Rural Communities in New Mexico and Arizona Rally Against Air Force Flight Expansion Amid Health Concerns

In a move that could threaten both the tranquility and environmental integrity of Silver City, New Mexico, the U.S. Air Force has proposed significant changes to military aircraft operations in the region. Known for its rich mining history and proximity to the Gila National Forest, Silver City is facing potential disruptions as the Air Force seeks to establish low-level military training flight zones.

The Gila Wilderness, celebrated for its untouched landscapes and designated as the first wilderness area in the United States, is at the center of these proposed changes. Brett Myrick, a local Navy SEAL veteran, described the importance of maintaining the wilderness’s serenity. “We go in with crosscut saws, no noise, no fumes. It’s a place of quiet, a place of solitude,” he stated, emphasizing the need for preservation.

However, this peace is jeopardized by the Air Force’s intentions to allow low-altitude supersonic flights over the region. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement details plans for military aircraft to fly at altitudes as low as 100 feet. “This could literally turn our homes into a war zone,” remarked Patrice Mutchnick from Heart of the Gila. Community members express serious concerns about increased noise pollution and its implications for mental health, especially for veterans like Arthur Ratcliffe. “When it flew over my house, it shook the windows,” he recalled, pointing to past experiences with low-flying military jets.

Additionally, the proposed operations could endanger local wildlife and potentially introduce hazardous materials into the environment. The release of chaff, which contains harmful chemicals linked to severe health issues, raises alarms among residents and environmental advocates. Myrick described it as an “abomination to the sanctity of wilderness.”

Local representatives, including U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez and Arizona Rep. Raúl Grijalva, have publicly opposed the expansion, citing insufficient public consultations and concerns about environmental degradation. The Tohono O’odham Nation and other tribes have also raised alarms, alleging inadequate consideration of their rights and the potential ecological impact on their lands.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, flagging several health risks associated with the proposed flights such as sleep disturbances and hearing loss. Experts assert that the Air Force’s noise analysis lacks thoroughness, undermining the assessment of potential impacts on the community. “They have a responsibility to assess those impacts,” Siwik reiterated, emphasizing the community’s commitment to preserving the Gila region.

As discussions continue, local advocates urge alternative solutions for military training that do not compromise the area’s natural beauty or residents’ quality of life. “We just feel that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement did not adequately defend its purpose,” Siwik concluded. The outcome of this proposal could reshape not only the landscapes of Silver City but also the lives of its residents, many of whom have deep ties to the region.