Secretary's certificate on the 2022 report and responses
Massachusetts Port Authority · from Massport · 142 pages · 7.8 MB
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Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A A. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments This Appendix includes the follow Secretary Certificates and Responses to Comments: Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate on the Logan Airport 2022 Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) and Massport’s Responses to Comments Raised in the Certificate ....................................................... A-3 Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate on the Logan Airport 2020/2021 Environmental Data Report (EDR)......................................................... A-87 Copy of the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate Issued for the Terminal E Modernization Project Final Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Report ......................................................................................... A-101 Copy of the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate Issued for the Logan Airport Parking Project Final Environmental Impact Report ............................................................................................................................................................. A-103 Copy of the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate Issued for Runway 27 End Runway Safety Area (RSA) Improvement Project Final Environmental Impact Report ....................................................................................................... A-119 Copy of the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate Issued for Runway 27 End Runway Safety Area (RSA) Improvement Project Notice of Project Change......................................................................................................................... A-1 29 Full versions of filings and additional Secretary Certificates can be found on Massport’s website through the following link: https://www.massport.com/environment/project-environmental- filings/boston-logan . MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A- 1 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-2 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR This Page Intentionally Left Blank. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-3 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Certificate on the Logan Airport 2022 Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) and Massport’s Responses to Comments Raised in the Certificate MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-4 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR This Page Intentionally Left Blank. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Maura T. Healey GOVERNOR Kimberly Driscoll LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Rebecca L. Tepper SECRETARY Tel: (617) 626-1000 Fax: (617) 626-1081 http://www.mass.gov/eea October 18, 2024 CERTIFICATE OF THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS ON THE 2022 LOGAN AIRPORT ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS AND PLANNING REPORT PROJECT NAME : 2022 Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) PROJECT MUNICIPALITY : Boston/Winthrop PROJECT WATERSHED : Boston Harbor EOEA NUMBER : 3247 PROJECT PROPONENT : Massachusetts Port Authority DATE NOTICED IN MONITOR : June 7, 2024 As Secretary of Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), I hereby determine that the Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) submitted on this project adequately and properly complies with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA; M.G.L. c. 30, ss. 61-62L) and Section 11.06 of the MEPA regulations (301 CMR 11.00). However, as described below, I am directing Massport to participate in a work group process to consider supplemental community mitigation measures for environmental justice neighborhoods surrounding the Airport, with the goal of forming recommendations for specific actions within one year. Massport should report on the status of these work group discussions in its next Environmental Data Report (EDR) submission. Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning EDR and ESPR Reporting Process The environmental review process for Logan Airport (the “Airport”), first established in the 1970s, has been structured to occur on two levels: airport-wide and project-specific. The A-1 A-2 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-3 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 2 Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) has evolved from a largely retrospective status report on Airport operations to a broader analysis that also provides a prospective assessment of long-range plans. It has thus become, consistent with the objectives of the MEPA regulations, part of the Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport) long-range planning process. The ESPR provides a “big picture” analysis of the environmental impacts associated with current and projected activity levels, and presents a comprehensive strategy to avoid and minimize impacts. The ESPR analysis is supplemented by (and ultimately incorporates) the detailed analyses and mitigation commitments of project-specific Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs). The ESPR is generally updated on a five-year basis. The previous ESPR for the year 2017 (2017 ESPR) was filed in August of 2019. The Scope for the 2022 ESPR was included in the Certificate on the 202/2021 EDR which was issued on January 30, 2023. EDRs are filed in the years between ESPRs. The EDR is a retrospective document that is generally filed annually and identifies environmental impacts based on actual passenger activity and operations. The EDR provides opportunities to compare activity levels and impacts against the prior year’s EDR, as well as projections set forth in the five-year ESPR. In more recent years, the EEA Secretary has allowed the filing of combined EDRs (e.g., 2018/2019 EDR and 2020/2021 EDR). The 2020/2021 EDR responded to the Certificate on the 2018/2019 EDR. I note that recent delays in the filing of EDRs have led to concerns about data lags, as each EDR is sometimes filed up to a year after the end of the time period over which the EDR is required to report data. With extended comment periods necessitated by the increasing complexity of these filings, lengthy MEPA reviews of EDR filings have also delayed scoping for future EDRs and ESPRs. As discussed below, given that this 2022 ESPR is again being issued towards the end of 2024 (almost a full two years after the close of 2022), I am allowing the filing of another combined 2023/24 EDR (to be filed sometime in 2025) to alleviate concerns about a further lag between the time when data become available and when they are reported in public disclosures. I am also instructing Massport, as part of the 2023/24 EDR, to propose innovative solutions to address this issue, for instance, by making real-time data available to the public through a public- facing portal. As the availability of real-time data could reduce the need and public demand for multiple complex MEPA filings and associated reviews on an almost-annual basis, Massport could consider a simplified format for future EDRs and ESPRs. Alternatively, one ESPR could be submitted on a five-year cycle with one EDR as an interim update in year 2 or 3, provided that real-time data and key metrics (e.g., on a dashboard with certain agreed-upon metrics) are made available with more frequent updates on the Massport website. Further input should be gathered through the work group on community mitigation referenced below. As reiterated in prior ESPR certificates, these EDR and ESPR reports are intended to subject Logan Airport to comprehensive and regular MEPA review, including opportunities for public comment on cumulative impacts from all aspects of Airport operations. As stated in a companion Certificate issued on October 11, 2024 for Hanscom Field (EEA #5484/8696), I acknowledge that Logan EDRs and ESPRs are not intended to analyze the impacts of specific projects proposed at Hanscom. However, these documents themselves are a form of environmental review, and are prepared to comply with the overarching directive of MEPA that Agencies, including state authorities such as Massport, review and evaluate the impact on the natural environment of all works, projects or activities conducted by them, and to “use all practicable means and measures to minimize damage to the environment.” To that end, ESPRs A-4 A-5 A-3 A-6 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-4 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 3 and EDRs should include, in addition to a cumulative inventory of all Airport operations and associated impacts, a description of all practicable measures planned to avoid or minimize, and where appropriate, to mitigate such impacts within the confines of Massport’s legal authority. Consistent with the 2021 Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy (“Climate Roadmap Act”), St. 2021, c. 8, §§ 55-60, these measures should also consider environmental justice (EJ) principles by fostering the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens in impacted neighborhoods, while considering any identified unfair or inequitable environmental burdens borne by surrounding EJ populations. More specific analysis required for future EDRs and ESPRs will be set forth in formal scoping documents, including the Scope below for the 2023/24 EDR. 2022 ESPR At the time of the 2017 ESPR filing, it was projected that Logan Airport would reach 50 million annual passengers in the next 10 to 15 years (the Future Planning Horizon) until 2028 to 2032. As noted in the 2018/19 EDR Certificate, the 2019 passenger activity level represented an all-time high of 42.5 million, an increase of 3.9 percent over 2018 (40.9 million) and future trends were on track to exceed the 50 million annual passengers projected in the 2017 ESPR much sooner than the previously identified 10-15 year time frame. The 2022 ESPR is based on a Future Planning Horizon ending 2032 to 2037, and projects an increase to 53.5 million annual passengers in that time frame, seven percent greater than the projection in the 2017 ESPR. The 2022 ESPR reports that a return to 2019 passenger levels is expected by 2025. While the number of aircraft operations is projected to increase by a lesser amount (reported as 2% increase over 2017 ESPR projections, largely due to so-called “load factors” or the number of passengers per flight), total operations are still projected to exceed 2019 levels over the Future Planning Horizon and show a 31 percent increase over 2021 levels. These trends in passenger and flight activity levels demonstrate that, while activity levels still remain below the all-time highs in 2019, they show clear recovery from COVID-19 conditions and a trajectory of exceeding 2019 levels by as early as 2025. I note that associated GHG and air emissions, while also showing an upward trend, are projected to increase at a slower rate; specifically, GHG emissions are projected remain below 2019 levels over the Future Planning Horizon, though other air pollutants, notably NOx, are predicted to increase markedly. The slower pace of GHG and air emissions increases appears to be due to the variety of measures in place and planned to reduce emissions impacts of Airport operations, and Massport should be applauded for striving to reduce all “Scope 1” emissions (albeit a small percent of total) to 0 by the Future Planning Horizon. Consistent with the Scope issued in the 2020/2021 EDR, the 2022 ESPR indicates that Massport has taken concrete steps to implement planned capital projects or programs that were deferred from 2018-19 due to pandemic conditions. These include several planned capital projects that were asserted to provide environmental benefits and reduce impacts associated with Airport operations, such as: the Logan Airport Parking Project (EEA# 15665) (5,000 new parking spaces, solar photovoltaic system, and electric vehicle charging stations), Phase 2 of Terminal E Modernization (EEA# 15434) (3 new terminal gates), several high- occupancy-vehicle investments (addition of 1,000 new spaces to Framingham Logan Express Garage (EEA# 16168), opening a new Logan Express suburban location, and implementing a A-6 A-7 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-5 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 4 2nd urban Logan Express Service at North Station. The specific emissions reductions associated with these projects are not identified in the 2022 ESPR. The Scope issued with the 2020/2021 EDR also required that Massport consider a framework and planning process for community mitigation, in collaboration with surrounding EJ populations and other community stakeholders. Both the 2017 ESPR Certificate and the 2018/2019 EDR Certificate indicated that Massport should ensure that community benefits are being provided commensurate with increased growth and associated impacts, and strongly urged that additional mitigation measures be considered if actual growth at the Airport exceeds projections in the ESPR. Prior Certificates have noted Massport’s efforts, in response to a Department of Public Health (DPH) study conducted in 2014, to support public health services in the surrounding neighborhoods, including contributions to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treatment at a local health center. In the 2022 ESPR, Massport indicates that it conducted more intensive community engagement during preparations for this filing, and it has participated in small group discussions led by the MEPA Office since December 2023. In additional correspondence with the MEPA Office, Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency: x Report on Massport’s Net Zero Plan accomplishments and progress on an annual basis x In accordance with the Secretary’s Plan and the Report of the Climate Chief on SAF, report on Massport’s work in establishing a Commonwealth multi-agency working group to expedite the adoption of SAF at Massport and Massachusetts’ airports, including production and delivery. x Provide updates on ongoing FAA sponsored ultrafine particulate (UFP) research. Incorporate and report on Massport funded MCAC study that is measuring UFPs around Logan Airport x Provide details on Massport’s Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). x Create a new Logan ESPR/EDR landing page on Massport’s website. The new webpage will include links to existing ESPR/EDR documents, public notices, and links to available data resources x Continue to work with MEPA to refine and improve the Environmental Justice and public health analysis included in the ESPR x Continue to monitor and report on idling at Logan Airport’s terminal curbs. Establish a curb idling reduction plan with input from the MEPA Office and stakeholders. Present updates to MEPA and stakeholders at regularly scheduled briefings x Include additional details in the ESPR on implementation and tracking of project-specific environmental benefits and mitigation (e.g., project related VMT reductions, GHG reductions, etc.) x Continue to meet with MEPA and stakeholders on data requests, accessibility, and availability, including ways to improve ESPR/EDR format I note that comments received on the 2022 ESPR continue to criticize Massport’s outreach efforts and urge a stronger mitigation program to address impacts on surrounding communities commensurate with the increase in flight and passenger activity levels. As discussed below, while the 2022 ESPR included preliminary information related to A-9 A-10 A-8 A-11 A-12 A-13 A-14 A-15 A-16 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-6 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 5 Environmental Justice (EJ) Populations in accordance with new MEPA EJ protocols released in January 2022, it did not provide comprehensive analysis of potential impacts to these neighborhoods. As further described below, Massport should continue its efforts to strengthen and improve relations with surrounding communities, especially those representing EJ populations located in close proximity to Logan Airport. Even a preliminary review of environmental and public health screening indices shows that these indicators are substantially elevated in areas directly adjacent to Logan Airport. I am also aware that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading a stakeholder effort to consider the “cumulative impacts” of historic and current activities on overburdened communities in Chelsea, including from the ongoing impacts of Logan Airport operations. Massport should report on any findings and action items that may result from that effort. As noted, the 2022 ESPR shows recovery trends post-COVID and flight and passenger activity levels are projected to exceed 2019 levels as early as 2025, with commensurate (though somewhat smaller) increases in GHG and air emissions. In light of these trends, and the increased focus on EJ considerations during MEPA reviews since 2022, I am also directing Massport to participate in a work group, facilitated by MEPA and the EEA EJ Office, to consider supplemental mitigation measures to address public health impacts of Airport operations on surrounding EJ populations. The work group should engage public health experts to advise on effective intervention strategies to address air quality impacts and aim to form recommendations within one year for specific actions to be taken by Massport within the scope of its legal authority. Such actions could include partnerships with local or municipal organizations interested in HEPPA filters, establishment of a curb idling reduction plan, enhanced community air monitoring in partnership with MassDEP and other air pollution sources, or other similar interventions to directly address the public health impacts of degraded air quality around the Airport. The work group should also consider improvements to Massport’s EDR and ESPR reporting process, including through availability of real-time data and abbreviated formats for future filings. Massport is directed to provide administrative support and facilitate the convening of work group meetings, in consultation with the MEPA Office. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on the results of this work group process. In addition, consistent with the approach set forth in the 2017 EPSR, if actual growth in passenger and/or aircraft operations outpace forecasts during a reporting period, I expect that additional mitigation and policies and strategies will be considered to address the proportional growth in impacts. Review of the 2022 ESPR and Scope for the 2023/2024 EDR While the 2022 ESPR is generally responsive to the Scope, comments from stakeholders highlight several key areas where the document does not fully respond to specific items in the Scope on the 2020/2021 EDR and fails to provide substantiating data to back up more general claims. While the 2022 ESPR introduced a new, more focused format with emphasis on current updates on existing initiatives, new programs and planning, and future forecasting, rather than prior initiatives and accomplishments, comments from stakeholders continue to cite the difficult of reviewing filings due to their length and format. The 2022 ESPR included a new chapter (Chapter 2) which reports on Massport’s Environmental Justice (EJ) practices, community outreach and sustainability including initial data from Massport’s “Roadmap to Net Zero” A-17 A-18 A-19 A-20 A-21 A-22 A-23 A-24 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-7 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 6 introduced in March of 2022. 1 The 2022 ESPR describes public involvement activities conducted prior to filing. It discusses the continued progress towards a recovery to pre-COVID- 19 pandemic activity levels and operations and the status of future projects and programs including those put on hold during the pandemic. The technical studies (included as a separate Technical Appendices document) in the 2022 ESPR included reporting and analysis of key indicators of airport activity levels, the regional transportation system, ground access, noise, air and water quality, environmental management, and project mitigation tracking. As noted in the 2020/2021 EDR Certificate, prior Massport filings indicated a rapid increase in passenger activity levels and aircraft operations during the years 2018 and 2019 due to strong economic conditions at that time. By 2019, air passenger activity levels at Logan Airport had reached an all-time high of 42.5 million and were on track to exceed the 50 million annual passengers projected in the 2017 ESPR much sooner than the previously identified 10-15 year time frame. However, in March 2020, flights in and out of Logan Airport were dramatically reduced and passenger levels dropped by over 90 percent at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring and summer of 2020. The 2018/2019 EDR indicated that total flight operations remained reduced by approximately 50 percent, and passenger levels by approximately 70 percent, during the reporting period as compared to January through October 2019, though strong signs of recovery were evident as of the end of 2021 to early 2022 as documented in the 2020/2021 EDR and corresponding Certificate. The 2022 ESPR updated the cumulative impacts of passenger growth and associated ground and aircraft operations based on revised forecasts, documented trends, and environmental impacts. It reviewed methodologies and metrics related to growth projections and associated impacts and mitigation and provided a comparison to the FAA Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) on which Massport’s projections are based. The next EDR will analyze calendar years 2023/2024 and as directed above, should propose a simplified format that could be accompanied by more frequent updates of available data through the Massport website. This reporting format is in response to several comments which have noted the complexity and length of the reporting documents and difficulty in responding to lengthy, data-heavy analyses. Due to the lag in reporting noted above, stakeholders have expressed a need for more real-time data for environmental factors (air, noise, traffic, flights) to provide communities in close proximity to the Airport with information necessary to educate and contribute to the analysis of cumulative impacts. Massport has indicated that this information (to the extent is available) will be part of an EDR/ESPR webpage which is being developed to provide community stakeholders and the public a better understanding of future filings and access to collected environmental data in one location. