Impact report linked to expanded operations at JWA released

Orange County has released a draft report of environmental effects that could result from proposed increases in operational capacity at John Wayne Airport.

The changes come as part of an update to the settlement agreement involving the county, city of Newport Beach and two nonprofit advocacy groups, the Airport Working Group and Stop Polluting Our Newport.

First established in 1985 and set to expire at the end of 2005, the agreement dictates the number of flights and hours of operation at the airport, among other issues.

It was modified and extended in 2003, and is again set to expire at the end of 2015. The environmental review is part of the process for amending and renewing it a third time.

Under the newest proposal, passenger limits and flights would increase incrementally over time. The curfew would remain.

Public comments on the draft environmental impact report are being accepted until 5 p.m. July 8.

The report is available at https://www.ocair.com/settlementagreement, the John Wayne administrative office, 3160 Airway Ave., and the planning department in the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive.

Copies can also be found in 10 area libraries, including those in Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach.

The first of two public meetings to discuss the document is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Hewes Middle School, 13232 Hewes Ave., in Tustin.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors is expected to review the amended settlement agreement and draft EIR later this summer.

— Emily Foxhall