From: Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind <kelly@whidbeysunwind.com> Date: Tue, Sep 9, 2014 at 4:01 PM Subject: Re: NAS Whidbey Island OLF flights 9-9-2014: complaint, solutions, reply requested To: Navy NAS Whidbey <comments.NASWI@navy.mil> Cc: Helen Price-Johnson <district1@co.island.wa.us>, Nancy Conard <mayor@townofcoupeville.org>, Rick Larsen <rick.larsen@mail.house.gov>
3:45 PM
Again, the Growlers are flying “dirty” directly over our business at 987 Wanamaker Rd, Coupeville, WA. Why?! This is out of the traditional flight pattern, east of the Fort Casey and Wanamaker Rd intersection, just 100 meters east of our building. Unfortunately, the considerably louder/more turbulent noise from the Growlers compared to the Prowlers makes direct flights over our business location incompatible with our business operations. As I’ve stated several times previously, moving the pattern this short distance allows us to operate – flying directly overhead does not. And, please note that this is also a safety issue, not only economic. If Whidbey Sun and Wind subjected our workers to the level of sound that the Navy is subjecting us to, we would be in violation of occupational safety laws and subject to punishment.
Another option to provide compatibility of flights with our business operation would be to schedule the flights after close of business, at 1800 hrs. Over the 20 years that I’ve lived and worked at this location the Prowler flight operations were, almost exclusively, after dark.
I would appreciate the courtesy of a reply.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
Principal
Whidbey Sun & Wind
Renewable Energy Systems
NABCEP PV Installation Professional
WA Electrical Administrator
PH & FAX: 360.678.7131
Claims the U.S. Navy is an economic engine is a fallacy. Anytime Growlers fly low over any residential community or business there is the possibility of a crash with deadly consequences. We have read about such tragedies with loss of life and homes. Growlers violate clean air standards with toxic jet fuel and OSHA safety standards of less than 85 decibels. Business owners are responsible for the health and safety of their employees. Business owners cannot conduct normal business activities there is no possibility of having a telephone conversation when Growlers are training.
Businesses providing well paying jobs will not consider establishing a business on Whidbey Island due to the constant noise and disruption of Growlers. The U. S. Navy has created a community with NO diversification a threat to the economy of any community.
Disclaimer: This is not an official response and in no way reflects the official opnion of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, or U.S. Navy.
We are more than aware that your response is in no way an official opinion. While well thought out and intelligent, you ARE responding, the navy hasn’t bothered. Thank you for your comments, thought provoking.