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on the status of this website or dashboard and the data that is/will be available. The 2023/2024 EDR must include information on the environmental policies and planning that form the context of environmental reporting, technical studies, and environmental mitigation initiatives against which projects at Logan Airport can be evaluated. This should include identification of the cumulative effects of Logan Airport operations and activities, 1 The most current Massport Sustainability, Net Zero, and Resiliency Reports can be found at: https://www.massport.com/sustainability. Massport’s next sustainability and resiliency report covering 2022 and 2023 will be published in late 2024. A-25 A-26 A-27 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-8 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 7 compared to previous years, as appropriate. Review of the 2022 ESPR reveals that some reports/data summarized in the 2022 ESPR are not yet available for review, including the results of the 2022 Air Passenger Ground-Access Survey and the 2022/2023 Sustainability and Resiliency Report. The 2023/2024 EDR should include timely reporting of related environmental data to ensure a full picture of the information summarized in the report. The 2022 ESPR also includes updated timelines for implementation of deferred mitigation projects to ensure that mitigation efforts keep up with increasing rates of travel as pandemic restrictions ease and travel resumes. The 2023/2024 EDR should provide information on EJ populations in proximity to the Airport and summarize relevant information on community health data and outreach as discussed further below. The 2023/2024 EDR must include copies of all ESPR and EDR Certificates and a distribution list for the 2023/2024 EDR. Supporting technical appendices should be provided as necessary. As noted previously, the 2023/2024 EDR should propose a streamlined process for environmental reporting, which may be supplemented through real-time data and other metrics made available with more frequent updates through the Massport website. Public Comments I received comments from two municipalities (Boston and Milton) and other individuals and organizations that identified impacts associated with operation of the Airport on surrounding areas, and expressed concern that impacts will increase with the anticipated growth in passengers and aircraft operations. Many of the commenters took issue with the format and complexity of the ESPR and with the lag in time between filings which results in a lack of real-time data for understanding current impacts. Among the key issues and requests identified in comments are the following: x Coordinate with stakeholders to revamp the ESPR format to reduce the non-relevant information; condense information into smaller discrete subject sections, and make them more readable x EJ outreach should include an opportunity for community input on form and content of future EDR/ESPRs prior to their preparation x Provide language interpretation services for languages spoken by at least five percent of a census tract’s population who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP) x Mitigation measures should be linked to actual passenger and flight activity levels rather than relying on forecasts which, according to commenters, have historically underestimated this growth x Provide more real-time, monthly data to reflect current trends related to operations and passenger growth x Make data available to the public in a format that is easily accessible, and which allows impacted community members to ask questions of the data (excel or similar format) x Include a stand-alone chapter on climate resilience focused on plans and projects that actively address the risks of extreme heat, intense precipitation, and coastal flooding, including efforts focused on employees, guests, operations, assets and adjacent properties A-27 A-28 A-29 A-30 A-31 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-9 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 8 x Recommendation for improved Logan Express service including a new Logan Express site at the former I-90 toll plaza and consideration of remote TSA security screening locations for Logan Express passengers x Provide more data, methodology and quantified impacts/benefits when reporting TDM and HOV information including RideApp x Implement measures to reduce curbside idling by vehicles waiting to pick up passengers x Provide the results of the Ground Access Survey to inform recommendations to improve TDM and HOV programs x ESPRs should measure emissions of ultrafine particulates (UFP) and provide a comprehensive assessment of UFPs building upon the methodologies and results of studies under way by Tufts University x Massport should be required to file an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) with MEPA for each new service route added at Logan x The 65 decibel (dB) Day-Night Sound Level (DNL) (detailed below) noise standard is antiquated and does not reflect actual impacts to area residents, including human health impacts, and Massport should adopt a lower standard to assess impacts of the airfield x Develop a system for the fair and equitable distribution of aircraft overflights that provides real relief to the highly impacted surrounding communities, especially those that are under multiple RNAVs (Area Navigation) x Adoption of a ground level air quality monitoring system using a high resolution network of sensors to inform air quality mitigation, strategies, and policies x Address lead pollution impacts in future EDR/ESPRs. Massport should discuss the availability of unleaded aviation fuel and its usage Massport should consider these comments and suggestions in preparing the 2023/2024 EDR. I encourage Massport to provide responses as part of the subject matter sections of the 2023/2024 EDR, to provide context to commenters on this document, and to explain how recommendations have been incorporated into the Scope. I encourage Massport to evaluate feasible suggestions for increased analysis and monitoring of air emissions, noise and traffic impacts, and to actively consider ways to make real-time tracking data available to the public. Environmental Justice Logan Airport is within two EJ populations designated as Minority and is within one mile of 62 EJ populations characterized as Minority, Income and English Isolation (8); Minority and English Isolation (14); Minority and Income (7); Minority (30); and Income (3). Within the census tracts containing the above EJ populations, within one mile of the project site Spanish/Spanish Creole, Chinese, Korean and Arabic are identified as those spoken by 5% of more of residents who also identify as not speaking English very well. Within 5 miles of the site, six additional languages were identified including Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Russian, and Mon-Khmer. A-32 A-33 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-10 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 9 Public Engagement As noted in 2022 ESPR, since 2013, Massport has been advised by the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee (MCAC) (see St. 2013, c. 46, §§ 55, 82, as amended), which consists of representatives from 35 communities potentially impacted from Airport operations and located within 5 or more miles around the Airport. Massport relies on input from the MCAC as a government representative for the 35 communities surrounding Massport facilities. Meetings of the MCAC are open to the public through both remote and in- person participation. Meetings are posted in advance of the meeting date and recordings and meeting minutes are available on the MCAC website. 2 Chapter 1 of the 2022 ESPR including the Introduction and Executive Summary was translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese and Haitian Creole. In addition, the 2022 Massport provided a “Babel Notice” for five additional languages. A Babel Notice informs readers, in English and other languages, how to access language translation services and how to request project materials in a specific language. The additional languages included Vietnamese, Russian, Mon-Khmer, Arabic, and Korean. At public meetings, Massport offered online interpretation services for Spanish (without advance request), and additional languages were available upon request. The 2022 ESPR indicates that the “designated geographic area” (DGA) (as defined in 301 CMR 11.02) should be defined as one mile for future filings. Because ESPRs are distinct from standard project reviews, it is not necessary to define a formal DGA. However, to be consistent with other MEPA reviews, I find it appropriate for Massport to continue public engagement efforts, at minimum, over a 1-mile radius around the outer perimeter of Logan Airport. As noted below, analysis of noise impacts provided in the ESPR shows that potential impacts over the Future Planning Horizon could extend out to over 2 miles from the runway ends, when considering the most conservative 60dB DNL and TA contours. In addition, Massport has noted the existence of ongoing studies of UFP around the Airport, and preliminary findings from related studies at Hanscom Airport are stated to show high levels of UFP around the Airport. Consistent with the approach taken at Hanscom Airport, Massport should identify any potential areas of additional impact around the Airport based on these and other ongoing studies, and conduct additional focused outreach to such areas. Massport should continue to engage with the MCAC and local organizations, and take recommendations for additional methods and areas of public engagement for future ESPRs and EDRs. As required by the Scope, the 2022 ESPR included a public engagement plan which provided opportunities for early input on the development of the filing as well as opportunities for comment once the ESPR was filed. Outreach efforts were summarized in Appendix E of the filing and included the following: 2 Massport CAC | Massachusetts | The Library A-34 A-35 A-36 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-11 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 10 The Certificate on the 2020/2021 EDR indicated that the public engagement plan should reflect community-based strategies beyond formal public hearings; however, comments from stakeholders on the 2022 ESPR note that the public meetings were held in a similar format to prior EDR/ESPR meetings with the focus being Massport’s presentation of information and data followed by an open comment period. The 2023/2024 EDR should prioritize engagement strategies that meet the community where they are, especially by holding meetings in more publicly accessible locations within the EJ communities most impacted by Airport activities. As previously stated, Massport should also explore alternative methods of involvement beyond formal public hearings, such as hosting “open house” 3 style public meetings, organizing small group discussions with stakeholders, or distributing community surveys to collect feedback. Additionally, Massport is encouraged to meet EJ community members where they already gather by hosting pop-up informational sessions at existing community events (e.g., community celebrations, farmer markets, and cultural events). Given the large percentage of households identified as having limited English proficiency (LEP) (almost half of EJ block groups within 1 mile of the Airport have over 20% of households who report limited English proficiency), the 2023/2024 EDR should also report on specific events planned/attended and strategies enacted to intensify engagement with members from these LEP populations. 3 Open house-style public meetings differ from traditional public meetings by offering a more flexible schedule. Instead of a fixed one- to two-hour agenda, the meeting space is made available for four to five hours, allowing residents to drop in to ask questions, share feedback, and receive updates at their convenience. A-37 A-38 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-12 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 11 Baseline Assessment The 2022 ESPR included a baseline assessment of existing “unfair or inequitable Environmental Burden and related public health consequences” impacting EJ populations in accordance with 301 CMR 11.07(6)(n)(1) and the MEPA Interim Protocol for Analysis of EJ Impacts. The baseline assessment included a review of the data provided by the Department of Public Health (DPH) EJ Tool regarding “vulnerable health EJ criteria”; this term is defined in the DPH EJ Tool to include any one of four environmentally related health indicators that are measured to be 110% above statewide rates based on a five-year rolling average. 4 According to the 2022 ESPR, the data surveyed indicate that 15 census tracts within one mile of Logan Airport exhibit rates of high childhood blood lead levels that exceed 110% of the statewide average; these 15 census tracts are within the municipalities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop. In addition, ten census tracts within one mile exhibit rates of low birth weight that exceed 110% of the statewide average; these census tracts are within Boston, Chelsea and Winthrop. At the municipal level, the following communities within one mile exceed 110% of the statewide averages for the noted of the four vulnerable EJ health criteria: x Boston: low birth weight, pediatric asthma x Chelsea: heart attack, elevated blood lead levels, low birth weight and pediatric asthma x Revere: none x Winthrop: elevated blood lead levels The 2022 ESPR indicated that the following sources of potential pollution exist within 1 mile of the Airport, based on the mapping layers available in the DPH EJ Tool: x Major air and waste facilities: 49 x M.G.L. c. 21E sites: 27 x “Tier II” toxics use reporting facilities: 52 x MassDEP sites with Activity and Use Limitations (AULs): 81 x Wastewater treatment plants: 10 x Underground storage tanks (USTs): 60 x EPA facilities: 3 x Road infrastructure: not identified x MBTA Bus and rapid Transit: not identified x Energy generation and supplies: 2 power plants The 2022 ESPR also surveyed environmental indicators tracked through the U.S. EPA’s “EJ Screen,” which shows the indicators measured at the following percentiles for the identified EJ populations as compared to the MA statewide average. The 2022 ESPR indicates that the following indicators are elevated at 80 th percentile or higher of statewide average within the identified EJ populations: Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM), Risk Management Plan (RMP) Proximity, Traffic Proximity, Hazardous Waste Proximity, and the Wastewater Discharge 4 See https://matracking.ehs.state.ma.us/Environmental-Data/ej-vulnerable-health/environmental-justice.html. Four vulnerable health EJ criteria are tracked at the municipal level in the DPH EJ Viewer (heart attack hospitalization, childhood asthma, childhood blood lead, and low birth weight); of these, two (childhood blood lead and low birth weight) are also available at the census tract level. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-13 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 12 Indicator. At least two of these indicators (DPM and Traffic Proximity) are directly related to air quality. The full list of 13 environmental burden indicators presented in the ESPR and their reported percentiles compared to the statewide average is provided in the table below. I note that, while PM2.5 and Ozone are not elevated above the 80 th percentile, they are reported at the 74 th and 73 rd percentile, respectively. Indicator Exposure v. Risk Percentile as Compared to MA Statewide Average NATA Air Toxics Cancer Risk (lifetime exposure) Risk/Hazard 3 NATA Respiratory Hazard Index Ratio Risk/Hazard 49 NATA Diesel PM (DPM) Potential Exposure 90 Toxic Releases to Air Potential Exposure 60 Particulate Matter (PM2.5) (annual average) Potential Exposure 74 Ozone (summer seasonal average, daily 8-hr max) Potential Exposure 73 Lead Paint (% of housing built before 1960) Potential Exposure 64 Traffic Proximity and Volume Count of vehicles (average annual) Proximity/Quantity 86 Proximity to RMP (Risk Management Plan / hazardous waste cleanup) Sites Proximity/Quantity 81 Proximity to TSDFs (Hazardous waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities) Proximity/Quantity 90 Proximity to NPLs (National Priority List / Superfund sites) Proximity/Quantity 23 Underground Storage Tanks (count/km 2 ) Proximity/Quantity 71 Wastewater Discharge Toxicity (based on NPDES permitted discharge locations) Proximity/Quantity 96 The 2023/2024 EDR should present an updated analysis of existing environmental conditions and public health risk within EJ populations. This updated analysis should present data on all air quality and climate indicators presented in MassDEP’s Cumulative Impact Analysis framework (which overlap in large part with EJ Screen data). 5 Indicators above the 80 th percentile as compared to statewide averages should be reported for each individual census tract (not for entire 1-mile radius) containing EJ populations within 1 mile of the Airport. In addition, 5 ௗ0DVV'(3ILQDOL]HGUHJXODWLRQVUHODWHGWRD&,$IUDPHZRUNIRUFHUWDLQDLUSHUPLWV7KHUHJXODWLRQVDQGDVVRFLDWHG guidance are available here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/cumulative-impact-analysis-in-air-quality- permitting. A-39 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-14 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 13 these data should be reported for any EJ populations located within the largest geographic area associated with documented impacts from the Airport, most notably, the largest sound contours (e.g., 60 DNL) documented in the 2022 ESPR. Moreover, because pediatric asthma prevalence is elevated above 110% in Boston and Chelsea at the municipal level, the 2023/2024 EDR shall present asthma prevalence for kindergarten through 8 th grade (K-8) schools using the MassDEP CIA methodology to analyze asthma prevalence at a finer scale for each EJ census block identified as described above. All requested data can be downloaded on the MassDEP CIA website (Indicator Data for Cumulative Impact Analysis) and all pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade (PK-12) public schools can be identified on the online MassDEP CIA Mapping Tool. 6 The 2023/2024 EDR should contain a section on Environmental Justice to present this analysis, which should be separate from discussions of sustainability efforts or other distinct topics. Community Mitigation While the 2022 ESPR acknowledges that Logan Airport activities and operations might be contributing source of some of these forms of pollution, it asserts that the data and technology needed to differentiate each of the pollution sources affecting EJ populations are not available. As discussed further below and summarized in prior filing, the ESPR details environmental initiatives undertaken to lessen the Airport’s environmental impacts from Airport controlled sources, including a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Strategy, RideApp Management, Long- Term Parking Management Plan, Noise Abatement and Sound Insulation, Alternative Fuel Vehicles Program, Electric Ground Services Equipment, and Energy Planning. As noted, these various measures appear to have slowed the rate of increase in GHG and air emissions, as compared to corresponding increases in flight and passenger activity levels. Nonetheless, with increased activity levels, associated impacts, including air emissions, noise, and traffic, show an upward trend over the Future Planning Horizon. As required by the Scope, the 2022 ESPR reported on methodologies for growth projections and included Appendix F, Activity Levels Supporting Documentation , in response to comments received during meetings with MEPA and community stakeholders. The 2022 ESPR also included relevant metrics for assessing Airport impacts which are discussed further below and include noise, air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and include review of emerging research around ultrafine particles (UFPs), the use of alternative jet fuels, and dispersion models of nitrogen oxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) and the public health impacts of aviation-related air pollution. Massport continues to work with the FAA and research institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University (BU), and Tufts University to expand research including on UFP and black carbon. As part of the FAA-affiliated Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment, also known as the Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT), Massport is supporting a BU research effort to assess Community Measurements of Aviation Emission Contributions to Ambient Air Quality. The primary goal of this project is to conduct a new air pollution monitoring campaign beneath flight paths to and from Logan Airport, using a protocol specifically designed to determine the magnitude and spatial distribution of UFPs in the vicinity of arrival flight paths. Data were collected to assess whether aircraft emissions, particularly 6 MassDEP CIA Mapping Tool ௗ A-39 A-40 A-41 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-15 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 14 arrival emissions, significantly contribute to UFP concentrations at appreciable distances from the Airport. 