09/01/1982 GROWTH STUDY COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

GROWTH STUDY COMMITTEE Minutes of September 1, 1982 Present: Chairman Richard Terry, Selectman Jean Thomas, Richardson Jonas, Harold Collins, Selectman Chester Garland, and Michael Makunas. Chairman Richard Terry convened the meeting at 7:10, and intordueed Philip J. McNamara, Lt. Col of the Mass Air National Guard and Base Civil Engineer, who had been asked to be present to discuss the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone. Mr. Terry asked, "Where do we fit in?" Col McNamara explained that Air Installation Compatible Use Zone had been prepared at the direction of the Air Force. He stated that it became apparent that such a plan was necessary after several bases had been closed due to their proximity to dwellings. But he said the problem was caused by people building right up to the edges of the bases, after the bases had been installed. They were originally all built in wastes. He continued that such plans had been prepared to provide information to communities for planning action. It is a tool for guidance for a1L co"munities around Air Force bases - and they are now being done for Air National Guard bases. He outlined the steps for the study: 1) A complete analysis of all accidnts that have occurred on every base. These records are available back to the date of the first plane ever flown. Where are the hazards around air fields? Within what radius do they occur? The result of these studies is the re- commendation for a modified green belt concept. From the safety aspect, 3 zones are recommended, each has been ex- panded by % mile, based on calculated percentages. 2) Sound levels. Studies were d9rie which are referred to as "L.D.N.", average level of day and night sounds. Three studies were completed, with that of Bolt, Branick and Newman being adopted by the Air Force and F.A.A. These studies were combined into a mpa, showing safety/sound levels. (The map for Otis was shown and examined by all present.) Col McNamara explained how runways had been altered to reduce the noice, as had been the after-burner procedure. There are recommendations in the report for what kind of building should be allowed within the three zones. The first zone should be a "clear zone", of 2,000-3,000 feet, where nothing should be built. The second zone is the Compatible Use Zone, with a width of 3,000-5,000 feet, labeled #1. The second zone of 5,000 - 7,000 feet is labeled Compatible Use Zone #2.. Col. McNamara explained that Otis handles all surrounding bases' air traffic making instrument landsings (called I.L.S.) He said a tolerance of 4% is allowed in these landing instructions. Chm. Terry asked if it is primarily the safety concept that underlies the zones? Col McNamara responded: Yes. As for the noice, Col. McNamara explained that within two years they will have built a "hush house" to reduce the noise - this is a specially designed hangar which is now used by bases that have Fos, and has worked well. He said they are just waiting for the funding, which has been promised. Mike mentioned that he has noticed less noise from night flights recently. Col. McNamara reported that they investigate every com- plaint regarding noise - they are now only reciving about one a month. All pilots are informed of the noise abatements requirements, and are carefully monitored in their compliance. Mr. Richardson said he had noticed some extremely loud noises about a month ago. Col McNamara explained that they were having some wartime plan exercies, with some K.C.145's being brought in - and that is a noisey plane. He said the cloudy days are the worst - because clouds act as a ceiling and reflect the noise.