HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-20-HFAC-min
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC)
Minutes
December 20, 2005
Minutes:
1. Anne Shapiro called the meeting to order. There were no comments on the
November meeting minutes, and they were accepted.
New Chair:
2. There was a motion for nomination of a new Chair for HFAC. Hank Manz was
nominated and voted as the Chair for HFAC for July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. H. Manz set
the next meeting for January 17, 2006 in Lexington, at 7:30 p.m.
Monthly Noise Report / Planning Report:
3. Sara Arnold reviewed the noise report for the
month of November. Comparing November 2005 to November 2004, she noted that there
were decreases in all aircraft categories except jets from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and there were
decreases in night operations and complaints.
There was a discussion about the increases in the noise monitor readings at Site 31—the
airfield monitor at the Concord end of Runway 11/29. It was noted that the levels have been
high for several months. A. Shapiro asked if this is correlated with runway usage and
commented that Concord residents have recently reported increases in aircraft noise. S.
Arnold explained that runway use is determined by a variety of factors, such as weather and
other air traffic. At this time of year the westerly winds tend to dominate, and this would
result in use of Runway 29, with departures going out over Site 31. Military aircraft and
nighttime activity are two other factors that can be particularly influential on the noise levels
at a particular site.
Tom Hirsch provided information about a website (www.flightaware.com) that tracks
Instrument Flight Rule operations at airports.
Planning:
4. S. Arnold reported that renovation of the terminal building bathrooms will begin
in the near future. She also commented on the recent snowstorm that produced thirteen
inches of snow.
Dorothy Steele informed the group that the new noise monitoring system was discussed at
the recent HATS meeting. Two nights in January 2006 have been tentatively identified for
Massport to meet with the Ad Hoc Noise Group to discuss the system.
In response to questions about Hangar 10, S. Arnold said that Stream Enterprises will be
replacing Hangar 10 with a new hangar that will be approximately 27,000 square feet.
Stream Enterprises currently has aircraft at Hanscom, and D. Steele will find out how many.
D. Steele also stated that the lease for Hangar 10 is still in negotiations and that the RFP for
the project was made public when it was issued.
In response to questions, Tom Ennis said
a.Massport expects to issue an RFP to the flight schools for development near Pine
Hill; the 2000 ESPR identified the potential for two 10-12,000 square foot hangars at
the site;
b.specific plans for development of a parcel located in the northeast quadrant of the
airfield, also included in the 2000 ESPR, have not been drafted;
c.property north of the airfield is still owned by the Navy.
There was discussion about Massport’s letter to Secretary Pritchard of the Executive Office
of Environmental Affairs regarding Crosspoint’s plans to replace Hangar 24 with a new
hangar and become a third Fixed Base Operator at Hanscom. This was written in response
to the Towns’ request for a MEPA fail safe review of the project. It was reiterated several
times that they feel this is critical.
A. Shapiro suggested that a site plan review by Concord would provide an opportunity to
look at issues regarding containment, fire suppression, environmental protection programs,
and training for local emergency personnel. She expressed concern about vapors. She
inquired about the risk of not having a Massport Fire Chief physically located at Hanscom.
T. Ennis and D. Steele explained that the Massport Fire Chief is responsible for all Massport
facilities, many of which are not located at his office at Logan. They also noted that the Air
Force has a full time fire department at the airport with a fire chief, and Massport has a
contract with the Air Force for their services. There was a brief discussion on the proximity
of houses to the proposed fuel farm at Crosspoint. T. Ennis said the site is eight acres, and
the location of the fuel farm has not been determined.
Shelly Moll said that Bedford is required by the Mass. Water Resources Authority to protect
and correct problems at the Bedford wells that are currently closed. He said the Massport
letter incorrectly characterized the issues of contamination and current use. He said that if
MEPA doesn’t require a review then he would personally ask for an opportunity to see the
proposed design to understand how the Bedford wells will be protected. D. Steele said that
she appreciates the towns’ concerns, and Massport will continue to share information.
5.
Runway Safety Area (RSA) Project Presentation:
T. Ennis reviewed the history of the
Runway Safety Area project, reporting that there was an extensive public process starting in
1999. Because of the effect on wetlands at the Runway 23 end, Massport prepared an
Environmental Notification Form for the project. On October 24, 2005, Massport received a
scope of work from MEPA for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
The FAA wants airports to have updated Airport Layout Plans (ALP) be on file. The ALP is
not a physical/master planning document but a confirmation of airport development and
identifies planned development locations. T. Ennis confirmed that Massport is developing
an updated ALP which will be submitted to the FAA. The ESPR will be the basis for the
development of the ALP. The ALP update does not require a public process, but there will
be a public comment period on the RSA’s EIR.
Adjournment:
6. The meeting was adjourned.
HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION
DATE: 12/20/05
HFAC MEMBER ATTENDEES
CATEGORYNAMEIN ATTENDANCE
Contiguous Towns (4)**********************
BedfordSheldon MollX
Bedford Alt.Mark Siegenthaler
ConcordAnne ShapiroX
Concord Alt.Charles Blair
LexingtonHank ManzX
Lexington Alt.Michael Barrett
LincolnSara Mattes
Lincoln Alt.Sarah Cannon-Holden
Local Citizen Groups (2)**********************
So. LexMargaret CoppeX
No. LexGraydon WheatonX
Area Wide Organizations (2)**********************
LWVMelodee Wagen
LWV Alt.
Other Area Towns (2)**********************
CarlisleSteve Lerner
WalthamRep. Tom Stanley
Waltham Alt.Michael Squillante
Businesses Basing Acft at Hanscom (2)**********************
VACANT
RaytheonMichael Burke
Aviation/Aviation Related Businesses (2)**********************
Jet AviationFrank Diglio
Signature Flight SupportRick Blaze
Signature Alt.Jim Phelps
Business Aviation Organization (1)**********************
MBAAJohn Williams
NBAA (Alt. Org.)Ken Heider
General Aviation Organization (1)**********************
Hanscom Pilots AssociationThomas HirschX
Ex-Officio Members**********************
MassportSara ArnoldX
MassportBarbara Patzner
MassportCedric DanielX
MassportDorothy SteeleX
MassportTom EnnisX
HAFBRhonda Siciliano
FAADave Bayley
MMNHPNancy Nelson