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Commission approves John C. Tune Airport perimeter culverts and vegetation work; one commissioner opposes
Summary
The commission approved variances allowing installation of four‑sided box culverts with liftable grates at two airfield fence stream crossings, clearing and grubbing within the perimeter fence, and a waiver of buffer signage to reduce wildlife incursions, while one commissioner recorded opposition citing mitigation concerns.
The Stormwater Management Commission on July 16 approved variances requested by the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to install four‑sided box culverts and liftable security grates at two airfield perimeter stream crossings, to clear and grub vegetation inside the airport perimeter fence, and to waive buffer signage for the restricted area. The vote passed with one commissioner in opposition.
Airport representatives and their engineering consultant said the work is intended to reduce wildlife incursions that pose risks to aircraft operations. Peter Nielsen of Atkins Realis described the proposal: the culvert inverts will be set to match existing stream bottoms, the box culvert sections are sized to convey the 100‑year storm, and liftable grates will permit airport staff to open the crossing for major storm events to clear debris. "The box culvert sections have been sized to convey peak runoff for the hundred year storm, and the lift grates can be opened for anticipated major storm events to prevent debris from clogging the main channel," Nielsen said.
The applicant proposed to clear invasive species and remove dead or fallen trees inside the perimeter, and to restore cleared areas outside channel banks to FAA‑compatible turf. Staff worked with the applicant to develop mitigation tailored to airfield safety constraints; because of FAA operational requirements, traditional riparian plantings were not practicable in the cleared areas, and staff recommended alternative plantings along Toon Airport Drive where safe and allowed.
One written neighbor comment raised concerns about downstream drainage, channel impacts and the degree of vegetation removal. Commissioners discussed mitigation proportionality and alternative mitigation locations; one commissioner recorded opposition to the motion at final vote, citing concerns about the adequacy of mitigation for buffer removal. The chair announced the motion carried.
