SH&E FEATURED PROJECT


Logan Airside Improvements Planning Project

SH&E was the lead consulting firm overseeing the Boston Logan Airside Improvements EIS/EIR Planning Project (LAIPP) for the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the FAA. The project examined a number of improvement options for Logan Airport that were designed to reduce delays, improve operational efficiency, and enhance safety:

• A new 5,000 ft. unidirectional Runway 14-32,
• A new Centerfield Taxiway,
• Additional taxiway improvements,
• Reduced landing minimums, and
• A Peak Period Pricing program designed to shift flights out of high-volume traffic periods of the day.

The study team analyzed the purpose and need for the various improvements, particularly in terms of delay reduction, and then prepared the environmental impact analysis required for both state and federal approval. The team of experts assigned to the project included key SH&E consultants along with specialists from numerous other firms including Harris, Miller, Miller & Hanson, Flight Transportation Associates, URS Greiner, Fredrick R. Harris, Cortell & Associates, Edwards & Kelcey and Vanesse Hangen Brustlin. Under SH&E’s supervision, the team compiled, analyzed, and summarized all of the data required for the State Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and the Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
In addition to the environmental analysis, the project blazed new paths in identifying and quantifying airport delay. It provided an in-depth look at the various causes of delays at Logan and the tools that could be used to reduce those delays. The study also examined the potential of regional transportation options in New England, assessing the potential relief to Logan provided by alternative airports in New England and by alternative transportation modes, such as Amtrak's newly introduced Acela service to New York.

Though the proposed airport improvements were controversial and the EIS/EIR received a high level of scrutiny at the local, state, and federal level over a period of six years, the SH&E team, Massport, and the FAA strived to consider the opinions of all stakeholders as part of an inclusive public process. Unique and innovative mitigation proposals were evaluated and incorporated, including restricting the proposed runway to use in specific wind conditions, an expansive sound insulation program, and additional mitigation studies of noise impacts and taxiway operations. As a result of these efforts, the Massachusetts Secretary of Environmental Affairs approved the FEIR for the Airside Improvements Project in June 2001, and the FAA Record of Decision approved the FEIS project elements in August 2002.

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