Davis-Monthan Neighbors Demand Full Impact Study on Flight Noise from Air Force Base

By Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services

PHOENIX — Residents living near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base are demanding a comprehensive environmental impact study on base flight operations. Their attorney, Joy Herr-Cardillo, argues they have been treated with “contempt” by the military.

In recent court documents, Herr-Cardillo pointed out that the Air Force conducted a less rigorous “environmental assessment” in 2012, which claimed no significant impact on residents. However, she contends this assessment was fundamentally flawed, as it relied on 2009 data without considering changes since 1978, when Davis-Monthan became the hub for “Operation Snowbird” training exercises.

According to Herr-Cardillo, the military’s evaluation overlooked the effects of increased flight operations, especially on local children attending nearby schools. She emphasized the need for a thorough reassessment that takes these factors into account.

In response to the lawsuit initiated last year, the Air Force maintained that it has acted appropriately and requested the dismissal of the case. The latest filing, however, alleges violations of federal environmental regulations, compelling the government attorneys to respond by May 15.

The residents have long expressed concerns about noise pollution from the base. Reports indicating potential F-35 training at the facility intensified these worries, given that the newer jets are known for their loud operations. Although Tucson was not selected for F-35 training, residents discovered during their research that flight operations have evolved significantly since the 1970s.

Originally intended to provide winter training for pilots from northern states, Operation Snowbird has transformed into a year-round operation. With changes in the types of aircraft utilized, the cumulative impact on the surrounding community has presumably escalated. Herr-Cardillo argues that the Air Force failed to evaluate the implications of this increased air traffic.

In the Julia Keen neighborhood, directly north of the runway, the rising noise levels led to the closure of a school in 2004. Herr-Cardillo criticized the Air Force for neglecting to address, or even recognize, the harm inflicted upon community members as operations have expanded, evident by communications suggesting that noise opposition has diminished.

In an email discussed in court, Scott Hines, a base representative, implied to Lt. Col. Kevin Eilers that the Air Force’s reactions to noise complaints could be seen as excessive. Herr-Cardillo posited that such dismissive attitudes raise questions about the integrity of the environmental assessment and its motivations.

Legally, the Air Force is obliged to minimize adverse impacts on residents. Herr-Cardillo specifically highlighted the noise levels reaching 70 decibels, comparable to that of a loud television or vacuum cleaner. She asserted that residents residing in this high-noise area have a right to request measures aimed at lessening the disturbances.