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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-27-HATS-min HATS Meeting Feb. 27, 2014 Meeting Minutes Attending: HATS Selectmen Members Mike Rosenberg, HATS Chair, Selectmen; Peter Braun, Lin- coln, Elise Woodward, Concord, Planning Board Representatives. Lisa Mustapich, Bedford, Other HATS Representatives John Willson, Bedford at-large, oOthers in attendance Steve Ng, Concord Se- lectman, Jennifer Green-Lanchoney, Hanscom, Lou Sideris, Minute Man National Park, Stewart Dalzell, Tom Ennis and Amber Goodspeed, Massport; Stephen Barrett, Phil DiVita and Brad Nichols, Harris, Mil- ler, Miller&Hanson (HMMH) Mr Rosenberg opened the meeting at 710 p m with welcome and introductions at the Concord Town House The new community affairs representative from the base, Jennifer Green-Lanchoney, introduced herself and thanked HATS for their representation at the recent US Rep. Clark visit to the base. The 2013 Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) Tom Ennis, Massachusetts Port Authority, said the ESPR is a comprehensive planning document and unique in its function in evaluating past operations and existing conditions for noise, air quality and future forecasts (in this case 2020 and 2030). It analyzes existing facilitates, operations, noise, air quality, airport authority, cultural, historical and traffic data. This process began in 1995 with the latest data for 2005 through 2012. The next anticipated ESPR will be in 2017. Steve Barrett went through the detailed report (see presentation). The airfield was built in 1941 and represents an important regional asset. Since then there has been a lot of residential development as the dominant land use Large tracts of public land have provided a buffer The role of Hanscom Field in regards to regional transportation has been to support Logan Airport,providing limited niche commercial cargo along with general aviation(GA). The purpose of the ESPR is to engage the community to assess environmental impact and obtain feedback for the air- field's future. The scope is developed through a public process with confirmation from the Secretary of Environmental Affairs. Facilities and infrastructure Includes building, activities and projects conducted at Hanscom since 2005 as well as improvements to meet FAA safety standards Operation activity levels have declined since 2005 with the exception of April 2011 and September 2012. There has been some growth in business jet travel and more demand for that type of use. Growth is expected to increase in 2020 but not to the levels of 2005, with limited but reasonable growth in 2030. Ms. Woodward asked how estimates were estab- lished. Forecasting included activity trends and industry expectations for business growth,with an excep- tion for military activity There is a demand to use Hanscom in the GA sector Mr. Braun asked about larger increases in the business area due to interest in the location. Time frames and traffic were discussed as well as the plan to re-evaluate changing trends, projects, and growth every five years with a goal to minimize environmental impacts. The Boston region is anticipating opportunities to include the availability of new hangars at Hanscom Planning areas and regional transportation were discussed(see map of areas with direct airfield connections) Traffic: Hanscom Field generates very little of the traffic through the impacted area, as most is pass- through traffic and a significant amount is from base employment. Graphs with peak traffic were re- viewed and impacts discussed. Growth for traffic is expected to be from 3-4% to 7% in 2030. There was a question about whether it is really necessary to house corporate jets at HAFB Massport owns Logan, HAFB and Worcester. Logan is major commercial but cannot house planes; Worcester and HAFB do allow this. Noise Brad Nichols showed a noise comparison map indicating a decrease in noise from 2005-2012 Re- sults are from flight track data and runway utilization rates Also taken into consideration is that opera- tions have decreased and aircraft are quieter in general. The louder aircraft are older, not as economical and efficient, and will all be phased out by 2015. There is also work to change flight patterns as the pro- jection map shows a slight increase in the future. Mr. Rosenberg pointed out that the consolidated opera- tion projections for 2030 will be even quieter than they were in 2005. There are no projections beyond 2030 Noise contours were discussed and are not impacted in a significant way Environmentally beneficial measures• (1) Looking to reduce noise at the Minuteman National Historic Park(MMNHP) -worked with operators and FAA to redefine the pattern for touch and go activity to be closer to the airport; (2) Fly Friendly program - restrictions on use of generators; (3)portal for noise mon- itoring system-updated and includes easy access for reporting. Air quality Phil DiVita began reviewing the analysis of existing conditions of the Hanscom area for air- craft emissions and vehicle traffic. The Boston area air quality is improving and HAFB emissions are small compared to the general Boston area, with a decrease from 2005-12. Future results show impacts below