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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-04-21-HFA-min HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION APRIL 21 , 1987 MINUTES OF THE MEETING The following attended the meeting ' Dee Shepard Massport Joyce Hals Massport Bob Miller H.M.M.H. Mary Ellen Eagan H .M.M.H . Ted Jula HPA Donald H. Wilson HPA Ed Trautman Lexington Henry Wilfholm Digital Evelyn Parent HPA Gary Skocay Lexington Liz Banks Lexington Minuteman Ed Farnsworth HPA Peter Barker North Lexington Assoc . Robert K . Schaeberle Jet AN, iation Michael Dye Jet Aviation Tom Wigglesworth Jet ANiation Robert Nash Minuteman National Park Francesca de Van Massport David Needham Lexington John Vallee Beechcraft Bob Lombardo Beechcraft Graydon Wheaton CAPA Russ Arena Raytheon Co . Ashraf Jan FAA , Planning Augie Grace State Rep. Burlington/Bed. Rick Hill Concord Jane Farmer LWV Rick Theriault Lincoln Jo Rita Jordan Carlisle Ben Obear A .0 P.A . Michelle Matted Bedford Robert. Domnitz Merriam Hill Assoc . John M. Wraga Beechcraft 1 . Minutes Corrections Bob Domnitz asked that the resolution regarding purchase of the Cerasuolo parcel be included in the minutes . ( see attached ) Michelle Matteo corrected under "Other" , description of two bills filed as follows . Matteo advised that two bills have been filed #1302 fcr a in lieu of tax payment to surrounding towns at Hanscom and #1490 to provide that the development of any facility within Hanscom Field property for any purposes other than those directly related to the operation of aircraft, shall be subject to the provisions of some of the Mass General Laws . The North Lexington Association , under "Other" , asked that the words strong opinion be changed to opposition and that a copy of the petition be included in the minutes . ( see attached) 2 . Draft 1986 Noise Review - Bob Miller from Harris Miller Miller and Hanson, Inc . summarized the Draft report which had been mailed with the Agenda . He said , that Commission members ' questions and comments would be taken into consideration in the final report. The Noise Subcommittee agreed to hold a meeting om May 7th if it fits Bob Miller' s schedule , to discuss the report further. The major changes identified in the report were that multi-engine aircraft operations decreased from an average of 41 per day in 1985 to 38 per day in 1986 . There was also a noticeable decrease in military flights . Corporate jet activity increased overall during this period, however the majority of the operations occurred in quieter jets , mitigating the potential increase on the noise exposure levels The noise exposure at Hanscom decreased in 1986 , as did the number of total operations , from 247 , 000 to 232 , 000 . Miller also addressed the issue of accounting for single engine aircraft operations in the total noise levels at Hanscom. He explained that due to the difficulty in counting each operation , an estimate of the single engine aircraft flights had been made and taken into account . He estimated these operations from 1978 through 1986 and found that the effect on total noise contribution from this class of aircraft has remained fairly constant over the years , showing the same trends . Single engine aircraft contribute a significant, but expected part of the total noise exposure at Hanscom. A measurement program will be conducted this summer to provide data that will reassess single engine aircraft ' s contribution to noise because an actual count of the operations will take place . Several questions were raised by attendees regarding the methodology for calculating EXP; FAA guidelines for estimating aircraft noise ; and the accuracy of the noise measurement program for determining Ldn contour lines . In response to the question about the source of the reference SEL value used for calculating the effect of single engine aircraft , Mr. Miller stated that it came from a noise and performance data base developed by the FAA for use in noise modeling. Bob Miller also indicated that the methods used for measuring noise have been tested and proven to be very accurate . Peter Barker said the noise abatement program is unworkable and urged that Massport look into the remote monitoring system in place at the San Jose Airport . Miller advised that this type of program costs about $500 , 000 to set up While discussing noise abatement, Joyce Hals added that responding to noise complaints is a problem because the aircraft operate according to procedures alloued by the FAA She said the pilots based at Hanscom recognize the area to be noise sensitive and have been provided a copy of Noise Abatement Procedures . The Hanscom Pilots Association have also distributed copies of a program for based aircraft to follow. In addition most transient corporate pilots flying into Hanscom are also aware that the airport is considered to he 'noise sensitive ' . It was decided to have further discussions of the Draft Report and Noise Abatement Program at the Noise Subcommittee meeting . 