T.F. Green EIS to Update Noise Analysis - October 7, 2009

The T.F. Green EIS, which first began in 2005, has reached an important point in the analysis. The noise analysis used to assess noise impacts related to the T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program was based on the most current information available at that time including the most updated noise model, and the 2004 aviation activity levels. FAA environmental policy requires that aviation forecasts used in an EIS be within a specific range when compared to the national forecasts developed by the FAA. The EIS forecasts for the T.F. Green EIS met that range of accuracy when they were developed.

However, since that time, the economic downturn has caused a noticeable downturn in aviation activity at most airports around the country. As a result, the FAA has revised the aviation forecasts for all airports, showing a continued drop in activity levels. Since 2005, the FAA has also issued an updated noise model.

The FAA has considered the potential effects of the updated aviation forecasts and updated noise model on the T.F. Green EIS. To ensure the most current and accurate information is utilized in the EIS, the FAA has determined the T.F. Green EIS noise analysis must be revised to use the most recent noise model and updated aviation forecasts. The EIS Team will also update the air quality analysis, using the latest modeling and guidance. These revised analyses are now underway.

The Draft EIS, which was originally scheduled to be published in November 2009, will now be issued in the spring of 2010 and will be followed by a public hearing.

Linked below is a letter that was sent to the reviewing agencies that describes the revised analysis and timeline.

Letter to Coordination Group Members - September 28, 2009 (Adobe PDF, 50KB).

 
June 2009

The Federal Aviation Administration has evaluated the environmental impacts of the proposed Alternatives (No-Action Alternative, Alternative B1, Alternative B2, and Alternative B4) and will continue working with the City of Warwick and the Inter-Agency/Tribal Coordination Group to assess the environmental and community impacts. The EIS Team assessed feasibility, constructability, and environmental impacts of the Alternative B1 and B2 impacts in 2008 and determined that an additional Alternative (B4) should be developed to:

• Minimize impacts to the residential communities and businesses of the Airport,
• Reduce mandatory land acquisition for construction,
• Avoid impacts to natural resources north of the Airport, and
• Reduce construction costs.

The FAA held agency and public meetings in June 2009 to discuss the environmental findings and get input from the community and environmental agencies. A public hearing, which will provide for public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), will be held once the DEIS is filed.

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