each category) and documents the finding that the Proposed Action would have no
significant impact on the human environment. A summary of the documented findings for each impact
category follows:
Air Quality, Final EA Section 4.1. Air pollutant emissions that would result from the Proposed
Action would not result in exceedence of any National Ambient Air Quality Standard.
Therefore, the FAA has determined there would be no significant air quality impacts.
Noise and Compatible Land Use, Final EA Section 4.2 and Appendix A. Noise associated with
the construction of the proposed concrete launch pad as well as the operation of the
DragonFly RLV would be compatible with the existing land use on the site. Adjacent land use is
agricultural, which is not considered a noise‐sensitive area. In addition, SpaceX has an existing
agreement with the Charles Graham Cattle Company regarding use of respective parcels of
land on days when rocket/engine tests are scheduled. The noise levels in residential areas in
the City of McGregor and Oglesby are not compatible with existing land uses under the
existing condition. The Proposed Action would have only minimal effects as compared to the
No Action Alternative. Therefore, the Proposed Action would not result in significant
compatible land use impacts.
Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act, Final EA Section 4.3. The FAA has
determined that operations under the Proposed Action would be expected to produce a
negligible increase in noise compared to the No Action Alternative. The DragonFly RLV would
be visible from the historic properties in the Area of Potential Effects during each launch, but
the annual operations would be intermittent and of short duration and similar in scope and
magnitude to current SpaceX testing operations. Therefore, impacts from operations under
the Proposed Action on Section 4(f) historic sites would be de minimis. There would be no
actual or constructive use of any Section 4(f) property within the region of influence of the
Proposed Action and, therefore, no significant impacts.
Historical, Architectural, Archaeological, and Cultural Resources, Final EA Section 4.4. In
accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and in consultation with
the Texas State Historic Preservation Officer, the FAA has determined that the Proposed
Action would have no effect on historic properties. THC concurred with this finding of no
effect on April 7, 2014. In consultation with the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and the
Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma, the FAA has determined that the Proposed Action would not
affect any cultural resources. See Final EA Section 3.4. Therefore, the FAA has determined that
there would be no significant impacts in this category.
Fish, Wildlife, and Plants, Final EA Section 4.5. The FAA has determined that the Proposed
Action would not result in significant impacts to biological resources. Based on the very rare
occurrence of whooping cranes within the operational area of the McGregor test site and with
the implementation of the whooping crane monitoring plan, the FAA has determined that the
Proposed Action would have no effect on the whooping crane. In a June 16, 2014 letter from
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to FAA, regarding their review of the Draft EA,
TPWD supported the implementation of the monitoring plan to help minimize the potential
for impacts to migrating whooping cranes from project activities.
Water Quality, Final EA Section 4.6. No construction would occur within a floodplain, so there
would be no impacts to floodplains. The FAA has determined that the Proposed Action would
not result in any significant impacts to surface waters, groundwater, or wetlands; Best
Management Practices would be implemented to prevent construction‐related impacts. In the
event of a launch failure, potential impacts to water quality would be minimized through
emergency response and clean‐up procedures.
Natural Resources and Energy Supply, Final EA Section 4.7. The FAA has determined that there
would be no significant impacts to natural resources and energy supply as a result of the
Proposed Action.
Hazardous Materials, Pollution Prevention, and Solid Waste, Final EA Section 4.8.
Implementation and operation of the Proposed Action would comply with all applicable
Federal, State, and local regulations regarding hazardous materials, hazardous waste
management, solid waste, and pollution prevention. Therefore, no significant impacts are
expected.
Light Emissions and Visual Impacts, Final EA Section 4.9. The Proposed Action would not
substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings.
The FAA has determined that the Proposed Action would not significantly impact light
emissions or visual resources.
Socioeconomics, Children’s Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks, and Environmental
Justice, Final EA Section 4.10. The Proposed Action would result in minimal changes in
population, housing, income, and employment; therefore, the FAA has determined that the
Proposed Action would result in no significant socioeconomic impacts. Since the Proposed
Action would not result in environmental impacts that would adversely affect any population,
the FAA has determined that there would be no disproportionately high or adverse impacts to
children’s environmental health and safety. Similarly, and in accordance with Executive Order
12898, the FAA has determined that there would be no disproportionately high or adverse
impacts to low income or minority populations.
Please refer to Chapter 4 of the Final EA for a full discussion of the determination for each
environmental impact category.
Chapter 5 of the Final EA provides an analysis of the potential cumulative impacts of the Proposed
Action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions. The FAA has
determined that the Proposed Action would not result in significant cumulative impacts in any
environmental impact category or with regard to greenhouse gas emissions.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Final Enviro
Issuing an
Table of Co
1.0 Int
1.1
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.3
1.4
2.0 Pro
2.1
2.1.1
Pro
Fli
2.1.2
2.2
2.3
3.0 Af
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.1.4
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.4
3.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.6
3.6.1
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ontents
troduction .....
Background ..
Federal Agenc
Role of the
Role of NAS
Purpose and N
Public Involve
oposed Action
Proposed Acti
DragonFly R
oposed Operat
ght Profile .....
DragonFly L
No Action Alte
Alternatives C
fected Environ
Air Quality ....
National Am
Hazardous
Stationary S
Greenhous
Noise and Com
Noise Metr
Noise Crite
Compatible
Department o
Public Park
Significant
Historical, Arc
Fish, Wildlife,
Vegetation
Wildlife .....
Special‐Stat
Water Quality
Surface Wa
ment
Permit to Spac
......................
.......................
cy Involvement
FAA ...............
SA ...................
Need ...............
ment ..............
n and Alternati
ion ..................
RLV .................
tions ...............
.......................
Launch Pad ....
ernative ..........
Considered but
nment ............
.......................
mbient Air Qua
Air Pollutants
Source Permitt
e Gases ..........
mpatible Land
rics ..................
ria ..................
e Land Use ......
of Transportati
s, Recreation A
Historic Sites ..
chitectural, Arc
and Plants .....
......................
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tus Species .....
y ......................
aters (Non‐wet
ceX for Operati
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t 2014
.... 1‐1
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.... 1‐5
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.... 2‐1
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.... 2‐5
.... 2‐6
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.... 3‐1
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.... 3‐5
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.... 3‐7
.. 3‐12
.. 3‐12
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.. 3‐19
Final Enviro
Issuing an
Table of Co
3.6.2
3.6.3
3.6.4
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.10.
3.10.
3.10.
3.10.
4.0 En
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.2
4.2.1
Co
4.2.2
4.3
4.3.1
Pu
Sig
4.3.2
4.4
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.5
4.5.1
Ve
W
Sp
4.5.2
4.6
4.6.1
Su
Gr
W
Flo
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ontents
Groundwat
Wetlands ..
Floodplains
Natural Resou
Hazardous Ma
Light Emission
Socioeconomi
Populati1
Income a2
Environm3
Children4
nvironmental C
Air Quality ....
Proposed A
No Action A
Noise and Com
Proposed A
ompatible Land
No Action A
Department o
Proposed A
ublic Parks, Rec
gnificant Histor
No Action A
Historical, Arc
Proposed A
No Action A
Fish, Wildlife,
Proposed A
egetation ........
ildlife .............
pecial‐Status Sp
No Action A
Water Quality
Proposed A
rface Waters (
roundwater ....
etlands ..........
oodplains .......
ment
Permit to Spac
ter ..................
.......................
s ......................
urces and Energ
aterials, Polluti
ns and Visual Im
ics, Environme
on and Housin
and Employme
mental Justice
’s Environmen
Consequences
.......................
Action..............
Alternative .....
mpatible Land
Action..............
d Use ...............
Alternative .....
of Transportati
Action..............
creation Areas,
ric Sites ..........
Alternative .....
chitectural, Arc
Action..............
Alternative .....
and Plants .....
Action..............
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pecies .............
Alternative .....
y ......................
Action..............
(Non‐wetlands
.......................
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ceX for Operati
.......................
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gy Supply .......
ion Prevention
mpacts ............
ental Justice, Ch
ng ....................
ent ..................
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ntal Health Risk
.....................
.......................
.......................
.......................
Use ................
.......................
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on: Section 4(f
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chaeological, a
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hildren’s Envir
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ks and Safety R
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f) ....................
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nd Cultural Re
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exas
t 2014
.. 3‐19
.. 3‐21
.. 3‐21
.. 3‐21
.. 3‐22
.. 3‐23
.. 3‐24
.. 3‐25
.. 3‐25
.. 3‐26
.. 3‐27
.... 4‐1
.... 4‐1
.... 4‐1
.... 4‐3
.... 4‐3
.... 4‐3
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐6
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐7
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐8
.... 4‐9
.... 4‐9
.. 4‐10
.. 4‐10
.. 4‐10
.. 4‐10
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐11
Final Enviro
Issuing an
Table of Co
4.6.2
4.7
4.7.1
4.7.2
4.8
4.8.1
4.8.2
4.9
4.9.1
4.9.2
4.10
4.10.
Po
Inc
En
Ch
4.10.
5.0 Cu
5.1
5.2
6.0 Lis
7.0 RE
Appendix A
Appendix B
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ontents
No Action A
Natural Resou
Proposed A
No Action A
Hazardous Ma
Proposed A
No Action A
Light Emission
Proposed A
No Action A
Socioeconomi
Propose1
opulation and H
come and Emp
nvironmental Ju
hildren’s Enviro
No Actio2
umulative Impa
Air Quality ....
Noise ............
st of Preparers
EFERENCES .....
A – Noise ........
B – Agency Coo
ment
Permit to Spac
Alternative .....
urces and Energ
Action..............
Alternative .....
aterials, Polluti
Action..............
Alternative .....
ns and Visual Im
Action..............
Alternative .....
ics, Environme
d Action .........
Housing ..........
ployment ........
ustice .............
onmental Healt
on Alternative .
acts ...............
.......................
.......................
s and Contribu
......................
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ordination ......
ceX for Operati
.......................
gy Supply .......
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.......................
ion Prevention
.......................
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mpacts ............
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ental Justice, Ch
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th and Safety R
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tors ...............
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APPEN
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ion of the Drag
iii
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n, and Solid Wa
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hildren’s Envir
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Risks ...............
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DICES
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gonFly Vehicle
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aste ................
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at the McGreg
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lth Risks and S
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gor Test Site, Te
Augus
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exas
t 2014
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐11
.. 4‐12
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.. 4‐12
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐13
.. 4‐14
.. 4‐14
.. 4‐14
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.. 4‐15
.. 4‐15
.. 4‐15
.... 5‐1
.... 5‐1
.... 5‐2
.... 6‐1
.... 7‐1
.... A‐1
.... B‐1
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Table of Contents iv August 2014
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1‐1. Regional Location of McGregor, Texas ................................................................................................... 1‐2
Exhibit 1‐2. McGregor Test Site ................................................................................................................................. 1‐3
Exhibit 2‐1. Existing Grasshopper Launch Pad and DragonRider Test Area............................................................... 2‐3
Exhibit 3.2‐1. A‐Weighted Sound Levels from Typical Sources ................................................................................. 3‐6
Exhibit 3.2‐2. Existing Noise Contours ....................................................................................................................... 3‐8
Exhibit 3.2‐3. Existing Zoning Within and Adjacent to the McGregor Test Site....................................................... 3‐10
Exhibit 3.4‐1. Historic Resources within the Area of Potential Effects .................................................................... 3‐15
Exhibit 3.6.1. Surface Water in the Vicinity of the McGregor Test Site ................................................................... 3‐20
Exhibit 4.2‐1. No Action Alternative and Proposed Action Noise Contours .............................................................. 4‐5
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1‐1. Proposed Annual Operations of the DragonFly RLV .............................................................................. 2‐1
Table 3.1‐1. National Ambient Air Quality Standards ................................................................................................ 3‐2
Table 3.2‐1. Land Use Compatibility with Annual Day‐Night Average Sound Levels (DNL) ..................................... 3‐11
Table 3.3‐1. Section 4(f) Public Parks, Recreation Areas, and Refuges in the Vicinity of the McGregor Test Site .. 3‐12
Table 3.4‐1. NRHP‐Listed or ‐Eligible Architectural Resources in the APE ............................................................... 3‐14
Table 3.5‐1. Federally and State‐Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring within McLennan
and Coryell Counties ................................................................................................................................................ 3‐17
Table 3.7‐1. Utilities Suppliers for McGregor Test Site ............................................................................................ 3‐21
Table 3.10‐1. Current Population and Housing Data in the Region of Influence ..................................................... 3‐25
Table 3.10‐2. Income, Poverty, and Employment Data in the Region of Influence, 2007‐2011 ............................. 3‐26
Table 3.10‐3. Environmental Justice Statistics for the Region of Influence, 2012 estimate (% of population) ...... 3‐27
Table 3.10‐4. Schools Near the McGregor Test Site ................................................................................................ 3‐27
Table 4.1‐1. Estimated Construction Emissions for Launch Pad in Tons ................................................................... 4‐1
Table 4.1‐2. Estimated Annual Operation Emissions in Tons per Year (2014 and 2015) ........................................... 4‐2
Table 4.2‐1. Summary of Total Contours Acreage by Scenario (Proposed Action) ................................................... 4‐4
Table 5.1‐1. Comparison of Proposed Action GHG Emissions to U.S. 2011 GHG Emissions1 .................................... 5‐2
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Acronyms and Abbreviations v August 2014
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AGL above ground level APE Area of Potential Effects AST Office of Commercial Space Transportation BMPs Best Management Practices CAA Clean Air Act CEQ Council on Environmental Quality CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act CFR Code of Federal Regulations CO carbon monoxide CTYRA Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association CWA Clean Water Act dB decibel dBA A‐weighted decibels DNL day‐night average noise level DOT Department of Transportation EA Environmental Assessment EO Executive Order EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act F9R Falcon 9R FAA Federal Aviation Administration FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency ft feet ft2 square feet
HAPs Hazardous Air Pollutants ISD Independent School District GAO Government Accountability Office GCD Groundwater Conservation Districts GHG greenhouse gases kW‐hr kilowatt‐hour lb pound lbf pounds force Lmax maximum sound level LOX liquid oxygen MEDC McGregor Economic Development Corporation mg/m3 milligrams per cubic meter µg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter
MMH monomethylhydrazine MSATs Mobile Source Air Toxics NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration NAVFAC Naval Facilities Engineering Command NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NRHP National Register of Historic Places NSR New Source Review NTO nitrogen tetroxide NWI National Wetlands Inventory NWIRP Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant O3 ozone ppb parts per billion ppm parts per million PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act RLV Reusable Launch Vehicle ROI Region of Influence RP‐1 refined petroleum SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act SEL Sound Exposure Level SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer TAC Texas Administrative Code TCEQ Texas Commission on Environmental Quality THC Texas Historical Commission TPDES Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System TPWD Texas Parks and Wildlife Department TSD treatment, storage and disposal U.S. United States U.S.C. United States Code USCB United States Census Bureau USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Acronyms and Abbreviations vi August 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
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Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
1.0 Introduction 1‐6 August 2014
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Final Environmental A
Issuing an Experim
2.0 Proposed Actio
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
on and Alternatives
aceX for Operation
s
Exhibit 2‐1. Exi
of the DragonFly V
isting Grasshopp
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2‐3
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Gregor Test Site, Tex
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exas
Test Area
August 2014
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2‐4 August 2014
Deployment of the parachutes system begins with both drogue mortars firing simultaneously through
blowout panels (each panel weighs 8 lbs and is approximately 2 ft by 2ft). The panels would then fall to
the ground within the proposed operating area.
Proposed Operations
As discussed above, the DragonFly RLV test program is expected to be conducted under an experimental
permit and would consist of up to 30 annual operations, distributed between four types of operations
(see Table 2.1‐1). Multiple test operations could occur each day between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
10:00 p.m., and would be consistent with SpaceX’s lease with the City of McGregor. For example, the
terms of the lease prohibit SpaceX from conducting engine tests between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and
7:00 a.m. The DragonFly RLV would be unmanned during all launch operations. However, 10 additional
staff would be located at the McGregor test site to support DragonFly RLV operations.
Pre‐flight and Post‐flight Activities
Pre‐flight and post‐flight activities would be similar for each test type. Pre‐flight activities include
preparing the DragonFly RLV for launch and providing ground operations support for launch and landing.
The DragonFly RLV would be transported by truck or tractor‐trailer from its storage location at the
McGregor test site to the launch pad. Similarly, trucks would be used to transport the propellants from
the propellant storage area to the launch pad.
Standard safety precautions, such as clearing the area of unnecessary personnel and ignition (including
spark) sources, would be implemented. The DragonFly RLV would be fueled with the appropriate
amount of propellant for the proposed test type (see Section 2.1.1.2 – 2.1.1.5 below for a description of
test types). In the event of a spill or release, propellant‐loading operations would be halted. Any spills
would be cleaned up according to the SpaceX’s Spill Response Procedures for the McGregor test site.
Following the propellant transfer, the propellant‐loading equipment would be removed from the launch
area.
During preparations for launch, the electrical and mechanical connections of the DragonFly RLV would
be inspected, and flight control diagnostics and health checks would be completed to ensure proper
operation of electrical systems and moving parts. The DragonFly RLV would initiate its formal launch
sequence (i.e., ignition of its propulsion system) after all preparation and pre‐flight operations were
completed.
Post‐flight activities include DragonFly RLV landing and safing1. During a nominal launch, the vehicle
would land either back on the launch pad or in a predetermined targeted site within the operating area
in the vicinity of launch pad. Safing activities would begin upon completion of all launch and landing
1 Safing refers to shutting down the launch vehicle and ensuring the vehicle is in a safe condition before transporting the vehicle
to its storage facility.
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2‐5 August 2014
activities and engine shutdown. The propellant lines would be drained into a suitable container. A
ground crew would perform and supervise all pre‐flight, flight, and landing operations and would be
familiar with the operating protocol for the specific test type.
Flight Profile
Flight profile refers to the take‐off (or drop), flight, and landing of the launch vehicle. The flight profile
for each operation type is discussed below.
Propulsive Assist
For the propulsive assist test, a helicopter (an Erickson E‐model or equivalent) would arrive at the
McGregor test site from Waco Regional Airport. The DragonFly RLV would then be tethered to the
helicopter using a cable. A maximum of 300 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly
RLV for this test. The helicopter would take off with the DragonFly RLV attached and reach an altitude
up to 10,000 ft. Once at that altitude, the DragonFly RLV would be released from the tether and three
main parachutes would be deployed. The engines would not fire until the vehicle descends to
approximately 98 ft above ground level (AGL). The engines would fire for approximately 5 seconds, and
the RLV would make a powered landing. This type of operation would last approximately 30 minutes
from helicopter take‐off to DragonFly RLV landing.
The test would be designed so that almost all fuel on board is used prior to landing. All fuel valves would
shut automatically and retain any residual fuel in the capsule.
Full Propulsive Landing
For the full propulsive landing test, a helicopter (an Erickson E‐model or equivalent) would arrive at the
McGregor test site from Waco Regional Airport. The DragonFly RLV would then be tethered to the
helicopter. A maximum of 300 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this
test. The helicopter would take off with the DragonFly RLV attached and reach an altitude up to 10,000
ft. Once at that altitude, the DragonFly RLV would be released from the tether. There would be a period
of free fall and then the engines would fire for approximately 5 seconds and the RLV would make a
powered landing. This type of operation would last approximately 30 minutes from helicopter take‐off
to DragonFly RLV landing.
