Draft Analysis of Alternative Frameworkv Final 90

8/8/2019 Draft Analysis of Alternative Frameworkv Final 90

1/90

DRAFT V.2 Analysis of Alternative Framework

CBP applies a comprehensive approach to secure the border, and fencing is one element of thelayered border security plan. Our comprehensive plan includes additional and substantialinvestments in technology, tactical infrastructure (TI) and enforcement personnel. Fencing andtechnology are complementary tools. Technology allows Border Patrol Agents to detect,identify/classify, and track illegal activity. Fencing provides Border Patrol Agents the time they

need to respond to illegal cross border activity. A combination of technology and TI returns thetactical advantage to Border Patrol Agents and fosters as safer environment them to effectivelydo their job. CBP will continue to deploy the right mix of technology, TI, and personnel tosecure the border as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Our framework as we approach each segment of the border is to look at the application of technology, pedestrian fencing, vehicle fencing and Border Patrol Agents as identified by CBPoperational requirements and a border calculus methodology. In border calculus, officialsanalyze the time between an illegal entry and a developed line beyond which the Agentsinterception capability almost vanishes. The SBInet and Tactical Infrastructure solution has toensure the Agent can respond within that timeline and bring the matter to a law enforcementresolution.

In order to have full area situational awareness, we have identified need to deploy technology toall parts of the border. The alternative will leave us with an unacceptable ability to detect,identify, and classify illegal entries into the United States.

From that point, we focus on our ability to gain and maintain a level of control without addingvehicle or pedestrian fence. If we can, we move to the next border segment. If not, we researchthe utility of deploying vehicle fence. If we can add vehicle fence to the technology and gain alevel of control, we move to the next border segment. If not, we look at adding pedestrian fenceto provide the final element. In conjunction with fence, we also deploy lighting and roads tosupport visibility and response access. The final critical element is the distribution of BorderPatrol Agents at the appropriate levels and locations to bring all situations to a safe andsuccessful law enforcement resolution.

This framework calls for the lay-down of technology for detection and situational awareness allacross the border and constructing vehicle fence and pedestrian fence according to localoperational conditions. With the full border coverage using technology, and tactical use of fence, roads and lighting, we add the critical component, the Agent. This sector by sectormethodology also considers the cost of the three factors as well as how invasive the solutionwould be to the environment and local community. As a result of this deployment strategy, wehave the spectrum of trained professional Border Patrol Agents, with the proper technology andblend of tactical infrastructure to gain effective control of the borders of the United States..

000329


2/90

Below we provide several detailed segment analyses as examples of the Analyses of Alternatives, again with the entering position that all segments will have technology for detectionand situational awareness. In alignment with the appropriations direction, DHS and CBP willconstruct infrastructure where it is the most appropriate means to gain and maintain effectivecontrol over the international border. Four main factors contribute to fence location decisions:(1) the initial BP operational assessments; (2) input from stakeholders, including landowners; (3)environmental assessments; and (4) engineering assessments, which include the cost toconstruct.

Based upon the current information available and estimates, pedestrian fence equates to anaverage of per mile and vehicle fence an average of per mile. The cost of real estate is a wide variable, as is the cost of environmental mitigation. The cost of land and theenvironmental mitigation are not included in these average costs; however, they are funded fromthe TI funding in the BSFIT Appropriation Development and Deployment PPA. Operationalassessments by the local Chief Patrol Agents based on illegal cross-border activity and theBorder Patrols extensive field experience identified multiple locations where pedestrian orvehicle fencing would most effectively enhance border security. The deployment of the TI isgeared toward disrupting identified routes into the United States that are utilized by smugglers,criminal organizations and potential terrorists. This infrastructure will strengthen the BorderPatrols defense in-depth strategy, providing Border Patrol agents with a tactical advantage overillegal entrants and enable agents to push the depth of intrusion as close to the border aspossible.

Between the Ports of Entry, the Border Patrol operates in three primary environments: urban,rural, and remote. In an urban environment, where pedestrian fence is deployed, Border PatrolAgents have literally seconds to minutes to detect an illegal entry, identify and classify the threatlevel involved, respond to the illegal entry, and bring the situation to the proper law enforcementresolution. Pedestrian fence provides Border Patrol Agents the invaluable time to assess,respond and react to an illegal entry. In rural and remote locations, vehicle fence has beenidentified as the operational requirement acting as a physical deterrent to any criminalorganization attempting to exploit the openness and vastness of these sections of the border.Locations where we do not currently have plans for fencing are areas where the border terrainand environment acts as a natural impediment or other options have been deemed moreappropriate than fencing.

000330

(b) (4) (b) (4)


3/90

1. Example of Analysis of Alternatives for an Urban Segment in Brownsville,Texas: Project O-19 Fort Brown Station CBP Office of Border Patrol (OBP) identified and prioritized locations along the southwestborder in Brownsville, TX, that operationally require pedestrian and/or vehicle fencing, inaddition to the full coverage of the border using technology. Site visits were conducted todetermine the specific fence style(s) to be installed, to agree on the specific lay down location of the proposed fencing and associated infrastructure, and to identify real estate, environmental,

engineering, and construction challenges to be addressed.

Technology Lay Down: Future technology coverage is in the preliminary design stage for thissegment. This lay down will be designed with CBP OBP input to SBI and working with theBoeing Company under a future Design Task Order.

Agent Deployment:

Tactical Infrastructure: The Brownsville urban environment, and all urban segments, requirestactical infrastructure in the form of PF and or VF, where cities adjoin the border or are in closemileage to the border. In this urban environment, the illegal entrant can be across the border andinto the community in a matter of minutes or seconds. Interdiction efforts are achieved by multi-tiered enforcement operations to include pedestrian and vehicle fencing to deter entrants. Withthe current accessibility to illegal entry, the Brownsville urban area would require an inordinatenumber of enforcement personnel to effectively confront the illegal activity. In thisenvironment, pedestrian fencing provides a critical deterrent.

The proposed PF/VF fence in this location will deny smugglers and illegal entrants from easilyconcealing themselves by blending in with the general public within the City of Brownsville.

The fence would force current routes of egress to be rerouted to less populated areas. Thisrerouting provides enforcement personnel a significant advantage and increased ability torespond time and should result in a higher rate of apprehension.

