FAA Virtual Workshops Feature review of Environmental Assessment (EA) of proposed Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Routes

Two virtual public workshops were held for the public to learn about the proposed updates to air traffic control procedures that bring aircraft into and out of San Antonio International Airport. The workshops discussed the proposed action, the no-action alternatives and the environmental impacts of the proposed actions. The EA was conducted for analysis of noise impacts and impacts to other factors such as biological resources, environmental justice and air quality.

You are welcome to share your comments on this proposal by clicking the following link, my comments

(NEW) 2021-2026 NEM Update

The City of San Antonio conducted a Noise Exposure Map (NEM) Update for the San Antonio International Airport, which resulted in updated NEMs that reflect both the existing (2021) and the future five-year  (2026) noise exposure conditions near the Airport.  This study, a “Part 150 NEM Update,” followed the process outlined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning.

From the Part 150 process, two noise exposure maps were developed: one depicting homes currently within the 65 DNL (Day-Night Average Sound Level) contour, and one depicting homes that will be within the 65 DNL contour five years in the future.

Key Aspects

• Proposed PBN Runway 4 Arrival Routes
• Proposed PBN Runway 22 Arrival Routes
• Proposed PBN Runway 13 Arrival Routes
• Proposed PBN Runway 31 Arrival Route

Workshop Links

• View the FAA’s virtual workshop videos
• View SAT’s public Meeting #1 – Nov. 2 and Meeting #2 – Nov. 3 videos
• Review the FAA’s PBN Environmental Assessment file
• View the FAA’s PBN noise analysis tool

NEM

• SAT 2021 NEM Update Report
• SAT NEM Baseline 2021 Contours Map
• SAT NEM Baseline 2021 Land Use Map
• SAT NEM Future 2026 Contours Map
• NEM FAQs (English)
• NEM FAQ’s (Espanol)

Handling of Complaints

Many people often ask whether or not filing noise complaints will change how the airport operates. Filing a complaint will not bring about an individual’s desired change, rather it provides a means for SAT to report and disseminate information to the public, local representatives, and airport noise community groups.

On a daily basis, operational considerations, such as wind and weather patterns, the number of operations, time of day, construction, and other conditions, all play a part in how the airport operates at any given time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) makes decisions based solely on their standard air traffic control procedures. However every complaint is logged, analyzed and reported monthly.

The Reference Link Sites below that can provide you with additional data relative to aviation noise.

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – The FAA has a huge online research database including links to Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and Advisory Circulars (ACs).
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) – The DOT has links to all its transportation departments and offers insight to the national transportation system and its future.

• Boeing’s Airport Noise Page – Boeing has summarized all the noise information for various airports in the U.S. and the rest of the world.
• Information on Aviation Environmental Design Tool Model (AEDT) – General overview of AEDT by the FAA
• Noise Quest – Provides information on:
  • About NoiseQuest
  • What Can I Learn About Airports?
  • Noise Basics and Metrics
  • Sources of Aviation Noise
  • Sources of Non-Aviation Noise
  • What does Noise Affect?
  • What to do About Noise?
  • Land Use Planning
  • Community Tools
  • Ongoing Research Efforts
  • Supplemental Metrics
  • Glossary of Terms
  • Related Links

Soil Management

The San Antonio Airport System has developed a Soil Management Plan that establishes practices for managing soil generated or handled by airport projects. This plan assures that excavated or imported soil is clean and managed in compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations.

Soil Management Plan (PDF)
SMP Authorization Form (PDF)

Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures

The City of San Antonio-Aviation Department is committed to preventing discharges of contaminates to navigable waters and the environment, and to maintain the highest standards for spill prevention control and countermeasures through the implantation and regular review and amendment to the Plan.

Spill Response

The Fuel Spill Response Plan is designed to be a guidance document for individuals or teams responding to the release of fuel at the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) or Stinson Municipal Airport (SSF).  Questions concerning the Fuel Spill Response Plan can be directed to the Environmental Stewardship Division at 210.207.3518 or 210.207.3862.

Storm Water

Process Water

The San Antonio Airport System does not allow for the discharge of unpermitted process water discharges to our storm drains. Process waste water can included water resulting from car or equipment washing activities, terminal cleaning and custodial activities and firefighter training activities.

Storm Water

The San Antonio Airport System currently has an industrial storm water permit from TCEQ. This requires that the airport develop and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3). This plan details required storm water discharge monitoring parameters as well as inspection requirements. The San Antonio Airport System allows tenants to utilize our Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan or create their own plan. Tenants are required to notify San Antonio Airport System of their intentions because coverage under our plan is not guaranteed.

Helpful Links

• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)
• Employee Training
• No Exposure Certification
• Notice of Intent
• Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) General Permit No. TXR050000

Sustainability Plan

Sustainability planning is one of the means by which we can insure a “Greener Airport” and a more sustainable community. Implementation of such a plan will help in managing our communities’ direction and ensuring that we can provide a livable community with an environment conducive to present and future residents and citizens.

San Antonio Airport System Sustainable Airport Manual (SAASSAM) (PDF)

Carbon Policy Memo (PDF)

Environmental Stewardship Manager

Steven K. Southers, C.M., J.D., B.S. Biology
210.207.3402

Environmental Services Coordinator

Chris Yzaguirre, M.S.
210.207.3862
Chris.Yzaguirre@sanantonio.gov

Noise Abatement & Environmental Protection Officer

Joshua Heiss, B.S., CESM
210.361.9632
Joshua.Heiss@sanantonio.gov