Dust / Smoke / Steam
Dust results from the suspension of particulate matter in the air. Dust and smoke can be
created by fire (controlled or prescribed burns, agricultural burning, and artillery
exercises), ground disturbance (agricultural activities, military operations, grading),
industrial activities, and other processes. Dust, smoke, and steam are compatibility
issues if sufficient in quantity to impact flight operations, by reducing visibility, causing
equipment damage, or creating other safety impediments.
Particles of dust and other materials found in the air are referred to as particulate
matter. At certain concentrations, particulate matter can be harmful to humans and
animals can cause strains to the heart or longs if it is inhaled. Harmful particulate matter
(PM10 and PM2.5) can be caused by many activities, including driving on unpaved roads
and surfaces, wind, ground disturbance due to vehicle maneuvers, explosions, aircraft
operations, and other earth‐moving activities. One issue relating to Dust/Smoke/Steam
has been identified as part of this JLUS.
Activities at Florence Military Reservation sometimes generate dust.
Due to the desert landscape at Florence Military Reservation, dust is sometimes
generated from military operations such as vehicle maneuvering and weapons
firing on ranges and has caused some concerns for nearby residents. Dust could
become a larger concern if future development occurs closer to Florence
Military Reservation, or if there is an increase in regulatory oversight that
requires the minimization of dust emissions.
Energy Development
Development of energy sources, including alternative energy sources such as solar, wind,
geothermal, or biofuels can pose compatibility issues related to glare (solar energy), or
vertical obstruction and radar operations (wind generation). It is in both the military’s
and community’s interests to support responsible alternative energy development for
energy security and economic reasons. The emphasis of this analysis is to identify gaps in
coordination and/or communication and to increase understanding of a community’s
pursuits in such matters, the opportunities sought by alternative energy developers and
the intersection with the military footprint, with the goals that these activities exist in
mutually compatible environment. Three issues relating to Energy Development have
been identified as part of this JLUS.
There is potential for solar energy generation facility impacts.
There are several existing and proposed commercial solar energy generation
facilities within the JLUS Project Area that could cause glare impacts to
helicopter pilots. Coordination with the AZARNG on solar facility development
Pinal County Joint Land Use Study
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