Preliminary results for the second half of environmental analysis in the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport Improvements Environmental Assessment (EA) will be available for review and comment at an open house in Aspen on January 19th. The environmental resources to be discussed will include aircraft noise, air quality, climate, socioeconomic conditions and surface transportation. Throughout the two-year long EA process, the Airport has taken community feedback on the potential environmental impacts associated with the airport’s proposed improvements: a new commercial terminal building and the relocation of the runway, among other associated projects.
“Up to now the community has had the opportunity to give us feedback on most of the other topics of environmental significance related to proposed airport improvements including historic resources, Section 4(f) resources, and visual effects,” said Airport Director, John Kinney. “Noise, air quality and surface transportation are topics of particular interest to our community and we hope for a great turnout at the open house,” Kinney said.
The EA analysis to date indicates that no new federally defined thresholds of significance would be exceeded if the proposed projects were to be implemented. The EA does indicate that wetlands mitigation may be required along the section of Owl Creek that would be affected by the relocation of the runway. The project would result in the piping of approximately 1,670 feet of Owl Creek to reduce sedimentation and wildlife hazards on the airfield.
The workshop will be an open format; no presentation will be given. Resource category displays will be available for viewing and comments are encouraged. Airport Staff and Consultants will be available to answer any questions. The public is encouraged to attend this event and offer feedback. Please join us on the January 19th at The Gant Hotel, 610 S West End Street from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.