3 . Minuteman National Park Review of General Management Plan Bob Nash , Superintendent , distributed copies of a new general management alternative plans . Nash discussed the preffered alternative The project ' s long term impact on the area will be a realigned 2A. Public meetings will be held and comments welcomed through the end of May. 4 . Jet Aviation Fuel Spill Michael Dye reviewed the process he followed after learning about a fuel spill which occured on January 17 . He explained how the spill occurred and the ongoing efforts to clean it up. Tom Wigglsworth , a consultant for Jet Aviation , who has analyzed the situation, reported the hork done so far , and how they plan to proceed He told the HFAC that there were four monitors in place at the time of the spill . After sampling the monitors , Wigglesworth said that approximately 90% of the fuel had been recoNered. Jet Axiation has also installed additional sub surface monitoring hells . The plan is to recover the remaining fuel by depressing the water table and pumping it through the oil /hater separator , cleaning the water in the process . The data from the sub surface wells shows the product is not travelling . DEQE and Massport. ‘ isited the site on April 21st and discussed the recoN. ery program. DEQE will issue a 21E letter to Jet Aviation which instructs them how to proceed . During the discussion , the members expressed frustration that the report was not provided to HFAC as soon as the spill occurred . Joyce Hals responded that Massport had requested a spill event report from Jet Aviation with details , and did not know the extent of the spill at that time . Commission members asked about the status of the underground vault. Massport reported that review of the plans showed no vault . Ashraf Jan , from the FAA, stated that during discussions with Stead Aviation , ( the company which built the fuel farm ) assurances had been made that there would be a vault. Jane Farmer asked whose responsibility it is to inspect buildings on Massport property and was told that it is the responsibility of the Department of Public Safety. Joyce Hals said she would check the files and determine what had been proposed at the time Stead Aviation presented the plans . The HFAC asked Massport to inform the Commission more quicly if such a spill were to occur again. 5 . Massport Communications Program Francesca deVan , Assistant Director of Public Affairs , Corporate Communications for Massport discussed Massport ' s public affairs/communications plan to continue to strengthen the authority' s relationship with the HFAC and the surrounding communities . She referred to a previous attempt to understand areas of concern from the HFAC, however she noted most of the members of the commission had not responded. The communications program consists of a grass roots campaign to meet one-on-one 1,ith constituencies in the four communities These contituencies will he users , adjacent town officials , neighbors , etc . There will be approximately 50 to 80 meetings whereby, Massport will learn the collective and individual priorities and concerns of each community. de Van suggested a communications sub-committee of the HFAC to appointed. Rick Theriault , Bob Domnitz , Bill Sohni , and Jo Rita Jordan agreed to work with de Van on the communications program. Mr. Theriault said the commission feels its advisory role should be reviewed and defined , or possibly changed so that the HFAC has more power to influence Massport decisions . At which point Joyce Hals stated that Massport does pay a great deal of attention to HFAC opinions She read a letter from Massport Executive Director David Davis to legislators where Massport disclosed it l'ould put on hold the proposal to build a limited service motel and will instead begin a careful analysis of land use issues at Hanscom. Representative Augustus Grace of Bedford told the HFAC that while he has been a representative for about four months , he ..as encouraged by Massport ' s cooperation . Representative Grace encouraged the HFAC to more be more optimistic with Massport as Massport is "reaching out with an olive branch" . HFAC members suggested that Massport board meeting agendas and minutes be mailed to chairman of HFAC and that the chairman or another HFAC commission member attend the monthly board meetings Nominating Committee Report Bob Domnitz handed out the recommendations Michelle Matteo is nominated to chair the HFAC next year . ( see attached report ) Statistics and Planning Joyce Hals advised the HFAC that , a) Hazardous attendWaste the Mayrepresentative meeting tofrom describeAir Force the summer expected to program for removal of waste at Hanscom Field. b) Gillette Hangar - A company with aircraft based at Logan is considering taking oxer the hangar and Gulfstream 2 . Nothing is firm at this time. c ) Cerasuolo Property - Massport will meet with Bedford representatives to discuss the proposed purchase. HFAC' s recommendation will be taken into account . d) Raytheon Company - Massport intends to enter into a new five year lease with the company for several buildings currently rented. None of the buildings in the lease is used for flight activity. Raytheon owns its hangar. Raytheon also had requested permission to conduct some testing of optical systems at Hanscom. This requires that aircraft make several passes over the airport at altitudes between 200 ' -500 ' in a tc.in engine Beech 99 . The flights will occur under good weather conditions Each flight will use noise abatement procedures . Flights will begin in May and be conducted for 4 to 6 weeks. At most, two flights will take place each day, with one flight lasting from 1 to 2 hours , depending on other air traffic in the area. e ) Lincoln Land Swap - Massport has been discussing suitable language to insert into the property deeds for persons purchasing condominuims from the new housing development . Lincoln and Massport are expected to reach a consensus within the next few weeks . The land sap is contingent upon both parties agreeing to the language . f) Statistics & Planning - The monthly statistics report was distributed Compared to previous months , the number of night flights increased substantially in March . The noise complaints also increased . Members requested an answer to the question asked at the March meeting regarding the difference in EXP as compared to fewer operations . A report showing each month ' s fleet mix will be available at the next meeting Questions were asked about the two operators adxertising serxice from Hanscom. Joyce Hals reported that Hub Airlines , a charter company, had come to the HFAC last year to discuss its operation Hals called the owner and was assured that no change in the operation, as described to HFAC, was contemplated , but Massport would be notified if plans change. The other airline, Cape Cod Commuter, has not contacted Massport to obtain any permits . Michelle Matteo asked about the status of the railroad spur. Joyce Hals explained that the General Services Administration had withdrawn the land from purchase. This was done following a request from Massport for an explanation of the process used to determine that Lexington had the best use for the property. Submitted by. Joyce Hals SUMMARY SUBMITTED BY JO RITA JORDAN Hanscom Held Advisory Commission — April 21, 1987 Meeting 1986 Noise Review Bob Miller, of the consulting firm Harris, Miller, Miller, and Hanson, presented a draft of the annual noise review for 1986, the noise subcommitte will meet to review the draft in detail Notable items from the report. • Total traffic (larger than single engines) declined 4% from 1985 • Single engine traffic (about 85% of the total) declined 6% • Business jet activity increased 19%. • Military traffic declined significantly from 1985, when traffic was diverted from Pease Air Force base during runway repairs. • Calculated noise exposure levels (EXP) declined from 1 1 1 7 dB in 1985 to 110.2 dB in 1986 For the first time, the HMMH report tried to account for noise contributions from single engine aircraft. They were only able to guess at single engine (VFR) operations, since there are only records of Instrument arrivals and departures (mostly larger aircraft) They used noise data from the FAA(which is disputed by the Hanscom Pilots' Association)to adjust EXP calculations for 1978-1986. Data from a HMMH table is charted on the next page, showing that estimated single engine noise adds about 1-2 dB to the total noise exposure index. The 1978 civilian baseline rises from 110?Ito 112.0 In the graph, `SEL" refers to single engine aircraft, "GA" to General aviation (business aircraft, from twin engine to jets), and "Mil" to military aircraft (not under Massport control) EXP, 1978-86 115 ---- ----— ---- Total 110 �1 H -4- No SEL EXP OR) 105 43- SEL '- Mil 100 1 a 78 81 83 84 85 86 Year (79,80, 82 missing) Min ute Man National Park Bob Nash reviewed long-range plans for National Park Development, which involves road construction next to Hanscom, in conjunction with Lincoln s 47 acre development Jet Aviation Fuel Spill. Torn Wigglesworth, of Jet Aviation, reported on recovery actions after the January spill of about 5000 gallons of jet fuel They believe they have recovered about 90% of the spilled fuel, and are monitoring groundwater in the area to prevent its spreading. The Commission admonished Massport for not reporting the spill sooner; Joyce Hals replied that they didn't realize the seriousness of the spill for a couple of months, and decided to wait until they had written confirmation from Jet Aviation. Jet Aviation reported that the fuel tanks are not enclosed in a vault, but have several monitoring wells, by which the spill was detected immediately Massport Communications Program. Francesca DeVan is in charge of a `grass roots" campaign to strengthen the relationship between Massport, the Commission, and town residents There will be a survey, aided by a Commission subcommittee, to uncover the priorities of the constituency She suggested advertising the noise complaint number, televising HFAC meetings for local cable, and increasing the mail list for information about Hanscom issues and HFAC meetings. There also may be an open house for local residents in August to explain about the airport and how noise complaints are handled. Nominating Committee Terms up for renewal for 1987-90 include Raytheon, Acton, North Lincoln Association, and Lexington. The nominating committee produced the list of nominees for those terms, and nominated Michelle Matteo (Bedford) as 1987-88 Chairman. Massport Land Use Issues. Massport will meet with communities to define which available parcels of land are "developable", so that purchases of land for development (for example, the motel) or to prevent residential development (the Bedford purchase) The land swap for the Lincoln affordable housing development is still undecided. Gillette Update. Gillette has discontinued its flight operations, and has found a company interested in taking over its hangar and possibly its jet. Statistics Report Noise complaints, and night operations, increased sharply in March. Hanscom Pilots Association, Inc. P.O. BOX 3262 Framingham, MA 01701 VOLUNTARY NOISE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES FOR LIGHT AIRCRAFT AT BED - 3/18/87 With the spring and summer approaching the neighboring towns will be more sensitive to noise from arriving and departing light aircraft. The included recommendations are intended to minimize the noise impact on the surrounding towns with no compromise of safety, or utility of aircraft operation. FLIGHT