The City of Portland, as the sponsor for Portland International Jetport, has prepared a DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) to examine the environmental consequences for proposed airfield and terminal development. Specific improvements include:
• WHMP Implementation. Pursuant to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 139.337(e.1), the Jetport developed a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan (WHMP) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Hazard Group in April 2007. Recommendations from the WHMP call for the filling of the wetland area beyond the Runway 29 end to eliminate habitat attractive to problematic wildlife. The cattails and other vegetation (phragmites) that grow in this area attract large flocks of blackbirds and European starlings. These birds roost and nest in this area which results in an aircraft safety hazard because of the potential for birds to be ingested into jet engines, resulting in aircraft damage or loss and, at times, human injuries.
• Terminal Area Improvements. During a terminal building planning process that was conducted concurrently with the 2007 Airport Master Plan, it was determined that the airport’s existing terminal facilities do not meet existing passenger demand needs. Additional gates and apron area are needed to accommodate commercial service aircraft during peak hour traffic as well as during overnight hours. During overnight hours, aircraft are currently required to “double park” which results in safety and level of service concerns. Additionally, expanded check-in, baggage screening, and passenger queue areas are needed to conform to new Transportation Security Agency (TSA) requirements for baggage and passenger screening. Finally, additional curb length and public parking areas are needed to accommodate existing passenger levels.
• Deicing Fluid Collection. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MeDEP) has required that the Portland International Jetport develop a method to remove as much aircraft deicing fluid as practicable from Portland International Jetport’s stormwater discharge by November 1, 2010.
• Taxiway Improvements. The 2007 Master Plan determined that direct access to the Runway 29 end from Taxiway G is needed to reduce the number of runway crossings and potential for runway incursions.
• Runway 18-36 RSA and Length Improvements. During the 2007 Airport Master Plan process it was determined that Runway 18-36 is deficient in providing the required runway safety area (RSA) per federal standards and additional runway length is needed to accommodate commercial service and cargo aircraft when Runway 11-29 is closed for maintenance purposes.
• Runway 11-29 Length Needs. Analysis undertaken during the 2007 Airport Master Plan revealed that existing airport users have a need for 7,200 feet of departure and landing distance in each direction on Runway 11-29. This departure and landing length is currently only provided for Runway 29. Runway 11 is limited to 6,800 feet of landing and departure lengths to ensure that RSA design standards are met beyond the Runway 29 end.
The EA discusses the purpose and need of the proposed project, evaluates alternatives, and identifies the environmental consequences of the proposed airfield and terminal development. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the lead federal agency for the project.
The Draft EA is available for viewing at the following locations:
Airport Director’s Office City Clerk
Portland International Jetport Room 203, City Hall
1001 Westbrook St. 389 Congress St.
Portland, Maine 04102 Portland, Maine 04101
Anyone wishing to submit comments on the project may send them in writing to the following address:
Mr. Arthur Sewall
Deputy Director-Operations
Portland International Jetport
1001 Westbrook St.
Portland, ME 04102
207 233-1733 - Phone
207 828-0991 - Fax
ams@portlandmaine.gov
All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 and will be responded to and included within the Final EA.