Environmental Assessment for Vigilant Warrior Training Site

The purpose of the proposed action is to provide expanded training opportunities and facilities to support increased numbers of military students with a field exercise training experience. The location for the field training exercises should be isolated from other military and nonmilitary activities and provide for separation of exercise teams. The proposed action is needed to support the retooling and expansion of the Air and Space Basic Course ASBC and other military training needs. Due to the existing investment and suitability of the site, expanding the Vigilant Warrior training facility is the preferred alternative to meet the increased training needs. The proposed action consists of expansion of facilities and increased training sessions at the existing Vigilant Warrior training facility located on 201 acres in Elmore County that is leased from Alabama Power Company. The proposed action would include adding a minimum of 40 additional tent structures, five additional bathhouse or latrine trailers with necessary septic fields, two additional storage buildings that can also serve as inclement weather shelters, and a sun shelter. Utility infrastructure would be expanded throughout the Vigilant Warrior site. In addition, various command structures and utility support facilities would be constructed, and road repairsimprovements would be completed. Additional fencing, lighting, obstacle courses and field training aids would be installed throughout the site. Several existing footbridges would be repairedreplaced, and a few new footbridges would be constructed. The additional number of students and instructors would only be limited by the limitations of the built infrastructure. It is assumed that as many as 420 students and 55 instructors could occupy the facility for extended periods of time. The following resources were evaluated in detail for potential impacts from the proposed action noise, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources.