Federal Environmental Assessment (EA)/State Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

Overview

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), owner of the Airlake Airport (LVN), is proposing to make various improvements to LVN’s airfield environment. The process was initiated to achieve the planning goals outlined in the 2035 Long-Term Comprehensive Plan for the Airport, which was approved by the MAC Board in April 2018. The four key planning objectives for the Plan were to:

  • Better accommodate business aircraft needs by maximizing the airfield’s operational capabilities and property footprint.
  • Maintain or improve Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) land use compatibility.
  • Mitigate existing issues with airspace penetrations, such as trees and buildings, to the extent practical.
  • Update the taxiway layout to reflect current industry best practices and thus enhance airfield safety.

 

To meet these goals, the MAC plans to make the following airfield improvements: § Reconstruct the existing 4,099 feet of Runway 12-30 pavement.

  • Lengthen Runway 12-30 to 4,850 feet by extending the Runway 12 end approximately 271 feet and extending the Runway 30 end approximately 480 feet.
  • Extend Taxiways A & B to, relocate Taxiways A1 & B1 to, and construct new holding bays north and south of the new Runway 12 end.
  • Extend Taxiway A to, relocate Taxiway A5 to, and construct a new holding bay north of the new Runway 30 end.
  • Modify Taxiway A and/or A1 to allow aircraft to hold perpendicular to the runway centerline.
  • Modify Runway 30 MALSR to include new in-pavement lights and adjusted light tower heights.
  • Extend runway edge lighting and relocate airfield guidance signs.
  • Remove on-airport trees within Part 77, approach, and departure surfaces.
  • Relocate 225th Street West outside the Runway 12 RPZ.
  • Relocate trout stream tributary on airport property as necessary to accommodate proposed improvements.

 

The following potential proposed action is also being studied in the EA/EAW:

  • Address non-standard conditions associated with Taxiways A2, A3, and B2.

The following potential connected action is also being studied in the EA/EAW:

  • Expand the fixed base operator (FBO) aircraft parking apron.

 

Based on the nature of the proposed project, a Federal Environmental Assessment (EA) and a State Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) will need to be completed. The Federal EA will be developed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) policies and procedures detailed in FAA Order 1050.1F (and related documents) for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations. The State EAW will be developed in compliance with the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and related Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) guidance.

 

The MAC has selected Mead & Hunt, Inc. to provide these environmental documentation services.

 

This project seeks to identify and analyze any potential environmental impacts that could result from the proposed project actions and to satisfy federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Results of this analysis will help project planners and engineers to avoid, minimize, or mitigate any environmental effects of the proposed project if it moves forward.