A primary focus of the meeting was the environmental assessment project, an undertaking crucial for ensuring the airport’s compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The commission discussed the proposed cost of $221,400 for the environmental study, which encompasses various analyses and preparation of drawings related to obstruction analysis and environmental assessments. This project, previously approved by the commission, is expected to result in a “finding of no significant impact” from the FAA. Such a finding would confirm that necessary airport projects, including tree clearing and perimeter fencing, would not cause environmental harm, thereby paving the way for federal funding.

The commission recognized the importance of this project not just for regulatory compliance but also for enhancing airport safety. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is providing local shares for wildlife exclusion fencing, justified by the upcoming wildlife hazard assessment and environmental review. The study will be conducted with the help of consultants from Gil Associates, New Earth Ecological, and GZA GeoEnvironmental, who will perform wetland delineations and other necessary environmental assessments.

During the meeting, the commission was informed of the cumbersome nature of the approval process required for such studies but emphasized the eventual benefits, including federal funding eligibility. The project involves updating an environmental assessment that dates back 15 to 20 years, reflecting the need to address current conditions and safety concerns, particularly concerning the location of trees relative to airport operations.

In discussing the financial aspects, the commission voted to accept the fee of $221,400 for the environmental assessment and to forward a grant application for $226,900 to Mayor Michael J. Nicholson for funding approval. The total project cost includes the environmental assessment, obstruction analysis, and additional expenses for necessary public notices. The commission expects the grant to be awarded by August, with the project anticipated to last a year to a year and a half. This timeline accounts for the thorough assessment of tree locations and their implications for wetlands.

Another highlight of the meeting was the update on the runway reconstruction project, which has received approval from the FAA. A pending 18B aeronautical survey is expected to be completed soon, with data being uploaded to the FAA’s central database. The commission was informed that no immediate actions were required from them regarding the runway project, aside from ensuring the stormwater pollution prevention plan is uploaded and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Typically, such approvals take at least 60 days.

The commission also addressed the completion of the airport master plan update. All chapters had been reviewed and finalized by both the commission and the FAA, allowing for the compilation of a final document. The airport layout plan has received all necessary signatures, and the FAA has issued its approval letter. Plans were discussed for distributing the finalized documents to relevant parties, with appreciation expressed for the commission’s diligent work in reviewing the chapters.

Additionally, plans for a wildlife hazard site visit were mentioned, scheduled for spring when a consultant will conduct a two-day survey. The independent fee estimating phase of the environmental assessment project was also a topic of discussion. It was noted that the FAA requires third-party review of contracts, and any fee estimates must be within 10% of each other to be considered reasonable. A consultant named Tela provided an independent fee estimate of $245,500, while the airport’s final fee was set at $221,400, aligning the estimates within FAA guidelines.