FINDING OF NO PRACTICABLE ALTERNATIVE (FONPA)
CTA 341st TRS MWD Install 500-Gallon Above Ground Fuel Tank
The Air Force is proposing to install a 500-gallon above ground storage tank (AST) off of Patrol Road on Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Chapman Training Annex (CTA) to support the 341st Training Squadron (TRS) military working dog (MWD) mission. The project site within the current 100-year floodplain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Executive Order (EO) 11988, Floodplain Management, seeks to avoid construction of facilities or structures within floodplains “to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health and welfare and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains”.
The proposed action includes selective clearing of brush and trees, grading, trenching, laying concrete, laying asphalt, connection to existing on-site electrical, installing chain-link fence, installing bollards, installing the concrete pad and secondary containment, and installing the AST. The AST is intended to be a installed for approximately 5 years, as it will no longer be needed once the new MWD kennels are completed. Once there is no longer a need for the AST, the tank and the supporting infrastructure will be removed and the site returned to its original grade.
Another location outside of the floodplain was considered, however the site was rejected due to the construction restrictions of the area. Any alternatives considered must be in the floodplain, as all compatible sites near the current JBSA-CTA MWD campus reside in the floodplain. The Air Force conducted an environmental analysis in accordance Department of Defense National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, June 30, 2025. The analysis included an assessment of the impacts of the proposed action on flood risk to lives and property, and on the natural and beneficial values of floodplains, as described in the Water Resources Council’s implementation guidance to EO 11988.
The proposed action will result in no adverse effects to the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for this site indicates that the flood height in the 100-year flood event would result in approximately 8 feet of water at the site, the AST will be raised so that the bottom of the tank is above the floodwater height. This project would not cause adverse effects to the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain, nor will it cause the height or velocity of floodwaters to create flood hazards. Due to this, this action is not considered as incompatible development in a floodplain, and it is the only practicable alternative.
In accordance with the requirements of EO 11988, the Air Force provided Early Public Notice for the proposed action to occur in a 100-year floodplain. The Early Public Notice was posted on 9 January 2026 on the Joint Base San Antonio public website and was posted for 30 days. No public comments were received. (Posted Feb. 19, 2026)
KFA B807 Storage Shed Demolition
The Air Force is proposing to demolish the 2,183-square-foot storage shed off of Westover Road on Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Kelly Field Annex (KFA). A portion of the building lies within the current 100-year floodplain as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Executive Order (EO) 11988, Floodplain Management, seeks to avoid construction of facilities or structures within floodplains “to reduce the risk of flood loss, to minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health and welfare and to restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains”. The proposed action includes demolition of the building and associated driveway and concrete pads and the removal and capping of utilities. The site will be graded to provide positive drainage and to restore the site to a natural state for future use.
Any alternatives considered must be in the floodplain, as the building is currently in the floodplain. The Air Force conducted an environmental analysis in accordance with 32 CFR Part 989, Air Force Environmental Impact Analysis Process. The analysis included an assessment of the impacts of the proposed action on flood risk to lives and property, and on the natural and beneficial values of floodplains, as described in the Water Resources Council’s implementation guidance to EO 11988. FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for this site indicates that the flood height in the 100-year flood event would result in approximately 3 feet of water at the site. The proposed action will result in a positive effect to the natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain.
In accordance with the requirements of EO 11988, the Air Force provided Early Public Notice for the proposed action to occur in a 100-year floodplain. The Early Public Notice was posted on 5 August 2025 on the Joint Base San Antonio public website and was posted for 30 days. No public comments were received. (Posted Jan. 28, 2026)
NOTICE FOR EARLY PUBLIC REVIEW OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY WITHIN THE 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN – UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Early Public Notice for 26-010 LAK 502 CS ATCT Install New Fiber Path (WT 16790099)
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is inviting public input on any practicable alternatives for a proposed activity within the 100-year floodplain at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Kelly Field Annex (KFA). The Proposed Action involves the installation of approximately 40 feet of fiber optic cable in new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit along the bridge on Kelly Drive. The 502d Communications Squadron (CS) requires the new communications infrastructure to support the new Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT). The installation of the new communications infrastructure will occur within the 100-year floodplain associated with Leon Creek; however, there will be no ground disturbance associated with this action located within the floodplain. Alternative locations were considered; however, all viable locations reside inside of the 100-year floodplain.
The USAF is performing an environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to analyze the potential environmental impacts of the Proposed Action. This early public notice is required by Executive Order 11988 and has been prepared and made available to the public by the USAF in accordance with USAF Policy for NEPA Implementation, dated 7 July 2025, and Air Force Manual 32-7003 for actions proposed within the 100-year floodplain.
Address written comments to the USAF 802 CES/CEI, ATTN: NEPA Program Manager, 1555 Gott Street, JBSA-Lackland, TX 78236, or via email: 802CES.CEIE.NEPATeam@us.af.mil, or via phone: (210) 671-5320. (Posted Feb. 19, 2026)