Installation of the Vaisala 4D Lightning Detection System in Brevard, Osceola, and Orange Counties Northeastern Florida. Environmental Assessment

Abstract

Abstract : The United States Air Force (AF) proposes to install a Lightning Detection System (LDS) at nine sites; one on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) on Observation Road, four at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) (Shiloh, Universal Camera Site 13, J8-1567 Beach and Orange Grove) and four offsite. These four locations offsite are: 1) Satellite Boulevard in Brevard County, 2) Deseret Ranch in Osceola County, 3) Ward Ranch in Orange County and 4) Seminole Ranch in Brevard County. This action is being proposed to display real-time, all lightning flashes within a 60 nautical mile (nmi) radius of CCAFS and individual lightning source locations within 20 nmi of CCAFS that are accurate to within 500 meters and to assure the lightning flash detection efficiency within 20 nmi of CCAFS is greater than 99% and greater than 95% within 60 nmi of CCAFS. Only one alternative to the Proposed Action was identified, the No Action Alternative. The current LDS is nearing the end of its logistical lifespan and has significant operational limitations. The data that would be received from the new LDS is required to support the evaluation of the Lightning Launch Commit Criteria and the issuance of timely and reliable warnings in support of routine ground operations. In accordance with the requirements of the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, 32 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 989, Environmental Impact Analysis Process dated March 12, 2003, and Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 6050, this Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates the potential environmental consequences associated with the installation of a new Lightning Detection System (LDS).