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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-16-HFAC-min DRAFT Hanscom Field Advisory Commission Minutes November 16, 2004 1.Annual Noise Report: Richard Walsh said that because of Sara Arnold’s absence, the presentation of the annual noise report will have to be postponed until the next meeting. 2.Monthly Noise Report : Cedric Daniel of Massport presented the Noise Report for October 2004. There was discussion about the 10PM to 11PM air traffic and about the difference between the “noise penalty” for measuring noise from 10PM to 11PM, which is consistent with FAA supported metrics, and the nighttime noise use fee, which doesn’t include 10PM to 7AM activity. Hanscom’ nighttime fee has been part of Massport’s regulations since 1980 and is grandfathered. There were questions about the capabilities of the upgraded noise monitoring system that Massport is purchasing. It was recommended that this discussion be postponed until after the contractor for the new system makes its presentation; the next meeting will be the appropriate time to ask questions about the new system. Richard Canale commented that HATS should be involved in the processes being developed to discuss the new noise monitoring system because noise issues are of particular importance to HATS. 3.Runway 5/23 Discussion: Tom Ennis of Massport presented an update on the Runway 5/23 safety area project. He noted that the 2001 report on this project has detailed information and was sent to the four town libraries. In response to questions, T. Ennis reported: - the Runway 23 safety area was approximately 5,000 square feet and the grading will be nearly level; the project is on Massport land. - Massport had its kick-off meeting for this project on Nov. 14. - Permitting should be complete at the end of 2005. - Construction is scheduled to begin by 2006. - The project was in response to more stringent requirements included in the FAA Advisory Circular for runway projects. - The project will not increase the length of the runway or change the size the aircraft able to operate at Hanscom. - There are certain checkpoints where approvals need to be met and the consultant working on this project will prepare the schedule for this. - The project will cost $1.3m, and there is no grant money for it. 4.Runway/Taxiway Maintenance Program & Impervious Surfaces: T. Ennis briefed the Commission on projects to remove impervious surfaces on the airfield. He said currently work is being done to remove two and half acres of pavement, and another two acres is scheduled to be removed. He explained that, when possible, Massport tries to remove pavement as part of its runway/taxiway maintenance program. In response to questions, T. Ennis said that: - there have been no increases of impervious surface. - development of the East Ramp could be done without increasing impervious surface, but there are access issues relating to security at Hanscom Air Force Base (HAFB). - Massport will most likely issue a Request for Interest and/or a Request for Proposals for the land on the north side of the airfield and let the market determine the kind of hangar(s). - Because HAFB cannot advocate for keeping the Base open during the Base Realignment and Closure process, Massport cannot work with the Base on this issue. However, Massport has offered some land for the Base to use, if needed. 5.Massport Projects: Upgraded Noise Monitoring System: A group is being formed to provide Massport with comments and suggestions as the noise monitoring system is upgraded. Massport has been working with the HFAC chair on this. It was recommended that members of the Noise Working Group, which was created after the 1995 Generic Environmental and Status Report was completed, be included. Although T. Ennis was involved with the Noise Working Group, it is unlikely that he will be available for this project. Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR): T. Ennis expects that the scope for the 2005 ESPR will be available sometime before June 2005. 6.Other: In response to questions, R. Walsh stated that he has nothing to report on potential cargo activity at Hanscom. He stated that Massport has had conversations with two commercial carriers in the last month, and they were only inquiries that were not initiated by Massport. Walsh also mentioned that, although air taxi services are not required to do this, Linear Air has an agreement with Massport to provide operation and enplanement information. 7.Next Meeting: Although the next meeting is scheduled for December 21, 2004, during Christmas week, HFAC decided not to change it. 8.Approval of Minutes from September and October meetings : Two corrections were noted on the October minutes. Regarding the third paragraph in the noise monitoring section of the report, John Williams explained that he was just seeking clarification on how HFAC measures noise. R. Walsh asked to change a part in the first paragraph of the noise monitor section to “to the Board is considering approving the vendor”. Two corrections were noted on the September minutes as well. In the commercial activity section, it was noted that Massport needs “ten thousand enplanements”. It was also noted that Mr. Walsh reported having had no discussions with cargo companies but there had been contact with commercial passenger carriers.