Questions for Shuttle America

June 20, 1999, Concord Journal

Shuttle America came to the Hanscom Field Advisory Committee (HFAC) meeting last Thursday armed with a two page letter of intent to begin a commercial commuter service at Hanscom that did not specify the number of planes, type of planes, or cities it will serve. Their representatives could not answer any questions about the noise level of their aircraft, their business plan, how they were going to mitigate traffic jams on Route 2A, institute safeguards against the deadly chemicals involved in de-icing from getting into Bedford's drinking water, or a host of other questions posed by federal, state and local officials and hundreds of concerned citizens.

Despite Shuttle America's claims to be "good neighbors," citizens in the four towns only learned of the public hearing through a Freedom of Information Act disclosure published in the Boston Globe. The HFAC committee members themselves learned they would be reviewing Shuttle America's application the Saturday before a Tuesday meeting -- two business days notice!

Massport officials indicated informally after the meeting that they believe all relevent questions are "answered" by the GEIR (1997 Hanscom Field Generic Environmental Impact Report). HFAC members, while conceding that the questions were valid, indicated that they did not have the financial or personel resources to conduct the thorough review as required of them by state law.

It is a state legal requirement that HFAC review decisions regarding Hanscom "including but not limited to land use, noise abatement and transportation needs as outlined in the Hanscom Field Master Plan." (Acts of 1980, Chapter290) In order to conduct a proper review, HFAC will need funding from Massport. Such a review must cover many areas:

Legal Review

• The Master Plan states "certificated passenger air carrier operations will not be allowed at Hanscom Field, except in an emergency." Shuttle America is certificated.
• The Master Plan states "Passenger commuter operations…will be thoroughly reviewed with HFAC for their economic, noise emission and ground access implication."
• Massport regulations (740CMR 25.02) prohibit planes at Hanscom with a "maximum certified gross takeoff weight" greater than 12,000 lbs. unless the plane meets certain federal standards. According to the web site of the manufacturer of Shuttle America's planes, their planes are 43,000 lbs, three times the limit. Shuttle America must provide documentation their planes meet federal standards (FAR part 36)

Economic Review

• Shuttle America must provide a detailed business plan to HFAC.
• HFAC should visit Shuttle America's facilities to ensure this is a reliable and accountable company.
• What infrastructure changes in roads, utilities, sewer, and electrical be required to accommodate Shuttle America's growing business?
• What airport security measures would have to be installed?
• Would Massport remain exempt from local property taxes if it starts to operate a commercial airport facility at Hanscom?
• How would instituting commercial service at Hanscom effect Hanscoms current business serving New England's general aviation?
• Over one hundred local CEO's signed a letter to Governor Weld in 1994 stating that any expansion of air traffic at Hanscom Field, especially commercial aviation, would be detrimental to their businesses. To remain competitive, especially in high tech, local businesses must attract highly skilled workers who are attracted by the quality of life. Noise, traffic and pollution generated by Shuttle America would harm hundreds of small and large local corporations, as well as the multi-million dollar tourism business. HFAC should assess the economic impact on local and regional business of permitting Shuttle America to spearhead using Hanscom for commercial air service.

Noise Review

• What is the impact of Shuttle America's initial proposal for 2,500 additional flights with heavy 50-passenger planes?
• What is the noise impact of the additional 50,000 car trips per year Shuttle America will generate?
• What if Shuttle America wants to double their service? Triple it? If they are acquired by a larger airline? How many commuter operations per day at Hanscom would HFAC find excessive? How would they be able to set limits once Shuttle America is approved?

Traffic

• Route 2a cannot be expanded because it runs through a national park. It is already grade F in service, meaning the road has reached the limits of carrying capacity at rush hour. How does Shuttle America plan to accommodate the 50,000 car trips a year along 2a their business will generate?

Environmental Questions

• Hanscom Field is in the watershed for Bedford's municipal wells. Currently, no de-icing chemicals are used or stored at Hanscom. Will Shuttle America be prohibited from using de-icing chemicals? How is this consistent with safety? If they use these deadly chemicals, how will Bedford's water supply be safeguarded? What penalties exist and how will they be enforced, if Shuttle America pollutes our ground water and drinking water with de-icing chemicals? Where will used and new fuel be stored? Disposed of? Safeguards?
• Different airplanes, depending both on age and design, can have immensely different noise impacts. What noise level will Shuttle Americas' aircraft generate?
• What noise and air pollution will be generated by increased traffic?

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