Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport South topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District flags air‑quality, noise and safety issues at Airport South proposal near Paso Verde
Summary
Staff told trustees the Airport South proposal includes large warehouse and industrial uses near Paso Verde and raised concerns about air quality, truck pollution, noise‑based bird deterrents next to schools, and student safety; trustees asked staff to consider a resolution to oppose if issues are not addressed.
Associate Superintendent Doug Orr warned trustees that the Airport South proposal — roughly 475 acres of farmland slated for heavy industrial, commercial and warehouse uses — could bring significant air‑quality and safety impacts near Paso Verde School and other Natomas sites.
Orr said the project description calls for "over 6,000,000 square feet of warehouse space" and a large solar array with public EV charging infrastructure, but staff have not seen fully developed plans. He told trustees the district submitted written comments citing air quality, noise and safety issues and objected to mitigation proposals that would rely on strong sonic deterrents to keep birds away from the project area, calling such measures next to a school "a horrible idea." He added that chemical deterrents "can't work" because the district cannot accept substances in the air near students.
Trustees echoed concerns about long‑term health and transport impacts if a diesel‑heavy trucking and dispatch center proceeds adjacent to school properties. Staff said they will continue to monitor county processes, update trustees in writing and consider stronger formal statements if the environmental review does not address the district's concerns.
