New runway’s impact will not be minor

The Lake County Forest Preserve District is being asked to violate its mission for a new runway for highly polluting corporate jets.

The Waukegan Port Authority wants the Forest Preserve to approve a letter saying the new 6,000-foot runway will have basically no impact on the Waukegan Savanna. That is simply not true.

Jets discharging pollution just a few hundred feet above hikers, bike riders, dog walkers and critters and plant species who live in the Savanna is a negative impact.

Removing or cutting off the tops of 40 trees in the Waukegan Savanna is a negative impact contrary to the district’s mission. Topping trees makes them susceptible to pests and disease resulting in premature death.

Redesigning the Waukegan Savanna’s trails and dog park to protect users from extraordinary noise and air pollution carries a financial impact.

Forest Preserve District Board members should be honest and spell out the negative health impacts and extra costs associated with the new runway.

Saying the impact on the Waukegan Savanna will be de minimus (insignificant) is not true.

The Lake County Forest Preserve Board members must be honest and spell out the negative health and financial impacts the new runway will cause. Don’t let them sellout the residents of North Waukegan, Gurnee, Beach Park and Wadsworth.

Bill Morris

Lake Forest