the MA ambient air quality standards. Hanscom does not conduct air quality tests so comparisons used Boston data for pollutants that were tested (reviewed these). HAFB is more conservative as it is more rural with less emissions than the general Boston city area and was not identified as an airport of concern for lead emissions so is not currently conducting lead testing The EPA and FAA evaluated air- ports across the country and identified a threshold limit to require conduction of lead measurements. Nantucket was above the threshold and HAFB was below and exempted from monitoring. It was pointed out that monitoring is beneficial for the public good and Massport is open to this. Wetlands Stephen Barrett reviewed a map of the area As a result of a review of the conditions on natu- ral habitats and hydrological resources they now have a fairly comprehensive view of the wetlands The location of the Jet Aviation project was pointed out on the map as well as wetland areas near the project. Cultural and historic resources: Overall there has been a decrease in noise impacting these resources. A resource map of the historic and cultural resources around the HAFB was shown. The four Historic Commissions were asked about additions to historic features prior to final data results An exception is the Hartwell Town Forest in Bedford, right at the end of the runway Sustainability: There have been achievements implemented across facilities. There was a solar photo- voltaic system put on top of terminal building sized for 10% and is producing 20%. Any new 3rd party development is required to design to LEED silver standards to include all the new hangers Ms Wood- ward asked if trash vehicles would be converted to compressed natural gas and if there would be a station at HAFB. They will look into this Public comment: Reviewed public meeting schedule. There is a MEPA meeting Monday at the Hanscom terminal. The public comment period ends March 11 and comments can be submitted to Secretary Richard K Sullivan Jr, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Attn: MEPA Office EEA 5484/8696 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston 02114 MEPA Analyst Alex Strysky The discussion was opened up for questions. Ms. Woodward thanked them for the presentation. Ms. Woodward asked what the takeaway should be in the broadest sense. This is that there is a decrease in impacts from 2005-2012 due to slight decrease in operations but also some modifications to flight pat- terns (with park and FAA) Ms. Woodward said the communities have appreciated the attention Massport has given to their concerns. It was recommended HATS not participate because there was no reception to the ideas these communities had at that time. The Environmental Subcommittee will reassess its involvement and HATS will make wntten comment. Her goal is for HAFB to be the greenest airport around and encouraged Massport to consider more environmental testing, solar and sustainable initiatives even if it is not required Mr Braun agreed Massport appreciated the comments and recognize their facility impacts surrounding areas. They want to be environmentally friendly and are working towards this in many ways to include noise, management of runoff, and open space. Even with projected modest growth, environmental impacts are less than they were previously However, a goal is not to increase commercial activity Ms. Woodward is concerned about the floating baseline year tied to 2005. Improvements in jet engine air- craft and the decreased noise of those mechanics have worked to the advantage of balancing noise and pollution even with slight increase in growth. There is interest in the growth curve and at what point the noise associated with increased aircraft activity will come back to the 2005 level. Kate Winchell asked for an email address for public comments It is in the report Mr. Rosenberg said they were happy to provide this forum for overview. He thanked them for bringing the sources to share with towns and representatives. Update: Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force Mr. Braun met with Senator Markey's staff, Rocco Denco, the military affairs specialist. A goal was to keep HAFB off the list of closures as it is too essential to the area—the senator may visit the base and endorses HATS strategy to build and maintain connections for local support. Currently it is the Task Force that coordinates with the base and federal delegation There is a weekly call with Mass Develop- ment and Senator Warren's office There are no specific plans for a BRAC at this time A differentiating factor for HAFB may be its focus on cyber security. It was noted that General Welsh noticed strong local support so HATS Selectmen, Town Managers, MMNHP and Massport were invited to a brainstorming exercise on base to begin in March(to be run by the Pentagon for 5 months)to bring local stakeholders together to regionalize base services. Mr Braun will meet monthly with Adam Freud Burke who is a good resource and knows of no plans for a BRAC. The military favors a BRAC to cut costs although it is a bit unclear how much was saved with the last BRAC Congresswoman Clark, who has a good sense for military affairs, has already visited the