July 20, 2010

Citizens Against Airport Pollution [CAAP] has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Jose because the City recently approved a major amendment to the Airport Master Plan without an Environmental Impact Report describing what adverse affect these amendments will have on the environment.

The suit alleges that the City failed to conduct the proper environmental investigation necessary prior to the approval of a major amendment to the Airport Master Plan, as required by CEQA. Air pollution impacts, noise pollution impacts and impacts on wildlife are unknown. In an effort to avoid litigation, CAAP previously requested the City to defer action approving the major amendment so that these issues could be evaluated and discussed without litigation. The City chose to ignore these concerns and approved the major amendment to the Airport Master Plan without a clear understanding of its impact on the environment.

For over 20 years, Citizens Against Airport Pollution has been the only watchdog organization committed to protecting the environment from pollution caused by Mineta San Jose International Airport. CAAP has always supported a first class airport to serve the needs of the Southbay. Protecting the quality of life for San Jose residents and maintaining a first class airport is doable. However, it requires thoughtful planning and a keen sensitivity to environmental protections. If Silicon Valley is to become the center of “green” technology, the City of San Jose must make every effort to make its airport environmentally sensitive and a good neighbor. CAAP believes that the protection of the quality of life in the neighborhoods should be the highest priority to the City of San Jose.

For more details see the Press Release. 

 


CAAP Efforts Pay Off in a Big Way

After years of wrangling with the airport over the issue of measuring air pollution , an agreement has been reached. About year ago, the city, the airport, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and CAAP met at City Hall . The groundwork was laid for a study of the data that is recorded at the 4th and Jackson BAAQMD air monitor station. This station is the closest to the airport, and under the right kind of analysis, the data will tell us if the airport is a major or minor source of air pollution. It took 15 months of negotiating a contract, and finally last month an agreement was signed. Joanne Sanfilippo, the airport’s community relations manager prepared this notice giving a summary of the agreement.

Airport Noise Report Line - (408) 452-0707

(24 hour reporting of loud aircraft, curfew penetrations, engine run-ups in the middle of the night)

San Jose Airport Noise Center

The city of San Jose has a new info line that is a 24/7 fax. The number is 408-277-8500 with four digit codes for the following:

Do you Smell Noxious Aircraft Fumes?

We now have a "Fumes" Complaint Line!

As a result of resident concerns, Jerry Hetnar, Environmental Department, of the San Jose Airport is logging dates, times, and addresses of people who are smelling Aircraft fumes. His phone number is 408-501-7706. You can even leave a message after working hours with your fumes complaint date and time.

Don't hesitate to call and log your fume concern! It is only by speaking up and raising our voices that we will get heard! Many people calling will lead to some kind of investigation of those pungent fumes and perhaps something to monitor our most precious resource - OUR AIR!!