FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT/
FINDING OF NO PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVE
1.0 NAME OF ACTION
Shoreline Stabilization at the Lighter-Than-Air Area (LTA) Pool and Sewage Pump Station, Langley
Air Force Base (LAFB), Virginia
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES
The U.S. Air Force proposes to stabilize the shoreline at the LTA Pool and Sewage Pump Station
located within eight miles of shore at LAFB. Over the years, erosion from tidal wave action has
occurred along the shoreline due to the inappropriate size and physical makeup of the hardscape
material; the lack of a proper geotextile liner; and the lack of native vegetation. The LTA Pool and
Sewage Pump Station area is one of several stretches of shoreline at Langley exhibiting an erosion rate
ranging from six inches to as much as one foot per year. Continued erosion from both the constant
tidal wave action and storm events ultimately threaten the area.
The Air Force proposes to remove existing pieces of concrete material along approximately 600 linear
feet of shoreline and install a geotextile liner, resize the concrete and construct a two-foot thick Class
II revetment. In addition, more than 250 square feet of cordgrass (Spartina) would be planted to
reduce environmental effects at the site. In addition to evaluating the environmental impacts of the
Proposed Action, two alternatives were analyzed. Under Alternative 1, three trapezoidal riprap
structures would be installed approximately 60 feet off shore. These breakwaters would control tidal
wave action along the shore and naturally build a sediment substrate over time to support tidal marsh
vegetation. Under Alternative 2, Hardscape materials would be removed and regraded. A geotextile
liner would be installed, along with, clean sand and appropriately sized riprap to form a revetment. In
addition, a single offshore breakwater of the same materials would be constructed and cordgrass
(Spartina) would be planted extensively along the shoreline to increase the total area of wetlands.
Under the No Action Alternative, no stabilization efforts would take place at the LTA Pool and
Sewage Pump Station Area.
3.0 SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Environmental resource categories analyzed in the EA include land use; air quality; biological
resources; safety; solid and hazardous waste; water quality; coastal zone, wetlands, and floodplains;
cultural resources; geology and soils; and noise. The nature and duration of the impacts are such that
there would be no significant impact associated with the proposed activities.
Land Use. The current land use would not change as a result of the implementation of the
Proposed Action, and alternatives. They would positively impact land use by protecting the site
from continued erosion, therefore preserving land mass and its existing uses.
Air Quality. Criteria pollutant emissions, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter,
lead, and nitrogen oxides, would increase, but impacts to air quality would be minor and
temporary for the Proposed Action and Alternative 2. De minimus thresholds for criteria
pollutants would not be exceeded. Negative impacts, due to heavy-duty vehicle emissions,