PATH There are no recommended arrival or departure routes, as this is seen as decreasing noise for one group while increasing exposure for another group as well as increasing the concentration of aircraft within a smaller amount of airspace . Where practical avoid over- flying residential areas, National Park and wildlife refuge areas in favor of highways and industrial areas. TRAFFIC PATTERN - KEEP IT IN CLOSE If traffic permits, keep the traffic pattern in as close as possible to the active runway. Turning base abeam of the over- run should be possible for most if not all light aircraft. Needlessly extending the pattern not only brings noise further from the airport for the first aircraft, but forces the following traffic to do so as well . GLIDE PATH - KEEP IT STEEP Maintain altitude a long as practical . The higher you are the quieter you are . Most if not all light aircraft should be able to maintain a glide path that keeps them above the ILS path or the VASI . While light aircraft should never be in a position to have a red- red VASI indication, a white-white will be quieter and offer a margin of safety in the event of a power failure as compared to a white - red indication. CLIMB ANGLE - GET TO ALTITUDE QUICKLY Maintain airspeed between best rate of climb and best rate plus fifteen percent ( for better cooling and forward visibility) until reaching cruise altitude or traffic pattern altitude for closed traffic. ALTITUDE - KEEP IT HIGH Maintain as high an authorized altitude as practical for arriving and departing. PROPELLER AND POWER CONTROL - KEEP IT QUIET For aircraft with controllable propellers - reduce RPM as soon as practical after takeoff to climb or cruise climb settings . In almost all cases this should be possible within the airport boundary. Plan arrivals to use the minimum power required in the pattern and descending. This should be possible by extending landing gear on downwind, and using only partial flaps until short final over the airport boundary. Remember the checklist. When arriving, increase propeller settings only after the throttle has been reduced to a setting where the propeller will not come up to full speed. KEEP IT SAFE AND QUIET Follow only procedures that are in accordance with your aircraft and engine operators manuals but do so as quietly as possible . We believe the above procedures will not only diminish noise , but also improve safety and fuel economy. REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE 1 . Terms to be filled by Boards of Selectmen: 1987 - 1990 Lexington: Board of Selectmen have not yet acted. 2 . Terms to be filled by approval of Three (3 ) of the Four (4 ) Boards of Selectmen in Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln. Local Citizens Group The North Lincoln Association has requested that their representation continue through Richard Theriault for another term. Mr. Theriault has been a member of HFAC for 3 years. He is an electrical engineer employed in Bedford. No other organization has applied. Other Area Towns Acton' s Board of Selectmen wish to have Brad Counihan, who has served on the Commission for one year, continue as representative. Mr. Counihan, who has an advertising business in Acton, has a private pilot ' s license. No other area towns have expressed an interest in having a representative. Businesses Basing Aircraft at Hanscom Raytheon has requested that Larry Murray continue to represent them on the commission. Larry Murray is employed by Raytheon Corporation as a pilot and has years of experience using Hanscom facilities. No other businesses have expressed an interest in having a representative. Business Aviation Organization NBAA has nominated William Sohni for another term. Mr. Sohni has held the position since the resignation of Sandy Sanford last fall. Mr. Sohni has been an active member in Hanscom affairs for many years and is presently employed as chief pilot for the Thomas Lee Company, based at Hanscom. 3. Chairman: The Nominating Committee recommends Michelle Matteo, of Bedford, as the 1987-8 Commission Chairman. Submitted by: JoRita Jordan, John Wraga, and Robert Domnitz Nominating Committee �C.J HANSCOM FII: YI SORY COMMISSION Massachusetts Port Authority Ten Park Plaza Boston, Massachusetts Attn. David W. Davis Dear Mr. Davis, The following statement was approved by a majority vote of the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission on Tuesday February 17, 1987. "The Hanscom Field Advisory Commission would support the accui t; on of the 50. 5 acre parcel of land known as the Cerasuolo parcel and located at 35uA Concord lid . by the Massachusetts Port uthority ii Mass fort agrees to donate this land to the Town of Bedford for conservation purposes. " Si ncerely, A .C4A-49 ANL/ Fred Marcus, Chairman Hanscom Field Advisory Comm. (4'1) PETISION: TO SUPPORT LOCAL EFFORTS TO CONTROL AIRCRAFT NOISE AND MASSPORT'S EXPANSION OF HANSCOM FIELD. We the undersigned support the creation of an effective noise abatement program to mitigate and control aircraft noise impact on local neighborhoods. We are concerned about the present environmental impact which Hanscom Field has on the surrounding towns and therefore are opposed to further expansion and development of Hanscom by Massport. In particular, we oppose the construction of the proposed Hotel and the purchase of the 50 acre parcel of land in Bedford. NAME ADDRESS 1 . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11 . 12. 1" . 1P . 1`• PLEASE MAIL SIGNED PETITIONS TO: Dave Needham 33 Dexter Rd. Lexington, MA 02173