Had Re-Opened Temporarily During Fire Season

The La Grande Airtanker Base (LGATB) at the Union County, OR, airport has once again been officially closed to all airtanker operations. Permanent repairs began on September 24 to the apron leading to the concrete retardant loading pads.

File Photo

It was determined in April 2011 that the asphalt apron had deteriorated to the point that it was no longer serviceable or safe to operate aircraft. At that time, the forest service said the airport’s runway was usable, but the adjacent apron where retardant or water is loaded onto firefighting planes needed to be rebuilt.
 
Inspections of the ramp area showed the asphalt pavement continuing to deteriorate. Inspectors found eight-inch cracks, sagging areas, and loose asphalt throughout the apron. The newer portion of the apron was also showing an increase in the number of cracks. A report indicated there was a high probability of subsurface failure, which could result in a serious accident or injury during air tanker base operations.

Temporary repairs to the apron extended the ability to operate the airtanker base during the 2011 fire season. Union County, OR, completed the temporary asphalt pavement repairs to the LGATB apron in late July 2011. The county’s Consulting Engineer for aviation operations validated that the repairs were adequate to allow operations for the remainder of the season. The Engineer also recommended daily inspections in order to ensure the apron’s continued serviceability.

The base is now closed to all operations until the permanent repairs are completed. The project is expected to cost $1.7 million and is scheduled for completion on June 1, 2012.

FMI: www.fs.fed.us