Propulsive Assist Hopping
Approximately 400 gallons of propellant would be loaded into the DragonFly RLV for this test. During a
propulsive assisted hop test, the DragonFly RLV would launch from a launch pad and ascend to
approximately 7,000 ft AGL (firing engines for 12.5 seconds). Two parachutes would be deployed for the
descent, the engines would fire for 12.5 seconds, and the RLV would make a powered landing on the
launch pad. This operation would last approximately 60 seconds.
Final Enviro
Issuing an
2.0 Propos
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full prop
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Final Enviro
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2.0 Propos
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hes of
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ferred
or test
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
2.0 Proposed Action and Alternatives 2‐8 August 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
3.0 AFFEC
This Chap
Proposed
The level
resources
The envir
(ROI). Eac
section.
Resource
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the reaso
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nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
CTED ENVIRO
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of detail prov
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ronment pote
ch resource a
s Not Analyze
oes not analy
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Coastal Re
coastal res
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approxima
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uality
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s at or below
ment
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nt
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vided in this C
02.15).
entially affect
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yze potential
below:
esources – Pr
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al activities w
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e Rivers Inve
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ately 64 miles
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y (Induced) I
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impacts to t
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discussion of
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gonFly Vehicle
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with the imp
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ted wild or s
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these
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Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
the nomin
level amb
from ope
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of air dire
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ttainment.” T
ality monitor
o TCEQ monit
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
missions to gro
vehicle emis
sult in appre
y layer) is the
eight referred
The stratosp
m flight altitu
rature and de
mixing heigh
nts a parcel
located in pa
nd Coryell cou
s (NAAQS) (4
tants. The N
dequate mar
‐hour period
ards (quarterl
effects. The
hed NAAQS, w
ndary Standard
None
me as Primary
me as Primary
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15.0 µg/m3
me as Primaryme as Primary0.5 ppmNone
er billion; ppm PM2.5 = fine
The designati
ring data coll
oring sites lo
exas
t 2014
ound‐
ssions
ciable
e layer
to as
phere,
ude of
ensity
t, the
of air
arts of
unties
0 CFR
AAQS
gin of
s) are
ly and
Texas
which
ds
=
ion of
lected
ocated
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
in McLen
collects m
Texas. Th
temperat
for all reg
above th
exceedan
are in att
apply and
Stationary
fueling, a
include su
test site o
operation
equipmen
more than
air quality
TCEQ crit
250 tons
tons per y
3.1.2
In additio
Hazardou
control te
HAPs emi
emitted fr
other ser
Rule, whic
of these
benzene,
a second
first rule a
The rule a
2007).
MSATs wo
equipmen
emission
produce n
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
nan County i
meteorologica
his site colle
ure, wind, an
gulated criter
e old 24‐hou
ce that woul
tainment for
d is not addre
y point sourc
nd other poin
upport equipm
operates und
n of five rock
nt at the McG
n a de minim
y permit, are
eria including
per year of C
year of PM10,
Hazardous A
on to the amb
s Air Pollutan
echnologies (4
tted from mo
rom highway
ious health a
ch identified
MSATs comp
1,3 butadien
Mobile Sourc
and provided
also identified
ould be the p
nt used durin
controls. Con
negligible am
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
n the Waco a
al data only. T
ects data on
nd solar radia
ia pollutants.
ur NAAQS o
d require des
NAAQS, the
ssed in this EA
ces of air em
nt sources su
ment, comme
der a TCEQ a
ket engine te
Gregor test si
is level of em
e not major s
g emissions l
CO or nitroge
and 10 tons p
Air Pollutants
bient air qual
nts (HAPs). Th
40 CFR Parts 6
obile sources
vehicles and
and environm
21 compoun
pounds were
e, formaldeh
ce Air Toxics
additional re
d several eng
primary HAPs
ng constructio
nstruction eq
mbient HAPs i
ceX for Operati
area. One is
The second sit
carbon mo
ation (TCEQ 2
. Although th
f 15 µg/m3
signation as n
CAA General
A.
missions at the
uch as genera
ercial transpo
air quality pe
est stands, fi
te. It is a Per
missions but d
sources as de
imits. To mee
en oxides, 25
per year of PM
s
lity standards
he National E
61 and 63). T
s are called M
non‐road eq
mental effects
ds as being H
identified as
yde, acrolein
Rule in Febru
ecommendati
gine emission
s emitted by
on of the lau
uipment wou
n a localized
ion of the Drag
3‐3
located at th
te (CAMS 103
noxide, nitro
2013). McLen
here have bee
for PM2.5, th
nonattainmen
l Conformity
e McGregor
ators and sto
ort vehicles, a
rmit (TCEQ 2
ive new fuel
mit by Rule,
o not require
efined by the
et these limit
tons per yea
M2.5.
s for criteria
mission Stan
he majority o
Mobile Source
uipment that
s. In 2001, E
HAPs that req
s having the
, acetaldehyd
uary 2007, wh
ions of compo
n certification
mobile sourc
unch pad wo
uld be operat
area. Opera
gonFly Vehicle
he Waco Reg
37) is located
ogen oxides,
nnan and Cor
en instances
he area has
nt. Because M
Rule (40 CFR
test site incl
rage tanks. M
and personal
2007). This p
storage tan
which TCEQ
e a standard (
e U.S. Clean A
ts the facility
ar of SO2 or v
pollutants, n
dards regulat
of HAPs are vo
e Air Toxics (M
t are known o
PA issued its
quired regulat
greatest infl
de, and diese
hich generall
ounds having
n standards th
ces during co
ould likely va
ted for appro
ational equipm
at the McGreg
gional Airport
on Mazanec
ozone, PM2
ryell counties
of exceedanc
not establis
McLennan an
R Part 93, Su
ude launch v
Mobile source
motor vehic
permit covers
nks, and asso
issues to faci
(i.e., New Sou
Air Act, and
y’s emissions
volatile organ
ational stand
te 188 HAPs
olatile organi
MSATs). MSA
or suspected
s first Mobile
tion (EPA 200
luence on he
l particulate m
y supported
g the greatest
hat must be i
nstruction an
ry in age and
ximately two
ment, includi
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
t (CAMS 5010
Road in Elm
2.5, sulfur dio
are in attain
ce (at CAMS
shed a patte
nd Coryell cou
ubpart B) doe
vehicle proce
es of air emis
les. The McG
s construction
ociated piping
lities that pro
urce Review)
that meet se
must be less
nic compound
dards also exi
based on ava
c compounds
Ts are compo
to cause can
e Source Air T
01). A subset
ealth and inc
matter. EPA i
the findings
t impact on h
implemented
nd operations
d have a ran
o weeks and w
ing vehicles d
exas
t 2014
0) and
Mott,
oxide,
nment
1037)
ern of
unties
es not
essing,
ssions
Gregor
n and
g and
oduce
TCEQ
everal
s than
ds, 15
ist for
ailable
s.
ounds
cer or
Toxics
of six
cluded
ssued
in the
ealth.
d (EPA
s. The
nge of
would
driven
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
by commu
also prod
analysis.
3.1.3
There are
the air qu
3.1.4
Greenhou
from natu
temperat
climate ch
conseque
Although
GHGs and
Additiona
change an
Research
of U.S. c
contribute
other ind
generatio
emissions
(Melrose
the affect
associated
in Section
SpaceX cu
testing in
for the Su
2.2 for ad
Noise3.2
Noise is
activities.
response
and is inf
setting, ti
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
uters, is antic
uce negligibl
Stationary S
e no stationar
ality regulatio
Greenhouse
use Gases (GH
ural processe
ure over the
hange associa
ences across t
not required
d climate und
ally, in Februa
nd GHG emiss
has shown th
ontributions,
es about 3 pe
ustrial source
on (41 percen
s from aircra
2010). Clima
ted environm
d with the Pr
n 5.0.
urrently uses
an enclosed
uperDraco en
ditional infor
e and Compat
considered u
Although ex
to noise is a
fluenced by t
me of day, ty
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
cipated to be
e ambient H
ource Permit
ry sources ass
ons for statio
e Gases
HGs) are gas
es and human
e past centur
ated with this
the globe.
d by FAA Ord
der NEPA, as
ary 2010, the
sions (CEQ 20
here is a dire
the Govern
ercent of tot
es including t
nt) (GAO 200
aft account f
ate change re
ment is the glo
oposed Actio
s hypergolic p
vacuum cham
gine develop
rmation on Sp
tible Land Us
unwanted or
xposure to v
nnoyance. Th
the type of n
ype of activity
ceX for Operati
primarily new
APs. Therefo
tting
sociated with
onary sources
emissions th
n activities. S
y due to an
s global warm
er 1050.1E, t
documented
CEQ issued d
010).
ct correlation
nment Accou
al carbon dio
the remainde
9). The Inter
or roughly 3
esulting from
obal climate (
on and the im
propellants a
mber. Open a
ments for a t
paceX’s existi
e
r annoying s
very high noi
he response o
noise, perceiv
y during which
ion of the Drag
3‐4
wer equipme
ore, MSATs e
h implementin
apply.
hat trap heat
Scientific evid
increase in G
ming is expect
the FAA has d
in a memor
raft NEPA gu
n between fu
ntability Offi
oxide emissio
er of the tra
national Civil
3 percent of
GHG emissio
(EPA 2009a).
mpact analysis
at the Dragon
air testing is a
total of appro
ng activities a
sound that in
ise levels can
of different i
ved importan
h the noise oc
gonFly Vehicle
nt that gener
missions are
ng the Propos
t in the atmo
dence indicat
GHG emissio
ed to produc
developed in
andum dated
idance for co
el combustio
ice (GAO) re
ons, according
nsportation s
l Aviation Or
all anthropo
ons is a cumu
Discussion o
s can be foun
n Decon area
also conducte
oximately fou
at the McGre
nterferes wit
n cause hear
ndividuals to
nce of the no
ccurs, and se
at the McGreg
rate lower em
not conside
sed Action. T
osphere. Thes
tes a trend of
ons from hum
ce negative ec
terim guidan
d January 12,
onsidering the
on and GHG e
eports that "
g to EPA data
sector (20 pe
ganization es
ogenic GHG
ulative globa
f the estimat
d in cumulati
a, when cond
ed at the Dra
r minutes pe
egor test site)
th or disrup
ring loss, the
o similar noise
oise, its appr
nsitivity of th
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
missions and w
red further i
Therefore, no
se emissions
f increasing g
man activities
conomic and
nce for consid
, 2012 (FAA 2
e effects of cl
emissions. In t
"domestic av
a," compared
ercent) and p
stimates that
emissions glo
l phenomeno
ted GHG emis
ive impact an
ducting hype
gonRider test
r year (see Se
.
ts normal h
e principal h
e events is di
opriateness i
he individual.
exas
t 2014
would
n this
one of
occur
global
s. The
social
dering
2012).
imate
terms
viation
d with
power
t GHG
obally
on, so
ssions
nalysis
ergolic
t area
ection
uman
uman
iverse
in the
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
The ROI f
that could
Action.
3.2.1
The decib
launch) to
sound, as
the period
to correla
several n
measure
equally w
to low‐pit
Exhibit 3.2
(e.g., air c
some per
during an
taken ove
The day‐n
Exposure
period. SE
represent
a 24‐hour
penalty is
3.2.2
FAA Orde
the DNL m
2 A noise s
noise sens
recreation
sites.
3 There are
the Nation
Activities c
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
or noise inclu
d be impacte
Noise Metric
bel (dB) is a
o a reference
s the human e
d of exposure
ate the frequ
noise frequen
is the ‘A‐we
well, these me
tched and hi
2‐1 provides
conditioner, v
riod of time.
event like a
er extended p
night average
Level (SEL), w
EL provides a
t the sound le
r annual ave
applied to D
Noise Criteri
er 1050.1E, Ch
metric to dete
sensitive area i
sitive areas in
al areas (inclu
e other Federa
nal Institute for
conducted und
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
udes the McG
ed by noise f
cs
ratio that co
e pressure (i.e
ear perceives
e to the noise
ency charact
ncy weighting
eighted scale
easures are a
igh‐pitched s
a chart of A‐w
vacuum clean
Other source
vehicle pass‐
periods of tim
e noise leve
which is the m
a cumulative
evel heard at
rage day. To
NL for nightti
ia
hange 1, requ
ermine if sign
is an area whe
nclude residen
uding areas wi
al agency noise
r Occupational
der the Propose
ceX for Operati
Gregor test si
from constru
mpares the s
e., the quiete
s it. These inc
e, and change
eristics from
g measures
.’ Since the
djusted or w
sounds. This
weighted sou
ner) are cont
es (e.g., autom
by. Other sou
e.
l (DNL) is a
magnitude of
noise exposu
any given tim
account for
ime events (1
uires the FAA
ificant impac
ere noise inter
ntial, educatio
ith wilderness
e standards th
l Safety and He
ed Action wou
ion of the Drag
3‐5
te and the ar
uction and lau
sound pressu
est sound tha
clude the act
s or fluctuati
typical noise
have been
human ear c
eighted to co
adjusted uni
und levels from
tinuous sound
mobile, heav
unds (e.g., ur
cumulative
a sound and
ure of the en
me. Typically,
increased hu
10:00 p.m. to
A to assess no
ts would occu
rferes with nor
onal, health, a
s characteristic
hat pertain to
ealth and the O
ld be in compl
gonFly Vehicle
rea in the imm
unch‐related
ure of the so
at can be hea
ual level of n
ons in noise l
e sources to
developed. T
cannot perce
ompensate fo
t is known a
m typical noi
ds that maint
vy truck) are t
ban daytime,
noise metric
its duration,
ntire acoustic
, DNL values
uman sensiti
7:00 a.m.).
oise impacts
ur3.
rmal activities
and religious
cs), wildlife re
hearing conse
Occupational S
iance with the
at the McGreg
mediate vicin
activities un
ound source
rd). A numbe
noise, the freq
levels during
the perceptio
The most co
eive all pitch
or the human
as the A‐weig
se sources. S
tain a consta
the maximum
, urban nightt
c that accoun
of all noise e
event, but it
are expresse
vity to noise
on noise sen
associated wit
structures an
efuges, and cu
rvation (e.g., t
Safety and Hea
ese standards.
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
nity of the tes
nder the Prop
of interest (e
er of factors
quencies invo
exposure. In
on of human
ommon frequ
hes or freque
n lack of sens
ghted dB, or
ome noise so
ant sound lev
m sound prod
time) are ave
nts for the S
events in a 24
t does not di
d as the leve
at night, a 1
nsitive areas2
th its use. Nor
nd sites, and
ultural and his
those establish
alth Administra
exas
t 2014
st site
posed
e.g., a
affect
olved,
order
ears,
uency
encies
sitivity
r dBA.
ources
vel for
duced
erages
Sound
4‐hour
rectly
l over
10 dB
using
rmally,
parks,
torical
hed by
ation).
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Source Note: d
Noise con
communit
computer
impact wo
1.5 dBA o
same time
The McG
residentia
located a
to the no
Other no
rural/agri
waste ma
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
es: Derived from dBA = A‐weighte
E
ntour maps
ty. Noise con
r model. FAA
ould occur if
or more at D
e period.
regor test si
al communiti
pproximately
orthwest. The
oise sources
cultural setti
nagement tru
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
Harris 1979 anded decibel
Exhibit 3.2‐1.
of noise met
ntours depict
A Order 1050
the action ca
NL 65 dBA n
ite is a relat
es to the pro
y 5 miles to th
e McGregor t
at or near
ng, including
ucks).
ceX for Operati
d Federal Interag
A‐Weighted
trics are use
the area wit
0.1E, Change
auses noise s
oise exposur
tively isolated
oposed launc
he northeast,
est site is loc
the McGre
farm machin
ion of the Drag
3‐6
gency Committe
Sound Levels
ed to assess
hin which a c
1, guidance
ensitive area
re when com
d facility, sur
ch and landin
, and the City
cated in a sm
egor test sit
nery, automo
gonFly Vehicle
ee on Aviation N
s from Typica
the noise le
certain noise
on noise ind
as to experien
pared to the
rrounded by
ng pad locati
y of Oglesby,
mall industrial
te include so
obiles, trains,
at the McGreg
oise (FICAN) 199
al Sources
evel and imp
level occurs,
dicates that
nce an increa
e existing con
agricultural
ions are the
located app
l park in the
ources that
and comme
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
97.
act of noise
, as predicted
a significant
ase in noise o
nditions withi
land. The c
City of McGr
roximately 3
City of McGr
are typical
rcial vehicles
exas
t 2014
on a
d by a
noise
of DNL
in the
losest
regor,
miles
regor.
to a
(e.g.,
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Noise sen
located ap
miles to
adjacent
Powder C
The neare
SpaceX cu
site. An a
approxim
test site.
simultane
periods o
test site.
Based on
noise con
City of M
McGregor
3.2.3
Land uses
local zon
developm
designate
compatib
SpaceX ha
operation
engine te
the test si
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
nsitive areas
pproximately
the northeas
to McGrego
Company, loca
est residence
urrently cond
average sing
ately 138 dB
SpaceX also
eously for up
f time to app
the existing
ntour extends
cGregor and
r test site.
Compatible
s are frequen
ing and ord
ment can oc
ed or environm
le with the ou
as leased the
ns on the site
sting; the Gra
ite is also leas
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
near the pr
y 3.4 miles to
st. In additio
r Elementary
ated approxim
is approxima
ducts approx
gle engine te
A within the
o conducts si
p to 180 seco
proximately 1
engine test n
s approximate
Oglesby (see
Land Use
ntly regulated
inances. The
cur, ensure
mentally sens
utdoor noise
McGregor te
include adm
asshopper RL
sed for livesto
ceX for Operati
roposed laun
the northwes
on, a new pr
y and McGre
mately 2.8 mi
ately 1.3 miles
imately five
est lasts app
test site bou
ix Falcon 9 S
onds. These i
148 dBA at th
noise levels a
ely four miles
e Exhibit 3.2‐2
d by manage
ese plans an
consistency
sitive uses. Co
environment
est site from t
inistrative se
LV launch pad
ock grazing, w
ion of the Drag
3‐7
nch and land
st, and McGre
imary schoo
egor High Sch
iles from the
s from the pr
Merlin‐1D en
roximately 1
undary and a
Stage 1 tests
infrequent St
he test site an
and durations
s from the te
2). The exhib
ement plans,
nd regulation
with surro
ompatible lan
t at the locati
the McGrego
rvices, storag
d; and Falcon
which is coord
gonFly Vehicle
ding pad loca
egor High Sch
l (grades K‐1
hool. The clo
proposed lau
roposed launc
ngine tests p
100 seconds
approximately
s a year, co
tage 1 tests
nd approxima
s described a
est site and in
bit represents
land use pla
ns are design
ounding land
nd use means
on.
or Industrial P
ge, and suppo
n 9 tripod test
dinated with
at the McGreg
ations includ
hool, located
1st grade) is
osest busines
unch and land
ch and landin
per week at t
and produce
y 97 dBA wit
nsisting of n
increase nois
ately 107 dBA
above, the ex
ncludes resid
s the existing
ans, compreh
ned to iden
d uses, and
s the use of th
Park since 200
ort buildings;
t stand. The v
launch and te
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
e Oglesby Sc
approximate
being constr
ss is the Cro
ding pad loca
ng pad locatio
the McGrego
es noise leve
thin 3 miles o
nine engines
se levels for
A 3 miles from
xisting DNL 65
ential areas
g noise level o
hensive plans
tify where f
protect spe
he land is nor
03. Current Sp
stands to co
vacant land w
esting activiti
exas
t 2014
chool,
ely 4.5
ructed
osslink
ations.
ons.
or test
els of
of the
firing
short
m the
5 dBA
in the
of the
s, and
future
ecially
rmally
paceX
nduct
within
es.
