— from David Turnoy —
Tuesday, October 7 was the Growler forum hosted on Lopez by our own Jamie Stephens, and Rick Larsen was present; also present were Rick Hughes and the county manager. Sharon Abreu, Geri, and I ferried over there to lend support. The Lopez Community Center was packed, perhaps 100 people in attendance. Jamie opened by outlining what has been going on recently. Very interesting was the fact that early on, the Navy had told locals that it would not accept decibel levels from anyone other than its own people and measuring devices. Yet when evidence of about 800 noise complaints over three months was sent to the Navy, they complained that decibel levels were not included. A perfect example of military “intelligence”.
Jamie went on to outline a list of suggestions prepared by the Council that is being submitted to the Navy. One of the most interesting bits of information is that 747 airplane engines have at least three times the thrust of the Growlers, yet the 747 engines are much quieter. So the technology definitely exists to build quieter jets. Coincidentally, both jet engines are built by GE, and the planes are both built by Boeing. So it shouldn’t be that difficult to make a switch.
Another interesting fact that came out is that a whole lot of the noise disturbances are coming from jets whose pilots have flown outside of the approved areas for their flights and some at much lower altitudes than the 3,000 feet that is supposed to be the minimum level. According to Rep. Larsen, very few of the approved flight paths include any area over the islands. It is therefore crucial that folks who observe flight noise report it so that the Navy can be called on its actions and its pilots reined in.
Rep. Larsen outlined what he has done, which seems like not very much. He mentioned some other possible solutions, including something called a Hush House, which is a device where a Growler can be warmed up and the sound from this warming-up be sent upward so that by the time the noise starts to move horizontally, it is quite high and should dissipate before being heard at uncomfortable noise levels. Larsen continues to maintain that he has competing interests in his district, ours being the problems from the noise while many in the military areas support the Growlers for the economic benefits they supposedly provide. I made the point to him that it seems rather ridiculous to consider health problems and economic problems as being on the same level, that people’s health should trump economics, especially when many from the military could be redirected to jobs in renewable energy that should be created and thereby provide economic benefits while preserving health.
Lots of people were able to ask questions. One woman talked about how when the Growlers fly over her, the impact physically knocks her down. Cynthia Dilling, one of the leaders on Lopez in fighting this menace, quoted information that indicated that there would eventually be another 70 Growlers added to 70 already here. Larsen said he only knows of up to 22 new ones coming, and that the numbers should be less. Cynthia said her numbers come directly from military documents, so our Congressman is either not well-informed or is obfuscating.
Larsen had two assistants present who took lots of notes. Jamie encouraged anyone with more to say to send comments to him or Rick Hughes, and they would forward these comments to Larsen’s office.
One final note is that we had occasion to talk with BJ Guillot, the Republican candidate for Larsen’s seat. He attended the forum, and we got to talk with him both in our ride to and from the Lopez ferry dock and on the ferry. When I asked him what he would do if he were in Larsen’s seat, he said he would make sure that an independent third party firm is hired to do the decibel study. He said he wouldn’t trust the Navy to be forthcoming. He actually seems like an intelligent young man, misguided on many issues, but actually much more in tune with the locals on environmental issues than Larsen. He even came to one of the islands (I think it was San Juan) to see what the Growler noise was actually like in person; I still don’t think Larsen has done that. He brought his own noise-measuring device and recorded decibel levels as high as 115. He said that experiencing it from the base as opposed to experiencing it from one of the islands is quite different, that the noise is actually much worse on the islands than at the base. It is crucial for Larsen to get out there and experience the noise; only then can he take seriously the
health concerns, which he currently doesn’t take seriously and which he sees as of no greater importance than the economic benefits of hosting more Growlers. As the speaker after me so eloquently asked, when will someone do the moral thing?
One other point Jamie made that struck me was the fact that when a delegation from Lopez visited the base they were all struck with the fact that the noise heard near the runway was far LESS that what is being experienced here. Therefore, the Navy must be encouraged to pay us a visit.
I would add that Larsen did give us two more bits of information regarding noise reduction which he has been following and encouraging. Right now there are ongoing tests to see what happens to noise and efficiency when “chevrons” are installed around the back of the engines. This appears to hold some promise. Also efforts are currently underway to increase the input from computers during carrier landings. If this is successful, the number of flights required for pilot certification might be reduced.
Rick also said that to move the entire Growler operation elsewhere would be prohibitively expensive. It simply will not happen. Whidbey has been the center for electronic jamming aircraft for several decades, and the infrastructure necessary for this is well established there. Therefore, his efforts will be to work on noise abatement. I do think he is working to help, though he did stress that other of his constituents have other concerns, some in conflict with ours. One questioner from the audience asked whether he would stand up for the right principle as opposed to what would guarantee reelection. He pointed out that his vote for cap and trade nearly cost him the subsequent election and that he has taken principled stands on other issues as well. (This exchange reminded me of Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage and my wish that more of our politicians would lead in this manner, even though it would increase the turnover rate.)
When discussing any possible congressional votes on Growlers Larsen doubted there would ever be the chance to have this as a single item. Rather, anything to do with Growler numbers and operation would be a tiny part of a major defense budget bill with many components.
That’s the sound of our freedom and protection guaranteed by the U.S. Navy. I think y’all are making a mountain out of a mole hill. I’ve heard the growling issues, they are infrequent and not offensive. This is OUR military. I’d like to remind people that the U.S. Navy has sent their helicopters for mediiacs off the island when their civilian counterparts were unable or unwilling to do so when required, they stepped into the beech.
I support David Turnoy’s quest to find a solution to the noise problem.
However, the suggestion that a 747 engine could replace an F18 engine simply (excuse the pun) won’t fly. The 747 engine weighs 3 times as much as the F18 engine. The F18 aircraft would have to be completely redesigned due to the different weight and balance.
I am a retired Boeing engineer, I did not work on either the 747 or the F18 programs.