Vertical Obstructions
Vertical obstructions are created by buildings, trees, structures, or other features that
may encroach into the navigable airspace or line‐of‐sight of radar signal transmission
pathways used by the military. These obstructions can be a safety hazard to both military
personnel and the public, with subsequent potential adverse impacts to military
readiness. Vertical obstructions can compromise the value of low‐level flight training by
limiting the areas where such training can occur. Obstructions can include a range of
items from man‐made, such as buildings, telephone poles, utility transmission towers,
and radio antennas, to natural, such as tall trees and land features. Vertical obstructions
can also interfere with radar transmissions, compromising the integrity of data
transmission between the transmitter and receiver. Though most critical near the
transmitter, the geographic area impacting the transmissions, or radar viewshed, can be
broad depending on the distance between the transmitter and receiver. Two issues
relating to Vertical Obstructions have been identified as part of this JLUS.
Future power transmission line projects could pose helicopter flight hazards.
As Arizona’s power grid continues to grow to support new development and
increasing demand, new power lines will need to be installed. New utility
corridor and power line construction should be coordinated with the AZARNG to
mitigate potential impacts to helicopter flight areas, especially those where
low‐level training occurs.
Cellular communication towers may generate obstructions to flight
operations.
Pinal County and incorporated municipalities approve cellular communication
towers within the JLUS Project Area but do not coordinate with the AZARNG in
order to identify their potential impacts on military flight operations.
Water Quality / Quantity
Water quality/quantity concerns include the assurance that adequate water supplies of
good quality are available for use by the military and surrounding communities to
support current needs and future planned growth. Water supply for agriculture and
industrial use is also an important consideration. One issue relating to Water Quality/
Quantity has been identified as part of this JLUS.
Limited water availability may constrain future capabilities and facility
expansion at Florence Military Reservation.
There is limited water availability and connectivity to support future
development at Florence Military Reservation. Water availability also limits
future development and growth in the region surrounding the installation.
Pinal County Joint Land Use Study
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