7 The ESPR also references a 2022/2023 study conducted by BU which evaluated the impact of arrival aircraft on UFP concentrations using particle number concentrations (PNC) 8 as a proxy. The study found that that arrival aircraft contributes significantly but intermittently to ambient PNC at six sites near Logan Airport (Chelsea, Revere, South Boston and Winthrop) during high aircraft activity hours. According to the 2022 ESPR, research is ongoing in East Boston, South Boston, and the Chelsea area. The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to report on the studies’ findings and additional mitigation measures implemented in response to new findings. The 2023/2024 EDR should provide updates and implications from continuing institutional research on UFP, black carbon, the public health impacts of aviation-related air pollution. The 2022 ESPR reviewed ongoing community giving conducted through the Massport Charitable Contribution Program, funded through Massport’s operating budget and appropriated by a seven-member board which reviews grant requests and makes funding recommendations to organizations in Massport’s neighboring communities that serve predominantly people of color. Other programs include a Community Summer Jobs Program (275 youth summer employment positions in Massport’s neighboring communities); the East Boston, South Boston and Winthrop Foundations ($600,000 to local organizations helping to improve quality of life for area residents); the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center to expand the efforts of its Pediatric Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Prevention and Treatment Program in East Boston and Winthrop; 9 and the Diversity STEM and Memorial Scholarships to six local students as well as annual scholarships to high school students in Charlestown, Chelsea, East Boston, South Boston, Revere, and Winthrop. As noted above, while studies on air quality impacts are ongoing, the 2022 ESPR clearly shows recovery from COVID-19 conditions and upward trends in Airport activity levels and associated impacts. Consistent with other MEPA reviews conducted under MEPA EJ protocols, the baseline conditions assessment above supports a conclusion that surrounding EJ populations within 1 mile of the Airport may be subject to existing unfair or inequitable burdens due to the cumulative impact of historic and current activities in and around Logan Airport. In light of these trends, and as stated above, I am directing Massport to participate in a work group, facilitated by MEPA and the EEA EJ Office, to consider supplemental mitigation measures to address public health impacts of Airport operations on surrounding EJ populations. The work group should engage public health experts to advise on effective intervention strategies to address air quality impacts, and aim to form recommendations within one year for specific actions to be taken by Massport within the scope of its legal authority. Such actions could include partnerships with local or municipal organizations interested in HEPPA filters, establishment of a curb idling reduction plan, enhanced community air monitoring in partnership with MassDEP and other air pollution sources, or other similar interventions to directly address the public health impacts of degraded air quality around the Airport. The work group should also consider improvements to 7 For more information: https://s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2479/2022/10/ASCENT-Project-018-2021-Annual- Report.pdf 8 Particle number concentration (PNC) and particle number size distribution (PNSD) are used as metric to quantify ambient UFPs (Kumar et al., 2010, 2016). 9 Massport entered into an agreement with the East Boston neighborhood health center beginning in 2014 in response to the Logan Airport Public Health Study. A-42 A-43 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-16 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 15 Massport’s EDR and ESPR reporting process. Massport is directed to provide administrative support and facilitate the convening of work group meetings, in consultation with the MEPA Office. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on the results of this work group process. In addition, consistent with the approach set forth in the 2017 EPSR, if actual growth in passenger and/or aircraft operations outpace forecasts during a reporting period, I expect that additional mitigation and policies and strategies will be considered to address the proportional growth in impacts. Activity Levels Air traffic activity levels at Logan Airport are the basis for the evaluation of noise, air quality, and ground access conditions associated with the Airport. In this section, current activity levels at the Airport are compared to prior-year levels, and historical passenger and operations trends at Logan Airport dating back to 2000, which is the year Massport approved an Environmental Management Policy. In 2017, air passenger activity levels at Logan Airport reached 38.4 million, an increase of 5.9 percent from 2016. At the time of the 2017 ESPR filing, it was projected that Logan Airport would reach 50 million annual passengers in the next 10 to 15 years (the Future Planning Horizon) until 2028 to 2032. As noted in the 2018/19 EDR Certificate, the 2019 passenger activity level represented an all-time high of 42.5 million, an increase of 3.9 percent over 2018 (40.9 million) and future trends were on track to exceed the 50 million annual passengers projected in the 2017 ESPR much sooner than the previously identified 10-15 year time frame. The 2022 ESPR is based on a Future Planning Horizon (until 2032 to 2037) and projects an increase to 53.5 million annual passengers in that time frame, seven percent greater than the 10 to 15-year projection in 2017. The 2022 ESPR reports that a return to 2019 passenger levels is expected by 2025. Table 3-11 of the ESPR illustrates these projected trends in passenger levels, showing an estimated 48 percent growth over the Future Planning Horizon as compared to 2022 levels (26 percent growth as compared to 2019 all-time high numbers): MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-17 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 16 In 2022, Logan Airport handled 378,613 aircraft operations, which represents a 31 percent increase from 2021 (266,034 operations), but still 11.4 percent less than the 427,176 aircraft operations reported in 2019. Passenger aircraft operations account for the largest share of aircraft operations (89.9 percent) followed by general aviation (GA) (8.1 percent) and all cargo (2.1 percent). The 2022 ESPR reports that total passenger operations of 340,311 increased by 45.3 percent over 2021 (234,219), though still remaining 13.1 percent below 2019 levels (391,424). However, the ESPR indicates that air cargo business has rebounded and operated close to pre-pandemic levels returning to 93.9 percent of 2019 volumes and 3.8 percent over 2021 volumes. The ESPR notes that commercial passenger airlines’ share of cargo (carried as “belly” cargo underneath the plane) was 44.3 percent, or 298 million pounds, compared to 375 million pounds flown on exclusively cargo carriers. According to the 2022 ESPR, the average number of passengers per flight at Logan Airport was returning to pre-pandemic levels at 95.3 passengers per flight as compared to 99.5 passengers per aircraft in 2019 and well above the 85.2 number in 2021. This is a slight change in trends noted in the 2018/2019 EDR, which indicated an increase in operational efficiency and “aircraft load factors.” 10 The increase in average passengers per operation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic was attributed to the introduction of newer and larger aircraft at Logan Airport like the Airbus 350 and Boeing 787, in addition to flights operated by Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 superjumbo jets, especially for international long-haul flights, many of which were reinstated in 2022 after the pandemic. This trend is expected to continue, and means that, even while passenger numbers are projected to increase over the Future Planning Horizon (7 percent over the 2017 ESPR projections), the corresponding increase in flight operations is projected to be less (reported as 2% increase over 2017 ESPR projections). However, as noted, cargo operations have rebounded significantly and are projected to increase by 34% over the 2017 ESPR projections in the Future Planning Horizon. Table 3-13 of the ESPR illustrates these projected trends in flight operations, showing an estimated 31 percent growth over the Future Planning Horizon as compared to 2022 levels (though 16% growth as compared to 2019 all-time high numbers): 10 The load factor is the percentage of actual passengers on a flight relative to the number of seats potentially available on the aircraft of the given flight. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-18 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 17 The 2022 ESPR indicates that forecast methodology relies on widely accepted aviation industry guidance 11 for aviation demand forecasting, and relies on economic data which are analyzed in in different combinations and for different historical time periods to assess the statistical relationships between these drivers and annual growth in Logan Airport passenger levels, and to produce ranges of statistical factors for forecasting future passenger levels. The 2022 ESPR uses this information to update the Logan Airport long-term forecasts for passengers, Airport operations, and fleet mix. The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to report passenger and activity levels and consider planning/mitigation commensurate with the anticipated return to pre-pandemic levels in 2025; in particular, air, noise, and traffic reduction measures should be a significant emphasis of future EDR and ESPR reporting. As discussed, prior Certificates, including the 2017 ESPR and 2018/19 EDR Certificates, urged caution as flight and passenger levels in 2019 reached all-time highs and were on track to exceed Massport’s own forecasts over the Future Planning Horizon. While COVID-19 conditions drastically reduced flight activity after that time, the 2022 ESPR unequivocally shows a return to pre-COVID conditions and projects a return to 2019 activity levels as early as 2025. In light of these trends, and consistent with the approach set forth in the 2017 EPSR, the 2023/2024 EDR should continue to track flight and passenger levels and specifically note whether these levels have reached 2019 levels as of the reporting year; it should also indicate whether trends are on track to exceed projections based on actual activity levels gathered by the reporting year. If actual growth in passenger and/or aircraft operations outpace forecasts, I expect that additional information will be provided in future EDRs and ESPRs to demonstrate that additional mitigation and policies and strategies will be implemented to address the proportional growth in impacts. Planning In prior filings, Massport indicated that several capital improvement projects that were asserted to have emissions benefits by reducing the number of vehicular trips to and from the Airport would be deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of data showing early 11 A list and web links to all forecasting documents can be found on page 3-32 of the 2022 ESPR. A-44 A-45 A-46 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-19 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 18 recovery to pre-pandemic conditions by 2020, the 2020/2021 EDR Certificate directed Massport to describe a decision making process and timetable for implementation of planned capital projects or programs that were deferred due to pandemic conditions. These include several planned capital projects that were asserted to provide environmental benefits and reduce impacts associated with Airport operations as activity levels recover, such as: the Logan Airport Parking Project (EEA# 15665) (5,000 new parking spaces, solar photovoltaic system, and electric vehicle charging stations), Phase 2 of Terminal E Modernization (EEA# 15434) (3 new terminal gates), several high-occupancy-vehicle investments (addition of 1,000 new spaces to Framingham Logan Express Garage (EEA# 16168), opening a new Logan Express suburban location, and implementing a 2nd urban Logan Express Service at North Station. The Airport Planning section of the 2022 ESPR describes the status of projects underway or completed at Logan Airport through the end of 2022. Planning projects fall into the following categories: Ground Transportation (including HOV) improvements and Parking; Terminals; Airside Planning, Service Areas; Airport Buffers and Open Space; and Energy, Sustainability, and Resiliency. The 2022 ESPR provided updates on over twenty projects as shown in the table below, including the capital projects noted above. As indicated by Massport, projects in the planning phases are discussed as short-term (expected by 2028) or long-term (expected by 2035). MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-20 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 19 The 2022 ESPR provides additional detail about the emissions reductions and other benefits that are anticipated through deferred capital projects as highlighted below: MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-21 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 20 x Logan Airport Parking Project : Construction of the Parking Garage Project in front of Terminal E was deferred during the pandemic, but as passenger demand has rebounded, the demand for commercial parking has again increased. The updated program for the project now calls for approximately 4,300 commercial revenue spaces, which would be built in a new garage in front of Terminal E; however, no parking spaces will be constructed atop the Economy Garage. As stated in the 2022 ESPR, long-term parking reduces vehicle trips as passengers would make one trip to the Airport and one trip to leave, rather than two trips for drop-off and two trips for pick-up. The updated Garage in front of Terminal E will continue to comply with the Logan Airport Parking Freeze and will allow Massport to recover 2,000 spaces that were formerly located in Central Garage and in Terminal B Garage, but were lost due to HOV and RideApp initiatives at Terminals C and B. x RideApp (formerly Transportation Network Company (TNC)) Infrastructure and Policy (Airport-wide ): In 2022, more than a quarter of on-Airport traffic was from activities related to RideApp operations, which contributed to congestion on Airport roadways. In 2022, Terminal B RideApp pick-up and drop-off operations from the ground floor of the Central Garage were moved to the second floor of the Terminal B Garage. The shift provided approximately 60 more parking spaces, including three ADA accessible and four EV spaces in the Central Garage. x Logan Express Route and Facility Expansion (Off-Airport): As noted above, postponed construction of additional parking at Framingham Logan Express: Project resumed and is in the design phase with construction currently estimated to begin in 2024. Peabody Logan Express at the new North Shore Mall location opened in 2022. Additional priority initiatives include improvements to Wonderland employee parking, better service offerings for Silver Line 1, and enhancing Back Bay Logan Express. Danvers Logan Express is expected to open towards the end of 2024 (the ESPR is not clear if this facility will replace the new Peabody location or is in addition to). 12 x Terminal E Modernization Project : Construction of the first phase of the Terminal E Modernization Project which added four gates 13 to the international terminal was completed in October 2023. Phase 2 will ultimately add three additional gates, for a total of seven gates. Mitigation for the project included a 20 percent reduction in building energy use below the MA Energy Code, reduced operational-related GHG by a minimum of 30 percent, included 25,000 sf of rooftop solar PV. Once completed the project is expect to result in a decrease in carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in the area of Terminal E and the associated aircraft apron by approximately 9 percent, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 44 percent, and sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions by approximately 33 percent and a decrease of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the project area by approximately 6 percent and particulate matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) by approximately 9 percent and 25 percent, respectively. 12 Page 6-12 indicates that the larger facility in Davers will be used to temporarily relocate the Peabody Logan Express. 13 The Terminal E Modernization Project will add the three gates approved in 1996 as part of the International Gateway West Concourse project (EEA # 9791), but never constructed, and add an additional four gates. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-22 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 21 x Central Heating Plant (CHP) Massport is studying the feasibility of converting the CHP from fossil fuel to electricity or another alternative source of energy. The study will consider not only the CHP, but also the connections and equipment serving the terminals and other Airport buildings. x Runway 9-27 RSA Improvement Project : The FAA has approved the use of an Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) for construction of a runway safety area for aircraft overrun protection. The RSA improvements will include a pile-supported deck over Boston Harbor at the approach-end of Runway 27. Construction is currently projected for 2025 and 2026. x Green Bus Depot – Southwest Service Area (SWSA) : Massport is studying the relocation of the functions of the green bus depot from NSA to the SWSA to support the transition to an electric fleet, as part of Massport’s Net Zero by 2031 plan. The depot building would be reused. As part of this effort, Massport will assess the existing ground transportation uses in the SWSA as well as future needs such as net zero requirements of other alternative-fueled ground transportation modes x Piers Park Phase II : Completed in 2023, Piers Park II, an addition of 4.5 acres to Piers Park, features a central lawn area, children’s playground, climbing structure, music garden, spray fountain, and a multigenerational fitness area. Upgrades included resiliency landscape features, elevated for flood protection, and a new community sailing center building. Piers Park II was one of the high-impact community benefit projects identified by both the City of Boston and members of the Logan Impact Advisory Group (LIAG) through their review of the Terminal E Modernization Project. The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to assess planning strategies for improving Logan Airport’s operations and services in a safe, secure, more efficient, and environmentally sensitive manner. As owner and operator of Logan Airport, Massport must accommodate and guide tenant development. The 2023/2024 EDR should describe the status of planning initiatives for the following areas: x Roadways and Airport Parking; x Terminal Area; x Airside Area; x Service and Cargo Areas; x Airport Buffers and Landscaping; x Energy, Sustainability, and Resiliency. The 2023/2024 EDR should update the timeline of long-range planning activities identified in the table above and should indicate a clear commitment to return to prior environmental commitments relative to capital projects intended to minimize air emissions impacts. The ESPR should identify the status and assess effectiveness of ground access changes, including roadway, parking projects, and transit projects that consolidate and direct Airport- A-47 A-48 A-49 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-23 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 22 related traffic to centralized locations and minimize Airport-related traffic on streets in adjacent neighborhoods. Ground Access to and from Logan Airport The 2022 ESPR notes that the effects of ground transportation are measured in two ways; the number of vehicles that enter the Airport (via gateway roadways 14 ) and the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by those vehicles while on Airport roadways. The Airport’s gateway roadways are equipped with permanent traffic count stations, which are part of the Airport-wide Automated Traffic Monitoring System (ATMS). The 2022 ESPR reports that annual average daily traffic (AADT) entering and departing the Airport via its gateway roadways increased by 26.1 percent between 2021 and 2022 but was 18.9 percent less than the 2019. Similarly, the average VMT in 2022 was lower than in 2019 by 21.6 percent. As reported, ridership numbers in 2022 (for all applicable surface transportation modes, including HOV) rebounded to align with the Airport passenger numbers more closely, although both the number of riders and passengers in 2022 were still less than reported 2019 levels. The ESPR states that Massport continues to plan for the recovery of air passenger activity and remains committed to implementing the broad range of ground access and trip reduction strategies aimed at increasing the number of passengers arriving by transit or other HOV mode. According to the 2022 ESPR, Massport set a target to reach a 35.5 percent HOV mode share by 2022 and 40 percent by 2027. A summary of the 2022 Air Passenger Ground-Access Survey 15 found HOV mode share reached 38.4 percent, which exceeds the 2022 target and indicates Massport is also on track to meet the 2027 target. Comments from the City of Boston note that the survey methodologies and results are not fully disclosed in the ESPR which raises questions about how these numbers were derived. The ESPR provides a discussion of ground access modes and trip generation associated with each mode including: (1) transit and shared-ride HOV services; (2) drive to Logan Airport and park; or (3) drop-off/pick-up mode, which can involve a private vehicle, taxi, limousine, or RideApp/TNC. 16 According to the 2022 ESPR, parking freeze limits were not exceeded in 2022. The Logan Airport Parking Freeze sets an upper limit on the supply of commercial and employee parking spaces at Logan Airport. The ESPR provides a review of Massport’s Long-Term Parking Management Plan including completed and proposed efforts to manage the supply, pricing and operation of parking including: x Add 4,300 commercial spaces in a new garage in front of Terminal E x Adding 1,000 additional spaces to the Framingham Logan Express site x Offering reduced parking at Logan Express facilities (previously $11 now $7) x Economy Parking was raised to $32.00 per day; terminal-area garage and lot rates are $41.00 per day 14 Gateway roadways are defined as access points to and from Logan Airport, which include Route 1A from the north, Sumner and Callahan Tunnels (Route 1A to and from the south), Interstate 90 Ted Williams Tunnel ramps, Frankfort Street to Service Road to and from the northeast. 