PROPOSED PEASE AIR CARGO FACILITY
IMPACTS OUR ENVIRONMENT & QUALITY OF LIFE ON THE SEACOAST
Do we really want an Air Cargo Facility coming to Pease?
I. What is being proposed?
Two different developers are proposing air cargo facilities at Pease: East West Aeronautical (EWA) is proposing an air cargo processing warehouse they suggest in published articles would be a conduit for European trade. They are backed by Valorev Capital. Local developer KANE has teamed with PROCON Construction and is proposing air cargo facilities using two sites on Pease that would be between 300,000 and 700,000 Sq.ft. This is about the size of the new air cargo facilities at JFK and CVG Airports. They have a lease option in place for the two sites and the developer may present plans for approval at any time.
nightly flights are NOT a minor annoyance, sleep disturbance is a recognized health hazard. Regardless of any developers’ projections of initial flight activity, it can grow. Importantly, there can be no limits as the FAA does not allow airports to limit volume or time of flights or type of aircraft.
• Truck traffic 24/7 along with noise, diesel particulates and other pollutants.
• High likelihood of ancillary development of off- site warehouses and distribution centers in surrounding communities, each bringing 24/7 truck traffic, noise etc. The 500,000 Sq.ft. former Goss manufacturing facility on 170 acres in Durham was purchased in October 2021 for $21M by real estate company RJ Kelly of MA. RJ Kelly has purchased and sold 3 other similar properties in MA to Amazon as regional distribution centers in the last 3 years. Just a coincidence? Will other distribution centers follow?
II. What are the issues?
Air Cargo facilities operate 24/7 and would bring regular night flights of various size aircraft including potentially the largest aircraft such as 747s. Night flights do wake people. Regular
• Environmental impact potentially affecting Great Bay and its ecosystem from noise, light and air pollutants (trucks and aviation) as well as a variety of hazardous materials used in aviation operations. Think about the PFAS ground water contamination issue already at Pease.
• Negative health impacts associated with aircraft and truck noise as well as air pollutants, notably diesel particulates and hydrocarbons are well established. The state of California is now suing San Bernadino Airport and the FAA for building an air cargo facility without conducting an adequate environmental assessment including the effects of jet and diesel truck emissions.
III. Why write to NH State Legislators, PDA & Town Councilors on this issue? Why sign this petition that will be sent to NH Governor, PDA, FAA?
The Pease Development Authority (PDA) was created by the state legislature in 1991 to develop and manage the former Air Force base. Each of the 7 member PDA board is appointed by a different political position or body including, the Governor, leaders of N.H. House and Senate, Mayor of Portsmouth and some local towns. Elected officials need to hear voters are very concerned with the development of an air cargo facility at Pease and potential offsite development of warehouses and distribution centers that will likely follow the air cargo facility.
IV. The PDA should be held accountable for the environment and quality of life of Seacoast communities.
Portsmouth’s PDA board appointed representative is Erik Anderson and he can be reached at andy42152@aol.com.
The enabling state legislation for the PDA states on the first page in the Declaration of Purpose that the PDA’s responsibility for Pease development includes concern of the economies, environment, and quality of life of the affected communities. They need to consider these, not just any development for developments sake.
V. Job growth and future development.
These modern air cargo and warehouse facilities will bring many more robots to the Seacoast than jobs.
Developers promote the jobs their projects will create and jobs are good. The Seacoast has been the leading creator of jobs and population growth for the state for at least 20 years, kudos to Pease for helping to add 10,000 private sector jobs in the Tradeport. Why has the Seacoast been so popular? Largely for the many desirable natural, cultural and environmental assets that make it attractive for business and as a place to live. Would becoming a hub for air cargo, warehouses and the resulting truck traffic, noise and pollution actually help or harm the future desirability and growth of the area? Additionally, continuous automation and innovation are critical for these types of facilities and we need to be asking about the sustainability of any jobs that are created.
Check out the Pease Development Authority web site for the January 20, 2022 and March 17, 2022 board meeting minutes and recordings @ www.peasedev.org
We are working on a website to share information. Watch for www.NoToPeaseAirCargo.com to appear in the future. To get updates, email us at PeaseCargoInfo@gmail.com
Please sign this change.org petition to help get the attention that this proposal deserves and answers to the critical questions that many seacoast residents have.
Information provided by the Center for Responsible NH Seacoast Development.