Forest preserve commissioners to consider impact of new runway on Waukegan Savanna
The process to secure approvals for a new runway at Waukegan National Airport continues Monday as Lake County forest preserve commissioners consider a resolution finding the project will not adversely impact the adjoining Waukegan Savanna.
Whether the project would have a “de minimis” impact on district land is on the forest board’s planning committee agenda for 8:30 a.m. at the district office, 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville.
However, all committees representing the entirety of the forest board are meeting jointly at that time so anyone can ask questions or comment on the topic.
De minimis means using the property “would not adversely affect the features, attributes or activities,” that qualify the property for protection under federal law.
District staff has recommended passing a de minimis resolution noting it would “merely support a finding” and not be approving the transfer of a quarter acre of land. That also applies to an “avigation easement” across 18 acres to the Waukegan Port District, which owns and operates the general aviation airport.
Federal regulations prohibit using forest preserve property for an airport project unless there is minimal impact, said Executive Director Ty Kovach in a report to the committees.
Environmental advocates and residents question process, saying an environmental review and public input is required before getting to this point.
“This project has been controversial for years,” said Doug Ower, chair of the Sierra Club Woods and Wetlands Group, in recent statement.
“Residents and local officials have raised repeated concerns about forest preserve land, tree loss, wetlands, noise, air pollution, traffic and the future of the Waukegan Savanna,” he added.
Supporters have touted its contributions to the local economy and support for about 900 jobs.
A runway improvement project was envisioned in a port district master plan study done more than 20 years ago. When the runway reached the end of its useful life, a $186 million proposal to build a new 7,000-foot runway was put forth to comply with modern Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Those changed last spring and the current plan is for a 6,000-foot runway. That length will require a sliver rather than 52 acres of Waukegan Savanna. The plan is to replace runway 5/23 but continue operations while the new one is built.
According to the Port District, just more than 7 acres of trees within the proposed 18-plus acre easement would need to be removed before a new runway would be operational. A specific number of trees was not mentioned.
Committee votes are informal and an official decision is expected when the full board meets June 10.
With forest board approval, the Port District in July would submit a draft Condensed Environmental Assessment to the Federal Aviation Administration for review with a public hearing anticipated in November.