Congressman, local leaders demand more public input on Growlers
August 11, 2014 · 12:18 PM Whidbey News Times story
Congressman Rick Larsen, Coupville Mayor Nancy Conard and Commissioner Helen Price Johnson are asking the Navy to gather additional public input on the basing of EA-18G Growlers.
The Growlers, which are only based out of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, have drawn criticism from residents who claim the electronic attack aircraft are louder and more disruptive.
The Navy announced last month that they were reconsidering the number of Growlers that would be based at NAS Whidbey. An Environmental Impact Statement was started last year examining the effects of the Growlers on Whidbey and surrounding areas.
“We’ve listened to our constituents, and it is clear that any change to the number of Growlers on Whidbey Island will impact this community and their interactions with the base,” reads the joint statement. “We know our constituents will want to engage with the Navy in this process to discuss community impacts and to propose potential mitigation options.
“Today we call on the Navy to re-open the comment and scoping process of their EA-18G Environmental Impact Study so that they can hear concerns and comments from the public about potential basing decisions. Additionally, a timeline for the amended EIS process should be published well in advance, so hard-working people can be certain that they are able to participate.”
Commenting Rules
Allow for a complete EIS to be addressed!
If the EIS will be expanded, shouldn’t the Navy also study the effects of selling Growlers made in St. Louis to foreign countries and, as part of the package, including contracts to train their pilots here? What is the balance of gain weighed against the additional abuse of people living in the noise zones? Should any gain be acceptable that burdens this noise zone community further?
How will these constant escalations be viewed by this community, some of whom suffer from a number of health conditions exacerbated by this level of noise? They see that the Navy does not factor additional persecution into these important decisions. Many can’t afford to move. They see what that means for their future and it is terrifying. Would anyone dispute, from the viewpoint of many civilians who were trapped under this deadly noise, that this is torture?
Congressman Rick Larsen, Coupville Mayor Nancy Conard and Commissioner Helen Price Johnson need to review and consult with their constituents in total. I personally do not appreciate being represented as being opposed to NAS Whidbey Growlers. I resent being included in this ridiculous request. If the COER are the chosen few being represented, then we need to reconsider our votes.
These elected leaders are considering the complete problems created by the Growlers. The health issues as well as economic ones. Is it better to kill someone with noise just to save a job? If life is valued, then the health damages must be considered. It is 12:07 AM, the Growlers are still doing FCLPs, that is harmful to human and animal health.
Last night, 8/12/14, the noise levels in my neighborhood were well above the stated limit for our noise zone of 65 db – most were 85 to 90 db. My neighbor was so upset that the Paramedics were called. They flew after midnight.
Remember to call senator murray at 202-224-2621