Crested Butte council wants EIS for flights

They would be loud

The Crested Butte Town Council reviewed a draft of a letter addressing the possibility of low-altitude training flights coming near Crested Butte. The council is urging that a stringent Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be conducted to delve into many possible effects.

The issue comes as a result of a proposal by the United States Air Force to use a section of the southwest United States, including Gunnison County, for training purposes out of Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. The proposal states people in the area could be subjected to decibel levels that exceed 70 dB approximately three times per month. According to the Environmental Assessment, the ambient volume in the valley is 22 to 44 dB and training flights could increase that volume by as much as five times.
 “This version of the letter is a bit too negative,” said councilperson Dan Escalante. “Let’s stick to our concerns and not get personal with feelings toward the military.”
Escalante suggested focusing on wildlife protection and protection for backcountry skiers.
“I agree,” said councilperson John Wirsing. “This truly creates a hazard for avalanches and backcountry skiers.”
“As was pointed out in a recent letter to the editor, some of the planes taking part in these training flights have a bad safety record. That’s problematic,” said mayoral candidate Aaron Huckstep. “Our area has a high density of backcountry users. That concern should be included.”
Council candidate Kevin McGruther said both he and his wife come from a military background. “I moved up here to get away from the military,” he said. “Anything the town can do to restrict this, I support.”
Former mayor and backcountry expert Alan Bernholtz cautioned the council about going too heavy on the angle of loud flights causing avalanches. “I’m not sure there’s ever been a documented case of airplane noise causing an avalanche,” he said. “The letter needs to be credible. Noise probably won’t trigger avalanches.”
“We should ask for the right to know if any of the test flights include ordnance,” said councilperson Roland Mason. “If they are carrying ordnance, what type and what is the plan if they are dropped into the area by accident?”
Town planner John Hess will revise the letter to the Air Force asking for an EIS in a softer, gentler way and inserting the concerns of the Town Council.
Comments are due by November 5.