Dean Ryan conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Biological Assessment (BA) in accordance with Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the testing of the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) prototype(s). The scope of work includes the EA and BA to address the proposed testing of two Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle prototypes at two Camp Pendleton off-shore water locations in addition to a 30 mile Pacific Ocean transit. Landing areas and emergency water exit points during water testing include base beaches.
The scope of work was based on consistent use of existing training areas at Camp Pendleton and off shore waters to conduct preliminary operational evaluations. Some amphibious and inland testing was conducted at night. Potential areas of operation include the beach areas for ship to shore movement using current AAV inland access points.
Dean Ryan staff succinctly and systematically described the environmental resources present at and/or that could be affected by the proposed action. The emphasis of field studies, and text discussion were based upon significant resources and significant impacts with lesser summary of non-significant issues and why they are not significant. Resources addressed the physical, natural, human environment standard list of resources found in all environmental documents, such as land use, cultural, socioeconomic and environmental justice. Information on the following resources were provided and specifically addressed in the EA.
- Air and noise: All air emissions data, noise impact studies for the project were included in the EA where applicable (matrix, text, impacts, conclusions, appendix, etc.) Dean Ryan staff identified all significant noise resources in the area that could be generated or affected (directly or indirectly) by a proposed action.
- Biology: Dean Ryan's staff addressed the action's timing (seasonal perspective) for the planned test events. We also analyzed and determined if and how it would impact any vegetation/wildlife (including Marine Mammal Protection Act). Potential for impacts to marine mammals were explained in detail based on known audiometric data available and assumptions that are currently accepted by the marine mammal scientific community for those species without audiograms. Potential for acoustic harassment, physical injury, entanglement, exposure to hazardous materials/wastes, ingestion, disturbance of migration, disturbance to feeding areas, disturbance to haul out areas (for pinniped species), and any other potential impacts that could occur to marine mammals were addressed. The probability of impacts were systematically calculated and mitigation measure recommendations were provided to reduce the potential of impacts based on the probability calculations.