Residents List Concerns for El Toro Environmental Study

Besides worries about noise, traffic and air pollution, South County residents are concerned about the impact of around-the-clock flights and the relocation costs for people forced to move if a commercial airport is built at El Toro. And they want consultants preparing an environmental review of the proposed airport to consider those issues.

Those were among comments at a public meeting Wednesday night to discuss the upcoming environmental study for the plan to build an airport at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station after the Marines leave the base in July. About 2,000 acres of the 4,700-acre base are planned for an international terminal for passenger and cargo jets.

The meeting was the first opportunity for public comment on the contentious issue since the Nov. 3 election, which cemented a pro-airport majority on the Board of Supervisors.

About 40 people listened politely as a dozen South County residents listed numerous concerns they want addressed: comparing noise with and without an airport, testing different approach and takeoff paths and determining how exhaust trails would affect a nearby wildlife sanctuary.

Several speakers demanded that letters from the Air Line Pilots Assn. and the Air Transport Assn., which represents the nation’s major airlines, be included in the report. Both groups are critical of plans to offer commercial flights at both John Wayne Airport and El Toro.

Jerry Heydinger of Mission Viejo asked officials with LSA Associates, the company preparing the environmental study, to compare noise levels and property values within one-, three- and five-mile loops around Los Angeles International Airport.

Eileen Dickerson of Irvine wanted to know the exact directions of plane departures and landings. .

“I would put a for-sale sign on my house today, but I don’t know where they’re going to fly, so I don’t know where to move,” she said.