McConnell addresses encroachment, sustainment challenges

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Jessica Brown
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell Air Force Base began the process of developing an Installation Complex Encroachment Management Action Plan (ICEMAP) on Jan. 27. with installation personnel interviews.

In an effort to identify, prevent and reduce encroachment, the environmental consulting firm Marstel-Day interviewed McConnell personnel and external community stakeholders.

Encroachment is defined as any activity that impairs or may potentially impair the current or future operational capability of an installation complex, which could limit its ability to accomplish the assigned mission, or that which may have an adverse effect on nearby communities.

"It is absolutely essential that we foster a sense of community by being good stewards of our land and good neighbors to those around us," said Col. Michael Mendoza, 22nd Mission Support Group commander. "We understand that with growth, the community could expand closer to the installation or vice versa.  The purpose of the ICEMAP process is to allow both entities the opportunity to plan jointly and ensure successful growth for all."

McConnell is the third Air Mobility Command base to be selected for ICEMAP; the first two were Travis AFB, Calif., and MacDill AFB, Fla.

The team met with wing leadership and several units from around the wing to include safety, security forces, civil engineering and airspace management to discuss base operations.  The team also expects to interview community partners sometime later in the spring.

Some of the areas the team considered were urban growth; airborne noise; natural factors and climate effects; cultural resources; unexploded ordnance and munitions and endangered species.

Information gathered during this initial phase will be documented and recommendations provided for management action.

"The concept is more than planning at the basic installation level," said Michael Mackay, 22nd Civil Engineer environmental engineer. "In this plan, we involve the regional community because McConnell is not alone here; we have a bigger role in the community and state."