Environmental Assessment Newport Research Facility Irish Hill

The Air Force Research Laboratory/ Rome Research Site (AFRL/RRS) proposes to acquire approximately 87.8 acres of land adjacent to the Newport Research Facility at Irish Hill. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to protect the missions conducted at the site and to prevent encroachment through the development of adjacent properties. The Proposed Action is needed to eliminate encroachment possibilities due to the potential for buildings to be built that would effectively block radar transmission potential between Irish Hill and Tanner Hill. The Proposed Action also allows for the trimming of trees and cutting of vegetation to permit the test transmissions to take place effectively. The AFRL/RRS has conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) to identify and evaluate potential effects of the proposed action at the Newport Research Facility. Two technical alternatives for completing the proposed action were considered. Alternative 1- leasing the land from the current owner; and Alternative 2- purchasing the land in entirety. Alternative 1 was considered unreasonable, because it does not allow for future development of a new range, or expansion of the present test facility. Alternative 2 was considered reasonable, because it meets all project criteria. Alternative 2 is the preferred technical alternative and Proposed Action. The Proposed Action and the No-Action Alternative received detailed analysis in the EA. Other alternatives failed to meet the criteria for the project, and were thus not considered in this EA. Future opportunities created by the Proposed Action also allow for building and expanding the facility if funds become available, increasing testing capabilities. Currently, AFRL/RRS does not intend to disturb any of the lands associated with this acquisition with the exception of the possible installation of a perimeter fence. The overall mission of the Newport Research Facility at Irish Hill will not change.