College Station Cites Concerns From Neighborhoods

Mayor John Nichols of College Station, Texas, on July 11 sent a letter to the FAA asking it to delay the increase in the number of deliveries requested by Amazon Prime Air for its facility in College Station.

The letter was sent on behalf of the City Council of College Station as a public comment on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) submitted by the company for expanding its commercial drone package delivery service. The company is requesting an increase in the number of hours and days for the service, and residents living in neighborhoods adjacent to the facility have been expressing concerns about noise levels, especially during takeoffs and landings.

The mayor’s letter said that the City is grateful the company chose College Station to host the only drone delivery service facility of its kind in the country and supported the company’s request but only in part. He explained that the proposed increase in service levels may exceed permitted noise and activity levels under the current zoning of the facility, and the City Council is asking for a delay in approving the higher service levels until Amazon implements additional noise mitigation measures.

The mayor noted positively that Amazon’s request involved the company bringing the new MK30 drone into service, with assurances that it is 40% quieter than the drone currently in use. He said he would support the higher level of deliveries after the MK30 drone is deployed for service.

FMI: www.amazon.com