Deleted: Station XXX

Deleted: XXX

Deleted: XXXX

Deleted: s

Deleted: s

Deleted: would prevent

000331

(b) (5)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


4/90

Real Estate: In the Brownsville, TX urban segment ADD ANY REAL ESTATE ESTIMATEFOR O-19 :

Environmental: Another important part of CBPs decision-making process is the formalenvironmental review process required by the NEPA. The environmental planning processincludes an evaluation of options to mitigate by either avoiding, minimizing, reducing, orcompensating for the potential impact of the project on affected local communities. During thepreparation of NEPA documents, 14 areas are evaluated including: land use, geology, and soils;biological and water resources; cultural resources; air quality and noise; aesthetics and visualresources; and socioeconomics. The environmental review process includes extensiveconsultation with Federal, State, and local officials, landowners, and the public. Federalagencies, such as the USFWS and the International Boundary and Water Commission, are alsoincluded in the review process.

Consultation: These extensive consultations in Brownsville, Texas have allowed CBP tocontinue to identify areas where we can make accommodations to meet both operational needsand other elements in the decision-making process, including local Brownsville stakeholderinput.

2. Example of Analysis of Alternatives for a rural segment in Segment TUS1 of the Tucson sector: TUCSON STATION

CBP Office of Border Patrol (OBP) identified and prioritized locations along the southwestborder in the Tucson Sector, of A rizona , that operationally require pedestrian and/or vehiclefencing, in addition to the full coverage of the border using technology. Site visits wereconducted to determine the specific technology and fence style(s) to be installed, to agree on thespecific lay down location of the proposed technology and fencing and associated infrastructure,and to identify real estate, environmental, engineering, and construction challenges to beaddressed.

Technology Lay Down:

Agent Deployment:

Deleted:

Deleted: Z

Deleted: XXX

Deleted: XXXX

000332

(b) (5)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


5/90

The ORBPP model provides inputs on the optimal number of agents to respond to the differentlevels of border control, and will be re-evaluated each year as the operational conditions change,the threat changes, and the use of fencing and technology are brought to the location.

Tactical Infrastructure:

PF: (describe the plan)

VF: (describe the plan)

Real Estate: In the TUCSON station rural segment:

Environmental: Another important part of CBPs decision-making process is the formalenvironmental review process required by the NEPA. The environmental planning processincludes an evaluation of options to mitigate by either avoiding, minimizing, reducing, orcompensating for the potential impact of the project on affected local communities.

Consultation: These extensive consultations in XXX have allowed CBP to continue to identifyareas where we can make accommodations to meet both operational.

Deleted: areas requires

000333

(b) (5)

(b) (5)

(b) (5)


6/90

3. Example of Analysis of Alternatives for a Rural Segment in The El Centro/B4Sector, CA:

CBP Office of Border Patrol (OBP) identified and prioritized locations along the southwestborder in the El Centro Sector, CA, that operationally require pedestrian fencing, in addition tothe full coverage of the border using technology. Site visits were conducted to determine thespecific technology and fence style(s) to be installed, to agree on the specific lay down locationof the proposed technology and fencing and associated infrastructure, and to identify real estate,environmental, engineering, and construction challenges to be addressed.

000334

(b) (7)(E)


7/90

Technology Lay Down: Add here

Agent Deployment:

Tactical Infrastructure:

ADD THE COST ESTIMATE FOR B-4

Real Estate: In the El Centro/B4 station rural segment:

Environmental: Another important part of CBPs decision-making process is the formalenvironmental review process required by the NEPA. The environmental planning processincludes an evaluation of options to mitigate by either avoiding, minimizing, reducing, orcompensating for the potential impact of the project on affected local communities.

Deleted: Sector

Deleted: XXX

Deleted: XXXX

000335

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (5)


8/90

Consultation: These extensive consultations in XXX have allowed CBP to continue to identifyareas where we can make accommodations to meet both operational.

000336

(b) (5)


9/90

San Diego Sector The San Diego BP Sector contacted 53 individual landowners. The Sector held a townhall meeting in East San Diego County and a meeting with officials at SectorHeadquarters.

For potential fencing within the San Diego Sector, CBP drafted an Environmental Impact

Statement and an Environmental Assessment to address different potential segments of fence. The draft documents were released to the public on January 4 and 8, 2008,respectively. Public open house meetings were held in San Diego and Alpine, California,respectively on January 17 and 16, 2008, respectively.

The following table provides summary BP operational assessments for each potentialfence segment under consideration within the San Diego Sector, as well as a brief analysis of potential environmental impacts:

Project ID: A-1 State: CA Station: BRF Location: Pack Truck Trail Approx. Length 1 (mi): 3.58

This project traverses Zones which are located in the Chula Vista Station and the Brown FieldStation areas of responsibility. The project is located in the central corridor of San Diego Sector and is situated onthe south side of Otay Mountain. Due to the influx of technology and infrastructure in the Tucson Sector, alongwith the implementation of programs such as Streamline in Del Rio, Yuma and Laredo, a shift in the flow of illegalaliens has occurred. This shift has had a direct affect on San Diego Sector which is the only sector to have anincrease in traffic for 3 straight years. This area is the most heavily trafficked corridor in San Diego Sector due toits remoteness and inaccessibility. Currently,

The operational requirements would be to construct an access road to the west side of Otay Mountain, construct PFand an accompanying patrol road on the south side of Otay Mountain which runs east from the area known as thepuebla tree to the 250 border monument. It would also encompass the improvement of the existing 250 road.This project would certainly raise the level of control, assist in the preservation of the Otay Mountain Wilderness

and most importantly allow us to maintain a far greater level of safety for our agents who patrol the area.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: Constructing the proposed fence and accessroads could result in short- and long-term, minor, adverse and beneficial impacts on land use. Short-term, minor,adverse impacts would occur from construction and use of staging areas during the construction. Impacts on landuse would vary depending on potential changes in land use and the land use of adjacent properties. There is noresidential land use along Section A-1. Short-term, minor, indirect, adverse impacts on recreation and open landuses, including the recreation and open space uses of the Otay Mountain Wilderness Area, Pack Trail, and Marron

1 Actual total construction mileage will vary due to environmental, land acquisition,engineering constraints, and/or operational requirements.