15 The 2022 Air Passenger Ground-Access Survey is currently in draft format and is not currently posted. The survey is administered every 3 years. 16 Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are now referred to as RideApp companies (e.g., Uber and Lyft). A-49 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-24 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 23 x Massport continues to sponsor free outbound (from Logan Airport) Silver Line bus service and Back Bay Logan Express service x Massport provides employee parking in Chelsea with free shuttle bus transportation to the Airport (reopened in 2022) x Massport offers reduced employee rates to encourage the use of Logan Express facilities. Additional early morning and late-night bus service has been added to Logan Express sites to encourage use and better serve Logan Airport employee schedules. As noted above, Logan Airport is anticipated to reach 53.5 million annual passengers in the next 10-15 years and is committed to promoting and supporting public and private HOV and shared-ride services aimed at serving air passengers, Airport users, and employees. According to the ESPR, in the Future Planning Horizon, daily on-Airport VMT is estimated to be 212,022, 17 which is 1 percent more than the 2019 daily VMT of 209,900 and 29 percent more than the 2022 daily VMT of 164,625. The increase in VMT is primarily attributed to the forecasted increase in air passenger activity. Key initiatives implemented in 2022 or planned for the immediate future to promote sustainable transportation mode usage and alleviate traffic congestion and parking constraints include: x Promoting Logan Express ridership by: o Increasing capacity for air passengers at Braintree Logan Express service in the short-term by relocating commuters to a new dedicated employee park and ride lot in nearby Quincy o Adding approximately 1,000 additional spaces to the Framingham garage o Investing in a new, larger facility in Danvers to temporarily relocate the Peabody Logan Express o Identifying at least one new urban Logan Express location (North Station or similar location), and potential additional locations west of Boston o At Back Bay Logan express: Provided discount one-way fare from $7.50 to $3.00, and free service from Logan Airport and piloted priority Airport passenger security line status for riders x Ongoing and future improvements to Blue Line access to Logan Airport, including direct service to Terminals and future investments in better integration of Airport Station to Terminal E; and x Continued partnership with private bus companies to support multi-state and regional transit access to Logan Airport. Other infrastructure modifications implemented in the next 10 to 15 years may include: x Construction of a new parking garage near Terminal E; x Reconstruction of the terminal area roadways between Terminals C and E (arrivals and departures); x RideApp Lot relocations, pick-up and drop-off modifications, and routing changes; 17 Estimated using the VISSIM model of Logan Airport: PTV America. 2021. Verkehr In Städen Simulationsmodell – VISSIM version 2021 [computer software]. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-25 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 24 x Terminal A curbside optimization. I note comments from Airport Impact Relief, Inc. (AIR, Inc), the City of Boston, and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), which indicate that, without tracking data related to some of these initiatives (such as Logan Express, HOV, and TMA usage, Uber/Lyft matching program), it is difficult to see the efficacy of these programs in actually reducing VMT in and around the Airport. Comments from AIR, Inc. also specifically criticize Massport’s lack of effort in controlling curbside idling, which Massport commits to consider through future initiatives. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on any improvements made in these areas, and Massport should proactively consider ways to make tracking data available on a more frequent basis. The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to address the following topics: x Target HOV mode share and incentives including a review of how the reported % by mode share is calculated and the methods used to incentivize; x Impact of RideApps on Logan Airport landside operations and effectiveness of the RideApp management plan including information on how Massport quantifies the improvement in congestion and any related drop in GHG emissions; x Update on parking conditions including the status of construction of the new parking garage and project associated GHG and air quality mitigation commitments; x Non-Airport through-traffic; x Cooperation with other transportation agencies to increase transit ridership to and from Logan Airport via the Blue Line, Silver Line, Water Transportation, and Logan Express; x Report on efforts to increase capacity and use of Logan Express and improvements to and expansion of service; x The expansion of piloted projects including the priority Airport passenger security line status for Logan Express riders; x Progress on enhancing water transportation to and from Logan Airport; • x Results and recommendations of the most recent ground access survey including links to the most recent report; x Results and recommendations of the Long-term Parking Management Plan required by the Parking Freeze amendments; and x Reporting of data (and comparison to prior years (2019-2022)) associated with the Logan Transportation Management Association (TMA) including number of employees participation in the various strategies (transit pass, shuttle services, etc.) and strategies for enhancing services and increasing employee membership in the Logan Airport TMA. To the extent feasible, the 2023/2024 EDR should report on specific reductions in VMT that could be achieved through these measures, and indicate how such goals can be tracked over time. A-50 A-51 A-52 A-53 A-54 A-55 A-56 A-57 A-59 A-58 A-60 A-61 A-62 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-26 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 25 Noise As required by the Scope, Massport modeled 2022 noise conditions of aircraft operations and compared the findings to those for 2019 and 2021. Noise levels are calculated using the Day Night Average Sound Level (DNL) metric and presented as a series of contours of equal sound levels that are measured in decibels (dB). The 2022 ESPR provides noise modeling results from the FAA’s Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) (version 3d). The model requires detailed operational data as inputs for noise calculations, including numbers of operations per day by aircraft type and by time of day, which runway is used for each arrival and for each departure, and flight track geometry for each track. The ESPR indicates that the 2022 DNL contours are similar in shape to the 2019 contours which is a result of fewer aircraft operations as well as changes in the aircraft fleet mix, with the phasing out of some nosier, less-efficient aircraft that were in the 2019 fleet. As shown in the table below, the number of people residing within the modeled 2022 DNL 65 dB contour (8,185 people) was 7 percent below the 2019 level (8,665 people) but 228 percent greater than the 2021 level (2,497) primarily because air operations in 2022 were 42 percent greater than in 2021. Population Exposed to DNL 65 dB or Greater The 2022 ESPR also compared DNL values modeled using the AEDT to measure noise levels at 30 permanent monitoring located in communities around the Airport (Table 7-8 in the ESPR). The ESPR notes that the differences between the average measured and modeled DNL have narrowed over the years and of the 30 monitor locations, 16 of the sites recorded higher measured noise levels than the corresponding model-computed noise levels with the difference between measured and modeled DNL within 1 dB at 11 of the sites. Three of the sites had equipment malfunctions on some days which is being addressed by the vendor. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-27 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 26 Massport also tracks operations occurring during the DNL nighttime period of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, when each modeled flight is weighted tenfold in calculations of noise exposure. According to the 2022 ESPR, nighttime operations represented approximately 14 percent of total operations for 2022 at Logan Airport as compared to 17 percent in 2019. The majority of 2022 nighttime operations (between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM) occurred either before midnight or after 5:00 AM, to accommodate connecting flights and international time zones. The proportion occurring in the “shoulder hours” between 10:00 PM and midnight or between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM was approximately 81 percent of total nighttime operations in 2019, 76 percent in 2021, and 83 percent in 2022. The 2022 ESPR included projected DNL contours for the Future Planning Horizon for when annual passenger counts reach 53.5 million and annual aircraft operations reach 495,000. The modeling assumptions include an increase in total operations from 1,040 per day in 2022 to over 1,350 per day and the forecast fleet is expected to primarily consist of jet aircraft, resulting in the continued use of the highest-capacity runway configurations. Departures for the Future Planning Horizon on Runways 9 and 27 would be higher than in 2022, while departures on Runways 22R and 33L would be lower. Arrivals for the Future Planning Horizon on Runways 4L and 33L are predicted to be higher than for 2022, while use of Runways 22L and 27 is expected to decrease. Utilizing these assumptions, the 2022 ESPR presents a comparison between the 2022 DNL contours and the Future Planning Horizon DNL contours which shows that the area contained within the forecast contours is larger than the area within the 2022 contours due to the expected growth in number of aircraft operations. The total number of nighttime operations for the Future Planning Horizon is expected to increase approximately 35 percent from 2022 levels, while the daytime operations are expected to increase by 30 percent. The ESPR includes a detailed description of the forecasted contours for each impacted community. The number of people exposed to noise levels greater than 65 DNL is expected to increase from 8,185 people in 2022 to 9,325 people in the future forecast (an increase of 15.2 percent). Massport notes that the aircraft in the future forecast fleet are likely to have quieter and more efficient engines than older aircraft in the current fleet, and thus this forecast is conservative. The noise modeling relies on an extensive database of aircraft noise and performance (ANP) profiles within AEDT and must use current versions of aircraft as “substitutes” for future types. Therefore, the future forecast DNL contours presented in this chapter are a conservative estimate of the future noise levels. Comments from the Town of Milton expressed detailed concerns regarding the impact of noise on communities as far as 10 miles beyond the Airport. Comments indicate that the FAA’s civil aviation Noise Policy with relies on DNL 65 dB as its sole noise metric, is outdated and most often calculated on an annual basis, masking the acute impacts that several hundred aircraft flying over a home has on the occupants. According to the Town, there are four RNAV’s for runways 4R, 4L, 27 and 33L which fly over the community resulting in lack of and disrupted sleep. The 2023/2024 EDR should address Milton’s concerns and the feasibility of implementing Block 1 and Block 2 recommendations from the recent MIT Study and specifically those relating to Runways 4R and 27. The 2022 ESPR provides a review of noise abatement goals associated with the Noise Abatement Management Plan. While no additional dwelling units were insulated in 2022, A-63 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-28 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 27 Massport restarted its residential sound insulation program (RSIP), applying for and receiving an initial grant to fund the beginning phase of the new program. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on the progress, timeline and insulation goals of the new program. Other mitigation plan elements include the voluntary use of reduced-engine taxiing (shutting one engine off) but no data is provided to show use of the recommended measure. 18 According to the ESPR, the Massport Noise Abatement Office received 272,943 noise complaints from 80 communities, an increase of about 1.4 percent as compared to the 268,929 complaints received from 86 communities in 2019. Of note, the community of Winthrop generated about 31 percent of the complaints in 2022 (but only 3.5 percent in 2019). A summary of the noise complaint line data is included in table 7-17 of the ESPR. Massport also notes collaboration with ASCENT on two research projects focused on aircraft noise and flight procedures and continues to provide technical assistance and analysis using noise monitoring systems to support the FAA and others in monitoring jet departure tracks from Runway 27 and Runway 33L. Massport and the FAA completed an Area Navigation (RNAV) evaluation project in 2021 designed to identify ways to reduce noise from the RNAV procedure (which concentrates flights). As a result of the RNAV project, Massport submitted a request to the FAA for review and implementation of two procedures at Logan Airport. These include modifying the existing RNAV Standard Instrument Departures (SID) from Runway 15R to shift departures further north over water away from Hull, and a new over-water Required Navigational Performance (RNP) 38 approach to Runway 33L. The FAA completed development of these procedures and published the procedures in December 2021. Thus, 2022 represents the first full year of use for the procedures. The 2023/2024 EDR should report any data used to measure the effectiveness of these improvements including the number of noise complaints from the previously impacted areas. The Logan Airport noise mitigation program includes operational restrictions on certain runways, limits to engine runup locations, late night runway preference, and noise abatement turns. The 2023/2024 ESPR should continue to report on the Airport noise mitigation program including summaries of the findings and recommendations of reports and studies focused on reducing community noise levels. Climate Change Massport assets and Logan Airport, in particular, are critical infrastructure and play an important role in the economy. Governor Baker’s Executive Order 569: Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth was issued on September 16, 2016. The Order recognizes the serious threat presented by climate change and directs Executive Branch agencies to develop and implement an integrated strategy that leverages state resources WRFRPEDWFOLPDWHFKDQJHDQGSUHSDUHIRUௗLWVLPSDFWV7KHXUJH nt need to address climate change was again recognized by Governor Baker and the Massachusetts Legislature with the recent passage of St. 2021, c. 8, An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, which sets a goal of Net Zero emissions by 2050. I note that the MEPA statute directs all Agencies to consider reasonably foreseeable climate change impacts, including 18 Mandatory single engine taxiing was also one of the proposed measures in the BLANS but the FAA rejected them due to safety concerns. A-64 A-65 A-66 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-29 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 28 additional greenhouse gas emissions, and effects, such as predicted sea level rise, when issuing permits, licenses and other administrative approvals and decisions. The 2022 ESPR identifies that Massport’s sustainability reports highlight efforts to improve and enhance sustainability and climate resiliency across the entire organization. The 2020 and 2021 Sustainability and Resiliency Report , 19 included new initiatives that Massport explored to be a better community partner through reducing noise and air pollution, improving ground access to Logan Airport, and extending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives beyond its operational borders. As discussed further below, the most recent report highlights Massport’s net zero commitments including reaching net zero by 2031; however, a review of the report reveals little information that identify the future vulnerabilities of Logan Airport infrastructure or proposed plans to address future sea level rise, extreme precipitation and extreme heat. The ESPR notes that in 2013, Massport launched a comprehensive resiliency initiative to maximize business continuity amidst various human and natural threats. The ESPR lists the goals guiding this process but does not list any identified outcomes of the initiative. According to the ESPR, Massport has been collaborating with regional resiliency efforts including City of Boston initiatives, to protect surrounding communities and points to its open space and Airport edge buffer parks as an example of this district-scale resiliency approach. As described in the ESPR, Massport has worked with communities to develop a system of parks and open spaces encompassing over 30 acres. These green spaces capture GHG emissions, provide relief from extreme heat, and create recreational opportunities, and waterfront parks, like Piers Park I and II and the Navy Fuel Pier Buffer, which establish a buffer area for neighborhoods in the event of extreme flooding. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on all climate resiliency measures planned or implemented/constructed. It should provide general information on the forecast methodology being used to identify threats and vulnerabilities to Logan Airport facilities and infrastructure and projects that actively address the risks of extreme heat, intense precipitation, and coastal flooding and sea level rise. GHG emissions As previously identified in the 2020/2021 EDR, Massport incorporates GHG emissions reporting consistent with that provided in the 2017 ESPR but with a change in methodology. In prior years, GHG emissions were quantified using emission factors and methodologies outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy and Protocol issued by EEA and the Transportation Research Board’s Guidebook on Preparing Airport Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories (Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Report 11, Project 02-06). The 2020/2021 GHG reporting utilized additional guidance from the Airports Council International (ACI) and the Airports Carbon Accreditation Program (ACA) which separates emissions based on ownership/control: Scope 1/Direct – emissions that are controlled by Massport; Scope 2/Indirect - emissions associated with the generation of electricity consumed but generated off-site at public utilities; Scope 3/Indirect and Optional – GHG emissions that are associated with the activities of the reporting entity (Massport), but are associated with sources that are owned and 19 Massport Sustainability & Resiliency Report 2020 & 2021 Massport’s next sustainability and resiliency report covering 2022 and 2023 will be published in 2024. A-67 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-30 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 29 controlled by others (aircraft-related emissions, tenant activities, and ground transportation). The 2022 ESPR quantifies and reports GHG emissions for all three scopes and provides forecasts for the Future Planning Horizon. The 2022 ESPR and future GHG inventory is based on this same guidance. The 2022 ESPR provides GHG data by scope and provides a comparison to data from 2017 through 2022, noting that 2020 and 2021 were influenced by the pandemic and were not representative. The analysis showed that total GHG emissions in 2022 increased by about 60 percent over 2021 levels but decreased by 27.5 percent from 2019 levels. However, as shown in the table below, despite an increase in activity levels, Scope 1 emissions decreased from 2021 to 2022 which is generally attributable to Logan Airport facilities and equipment operating more efficiently over time as Massport is shifting to cleaner fuel sources for fleet vehicles and other Massport-controlled equipment. In 2022, Massport-controlled emissions and purchased electricity, Scope 1 and 2, represented 12.7 percent of Airport-wide GHG emissions and Scope 3 emissions, which are public and tenant-owned and controlled, represent the remaining 87.3 percent of GHG emissions. The 2022 ESPR reports on updates to ongoing initiatives to reduce emissions including: x Initiated a fleet decarbonization assessment to review the Authority’s existing on-road fleet inventory and to identify recommendations for electric vehicle (EV) replacements over a 15-year period beginning in 2024, while looking at the financial and environmental benefits of such transitions. The assessment is also identifying electric alternatives for Massport’s off-road equipment. x By the end of 2022, there