Environmental Assessment of Replacing Building 5015 at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland

Abstract : The 89th Airlift Wing (89 AW) of the United States Air Force (USAF) has proposed to replace Building 5015 at Andrews Air Force Base (AFB), Maryland to further its anti-terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) objectives. The Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative were assessed in the attached Environmental Assessment (EA), which is hereby incorporated by reference. Andrews AFB is a USAF base under the Air Mobility Command and is the headquarters base to the 89 AW. The 89 AW provides logistical support for the President, Vice President, cabinet members, and high-ranking U.S. and foreign government officials. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to replace an inadequate existing facility to meet force protection and quality of life (QOL) standards. The current Building 5015 is an 8 foot by 8 foot modest facility that does not meet the force protection requirements, nor does it meet QOL standards for sustained operations. Replacing Building 5015 would provide Andrews AFB with the increased capability for current operations and sustain any future operations. The need for the proposed replacement of Building 5015 is to provide personnel with a more protected area from the environment and meet Air Force Instruction (AFI) 31-101, Air Force Physical Security Program. Andrews AFB proposes to replace Building 5015 with a more functional building. Building 5015 is currently an 8 foot by 8 foot (64 square feet) rudimentary structure. Under the Proposed Action, the building would be torn down and replaced with a larger, more functional 1,600 square foot structure. While the current building has minimal accessories, the new facility would have more modern and comfortable accommodations, including a Presidential appearance, a waiting area for guests, a restroom for guests, a secure guarded restroom, and a package X-ray.