F
I
3
Final Environmental A
Issuing an Experim
3.0 Affected Enviro
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
onment
aceX for Operation of the DragonFly V
Exhibit 3.2‐2.
Vehicle at the McG
3‐8
. Existing Noise C
Gregor Test Site, Tex
Contours
exas
August 2014
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐9 August 2014
The McGregor test site is located within the 9,700 acre McGregor Industrial Park, which is the
redeveloped McGregor NWIRP (EPA 2009b). The NWIRP was closed in 1995 and ownership was
transferred to the City of McGregor in 1996 for development into an industrial park. In addition to
SpaceX, other commercial/ industrial tenants of the industrial park include, but are not limited to, a
rodeo arena, C3 Communications, Ferguson Plumbing Company, General Micrographics, In Situ Forms,
and McLennan County Electrical Cooperative (EPA 2009b; MDEC 2013). The zoning designation of land
within the McGregor Industrial Park is heavy industrial (City of McGregor 2003).
With the exception of the activities at the Industrial Park described above, the primary land use
surrounding the McGregor test site is agricultural and undeveloped. Exhibit 3.2‐3 shows the existing
zoning within and adjacent to the McGregor test site as designated by the City of McGregor (City of
McGregor 2003). The nearest town to the test site is Oglesby, three 3 miles to the northwest. The City of
McGregor is five 5 miles northeast of the test site.
Table 3.2‐1 depicts acceptable land use compatibility associated with annual DNL. According to Table
3.2‐1, residential areas in the City of McGregor and Oglesby that are already exposed to 65 DNL or
greater are incompatible for residential use.
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
Exhibit 3
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
.2‐3. Existing
ceX for Operati
g Zoning With
ion of the Drag
3‐10
hin and Adjac
gonFly Vehicle
cent to the M
at the McGreg
McGregor Test
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
t Site
exas
t 2014
Source: City of McG
regor 2003
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐11 August 2014
Table 3.2‐1. Land Use Compatibility with Annual Day‐Night Average Sound Levels (DNL) Yearly DNL Sound Level (decibels)
Land Use <65 65‐70 70‐75 75‐80 80‐85 >85Residential Residential, other than mobile homes and transient lodgings Y N1 N1 N N NMobile home parks Y N N N N NTransient lodgings Y N1 N1 N1 N NPublic Use
Schools Y N1 N1 N N NHospitals, nursing homes Y 25 30 N N NChurches, auditoriums, and concert halls Y 25 30 N N NGovernment Services Y Y 25 30 N NTransportation Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 Y4
Parking Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NCommercial Use Offices, business and professional Y Y 25 30 N NWholesale and retail‐building materials, hardware, and farm equipment Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NRetail Trade, general Y Y 25 30 N NUtilities Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NCommunication Y Y 25 30 N NManufacturing and Production Manufacturing, general Y Y Y2 Y3 Y4 NPhotographic and Optical Y Y 25 30 N NAgricultural (except livestock) and forestry Y Y6 Y7 Y8 Y8 Y8
Livestock farming and breeding Y Y6 Y7 N N NMining and fishing, resource production extraction Y Y Y Y Y YRecreational Outdoor sports arenas and spectator sports Y Y5 Y5 N N NOutdoor music shells, amphitheaters Y N N N N NNature exhibits and zoos Y Y N N N NAmusements, parks, resorts, and camps Y Y Y N N NGolf courses, riding stables and water recreation Y Y 25 30 N NSource: 14 CFR Part 150, Appendix A, Table 1. The designations contained in this table do not constitute a Federal determination that any use of land covered by the program is acceptable or unacceptable under Federal, State, or local law. The responsibility for determining the acceptable and permissible land uses and the relationship between specific properties and specific noise contours rests with the local authorities. FAA determinations under part 150 are not intended to substitute federally determined land uses for those determined to be appropriate by local authorities in response to locally determined needs and values in achieving noise compatible land uses.
Key to Table 3.2‐1 Y (YES) – Land use and related structures compatible without restrictions. N (NO) – Land use and related structures are not compatible and should be prohibited. NLR – Noise Level Reduction (outdoor to indoor) to be achieved through incorporation of noise attenuation into the design and construction of the structure. 25,30 or 35 – Land use and related structures generally compatible; measures to achieve NLR of 25, 30, or 35 dB must be incorporated into design and construction of structure. 1Where the community determines that residential or school uses must be allowed, measures to achieve outdoor to indoor Noise Level Reduction (NLR) of at least 25 dB and 30 dB should be incorporated into building codes and be considered in individual approvals. Normal residential construction can be expected to provide a NLR of 20 dB, thus, the reduction requirements are often stated as 5, 10, or 15 dB over standard instructions. 2Measures to achieve NLR of 25 dB must be incorporated into the design and construction of portions of these buildings where the public is received, office areas, noise sensitive areas or where the normal noise level is low. 3Measures to achieve NLR of 30 dB must be incorporated into the design and construction of portions of these buildings where the public is received, office areas, noise sensitive areas or where the normal noise level is low. 4Measures to achieve NLR of 35 dB must be incorporated into the design and construction of portions of these buildings where the public is received, office areas, noise sensitive areas or where the normal noise level is low. 5Land use compatible provided special sound reinforcement systems are installed. 6Residential buildings require an NLR of 25. 7Residential buildings require an NLR of 30. 8Residential buildings not permitted.
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Depa3.3
The FAA m
Act (49 U
wildlife o
on the N
individual
to these p
be protec
In accorda
that requ
unless no
project in
propertie
(see Secti
3.3.1
Public par
the Depar
1. Seven
recreation
3.3.2
The ROI f
Potential
Preservat
contour d
or eligible
historical,
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
rtment of Tra
must conside
U.S.C. § 303(c
r waterfowl r
National Reg
ls own parks,
properties, ev
cted under Se
ance with the
ires the use o
o feasible and
cludes all po
s is the area e
on 4.2.1, Exh
Public Parks
rks, recreatio
rtment of Tra
parks and on
n area, or refu
Table 3.3‐1.
Amsler Park
Iron Bridge N
Bewley Park
Bluebonnet P
Kasting Park
Legacy Park
Mother Neff S
Oglesby Park
Significant H
for NRHP‐list
Effects (APE
ion Act (NHP
determined d
e for listing, i
, architectura
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
ansportation
er land use im
c)). Section 4
refuges, or an
gister of Hist
recreational
ven if such are
ction 4(f) wh
e FAA Order
of any Section
d prudent alt
ssible plannin
encompassed
ibit 4.2‐1).
, Recreation
n areas, and
ansportation A
ne Wildlife M
uge is Oglesb
Section 4(f)
Prop
ational Wildlife
Park
State Park
Historic Sites
ed or eligible
E) defined fo
PA). The FAA
uring noise m
n the NRHP w
al, archaeolog
ceX for Operati
Act, Section
mpacts under
4(f) propertie
ny publicly or
toric Places
areas, or wi
eas are open
en it is locate
1050.1E, Cha
n 4(f) propert
ternative exis
ng to minimiz
d by the DNL
Areas, and R
refuges that
Act (49 U.S.C
anagement A
y Park which
Public Parks,of the M
perty
e Managemen
e resources p
or cultural r
defined the A
modeling (refe
within the RO
gical, and cult
ion of the Drag
3‐12
4(f)
Section 4(f)
es include pu
r privately ow
(NRHP). Wh
ldlife and wa
to the public
ed on long‐ter
ange 1, the FA
ty determined
sts to the us
ze harm resu
65 dBA noise
Refuges
may be cons
. § 303(c)), an
Area lay with
is 2.3 miles f
Recreation AcGregor Test
t Area
protected un
resources un
APE as the a
er to Section
OI. Sections 3
ural resource
gonFly Vehicle
of the Depar
ublicly owned
wned historic
hen private
terfowl refug
c. However, a
rm leased pu
AA will not a
d by the offic
e of such lan
lting from th
e contour det
idered Sectio
nd located in
in 6 miles of
from the test
Areas, and Ret Site
Dista
5.1 Miles No
5.5 Miles So
4.5 Miles No
4.1 Miles No
5.6 Miles No
5.1 Miles No
4.3 Miles So
2.3 Miles No
nder Section
nder Section
rea encompa
3.4). There a
.4 and 4.4 pr
es.
at the McGreg
rtment of Tra
d parks, recr
site listed or
institutions,
ges, Section 4
a privately ow
blic land or a
pprove any p
cials having ju
nd and such
e use. The R
ermined duri
on 4(f) proper
n the ROI are
the test site
site.
efuges in the
ance/ Directio
ortheast
outh
ortheast
ortheast
ortheast
ortheast
outh
orthwest
4(f) is identi
106 of the
assed by the
are 14 historic
rovide furthe
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
ansportation
reation areas
r eligible for
organization
4(f) does not
wned property
public easem
program or p
urisdiction the
program, an
ROI for Sectio
ing noise mod
rties, as defin
listed in Tabl
. The closest
Vicinity
on
cal to the Ar
National Hi
DNL 65 dBA
c properties l
r discussion o
exas
t 2014
(DOT)
s, and
listing
ns, or
apply
y may
ment.
roject
ereof,
nd the
on 4(f)
deling
ned by
e 3.3‐
park,
rea of
istoric
noise
listed,
of the
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Histo3.4
Cultural r
landscape
Section 10
on proper
with the
listed or e
for the Sta
In accorda
has deter
archaeolo
ROI for t
determine
Appendix
area with
A review
revealed
none of th
There are
interests
Oklahoma
Agency Co
designate
Coordinat
The APE
majority o
Navy in 1
governme
complete
to be eligi
the 14 ind
and one h
1998, the
Programm
Federal o
historic a
Rehabilita
NRHP‐elig
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
rical, Archite
resources inc
es, or objects
06 of the NH
rties listed or
State Histori
eligible for list
ate of Texas.
ance with 36
mined an AP
ogical resourc
his resource
ed during no
B, Agency Co
in the APE wh
of the Texas
that there a
hem are in or
e no known T
in McLennan
a and the To
oordination).
ed historical o
tion). No resp
includes 14
of these resou
1942 as a m
ent to the C
d. As a result
ible for inclus
dividual resou
historic distric
e U.S. Navy, T
matic Agreem
wnership. Th
architectural
ation, and TH
gible resource
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
ctural, Archa
clude prehisto
s having histo
PA requires a
eligible for li
c Preservatio
ting in the NR
CFR 800.4(a)
E in consider
ces as a result
area, is def
ise modeling
oordination).
here ground d
s Historic Sit
re numerous
r near the are
Traditional Cu
and Coryell
nkawa Tribe
On May 23,
or cultural sit
ponse was re
previously do
urces were pa
military ordna
City of McGre
t of the surve
sion in the NR
urces have be
ct from the fo
THC, City of M
ment (PA) to
e PA include
properties i
HC review of
es.
ceX for Operati
aeological, an
oric and histo
orical, archite
a Federal age
sting in the N
on Officer (SH
RHP. The Texa
)(1), an APE n
ation of both
t of impleme
fined as the
(Appendix A
Effects to arc
disturbance w
tes Atlas, the
s previously r
ea of the prop
ultural Proper
counties hav
of Oklahoma
2014, the To
tes have been
ceived from t
ocumented a
art of the for
nce plant. P
egor, a surv
ey, 14 individ
RHP (U.S. Nav
een demolish
ormer NWIRP
McGregor, an
mitigate the
s deed coven
n accordanc
any undertak
ion of the Drag
3‐13
nd Cultural Re
oric archaeo
ectural, archa
ency to consid
NRHP. Compli
HPO) if there
as Historical C
needs to be es
h potential dir
nting the Pro
area encom
). The THC co
chaeological r
would occur f
e NRHP onlin
recorded arc
posed launch
rties identifie
e been ident
a. The FAA co
nkawa Tribe
n identified in
the Comanch
architectural
mer NWIRP, w
Prior to the t
ey of the pl
dual resource
vy 1998). How
hed. Therefor
P that were de
nd Advisory C
e adverse eff
nants requirin
ce with the
king that has
gonFly Vehicle
esources
logical sites,
eological, cu
der the effect
iance with Se
e is a potenti
Commission (
stablished fo
rect and indir
oposed Action
passed by th
oncurred with
resources, ho
from installat
ne database,
haeological s
pad.
ed within the
tified. They in
onsulted with
of Oklahoma
n the project
e Nation of O
resources (T
which was or
transfer of t
lant’s extant
s and one his
wever, since t
re, the APE in
etermined el
Council on Hi
fect of the tr
ng the preser
Secretary of
s the potentia
at the McGreg
buildings, di
ltural, or scie
ts of its unde
ection 106 req
ial effect to
(THC) serves
r the Propose
rect effects to
n. The APE, a
he DNL 65 d
h this APE on
owever, woul
tion of the co
and other a
sites within t
APE; howeve
nclude the Co
h these tribes
a responded t
t area (see A
Oklahoma.
Table 3.4‐1; E
riginally const
he property
buildings an
storic district
the survey’s c
ncludes 10 in
igible for listi
istoric Preser
ransfer of th
rvation and m
f the Interio
al to affect th
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
istricts, struc
entific import
ertaking (or a
quires consult
historic prop
as the SHPO
ed Action. Th
o architectura
lso considere
dBA noise co
n April 7, 2014
d be limited t
ncrete launch
available reso
the APE; how
er, two tribes
omanche Nat
s (see Appen
that no speci
ppendix B, A
Exhibit 3.4‐1)
tructed by th
from the Fe
nd structures
t were determ
completion, fo
ndividual reso
ing in the NR
rvation execu
e property o
maintenance o
or’s Standard
he integrity o
exas
t 2014
tures,
tance.
ction)
tation
erties
office
e FAA
al and
ed the
ontour
4 (see
to the
h pad.
ources
wever,
s with
ion of
dix B,
fically
gency
). The
e U.S.
ederal
s was
mined
our of
ources
HP. In
uted a
out of
of the
ds for
of the
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐14 August 2014
The other historic properties in the APE include one NRHP‐listed resource and two Recorded Texas
Historic Landmarks. The Brown‐Mann House in McGregor was listed in the NRHP in 1987 for its
architectural significance as an intact Colonial Revival and Queen Anne‐style residence with a
Sullivanesque‐style embellishment rare for domestic architecture in Texas. The Glenn and Mary
Gulledge Crain House in McGregor and the First Methodist Church of Oglesby are Recorded Texas
Historic Landmarks, which are designated by the THC for properties that are at least 50 years old,
historically and architectural significant, and possess architectural integrity. The Crain House is a rare
example in Texas of a Shingle‐style residence, and the First Methodist Church of Oglesby is a Queen
Anne‐style church dating to 1912.
Table 3.4‐1. NRHP‐Listed or ‐Eligible Architectural Resources in the APE Resource Name Description Historic Status
Building 105 Telephone exchange NRHP Eligible
Building 106 Administrative office NRHP Eligible
Building 300 Police and fire station NRHP Eligible
Building 404 Propulsion system laboratory NRHP Eligible
Building 601 General storage NRHP Eligible
Building 602 Line office and first aid NRHP Eligible
Building 603 Change and power house NRHP Eligible
Building 2301 Well house #1 NRHP Eligible
Building 2308 Pump house NRHP Eligible
Building 2309 Spare pump house NRHP Eligible
High Explosives Magazine Historic District
64 ammunition storage magazines (Buildings 8001 through 8064)
NRHP Eligible
Brown‐Mann House 1890s Colonial Revival/Queen Anne‐style residence with Sullivanesque influence
NRHP Listed
Crain, Glenn and Mary Gulledge House
Circa 1892 Shingle‐style residence Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
First Methodist Church of Oglesby 1912 Queen Anne‐style church Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
F
I
3
Final Environmental A
Issuing an Experim
3.0 Affected Enviro
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
onment
aceX for Operation
Exhibit 3.4‐1
of the DragonFly V
1. Historic Resour
Vehicle at the McG
3‐15
rces within the A
Gregor Test Site, Tex
Area of Potential
exas
Effects
August 2014
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Fish, W3.5
Biological
associatio
defined a
animal (H
Although
resources
on specie
importanc
McGregor
McGregor
noise mod
3.5.1
The McGr
Prairies E
approxim
grassland
been sha
species w
species (T
Vegetated
generally
grazing do
3.5.2
Wildlife re
species gr
include b
(Sylvilagu
streams in
3.5.3
A species
of its ran
foreseeab
amendme
and plant
administe
of the ESA
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
Wildlife, and
resources i
ons are referr
as the resour
all et al. 1997
the existen
s also provide
es or vegetati
ce, or are pro
r test site as
r test site an
deling (see Se
Vegetation
regor test sit
cological Reg
ately 26,000
s punctuated
ped by agric
with annual g
Texas Parks an
d areas at th
include Berm
o not have sig
Wildlife
esources incl
roups such a
bobwhite qua
s floridanus)
n the area, id
Special‐Statu
is considered
nge. Threaten
ble future. Th
ents require t
ts, and critica
ers the ESA an
A requires al
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
Plants
include plant
red to as vege
ces and cond
7).
nce and pres
e aesthetic, re
on types tha
otected unde
depicted in E
nd the area e
ection 4.2, Ex
te is located
gion. The Cro
0 acres. The
d by high, na
cultural pract
grass and for
nd Wildlife De
e McGregor
muda grass, n
gnificant amo
ude mammal
s mollusks or
ail (Colinus v
, and whitet
entified in Se
us Species
d endangered
ned species a
e Endangere
the conservat
al habitats in
nd designate
l Federal age
ceX for Operati
t and anima
etation and a
ditions prese
servation of
ecreational, a
t are importa
r Federal or S
xhibit 1‐2. Th
encompassed
hibit 4.2‐1).
within the La
oss Timbers a
e Lampasas
arrow, and w
tices such as
b species. W
epartment [T
test site con
ative grasses
ounts of wood
ls, reptiles, am
r insects. Com
virginianus), m
tail deer (Od
ection 3.6.1, W
d if it is in da
are defined a
d Species Act
tion of federa
n which they
s critical hab
ncies to cons
ion of the Drag
3‐16
al species an
animal specie
nt in an area
biological r
nd socioecon
ant to the fu
State law or s
he ROI for wil
d by the DNL
ampasas Cut
and Prairies
Cut Plain su
wooded mesa
livestock an
Woody vegeta
TPWD] 2011a)
nsist of range
and live oaks
dy vegetation
mphibians, bi
mmon specie
mourning do
docoileus virg
Water Resour
nger of extin
as those tha
t (ESA) of 197
ally listed thre
are found. T
itat for each
sult with the
gonFly Vehicle
nd the habit
es are referre
a that suppo
resources are
nomic values t
nction of the
statute. The
ldlife and spe
L 65 dBA noi
Plain sub‐re
Ecological Re
ub‐region ge
a‐like divides
nd farming o
ation often co
).
elands and m
s. The areas o
n (FAA 2011).
irds, and som
es that are ex
ove (Zenaida
ginianus). Fis
rces (FAA 201
ction through
at are likely t
73 (16 U.S.C.
eatened and
The U.S. Fish
species prote
USFWS, as a
at the McGreg
tats where
ed to as wildl
rts the existe
e intrinsicall
to society. Th
e ecosystem,
ROI for veget
ecial‐status sp
ise contour d
egion of the C
egion of Nort
enerally cons
. Vegetation
operations by
onsists of liv
mowed indust
of the test sit
metimes inver
xpected to be
macroura),
sh may be f
11).
hout all or a s
to become e
§1531 et seq
endangered
h and Wildlife
ected under
applicable, be
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
they occur.
ife. Habitat c
ence of a pla
y valuable,
his analysis fo
of special so
tation include
pecies include
determined d
Cross Timber
th‐central Te
sists of exte
in the regio
y reducing hi
ve oak and ju
trial areas. Sp
te subject to a
rtebrate spec
e found in th
eastern cott
found in the
significant am
endangered i
q.) and subseq
species of an
e Service (US
the ESA. Sect
efore initiatin
exas
t 2014
Plant
an be
ant or
these
ocuses
ocietal
es the
es the
during
rs and
exas is
ensive
n has
istoric
uniper
pecies
active
cies or
he ROI
ontail
local
mount
n the
quent
nimals
SFWS)
tion 7
ng any
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐17 August 2014
action that may affect a listed species or designated critical habitat. Candidate species, which may be
proposed for listing as threatened or endangered in the future, are not provided any statutory
protection under the ESA.
