Low-Level Bombers
To Impact NM Most

TAOS, N.M. —(AP)— Low-level military training flights would create more problems for northern New Mexico than for any other routes the Air Force is considering, a draft environmental impact statement found.

The Air Force is considering four routes in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico and over northern New Mexico to give its B-52 and B1-B pilots low-altitude flying experience over rugged terrain.

The impact statement, written by a private firm hired by the Air Force, outlines possible environmental effects of using the routes. The Air Force will choose one later.

All four routes are now used by the military, but people living near the one designated for new flights could see a substantial increase in low-flying subsonic bombers.

The Air Force says U.S. bomber pilots, previously trained for long-range strategic missions with nuclear weapons, now must learn how to fly tactical missions in support of friendly ground troops and naval vessels.

The statement says bombers using two of the West Texas routes also could have negative effects on the environment, but not to the extent as in northern New Mexico.

Some northern New Mexico residents fear noise and fuel discharges from bombers would threaten the area's quality of life and its wildlife.

The draft impact statement predicts "no likely effects on land use, recreation resources or visual settings'' from flights over northern New Mexico. Some communities could have an increase in noise, but not to levels that would be harmful, it said.

The Air Force acknowledges flights could impact areas that are home to threatened and endangered species, including bald eagles and peregrine falcons. The impact statement says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said low-altitude flights could disturb those species.

The document says other effects, to northern New Mexico archaeological sites, for example, could be mitigated.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., opposes the northern New Mexico route. Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., believes it may not be the best one for the Air Force but wants the military to have a fair review of its alternatives, a spokeswoman said.