000337

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


10/90

Valley Preserve, would occur during construction of Section A-1. These impacts would be short-term and localizedto staging and construction areas. No adverse impacts on recreation would be expected after construction, duringoperation of the Proposed Action. Within Section A-1, portions of U.S. land would be south of the fence, thereforesince this land would be difficult and possibly unsafe to access, its value would decrease significantly. Air Quality:San Diego County, including the area associated with the Proposed Action, is within a Federal and statenonattainment area for 8-40 hour O3, the Federal moderate maintenance area for CO, and state nonattainment areafor PM10 and PM2.5. Major, short-term, adverse impacts would be expected from construction emissions and landdisturbance associated with the Proposed Action. The construction projects would generate total suspendedparticulate and PM10 emissions as fugitive dust from ground-disturbing activities (e.g., grading, trenching, soilpiles) and from combustion of fuels in construction equipment. These impacts would be temporary, and would falloff rapidly with distance from the proposed construction sites. The emissions of NAAQS pollutant is not high;would not contribute to the deterioration of the air quality in the region; does not exceed the de minimis thresholdlimits for nitrogen oxide (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and PM10/2.5; and does not exceed 10percent of the regional values. Therefore, major, adverse impacts on regional or local air quality are not anticipatedfrom implementation of the Proposed Action. Surface Waters and Waters of the U.S.: Long-term, minor, adverseimpacts on waters of the United States would be expected as a result of Section A-1 crossing intermittent tributariesassociated with Copper and Buttewig Canyons. Necessary permits from the USACE-Los Angeles District would beobtained prior to construction into drainages. If constructed, these fence locations would be inspected followingrunoff events to remove any debris and to maintain the integrity of the PF and ensure that there is sufficient passageto allow water to flow unimpeded. Section A-1 contains areas of riparian corridor. If wetland impacts cannot beavoided, any necessary CWA Section 404 permits and Rivers and Harbors Act Section 10 Permits would beobtained. As part of the permitting process, a wetlands identification, mitigation, and restoration plan would bedeveloped, submitted, and implemented to reduce and compensate for unavoidable impacts. Wildlife and AquaticResources: Implementation of the Proposed Action would be anticipated to have short- and long-term, negligible to

major, adverse impacts on wildlife due to habitat conversion; short-term, minor to moderate, adverse impacts onwildlife due to construction noise; and minor to moderate, adverse impacts on aquatic habitats due to siltation fromconstruction activities. Minor to moderate beneficial impacts would result from protection of wildlife and habitatsU.S. side of the fence. Threatened and Endangered Species: Short- and long-term minor to major adverse, andminor beneficial impacts are expected as a result of the proposed construction of A-1. Direct and indirect impacts of construction, operation, and maintenance associated with implementation of the Proposed Action would includeshort- and long-term impacts to the Quino checkerspot butterfly and range from negligible to major beneficial andmajor adverse. Direct and indirect impacts of construction operation, and maintenance associated withimplementation of the Proposed Action would include short- and long-term impacts to the arroyo toad and rangefrom negligible to minor adverse, and negligible to major beneficial. Direct impacts of construction of A-1 to theLeast Bells Vireo would be short-term, minor, and adverse. Beneficial impacts of implementing the ProposedAction would be short- and long-term, minor, and beneficial. There would be no direct impacts of constructionassociated with implementation of the Proposed Action to the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Cultural andHistoric Resources: Potential impacts on cultural resources associated with the project are limited to ground-disturbing construction and future maintenance and patrolling activities and indirect impacts from increased access.

Long-term minor adverse impacts to cultural and historic resources are expected with the construction of A-1.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: ECJ Location: Ceti's Hill Approx. Length (mi): 0.57

Cetis Hill is a large Hill that is privately-owned and bisected by the international border located in Zone of theEl Cajon Stations AOR. PF has been installed on either side of the hill, but not over the top of the hill along theborder.

The operational requirement for this area would be to construct PF thatwould be installed along the border and tie into the PF on either side of Cetis Hill. Construction of this fencesegment is vital in elevating the level of control for this area.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use are

000338

(b)

(b) (7)(E)


11/90

expected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality:

As a result of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impacts

to ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: ECJ Location: W. Horseshoe Canyon Approx. Length (mi): 0.89

Horseshoe Canyon is located in Zone and in the El Cajon Stations AOR and this component is contained withinBLM land. The existing patrol road veers northward from the border in order to traverse Sacred Canyon andeventually Horseshoe Canyon.

The operational requirement in this area is to construct and install a PF/VF on the southern toe of the road along theborder. Cut and fill activities would be required at some minor drainages to keep the footprint close to the borderand to avoid creating unsafe driving conditions. The western end of the road/fence would begin near the east side of Sacred Canyon and the eastern end of the road/fence would dead end into a steep rock outcrop on the eastern side of Horseshoe Canyon.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality:

As a result of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducing

fugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: ECJ Location: East Bell Valley Approx. Length (mi): 0.12

000339

(b

(b) (7)(E)


12/90

The East Bell Valley component is located at eastern boundary of Zone and the western boundary of Zone inthe El Cajon Stations AOR

The East Bell Valley requirement would tie allthese segments together and extend the patrol road as far east as practicable. The road would need to be widened to60 feet in this reach to accommodate an all-weather patrol road, drag road, and associated parallel drainage ditches.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use : With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Waters

and Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: ECJ Location: Ag Loop Approx. Length (mi): 1.02

This project is located in Zone in the El Cajon Stations AOR and is located on BLM land. The Ag Loop road islocated east of the Eastern Railroad Tunnel which extends into Mexico

.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As a

000340

(b

(b

(b (b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


13/90

result of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: CAO Location: Southwest Rim of Smith Canyon Approx. Length (mi): 0.17

This project is located in the Zone and is in the Campo Stations AOR. Smith Canyon is a deeply incised canyon8 (approximately 500 feet deep) that trends northwest to southeast. Smith 9 Canyon is within BLM lands. Thecurrent access road to the western rim of the canyon is located approximately 600 to 800 feet north of the border.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: CAO Location: Rattlesnake Ridge to Larry Pierce Road Approx. Length (mi): 1.06

This project is located in Zone and is in the Boulevard Stations AOR. The existing patrol road in theRattlesnake Ridge area is located approximately 0.5 mile north of the border and is situated on private lands withinSan Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) utility right-of-way. The length of patrol road is approximately 17miles starting at the western edge of Rattlesnake Ridge to the border at Larry Pearce Road. This length and the

circuitous route requires for agents to respond to incursions or emergency actions that occur within

000341

(b

(b

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


14/90

this reach. No PF has been installed in this area, so it too, is a high traffic area for illegal pedestrian and vehiculartraffic. The operational requirement would be to construct a patrol road and PF as close to the border as practicable.Construction of this road would reduce the amount of time required by agents to respond to emergencies by

Installation of the PF would be expected to preclude illegal vehicle traffic and substantially reduceillegal pedestrian traffic.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.

Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, these

impacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: CAO Location: West edge of Boundary Peak Approx. Length (mi): 0.09

This project is located in Zone and is the Boulevard Stations AOR. The existing PF has a gap that isapproximately 425 feet long. The PF was not installed by previous Joint Task Force Six (JTF-6) actions due to largeboulders and a small drain. The operational requirement at this location is to install PF in the gap. This wouldremove an opportunity for illegal pedestrian and vehicle traffic to breach the border. It would also providecontinuous and parallel access along the border that currently is not available.

The existing infrastructure is classified as VF and

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.

000342

(b

(b) (7)(E)

(b)(7)


15/90

The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: BLV Location: Willows Access #1 Approx. Length (mi): 1.63

This project is located in Zone and is in the Boulevard Stations AOR. Current access from Old Highway 80 tothe border is through private property. Landowners have threatened to prevent use of these access roads.Consequently, USBP has recently acquired an easement to access the border. The operational requirement would beto develop this easement into an access road. In addition to the road, the existing infrastructure (fixed VF) is easilybreached by pedestrian and vehicular traffic. To further enhance operational control the existing fixed VF wouldneed to be retro-fitted into PF that would allow for the natural water table flow that is associated with the area.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-construction

levels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: BLV Location: Willows Access #2 Approx. Length (mi): 2.01

This project is located in Zone and is in the Boulevard Stations AOR. The description and operationalrequirement for this project is essentially the same. The only difference is that this project is east of the WillowsAccess #1 project near the Jacumba Airport. The operational requirement would be to develop this easement into anaccess road. In addition to the road the existing infrastructure is considered fixed VF and is easily breached bypedestrian and vehicular traffic. To further enhance operational control the existing fixed VF would need to beretro-fitted into PF that would allow for the natural water table flow that is associated with the area.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-construction

000343

(b

(b


16/90

levels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: BLV Location: Airport Mesa Approx. Length (mi): 0.05

This project is located in Zone and is in the Boulevard Stations AOR. The subject of the project is a mesa that isvery high and towering over the Jacumba and ONeil valley. Access roads have been constructed to the top of themesa on the south side of the border, providing illegal aliens with opportunities to conduct surveillance from anadvantage point and provide an avenue for illegal entry by both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The operationalrequirement would be to construct a road access to the top of the mesa and install pedestrian fencing along theborder. The effect would allow agents to gain the advantage of the high ground and thereby allowing greater controlof Zone .

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed ActionAlternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

Project ID: A-2 State: CA Station: BLV Location: O'Neil Valley Approx. Length (mi): 1.47

This project is located in Zone and is in the Boulevard Stations AOR. This area is east of Airport Mesa and the

000344

(b)

(b

(b

(b) (7)(E)


17/90

current infrastructure is fixed VF. This is same type of infrastructure that exists within the Willows Access projectswhich lends itself to high volume illegal entries by both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The operational requirementwould be to retro-fit the existing fixed VF with pedestrian fencing.

The existing infrastructure is classified as VF and does not hamper illegal pedestrian traffic in their attempts to enterillegally. The illegal traffic is able to vanish within minutes of the entry due to the close proximity of Highway 94.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: With the implementation of the Proposed Action

Alternative, land use within the Roosevelt Reservation would remain a Federal law enforcement zone.Approximately 27 acres of private land would be required to construct the A-2 fence segments. The remainder of the project corridor is within the Roosevelt Reservation or on BLM property. No significant impacts to land use areexpected as the indirect beneficial impacts would greatly outweigh the minor direct impacts. Air Quality: As aresult of the construction of the TI, exhaust pollutants and dust emissions would increase temporarily from theoperation of heavy equipment used for construction activities. These emissions would return to pre-constructionlevels following construction. Indirect beneficial impacts to air quality are anticipated as a result of reducingfugitive dust emissions. Vegetation: Approximately 123 acres of vegetation would be impacted during theconstruction of the A-2 fence sections. However, of the 123 acres, only 78 would be permanently impacted; theremainder would be temporarily impacted and rehabilitated. Significant impacts are not expected. Surface Watersand Waters of the U.S.: The proposed construction of fence sections A-2 would result in indirect beneficial impactsto ephemeral streams as a result of reducing illegal vehicle traffic and reducing erosion and sedimentation. Wildlifeand Aquatic Resources: Approximately 78 acres of habitat could be permanently impacted and 45 acres would betemporarily impacted during the proposed construction. The temporarily impacted areas would be rehabilitated.The habitat in the corridor is locally and regionally common. Therefore, no significant impacts are expected.

Wildlife movement across the international boundary would be impeded within the project corridor; however, theseimpacts would be minimal to wildlife, locally and regionally. Threatened and Endangered Species: Theconstruction of the fence segment is expected to affect Quino checkerspot butterfly and the California gnatcatcher.No significant impacts to any state or BLM protected species are expected. Cultural and Historic Resources: Nocultural resources would be impacted either directly or indirectly as a result of the construction of this fence section.

000345


18/90

El Centro SectorThe El Centro BP Sector contacted 17 individual landowners, and held 4 meetings withofficials, including the Calexico Mayor and Council Members, the Imperial CountyBoard of Supervisors, and representatives of the State Assembly and State Senate.

For potential fencing within the El Centro Sector, CBP drafted an EnvironmentalAssessment that was released to the public on December 26, 2007. A public open house

meeting was held in Imperial, California, on January 9, 2008.