The Texas legislature authorized the TPWD to establish a list of threatened and endangered plant and
animal species, and to protect the species. TPWD regulations prohibit the taking, possession,
transportation, or sale of any of the animal species designated by State law as endangered or
threatened without a permit. Texas laws and regulations prohibit commerce in threatened and
endangered plants and the collection of listed plant species from public land without a permit issued by
TPWD.
Table 3.5‐1 lists the Federal and State‐listed threatened or endangered wildlife species potentially
occurring in McLennan and Coryell counties. There are three federally listed endangered species, nine
State‐listed threatened species, and five State‐listed endangered species that potentially occur in
McLennan and Coryell counties.
Table 3.5‐1. Federally and State‐Listed Threatened and Endangered Species Potentially Occurring within McLennan and Coryell Counties
Common name (Scientific name)Status
State Federal
Reptiles Timber/canebrake rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) T ‐ Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) T ‐ Birds Golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) E E Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) T ‐ Whooping crane (Grus Americana) E E Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)1 T ‐ Black‐capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla)2 E E Wood stork (Mycteria americana)3 T ‐ White‐faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)3 T ‐ Interior least tern (Sterna antillarum athalassos)3 E ‐ Mammals Red wolf (Canis rufus) E ‐ Mollusks Smooth pimpleback (Quadrula houstonensis) T ‐ False spike mussel (Quadrula mitchelli) T ‐ Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon) T ‐ Sources: TPWD 2011b, c; USFWS 2013 a, b.Notes: E = Endangered, T = Threatened. 1Bald and golden eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which is administered by the USFWS. The Act prohibits unauthorized capture, purchase, or transportation of the birds, their nests, or their eggs. Any action that might disturb these species requires a permit from the USFWS. 2Listed only in Coryell County 3Listed only in McLennan County
The potential for occurrence of any of the listed species in Table 3.5‐1 within the ROI for the Proposed
Action is unlikely due to the absence of suitable habitat, ongoing agricultural activities, maintenance
(e.g. mowing), and existing industrial and operational activities. In addition, coordination with the
USFWS in 2011 for the Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Operation
federally
However,
Experimen
Texas ind
whooping
this corrid
lake edge
on the M
habitat. H
coordinat
Wate3.6
Water re
Rivers. Su
subsurfac
lowland a
lowland a
an annua
and are n
that addr
Fish and W
(EO) 1199
The TCEQ
regulatory
TCEQ adm
Legislatur
and Wild
areas, and
purpose o
exist or m
level thro
Groundwa
District (M
Texas Pol
At the loc
3, Section
National
communit
County, a
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
n of the Gras
listed species
coordinatio
ntal Permit t
dicated that
g cranes for m
dor. Suitable
s, small pond
McGregor test
However, the
ted with TPW
r Quality
sources inclu
urface water
ce water tha
areas covered
areas located
l basis. As sta
not evaluated
ess water res
Wildlife Coor
90, Protection
Q has the re
y programs.
ministers bot
re has author
life Departm
d initiate the
of managing
may exist in th
ough GCDs.
ater Conserv
McLennan Co
lutant Discha
cal level, the
ns 22‐19 to 2
Flood Insur
ties that par
re all particip
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
sshopper Veh
s known to oc
n with the T
to SpaceX for
the test site
migration; 95
whooping cr
ds, marshes, a
t site, as des
e whooping c
D regarding t
ude surface
s include str
t occupies t
d with shallow
adjacent to
ated in Sectio
d in this analy
sources. At th
dination Act;
n of Wetlands
esponsibility
As the State
th State and
rized the TCEQ
ent (TPWD)
creation of G
the State’s g
he future. Th
The propos
ation District
unty).TCEQ is
arge Eliminati
McGregor, Te
22‐110, regula
rance Progra
rticipate in th
pating commu
ceX for Operati
hicle at the M
ccur in the RO
TPWD in the
r Operation
e is located
5 percent of w
rane migrato
and some suit
scribed in Se
crane has nev
the Proposed
waters, grou
reams, rivers
he space be
w and somet
bodies of wa
on 3.0, Wild a
ysis. There a
he Federal lev
Rivers and H
s; and EO 119
for the maj
e lead agency
federally m
Q, the Texas
to study, ide
Groundwater
roundwater r
he primary ma
sed project
(Coryell Cou
s also respon
ion System (T
exas ‐ Code o
ates floodpla
am regulates
he program.
unities in the
ion of the Drag
3‐18
McGregor Te
OI.
e 2011 Final
of the Grass
near the cen
whooping cra
ory stop‐over
table rivers (T
ection 3.6.1 b
ver been obs
Action (see A
undwater, w
, lakes, pond
tween sand,
times tempor
ater in which
and Scenic Ri
re several Fe
vel the Clean
Harbors Act; W
988, Floodplai
ority of the
y for water re
mandated (as
Water Develo
entify and de
Conservation
resources in
anagement o
falls within
nty) and (2) S
sible for adm
TPDES) to reg
of Ordinances
ins within th
s developme
The City of
program.
gonFly Vehicle
est Site, Texa
Environmen
hopper Vehic
nter of a 20
ane sightings
habitat inclu
TPWD 2011c)
below, that m
served at the
Appendix B, A
etlands, floo
ds, estuaries,
, clay, and r
rary or interm
the ordinary
iver resource
ederal, State
Water Act (C
Wild and Sce
in Manageme
State’s env
esources and
mentioned
opment Boar
elineate prior
n Districts (GC
areas where
of groundwate
two separa
Southern Trin
ministering th
gulate dischar
s, Part II, Cha
he City of Mc
ent in mapp
McGregor, M
at the McGreg
as indicated
ntal Assessme
cle at the M
00 mile‐wide
s during migr
udes shallow
). Four small
may provide
e McGregor
Agency Coord
odplains, and
, and oceans
ock formatio
mittent wate
y high water
es are not pre
and local law
CWA); Safe D
enic Rivers Ac
ent.
vironmental w
environmen
above) prog
rd (TWDB), an
rity groundw
CDs) within th
critical grou
er in Texas is
ate GCDs: (
nity Groundw
e program an
rges of pollut
apter 22, Arti
cGregor, Texa
ped 100‐yea
McLennan Co
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
that there a
ent for Issuin
McGregor Test
corridor use
ation occur w
w wetlands su
ponds are lo
suitable sto
test site. The
dination).
d Wild and S
s. Groundwa
ons. Wetland
rs. Floodplain
level fluctuat
esent in the r
ws and regula
Drinking Wate
ct; Executive
water quality
tal protection
grams. The
nd the Texas
water manage
hose areas, fo
ndwater prob
s found at the
1) Middle T
water Conserv
nd has create
tants (TCEQ 2
cle II. Division
as. In addition
ar floodplain
ounty, and C
exas
t 2014
re no
ng an
t Site,
ed by
within
uch as
ocated
pover
e FAA
Scenic
ater is
ds are
ns are
tes on
region
ations
er Act;
Order
y and
n, the
Texas
Parks
ement
or the
blems
e local
Trinity
vation
ed the
2012).
n 1 to
n, the
ns for
Coryell
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
3.6.1
The ROI f
Basque R
Basque R
(McFarlan
River are
intermitte
to be pote
launch pa
Exhibit 3.6
as impair
305(b) an
Existing a
stormwat
2010 and
3.6.2
The ROI f
Aquifer, w
Aquifer is
aquifer de
McGregor
TCEQ app
availabilit
Aquifer g
decline, b
2011). No
Resource
closure in
groundwa
site. Rem
2023. Sam
that cont
Facilities
developm
for Reuse
environm
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
Surface Wa
for surface w
River Subwate
River flow int
nd and Houck
located on
ent, and deve
entially man‐
ad, and two a
6‐1 depicts th
red waters in
d 303(d) (TCE
activities at t
ter discharge
is currently a
Groundwate
for groundwa
which is one
s potable bu
epth. It is use
r test site is in
plies this de
ty and qualit
generally exce
but the rate h
o EPA designa
Conservation
n the 1990s d
ater on north
ediation of th
mpling results
aminants are
Engineering
ment as the M
,” indicating t
ent for the an
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
aters (Non‐we
waters is the
ershed within
to Waco Lak
k 1999). Four
the McGrego
elops into a p
made: two ar
are in the nor
he locations o
n the 2012 T
EQ 2012).
he test site o
(Permit #TX
active (FAA 20
er
ater is the M
of the most
t considered
ed by munici
n an area tha
esignation to
ty issues to t
eeded the re
as slowed ov
ted Sole Sour
n and Recove
documented c
ern side of th
he groundwa
s from ground
e not migratin
Command [N
McGregor Indu
that the reme
nticipated use
ceX for Operati
etlands Surfa
McGregor te
n the larger
ke, which is
ponds and a
or test site.
perennial stre
re located in t
rthern portion
of the stream
exas Integrat
operate unde
R050000 issu
011).
cGregor test
t extensive a
hard; with
palities as we
t has been de
o aquifers th
the region. H
echarge rate
er the past de
rce Aquifers a
ery Act (RCRA
contaminatio
he test site an
ter at off‐site
dwater wells
ng into the e
NAVFAC] 2007
ustrial Park, E
ediated cond
e (EPA 2009b
ion of the Drag
3‐19
ace Waters)
est site. The
Basque Rive
located app
stream that
The portion
eam after it f
the southern
n of the site,
s and ponds.
ted Report o
er a TPDES m
ued July 22, 2
site. The Mc
and most uti
dissolved so
ell as irrigatio
esignated as P
hat have dec
Historically, g
of the aquif
ecade due to
are found at t
A) investigatio
n of groundw
nd the wester
e properties i
in the immed
existing launc
7, U.S. Navy
EPA had desig
itions of the
b).
gonFly Vehicle
McGregor te
r Watershed
roximately 1
forms the he
of the strea
flows off‐site
portion of th
northeast of
No surface w
of Surface W
multi‐sector g
2011). The p
cGregor test
ilized in Texa
lids, sulfate,
on, livestock,
Priority Grou
clining levels
groundwater
fer. Water le
changes in w
the McGrego
ons conducte
water and soi
rn side in a p
is ongoing an
diate area of t
ch pad areas
2001; U.S. N
gnated the N
site are prote
at the McGreg
est site is loc
d. Surface wa
13 miles nort
eadwaters of
am on the s
(FAA 2011).
he site, east o
f the Falcon 9
waters locate
ater Quality
general storm
ermit was iss
site is locate
as. Groundwa
and chloride
and domest
ndwater Man
s that can p
withdrawals
evels in the a
water sources
or test site.
ed as part of
il. Perchlorate
lume migrati
nd expected t
the existing la
from neighb
Navy 2008; FA
NWIRP McGre
ective of hum
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
cated in the
aters of the
theast of the
f the South Ba
ite is classifi
The ponds a
of the Grassho
9 tripod test s
d on‐site are
for CWA Sec
mwater perm
sued Novemb
ed over the T
ater in the T
es increasing
tic consumers
nagement Are
pose groundw
s from the T
aquifer are s
s (TWDB 2013
the NWIRP f
e was identif
ng southward
to be complet
aunch pad ind
oring areas (
AA 2011). Pr
egor site as “R
man health an
exas
t 2014
South
South
e site
asque
ed as
ppear
opper
stand.
listed
ctions
mit for
ber 3,
Trinity
Trinity
g with
s. The
ea 10.
water
Trinity
still in
3; FAA
acility
fied in
d, off‐
ted in
dicate
(Naval
rior to
Ready
nd the
F
I
3
Final Environmental A
Issuing an Experim
3.0 Affected Enviro
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
onment
aceX for Operation
Exhibit 3.6.1
of the DragonFly V
. Surface Water
Vehicle at the McG
3‐20
in the Vicinity of
Gregor Test Site, Tex
f the McGregor T
exas
Test Site
August 2014
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
3.6.3
The ROI f
boundary
(USFWS 2
southern
3.6.4
The Fede
floodplain
waters fro
chance of
being floo
The ROI f
There are
located in
associated
These floo
Natur3.7
As an im
consumpt
acknowle
use of na
encourage
principles
sustainab
EO
EO
EO
The ROI f
site. Exist
from a 10
fighting fi
Electric
Potable
Source:
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
Wetlands
or wetlands i
y of the McG
2013c). One
portion of th
Floodplains
ral Emergenc
ns. Federal c
om any sourc
f being inund
oded during a
for floodplain
e approximat
n the southe
d with a trib
odplains are o
ral Resources
mpact categor
tion of natu
dges that the
atural resour
e the develo
s of sustainab
le use of natu
O 13123, Gre
O 13423, Stre
O 13514, Fed
for natural re
ing energy an
0,000 gallon t
res (SpaceX 2
Utility
city/ Natural Ga
e Water Distrib
SpaceX 2013.
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
is the McGre
Gregor test s
area is north
e site, southe
cy Manageme
ode identifie
ce” (44 CFR Pa
dated in a one
a one‐year pe
ns is the Mc
ely 44.92 acr
east portion
utary to Stat
outside of the
s and Energy
ry, natural re
ural resourc
ere are no spe
rces and ene
opment of f
bility. The fo
ural resource
eening the Go
engthening Fe
deral Leadersh
esources and
nd water cons
tank would a
2013).
Table 3.7‐
as H
bution C
ceX for Operati
gor test site.
site are ident
heast of the
east of the ex
ent Agency (F
es floodplains
art 59). 100‐y
e‐year period
riod.
Gregor test s
res of 100‐ye
of the opera
ion Creek loc
e area of pote
Supply
esources and
es and use
ecific Federal
ergy supply,
acilities that
llowing regu
s and energy
overnment th
ederal Enviro
hip in Environ
energy supp
sumption at t
lso be used t
‐1. Utilities Su
Pro
Hudson Energy
City of McGreg
ion of the Drag
3‐21
Two areas o
tified on the
Falcon 9 trip
xisting Grassh
FEMA) mainta
s as “any lan
year floodplai
d. 500‐year fl
site. Exhibit
ear floodplain
ating area an
cated in the
ential launch
d energy sup
of energy
l requirement
it also emph
exemplify t
lations provid
:
rough Efficien
nmental, Ene
nmental, Ener
ly includes th
the McGrego
to occasional
uppliers for M
ovider
y Services, LLC
gor water main
gonFly Vehicle
of freshwater
e National W
pod test stan
opper Pad (E
ains data ide
nd area susc
ins are furthe
oodplains ha
3.6‐1 identifi
ns associated
nd approxima
southwest co
pad construc
pply provides
supplies. W
ts in place to
hasizes that
the highest
de guidance
nt Energy Ma
ergy, and Tran
rgy, and Econ
he immediate
r test site is p
ly wash the l
McGregor Tes
2.4 millio
ns 1.5 millio
at the McGreg
emergent w
Wetlands Inve
nd. The seco
Exhibit 3.6‐1).
ntifying 100‐
eptible to be
er defined as
ave a 0.2 perc
ies floodplain
d with the So
ately 2.34 ac
orner of the
ction.
s an evaluat
Whereas FAA
o regulate the
it is the pol
standards of
to Federal a
anagement;
nsportation M
nomic Perform
e vicinity of t
presented in T
aunch area a
st Site
Annual Utility
on kilowatt‐ho
on gallons
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
wetlands with
entory (NWI)
ond area is o
‐year and 500
eing inundate
having a 1 pe
cent probabi
ns within the
outh Bosque
cres of flood
site (FEMA 2
ion of a pro
A Order 10
e consumptio
icy of the FA
f design incl
agencies rega
Management
mance.
the McGrego
Table 3.7‐1. W
and is availab
y Usage
our (kW‐hr)
exas
t 2014
in the
) map
on the
0‐year
ed by
ercent
lity of
e ROI.
River
plains
2013).
oject’s
050.1E
n and
AA to
uding
arding
; and
or test
Water
ble for
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Hazar3.8
Analysis o
solid wast
Po
p
Po
o
p
Po
p
W
e
lik
The hand
various le
importanc
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(SARA) a
generatio
consultati
(excluding
contained
The TCEQ
the Texas
Departme
The ROI fo
immediat
generated
McGregor
support e
currently
2.2 for a
testing oc
Existing o
maintena
include ac
batteries.
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
rdous Materi
of the presen
te includes an
otential to e
hases of the p
otential haza
peration of
rocedures;
otential to i
roposed proj
Waste stream
nvironmenta
kely receive t
ling and disp
evels ranging
ce to the FAA
Act (CERCLA),
nd the Com
on, treatmen
ion with nat
g petroleum
d in 49 CFR pa
Q enforces Sta
Administrati
ent is respons
or hazardous
te vicinity th
d; or spills/re
r test site ha
existing opera
uses and sto
dditional info
ccurs in an en
operations pr
nce at a rat
cetone, oily
Hazardous
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
als, Pollution
ce, handling,
n evaluation o
encounter ex
project;
ardous mater
the propose
nterfere with
ect site or in
s that would
l resources, a
the wastes.
posal of haza
g from the F
A are RCRA a
, as amended
mmunity Envi
nt, storage,
tural resource
) into the
arts 171 throu
ate laws and
ive Code [30 T
sible for enfo
materials, po
hat could be
eleases that
as the capaci
ations related
res hypergoli
ormation on
closed vacuu
roduce hazar
te of approxi
rages, paint
waste gener
ceX for Operati
n Prevention,
, storage, and
of the followi
xisting hazard
rials that co
ed facilities,
h any ongoin
the immediat
d be generat
and the impa
rdous materi
Federal level
nd the Comp
d by the Sup
ronmental R
and disposa
es trustees a
environment
ugh 180.
rules pertain
TAC], Chapte
rcing State an
ollution preve
affected by
may occur a
ity to store 2
d to the Falco
ic propellants
SpaceX’s ex
m chamber a
rdous waste
imately 10,00
wastes, hype
rated at the
ion of the Drag
3‐22
and Solid W
d disposal of
ng:
dous materia
uld be trans
and applic
ng remediati
te vicinity; an
ted by the p
acts on waste
ials, chemica
to the loca
prehensive En
perfund Ame
Response Fac
al (TSD) of
and cleanup
t. The Fede
ning to munic
r 330 and Ch
nd City regula
ention, and s
y the materi
as a result of
260,000 gallo
on 9 and Gra
s (NTO and M
xisting activit
at the Dragon
at the McGr
00 pounds a
ergol waste (
McGregor t
gonFly Vehicle
Waste
hazardous m
als during th
sported and
able pollutio
ion of existin
nd
project, poten
e handling an
ls, substance
l level. The
nvironmental
endments and
cilitation Act
hazardous w
of any relea
ral Hazardou
cipal hazardou
apter 335). T
ations for gen
olid waste is
ials transpor
f implement
ons of LOX a
asshopper RL
MMH) at the M
ies at the M
nRider test are
regor test sit
annually. Haz
water mixed
test site is r
at the McGreg
materials, haz
he constructi
used during
on preventio
ng contamin
ntial for the
nd disposal fa
es, and waste
two Federal
Response, C
d Reauthoriz
t of 1992. R
wastes. CER
ase of a haz
us Materials
us and solid w
The City of Mc
neral sanitatio
the McGrego
rted, stored,
ing the Prop
nd 102,000 g
LV testing. Ad
McGregor tes
McGregor test
ea.
te through e
zardous wast
with MMH
removed and
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
ardous waste
on and oper
construction
on strategies
ated sites, a
wastes to im
acilities that w
es are govern
statutes of
Compensation
zation Act of
RCRA govern
CLA provide
zardous subs
s Regulation
wastes (Title
cGregor Sanit
on.
or test site an
and used; w
posed Action.
gallons of RP
dditionally, Sp
st site (see Se
t site). Hype
engine testing
tes generated
or NTO), oils
d managed b
exas
t 2014
e, and
ration
n and
s and
at the
mpact
would
ned at
most
n, and
1986
s the
es for
stance
s are
30 of
tation
nd the
waste
.. The
P‐1 to
paceX
ection
ergolic
g and
d can
s, and
by an
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
independ
disposal o
Hazardou
site. Prev
munitions
During th
investigat
and soils o
petroleum
actions is
of the te
groundwa
migrating
Navy 200
that the r
anticipate
Solid, non
contracto
stored on
off dump
cardboard
Light 3.9
As an imp
associated
For the p
landscape
areas ma
generally
The ROI f
miles from
visual sen
noise and
park. Exis
stand, and
at the Mc
pads, and
McGregor
vicinity.
