Local news- Press Release
Elk Grove Village Illinois - Village submits new analysis on proposed permanent Fly Quiet Program at O Hare Airport to FAA and urges public review process 27 February 2024 ( news )
Elk Grove Village , state Illinois ( By Press Release office)
Feb 27,2024
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This week , Elk Grove Village provided to the FAA a summary of its position as it relates to the O’Hare Modernization Program’s permanent runway rotation program ( RRP ) , along with supporting data and analysis , and requested the input be added to the administrative record for the RRP .
Expert consultants engaged by the Village conducted additional analysis based on runway utilization data obtained from the FAA for the period of November 2022 through November 2023 . This latest analysis confirms earlier recommendations made by the Village and Suburban O’Hare Commission ( SOC ) that Alternative H3 provides the fairest distribution of nighttime noise while simultaneously mitigating or eliminating the environmental justice concerns implicated by the RRP . The single - alternative proposed by the Chicago Department of Aviation ( CDA ) , which is focused entirely on Alternative B3 , ignores fleet - mix , runway - utilization data , and aircraft - performance data and is thereby based on a flawed analysis that results in unsound conclusions . Utilizing accurate data shows that Alternative B3 does not fairly distribute nighttime noise and triggers significant environmental justice issues .
“We are sharing this analysis proactively with the FAA to ensure that their review reflects the real - world impact of the proposed permanent runway rotation program , and is not limited to the single , less effective alternative put forward for review by the CDA , ” said Mayor Craig Johnson . “The goal of Elk Grove Village remains the same—we believe that all of the communities surrounding O’Hare should share an equal distribution of nighttime noise . In order to ensure this outcome , the FAA needs to perform the environmental analysis itself and consider reasonable alternatives , as required by NEPA . ”
The FAA is the federal agency in charge of completing an environmental review related to the permanent Fly Quiet Program at O’Hare ( the process established to permanently distribute nighttime noise stemming from air traffic utilizing O’Hare ) . The Village filed a lawsuit against the FAA last fall , which was dismissed without prejudice after the FAA committed to follow its statutory requirements in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA ) , and consider reasonable alternatives as part of the environmental review of the permanent Fly Quiet Program at O’Hare Airport .
The FAA ( as opposed to the CDA or any other stakeholder ) should perform an environmental analysis that considers both Alternatives B3 and H3 , perform a heading - sensitivity analysis for both Alternatives , and issue an environmental impact statement explaining which Alternative has the least significant impact on the environment ( including environmental justice concerns ) . Public comment should be solicited , accepted , and considered before the FAA makes a final determination .
“We urge the FAA to move forward transparently with a formal public process , as required by NEPA , and give all stakeholders the opportunity to review and comment , ” said Mayor Craig Johnson . “A Fly Quiet runway rotation program has the potential to provide great relief , but this permanent change will impact our communities for decades to come and it needs to be considered thoroughly and impartially to ensure a fair outcome . ”
A copy of the Village’s submission to the FAA , as well as the supporting data and analysis , is available
here
.
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