OWLS HEAD - The Knox County Commission, Knox County Regional Airport (KCRA), and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. have compiled a Final Draft Environmental Assessment to evaluate potential environmental effects associated with proposed projects planned for the airport.

The FAA signed the Environmental Assessment January 19, according to Jeff Northgraves, the airport's manager. Northgraves forwarded a formal notice a public informational meeting presenting the Draft EA scheduled to be held at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, 117 Museum Street, Owls Head, on Monday, January 30, at 6 p.m.

The 30-day public comment period ends February 23.

The proposed projects subject to this EA include expanding the Runway 13-31 existing safety area in anticipation of the runway's designation from a Category B-II to a Category C-II runway.

This change in runway category is anticipated due to the increased number of C-II aircraft currently using the airport. The EA will also consider the potential effects associated with constructing 200 feet of new pavement at the Runway 13 end to accommodate a 400-foot extension to Runway 13-31.

In a news release, Northgraves said the purpose is to inform government agencies and the public of the likely environmental consequences associated with proposed federal actions and their alternatives.

The EA assists with identifying the environmentally preferable alternative for the proposed actions. The EA also provides the Federal Aviation Administration with the information necessary to determine whether effects associated with the proposed projects have the potential to contribute to cumulative effects to the environment when considered with past projects.

Based on this determination, the FAA will either issue a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or the agency will require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to further analyze the proposed projects and associated impacts.

Copies of the Draft EA have been made available for a 30-day public review period at the Knox County Administrator's Office, the Airport Manager's Office, the Owls Head Town Office and the South Thomaston Town Office.

An electronic copy of the Draft EA has also been posted on the airport's website at knoxcountymaine.gov/airport . Public comments will be accepted in writing or via email until 5 p.m., February 23. Public comment will be submitted to the FAA for consideration and included in the Final EA.

Forward comments to:
Jeff Northgraves, Airport Manager
5 Airport Road
Owls Head, ME 04854

Phone: 207-594-4131
jnorthgraves@knoxcountymaine.gov

or

Gregg Cohen, Senior Environmental Analyst
Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
482 Payne Road
Scarborough, Maine 04074
Phone: 207-887-3824

gregg.cohen@stantec.com