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
ent contracto
of hazardous w
s materials w
vious NWIRP
s grade and f
is time, wast
tions conduct
on the site. T
m products, a
provided in S
est site (EPA
ater wells in t
g into the exis
8; FAA 2011)
remediated c
ed use (EPA 2
n‐hazardous w
or and dispos
‐site in 2‐cub
psters which
d, plastic, and
Emissions an
pact category
d with a proje
purposes of t
es from whic
y be parks,
considered le
for light emis
m which facil
nsitivity due to
d flames on‐s
sting structur
d associated
cGregor test
d buildings lo
r Industrial P
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
or and taken
wastes curren
were used as
operations a
fertilizer grad
te explosives,
ted in the 199
he contamina
nd perchlora
Section 3.6. A
A 2009b; FA
the immediat
sting launch p
). EPA has de
onditions of t
009b).
wastes produ
ed of in the
bic yard dump
are emptied
d food contain
nd Visual Imp
y, light emiss
ect would an
his analysis,
h individuals
coastlines, w
ess visually se
sions and vis
ities, lighting
o the existing
site, and indu
es on the tes
tower which
site consist
ocated at the
Park around t
ceX for Operati
to a permitt
ntly occurs at
part of histor
at the site c
de ammonium
propellants,
90s for closur
ants of conce
te. A descript
A remediation
AA 2011; NA
te area of the
pad areas from
esignated the
the site are p
uced by oper
City of Waco
psters that ar
as needed.
ners (FAA 201
pacts
sions and visu
noy or interfe
visual and ae
develop the
wilderness are
ensitive.
sual impacts
, and operati
g industrial ac
ustrial and co
st site include
is 235 ft high
of safety ligh
site. Various
the test site,
ion of the Drag
3‐23
ted landfill fo
t the McGreg
ric operation
consisted of
m nitrate, an
solvents, an
re of the NWI
ern included in
tion of the gr
n and capping
AVFAC 2007;
e existing lau
m neighborin
e NWIRP McG
protective of
rations at the
o landfill. Pri
e emptied th
Typical solid
11).
ual resources
ere with activ
esthetic reso
ir perception
eas, or recre
is the McGre
ions would be
ctivities such
ommercial bu
e the Grassh
h and can be
hting and nig
s light indust
, limiting the
gonFly Vehicle
or treatment
or test site (F
s of the NWI
manufacturin
nd production
d solid waste
IRP detected
ndustrial solv
roundwater c
g area for soil
U.S. Navy
nch pad indic
g areas (NAV
Gregor site as
human healt
e test site ar
or to collecti
hree times pe
wastes gene
s provide an
vities of peop
ources are de
ns of an area
eation areas;
egor test site
e visible. The
as engine an
usinesses loc
opper RLV la
seen for seve
ghttime secur
trial operatio
e sensitive vi
at the McGreg
and disposal
FAA 2011).
RP prior to S
ng shells and
n of compon
es were store
contaminatio
vents, energe
contaminatio
s is located o
2001). Samp
cate that con
VFAC 2007; U.
s “Ready for
th and the en
e collected b
ion, non‐haza
r week, or in
erated at the
evaluation o
ple in the vicin
efined as man
. Examples o
industrial o
and the vicin
e ROI is consi
d rocket test
ated through
aunch pad, Fa
eral miles. Ex
rity lighting a
ons are locate
sual resource
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
l. No treatme
paceX lease o
d airplane bo
ents for wea
ed on the site
on of groundw
etics, heavy m
n and remed
n the wester
pling results
ntaminants ar
.S. Navy 2001
Reuse,” indic
nvironment fo
by an indepen
ardous waste
30‐cubic yard
e test site in
of whether lig
nity of the pr
n‐made or na
of visually sen
r urban area
nity within se
dered to hav
ting which pro
hout the indu
alcon 9 tripod
isting light so
at the test st
ed throughou
e receptors i
exas
t 2014
ent or
of the
ombs,
apons.
e. Site
water
metals,
iation
n side
from
re not
1; U.S.
cating
or the
ndent
es are
d roll‐
nclude
ghting
roject.
atural
nsitive
as are
everal
ve low
oduce
ustrial
d test
ources
tands,
ut the
in the
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
3.10
The CEQ
comprehe
that envir
themselve
or physic
effects on
and resou
and housi
EO 12898
Populatio
identifyin
environm
populatio
to Addres
reinforced
complianc
incorpora
EO 13045
agencies
dispropor
such as: c
children e
adults; ch
able to pr
safety fea
Affected
categorie
• Po• In• En• C
The ROI f
McGregor
which dir
Action’s c
geograph
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
SocioeconomRisks
NEPA imple
ensively to in
ronment” (40
es to require
al environme
n the human
urces associa
ing.
8, Federal Ac
ns, directs ea
g and addre
ental effects
ons.” Subsequ
ss Environmen
d the direct
ce with EO 12
ating the goals
5, Protection
to identify d
rtionately mo
children’s neu
eat more food
hildren’s beha
rotect themse
atures.
environment
s:
opulation andncome, Povernvironmentahildren’s Env
for the socio
r in McLenna
rect and seco
construction
ic region for c
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
mics, Environ
ementing reg
nclude the na
0 CFR §1508.
preparation
ent effects a
environmen
ted with the
tions to Add
ach Federal ag
essing, as ap
of its progra
uent Orders a
ntal Justice in
tives outlined
2898 and NEP
s of EO 12898
of Children
disproportion
ore environm
urological, dig
d, drink more
avior patterns
elves; and ch
descriptions
d Housing rty, and Emplol Justice ironmental H
economics a
n County, an
ondary or ind
and operatio
comparative
ceX for Operati
nmental Justic
gulations stat
atural and ph
14). This mea
of an environ
re interrelate
nt (40 CFR §1
human envi
ress Environm
gency to “ma
ppropriate, d
ams, policies,
at the State a
n Minority Pop
d in EO 128
PA, also deve
8 into the NEP
from Environ
nately high a
ental health
gestive, immu
e fluids, and
s may make t
ildren’s size a
s in this Secti
oyment
Health and Saf
nalysis is Mc
nd the City of
direct effects
on are likely
analysis.
ion of the Drag
3‐24
ce, Children’s
te that the h
hysical enviro
ans that econ
nmental analy
ed, then the
1508.14). Soc
ronment, par
mental Justic
ake achieving
disproportiona
, and activitie
nd Federal le
pulations and
898. CEQ, w
loped guideli
PA process.
nmental Heal
and adverse
and safety r
unological, an
breath more
hem more su
and weight m
ion are categ
fety
Lennan Coun
f Oglesby in C
on socioeco
to occur. The
gonFly Vehicle
s Environmen
human envir
onment and t
nomic or soc
ysis. When ec
e environmen
cioeconomics
rticularly pop
ce in Minority
environmen
ately high a
es on minorit
evel, including
d Low‐Income
which overse
ines (CEQ 199
lth Risks and
impacts to
risks than adu
nd other bod
air in propor
usceptible to
may diminish
gorized accor
nty, Coryell C
Coryell Count
onomic variab
e State of Te
at the McGreg
ntal Health R
ronment “sha
the relationsh
cial effects ar
conomic and
ntal analysis
s describes th
pulation, emp
y Populations
tal justice pa
nd adverse
ty population
g DOT Order
e Populations
ees the Fede
97) to assist F
d Safety Risks
children. Ch
ults because
ily systems a
rtion to their
accidents bec
their protect
rding to the f
County, the c
y. This ROI in
bles arising fr
exas and the
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
Risks and Safe
all be interp
hip of people
re not intend
social and na
will discuss
he basic attri
ployment, inc
s and Low In
rt of its missi
human heal
ns and low in
5610.2(a), Ac
s (DOT 2012),
eral governm
Federal agenc
s, requires Fe
hildren may
of various fa
re still develo
r body weight
cause they ar
tion from sta
following res
cities of Waco
ncludes the a
rom the Prop
e U.S. serve a
exas
t 2014
ety
preted
e with
ed by
atural
these
ibutes
come,
ncome
ion by
lth or
ncome
ctions
, have
ment’s
cies in
ederal
suffer
actors
oping;
t than
re less
ndard
ource
o and
rea in
posed
as the
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
The ROI f
the ROI
McLennan
represent
construct
for compa
3.10.1
Table 3.1
vicinity of
are locate
city in the
Oglesby w
Based on
than Cory
the U.S. (8
Waco wit
vacant ho
higher pe
percentag
Jurisd
United St
Texas
McLenna
Coryell Co
City of M
City of Og
City of WSource: USNote: 1USC
3.10.2
Table 3.10
2007 and
McGregor
and McLe
the State
counties i
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
for environm
for the socio
n and Coryel
t the popula
ion and oper
arative analys
Population a
0‐1 summari
f the McGreg
ed in McLenn
e vicinity of t
which has less
the 2012 da
yell County (7
87.4 people p
th a relatively
ousing units)
ercentage of
ge than the U
Table 3.1
diction T(
tates
n County
ounty
cGregor
glesby1
Waco SCB 2013a. CB 2010 Demog
Income and
0‐2 summariz
d 2011. Med
r, Oglesby, an
ennan County
e of Texas an
in the ROI. Og
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
ental justice
oeconomic a
l counties, re
ated area m
ration of the
sis.
and Housing
izes U.S. Cen
or test site at
nan County; O
the test site,
s than 500 res
ata, McLenna
71.7 people p
per square mi
y lower perce
and the U.S
vacant hou
.S. (USCB 201
0‐1. Current
Total Populatio(2012 estimate
313,914,040
26,059,203
238,707
77,231
5,029
484
127,018
raphic Data (USC
Employment
zes U.S. Censu
dian househo
nd Waco are
y also have a
nd United St
glesby has th
ceX for Operati
and children
analysis and
espectively. C
most likely t
Proposed Act
nsus Bureau
t the local, co
Oglesby is loc
with 2012 da
sidents.
n County (22
er square mil
ile). 2010 dat
entage of vac
S. (11.4 vacan
sing units co
12; USCB 201
Population a
on e)
Area(square m
3,531,90
261,231
1,037.
1,052.
21.42
0.5
88.96
CB 2012).
t
us Bureau inc
old and per
lower than t
higher portio
tates. The un
e lowest une
ion of the Drag
3‐25
n’s environme
specifically
Census Tracts
to experienc
tion. The Sta
(USCB) data
ounty, and St
cated in Cory
ata showing
26.5 people p
le), the State
ta shows McL
cant housing
nt housing un
ompared to
3a).
nd Housing D
a miles)
PoDensisqu
05.43
1.71
10
07
2
6 1
come and em
capita incom
the State of
on of the pop
nemploymen
employment (
gonFly Vehicle
ental health a
includes Cen
s 101.01 and
ce any pote
te of Texas s
for populati
tate level. The
yell County. M
approximate
per square m
of Texas (96
Lennan Count
units than th
nits). In 2010
the whole S
Data in the Re
opulation ity (person/ uare mile)
87.4
96.3
226.5
71.7
232.8
968
1,402.9
mployment da
me for McLe
Texas and U
pulation livin
t percentage
(2.6 percent)
at the McGreg
and safety ri
nsus Tracts 1
39 are asses
ntial impact
serves as the
ion and hous
e Cities of W
McGregor is t
ly 5,000 resid
mile) is more d
.3 people per
ty, Coryell Co
he State of Te
0, the City o
State of Texa
egion of InfluTotal
Housing Units (2010)1
131,704,730
9,977,436
95,124
25,178
1,966
207
51,452
ata for the tim
ennan County
nited States.
g below the
e varies amo
and Waco ha
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
sks is the sam
101.01 and
ssed because
ts caused by
geographic r
sing trends i
aco and McG
the second la
dents, follow
densely popu
r square mile
unty, Oglesby
exas (10.6 pe
f McGregor
as but is a
uence
Vacant HouUnits (perce
total)
11.4
10.6
8.7
10.5
11.1
9.2
9.8
me period bet
y, Coryell Co
Waco, McGr
poverty leve
ong the citie
ad the highes
exas
t 2014
me as
39 in
e they
y the
region
n the
Gregor
argest
wed by
ulated
), and
y, and
ercent
had a
lower
using ent of
tween
ounty,
regor,
l than
s and
st (9.1
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
percent).
percentag
Tab
Jurisdic
United Stat
Texas
McLennan
Coryell Cou
City of McG
City of Ogle
City of WacSource: USC
3.10.3
For the pu
Black or A
races, or
(CEQ 199
populatio
affected a
or appro
5610.2(a)
While not
identifiab
compariso
Table 3.1
Black/Afri
of minori
Oglesby,
percentag
ROI is als
potentiall
percentag
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
McLennan C
ge of unemplo
le 3.10‐2. Inc
ction H
tes
County
unty
Gregor
esby
co CB 2013b.
Environmen
urpose of this
African Ameri
as being of H
97). The CEQ
on of the affe
area is meani
priate unit o
, as “any rea
t defined by t
le” are inte
on. The geogr
0‐3 shows th
ican America
ity and Hisp
Waco, Cens
ge points) tha
so not mean
y affected ar
ge of minority
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
County (7.2 p
oyment than
come, PovertyMedian
Household Income
$52,762
$50,920
$41,656
$48,920
$37,356
$44,375
$31,971
tal Justice
s evaluation,
ican, Asian or
Hispanic or La
Q identifies th
ected area ex
ngfully greate
of geographi
adily identifia
the CEQ, for t
rpreted to b
raphic region
he poverty le
n) and Hispa
anic populat
us Tract 39
an the State o
ningfully grea
rea would no
y populations
ceX for Operati
percent), City
Texas or the
y, and Emplo
Per Capita Income
$27,915
$25,548
$21,630
$19,218
$16,649
$20,296
$18,185
minority refe
r Pacific Islan
atino origin. P
hese groups
xceeds 50 pe
er than the m
ical analysis.
ble group of
the purposes
be 20 perce
for comparis
vel and the p
nic populatio
tions in McLe
and Census
of Texas. The
ater for thes
ot be conside
s.
ion of the Drag
3‐26
y of McGrego
United State
oyment Data PopulatioPoverty(Percen
14.
17.
21.
14.
25.
9.1
30.
ers to people
nder, America
Persons of His
as minority
ercent or (2)
minority popu
A low‐inco
low‐income
of this EA, th
entage points
son in this an
percentage o
on in the ROI
ennan Count
Tract 101.0
e percentage
se areas wh
ered an envir
gonFly Vehicle
or (6.6 perce
es (USCB 2013
in the Regionon Below y Level ntage)
TooL
.3 1
.0
.7
.1
.5
1
.1
who identifi
an Indian or A
spanic and La
populations
the minority
ulation percen
me populati
persons who
he terms “mea
s greater th
alysis is the S
of total mino
(USCB 2012;
ty, Coryell C
01 are not m
e of families li
en compare
ronmental ju
at the McGreg
ent), and Ogl
3b).
n of Influenceotal Number of People in Labor Force
156,456,694
12,285,284
113,049
34,273
2,000
193
57,364
ed themselve
Alaska Native
atino origin m
when eithe
y population
ntage in the g
ion is define
o live in geog
aningfully gre
han the geog
State of Texas
rity populatio
; USCB 2013b
County, the C
meaningfully
iving below p
d to the Sta
ustice popula
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
lesby had a
e, 2007‐2011Percent of
ForceUnemplo
8.7
7.3
7.2
9.3
6.6
2.6
9.1
es in the Cens
e, other non‐W
may be of any
r (1) the min
percentage i
general popu
ed by DOT
graphic proxim
eater” and “re
graphic regio
s.
on (predomin
b). The perce
City of McGr
greater (ov
poverty level
ate of Texas
tion based o
exas
t 2014
lower
Labor
oyed
sus as
White
y race
nority
in the
lation
Order
mity.”
eadily
on of
nately
ntage
regor,
er 20
in the
s. The
on the
Final Enviro
Issuing an
3.0 Affecte
Ta
United Sta
Texas
McLennan
Coryell Co
City of Mc
City of Og
City of Wa
Census Tra
Census TraSources: USCNotes: aMino
Whit
3.10.4
Table 3.1
capacity.
[ISD] 2013
the easte
holds you
Fridays, a
2013‐201
Industrial
listed in T
facilities,
McGregor
Ogles
McG
McG
McG
McG
Isbill Sourc
Note:
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ed Environmen
able 3.10‐3. E
Jurisdictio
ates
n County
ounty
cGregor
lesby
aco
act 101.01 ‐ C
act 39 ‐McLenCB 2012; USCB 2ority is defined ate races. bTotal p
Children’s En
10‐4 summar
The nearest s
3; McGregor
rn side of the
uth rodeo ev
nd Saturdays
4 CTYRA sea
Park betwee
Table 3.3‐1, t
playgrounds
r test site.