were over 70 EV charging ports across Logan Airport available for use by shared-ride companies and the general public, with additional ports owned and proposed by rental car companies at the Rental Car Center (RCC). MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-31 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 30 x Massport had a goal of reaching 35.5 percent HOV by 2022, and 40 percent HOV by 2027. Massport achieved the 2022 goal with 38.4 percent HOV for the year. x Massport provides free, clean-fuel shuttle bus service for passengers and employees between the MBTA Blue Line Airport Station, all terminals, the RCC, and the Logan Airport water transportation dock along Harborside Drive. x Massport published its Roadmap to Net Zero by 2031, an Authority-wide program to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2031 for the activities under Massport’s control. The Certificate on the 2018/2019 EDR requested that Massport consider comments from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) which recommend electrification of space and water heating, as well as evaluation of opportunities for distributed renewable energy generation. DOER comments on the 2022 ESPR recommend that the Airport upgrade its new building standards to mandate the Specialized Code with electrification and notes that the Specialized Opt-in Code is already mandatory in Boston. For existing building renovations, Massport should mandate low air infiltration and ventilation energy recovery when renovating. Comments also urge Massport to reassess central plant heating utilization based on the fossil fuel elimination strategy as detailed further in the comment letter. According to the 2022 ESPR, Massport is evaluating net zero options for the Logan Central Heating Plan including electrification. Massport continues to report that on-site photovoltaic (PV) solar development and other distributed energy resources such as battery storage are under consideration; however, this information was previously provided in the 2020/2021 EDR, with no further update included in the 2022 ESPR. Massport continues to maintain existing PV arrays at Logan and notes several additional PV systems planned as part of project mitigation including a 300,000-kilowatt hour (kWh) rooftop solar array at the new Terminal E and a solar PV system at the new garage in front of Terminal E capable of offsetting 50 percent of the facility’s total energy consumption. As previously noted in the 2020/2021 EDR, in March 2022, Massport published its Net Zero Roadmap. The 2022 ESPR provides a link to the 2020 and 2021 Sustainability and Resiliency Report but indicates that the report covering 2022 and 2023 will be published in 2024. Future EDR/ESPRs should look to align this reporting to provide a better picture of GHG emissions and efforts to reduce emissions through electrification. The 2022 ESPR provides the future GHG inventory based on the same methodology used to report the 2022 data and includes data for Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions as shown in the graph below. Massport notes that the estimated remaining Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions presented below will be negated through the use of offsets and renewable energy certificates (RECs), and where possible, Massport will be looking to ensure that the benefits of these economic mechanisms for reducing emissions are accrued in Massachusetts. As shown below, Massport’s projections show a clear upward trend in GHG emissions over the Future Planning Horizon, though total emissions are projected to remain below 2019 levels. Notably, all “Scope 1” emissions are projected to be reduced to 0 by the Future Planning Horizon. The 2023/2024 EDR should provide the information requested in DOER’s comment letter and further detail its pathway to Net Zero including DOER’s recommendations. A-68 A-69 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-32 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 31 Air Quality/Emissions Reduction The 2022 ESPR provides an overview of Airport-related air quality factors for 2022 and the efforts to reduce emissions. The air quality modeling is based on aircraft operations, fleet mix characteristics, and airfield taxiing times combined with GSE usage, motor vehicle traffic volumes, and stationary source utilization rates. The 2022 ESPR uses FAA’s approved computer model for calculating emissions from aircraft-related sources, the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) (model v. AEDT 3e). The 2022 ESPR notes that the 2020/2021 EDR previously reported data using AEDT3d with the primary differences between the two model versions (AEDT3e versus the previous AEDT3d) being the updates to the aircraft fleet inputs. As a result of the differences between available aircraft and engine combination model defaults, the AEDT3e model results with the 2022 aircraft fleet presented in Table 8-1 show a slight increase in aircraft emissions for VOC, CO, and PM10/PM2.5 (1.4 percent, 0.4 percent, and 0.2 percent, respectively), and a negligible decrease in NOX (less than 1 percent) when compared to AEDT3d. These changes are attributable to model updates and refinements, not changes in operations or other factors. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-33 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 32 Massport prepared aircraft emissions inventories for 2022 for the criteria pollutants carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Total modeled emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM10/PM2.5) decreased from 2019 to 2022 by about 12 percent, 8 percent, 22 percent, and 19 percent, respectively. The decrease in all types of pollutant emissions from 2022 (AEDT3e) compared to 2019 (AEDT3c) is primarily attributable to the 13 percent decline in aircraft operations from 2019 to 2022. However, the 2022 total modeled emissions of VOC, NOX, CO, and PM10/PM2.5 increased by about 68 percent, 59 percent, 51 percent, and 45 percent, respectively, from 2021 levels, showing a clear upward trend in these emissions. These increases are primarily attributable to the 42 percent increase in operations between 2021 and 2022. Figure 8-10 of the 2022 ESPR (below) shows trends in VOC, NOx, CO, and PM10/PM2.5 emissions over the Future Planning Horizon, indicating increases in some cases to above 2019 levels and sometimes above 1990 levels. The ESPR indicates, however, that CO levels are projected to decline from 2022 to future years, primarily due to the use of cleaner passenger vehicles on the roadway network and Massport’s commitment to electrifying ground service equipment (GSE). VOCs and PM emissions are projected to increase slightly or remain steady, but NOx emissions are projected to increase markedly by almost 53% from 2022 to the Future Planning Horizon, or 39% from 2019 levels. Massport attributes this increase to the use of quieter airplanes that emit higher levels of NOx. Figure 8-10 shows trends in air emissions as compared to overall activity levels at the Airport, showing that emissions will increase at a slower rate than Airport operations. Figure 8-10 and associated tables with more granular data are shown below: MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-34 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 33 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-35 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 34 The 2022 ESPR continues to update information on Ultrafine Particles (UFPs) which is particulate matter (PMs) subdivided into categories based on their diameters. UFPs have diameters less than 0.1 micrometers ( μ m). As previously stated in the 2020/2021 EDR, in December of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a final action in the Federal Register detailing the agency’s review of the National Atmospheric Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10/PM2.5. UFP is addressed in the supplemental information of the notice. In their review of the PM10/PM2.5 NAAQS, EPA determined that due to significant uncertainties and limitations, as well as the limited availability of air monitoring data, that the PM2.5 NAAQS would be retained as the indicator for UFP. As discussed above, Massport has been supportive of cooperative research efforts being funded by the FAA and co-led by BU and Tufts, for ASCENT as detailed in the most recent annual report published by ASCENT (2023). 20 As stated in the 2022 ESPR, the primary purpose of the research is the measurement of aviation emissions and aviation’s contribution to ambient levels of air pollution. As part of the studies, 20 ASCENT 2023 Annual Report (wsu.edu). The 2022 ESPR included the annual report for 2020. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-36 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 35 ASCENT is measuring UFPs in the vicinity of Logan Airport to determine variations in the contribution of aviation emissions to ground-level air pollutant concentrations by location and over time. The 2023/2024 EDR should provide the most recent updates to this study and its findings as they relate to the study area communities. To the extent that the studies provide measurements of UFPs in adjacent communities (or a methodology to do so), this data should be reported. The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to provide an overview of the environmental regulatory framework affecting aircraft emissions, changes in aircraft emissions, and the changes in air quality modeling including a mobile sources emissions inventory for CO, NOx, VOCs, and PMs. The 2023/2024 EDR should quantify the emissions reductions associated with Massport’s air emissions/GHG reduction initiatives to the extent feasible including the reductions associated initiatives target to reduce emissions and those associated with MEPA reviewed projects where GHG mitigation requirements were made. Comments from MCAC note appreciation for the support that Massport has provided to university researchers studying the impacts of air pollution on “near-in” communities and requests that data sharing be made available to MCAC to further development of its data visualization tool which will share information to its constituent communities and allow people to more fully understand the air pollution impacts of Airport operations on their lives and to inform and develop a community mitigation framework. Comments from the City of Boston also suggest the need for more data about how Massport’s air quality reduction strategies, especially those not under Massport’s direct control, will be implemented to keep operation sources of VOCs, NOx, CO, PM10, and PM2.5 at “similar” levels over the next 10 to 15 years. As discussed herein, to the extent the benefits of mitigation measures can be quantified, these values should be reported and tracked over time. Water Quality/Environmental Compliance The 2022 ESPR describes Massport’s ongoing environmental management activities including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) compliance, stormwater, fuel spills, activities under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP), and tank management. Massport’s primary water quality goal is to prevent or minimize pollutant discharges, to limit adverse water quality impacts of Airport activities. According to the 2022 ESPR, Massport performed Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections and made recommendations on how to optimize best management practices (BMPs). The Logan Airport SWPPP addresses stormwater pollutants including deicing and anti-icing chemicals, bacteria, fuel and oil, and other sources of stormwater pollutants and includes BMPs specific to aviation activities. Massport also conducted training for personnel responsible for implementing activities identified in the SWPPP. Massport also maintains a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan for its facilities that store petroleum products. Tenants meeting certain thresholds are required to prepare their own SPCC plans for their facilities. Massport checks for SPCC plans during environmental compliance inspections. Additionally, tenants receive information on Massport BMPs, which focus on spill management and prevention. A-70 A-71 A-72 A-73 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-37 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 36 As stated in the ESPR, the Logan Airport NPDES Permit regulates stormwater discharges from Logan Airport outfalls, including the North, West, Northwest, Porter Street, Maverick Street, and airfield outfalls. Grab samples are taken monthly from North, West, Porter Street and Maverick Street Outfalls and tested for pH, oil and grease, total suspended solids (TSS), benzene, surfactants, fecal coliform bacteria, and Enterococcus bacteria during both wet and dry weather. Grab samples are also taken quarterly from these four outfalls during wet weather events to analyze for eight distinct polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and from the Northwest and Airfield outfalls for pH, oil and grease, TSS, and benzene. Deicing monitoring is also conducted from October/November through March/April, depending on weather conditions. Due to weather conditions, only one deicing sampling event occurred during the 2021-2022 deicing season. The ESPR indicates that over 97 percent of samples were in compliance with standards for pH, oil and grease, and TSS but does not report on compliance with standards for the other listed pollutants. The ESPR points to Appendix K for more details which includes tables of data showing the monitoring reports for each quarter but does not indicate where exceedances exist. Information regarding exceedances, including data on which contaminant and outfall location should be included in future reporting. The 2023/2024 should describe how exceedances are addressed and if community reporting and/or alerts are required. According to the ESPR, Massport’s Facilities Department conducts biannual inspections of the six Stormcepter devices (for stormwater pre-treatment) located throughout the Airport and routinely inspects catch basins located within 100 yards of aircraft, vehicle and equipment maintenance facilities. Catch basins are cleaned on as needed basis. Treated wastewater generated from fire training exercises, which generally occur from April through November, are collected and stored in an above ground holding tank onsite. Wastewater is treated by OW separation and granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration methods to remove fuel contaminants, then reused onsite to recharge the fire training pit for training exercises. As noted in the ESPR, in March 2021, the U.S.EPA issued a minor modification to the NPDES Permit No. MA0032751 to clarify that grab samples should be collected from above ground holding tanks after the water has undergone treatment, but prior to discharge. The ESPR also reports that Massport has eliminated the use of Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) if fire training exercises and indicates that when a PFAS-free AFFF replacement product becomes available, Massport will follow FAA guidance and safety requirements regarding transitioning to the new product and its use. According to the 2022 ESPR, Massport Fire Rescue maintains records of spills at Logan Airport. As required by regulation, fuel spills of 10 gallons or more are reported to MassDEP. Spills that enter storm drains of any volume must also be reported to MassDEP. Massport maintains records of spills, including those less than the reporting threshold. In 2022, of the oil and hazardous material spills reported to Massport Fire Rescue, only three were reportable quantity spills requiring MassDEP notification. The spills did not enter the storm drains. Of the three reportable spills in 2022, two were due to aircraft malfunctions and the other fuel spill was due to a hydrant truck malfunction. A-74 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-38 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 37 Mitigation The 2022 ESPR includes a list of projects previously reviewed by MEPA (several of which were reviewed, permitted and completed 10 to 20 years ago). Projects currently in the planning phases or under construction include the following: x Terminal E Modernization Project, EEA #15434 x Logan Airport Parking Project, EEA #15665 x Runway 27 End Runway Safety Area Improvements Project, EEA #16433 Of the three projects, only the Terminal E project has proceeded to construction (Phase I) where construction period mitigation measures were implemented. Other implemented mitigation measures include replacement and upgrading of the stormwater management system and reduction of operational-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with the project by a minimum of 30 percent. Other mitigation commitments include a building designed to achieve energy efficiencies of a minimum of 20 percent below the current Mass Energy Code. It is unclear in the filing if 25,000 sf solar photovoltaic system has been constructed. The ESPR indicates that Phase I has been completed and that Phase II is being advanced. As summarized above, the overall trends in passenger and flight activity levels show that, while activity levels still remain below the all-time highs in 2019, they show clear recovery from COVID-19 conditions and a trajectory of exceeding 2019 levels by as early as 2025. I note that associated GHG and air emissions impacts, while also showing an upward trend, are not projected to exceed 2019 levels over the Future Planning Horizon. To enhance public transparency and tracking of mitigation measures, future EDR and ESPR filings should improve the reporting of mitigation measures and present all applicable measures in a tabular format organized by subject matter (traffic, noise, air quality, GHG emissions, environmental justice, etc.). The table should indicate whether the measures are ongoing or planned (and if the latter, provide am estimated timeframe for implementation). To the extent specific mitigation results from an individual project review, those commitments should be listed separately with a quantification, to the extent documented through the individual review, of the estimated reductions to applicable impacts (e.g., GHG reductions) that would result from the mitigation measure. As noted above, to the extent the benefits of other mitigation measures (e.g., VMT or GHG reduction targets) can be quantified, these values should be reported and tracked over time. If same or substantially same level of reduction was not actually achieved, or mitigation commitments have changed over time, those updates should be reflected in the ESPR and may require a further Notice of Project Change (NPC) filing for the individual project. This type of format aligns more closely with reporting of mitigation commitments for standard MEPA reviews, and would allow for better tracking and public transparency with respect to implementation of mitigation measures. Response to Comments The 2023/2024 EDR should include a copy of this Certificate. It should include copies of all comments received on the 2022 ESPR and provide responses to the comments and to this A-75 A-76 A-77 A-78 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-39 EEA# 3247 2022 ESPR Certificate October 18, 2024 38 Certificate. In order to ensure that the issues raised by commenters are addressed, the 2023/2024 EDR should include direct responses to comments to the extent that they are within MEPA jurisdiction. Conclusion Massport may prepare a 2023/24 EDR for submission consistent with the Scope included in this Certificate. As noted above, I am also directing Massport to participate in a work group, facilitated by MEPA and the EEA EJ Office, to consider supplemental mitigation measures to address public health impacts of Airport operations on surrounding EJ populations. In addition, consistent with the approach set forth in the 2017 EPSR, if actual growth in passenger and/or aircraft operations outpace forecasts during a reporting period, I expect that additional mitigation and policies and strategies will be considered to address the proportional growth in impacts. October 18, 2024 _____________________ Date Rebecca L. Tepper Comments received: 06/26/2024 & 10/11/2024 Airport Impact Relief Inc. (Air Inc) (including supplemental email comments x 2) 09/10/2024 Town of Milton 10/09/2024 Mother’s Out Front (MOF) 10/10/2024 A. Hartnett 10/10/2024 A. McCoy 10/11/2024 Blue Skies Advocates 10/11/2024 City of Boston 10/11/2024 Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) 10/11/2024 Massport Community Action Advisory Committee (MCAC) 10/11/2024 F. Salvucci 10/15/2024 D. Reilly 10/15/2024 R. Marchi 10/16/2024 G. Miller 10/17/2024 Department of Energy Resources (DOER) RLT/JAH/jah A-79 A-80 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-40 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-41 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A Massport’s Responses to Comments Raised in the 2022 ESPR Certificate A-1: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning I am directing Massport to participate in a work group process to consider supplemental community mitigation measures for environmental justice neighborhoods surrounding the Airport, with the goal of forming recommendations for specific actions within one year. Massport is committed to active participation in the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group (the Work Group), established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE). This Work Group, launched in February 2025, includes representatives from state agencies, local officials, and community stakeholders and is co-moderated by MEPA, OEJE, and an independent third-party moderator to promote an inclusive and transparent process. The Work Group’s primary objective is to assess and discuss feasible supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among environmental justice (EJ) communities in East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. Over the course of the next year, the group will consider supplemental community mitigation measures for EJ neighborhoods within proximity of the Airport with the goal of forming recommendations for specific actions. Scientific expertise from state agencies and researchers who have studied air quality impacts will assist in informing these discussions. Massport will contribute technical expertise, data, and resources to support this collaborative effort. An update on the status of the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group up to the time of this document filing is provided in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . The 2025 Environmental Data Report (EDR) will provide updates on the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group’s progress and process outcomes. A-2: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning Massport should report on the status of these work group discussions in its next Environmental Data Report (EDR) submission. As of this filing, the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group has convened six times. Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice, provides an update on the Work Group up to the filing of this EDR. Over the remainder of the year, the group will consider supplemental community mitigation measures for environmental justice (EJ) neighborhoods within proximity of the Airport with the goal of forming recommendations for specific actions. The 2025 EDR will provide updates on the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group’s progress and process outcomes. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-42 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-3: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning I am instructing Massport to propose innovative solutions to address [document timing], for instance, by making real-time data available to the public through a public facing portal. Massport improved the 2023/2024 EDR's usability and reduced its length through several innovative strategies. Prior to drafting, Massport reviewed the main body chapters to keep content focused solely on annual data updates, discussing relevant metrics and trends. The approach reduced chapter size but also enabled more timely document development in future years. Additionally, Massport standardized headings and subheadings in the 2023/2024 EDR , limiting data to the prior and current reporting years, 2022, 2023, 2024, for this EDR, as well as a chapter-specific benchmark year, which will serve as a progress frame of reference for this EDR and future filings. This approach will achieve the EDR/Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) process's goal of providing annual updates, reducing extraneous content, and concentrating findings, figures, and tables on relevant reporting years. Complimenting the EDRs and ESPRs, Massport released a User's Guide alongside the 2023/2024 EDR . The stand-alone document provides detailed overviews of the regulatory framework, methodologies, models, model inputs, programs, and analyses. The User's Guide provides essential background information and context necessary to interpret the data, which had previously been included within the EDR and ESPR chapter text and technical appendices. The User’s Guide will be updated approximately every five years to maintain accuracy and relevance. To maintain transparency on regulatory framework, methodologies, models, model inputs, programs, and analyses, the 2023/2024 EDR has included extensive hyperlinks embedded in chapter text to the relevant sections of the User’s Guide where essential contextual information is provided. For more details on the User's Guide, see Section 1.2.2.1 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . Prior to filing the 2023/2024 EDR , Massport developed a new web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings (https://www.massport.com/environment/boston-logan-edr-espr-data-portal). The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide, and links to regularly updated data sources (Massport-owned and external) that provide data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. For a detailed overview of document changes in the 2023/2024 EDR , refer to Section 1.2.2.1 of Chapter 1. These improvements enabled Massport to file the 2023/2024 EDR smoothly in October 2025. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-43 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A A-4: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning [To consider the time lag in reporting data Massport should consider] Alternatively, one ESPR could be submitted on a five-year cycle with one EDR as an interim update in year 2 or 3, provided that real-time data and key metrics (e.g., on a dashboard with certain agreed-upon metrics) are made available with more frequent updates on the Massport website. Massport aims to return to an annual schedule by adapting the EDR and ESPR content format and development process to enable more frequent updates, as summarized in the response to Comment A-4. Section 1.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary, also has an overview of document changes in the 2023/2024 EDR . Prior to filing the 2023/2024 EDR , Massport developed a new web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings ( https://www.massport.com/environment/boston-logan-edr-espr-data-portal ). The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide, and links to regularly updated data sources (Massport-owned and external) that provide data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. Collaboration has been on-going with the Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) to develop access to available data, and the EDR will report on this effort’s progress and anticipated status as of this EDR’s filing. For more on the EDR and ESPR website, refer to Section 1.2.2.2 of Chapter 1 . Massport is committed to maintaining public transparency of the environmental impacts associated with current operations and forecasted activity levels by publishing ESPRs and the EDRs filed in years between ESPRs, to provide valuable annual updates on key environmental status metrics. Providing data for key metrics on a web-enabled dashboard would not resolve the time lag issue, as substantial time is needed in each cycle to collect the necessary data from multiple sources and departments within Massport, as well as from other external data sources. A significant amount of the data is utilized within models to generate a comprehensive understanding of topics such as ground access, noise, and air quality (see User’s Guide, Sections U6.1, U7.3 , and U8.3 for a background of vehicle volumes, noise, and air quality models, respectively). Once acquired, the data reported must still undergo data verification and validation before it can be published. These steps represent a substantial amount of effort and time but are essential to the data reporting mission of the EDRs and ESPRs. A-5: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning Further input should be gathered [on document timing] through the work group on community mitigation. As discussed in comments A-3 and A-4, Massport has employed multiple strategies to improve document timing and the publication of annual data. These strategies include an in-depth review of existing reporting, the development of the User’s Guide, limiting data reported in the 2023/2024 EDR to applicable years, and the development of the EDR and ESPR website. Massport has been an active participant in MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group meetings as discussed within comment A-1. As a part MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-44 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR of these Work Group meetings, the group has mainly been focused on discussing feasible supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among environmental justice (EJ) communities in East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. A future Work Group meeting will be dedicated to discussing the current structure and timing of the EDR. In addition, Massport has agreed to begin hosting group stakeholder meetings with participants within the Work Group and other interested parties to discuss the EDR’s scope and timing further. An overview of the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group meetings and stakeholders meetings is included in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . Further updates on timing will be included in the 2025 EDR. A-6: Mitigation ESPRs and EDRs should include, in addition to a cumulative inventory of all Airport operations and associated impacts, a description of all practicable measures planned to avoid or minimize, and where appropriate, to mitigate such impacts within the confines of Massport’s legal authority. Since conception, the purpose of the EDR and ESPR has been to disclose the impact of operations at Logan Airport as well as the impact of long-term growth through ESPRs. As stated by the Secretary in the Certificate on the Terminal E Modernization Project, “The venue for addressing cumulative environmental impacts is through the ESPR and EDR through these reports, Logan Airport is subject to comprehensive and regular Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review, including opportunities for public comment on the cumulative impacts. This regular updating and reporting on planning and cumulative impacts are unique among State Agencies.” Consistent with past ESPRs and EDRs, the 2023/2024 EDR describes the cumulative effects associated with overall Logan Airport operations and compares these effects to previous conditions in the last reporting year as well as to a benchmark reporting year’s conditions for each topic covered. Based off findings from EDRs and ESPRs, Massport continuously assesses on-going and proposed programs and policy for efficacy to reduce Logan Airports impact. The status of these programs and policies is discussed within Section 2.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice ; Section 6.4 of Chapter 6, Ground Access ; Section 7.4 of Chapter 7, Noise ; and Section 8.5 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions; and the new Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience . Where data is available, Massport has quantified these beneficial measures and intends to find better methods to quantify the effects of these programs in future EDRs and ESPRs. EDRs and ESPRs are also used to inform the projects subject to MEPA and serve as a baseline condition against which to assess project-specific impacts. Projects subject to MEPA review are reported on within Chapter 4, Airport Planning , with the status of associated Section 61 mitigation measures reported in Chapter 10, Project Mitigation . Introduced in the 2022 ESPR , Massport began reporting on public health existing conditions within the communities neighboring the Airport. This assessment was conducted using tools published by the state and the U.S.EPA to identify existing environmental burdens and public health consequences, MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-45 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A however the tools used are unable to differentiate Logan Airport related activities from other surrounding activities and site uses. Building upon the assessment conducted in the 2022 ESPR , the 2023/2024 EDR utilized the newly released Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA) framework for assessment of existing community conditions. The MassDEP CIA tool provides data similar to what was presented within the 2022 ESPR , but with higher granularity. The results from this assessment were similar to what was presented in the 2022 ESPR as described in Section 2.4 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . As existing tools are updated and new ones become available, Massport will continue to report on existing community conditions. In November 2024, the U.S.EPA released the Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts . This framework provides a foundation of information and resources in support of the development of assessment of cumulative impacts within communities. The U.S.EPA has been conducting a study within Chelsea as a part of this framework. As discussed in prior comments, Massport is committed to active participation in the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group (the Work Group), established in collaboration with the MEPA and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE). The Work Group’s primary objective is to assess and discuss feasible supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among surrounding communities. A-7: Environmental Justice [Mitigation] measures should also consider environmental justice (EJ) principles by fostering the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and burdens in impacted neighborhoods, while considering any identified unfair or inequitable environmental burdens borne by surrounding EJ populations. Massport is committed to active participation in MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, established in collaboration with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE). The Work Group’s primary objective is to assess and discuss equitable mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among environmental justice (EJ) communities in East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. Work Group meetings at the time of filing have focused on covering the scope of the Work Group and hearing presentations from leading experts on air quality impacts from airports. Additional details on the status are available in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . The 2025 EDR will provide updates on the Work Group’s progress and process outcomes. Throughout 2025, the Work Group will work toward forming recommendations for potential mitigation actions, with the goal of reaching a consensus on feasible and effective strategies that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-46 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-8: Climate Change Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] Report on Massport’s Net Zero Plan accomplishments and progress on an annual basis. The 2023/2024 EDR includes a new chapter, Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience , which is dedicated to Massport’s climate resiliency reporting and initiatives, linking to other Massport sustainability and resiliency resources. The chapter is aligned to report on themes that are a part of Roadmap to Net Zero by 2031 as discussed in Section 11.2 of Chapter 11 . Since 2013, Massport has maintained and continuously enhanced a comprehensive set of climate resiliency measures to protect critical infrastructure and surrounding communities from climate change impacts, including extreme heat, intense precipitation, and coastal flooding and sea level rise. Climate resiliency is an embedded practice in Massport’s planning, design, construction, and daily operations. In addition, Massport has prioritized awareness, education, and training on climate resiliency for both internal staff and external stakeholders, reinforcing its commitment to long-term sustainability and preparedness. Massport collaborates with regional organizations, including the Massachusetts EEA, the ResilientMass program, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (U.S. ACE), and the City of Boston to share knowledge, align goals, and advance initiatives to protect the community. In addition, Massport’s Net Zero website (https://www.massport.com/environment/roadmap-to-net- zero) serves as a central resource for tracking the Authority’s progress toward its Net Zero emissions goals. The site provides detailed information on Massport’s GHG emissions sources and outlines the pathways being followed to decarbonize its operations. It includes baseline and historical emissions data to illustrate trends over time. The site also features updates on key projects, such as fleet electrification procurements and solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, that support emissions reductions. In addition, it presents relevant KPIs to help evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts and ensure transparency in reporting. The platform is regularly updated to reflect new data, milestones, and developments in Massport’s climate action initiatives. Massport will continue to provide updates on these initiatives in future EDR and ESPR filings and via the Net Zero website. A-9: Air Quality/Emissions Reduction (GHG) Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] In accordance with the Secretary’s Plan and the Report of the Climate Chief on SAF, report on Massport’s work in establishing a Commonwealth multi-agency working group to expedite the adoption of SAF at Massport and Massachusetts’ airports, including production and delivery. Massport is committed to expanding relationships in the area of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). As a founding member of the MIT-led Zero Impact Aviation Alliance (ZIAA), Massport is advancing the development and implementation of SAF through collaboration with industry leaders and academic MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-47 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A institutions. In 2023, Massport conducted SAF feasibility research and participated in ZIAA workshops focused on decarbonizing air transportation through innovative, research-driven solutions, including SAF production, logistics, and adoption strategies. Starting in December 2024, Massport participated in bi-weekly meetings with the Massachusetts SAF Working Group, which consists of the Executive Offices of Economic Development (EOED), Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), Administration and Finance (A&F), the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the MassDOT Aeronautics Division, and Massport. The group's objective was to bring together policymakers and stakeholders from across the region to explore effective strategies for advancing technology and policies that support the development and deployment of SAF within the region. The workshop concluded in June 2025 with a strategic framework to guide the development of a Regional SAF Hub. Section 11.2.3.2 of Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience includes a discussion on Massport’s progress in the area of SAF. A-10: Air Quality/Emissions Reduction (GHG) Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] Provide updates on ongoing FAA sponsored ultrafine particulate (UFP) research. Incorporate and report on Massport funded MCAC study that is measuring UFPs around Logan Airport. Section 8.6 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions , includes a discussion of mitigation associated with air quality, and updated information regarding recent and on-going research on Airport emissions, including on Ultrafine Particulates (UFPs), by institutions like Boston University and Tufts University. As a part of MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, researchers funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC), and regulatory agencies have presented on air quality monitoring and studies within the vicinity of the Airport and at other airports. Section 8.6 of Chapter 8 discusses the studies and findings that have been presented on or referenced within MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group. The studies have identified the need for accurate modeling to understand health exposures and comprehensive air quality monitoring to understand UFPs from Airport activities further. A-11: Noise Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] Provide details on Massport’s Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). Massport has initiated a voluntary Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) to mitigate the effects of aircraft noise for eligible properties surrounding Logan Airport. The RSIP’s objectives are to help mitigate noise impacts for homes located within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) eligible area based on the Day-Night Level (DNL) 65 dB noise contour. The RSIP will help Massport achieve Federal MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-48 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR Aviation Administration (FAA)-required noise reduction goals for Logan Airport by implementing the FAA’s program guidelines. Primarily, the RSIP and FAA goals are to achieve an interior noise level less than 45 DNL and reduce the existing interior noise levels by five dB for those homes within the program areas. The prescribed sound insulation treatments will be completed without direct costs to homeowners within the RSIP. The RSIP has been funded through an FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant for 80 percent of the program’s costs, with the remaining 20 percent of necessary funds being provided by Massport. Massport submits annual Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) to the FAA based on the DNL contours produced during the EDR and ESPR process. The maps inform the prioritization of homes to be treated. The 2023/2024 EDR summarizes the RSIP’s implementation timeline and progress status from 2023 through the end of 2024. Section 7.4.2 of Chapter 7, Noise discusses the RSIP’s goals and objectives in greater detail and also provides key project milestones with achievement status updates. Background information about the RSIP in general, including FAA requirements, qualification benchmarks for selecting which homes to include, and implementation details are provided in Section U7.5.2 of the User’s Guide . A-12: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency […] Create a new Logan ESPR/EDR landing page on Massport’s website. The new web page will include links to existing ESPR/EDR documents, public notices, and links to available data resources. Prior to filing the 2023/2024 EDR , Massport developed a new web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings (https://www.massport.com/environment/boston-logan-edr-espr-data-portal). The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide, and links to regularly updated data sources (Massport-owned and external) that provide data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. Collaboration has been on-going with Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) to develop access to available data. For more on the EDR and ESPR website, refer to Section 1.2.