The following table provides summary BP operational assessments for each potentialfence segment under consideration within the El Centro Sector, as well as a brief analysisof potential environmental impacts:

Project ID: B-2 State: CA Station: ELS Location: Mon 224 to ELS West Checks Approx. Length (mi): 2.36

Additionally, the area identifiedin Section B-2 is likely to become urban on the Mexican side of the border in the future. Currently, there are plans to

build a Silicone Valley type area in Mexico and as a result there have been talks about opening another POE tofacilitate commerce. If this occurs, the need for infrastructure in this section will become of paramount importance.El Centro Sector believes it wise and operationally sound to place infrastructure in this section to curb the flow of illegal aliens and narcotics before the area becomes completely urban.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: Long-term, minor, adverse and beneficial directand indirect effects on land use would occur as a result of the Proposed Action. Direct effects would occur in areascharacterized as General Agriculture and Heavy Agriculture Zones because small areas would be permanentlyconverted to Government Special Use Zones. These areas are currently near the U.S./Mexico international borderand it is likely that the proposed land use change would not result in the loss of agricultural lands. Long-term, minor,adverse direct effects on land use would occur on BLM managed lands in the area of the Proposed Action. TheProposed Action would not result in a loss of any BLM managed lands. Therefore, the effects would be minor.Indirect beneficial effects could occur as a result of decreased i llegal traffic within the areas adjacent to the ProposedAction. Air Quality: The Proposed Action would occur within a Federal marginal/State moderate nonattainmentarea for 8-hour 03 and Federal serious/State nonattainment area for PM10. General Conformity Rule requirementsare applicable to the Proposed Action. Emissions from the Proposed Action would not exceed the de minimisthresholds for the Southeast Desert Air Quality Control Region and would also be less than 10% of the emissionsinventory for the Region. Minor adverse impacts on local air quality would be anticipated as a result of theconstruction of section B-2. Vegetation: Under the Proposed Action new boundary roads and access roads wouldbe constructed and existing roads widened resulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bush

000346

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


19/90


20/90


21/90

minimal as previously disturbed areas would be selected for these functions to the extent practicable. Potentialimpacts on wildlife and aquatic life include habitat loss, noise and physical disturbance associated with constructionand subsequent maintenance activities impacts of lights on nocturnal species, and beneficial impacts due to reducedcross-border violator traffic. Threatened and Endangered Species: Under the Proposed Action, new boundary roadsand construction access would occur and existing roads widened resulting gin the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bush shrub communities corridor-wide and 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B-5A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas forconstruction materials and maintenance/storage areas would be minimal. The implementation of best managementpractices and conservation efforts would be implemented to the fullest extent applicable and practical to minimizeimpacts to the flat-tailed horned lizard. Impacts to flat-tailed horned lizard are expected to be long-term minoradverse. These adverse impacts would be offset by the beneficial impact of reduced cross-border violator trafficthrough the remaining habitat. Cultural and Historic Resources: There are no archaeological sites within the area of potential effect for the Proposed Action. Of the archaeological resources adjacent to the area of potential effect forthe Proposed Action, none have been assessed for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. No historicarchitectural resources or resources of traditional or cultural significance to Native American tribes are known to bewithin the area of potential effect. Accordingly, the Proposed Action does not have the potential to impactarchaeological or architectural resources.

Project ID: B-5A.1

State: CA Station: CAX Location: Approx. Length (mi): 9.4

Section B-5A is remote and isolated somewhat.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: Long-term, minor, adverse and beneficial directand indirect effects on land use would occur as a result of the Proposed Action. Direct effects would occur in areascharacterized as General Agriculture and Heavy Agriculture Zones because small areas would be permanentlyconverted to Government Special Use Zones. These areas are currently near the U.S./Mexico international borderand it is likely that the proposed land use change would not result in the loss of agricultural lands. Long-term, minor,adverse direct effects on land use would occur on BLM managed lands in the area of the Proposed Action. TheProposed Action would not result in a loss of any BLM managed lands. Therefore, the effects would be minor.Indirect beneficial effects could occur as a result of decreased illegal traffic within the areas adjacent to the ProposedAction. Air Quality: The Proposed Action would occur within a Federal marginal/State moderate nonattainmentarea for 8-hour 03 and Federal serious/State nonattainment area for PM10. General Conformity Rule requirementsare applicable to the Proposed Action. Emissions from the Proposed Action would not exceed the de minimis thresholds for the Southeast Desert Air Quality Control Region and would also be less than 10% of the emissionsinventory for the Region. Minor adverse impacts on local air quality would be anticipated as a result of the

construction of section B-5A. Vegetation: Under the Proposed Action new boundary roads and access roads would

000349

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


22/90

be constructed and existing roads widened resulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bushshrub communities corridor-wide and approximately 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B05A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat would result from the clearing of lay-downareas for construction materials and maintenance/storage areas. Effects of Colorado Desert vegetation removalwould be low to moderate adverse and long-term due to the large amount of similar vegetation regionally, otherconstruction projects in the area cumulatively resulting in vegetation removal, and the highly disturbed condition of the entire B-5A and B-5B corridor due to the previous and ongoing recreational activities. Sites within the projectcorridors that are disturbed temporarily during construction could re-vegetate to annual plant species resulting ininsignificant to low, beneficial and adverse, short- and long-term effects due to provision of food sources andground cover for wildlife and due to the potential spread of nonnative species including Mediterranean grass andcranes-bill, among others. Revegetation would be considered unlikely to occur due to the around-the-clock international border security patrol access needs, the tremendous seasonal presence of recreational vehicles, and lowannual precipitation. Therefore vegetation impacts related to fence installation would be considered long-term topermanent. Effects on sparse Colorado Desert vegetation communities due to elimination of human foot traffic andsome vehicle travel following construction of the PF as proposed would be insignificant, beneficial, and long-term.Surface Waters and Waters of the U.S.: Under the Proposed Action, PF and VF construction would occur on theinternational border up to 200 feet or more south of the All-American Canal, resulting in insignificant short- andlong-term adverse effects on surface water of the canal in terms of flow volume or duration and the canal waterquality would reflect conditions within the Colorado River Basin prior to delivery. Fences installed inwashes/arroyos would be designed and constructed in a manner to ensure that water flow during excessive rainevents would not be impeded or ponded. Approximately mile of Pinto Wash would be crossed by pedestrianfencing; however there would be insignificant effects on surface water flow volume, duration, and water quality inthis ephemeral drainage. Implementation of the Proposed Action would be expected to have insignificant short-term, adverse effects on surface water quality as a result of potential erosion and associated transport of sediments

