Waste-to-Energy Plant Environmental Assessment, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas

Air Force bases have high energy demands, and must maintain a consistent, safe energy system, as well as comply with Department of Defense DoD renewable energy mandates. In recognizing these requirements, the Air Force plans to allow an energy provider to construct, own, and operate a WTE plant on leased Dyess AFB property. The purpose of the proposed action is to implement a renewable energy and security project at Dyess AFB, Texas. Under this proposal, Dyess AFB would authorize an energy contractor to construct and operate a WTE plant and associated municipal solid waste handling facility. Dyess AFB would agree to purchase up to 5.5 MW of power from the energy provider using one of four alternative technologies 1 gasification 2 pyrolysis 3 plasma gasificationpyrolysis and 4 incineration. Under this program, Dyess AFB could pay less for energy than currently by being able to take advantage of real-time pricing, thereby avoiding price spikes during high-demand periods. Additionally, the WTE plant, as a renewable power project, would provide double credits to Dyess AFB towards meeting its energy reduction goals. Under the no-action alternative, the Air Force would not authorize construction or operation of the WTE plant. Dyess AFB would continue to rely on the regional electrical grid as its main source of power. This EA analyzed the potential environmental consequences of the proposed action and alternatives and no-action alternative for air quality, hazardous materials and hazardous waste, soils and stormwater, biological resources, socioeconomics, transportation, and utilities. Findings indicated that the proposed action would not significantly impact any resource area. All of the criteria pollutants analyzed in this EA are below the Prevention of Significant Deterioration PSD limit of 250 tons per year tpy. Regardless of the final WTE plant design, compliance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality TCEQ will be mandatory.