Noatak Airport Relocation, Environmental Assessment

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Other Agencies with Actions or Authorizations: Department of the Army, US Army Corps of Engineers - Regulatory Description: Multiple airport location and access road alternatives have been considered since project inception. Currently, DOT&PF is considering one build alternative for the new airport location, although additional alternatives may be identified during scoping. The proposed action includes the following elements: Airport: A new airport including a new runway, taxiway, apron, and Snow Removal Equipment Building (SREB) would be constructed approximately 1.5 miles west of the existing airport location. The new runway would be 4,000 ft. long, 75 ft. wide, with a 4,600 ft. long, 150 ft. wide RSA. New medium intensity runway lights and apron site lighting would also be installed. The SREB would be constructed on the apron. Access Road: A new airport access road (approximately 2.2 miles long and 20 ft. wide) would be constructed from one of two possible locations originating from the Village of Noatak to the new airport location. Bridge: A single-span bridge over Kuchoruk Creek would be constructed at the new airport access road crossing. Electric Line: An overhead electric line for airport lighting and the SREB would be constructed from the Village of Noatak to the new airport location along the new airport access road alignment. Poles would be spaced up to 250 ft. apart. Material Sites and Haul Routes: Two potential local material sources would be used to construct the proposed project. A material source on the Noatak River approximately two miles downstream from the village, and an inland material site approximately 0.75 miles northwest of the new runway may be developed to provide necessary material for the project. Material extraction, hauling, and contractor equipment access to the new airport site is anticipated to occur when the ground if frozen. An additional overland haul route from the Red Dog Port site may also be used in winter to transport needed equipment and materials. Land Acquisition and Disposal: Land would be acquired for construction of the proposed project and the existing airport property would be disposed of in accordance with FAA grant assurances. Land would be purchased or right-of-way obtained for the new airport, access road, and material site.

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