Sch
sby School
regor Prep Hig
regor High Sch
regor Primary
regor (T.H. Jen
Junior High Scce: Oglesby Inde
McGregor In 1This primary scMcGregor Hig
ment
Permit to Spac
nt
Environmenta
on
Coryell County
nnan County 2013b. as: Black or Africpercent Hispanic
nvironmenta
izes the loca
school is 3.5
ISD 2013). Th
e McGregor In
ents multiple
s starting at 6
ason consists
en August 20
hat are likely
, or other p
Table 3.1
hool
gh School
hool
School1
nkins) Elementa
chool pendent School dependent Schochool is currentlgh Schools.
ceX for Operati
al Justice Stat(% o
White
72.4
70.4
69.8
70.3
68.3
87.0
59.2
y 95.2
87.2
can American, Ac/Latino origin m
al Health Risk
ations of sch
miles northw
he Central Tex
ndustrial Park
e times per y
6:00 p.m. on
of thirteen
013 and Apri
y to be freque
places where
10‐4. SchoolsApprDir
ary
District 2013 ool District 2013ly under constru
ion of the Drag
3‐27
tistics for thef population)
Total Minority
27.6
29.6
30.2
29.7
31.7
13.0
40.8
4.8
12.8
Asian or Pacific Imay be of any ra
s and Safety
hools within
west of the te
xas Youth Rod
k, approximat
year. The rod
Thursdays an
three‐day ev
l 2014 (CTYR
ented by chil
e children ar
s Near the Mcroximate Distaection from Te
3.5 miles NW
4.0 miles N
4.5 miles N
4.5 miles N
4.5 miles N
4.5 miles N
3 uction and is adja
gonFly Vehicle
e Region of In)
ya Hisp
Latino
1
3
2
1
3
1
2
9
1
slander, Americace and is report
Risks
the ROI, dis
est site (Ogles
deo Associati
tely 3 miles n
deo events ar
nd Fridays, an
vents held at
RA 2013). The
ldren. There
re concentrat
cGregor Testance and est Site
W
E
E
E
E
E
acent to the cur
at the McGreg
nfluence, 201
anic or o Originb
16.9
38.2
24.4
17.0
37.1
18.8
29.6
9.2
17.9
can Indian or Alated separately.
stance from
sby Independ
ion (CTYRA) A
northeast of t
re typically h
nd 7:00 p.m.
t their arena
ere are eight
are no other
ted within t
t Site
Number of
17
2
40
30
59
40
rrent McGregor
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
12 estimate
Families BelPoverty Lev
10.5
13.2
15.1
12.4
21.4
8.9
22.2
7.6
13.0
aska Native, oth
the test site
ent School D
Arena is locat
the site. The
held on Thurs
on Saturdays
at the McG
t parks in the
r schools, day
he vicinity o
f Students
74
2
04
00
95
01
Elementary and
exas
t 2014
low vel
er non‐
e, and
District
ted on
arena
sdays,
s. The
Gregor
e ROI,
ycares
of the
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
3.0 Affected Environment 3‐28 August 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
4.0 ENVIR
This chap
that coul
analyses
Action Al
indirect im
The analy
categorie
significan
Air Qu4.1
Potential
and propo
this new
implemen
more of t
4.1.1
Construct
launching
where the
itself. The
number o
emissions
2010). On
Total cons
Co
Not
Air pollut
significant
The propo
and 2015
operation
miles, or
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
RONMENTAL
ter presents
d result from
presented in
ternative for
mpacts of con
ysis in this
s, found in A
ce of impacts
uality
impacts to a
osed operatio
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ntation of any
he NAAQS fo
Proposed Ac
tion under th
g and landing
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of workers. C
s factors and
n road trucks
struction emi
TableVolatile Organic ompounds
0.01 tes: PM10 = p
matter 2.1 rounded
ant emission
t impact on lo
osed DragonF
. In addition,
ns. It is assum
24 miles per
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
L CONSEQUEN
an analysis of
m implement
this chapter
r each enviro
nstruction and
chapter con
Appendix A of
s, and describ
air quality cou
ons of up to 3
for the pe
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ction
he Proposed
g the Dragon
unch pad wo
on is not exp
onstruction e
equipment p
are also incl
issions are pr
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Nitrogen Oxides
0.03 particulate matt.5 microns or lesd values less tha
s generated
ocal or region
Fly RLV test la
up to 10 sta
med that the
r day roundtr
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f the potentia
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compares th
onmental re
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f FAA Order 1
bes the FAA’s
uld result fro
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natives would
ime frames a
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nFly RLV. Con
uld be poure
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emissions we
productivity d
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esented in Ta
ated Constru
CarbonMonoxi
0.09ter less than orss in diameter. n 0.01
by constructi
nal air quality
aunch schedu
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average one
rip. Commute
ion of the Drag
4‐1
al impacts up
e Proposed A
he Proposed
source area
are considere
s guidance o
1050.1E, whic
significance t
om the propo
borbital launc
2015. Signi
d directly or i
analyzed.
d be limited
nstruction ac
d, the laying
t for more t
re calculated
data from Na
missions are b
able 4.1‐1.
uction Emissio
n de
SulfDiox
0.0r equal to 10 m
ion activities
.
ule involves a
located at th
e‐way comm
er emissions
gonFly Vehicle
pon various co
Action. To ev
Action descr
presented i
ed in the EA.
on the analy
ch includes a
thresholds.
osed construc
ches and land
ificant air qu
indirectly res
to a 1,600 ft
ctivities woul
of a gravel ba
han 10 days
d using EPA’s
tional Estima
based on EPA
ons for Launc
fur xide
001
microns in diame
would be ve
a maximum o
e McGregor
ute distance
were calcula
at the McGreg
omponents o
valuate pote
ribed in Chap
n Chapter 3
ysis of envir
a description
ction of a 1,6
dings of the D
uality impact
ult in the exc
t2 concrete p
ld involve ex
ase, and the
and would
NONROAD m
ator (Craftsm
A’s MOVES m
ch Pad in Ton
PM10
0.001
eter; PM2.5 = fi
ery small and
of 30 launche
test site to s
for each wo
ated using EP
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
of the environ
ntial impacts
pter 2 with th
. Both direc
ronmental im
of how to an
600 ft2 launc
DragonFly RLV
ts would oc
ceedance of o
pad to be use
xcavating the
pouring of th
involve a mi
model (EPA 2
an Book Com
model (EPA 20
ns
PM2.5
0.001
ne particulate
would not h
es per year in
upport the te
orker would
PA’s MOVES m
exas
t 2014
nment
s, the
he No
t and
mpact
nalyze
h pad
V from
cur if
one or
ed for
e area
he pad
inimal
010a)
mpany
010b).
have a
2014
esting
be 12
model
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐2 August 2014
(EPA 2010b). Due to the small number of staff required to support the operation and the short commute
required, the air emissions associated with commuting are minor.
Pre‐flight activities include preparing the DragonFly RLV for launch and providing ground operations
support for launch and landing. The DragonFly RLV would be transported by truck or tractor‐trailer from
its storage location at the McGregor test site to the launch pad, which would involve the limited use of
the vehicle over a very short distance. Similarly, two trucks would be used to transport the propellants
from the propellant storage area to the launch pad. SpaceX operations currently occurring at the
McGregor test site already use the hypergolic propellants MMH and NTO. Transport and loading of the
propellants would utilize the same equipment and protocols that are currently in place for engine
testing using these propellants. Because of the small size of the launch vehicle, closed system used for
fueling, and modest fuel volume consumed per flight, minimal emissions would be generated from the
routine pre‐flight activities, and these were not quantified. The use of these propellants for DragonFly
RLV testing may result in a small number of increased deliveries from the supplier to the propellant
storage location, but these emissions are minimal and were not quantified.
Emissions associated with the operations would be generated by the combustion of the NTO/MMH
propellant and the combustion of fuel by the helicopter that would raise the DragonFly RLV up to 10,000
ft AGL for release. The primary combustion products of the propellants MMH and NTO used in the
DragonFly RLV are nitrogen gas and water (Stuetzer 2013, Haas 1984); therefore, there are no significant
criteria pollutants or GHG emissions associated with the operation of the DragonFly RLV.
The use of a helicopter four times a year would generate minimal pollutant emissions. Information on
the emission factors for the H‐47 Chinook, which uses two turboshaft engines of similar horsepower as
the ones used on the Erickson S‐64E, were used to estimate the helicopter emissions. Helicopter
operations include taking off and landing from Waco Regional Airport, traveling to the SpaceX facility in
McGregor Texas, which is approximately 16 miles away, and attaching and lifting the DragonFly RLV to
3,000 ft AGL, which is the vertical threshold for assessing ground‐level pollutant impacts.
The total annual operational emissions, which include the helicopter operations and annual commuter
emissions for 10 additional SpaceX staff, are presented in Table 4.1‐2 and represent the estimates for
each of the two years of testing (2014 and 2015).
Table 4.1‐2. Estimated Annual Operation Emissions in Tons per Year (2014 and 2015) Volatile Organic
Compounds
Nitrogen Oxides
Carbon Monoxide
Sulfur Dioxide
PM10 PM2.5
0.01 0.02 0.03 0.001 0.01 0.01
Notes: PM10 = particulate matter less than or equal to 10 microns in diameter; PM2.5 = fine particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter. 1 rounded value less than 0.01
Operational air emissions are very small and would not have a significant impact on local or regional air
quality.
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
4.1.2
Under the
operation
launch pa
the addit
Alternativ
alternativ
Noise4.2
4.2.1
Under the
and oper
noise wou
the Drago
of pieces
example,
noise leve
hours, ad
construct
The noise
propulsive
described
and 10:00
within the
1). The Dr
maximum
force (lbf)
A represe
four diffe
although
correspon
extended
(i.e., the
Appendix
A helicopt
assist and
year. The
the Drago
10,000 ft
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ad at the Drag
tional emissi
ve would resu
ve.
e and Compat
Proposed Ac
e Proposed A
ations. Const
uld be genera
onRider area.
of construct
the typical m
el is relativel
dverse effect
ion activities
e analysis as
e assist, full
d in Table 2.1
0 p.m. SpaceX
e McGregor t
ragonFly is pr
m thrust of 16
) (15,325 lbf p
entative opera
rent operatio
two of the f
nding trajecto
burn time a
maximum no
A.
ter would rel
d full propulsi
helicopter w
onFly RLV. T
. The helicop
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
lternative
Alternative, t
gonFly RLV a
gonRider test
on of any a
ult in less air e
tible Land Us
ction
Action, poten
truction of th
ated by const
Noise levels
tion equipme
maximum nois
y low and b
ts from con
would not be
sumes a pro
propulsive l
‐1. All operat
X is currently
test site: the
ropelled by e
6,400 lbf indi
per engine) to
ation type wa
on types. The
four operatio
ory follows
and increased
oise scenario
lease the Dra
ve landing op
would travel 1
he helicopte
pter would h
ceX for Operati
the FAA wou
t the McGre
t area would
air pollutants
emissions. Th
e
tial noise im
he launch pa
truction equip
at a given re
ent being op
se level of an
ecause the c
nstruction no
e significant.
oposed maxim
anding, prop
tions would o
y considering
Grasshopper
eight SuperDr
vidually, the
o maintain sta
as developed
representati
on types incl
a straight ve
d maximum a
). For furthe
agonFly RLV f
perations. The
16 miles from
r would then
over for a fe
ion of the Drag
4‐3
uld not issue
gor test site
not occur. Th
s. Compared
here would be
pacts could o
ad would be
pment during
eceptor locat
perated and
n excavator at
construction
oise would
mum of 30 a
pulsive assist
occur from a
one of two
r launch pad o
raco engines.
vehicle’s ma
ability.
to account fo
ive operation
ude only lan
ertical traject
altitude to e
r discussion
rom up to 10
ese operation
m Waco Regio
n lift the Dra
ew seconds b
gonFly Vehicle
an experime
. In addition
he No Action
to the Pro
e no impact t
occur from p
expected to
g construction
tion would de
the receptor
t 50 ft would
noise would
not be likel
annual Drago
t hopping, an
single pad b
possible loca
or the Drago
Although a S
aximum thrus
or all the bas
n type include
dings. The re
tory from its
nsure a high
of the noise
0,000 ft abov
ns are propos
onal Airport t
agonFly RLV
before releas
at the McGreg
ental permit
, constructio
Alternative w
oposed Actio
o regional air
roposed con
o take 1–2 w
n of the conc
epend on the
r’s distance f
be approxim
be tempora
y. Noise fro
onFly operat
nd full propu
between the h
ations for Dra
nRider test a
SuperDraco e
st is limited t
ic componen
es both a take
epresentative
s pad origin,
ly conservati
modeling pa
e the ground
sed to occur o
o the launch
and ascend
sing the RLV
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
to SpaceX fo
on of the con
would not res
n, the No A
r quality unde
struction act
weeks. Interm
crete launch p
e type and nu
from the site
mately 77 dBA
ry during da
om the prop
tions consisti
ulsive hoppin
hours of 7:00
agonFly opera
area (see Exhi
engine can re
to 122,600 po
ts of the prop
eoff and a lan
e operation t
, and includ
ive noise est
arameters ref
d during prop
only four time
pad and teth
to approxim
. These helic
exas
t 2014
or the
ncrete
sult in
Action
er this
ivities
mittent
pad at
umber
e. For
A. This
ytime
posed
ing of
ng, as
0 a.m.
ations
ibit 2‐
each a
ounds
posed
nding,
type’s
es an
imate
fer to
ulsive
es per
her to
mately
copter
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐4 August 2014
operations would generate noise, which may be noticeable in the surrounding area. The contribution of
helicopter noise to the overall noise would be negligible because the duration, level, and tempo of the
helicopter noise is significantly lower than the DragonFly RLV. Therefore, the impact would be minor and
was not included within the modeled representative operational type.
Noise levels generated by the DragonFly RLV were estimated to be approximately 116 dBA 0.3 miles
from the launch pad and approximately 81 dBA 3 miles from the launch pad. The combination of the
existing operations and the proposed DragonFly operations results in the DNL contours shown in Exhibit
4.2‐1.
A significant noise impact is one in which the “proposed action will cause noise sensitive areas to
experience an increase in noise of DNL 1.5 dBA or more at or above DNL 65 dBA noise exposure when
compared to the no action alternative for the same timeframe.” The additional noise associated with
the proposed DragonFly operations produces less than a tenth of a dBA DNL difference. As shown in
Table 4.2‐1, the Proposed Action’s DNL 65 dBA contour area is predicted to increase approximately 0.01
percent over the No Action Alternative which equates to less than 4 acres. The 4 acres do not include
any additional sensitive noise receptors.
Table 4.2‐1. Summary of Total Contours Acreage by Scenario (Proposed Action)
Contour No Action Alternative
Grasshopper Pad Dragon Rider Site
Level Acres
Proposed Action Acres
+Acres1 Percent Increase Proposed Action Acres
+Acres % Increase
65 dBA 32691 32695 4 0.01 32694 3 0.01
70 dBA 18241 18244 3 0.02 18243 2 0.01
75 dBA 10729 10731 2 0.02 10731 2 0.02
80 dBA 5090 5093 3 0.06 5091 1 0.02
85 dBA 2476 2480 4 0.16 2478 2 0.08 Note: 1Increase in land acres within the contour over the No Action Alternative noise condition.
F
I
4
Final Environmental A
Issuing an Experim
4.0 Environmental
Assessment
ental Permit to Spa
Consequences
aceX for Operation
Exhibit 4.2‐1. N
of the DragonFly V
No Action Alterna
Vehicle at the McG
4‐5
ative and Propos
Gregor Test Site, Tex
sed Action Noise
exas
Contours
August 2014
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Compatib
The Propo
This cons
Proposed
Proposed
Park and
changes t
Projected
McGregor
of McGre
the Falcon
pad as we
site. Adja
Section 3
regarding
levels in r
under the
Alternativ
4.2.2
Under the
operation
launch pa
Section 2
Alternativ
compatib
Depa4.3
4.3.1
Public Par
The FAA m
4(f) evalu
waterfow
attributes
recreation
belonging
Proposed
refuges. T
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
ble Land Use
osed Action i
struction wo
Action wou
Action is con
vicinity. The
o land use pr
noise conto
r test site lies
gor 2003). Th
n 9 Stage 1. T
ell as the ope
acent land us
.2. In additio
g use of respe
esidential are
e existing con
ve. Therefore,
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ad at the Dra
.2 would con
ve would res
le land use un
rtment of Tra
Proposed Ac
rks, Recreatio
must assess i
ation is requi
wl refuges, is
s of the publ
n area, and th
g to public pa
Action woul
The nearest w
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
includes the
uld be consi
uld primarily
nsistent with
vicinity of th
ractices or zon
urs are comp
s within the C
he McGregor
Therefore, no
ration of the
se is agricult
on, SpaceX ha
ective parcels
eas in the City
dition. The P
, the Propose
lternative
Alternative, t
gonFly RLV a
agonRider te
tinue at the M
ult in less no
nder this alte
ansportation
ction
on Areas, and
if land use im
ired. A de min
defined as a
ic resource. T
here would b
arks or recrea
d not result i
wildlife manag
ceX for Operati
construction
istent with t
rely on exis
existing land
he industrial
ning would ha
pared to exist
City of McGre
test site is cu
oise associate
DragonFly RL
tural, which
as an existing
s of land on d
y of McGrego
roposed Actio
ed Action wou
the FAA wou
t the McGre
st area woul
McGregor tes
oise. There w
rnative.
: Section 4(f)
d Refuges
mpacts to Sec
nimis impact
an impact th
The McGrego
be no physica
ation areas as
in the physic
gement area i
ion of the Drag
4‐6
of a concret
the current
ting infrastru
d use and zon
park is zone
ave to occur f
ting land use
gor’s industri
urrently used
d with the co
LV would be c
is not consid
g agreement
days when ro
or and Oglesb
on would hav
uld not result
uld not issue
gor test site
ld not occur.
st site. Comp
would be no
ction 4(f) prop
on public par
hat will not a
or test site is
l use, direct t
s a result of t
al use, direct
is 5.5 miles fr
gonFly Vehicle
te launch pad
land use. Op
ucture within
ning designati
ed by the city
for initiation
s for determ
ial park and i
to conduct e
onstruction of
compatible w
dered a nois
t with the Ch
cket/engine t
by are not com
ve only minim
t in significant
an experime
. In addition
. Existing Spa
pared to the P
adverse effe
perties are e
rks, recreatio
adversely aff
s 2.3 miles fr
taking, or tem
he Proposed
t taking, or te
rom the test s
at the McGreg
d at the Drag
perations as
n the McGre
ions at the M
y as “heavy
of the Propo
ining compat
s zoned “hea
ngine testing
f the propose
with the existi
se‐sensitive a
harles Graham
tests are sch
mpatible with
mal effects ab
t compatible
ental permit
, constructio
aceX activitie
Proposed Act
cts related to
ither de mini
on areas, and
fect the activ
rom the near
mporary occu
Action. Impl
emporary occ
site.