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . A-13: Environmental Justice Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] Continue to work with MEPA to refine and improve the Environmental Justice and public health analysis included in the ESPR. Massport continues to coordinate with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) independently and through MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group process on refining the environmental justice (EJ) and public health analysis throughout the development of the 2023/2024 EDR . As discussed in prior MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-49 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A comments, this Work Group, launched in February 2025, includes representatives from state agencies, local officials, and community stakeholders and is co-moderated by MEPA and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE) to promote an inclusive and transparent process. Massport will contribute technical expertise, data, and resources to support this collaborative effort. The 2023/2024 EDR provides an update on the progress of MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, including key discussions, expert input, and preliminary recommendations. These updates are outlined in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . The 2023/2024 EDR developed a separate chapter for the discussion of outreach and environmental justice. The chapter builds upon the work first presented within the 2022 ESPR of identifying and characterizing environmental justice (EJ) populations within a 1-mile designated geographic area (DGA) according to the 2022 EJ protocols. The 2022 ESPR assessed existing public health conditions utilizing the Department of Public Health (DPH) EJ Tool and U.S.EPA EJScreen. Furthering the work done in the 2022 ESPR , the 2023/2024 EDR presented results on existing health conditions utilizing Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA)framework. Massport will continue to work with the MEPA office to improve the EJ and public health analysis within the EDRs and ESPRs as new tools become available. See Section 2.3 of Chapter 2 for further on EJ populations within the identified DGA and Section 2.4 of Chapter 2 for the updated existing public health assessment. A-14: Ground Access to and From Logan Airport Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including …] Continue to monitor and report on idling at Logan Airport’s terminal curbs. Establish a curb idling reduction plan with input from the MEPA Office and stakeholders. Present updates to MEPA and stakeholders at regularly scheduled briefings. Massport is in the process of addressing Airport-wide emissions associated with idling vehicles by collecting representative data samples of vehicle dwell time at each terminal. Massport began collecting dwell time data on representative days and nights at Terminal C in June of 2025. Massport will continue to collect data at each terminal curbside over the coming years when representative samples can be obtained without interference from construction or other operational conditions. Massport also plans to conduct a similar study to collect dwell-time data from Ride App operations, which make up approximately 27 percent of Logan Airport’s ground transportation volume, in designated pick-up areas within Logan Airport’s parking garages. The new validated sample of dwell time data will be input into idling emissions models to quantify the air quality impacts from vehicle idling Airport-wide. This analysis will support the development of data-driven policies to minimize curbside idling and also serve as a baseline to evaluate progress towards curb idling reduction goals. As a part of MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group discussed in prior comments, Massport will present to Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and stakeholders the results from current dwell time studies and planned or on-going ground access initiatives that influence dwell. For more information on Massport’s ground access initiatives, see Section 6.4 of Chapter 6, Ground Access . At the time of MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-50 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR this filing, Massport has initiated an idling signage program and started discussions on curb idling enforcement through video analytics. Massport will continue to report on the development of a forthcoming curb idling reduction program in subsequent filings. A-15: Mitigation Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] Include additional details in the ESPR on implementation and tracking of project-specific environmental benefits and mitigation (e.g., project related VMT reductions, GHG reductions, etc.). Chapter 10, Project Mitigation , includes Logan Airport projects that have on-going Section 61 commitments as a result of Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review. Where possible, Massport has provided quantification towards achieving full implementation of a Section 61 commitment. Outside of project-specific mitigation commitments, Massport employs a variety of beneficial measures. Based on findings from EDRs and ESPRs, Massport continuously assesses current beneficial measures for efficacy to reduce Logan Airport's impact. The current status of these programs and policy is discussed within Section 2.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice ; Section 6.4 of Chapter 6, Ground Access ; Section 7.4 of Chapter 7, Noise ; and Section 8.5 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions; and the new Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience . Where data is available, Massport has quantified these beneficial measures and intends to find better methods to quantify the effects of these programs in future EDRs and ESPRs. A-16: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning Massport commits to undertaking the following improvements beyond existing measures to further minimize impacts and improve transparency [including…] Continue to meet with MEPA and stakeholders on data requests, accessibility, and availability, including ways to improve ESPR/EDR format. As discussed in comments A-1 and A-5, Massport remains committed to on-going engagement with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE), and other stakeholders to enhance data transparency, accessibility, and the clarity of ESPRs and EDRs. Regular meetings and consultations will continue so that data requests are addressed and that relevant information is presented in a clear and accessible manner. Massport will work with MEPA and stakeholders to refine the structure and presentation of EDRs and ESPRs, improving readability and public comprehension by enhancing summaries, visuals, and key findings. These efforts build upon recent improvements, including the introduction of the User’s Guide, the creation of a dedicated EDR and ESPR landing page, and the standardization of formatting to improve document clarity as discussed in Section 1.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-51 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A A-17: Environmental Justice Massport should continue its efforts to strengthen and improve relations with surrounding communities, especially those representing EJ populations located in close proximity to Logan Airport. Massport continues to improve relations with the surrounding communities, especially those representing environmental justice (EJ) populations through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE) MEPA Logan Airport Work Group process. As a part of Massport’s Department of Community Relations & Government Affairs effort to strengthen relations, outreach for Logan Airport activities is conducted within communities neighboring Logan Airport, which often extends beyond the potentially affected EJ populations and geographic boundaries of surrounding communities. Massport reports updates on ESPR and EDR- specific community outreach and greater community engagement, with a focus on EJ populations in Section 2.2.4 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . For the 2023/2024 EDR and future EDRs and ESPRs, Massport has expanded its EJ outreach to provide translation services in languages spoken by at least 5 percent of the population located within a 5-mile radius of Logan Airport or within Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) communities. For this EDR, this includes eight languages, as detailed in Section 2.2.4.1 of Chapter 2. Lastly, Massport has created a dedicated web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings, aimed at enhancing outreach. The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide, and links to regularly updated data sources that provide data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. The website is discussed within Section 1.2.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . A-18: Environmental Justice The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading a stakeholder effort to consider the “cumulative impacts” of historic and current activities on overburdened communities in Chelsea, including from the ongoing impacts of Logan Airport operations. Massport should report on any findings and action items that may result from that effort. In November 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA) released an Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative Impacts report. Following its release, the U.S.EPA intended to actively conduct onsite cumulative impact analyses in Chelsea and various other locations across the United States. Funding for further analysis has been paused as of early 2025. Massport was not explicitly involved in the study, but will continue to track the study’s progress and implications for Logan Airport in future EDR and ESPR publications, as needed. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-52 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-19: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning I am also directing Massport to participate in a work group, facilitated by MEPA and the EEA EJ Office, to consider supplemental mitigation measures to address public health impacts of Airport operations on surrounding EJ populations. Massport is dedicated to collaborating with the newly established MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, co-moderated by Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE), to explore and assess supplemental mitigation measures aimed at addressing the environmental and public health concerns associated with Logan Airport operations on surrounding EJ communities, including East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. As discussed in Comment A-1 and Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice , MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group meetings at the time of filing have focused on covering the scope of the Work Group and hearing presentations from leading experts on air quality impacts from airports. Further discussion on the outcomes of the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group will be provided within the 2025 EDR. A-20: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning The work group should engage public health experts to advise on effective intervention strategies to address air quality impacts and aim to form recommendations within one year for specific actions to be taken by Massport within the scope of its legal authority. As discussed in comment A-1, MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group’s primary objective is to assess and discuss feasible supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among environmental justice (EJ) communities in East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. Over the course of the next year, the group will work towards forming recommendations for potential mitigation actions. Scientific expertise from state agencies and researchers who have studied air quality impacts will inform these discussions. Massport will contribute technical expertise, data, and resources to support this collaborative effort. The 2025 EDR will provide updates on the Work Group’s progress and process outcomes. Additional details on the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group’s scope, objectives, and key discussions are available in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . A-21: Mitigation [Massport should consider] Such actions could include partnerships with local or municipal organizations interested in HEPA filters, establishment of a curb idling reduction plan, enhanced community air monitoring in partnership with MassDEP and other air pollution sources, or other similar interventions to directly address the public health impacts of degraded air quality around the Airport. As discussed in prior comments, Massport is committed to active participation in the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group (the Work Group), established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE). The Work MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-53 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A Group’s primary objective is to assess and discuss potential supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among EJ communities in East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. Over the course of the next year, the group will consider potential supplemental mitigation measures for EJ neighborhoods within proximity of the Airport with the goal of forming recommendations for potential actions. Scientific expertise from researchers who have studied air quality impacts will assist in informing these discussions. Massport will contribute technical expertise, data, and resources to support this collaborative effort. An update on the status of the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group up to the time of this document filing is provided in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . The 2025 EDR will provide updates on the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group’s progress and process outcomes. A-22: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning The work group should also consider improvements to Massport’s EDR and ESPR reporting process, including through availability of real-time data and abbreviated formats for future filings. As discussed in Comment A-5, Massport has employed multiple different strategies to improve document timing and publishing of annual data. These strategies include an in-depth review of existing reporting, the development of the User’s Guide, limiting data reported in the 2023/2024 EDR to applicable years, and the development of the EDR and ESPR website. Massport has been an active participant in MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group meetings as discussed within comment A-1. Massport has agreed to begin hosting group stakeholder meetings with participants within MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group and other interested parties in order to further discuss the EDR’s scope and timing. Stakeholder meetings are discussed in Section 2.2.4.3 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . A-23: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning Massport is directed to provide administrative support and facilitate the convening of work group meetings, in consultation with the MEPA Office. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on the results of this work group process. As discussed in Comment A-1, Massport is committed to active participation in the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group (the Work Group), established in collaboration with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE). This Work Group, launched in February 2025, includes representatives from state agencies, local officials, and community stakeholders and is co-moderated by MEPA and OEJE to promote an inclusive and transparent process. Massport will contribute technical expertise, data, and resources to support this collaborative effort. The 2023/2024 EDR provides an update on the progress of the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group as documented in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-54 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-24: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning If actual growth in passenger and/or aircraft operations outpace forecasts during a reporting period, I expect that additional mitigation and policies and strategies will be considered to address the proportional growth in impacts. ESPR forecasts estimate conditions at the future planning horizon (FPH) end date, which is customarily 15 to 20 years after the ESPR reporting year; however, the forecast analysis does not estimate passenger activity levels (PALs) or operations counts in the interim years as part of the industry standard forecasting methodology. The forecast is revisited every five years during ESPR development, and if the PALs or operation counts for a current ESPR reporting year’s FPH appear to have significantly exceeded the prior ESPR’s forecast, or seem to be substantially less than previously anticipated, Massport will examine the causes further and adjust policies and strategies accordingly. A discussion of the timing of Logan Airport’s forecasting is included in Section U3.4 of the User’s Guide. The forecast developed within the 2022 ESPR projected activity levels and operations 10 to 15 years into the future. Massport compared passenger activity levels and operations from 2024 to the forecast presented within the 2022 ESPR , as described in Section 3.1.5 of Chapter 3, Activity Levels . In 2024, while passenger activity levels were higher than experienced in 2019, levels remained approximately 19 percent below the 53.5 million annual passengers (MAP) presented in the 10-15 year future planning horizon in the 2022 ESPR . Similarly, operations in 2024 were approximately 16 percent below those projected in the 2022 ESPR . As a part of the EDR and ESPR process, Massport continues to provide updates on initiatives and actions to increase high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) use and reduce environmental impacts. A-25: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning The next EDR will analyze calendar years 2023/2024 and should propose a simplified format that could be accompanied by more frequent updates of available data through the Massport website. As discussed in Comment A-3 and Comment A-4, Massport improved the usability and reduced the length of the 2023/2024 EDR by focusing the main chapters solely on annual data updates and introducing a User's Guide that outlines regulatory frameworks and methodologies, enhancing document transparency and efficiency. In addition, the 2023/2024 EDR focused analysis on reporting and benchmark years. The narrowing of the data focus is supported by the newly developed EDR and ESPR landing page. This landing page includes historical EDRs and ESPRs with extensive data, and Massport is working on strategies to convert this data into a searchable format for the public to download. Massport’s progress on this effort will be reported in this and future EDRs and ESPRs. In addition to the historical data, the landing page will also include links to data sources referenced within EDRs and ESPRs that provide some of the publicly available data used to develop the EDRs and ESPRs. These data sources are primarily hosted by other state agencies, federal databases, and other reputable sources. The website is discussed within Section 1.2.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-55 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A A-26: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning Massport has indicated that [real-time data] (to the extent is available) will be part of an EDR/ESPR web page which is being developed to provide community stakeholders and the public a better understanding of future filings and access to collected environmental data in one location. The 2023/2024 EDR should report on the status of this website or dashboard and the data that is/will be available. As discussed in prior comments, prior to filing the 2023/2024 EDR , Massport developed a new web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings ( https://www.massport.com/environment/boston-logan-edr- espr-data-portal ). The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide, and weblinks to data sources that provide data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. The website is discussed within Section 1.2.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . A-27: Mitigation The 2023/2024 EDR must include information on the environmental policies and planning that form the context of environmental reporting, technical studies, and environmental mitigation initiatives against which projects at Logan Airport can be evaluated. This should include identification of the cumulative effects of Logan Airport operations and activities, compared to previous years, as appropriate. The EDR and ESPR User’s Guide was developed in 2024 to provide information on environmental policies and planning that form the context for environmental reporting and technical studies. The User’s Guide provides detailed background information to supplement the content within each EDR chapter to keep chapters focused on reporting year-to-year changes. As needed, EDR and ESPR chapters will note important updates on environmental policies, planning, and models that are not reflected within the User’s Guide. As discussed within prior comments, the purpose of the EDR and ESPR has been to disclose the impact of recent growth at Logan Airport, as well as the impact of long- term growth through ESPRs. Consistent with past ESPRs and EDRs, the 2023/2024 EDR describes the cumulative effects associated with overall Logan Airport operations and compares these effects to previous conditions in the last reporting year as well as to a benchmark reporting year’s conditions for each topic covered. Based on findings from EDRs and ESPRs, Massport continuously assesses on-going and proposed programs and policies for efficacy to reduce Logan Airport's impact. The current status of these programs and policies is discussed within Section 2.