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1000 Airport Rd
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 382-6050

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Frequently Asked Questions

DRO Terminal Development Environmental Assessment

What is the National Environmental Policy Act?

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) was created to ensure federal agencies consider the environmental impacts of their actions and decisions. Federal agencies are required to assess the environmental impacts of a proposed action and consider alternative ways of accomplishing their goal, which are less damaging to and protective of the environment. NEPA also established a new entity within the Executive Office of the President to oversee NEPA implementation: The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).

NEPA's goal is to create unity between humans and the human environment. At the most basic level, NEPA was created to help Federal agencies act as responsible stewards of America's vast natural resources. More information is available on the NEPA website.

What is an Environmental Assessment?

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is an in-depth review and analysis of the potential environmental impacts of a federally-funded construction project. The purpose of an EA is to address the impacts of federal actions on the human environment, including noise, socioeconomic, land uses, air quality, and water quality. An EA is required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 40 Code of Federal Regulations parts 1500-1508, and the US Department of Transportation Order DOT 5610.1C.

Why is an Environmental Assessment being conducted at DRO?

DRO's 2015 Master Plan identifies deficiencies with the existing terminal facility and evaluated solutions (2015 Master Plan Documents). The preferred alternative from the Master Plan is to construct a new terminal area on the east side of the airfield. This development would include a new airport entrance, terminal, apron, parking, and partial parallel taxiway. In order to move forward with terminal development an EA must be completed to analyze the impacts associated with the Master Plan’s preferred alternative as well as other feasible alternatives. The EA process will identify the proposed action and evaluate potential project impacts and measures to mitigate or avoid those impacts.

What is the rationale for the Master Plan’s preferred alternative?

As described throughout the Master Plan document and process, the terminal is operating beyond current capacity limits. Facility requirements for the next 20 years were determined based upon the approved Master Plan forecast. Alternatives were then developed to meet the required needs. These alternatives were presented to the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC), the Airport Commission, the public, and elected officials to obtain their preferred alternative. Both the PAC and the Airport Commission supported Alternative 3 (building a new terminal on the east side of the airport) but were concerned about how to fund the improvements. In order to measure the financial impact to the local community, the Consultant and Sponsor coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to obtain an estimate of what could be anticipated from federal funding. A project budget goal of $80 to $90 million was set, based on FAA funding requests up to $40 million with a match from local and other sources. Alternative 3 was revised to meet this budget. The revamped Alternative 3 and the other two alternatives were presented to the public and elected officials. The public and elected officials showed general support for the revised Alternative 3 as the preferred alternative to meet the long-term demand of the region. Additional information on the Master Plan may be found on the project website.

What is the proposed action?

The proposed action for DRO’s Environmental Assessment is to develop terminal facilities that will meet existing demand and are capable of being expanded to meet long-term demand as identified in the 2015 Master Plan.

What projects are being assessed in the Environmental Assessment?

The projects associated with the proposed action and being assessed in the Environmental Assessment are:

What are the components of an Environmental Assessment?

An EA consists of four main components:

What environmental impact categories are analyzed an Environmental Assessment?

There are 14 environmental impact categories that may be relevant to FAA actions:

What are the boundaries of the Environmental Assessment study area?

The study area for the project includes those areas where physical improvements would occur for each alternative evaluated, as well as property surrounding the project area(s).

Who is involved in the Environmental Assessment process?

Parties with a vested interest in the project as well as those that may be directly or indirectly impacted are involved in the EA process. These parties include but may not be limited to:

Who is preparing the Environmental Assessment?

DRO contracted with a consultant team of Jviation (prime), Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, KB Environmental Sciences, Inc., Ecosphere Environmental Services, RS&H, and Stratified Environmental and Archaeological Services, LLC.

Who is paying for the Environmental Assessment?

The total project cost is approximately $1 million. The FAA issued a grant for approximately $900,000 through the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which requires a 10 percent local match. This match is being funded by a CDOT grant and DRO.

What is the Airport Improvement Program?

The AIP is a federal grant program for airports included in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS)—airports considered to be significant to air transportation—for the planning and development of public-use airports. Additional information is available on FAA's AIP website.

What is the project schedule?

The Environmental Assessment process is anticipated to take approximately 24 months. Please view the Schedule page for more details.

What are the planned outreach methods?

A multi-faceted public and stakeholder involvement program is being implemented to give interested parties opportunities to participate at various points throughout the project. This program will engage the community and stakeholders at open houses, via the media (radio, newspaper, and video), and at agency meetings. Please see the project Schedule page and the Meetings page for approximate timing of these events.

How can I follow or participate in the process?

The simplest way is through this website. You can review the latest information and share your comments on the Comments page. Public open houses will be announced 30 days in advance. Important dates, meetings, conclusions, and project status/updates will be posted on this website.

Stay informed by:

What is a Finding of No Significant Impact?

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is the FAA’s determination that a proposed action does not have the potential for significant environmental impacts. The responsible FAA official prepares a FONSI that briefly presents the reasons for the finding, documenting the basis for the FAA’s determination. The FONSI does not represent the FAA’s decision to implement the proposed action.