Branford Democratic Selectman Dunbar Calls for Expanded Environmental Study at Tweed
Press Release, Branford Democratic Town Committee
Democratic Board of Selectman member Raymond Dunbar has weighed in on the public health and environmental impact of the Tweed Airport expansion in a letter to Colleen D'Allessandro, New England Regional Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration.
While the FAA has submitted an Environmental Assessment, Dunbar says it “fails to consider the impact on the nearby wildlife and delicate ecosystems as well as the individuals living in the vicinity.” He is recommending that the FAA complete an Environmental Impact Statement.
He believes that an Environmental Impact Statement would offer insight into the risks and alternatives, as well as addressing concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions and the overall environmental impact.
Dunbar cites various concerns expressed by Branford residents, including the impact of noise and air pollution in neighborhoods located over direct flight paths and the upsurge in airport activities. “Many residents have voiced their concerns about the negative impact of increased air traffic on their quality of life and health,” Dunbar writes.
The public comment period on the Tweed expansion has been extended to May 1. To access the FAA’s Environmental Assessment, go to: https://www.faa.gov/about/officeorg/headquartersoffices/ara/tweed-new-haven-airport-expansion-plan.
The full text of Dunbar’s letter follows:
Dear Ms. D'Allessandro,
My letter pertains to the potential ramifications on public health and the environment if the Tweed-New Haven Airport expansion is carried out. I believe that relying solely on an Environmental Assessment (EA) would not be sufficient to scrutinize the potential hazards of the project. The EA fails to consider the impact on the nearby wildlife and delicate ecosystems as well as the individuals living in the vicinity. To obtain a more thorough and comprehensive assessment of both the short-term and long-term risks, I strongly recommend that the FAA mandates the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed expansion.
As a member of the Board of Selectmen in the town of Branford, I am conveying the concerns of numerous worried residents in our town. The proposed expansion of Tweed airport has sparked a genuine apprehension about the escalation of pollutants that may come along with it. Moreover, the upsurge in airport activities and alteration of flight paths have placed Branford neighborhoods directly in the trajectory of flights, leading to a much higher frequency of noise and air pollution. Many residents have voiced their concerns about the negative impact of increased air traffic on their quality of life and health.
If the Federal Aviation Administration decides to move forward with the expansion, a thorough Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would offer my community valuable insights into the risks and alternatives involved. Moreover, I expect that an environmental mitigation plan would be created to address concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions and the overall environmental impact.
Given the possible repercussions that the proposed expansion could inflict on the town of Branford, preparing an Environmental Impact Statement is imperative.
Regards,
Selectman Raymond Dunbar