Westover Air Force Base hosts virtual open house on AICUZ study

Feb. 23, 2021 | Carolyn Noel
cnoel@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE – Westover Air Reserve Base hosted a virtual open house to discuss the results of an updated study on noise and flight safety adjacent to the base on Feb. 18.

This study, known formally as the Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) study, is conducted to protect the health, safety, and welfare of those living and working near air installations while sustaining the military’s operational mission. The last study was completed in 2013.

The study included changes about noise levels and noise contours due to the upgrading of new engine platforms. Westover ARB updated to C-5s aircrafts, which are quieter and more fuel efficient. KC-46A aircrafts are also a potential future user at Westover, which was included in the noise model of the study. The study was also updated due to an increase in flight operations from the 2013 AICUZ baseline. There have also been changes in off-installation land use and development in Chicopee and nearby communities of Ludlow, Granby, South Hadley and Springfield since 2013.

According to a press release from Westover, “The results of the study aid in development of local planning mechanisms that will protect the public safety and health, as well as preserve the operational capabilities of Westover ARB.”

The open house focused on providing guidelines for land use compatibility within noise zones. In general, according to the AICUZ study, noise-sensitive land uses should be placed outside of high noise zones and “people-intensive uses” should not be placed within those zones.

According to the AICUZ study, “Land close to Westover ARB has the potential to be exposed to increased noise levels and aircraft safety zones. Without compatible land use controls, development in these areas surrounding the airfields could result in incompatible uses that create conflicts between military flight operations and landowners.”

Updates were also given on Accident Potential Zones (APZ). Most public businesses are not allowed to be built within these zones, given the potential for danger. APZ are where there is a statistically higher risk of accidents because of proximity to runways.

Those involved with the AICUZ study and Westover Air Reserve Base also answered questions any community members had. Any further questions can be emailed to Chief of Public Affairs, Rodney B. Furr, Lt Col, USAF, at rodney.furr@us.af.mil.

The AICUZ study can be viewed at https://arb-westover.meetsyou.online/.

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