Draft EUG Master Plan Update, February 2010

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CHAPTER 6 LANDUSECOMPATIBILITY 1.1.4 Wildlife Attractants Wildlife-aircraft strikes have resulted in the loss of life, and billions of dollars in aircraft and property damage. Airports are often surrounded by open, undeveloped land intended to enhance safety and reduce noise impacts. These open areas can present potential hazards to aviation, especially if they attract wildlife. Constructed and natural areas, such as wetlands, detention/retention ponds, waste water treatment plans, and landfills, can provide ideal habitat for wildlife. These uses on and near airports can cause a hazard to safe air navigation, driving the need for proper land use planning. FAA AC 150/5200-33N, Hazardous Wildlife Attractant on or near Airports, recommends airports used by jet aircraft (as opposed to piston) have a 10,000 foot separation between current and new development of wildlife attractants such as water impoundments. Recently, the City of Eugene has unveiled a plan to restore wetlands on the west side of town. Although wetlands are known attractants to wildlife, the project is over 10,000 feet away from the nearest airport development and therefore complies with FAA recommendations. Similar projects should be considered regarding their proximity to the Airport, and their potential to attract wildlife. The Airport is taking steps at the local level to manage wildlife, by working with stakeholders to manage the hunting of waterfowl in the Airport vicinity. The goal is to not encourage waterfowl to travel toward the Airport as a result of hunting activities (for example, waterfowl seeking shelter from gunshot by flying to the Airport and in aircraft airspace). 1.2 State of Oregon Regulations and Guidance The State of Oregon has identified the continued safe operation of aircraft as a state concern and has created statutes to guide local government planning around airports. ORS Chapter 836 addresses airport operations, and Sections 608, 610, 616, 619 and 623 of Chapter 836 pertain to land use around airports. While these statutes do not establish criteria or land use guidelines for land near airports, they do grant local governments the authority to create such laws tailored to local airport needs. Support in interpreting and applying the laws in these statutes is provided by the Airport Planning Rule, found in OAR Chapter 660, Division 13. ORS 836.608 requires local governments to recognize airport locations in local planning documents, and to depict airport locations on local planning maps. This statute also establishes the process for airports to expand or add new land uses on their property. The continuation and expansion of land uses on airport property is protected by this statute, provided the use was in existence on or before 1996 and the use complies with state planning laws. The expansion of an existing land use which impacts off-airport property is subject to a public hearing. ORS 836.610 requires local governments to amend their land use regulations and comprehensive plans to be consistent with 836.616 and 836.619. Sections 836.616 and 836.619 identify types of uses permitted on airport grounds, and require the government creating airport zoning to consult with the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission to meet standards for safe land uses near airports. 6-5 Eugene Airport Master Plan Update (February 2010)