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
gonRider test
sociated wit
egor test site
McGregor Indu
industrial” an
sed Action.
tible land use
vy industrial”
g, including te
ed concrete la
ng land use o
area as defin
m Cattle Com
eduled. The
h existing land
bove the No A
land use imp
to SpaceX fo
on of the con
es, as describ
tion, the No A
o noise level
imis or if a Se
public wildlif
vities, feature
rest public pa
upancy of pro
ementation o
cupancy of w
exas
t 2014
area.
h the
e. The
ustrial
nd no
e. The
” (City
ests of
aunch
on the
ned in
mpany
noise
d uses
Action
pacts.
or the
ncrete
bed in
Action
s and
ection
fe and
es, or
ark or
operty
of the
wildlife
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Because s
with pote
4(f) prope
levels tha
are alread
other noi
RLV launc
difference
Changes i
impacts o
Draft EA a
Coordinat
Appendix
Significan
Implemen
occupanc
the neare
Construct
significant
substantia
the Propo
Action Alt
each laun
and magn
Proposed
reviewed
4.3.2
Under the
operation
launch pa
the McGr
noise and
propertie
Histo4.4
4.4.1
The APE,
Proposed
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
significant inc
ential to incre
erty. As desc
t would be o
dy exposed t
se sources (e
ches would p
e between th
n noise cond
on Section 4(f
and concurre
tion). A deta
A of this EA.
nt Historic Sit
ntation of the
y of historic s
est historic pro
tive use of Se
tly and intro
ally impair th
osed Action w
ternative. Th
ch, but the a
nitude to cur
Action on S
the Draft EA
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ad at the Dra
egor test site
d thus less im
s under this a
rical, Archite
Proposed Ac
as defined in
Action, a ne
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
creases in no
ease noise lev
cribed in Sec
utside of the
to audible no
e.g., trains). A
produce less
he No Action
itions at 4(f) p
f) properties
d with this de
iled analysis
es
e Proposed Ac
sites. The loca
operty.
ction 4(f) pro
oduced visua
he value of th
would be exp
e DragonFly
nnual operat
rrent SpaceX
Section 4(f) h
and concurre
lternative
Alternative, t
gonFly RLV a
gonRider tes
e. Compared t
pact on Secti
alternative.
ctural, Archa
ction
n Section 3.4
ew concrete
ceX for Operati
oise levels ca
vels significan
tion 4.1.2 ab
test site, pot
oise from cur
As discussed i
than a tent
Alternative a
properties wo
would be de
etermination
of noise an
ction would n
ation of the p
operties would
al elements
e historic pro
pected to pro
RLV would b
tions would b
testing ope
historic sites
ed with this d
the FAA wou
t the McGre
st area would
to the Propos
ion 4(f) prope
aeological, an
4, includes 14
launch pad
ion of the Drag
4‐7
n impair the
ntly may be c
bove, Dragon
tentially at Se
rrent SpaceX
in Section 4.2
th of a dB d
and Proposed
ould not be s
e minimis. Th
in a letter da
nd associated
not result in t
proposed laun
d occur if the
that would
operties. As d
oduce a neglig
be visible from
be intermitten
rations. Ther
would be de
determination
uld not issue
gor test site
d not occur. E
sed Action, th
erties. There
nd Cultural Re
4 NRHP‐listed
would be co
gonFly Vehicle
value of a 4
considered a
nFly RLV test
ection 4(f) pr
activities (as
2, the noise l
difference fro
d Action DNL
ignificant; the
he Departmen
ated June 13,
d impacts are
the physical u
nch pad is app
e proposed op
significantly
described in S
gible increase
m the histori
nt and of sho
refore, impac
e minimis. Th
n in a letter d
an experime
. In addition
Existing Space
he No Action
would be no
esources
d or eligible h
onstructed in
at the McGreg
4(f) property,
“constructive
launches m
operties. How
s described in
evel associat
om current o
L contours of
erefore, pote
nt of the Inte
, 2014 (see A
e included in
use, direct tak
proximately 0
perations incr
y alter the u
Section 4.4.1,
e in noise co
ic properties
rt duration a
cts from ope
he Departme
ated June 13,
ental permit
, constructio
eX activities
Alternative w
o adverse effe
historical res
the DragonR
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
, proposed ac
e use” of a Se
ay generate
wever, these
n Section 2.2
ed with Drag
operations, w
f less than 4 a
ential noise‐re
erior reviewe
Appendix B, A
n Section 4.2
king, or temp
0.75 of a mile
reased noise
use, characte
, operations u
mpared to th
in the APE d
nd similar in
erations unde
ent of the In
, 2014.
to SpaceX fo
on of the con
would contin
would result i
ects to Sectio
ources. Unde
Rider test ar
exas
t 2014
ctions
ection
noise
areas
2) and
gonFly
with a
acres.
elated
ed the
gency
2 and
porary
e from
levels
er, or
under
he No
during
scope
er the
terior
or the
ncrete
nue at
n less
on 4(f)
er the
ea, in
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
proximity
archaeolo
from cons
result in
DragonFly
majority
operation
Operation
was rece
significant
be no eff
this findin
4.4.2
Under the
operation
the McGr
the prote
Proposed
would be
Fish, W4.5
4.5.1
Vegetatio
The Prop
DragonRid
mowed i
vegetatio
During a
predeterm
site subje
Proposed
Wildlife
The poten
is no anti
bodies are
Impacts t
the McGr
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
y to the exis
ogical resourc
struction und
a negligible
y RLV would
of the launc
ns each year, t
ns under the
ntly develop
t physical fea
ects to histo
ng of no effec
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
regor test site
ective covena
Action, the
no effect to h
Wildlife, and
Proposed Ac
on
posed Action
der test area
ndustrial lan
n.
nominal lau
mined targete
ect to active
Action would
ntial construc
icipated perm
e in the vicini
o wildlife fro
egor test site
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
sting Grassh
ces in this are
der the Propo
increase in
be visible fr
ch and landin
two propulsiv
Proposed Act
ed and used
atures or cha
ric properties
ct on April 7, 2
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
e. As a lessee
ants and oth
No Action A
historic prope
Plants
ction
includes po
a and the G
nd (see Secti
unch, the Dr
ed site within
grazing do
d not result in
ction of a new
manent displa
ty of the pote
om DragonFly
e such as star
ceX for Operati
opper launc
ea. Therefore
osed Action.
noise (refer
rom the histo
ng operation
ve assist and
tion would oc
d for suborb
racteristics o
s from imple
2014 (refer to
the FAA wou
the McGrego
e of the city‐o
her applicabl
Alternative w
erties under t
otential const
rasshopper l
ion 3.5.1 for
ragonFly RLV
n the operatin
not have sig
n significant i
w launch pad
acement of w
ential launch
y RLV launch
rtling and flus
ion of the Drag
4‐8
h pad. Ther
e, there woul
The launches
to Section 4
oric propertie
s would last
two full prop
ccur intermitt
bital testing,
of any of the
mentation of
o Appendix B,
uld not issue
or test site. E
owned prope
le stipulation
ould result i
this alternativ
truction of a
aunch pad a
r further des
V would land
ng area in the
gnificant amo
mpacts to veg
would not ha
wildlife prese
pad, aquatic
operations w
shing of birds
gonFly Vehicle
re are no k
d be no direc
s and landing
4.2, Noise an
es in the AP
t only one m
pulsive landin
tently and fo
and as such
historic prop
f the Propose
, Agency Coor
an experime
Existing Space
erty, SpaceX w
ns identified
n less impac
ve.
a new 1,600
are previousl
scription), co
d either back
e vicinity of la
ounts of woo
getation.
ave impacts o
ent at the M
species wou
would be sim
s and other w
at the McGreg
known NRHP
ct effects to
gs of the Dra
nd Compatibl
E during eac
minute each.
gs, would las
or a short dur
h, would not
perties. There
ed Action. TH
rdination).
ental permit
eX activities
would contin
in the PA.
ct on cultura
0 ft2 launch
y disturbed
onstruction w
k on the lau
aunch pad. Th
ody vegetatio
on terrestrial
cGregor test
ld not be imp
milar to existin
wildlife during
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
P‐listed or e
historic prop
agonFly RLV w
le Land Use)
ch launch, bu
Only four o
t 30 minutes
ation at a site
t alter any o
efore, there w
HC concurred
to SpaceX fo
would contin
ue to comply
Compared to
l resources. T
pad. Becaus
and are cur
would not im
unch pad or
he areas of th
on; therefore
wildlife, and
site. As no
pacted.
ng disturbanc
g test launche
exas
t 2014
ligible
erties
would
). The
ut the
of the
each.
e that
of the
would
d with
or the
nue at
y with
o the
There
e the
rently
mpact
r in a
e test
e, the
there
water
ces at
es and
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
landings.
annually,
4.2 above
would not
Special‐St
As discus
Assessme
McGregor
Under the
north of t
occur in t
direct effe
The launc
noise leve
surroundi
only one m
the Propo
already us
Previous
whooping
developed
the whoo
migration
permit, p
currently
activities
monitorin
TPWD to
monitorin
cranes fro
designate
TPWD, an
Based on
site and w
the Propo
4.5.2
Under the
operation
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
Based on the
overall impa
e, there would
t significantly
tatus Species
ssed in Sect
ent for Issuing
r Test Site, Te
e Proposed A
the existing G
the ROI are k
ects to listed
ches and land
els associate
ing area durin
minute each.
osed Action w
sed for subor
coordination
g cranes with
d a whooping
oping cranes’
n (approximat
otential stop
monitored fo
during the
ng would also
FAA regardin
ng plan descr
om project ac
ed monitoring
nd cease activ
the very rare
with the imple
osed Action w
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
e relative infr
cts to region
d be no signif
y impact wildl
s
ion 3.5, coo
g an Experime
exas indicated
Action, a new
rasshopper R
known to oc
species from
dings of the D
with the No
ng each laun
Only four of
would occur
rbital testing.
with TPWD
hin the test s
g crane monit
northern mig
tely mid‐Sept
p‐over habitat
or the presen
fall and spr
o be conducte
g their review
ribed above
ctivities (App
g sites, if who
vities covered
e occurrence
ementation o
would have no
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
ceX for Operati
requency of D
nal wildlife po
ficant noise im
life.
ordination w
ental Permit t
d that there a
w concrete lau
RLV launch pa
cur at the pr
construction
DragonFly RLV
o Action Alte
ch, but the m
the annual o
intermittentl
indicated tha
ite (TPWD 20
toring plan to
gration (appr
ember throu
t located wit
nce of whoop
ring migratio
ed by SpaceX
w of the Draft
to help mini
pendix B). Alt
ooping cranes
d under the e
of whooping
of the whoop
o effect on the
the FAA wou
the McGrego
ion of the Drag
4‐9
DragonFly RLV
opulations ar
mpacts from
ith the USFW
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lementation o
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nches
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Construct
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be no adverse
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biological res
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Proposed Ac
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potential
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4.6.2
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groundwater
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and minimiz
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No Action A
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n water resou
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00 ft2 launch
ment
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inated groun
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Proposed Ac
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impacts to w
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uld be minim
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health and th
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uld not issue
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sed Action, th
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gonFly Vehicle
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y or originate
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posed launch
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ns from impa
impacts wou
adverse impa
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t 2014
nation
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atural
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resources
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impact on
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Hazar4.8
4.8.1
Solid was
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expected
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The Drago
materials
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materials
hazardou
CFR §420
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hazards t
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for launch
nmental Assessm
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h pad constru
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ng and admi
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LV would use
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gonFly Vehicle
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tilities at the t
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aste produced
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ctices describ
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ental permit
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Alternative w
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and MMH, wh
esting purpos
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or NWIRP use
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ximately 50 k
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n 3.8.
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ellants, oils, a
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kW‐hr
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at 14
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posed
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and the
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4.8.2
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impact as
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alternativ
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the test s
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planned.
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4.9.2
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light emis
visual reso
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nmental Conse
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environment
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se impacts are
No Action A
e No Action
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ssociated with
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ve.
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Proposed Ac
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or launched f
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e. Compared t
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t emissions fr
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r this alternat
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ticipated use
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sed Action, th
ollution preve
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mbustion light
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uld not issue
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sed Action, th
ld be no adv
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ation. Implem
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ines. Similar t
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y the Grassho
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Proposed Act
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exas
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health
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engine
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4.10
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4.10.1
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duration
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construct
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nmental Assessm
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ioeconomic
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management is
ysis also iden
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Proposed Ac
on and Housin
osed Action w
of the 2‐ye
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ximately 26 p
uld be no sign
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tion of the lau
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uld be no adv
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nd Employme
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rease in emp
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consumer go
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Permit to Spac
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ssessment e
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ts, particularl
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ntifies poten
tified where
ect minority
roportionate
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ear program
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nificant impac
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o the ROI wo
unch pad for
es and is not
verse impact
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would require
han one perc
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ould be paid t
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nmental Justic
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characteristic
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expenditure
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e the addition
. Under a
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adequate to
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uld be a mino
the Proposed
expected to r
s to supply a
e no impacts
e the addition
cent of the ex
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to taxes, and
ices in the RO
ion of the Drag
4‐14
ce, Children’s
otential incr
ow the Pro
cs in the ROI.
uch as those
s, tax revenu
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mental justice
adverse hum
me population
tal health or s
n of 10 new e
maximum sc
household si
mately 16 fam
ess than 0.01
or long‐term p
e of available
rcent availab
accommoda
efore, the use
or beneficial i
d Action, if ne
require new c
nd demand f
to short‐ or l
n of 10 new e
xisting ROI em
into an incre
some would
OI.
gonFly Vehicle
s Environmen
reases in em
oposed Actio
being evalua
ues, etc., and
d community
e issues. Imp
man health o
ns. Impacts to
safety risk to
employees to
cenario, all
ze of 2.60 (U
mily members
1 percent of t
population tr
e housing co
ble housing u
ate the cons
e of vacant h
impact to hou
ecessary, wou
construction
for local hous
ong‐term pop
employees to
mployment ra
ease in earni
d be saved an
at the McGreg
ntal Health R
mployment
on would a
ated in this E
potentially a
services.
pacts to env
or environme
o children wo
children.
o the McGreg
new person
USCB 2012; U
s. The total p
the ROI popu
rends.
ompared to T
nits (USCB 20
servative est
housing units
using.
uld be contra
workers to m
sing as a resu
pulation tren
o the McGreg
ate (USCB 201
ings in the R
nd invested, b
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
Risks and Safe
and constru
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EA, may be m
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ironmental j
ental effects
ould occur if
gor test site fo
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USCB 2013a),
opulation inc
ulation. There
Texas. Corye
012; USCB 20
timate of 10
s by potentia
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move into the
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gor test site, w
13b). Howeve
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but most wou
exas
t 2014
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ation,
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there
or the
move
these
crease
efore,
ll and
013a).
0 new
l new
h local
area.
posed
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er, the
these
uld be
Final Enviro
Issuing an
4.0 Environ
Although
retail, foo
increase i
in these in
Construct
construct
construct
expected
would be
Therefore
employm
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construct
they wou
Environm
Impacts t
low‐incom
environm
As discus
environm
Order 561
or minorit
Children’s
Impacts t
and adve
children.
miles from
document
environm
emissions
related to
impacts fr
high or ad
4.10.2
Under the
operation
the McGr
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
nmental Conse
limited, this
od, and serv
n direct emp
ndirect jobs, a
tion of a lau
ion spending
ion spending
that addition
e expected t
e, constructi
ent trends.
al taxes woul
ion spending
ld be minor d
mental Justice
to environme
me populatio
ental conseq
sed in Sectio
ental justice
10.2. Therefo
ty population
s Environmen
o children’s e
erse environm
There are fiv
m the propos
t indicate t
ental safety
s standards.
o the Propos
rom noise or
dverse impact
No Action A
e No Action
n of the Drag
egor test site
ment
Permit to Spac
equences
spending ma
ices, resultin
ployment, the
and would no
unch pad m
g would sup
. Given the re
nal constructi
that most of
on spending
d accrue to
and slight in
due to the sm
e
ental justice p
ons in the
quences resul
on 3.10, there
populations
re, there wou
ns and thus no
ntal Health an
environmenta
mental cons
ve schools, eig
sed launch pa
hat the Pro
and health.
The Air Qua
ed Action wo
air pollution
ts to children
lternative
Alternative, t
onFly RLV at
e. Compared t
ceX for Operati
ay indirectly s
ng in a mino
e Proposed Ac
ot be expecte
may be requ
pport direct
elatively mino
ion workers w
f the induce
g would not
Federal, Stat
ncrease in em
all size of the
populations a
affected env
ting from the
e are no Cen
based on inc
uld be no disp
o adverse env
nd Safety Ris
al health and
equences re
ght parks, an
ad location.
oposed Actio
Coryell and
ality analyses
ould not cau
are expected
’s environme
the FAA wou
the McGrego
to the Propos
ion of the Drag
4‐15
support exist
r economic
ction would b
ed to generate
ired to supp
construction
or amount of
would move i
ed jobs woul
t be expect
e, and local
mployment. Th
e construction
are evaluated
vironment a
e project to d
nsus Tracts th
come or dem
proportionate
vironmental j
sks
d safety are e
sulting from
d the CTYRA
Noise impact
on would ha
McLennan c
s summarized
use emissions
d, the Propos
ental health o
uld not issue
or test site. E
sed Action, th
gonFly Vehicle
ing jobs and
benefit. Give
be expected t
e associated p
port the Pro
jobs and o
f new constru
into the ROI f
ld be filled
ted to signi
governments
hese impacts
n project and
d in terms of
and the pot
disproportion
hat are consi
mographics as
ely high and a
justice impact
evaluated in t
m the project
youth rodeo
ts analyses d
ave no sign
counties are
d in Section
s to exceed N
sed Action wo
or safety.
an experime
Existing Space
he No Action
at the McGreg
income in th
en the less t
to support a
population in
oposed Actio
other related
uction require
for the const
by unemplo
ificantly affe
s as a result
s would be be
scale of hirin
f the presenc
tential for h
nately affect t
idered minor
s defined by
adverse impa
ts.
terms of the
t to disprop
o arena locate
iscussed in S
nificant impa
in attainmen
4.1 indicate
NAAQS. Beca
ould not pose
ental permit
eX activities
Alternative w
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
he ROI econo
than 0.01 pe
negligible inc
n‐migration.
on. The prop
jobs induce
ed, it would n
ruction. Furth
yed ROI wo
ect populatio
of the increa
eneficial; how
ng.
ce of minorit
high and ad
these popula
rity or low‐in
the CEQ and
acts on low‐in
potential fo
portionately
ed between 3
Sections 4.2 o
acts on child
nt for NAAQS
es that opera
ause no signi
e disproporti
to SpaceX fo
would contin
would result i
exas
t 2014
my in
ercent
crease
posed
ed by
not be
her, it
orkers.
on or
ase in
wever,
y and
dverse
ations.
ncome
d DOT
ncome
r high
affect
3 to 5
of this
dren’s
S and
ations
ficant
onate
or the
nue at
n less
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
4.0 Environmental Consequences 4‐16 August 2014
impact related to socioeconomics, environmental justice, and children’s environmental health and
safety. There would be no adverse effects to these environmental impact categories under this
alternative.
Final Enviro
Issuing an
5.0 Cumula
5.0 CUMU
Cumulativ
The i
added
(Fede
The CEQ
and simila
Additiona
Environm
terms of
Therefore
immediat
actions, in
Past, pres
SpaceX pr
testing. P
operation
rodeo are
industrial
park, incl
capacity t
construct
The Propo
therefore
present, a
or surrou
therefore
Air Qu5.1
As discuss
in criteria
testing op
open air f
years. The
NTO, are
planned e
notable cu
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ative Impacts
ULATIVE IMP
ve impacts ar
mpact on th
d to other pa
eral or non‐Fe
regulations fu
ar actions in t
ally, the CEQ
ental Policy A
its ability to
e, a cumulativ
te area of the
n order to cap
sent, and rea
rograms for G
ast and pres
ns at the Park
ena, and agr
park. Reaso
uding the po
to house an
ed adjacent t
osed Action d
, there would
and reasonab
nding area. T
, these resou
uality
sed in Section
a pollutant em
perations, Spa
for a maximu
e normal com
primarily nitr
emissions sou
umulative air
ment
Permit to Spac
PACTS
e defined by
e environme
ast, present, a
ederal) or per
urther requir
the same doc
Q further e
Act that “eac
accommodat
ve effects ana
e Proposed Ac
pture these a
asonably fore
Grasshopper
ent actions a
k including pip
ricultural pra
onably forese
otential futur
operation w
to McGregor
does not impa
d be no cum
bly foreseeabl
The Proposed
rce areas are
n 4.1.2, the D
missions in th
aceX has beg
m total of fo
mbustion pro
rogen gas and
urces were id
r quality impa
ceX for Operati
the CEQ in 40
ent which res
and reasonab
son undertak
e that NEPA
ument (40 CF
xplained in
ch resource,
te additional
alysis normal
ction, and a t
dditional effe
eseeable futu
RLV test pro
at the McGre
pe and plumb
ctices/cattle
eeable future
re lease of th
with approxim
Elementary S
act natural, c
ulative impac
le future proj
Action is exp
e the focus of
DragonFly RLV
he vicinity of
gun an engine
our minutes p
oducts that re
d water that w
dentified in th
acts.
ion of the Drag
5‐1
0 CFR §1508.7
sults from th
bly foreseeab
kes such othe
environment
FR 1508.25).