into adjacent surface waters. Under the Proposed Action there would be no41 effect on submerged aquaticwetlands. An insignificant to low, long-term, beneficial effect on wetland communities would result fromeliminating or reducing significantly the human access of the canal bank and resultant trampling of plants. A formaldelineation and jurisdictional determination of the extent of waters of the U.S. that are likely to be impacted byimplementation of the Proposed Action will be conducted. Wildlife and Aquatic Resources: Under the ProposedAction, existing border access roads would be widened from approximately 16 feet to approximately 20 feetresulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of habitat. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas for construction materials and maintenance and storage areas for heavy equipment would be minimal aspreviously disturbed areas would be selected for these functions to the extent practicable. Potential impacts onwildlife and aquatic life include habitat loss, noise and physical disturbance associated with construction andsubsequent maintenance activities impacts of lights on nocturnal species, and beneficial impacts due to reducedcross-border violator traffic. Threatened and Endangered Species: Under the Proposed Action, new boundary roadsand construction access would occur and existing roads widened resulting gin the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bush shrub communities corridor-wide and 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B-5A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas for

construction materials and maintenance/storage areas would be minimal. The implementation of best managementpractices and conservation efforts would be implemented to the fullest extent applicable and practical to minimizeimpacts to the flat-tailed horned lizard. Impacts to flat-tailed horned lizard are expected to be long-term minoradverse. Adverse impacts to the species would be offset by the beneficial impact of reduced cross-border violatortraffic through the remaining habitat. Cultural and Historic Resources: There are no archaeological sites within thearea of potential effect for the Proposed Action. Of the archaeological resources adjacent to the area of potentialeffect for the Proposed Action, none have been assessed for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. Nohistoric architectural resources or resources of traditional or cultural significance to Native American tribes areknown to be within the area of potential effect. Accordingly, the Proposed Action does not have the potential toimpact archaeological or architectural resources.

Project ID: B-5A.2

State: CA Station: CAX Location: Approx. Length (mi): 9.76

Section B-5A is remote and isolated somewhat.

000350

(b) (7)(E)


23/90

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: Long-term, minor, adverse and beneficial directand indirect effects on land use would occur as a result of the Proposed Action. Direct effects would occur in areascharacterized as General Agriculture and Heavy Agriculture Zones because small areas would be permanentlyconverted to Government Special Use Zones. These areas are currently near the U.S./Mexico international borderand it is likely that the proposed land use change would not result in the loss of agricultural lands. Long-term, minor,

adverse direct effects on land use would occur on BLM managed lands in the area of the Proposed Action. TheProposed Action would not result in a loss of any BLM managed lands. Therefore, the effects would be minor.Indirect beneficial effects could occur as a result of decreased illegal traffic within the areas adjacent to the ProposedAction. Air Quality: The Proposed Action would occur within a Federal marginal/State moderate nonattainmentarea for 8-hour 03 and Federal serious/State nonattainment area for PM10. General Conformity Rule requirementsare applicable to the Proposed Action. Emissions from the Proposed Action would not exceed the de minimis thresholds for the Southeast Desert Air Quality Control Region and would also be less than 10% of the emissionsinventory for the Region. Minor adverse impacts on local air quality would be anticipated as a result of theconstruction of section B-5A. Vegetation: Under the Proposed Action new boundary roads and access roads wouldbe constructed and existing roads widened resulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bushshrub communities corridor-wide and approximately 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B05A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat would result from the clearing of lay-downareas for construction materials and maintenance/storage areas. Effects of Colorado Desert vegetation removalwould be low to moderate adverse and long-term due to the large amount of similar vegetation regionally, otherconstruction projects in the area cumulatively resulting in vegetation removal, and the highly disturbed condition of the entire B-5A and B-5B corridor due to the previous and ongoing recreational activities. Sites within the projectcorridors that are disturbed temporarily during construction could re-vegetate to annual plant species resulting ininsignificant to low, beneficial and adverse, short- and long-term effects due to provision of food sources andground cover for wildlife and due to the potential spread of nonnative species including Mediterranean grass andcranes-bill, among others. Revegetation would be considered unlikely to occur due to the around-the-clock international border security patrol access needs, the tremendous seasonal presence of recreational vehicles, and lowannual precipitation. Therefore vegetation impacts related to fence installation would be considered long-term topermanent. Effects on sparse Colorado Desert vegetation communities due to elimination of human foot traffic andsome vehicle travel following construction of the PF as proposed would be insignificant, beneficial, and long-term.Surface Waters and Waters of the U.S.: Under the Proposed Action, PF and VF construction would occur on theinternational border up to 200 feet or more south of the All-American Canal, resulting in insignificant short- andlong-term adverse effects on surface water of the canal in terms of flow volume or duration and the canal waterquality would reflect conditions within the Colorado River Basin prior to delivery. Fences installed inwashes/arroyos would be designed and constructed in a manner to ensure that water flow during excessive rainevents would not be impeded or ponded. Approximately mile of Pinto Wash would be crossed by pedestrianfencing; however there would be insignificant effects on surface water flow volume, duration, and water quality in

this ephemeral drainage. Implementation of the Proposed Action would be expected to have insignificant short-

