The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will seek comments from the public as it begins an Environmental Assessment to evaluate a multi-billion dollar O’Hare International Airport project proposed by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The proposed project involves the airport’s terminal area, numerous capital improvement projects and hotel development. In addition, as part of the assessment, the FAA is proposing to permanently implement offset flight approach procedures at O’Hare for Runway 10R/28L to keep aircraft safely separated from other approaching aircraft on a parallel runway .
First Step of Scoping
This initial assessment step, called scoping, determines whether a proposed project has the potential to significantly affect the environment. That finding helps to determine whether the project requires an Environmental Impact Statement or if a Finding of No Significant Impact can be issued for the proposed project.
The FAA will involve the public throughout the scoping process by seeking input to define the range of environmental issues to study in the Environmental Assessment. The FAA also coordinates and consults with federal, state, and tribal agencies and with local officials throughout the entire process.
