Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Activities that cause soil erosion
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Weathering of newly exposed soils that could cause leaching and oxidation,
thereby releasing chemicals into the water
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Discharges of waste or sanitary water
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Untreated groundwater used to control dust could deposit dissolved salts on
the surface, allowing the salts to enter surface water systems
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Chemical spills
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Pesticide applications
Surface water and groundwater flow systems could be affected by withdrawals made
for water use, wastewater and stormwater discharges, and the diversion of surface
water flow for access road construction or stormwater control systems. A storm-
water discharge permit might be required. Excavation activities and the extraction
of geological materials could affect surface and groundwater flow. The interaction
between surface water and groundwater could also be affected if the surface water
and groundwater were hydrologically connected, potentially resulting in unwanted
dewatering or recharging of water resources.
Land Use
Impacts on land use could occur during construction if there were conflicts with
existing land use plans and community goals; conflicts with existing recreational,
educational, religious, scientific, or other use areas; or conversion of the existing
commercial land use for the area (e.g., agriculture, grazing, mineral extraction).
Existing land use during construction would be affected by intrusive impacts such
as ground clearing, increased traffic, noise, dust, and human activity, as well as by
changes in the visual landscape. In particular, these impacts could affect recreation-
ists seeking solitude or recreation opportunities in a relatively pristine landscape.
Ranchers or farmers could be affected by the loss of available grazing or crop lands,
the potential for the introduction of invasive plants that could affect livestock for-
age availability, and possible increases in livestock/vehicle collisions. An expanded
access road system could increase the numbers of off-highway vehicle users, hunters,
and other recreationists in the surround area.
Impacts on aviation could be possible if the project is located within 20,000 feet
(6100 meters) or less of an existing public or military airport, or if proposed con-
struction involves objects greater than 200 feet (61 meters) in height. The Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) must be notified if either of these two conditions
occurs, and the FAA would be responsible for determining if the project would
adversely affect commercial, military, or personal air navigation safety. Similarly,
impacts on military operations could occur if a project was located near a military
facility, if that facility conducts low-altitude military testing and training activities.
Soils and Geologic Resources
Sands, gravels, and quarry stone for construction access roads, making concrete for
foundations and ancillary structures, and improving ground surface for laydown
areas and crane staging areas would either be brought in from offsite sources or
would be excavated on site. Depending upon the extend of excavation and blasting
