The Gull's Call - Oct/Nov/Dec 2023

Oakland International Airport Proposed Expansion Project by Jon Hamilton, CLASS, President

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AKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (OAK) published a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) in mid-July for the proposed Terminal Modernization and Development Project. OAK held four DEIR public meetings; two on August 15th and two on August 30th. The public comment period on the DEIR will end on Monday, October 16, 2023, 5 PM . The DEIR, a description of the Project, and directions for submitting comments appear at: oaklandairport.com/ terminaldevelopment. You may also subscribe to receive updates. The Project includes the following elements: • Construction of a new terminal adjacent to existing Terminal 1 on Airport Drive, the surface loop road. The new terminal would consist of a two-level concourse and 16 new aircraft gates in addition to the 29 existing gates for a total of 45 gates; • Modernization of Terminals 1 and 2; • Consolidation of check-in and baggage areas; • Construction of expanded Customs and Border Protection facilities for international arrivals • Demolition and relocation of the Oakland Maintenance Center Hangar; • Reconfiguration of existing cargo and support facilities, and; • Improvements to the terminal area roadway, parking areas, and support facilities. This project will facilitate an approximately 60 percent increase in aircraft operations, which translates to more noise events over CHBI neighborhoods. CLASS participated in the scoping process on the project and submitted comments on the 2021 Notice of Preparation, in which OAK asked the community to provide input on the environmental issues that should be studied in the future DEIR. Once the DEIR was published in July 2023, CLASS retained technical consultants to assist with review of the DEIR and with preparation of comments for

submittal by the public comment deadline. The main concerns CLASS addressed in their comment letter included the following: • Airport expansion based on inaccurate forecasts of future increases in passengers; • Failure to analyze potential congestion on the South Field and resulting increase in jet departures on the North Field (which has bigger noise impacts on CHBI residents); • Incomplete analysis of potential noise and air quality impacts; • Incomplete analysis of air pollution, public health, and safety impacts on area residents; and • Inadequate identification and analysis of a range of reasonable alternatives to the project that reduced environmental impacts. CLASS representatives continue to participate in stakeholder and working group meetings at the airport to stay abreast of proposed changes; to advocate for a more thorough environmental analysis; and to encourage a project design that will protect our community from excess overflights and aircraft noise. Please head on over to our website for more information: www.classalameda.com

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