base and Mr. Braun will meet with her in early March. There was a brief discussion about a historic and archeological review to include a new location for the Lincoln Lab facility Lincoln Labs will be invited to a future meeting The state bond bill was passed unanimously by legislature and the Task force codified into the State apparatus. The 1st use of funds at HAFB is $3m to renovate the CEIF facility, used to test and integrate cyber software with multi-uses (public and private). Improvements include a tower and new HVAC. Other projects are (1) a runway at Barnes (2)Vandenberg gate land swap - zero cost swap at Cape Cod to enable gate to be pushed out to increase security along with a visitor's center The middle school will be constructed this Spring and funding is moving forward for the primary school. Lincoln Labs funding proposal is moving forward. The National Commission on the Air Force (AF), created last year by Congress, did an independent re- view of the AF after the general's November visit and are considering reducing personnel and excess in- frastructure as well as creating a greater alliance with reservists and the National Guard There is interest to develop a green energy committee for new ideas. There was an inquiry and discussion regarding local area town staff involvement in committees - it is quite a time commitment. The Concord Town Manager and Ms. Woodward will attend the first meeting and evaluate status The expectation is as different ideas surface different people from different depart- ments will need to participate The Lincoln Town Manager and Mr Braun will attend bringing in other resources as necessary. Participation is reported to Washington. There was discussion of bearing the costs and services that could be regionalized. Lincoln has regional schools, medical care, utilities and police consortium. There is also a solid waste facility and affordable housing trust Mr Rosenberg pointed out that it is a challenge to regionalize core services Lincoln did decide not to share dispatch and police services due to no quality upgrade and no savings Hamilton and Wenham are close to a municipal merger. ESPR follow up discussion regarding written comments: HATS agreed to provide written comments and follow up with Ms. Mauger and Mr. Richard Canale (former Chair of Environmental Subcommittee)to include any comments from MAPC Ms Woodward will draft and circulate comments Mr Braun will follow up with Chris Riley, Land Use Director, for his participation Lou Sideris, MMNHP, reiterated that the ESPR is a projection and not a plan but still based on market forces. He expressed concern that there is not a focus on controlled growth, that we are merely respond- ing to the market,with projection for two times as many business jets in 2030 Mr Rosenberg pointed out that there is not a focus to increase commercial activity but as the airfield is a GA reliever, activity could increase without solicitation There was a discussion regarding the area mission, gov't regulations and political influences and challenges. HATS would like to continue to provide consistency in their communication and recommendations to include looking at how jet business will impact the area and de- velopment. Ms Woodward asked for people to send specific comments for inclusion Regional transportation updates: HFAC.• The February meeting was cancelled as Concord offices were closed. There is a meeting on 3/18 to review January meeting minutes and the January/February noise report presentation from the State of Hanscom Battle Road Scenic Byway updates• Lou Sideris gave an update. Funding may come through an MAPC grant and help may come with developing and maintaining a website for marketing purposes. There is already a fund source to hire a graphics firm to work on the logo. Other updates. Mr Braun mentioned that Rt 2/ 128 work will begin in the Spring Lincoln continues to work closely with Department of Transportation(DOT) regarding enhancements to their landscaping and fencing plan. The next phase it the Crosby's Corner area with increased activity regarding location of bridge, service road and ramp where lanes will be shunted to the north to loop aggressively around this area to create room to build a bridge. The senior living facility is in its final stages of permitting in Lin- coln -this is near the access road so there will be heavy construction to begin in the summer. Mr Rosenberg pointed out that traffic impacts are not necessarily considered in the ESPR projections Mr. Braun expressed that the relationship with the Department of Transportation has been excellent and they have been responsive. The next HATS meeting is 4 weeks away and agenda items were discussed to include Lincoln Labs Ms Woodward out of town that week and the meeting may be held in Bedford Mr Braun has reelection ef- fort coming up end of March and Mr. Rosenberg said HATS has a letter of endorsement to submit and will to the Lincoln Journal and Lincoln Squirrel. Minutes: January 23, 2014 Mr Braun moved to approve the January 23, 2014, meeting minutes Ms Woodward seconded the mo- tion. Vote: Approved 3-0-0. Adjourn: Mr Braun moved to adjourn Ms Woodward seconded the motion Vote Approved 4-0-0 The meeting adjourned at 9 27 pm