Anti-noise group issues plea to supporters: ‘We think this judge was wrong … we need to raise $50,000 quickly’

Published 8:00 am Saturday, October 3, 2015

A Central Whidbey group concerned about the health effects of Navy jet noise is asking its followers for more cash to continue its fight to end the carrier landing practices at Outlying Field Coupeville.

Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve says it needs at least $50,000 to appeal an August federal court judge’s ruling against their cause, according to an email sent to the group’s supporters.

“History proves judges can be wrong, which is why their decisions are sometimes overturned on appeal — or effectively changed with public opinion,” said the email. “We think this judge was wrong. Appeals are expensive. If we are to do so, we need to raise $50,000 quickly.”

The email goes on to state that the group raised and spent $130,000 to research, educate the public and hire attorneys. In addition to an appeal, the group wants to “take our case to the court of public opinion through a renewed campaign of public education, organizing and action.”

COER filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction against the Navy earlier this year claiming that the noise from the EA-18G Growler is harmful to the health of those who live near the field.

U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Zilly ruled against the group in August.

The Navy is unresponsive to the public’s concerns, and the only way to get their attention is through litigation, claims Maryon Attwood, a member of COER.

A hotline the Navy set up to take comment isn’t answered by a person, she said. The group created its own call line. It is staffed by a person.

The Navy stopped having a duty officer answer jet noise calls, opting instead for an automated comment line and email address, said Whidbey Island Naval Air Station spokesman Mike Welding. The Navy determined staffing the line was an ineffective use of personnel.

Welding said the Navy looks into every complaint but responds only to unusual calls warranting a response.

COER also claims it hears from other communities in the region who want to see the Navy stop flying the Growlers, in particular communities in the San Juan Islands, said Cate Andrews of COER.

COER received 1,900 emails in the past two years from people who take issue with the Growler noise, Andrews said, adding she doesn’t think it will be difficult to raise the $50,000.

“The mood of this area is one of desperation,” she said.

The group has made a number of claims about the health effects of jet noise on human health, animals, the environment and tourism. Attwood contends that the Navy could take its training elsewhere, perhaps to land near Hanford in Grant County.

The Growler is the loudest Navy jet ever, she said, and adds that the military plans to bring more than 150 jets to Whidbey. She also said the Navy’s own reports show jet noise can damage buildings.

The Growler sounds different than its predecessor, the EA-6B Prowler, but the noise levels are comparable, Welding said, referencing a 2012 environmental assessment that concludes the Growler isn’t louder, but does have more potential to cause “noise-induced vibrations.”

“The Growler is recognizable by the low frequency ‘rumble’ of its jet engines, whereas the Prowler is associated with a higher frequency sound of its jet engines,” he said.

Welding added that he’s not aware of any Navy document that states Growlers cause structural damage.

As for how many Growlers are coming to Whidbey — that depends on funding from Congress. Studies underway are examining alternatives that vary the number of aircraft per squadron, the number of squadrons and the distribution of aircraft operations between Ault Field and the field near Coupeville.

There could be an additional 13 to 36 aircraft with the total number ranging from 95 to 118 Growlers, Welding said.

In comparison, the Navy had nearly 200 tactical jets in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and more than double the operations being conducted at NAS Whidbey.

Whidbey is an ideal place for the Navy to fly jets, he said. The airspace above the Pacific Northwest is relatively uncongested and other advantages include the varied terrain, which provides a quality, realistic training environment.

The weather pattern and temperate climates allow year-round flying.

“There are other training areas in the United States that are used to support similar training,” he said.

However, Welding said, “none that have enough of the appropriate combination of capability, capacity or proximity to squadrons stationed at NAS Whidbey Island.”