000351

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


24/90

term, adverse effects on surface water quality as a result of potential erosion and associated transport of sedimentsinto adjacent surface waters. Under the Proposed Action there would be no41 effect on submerged aquaticwetlands. An insignificant to low, long-term, beneficial effect on wetland communities would result fromeliminating or reducing significantly the human access of the canal bank and resultant trampling of plants. A formaldelineation and jurisdictional determination of the extent of waters of the U.S. that are likely to be impacted byimplementation of the Proposed Action will be conducted. Wildlife and Aquatic Resources: Under the ProposedAction, existing border access roads would be widened from approximately 16 feet to approximately 20 feetresulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of habitat. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas for construction materials and maintenance and storage areas for heavy equipment would be minimal aspreviously disturbed areas would be selected for these functions to the extent practicable. Potential impacts onwildlife and aquatic life include habitat loss, noise and physical disturbance associated with construction andsubsequent maintenance activities impacts of lights on nocturnal species, and beneficial impacts due to reducedcross-border violator traffic. Threatened and Endangered Species: Under the Proposed Action, new boundary roadsand construction access would occur and existing roads widened resulting gin the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bush shrub communities corridor-wide and 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B-5A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas forconstruction materials and maintenance/storage areas would be minimal. The implementation of best managementpractices and conservation efforts would be implemented to the fullest extent applicable and practical to minimizeimpacts to the flat-tailed horned lizard. Impacts to flat-tailed horned lizard are expected to be long-term minoradverse. Adverse impacts to the species would be offset by the beneficial impact of reduced cross-border violatortraffic through the remaining habitat. Cultural and Historic Resources: There are no archaeological sites within thearea of potential effect for the Proposed Action. Of the archaeological resources adjacent to the area of potentialeffect for the Proposed Action, none have been assessed for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. Nohistoric architectural resources or resources of traditional or cultural significance to Native American tribes are

known to be within the area of potential effect. Accordingly, the Proposed Action does not have the potential toimpact archaeological or architectural resources.

Project ID: B-5B State: CA Station: CAX Location: Approx. Length (mi): 2.85

This section runs through the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreational Area and is of course bordered by Mexico to thesouth. This area is used primarily by narcotic smugglers, but human smuggling also occurs here. Vehicles crossingthe border with large narcotic loads are common.

The eastern portion of this sectionhappens to be a seam with the Yuma BP Sector. Building infrastructure up the seam is proposed on the Yuma Sectorside, which makes it prudent to place infrastructure here as well so the criminal enterprises cannot exploit a gap in

the seams.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: Long-term, minor, adverse and beneficial direct

000352

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)

(b) (7)(E)


25/90

and indirect effects on land use would occur as a result of the Proposed Action. Direct effects would occur in areascharacterized as General Agriculture and Heavy Agriculture Zones because small areas would be permanentlyconverted to Government Special Use Zones. These areas are currently near the U.S./Mexico international borderand it is likely that the proposed land use change would not result in the loss of agricultural lands. Long-term, minor,adverse direct effects on land use would occur on BLM managed lands in the area of the Proposed Action. TheProposed Action would not result in a loss of any BLM managed lands. Therefore, the effects would be minor.Indirect beneficial effects could occur as a result of decreased illegal traffic within the areas adjacent to the ProposedAction. Air Quality: The Proposed Action would occur within a Federal marginal/State moderate nonattainmentarea for 8-hour 03 and Federal serious/State nonattainment area for PM10. General Conformity Rule requirementsare applicable to the Proposed Action. Emissions from the Proposed Action would not exceed the de minimis thresholds for the Southeast Desert Air Quality Control Region and would also be less than 10% of the emissionsinventory for the Region. Minor adverse impacts on local air quality would be anticipated as a result of theconstruction of section B-5B. Vegetation: Under the Proposed Action new boundary roads and access roads wouldbe constructed and existing roads widened resulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bushshrub communities corridor-wide and approximately 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B05A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat would result from the clearing of lay-downareas for construction materials and maintenance/storage areas. Effects of Colorado Desert vegetation removalwould be low to moderate adverse and long-term due to the large amount of similar vegetation regionally, otherconstruction projects in the area cumulatively resulting in vegetation removal, and the highly disturbed condition of the entire B-5A and B-5B corridor due to the previous and ongoing recreational activities. Sites within the projectcorridors that are disturbed temporarily during construction could re-vegetate to annual plant species resulting ininsignificant to low, beneficial and adverse, short- and long-term effects due to provision of food sources andground cover for wildlife and due to the potential spread of nonnative species including Mediterranean grass andcranes-bill, among others. Revegetation would be considered unlikely to occur due to the around-the-clock

international border security patrol access needs, the tremendous seasonal presence of recreational vehicles, and lowannual precipitation. Therefore vegetation impacts related to fence installation would be considered long-term topermanent. Effects on sparse Colorado Desert vegetation communities due to elimination of human foot traffic andsome vehicle travel following construction of the PF as proposed would be insignificant, beneficial, and long-term.Surface Waters and Waters of the U.S.: Under the Proposed Action, PF and VF construction would occur on theinternational border up to 200 feet or more south of the All-American Canal, resulting in insignificant short- andlong-term adverse effects on surface water of the canal in terms of flow volume or duration and the canal waterquality would reflect conditions within the Colorado River Basin prior to delivery. Fences installed inwashes/arroyos would be designed and constructed in a manner to ensure that water flow during excessive rainevents would not be impeded or ponded. Approximately mile of Pinto Wash would be crossed by pedestrianfencing; however there would be insignificant effects on surface water flow volume, duration, and water quality inthis ephemeral drainage. Implementation of the Proposed Action would be expected to have insignificant short-term, adverse effects on surface water quality as a result of potential erosion and associated transport of sedimentsinto adjacent surface waters. Under the Proposed Action there would be no effect on submerged aquatic wetlands.An insignificant to low, long-term, beneficial effect on wetland communities would result from eliminating or

reducing significantly the human access of the canal bank and resultant trampling of plants. A formal delineationand jurisdictional determination of the extent of waters of the U.S. that are likely to be impacted by implementationof the Proposed Action will be conducted. Wildlife and Aquatic Resources: Under the Proposed Action, existingborder access roads would be widened from approximately 16 feet to approximately 20 feet resulting in the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of habitat. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas forconstruction materials and maintenance and storage areas for heavy equipment would be minimal as previouslydisturbed areas would be selected for these functions to the extent practicable. Potential impacts on wildlife andaquatic life include habitat loss, noise and physical disturbance associated with construction and subsequentmaintenance activities impacts of lights on nocturnal species, and beneficial impacts due to reduced cross-borderviolator traffic. Threatened and Endangered Species: Under the Proposed Action, new boundary roads andconstruction access would occur and existing roads widened resulting gin the loss of approximately 5.3 acres of sparse creosote bush shrub communities corridor-wide and 8.3 acres of active sand dune communities adjacent toproposed sections B-4, B-5A, and B-5B. Additional loss of habitat resulting from clearing of lay-down areas forconstruction materials and maintenance/storage areas would be minimal. The implementation of best managementpractices and conservation efforts would be implemented to the fullest extent applicable and practical to minimizeimpacts to the flat-tailed horned lizard. Impacts to flat-tailed horned lizard are expected to be long-term minor