Considering
ecosystem a
effects, base
lly would enc
ime frame, in
ects.
ure actions a
ogram and Fa
egor Industria
bing supply d
grazing on u
actions incl
he largest bu
mately 500 e
School and is
ultural, or so
cts to these
ects at the M
pected to hav
the cumulati
V testing oper
the McGrego
e test progra
per year, and
esult from th
would have n
he vicinity of
gonFly Vehicle
7 as:
he increment
ble future act
r actions.
tal analyses a
Cumulative
nd human co
ed on its own
compass geog
ncluding past
at McGregor
alcon 9 Stage
al Park and v
distribution, C
undeveloped
ude further
uilding at the
employees. A
scheduled to
cioeconomic
resources wh
McGregor test
ve the most i
ive impacts a
rations would
or test site. A
m where the
may have no
he combustio
no effect on a
the McGrego
at the McGreg
tal impact of
ions regardle
address conn
e Effects un
ommunity mu
n time and sp
graphic boun
actions and f
r test site inc
1 engine tes
vicinity includ
C3 Communic
portions of
development
e industrial p
A new prima
o be open by A
resources ev
hen combine
t site, McGreg
mpact on air
nalysis.
d result in a v
As part of the
ey fire hyperg
o open air tes
on of the hyp
air quality. N
or test site th
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
f the action
ess of what a
ected, cumul
der the Na
ust be analyz
pace parame
ndaries beyon
foreseeable f
clude the on
sting, plus th
de the comm
cations, the C
the test site
t at the indu
ark which ha
ry school is
August 2014.
valuated in th
d with other
gor Industrial
quality and n
very small inc
eir ongoing e
golic propella
sting at all in
pergols, MMH
o other exist
hat would pro
exas
t 2014
when
gency
lative,
tional
zed in
eters.”
nd the
future
ngoing
e F9R
mercial
CTYRA
e and
ustrial
as the
being
his EA;
r past,
Park,
noise;
crease
engine
nts in
some
H and
ing or
oduce
Final Enviro
Issuing an
5.0 Cumula
Currently,
emissions
to determ
Annual GH
carbon di
estimated
total GHG
Ta
Annual O
U.S. 2011Note: 1 EPA
The smal
global wa
atmosphe
sources, c
change. A
specific im
Noise5.2
The noise
to the typ
test progr
complete
conjunctio
the surrou
nmental Assessm
Experimental P
ative Impacts
, there are
s stemming fr
mine what lev
HG emissions
ioxide emissi
d carbon diox
G emissions ge
able 5.1‐1. Co
Alternat
perational Emi
Total GHG EmA 2013b
l quantity of
arming that
ere’s concent
contribute in
At present, n
mpacts (if any
e
e generated fr
pes of noise
ram and the
before the
on with past,
unding area,
ment
Permit to Spac
no formally
rom Proposed
el of propose
s associated w
ions, and the
xide emission
enerated by t
omparison of
tive
issions
missions
f GHG emissi
would lead t
ration of GHG
crementally t
o practical m
y) that this inc
rom DragonF
routinely gen
F9R test pro
DragonFly R
present, and
no significant
ceX for Operati
adopted or
d Actions. Fo
ed emissions w
with the prop
ese are comp
s from the Pr
the United Sta
Proposed Ac
Metri
ions from th
to climate ch
Gs, and, in co
to the globa
methodology
crement of w
ly launch ope
nerated at th
ogram would
RLV operatio
d reasonably
t impacts wou
ion of the Drag
5‐2
r published
rmulating suc
would substa
posed operati
pared to U.S
roposed Actio
ates in 2011.
ction GHG Em
c Tons CO2 per
9.67
6,708.3 x 106
e Proposed A
hanges. How
ombination w
l warming th
exists that w
arming would
erations woul
he McGregor
not be addit
ns begin. W
foreseeable f
uld be expect
gonFly Vehicle
NEPA thresh
ch thresholds
antially contri
ons in each y
S. 2011 GHG
on essentially
missions to U.
r Year Perc
Action alone
wever, these
with past and
hat produces
would enable
d produce loc
d be 30 times
test site. No
tive because
When the Pro
future action
ted.
at the McGreg
holds of sign
s is problema
bute to globa
year of testing
emissions in
y represent z
S. 2011 GHG
cent of U.S. 20
1.44 X
e would not
emissions w
future emiss
the adverse
e meaningful
cally or globa
s annually an
oise from the
those test p
oposed Actio
s at the McG
gor Test Site, Te
Augus
nificance for
atic, as it is di
al climate cha
g are compos
n Table 5.1‐1
ero percent o
Emissions1
11 GHG Emiss
X 10 ‐7
cause appre
would increas
ions from all
effects of cl
estimation o
lly.
d would be s
e Grasshoppe
rograms wou
on is combin
regor test sit
exas
t 2014
GHG
fficult
ange.
sed of
1. The
of the
ions
ciable
se the
other
imate
of the
imilar
er RLV
uld be
ed in
te and
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
6.0 List of Preparers and Contributors 6‐1 August 2014
6.0 LIST OF PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS
Government Preparers
Daniel Czelusniak Affiliation: FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation Education: BS Environmental Management, Juris Doctorate Experience: 14 years of environmental impact assessment experience
Stacey Zee Affiliation: FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation Education BS Natural Resource Management, MS Environmental Policy Experience: 18 years of environmental impact assessment experience
Cardno TEC, Inc.
Abigail Shoff, GIS Analyst B.S. Geography, Geographical Information Systems Years of Experience: 3
Cristina Ailes, Environmental Analyst B.S. Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science B.A. International Studies Years of Experience: 6
Jaclyn Johnson, Environmental Planner, Project Manager B.S. Ecology Years of Experience: 14
Kathleen Hall, Project QA/QC Director, Senior Environmental Planner B.A. Earth and Environmental Science Years of Experience: 16
Kathleen Riek, Senior Environmental Planner B.S. Biology Years of Experience: 25
Lesley Hamilton, Senior Environmental Scientist B.A. Chemistry Years of Experience: 25
Lori Thursby, Senior Architectural Historian M.A.H. Master of Architectural History Years of Experience: 18
Blue Ridge Research and Consulting, LLC
Alex Salton, Engineer M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Years of Experience: 4
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
6.0 List of Preparers and Contributors 6‐2 August 2014
Michael James, Senior Principal Engineer M.S. Mechanical Engineering Years of Experience: 14
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
7.0 References 7‐1 August 2014
7.0 REFERENCES
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CEQ. 2010. Memorandum for Heads of Federal Departments and Agencies, Draft NEPA Guidance on Consideration of the Effects of Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. February 18, 2010.
City of McGregor. 2003. City of McGregor, Texas Official Zoning Map. Adopted by City Council on August 11, 2003. http://www.mcgregor‐texas.com/city.html. Accessed on November 13, 2013.
Craftsman Book Company. 2010. National Estimator.
CTYRA. 2013. Central Texas Youth Rodeo Association 2013‐2014 Rodeo Schedule. http://www.ctyra.com/Schedule.htm. Accessed November 11, 2013.
DOT. 2012. DOT Order 5610.2(a), Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low‐Income Populations. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/environmental_justice/ej_at_dot/order_56102a/index.cfm. Accessed May 1, 2013.
EPA .1982. Guidelines for Noise Impact Analysis. EPA 550/9‐82‐105. Office of Noise Abatement and Control, Washington, DC. April.
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EPA. 2010a. Exhaust and Crankcase Emission Factors for Nonroad Engine Modeling – Compression‐Ignition. July.
EPA. 2010b. Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES). August.
EPA. 2012. National Ambient Air Quality Standards. http://www.epa.gov/air/criteria.html. Last updated December 14, 2012. Accessed November 11, 2013.
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Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
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EPA. 2013b. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990‐2011. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/usinventoryreport.html. Accessed April 4, 2013.
FAA. 2011. Final Environmental Assessment for Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Grasshopper Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas. November.
FAA. 2012. FAA Order 1050.1E, Change 1, Guidance Memo #3, Considering Greenhouse Gases and Climate Under the national Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Interim Guidance. January 12, 2012.Feingold, L., Harris, C., and. Gierke , H. v. 1994. "Community Annoyance and Sleep Disturbance: Updated Criteria for Assessing the Impacts of General Transportation Noise on People"," Noise Control Engineering Journal, vol. 42, pp. 25‐30, January ‐ February.
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FICAN. 1997. Effects of Aviation Noise on Awakenings from Sleep. June.
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Haas, W.R. and Prince, S. 1984. Atmospheric Dispersion of Hypergolic Liquid Rocket Fuels, (Volume 1 of II), pages 6 and 7. November
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Harris, C.M. 1979. Handbook of Noise Control. McGraw‐Hill Book Co., New York, NY.
McFarland, A.M.S., and Hauck, L. 1999. Existing nutrient sources and contributions to the Bosque River watershed. Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research report prepared for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Clean Rivers. http://compost.tamu.edu/docs/TIAER99Report.pdf. Accessed on August 17, 2011.
McGregor Independent School District. 2013. Information regarding 2013‐2014 school year enrollment. Personal Communication with Gretchen Logan, Public Education Management System District Coordinator via phone to Cristina Ailes, Environmental Analyst, Cardno TEC, Charlottesville, VA. November 12.
MDEC. 2013. McGregor Economic Development Corporation Industrial Park, Area L. http://www.mcgregor‐texas.com/ecodev/areal.htm. Accessed November 2, 2013.
Melrose, A. 2010. European ATM and Climate Adaptation: A Scoping Study. Pages 195‐198 in ICAO Environmental Report 2010 – Chapter 6: Adaptation. http://legacy.icao.int/icao/en.env2010/Pubs/EnvReport2010/ICAO EnvReport10‐Ch6 en.pdf. Accessed 9 July 2012.
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Analyst, Cardno TEC, Charlottesville, VA. November 12.
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Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
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Schultz T. 1978. "Synthesis of Social Surveys on Noise Annoyance," Journal of the Acoustical Society of
America, pp. 377‐405, August.
SpaceX. 2013. Use of existing water storage tank at McGregor test site. Personal communication,
between S. Davis, Chief Engineer, SpaceX, via email to J. Johnson, Associate/Environmental Planner,
Cardno TEC, Annapolis, MD. November 26.
Stuetzer, R.G., et al. 2013. Optical Spectroscopy on the Hypergolic MMH/NTO Combustion in Spacecraft
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http://www.tceq.texas.gov/waterquality/standards/WQ_standards_intro.html. Accessed January
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TCEQ. 2013. Texas Air Monitoring Information System (TAMIS).
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TPWD. 2011a. Annotated County Lists of Rare Species: Coryell County. Accessed at
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TPWD. 2011b. Annotated County Lists of Rare Species: McLennan County.
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TPWD. 2011c. Correspondence with J. Wicker of TPWD. Re: Draft and Final Environmental Assessments
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McGregor Test Site, Coryell county, Texas. November 29, 2011.
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Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
7.0 References 7‐4 August 2014
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APPENDICES
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Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Dragon Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Appendix A A-1 August 2014
Appendix A
Noise
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Dragon Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Appendix A A-2 August 2014
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
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Noise Stu
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Noise Stu
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Noise Stu
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4.3 PrThe Prop
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Appendix A A-13 August 2014
Noise Stu
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Noise Stu
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to 10,000 ft, d
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Appendix A A-15 August 2014
Noise Stu
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Appendix A A-16 August 2014
Noise Stu
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5 ResUtilizing t
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Appendix A A-17 August 2014
N
O
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Noise Study in su
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Figure 6. 2014 Co
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for Issuing an Exp
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nsulting,LLC–29N
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NMarketSt,Suite7
ours, with Drago
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onFly Operating f
28801–(828)252‐
from the Grassho
‐2209
opper Pad
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Appendix A A-18 August 2014
N
O
F
Noise Study in su
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Figure 7. 2014 Co
pport of the EA f
DragonFly Vehic
BlueRidge
ombined Baseline
for Issuing an Exp
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nsulting,LLC–29N
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t to SpaceX for
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onFly Operating f
28801–(828)252‐
from the Dragon
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Appendix A A-19 August 2014
Noise Stu
Operation
BlueRidge
6 SumThis noise
operation
the FAA O
impact is
noise of D
alternativ
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Works Cit
[1] Fede
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[2] Fede
Use P
[3] Fede
Noise
[4] US En
105 a
[5] Ame
Proce
Desc
[6] K. Eld
Adm
[7] S. H.
1964
[8] J. Ha
15th
2009
[9] C. Ch
Socie
dy in support
n of the Drago
eResearchand
mmarye analysis sup
ns at its McGr
Order 1050.1E
one in which
DNL 1.5 dBA o
ve for the sam
y RLV operati
Action Altern
ted
ral Aviation A
edures," Mar
ral Interagen
Planning and
ral Interagen
e Analysis Issu
nvironmenta
and #PB82‐21
rican Nationa
edures for D
riptors for De
dred, "Acoust
inistration, 19
Guest, "Aco
4.
ynes and J. R
AIAA/CEAS A
9.
hessel, "Prop
ety of America
t of the EA fo
onFly Vehicle
dConsulting,LL
pports SpaceX
regor test faci
E, Change 1, E
the “propos
or more at or
me timeframe
ons result in
native.
Administratio
ch 2006.
ncy Committe
Control," Aug
ncy Committe
ues," August
l Protection A
19205," April
al Standards
Description a
etermination
tic Loads Gen
971.
oustic Efficien
R. Kenny, "M
Aeroacoustics
agation of n
a, vol. 62, no.
r Issuing an E
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X in obtaining
ility. The nois
Environmenta
ed action wil
r above DNL
e.” The comb
less than a te
on Order 105
e on Urban N
gust 1980.
ee on Noise
1992.
Agency (EPA),
1982.
Institute, Inc
and Measure
of Compatibl
nerated By th
ncy Trends fo
Modifications
s Conference
oise along a
. 4, pp. 825‐8
xperimental
r Test Site, TX
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an experime
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al Impacts: Po
l cause noise
65 dBA noise
ination of the
enth of a dB c
0.1E CHG 1,
oise (FICUN),
(FICON), "F
, "Guidelines
c. (ANSI), "A
ement of En
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he Propulsion
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to the NASA
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34, 1977.
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ental permit f
the proposed
olicies and Pro
sensitive are
e exposure wh
e existing bas
change to the
"SUBJ: Enviro
, "Guidelines
ederal Agenc
for Noise Im
American Nat
nvironmental
ANSI S12.9/Pa
n Systems," N
st Boosters,"
A SP‐8072 Dis
Aeroacoustic
dance bound
aceX for
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for the propo
action was e
ocedures [1].
eas to experie
hen compare
seline operat
e DNL contou
onmental Im
for Consider
cy Review of
mpac Analysis,
tional Standa
Sound, Par
art 5‐1998 (R
National Aero
" NASA TN D
stributed Sou
cs Conference
ary," Journal
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sed DragonFl
evaluated bas
A significant
ence an incre
ed to the no a
ions and prop
rs when com
pacts: Policie
ring Noise in
f Selected A
, Report 550/
ard Quantitie
rt 5: Sound
R 2003)," 2003
onautics and S
D‐1999, MSFC
rce Method
e), Miami, Fl
l of the Acou
18
ly RLV
ed on
noise
ase in
action
posed
pared
es and
Land‐
Airport
/9‐82‐
s and
Level
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Space
C, July
II," in
orida,
ustical
Appendix A A-20 August 2014
Noise Stu
Operation
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[10] T. Em
acou
1244
[11] "Envi
Grass
[12] Space
http:
dy in support
n of the Drago
eResearchand
mbleton, J. Pi
stical measu
4, 1983.
ironmental A
shopper Vehi
e Explor
//www.space
t of the EA fo
onFly Vehicle
dConsulting,LL
iercy and G.
rements," Jo
Assessment fo
icle at the Mc
ration Te
ex.com/drago
r Issuing an E
at McGregor
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Daigie, "Effe
urnal of the
or Issuing an
cGregor Test S
echnologies,
on.
xperimental
r Test Site, TX
ketSt,Suite70
ective flow re
Acoustical So
n Experiment
Site, Texas," N
"Dragon
Permit to Spa
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esistivity of g
ociety of Ame
tal Permit to
November 20
n," 2013
aceX for
3 (R 2014)
C28801–(828
ground surfac
erica, vol. 74
o SpaceX for
011.
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Appendix A A-21 August 2014
Appendix A A-22 August 2014
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Dragon Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Appendix B B-1 August 2014
Appendix B
Agency Coordination
Final Environmental Assessment
Issuing an Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the Dragon Vehicle at the McGregor Test Site, Texas
Appendix B B-2 August 2014
Table of Contents
FAA Correspondence to Texas Historical Commission and Texas Historical Commission Concurrence ... B-3
FAA Correspondence to Comanche Nation of Oklahoma ....................................................................... B-10
FAA Correspondence to Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma ............................................................................. B-17
Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma Response to FAA ........................................................................................ B-24
FAA Correspondence to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department .............................................................. B-25
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Response to FAA.......................................................................... B-31
U.S. Department of the Interior Response to FAA ................................................................................... B-35
Appendix B B-3 August 2014
Appendix B B-4 August 2014
Appendix B B-5 August 2014
Appendix B B-6 August 2014
Appendix B B-7 August 2014
Appendix B B-8 August 2014
Appendix B B-9 August 2014
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Appendix B B-34 August 2014
United States Department of the Interior OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance 1001 Indian School Road NW, Suite 348
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87104 ER 14/0323 File 9043.1
June 13, 2014 VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL ONLY Mr. Daniel Czelusniak Office of Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Avenue SW, Suite 325 Washington, DC 20591 Dear Mr. Czelusniak: Thank you for the opportunity to review the Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation for the Experimental Permit to SpaceX for Operation of the DragonFly Vehicle, McGregor Test Site, located in Coryell and McLennan counties, Texas. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has reviewed the document, and hereby submits the following. SECTION 4(f) EVALUATION COMMENTS The Department appreciates that you have coordinated with various agencies regarding this project and the development of the Section 4(f) Evaluation. We encourage continued coordination with these agencies and tribes throughout the life of this project. We acknowledge that this project will not have adverse effects to historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and there is a de minimis impact on section 4(f) properties. Following our review of the Section 4(f) Evaluation, we concur that there is no feasible or prudent alternative to the Preferred Alternative selected in the document, and that all measures have been taken to minimize harm to these resources. We appreciate the opportunity to review this document. For question regarding the Section 4(f) Evaluation comments please contact David Hurd of the National Park Service at 303.987.6705. Sincerely,
Stephen R. Spencer
Regional Environmental Officer
Appendix B B-35 August 2014
cc: SHPO TX Mark Wolfe ([email protected])
Appendix B B-36 August 2014