EA-18G Growler jet noise impacts the livability and economy of San Juan County. There is a recent development that would exacerbate the problem.

A Navy memo dated May 24, 2014 was released under a Freedom of Information Act request. The memo disclosed that up to 34 additional Growlers may be procured and based at NAS Whidbey Island. On July 24 the Navy issued a press release which said that the proposed additions “may affect the scope and timing of the ongoing EIS.” These documents and other information can be found at www.quietskies.info.

The Quiet Skies group asks that the Navy follow the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act in conducting their ongoing Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

•  Scoping for the EIS should immediately be reopened to address the potential increased number of Growlers.

• Alternatives to basing existing and additional Growlers at NAS Whidbey Island should be fully considered in the EIS.

• All of North Puget Sound should be considered as an impacted area for noise and other consequences.

• No funds should be expended to acquire additional aircraft or expand facilities at NAS Whidbey Island until a Record of Decision on the EIS is completed.

Please write or email Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy and your elected officials. Contact information can be found at www.quietskies.info/#!contacts/c136u.

In addition, we encourage citizens to report jet noise using the San Juan County web site http://sjcgis.org/aircraft-noise-reporting/. Reporting is important because it will provide data for the Navy to make informed decisions including noise mitigation.

Lance Brittain, Cynthia Dilling, Kip Greenthal, Stanley Greenthal, Karen Grimes, Christine Kerlin, Jim Lombard, Nancy McCoy, Rhea Miller, Leslie Quenell and Brian Silverstein

Quiet Skies Over San Juan County

Lopez Island