000353


26/90

adverse. Section B-5B extends into potential habitat for Algodones dune sunflower and Peirsons milkvetch.Surveys of this section, conducted in September 2007, revealed no plants of these species. In coordination with theUSFWS Carlsbad Office, identified best management practices for Peirsons milkvetch would be implemented tothe extent practicable and would serve to reduce impacts on Algodones dunes sunflower as well. Impacts toPeirsons milkvetch and Algodones dunes sunflower are expected to be short-term and moderate. Adverse impactsto threatened and endangered species would be offset by the beneficial impact of reduced cross-border violatortraffic through the remaining habitat. Cultural and Historic Resources: There are no archaeological sites within thearea of potential effect for the Proposed Action. Of the archaeological resources adjacent to the area of potentialeffect for the Proposed Action, none have been assessed for National Register of Historic Places eligibility. Nohistoric architectural resources or resources of traditional or cultural significance to Native American tribes areknown to be within the area of potential effect. Accordingly, the Proposed Action does not have the potential toimpact archaeological or architectural resources.

Yuma Sector The Yuma BP Sector contacted 23 individual landowners. In addition, the BP met withconcerned citizens and members of the Yuma Rod and Gun Club, with members of theSheriffs Department, USFWS, and Arizona Game and Fish in attendance. Five separatemeetings were also held with local officials, including public land managers, the SheriffsDepartment, the Quechan and Cocopah Indian Nations, and the Mayor of San Luis,Arizona.

For potential fencing within the Yuma Sector, CBP drafted a SupplementalEnvironmental Assessment that was released to the public on January 22, 2008. A publicopen house meeting was held in Yuma, Arizona on January 30, 2008.

The following table provides summary BP operational assessments for each potentialfence segment under consideration within the Yuma Sector, as well as a brief analysis of potential environmental impacts:

Project ID: C-1 State: CA Station: CAX/YUS Location: Andrade POE: Imperial sand dunes to CA-AZline

Approx. Length (mi): 10.28

The terrain throughout the C-1 segment consists of both urban and remote areas. The urban areas are adjacent to theAndrade POE and are comprised of neighborhoods and businesses within Mexico. On the United States side, theAndrade POE is surrounded by rolling hills and mountainous terrain. The remote portions of the C-1 segment are

adjacent to the Imperial Sand Dunes. The terrain is comprised of rolling sand dunes which are sparsely vegetated.The pedestrian fencing within the C-1 alignment would cover miles of urban and remote areas in California.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: No impacts to land use are anticipated under theproposed construction of C-1. The lands affected by the Proposed Action are currently part of the 60-foot RooseveltReservation or are under Bureau of Reclamation management. The Proposed Action is consistent with current useand management of the affected lands. Air Quality: Minor and temporary impacts on air quality would occurduring construction; however, air emissions would remain below de minimis levels. Vegetation: Although the

construction of C-1 and C-2B would result in the disturbance of up to 102 acres of vegetation, there would be

000354

(b) (7)(E)


27/90

minimal loss of vegetation communities since the project corridor is either disturbed by past activities or is devoid of vegetation. Surface Waters and Waters of the U.S.: The Proposed Action alternative would have minimal impacton surface water quality. Some temporary water quality impairments may occur if there is a major rain event duringthe construction efforts. Construction activities can disturb soils, which, in turn, increase the probability of sedimentmigration. No significant impacts on surface waters are expected. No jurisdictional Waters of the U.S. would beaffected by the implementation of the Proposed Action Alternative since one were observed within the projectcorridor. Wildlife and Aquatic Resources: The construction of C-1 and C-2B is anticipated to impact 102 acres;however, little impacts to wildlife habitats would occur since vegetation communities are sparse and considered lowquality. The construction of PF will preclude trans boundary migration of larger mammals. However, no significantadverse effects are anticipated as the majority of the project corridor on either side of the international border ishighly developed or disturbed and would not be expected to be an important migratory route for large mammalianspecies. Additionally, any such species that do occur in the project region are common in both the U.S. and Mexico.Threatened and Endangered Species: Under the Proposed Action Alternative only one Federally protected species,Pierson's milk vetch has the potential to be affected by the Proposed Action. However, based on surveys and theamount of disturbance that has occurred in the area, the construction of PF is not anticipated to have an affect on thisspecies. A total of eight state-protected species utilize habitats similar to those affected by the Proposed Action.Due to the vast amounts of similar habitat, impacts are anticipated to be negligible. There is the potential toadversely affect the flat-tailed horned lizard. Best management practices including openings in the fence for flat-tailed horned lizard movement will be incorporated to minimize impacts. Cultural and Historic Resources: It isanticipated that all infrastructure activities would occur adjacent to the existing historic levee and flood controlsystem. No direct impacts to the 91 previously recorded archeological sites which are located within one half mileof the project area of potential effect are anticipated from construction activities. Indirectly, the reduction of illegaltraffic through the area would have the potential for long term beneficial impacts to cultural resources found in theregion. The reduction of illegal traffic would decrease the amount of foot and vehicle traffic through the area which

has the potential of decreasing impacts to cultural resources.

Project ID: C-2B State: AZ Station: YUS Location: From end of PF 70 project to County 18 Approx. Length (mi): 3.70

The terrain through-out the C-2B segment is located adjacent to an urban area. The urban areas consist of neighborhoods and businesses in close proximity to the Colorado River as well as egress routes. The pedestrianfencing within the C-2B alignment would cover approximately 3.7 miles of this area.

Potential environmental impacts include the following. Land Use: No impacts to land use are anticipated under theProposed Action. The lands affected by the Proposed Action are currently part of the 60-foot Roosevelt Reservationor are under Bureau of Reclamation management. The Proposed Action is consistent with current use andmanagement of the affected lands. Air Quality: Minor and tempor

Draft Analysis of Alternative Frameworkv Final 90

Documents

Transcript of Draft Analysis of Alternative Frameworkv Final 90