Draft Finding of No Significant Impact - White Sands Missile Range, NM

Draft Finding of No Significant Impact - White Sands Missile Range, NM NAME OF THE PROPOSED ACTION: National Radar Cross Section Test Facility Survivability Test Stand Construction and Operation, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION: The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) proposes to construct and operate an outdoor test stand on the campus of the exiting National Radar Cross Section Test Facility (NRTF) on White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) land. The new outdoor test stand capability would incorporate a means of rotation of engine test articles while measuring radar cross section (RCS), infrared (IR), and acoustic factors. The test stand would provide the ability to rotate 180 degrees on the horizontal plane and measure aircraft survivability unobstructed 360-degrees around the test article. PURPOSE AND NEED: The purpose of the proposed action is to construct and operate an outdoor test capability that measures engine test article survivability. Currently, the NRTF does not have the capability to acquire outdoor measurements from a running aircraft engine nor the infrastructure to facilitate acquisition of various measurements. The Proposed Action is needed to meet Air Force standards. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES: Land use, air quality, soils, erosion control, natural and water resources, traffic and transportation, and utilities/infrastructure were evaluated, while evaluation of other valued environmental components was incorporated by reference. Indirect effects of groundwater contaminated from stormwater runoff or water used to rinse the test stand tarmac were evaluated as it could eventually reach Salt Creek, which provides habitat for White Sands pupfish. Further NEPA analysis will be needed to assess potential impacts associated with future operational energy requirements. CONCLUSION: The Action Alternative is the preferred alternative. This alternative would install and operate a survivability test stand at NRTF. Based on the analysis in this EA and consideration of the mitigation measures listed in Section 3.9, and in accordance with the guidelines for determining the significance of proposed federal actions (DoD NEPA Implementing Procedures, 2025), WSMR has concluded that installation and operation of the survivability test stand will not result in a significant effect on the environment. Mitigation measures include: 1) complete burrowing owl surveys by a qualified biologist before construction, 2) conduct bird surveys if vegetation removal is to occur during the migratory bird nesting season, and 3) retain stormwater runoff on site. WSMR has determined that an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act is not required, and this Finding of No Significant Impact is hereby submitted. Draft Availability and Points of Contact: The environmental analysis will be provided on the WSMR Garrison Directorate of Public Works Environmental Documentation and Information website: https://home.army.mil/wsmr/index.php/about/garrison/directorate-public-worksdpw/environmental The draft finding of no significant impact will be published in the Las Cruces Sun News and the Alamogordo Daily News newspapers. Printed copies will be sent to the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library (200 E Picacho Avenue Las Cruces, NM 88001), and the Alamogordo Public Library (920 Oregon Avenue Alamogordo, NM 88310). A hard copy of the document may be sent by physical mail upon request. Written comments concerning the proposed action should be directed to Customer Support (U.S. Army Directorate of Public Works-Environmental Division) at White Sands Missile Range. Comments must be postmarked and received within 30 days after the draft document is published. Comments can be sent to the following address: Department of Army U.S. Garrison White Sands Environmental Division (Bldg. 163/DPW) NRTF STS SEA Comments BLDG 163 White Sands Missile Range, NM 88002 February 19 2026 LACO0462257