Environmental Impact Analyses Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) The NEXRAD Program has been implemented by the Joint System Program Office of the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Transportation. A total of about 160 radar units were installed in 48 states, the Caribbean, and overseas. SRI prepared a programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) that examined the potential for systematic impacts to result from the entire network and for local impacts to result from a typical unit. In 1993, a supplement to that EIS was prepared that examined the potential for human health effects to result from exposure to radio-frequency (RF) radiation generated by the radar signal. SRI has also prepared site-specific environmental assessments (EAs), tiered off the programmatic EIS and supplement, in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), for individual radar units proposed at specific locations. For this project, SRI has also assisted the government in determining the effectiveness of the radar at each site, in obtaining land-use permits, in developing community outreach and education programs, in conducting hazardous waste and property transfer audits at proposed sites, and preparing EAs for other National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities (i.e. offices, housing, balloon inflation buildings). Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR)The TDWR Program is directed by the Wind Shear and Weather Radar Products Team, Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). At least 47 radar units are being installed to provide weather radar coverage of airspace at major airports nationwide. SRI has prepared technical and NEPA EAs and EISs for individual radar units. For this project, SRI has assisted the government in the identification of operationally viable site alternatives, contacting land owners, obtaining land-use permits, coordinating the FAA's community involvement activities, supporting government program managers during public meetings, and in conducting hazardous waste and property transfer audits. Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS)The DOT has been authorized under Section 346 of Public Law 105-66 to select, install, and operate an NDGPS service to augment existing satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) range information with a differential correction broadcast from ground-based reference stations transmitting from known positions. NDGPS will provide users with more precise radionavigation and positioning information for public safety, transportation, scientific and environmental applications. Federal agencies implementing the proposed NDGPS service are the DOT Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), NOAA, U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). SRI has prepared a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for NDGPS in conformance with NEPA and has conducted environmental impact investigations at many potential locations for NDGPS stations. Ground Wave Emergency Network (GWEN)The GWEN network was a strategic communications system implemented by the USAF. SRI assisted the government in the site-selection process and in the preparation of site-specific NEPA EAs for 40 relay nodes of the GWEN network expansion proposed in 26 states. Key issues addressed in those documents include the potential for migratory birds to collide with the 299-ft GWEN towers, the potential for corrosion of the GWEN ground plane to cause degradation of water quality, visual aesthetics, and impacts to historic structures. Over the Horizon-Backscatter (OTH-B) RadarUnder contract to the USAF, SRI prepared EISs for the proposed Central U.S., Western U.S. and Alaskan OTH-B radar systems. These large antenna arrays were designed to detect unidentified military flights approaching the U.S. from distances beyond the visual horizon. SRI provided an analysis of alternative sites, and performed public scoping and consultation with interested groups. EISs and EAs were prepared in conformance with NEPA. Key issues included potential health effects, aesthetics, migratory bird and game species, and impacts to culturally significant areas. Wind Profiler NetworkUnder contract to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), a site feasibility study was prepared for a proposed system of Wind Profiler radar units to be located in strategic locations nationwide. The investigation included the application of technical, operational, environmental and land-use criteria. Prospective sites were identified and recommended for further study. This project was successfully completed under strict schedule and budget constraints. Korean Safety and Risk AssessmentAt the request of the Korean government, SRI was hired by a major Korean chemical company to analyze safety and risk issues associated with the use of hazardous materials at a new chemical manufacturing plant. SRI analyzed plant design and operation as compared to international standards for proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. In addition, local dispersion of chemicals from a major airborne release was modeled, and we prepared a risk assessment analyzing hazards to the local population.
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