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Massport Files ENF for L.G. Hanscom Field Runway 5/23 Safety Area Improvement Project; Massport request an extended public comment period

August 5, 2005

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that it has filed the L.G. Hanscom Field Runway 5/23 Safety Area Improvement Project Environmental Notification Form (ENF) with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA).

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Runway safety areas (RSA) are intended to reduce the risk of damage to aircraft in the event of either an undershoot, overshoot, or an excursion from the runway. An RSA also provides access for fire fighting and rescue equipment during such incidents. The Runway 5 Safety Area is currently 500 feet wide, 520 feet long on the west edge, and 845 feet long on the east edge; the Runway 23 Safety Area is currently 300 feet wide and 890 feet long. The FAA design standard for runway end safety areas at Hanscom Field is 500 feet wide by 1,000 feet long. The FAA has mandated that the safety areas be improved.

Because of anticipated community interest in the project, Massport recommends an extended public comment period for this ENF. Massport anticipates publication in the August 10, 2005 issue of the Environmental Monitor. Accordingly, Massport suggest the public consultation session be held during the week of September 12, 2005 and propose that this session be held at the Civil Air Terminal, 2nd floor, at L. G. Hanscom Field. Massport further suggests that the public comment period be extended to Friday, September 23, 2005, allowing for a 44-day public comment period from the anticipated publication date.