Groton Open Space Association

Environmental Study On Airport Safety Zone Is Termed Flawed

GROTON, April 23, 2002– A proposed runway safety zone at the Groton-New London Airport came in for criticism at a public hearing. The proposal would involve filling in 1.2 acres of tidal wetlands around Baker Cove and 0.01 acre of open water in the cove. A member of the public said the study lacked quantitative analysis. Another called for closing of the airport because it is close to a nuclear plant, a submarine base, a defense contractor and a pharmaceutical company. Groton City Mayor Dennis Popp mentioned a former proposal to build an airport north of Norwich. Pilots defended the proposed safety zone.