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice ; Section 6.4 of Chapter 6, Ground Access ; Section 7.4 of Chapter 7, Noise ; and Section 8.5 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions; and the new Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience . Where data is available, Massport has quantified these beneficial measures and intends to find better methods to quantify the effects of these programs in future EDRs and ESPRs. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-56 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-28: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning The 2023/2024 EDR should include timely reporting of related environmental data to ensure a full picture of the information summarized in the report. Massport filed this 2023/2024 EDR in October 2025. Massport achieved a faster turnaround by enacting several strategies during the development process that streamlined and standardized the document and returned the focus to 2023 and 2024 environmental data and analyses, as discussed in prior comments. Massport anticipates leveraging these efficiencies to finalize future EDRs and ESPRs quickly and return the EDRs and ESPRs to an annual schedule. In addition, the development of the User’s Guide preserves background and supporting information in a repository document outside of the main body of the document, which serves to reduce the overall document length, improve comprehension, and enhance readability. The User’s Guide provides transparency on Massport’s data analyses and methodologies, which will be updated approximately every five years to maintain accuracy and relevance. See Section 1.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary, for an overview of document changes in the 2023/2024 EDR . As discussed in prior comments, Massport has published links to related environmental data from other Massport websites and external sources on the newly published EDR and ESPR landing page in order to provide links to sources used within the EDR that provide data more frequently than EDR and ESPR filings. A-29: Environmental Justice The 2023/2024 EDR should provide information on EJ populations in proximity to the Airport and summarize relevant information on community health data and outreach as discussed further below. In accordance with 301 CMR 11.02, Massport defined a designated geographic area (DGA) for the 2022 ESPR of 1 mile from the outer perimeter that defines the environmental justice (EJ) populations. The DGA are 64 EJ block groups, of which 32 meet the minority EJ criteria; three meet the low-income EJ criteria; seven meet both the minority and low-income EJ criteria; 14 meet both the minority and English isolation EJ criteria; and eight meet the minority, low-income, and English isolation EJ criteria. Detailed information on the EJ populations is included in Table E-2 through E-4 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation , of the 2023/2024 EDR . The 2023/2024 EDR , at the direction of Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), utilized Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA) framework to assess existing public health data within 1-mile of Logan Airport, or the DGA. In concurrence with MEPA, the 2023/2024 EDR does not repeat any EJ analysis done in the 2022 ESPR , specifically the Department of Public Health (DPH) EJTool and U.S.EPA’s EJScreen, as these data sources have not been updated since the 2022 ESPR filing or are no longer available. As previously discussed, the findings within this framework are largely consistent with outcomes from DPH EJ Tool and MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-57 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A U.S.EPA’s EJScreen, as the MassDEP CIA framework utilizes similar sources, but at a much more granular level. Included in the findings are tables by census tracts, or block groups where available, presenting indicator findings. Through the use of MassDEP’s CIA tool, Massport has demonstrated a willingness to continue to work with MEPA to advance EJ and public health analysis within the EDRs. Findings for the Air Quality and Climate indicators are presented in Section 2.4 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice , The public health data indicate that several environmental indicators averaged across the DGA are equal to or above the 80th percentile of the statewide rates, including the Diesel Particulate Matter (PM), Air Toxics Cancer Risk, Air Toxics Respiratory Hazard Index (HI), and Traffic Proximity. Reporting for the community health data is presented in Section E.5 through Section E.9 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . As discussed in previous comments, Massport continues to evaluate and adjust engagement strategies by meeting the community where they are. Engagement with the community includes attending monthly neighborhood association meetings, verbal briefings before and after post-filing meetings at the Logan Airport Rental Car Center (RCC), and other forms of engagement as described in Section U2.4 of the User’s Guide. Specific outreach related to the 2023/2024 EDR is discussed within Section E.1 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . A-30: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning The 2023/2024 EDR must include copies of all ESPR and EDR Certificates and a distribution list for the 2023/2024 EDR. Supporting technical appendices should be provided as necessary. The Secretary’s Certificate on the 2022 ESPR is included in this Appendix, Appendix A, MEPA Certificates and Responses to Comments . Copies of previous Certificates on ESPRs and EDRs are included in previous publications, which can be accessed at: https://www.massport.com/environment/project-environmental-filings/boston-logan. Appendix D, Distribution , lists the agencies and individuals who received a copy of this 2023/2024 EDR via email with an online link, Notice of Availability with an online link, or a hard copy. The distribution list also includes representatives of governmental agencies, community groups, and local residents interested in activities at Logan Airport. As directed by EEA, the distribution list for the EDR was expanded to include the environmental justice (EJ) Reference List, which includes the CBOs and tribes located within 5 miles of the Logan Airport campus. The 2023/2024 EDR , along with past EDRs and ESPRs, is also publicly available on Massport’s website at: https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/about-logan/environmental-reports/ . Supporting appendices are provided for the following technical chapters: • Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation • Appendix F, Activity Levels Supporting Documentation MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-58 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR • Appendix G, Regional Transportation Supporting Documentation • Appendix H, Ground Access Supporting Documentation • Appendix I, Noise Supporting Documentation • Appendix J, Air Quality Supporting Documentation • Appendix K, Water Quality Supporting Documentation Technical appendices include supporting technical and quantitative data used to develop the EDR and ESPR chapter content. For this EDR, the technical appendices include data for the 2022, 2023, and 2024 reporting years and topic-specific benchmark year data to illustrate overall change over time. In addition, complementing the EDRs and ESPRs, Massport released a User's Guide alongside the 2023/2024 EDR . The stand-alone document provides detailed overviews of the regulatory framework, methodologies, models, model inputs, programs, and analyses. The User's Guide contains the contextual information and technical specifications, such as modeling and analysis methodologies and processes, previously found within EDR and ESPR chapter narrative text and technical appendices. The User’s Guide will be updated approximately every five years to incorporate information on significant changes that occurred during the previous reporting cycle, like changes in regulatory requirements, modeling methodologies, or data collection approaches. However, these changes will be addressed in the relevant EDR and ESPR chapters for the reporting years in which these changes occurred, and then the information will be migrated to the User’s Guide during the next ESPR refresh cycle. Massport created the User’s Guide to maintain transparency on how the findings within the 2023/2024 EDR are developed and the contextual meaning of those findings, while maintaining the focus in the 2023/2024 EDR narrative text on data updates. The 2023/2024 EDR has numerous hyperlinks throughout that will take the reader to the relevant sections within the User’s Guide to facilitate chapter comprehension. For more details on the User's Guide, see Section 1.2.2.1 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . A-31: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning The 2023/2024 EDR should propose a streamlined process for environmental reporting, which may be supplemented through real-time data and other metrics made available with more frequent updates through the Massport website. As discussed in prior comments, Massport improved the 2023/2024 EDR 's usability and reduced its length through several innovative strategies. Prior to drafting, Massport reviewed the main body chapters to keep content focused solely on annual data updates, discussing relevant metrics and trends. The approach reduced chapter size but also enabled more timely document development in future years. Additionally, Massport standardized headings and subheadings in the 2023/2024 EDR , limiting data to the prior reporting year and current reporting year(s), which are 2022, 2023, 2024 for this report, and a topic-specific benchmark year for each technical analysis or finding. This approach MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-59 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A aligns with the EDR and ESPR process's goal of providing annual updates, concentrating findings, figures, and tables on relevant reporting years. Complimenting the EDRs and ESPRs, Massport released a User's Guide alongside the 2023/2024 EDR . The stand-alone document provides detailed overviews of the regulatory framework, methodologies, models, model inputs, programs, and analyses. The User's Guide contains the contextual information and technical specifications, such as modeling and analysis methodologies and processes, previously found within EDR and ESPR chapter narrative text and technical appendices. The User’s Guide will be updated approximately every five years to incorporate information on significant changes that occurred during the previous reporting cycle, like changes in regulatory requirements, modeling methodologies, or data collection approaches. However, these changes will be addressed in the relevant EDR and ESPR chapters for the reporting years in which these changes occurred, and then the information will be migrated to the User’s Guide during the next ESPR refresh cycle. Massport created the User’s Guide to maintain transparency on how the findings within the 2023/2024 EDR are developed and the contextual meaning of those findings, while maintaining the focus in the 2023/2024 EDR narrative text on data updates. The 2023/2024 EDR has numerous hyperlinks throughout that will take the reader to the relevant sections within the User’s Guide to facilitate chapter comprehension. For more details on the User's Guide, see Section 1.2.2.1 of Chapter 1. Prior to filing the 2023/2024 EDR , Massport developed a new web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings (https://www.massport.com/environment/boston-logan-edr-espr-data-portal). The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide and links to regularly updated data sources (Massport owned and external) that provide data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. For a detailed overview of document changes in the 2023/2024 EDR , refer to Section1.2.2 of Chapter 1 . These improvements enabled Massport to file the 2023/2024 EDR smoothly in October 2025. A-32: Public Comments Massport should consider [public] comments and suggestions in preparing the 2023/2024 EDR. I encourage Massport to provide responses as part of the subject matter sections of the 2023/2024 EDR, to provide context to commenters on this document, and to explain how recommendations have been incorporated into the Scope. In addition to the Certificate and responses to comments included within this Appendix, Appendix A, MEPA Certificates and Responses to Comments , Massport included copies of public comment letters submitted from the 2022 ESPR and responses to comments within Appendix B, Comment Letters and Responses to Comments of this 2023/2024 EDR . Massport thoroughly considered requests and suggestions from public commenters and made improvements to the content, format, and accessibility of information in this 2023/2024 EDR to reflect MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-60 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR the public’s requests. Massport responded to comments within the public comment letters that presented actionable requests related to the subject matter and delivery of the 2022 ESPR . Where applicable, Massport’s responses to public comments address where changes were made to the scope of the 2023/2024 EDR or other Massport environmental initiatives in alignment with the commenter’s recommendations. A-33: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning I encourage Massport to evaluate feasible suggestions for increased analysis and monitoring of air emissions, noise and traffic impacts, and to actively consider ways to make real-time tracking data available to the public. Massport continues to evaluate new methodologies and technologies as they become available and evaluates them in the context of Logan Airport, including for this EDR. Prior to filing the 2023/2024 EDR , Massport developed a new web page specifically for EDR and ESPR filings (https://www.massport.com/environment/boston-logan-edr-espr-data-portal). The website provides links for each chapter of the most recent filings, notices for upcoming meetings, materials from prior meetings, prior filings, the User's Guide, and weblinks to regularly updated data sources (Massport owned and external) for the data included within EDRs and ESPRs analysis. Massport continues to make historical data accessible on its environmental filings website. The website is discussed within Section 1.2.2.2 of Chapter 1, Introduction and Executive Summary . Massport is working with Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) to make available data accessible online, and updates on this coordination effort as well as when data will be available will be provided in this EDR as well as forthcoming ESPRs/EDRs. A-34: Environmental Justice The 2022 ESPR indicates that the “designated geographic area” (DGA) (as defined in 301 CMR 11.02) should be defined as one mile for future filings. Because ESPRs are distinct from standard project reviews, it is not necessary to define a formal DGA. However, to be consistent with other MEPA reviews, I find it appropriate for Massport to continue public engagement efforts, at minimum, over a 1-mile radius around the outer perimeter of Logan Airport. In accordance with 301 CMR 11.02, Massport defined a designated geographic area (DGA) for the 2022 ESPR of 1 mile from the outer perimeter that defines the environmental justice (EJ) populations. The DGA is 64 EJ block groups, of which 32 meet the minority EJ criteria; three meet the low-income EJ criteria; seven meet both the minority and low-income EJ criteria; 14 meet both the minority and English isolation EJ criteria; and eight meet the minority, low-income, and English isolation EJ criteria. Detailed information on the EJ populations is included in Table E-2 through E-4 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation , of the 2023/2024 EDR . The Community Relations & Government Affairs Department directs Massport’s EJ and community outreach for projects subject to Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review. Massport MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-61 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A identifies EJ block groups within a 1-mile radius and 5-mile radius of a Project Area as part of the DGA for MEPA project filings on projects occurring after the enactment of the 2021 EJ Policy and 2022 EJ Protocols. Further information on project-specific Massport outreach policies can be found within Section U2.4 of the User’s Guide . A map of the EJ populations within the DGA (1-mile) is illustrated in Figure 2-1 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice. Specific outreach related to the 2023/2024 EDR is discussed within Section E.1 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . A-35: Air Quality/Emissions Reduction (GHG) Massport should identify any potential areas of additional impact around the Airport based on [UFP studies] and other ongoing studies, and conduct additional focused outreach to such areas. As a part of MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, researchers funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC), and regulatory agencies have presented on air quality monitoring and studies within the near vicinity of the Airport and at other airports. Section 8.6 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions , discusses the studies and findings that have been presented on or referenced within the Work Group. The studies have identified the need for accurate modeling to understand health exposures and comprehensive air quality monitoring to further understand Ultrafine Particulates (UFPs) from Airport activities. To the extent that this information is directly applicable to Logan Airport, Massport will be transparent regarding aviation-related air pollution data associated with Logan Airport and its operations that Massport has access to, and Massport will summarize this data and report on the implications of UFP around the Airport. Key findings that have been discussed within the Work Group is the lack of comprehensive monitoring over time within communities surrounding the Airport. As MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group continues to assess and discuss potential supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport, Massport will continue to consider, with stakeholder input, whether there are areas where additional outreach would be beneficial. Findings, recommendations, and outreach will be reported in future EDR and ESPR filings. A-36: Environmental Justice Massport should continue to engage with the MCAC and local organizations, and take recommendations for additional methods and areas of public engagement for future ESPRs and EDRs. As discussed in A-29, Massport will continue to evaluate and adjust engagement strategies by meeting the community where they are. Engagement with the community includes attending monthly neighborhood association meetings, verbal briefings before and after filings at the RCC, and other forms of engagement as described in Section U2.4 of the User’s Guide . Specific outreach related to the 2023/2024 EDR is discussed within Section E.1 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . Massport will collaborate with the Massport Community Advisory Committee MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-62 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR (Massport CAC) and local organizations to assess public engagement methods in future ESPRs and EDRs. Throughout 2025, Massport is engaging regularly with stakeholders to discuss the 2023/2024 EDR . A-37: Environmental Justice The 2023/2024 EDR should prioritize engagement strategies that meet the community where they are, especially by holding meetings in more publicly accessible locations within the EJ communities most impacted by Airport activities. Massport should also explore alternative methods of involvement beyond formal public hearings, such as hosting “open house” style public meetings, organizing small group discussions with stakeholders, or distributing community surveys to collect feedback. Massport is encouraged to meet EJ community members where they already gather by hosting pop-up informational sessions at existing community events (e.g., community celebrations, farmer markets, and cultural events). Massport continues to strengthen and improve relations with the surrounding communities, especially those representing environmental justice (EJ) populations through the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Office of Environmental Justice & Equity (OEJE) MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group process, as a part of the Massport Department of Community Relations & Government Affairs, outreach for Logan Airport activities is conducted within communities neighboring Logan Airport, which often extends outside of the EJ populations and the surrounding communities. As discussed in A-29 and A-36, Massport continues to evaluate and adjust engagement strategies by meeting the community where they are. Engagement with the community includes attending monthly neighborhood association meetings, verbal briefings before and after filings at the RCC, and other forms of engagement as described in Section U2.4 of the User’s Guide . Specific outreach related to the 2023/2024 EDR is discussed within Section E.1 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . Massport continued to meet with stakeholders throughout 2025 to discuss the EDR. A-38: Environmental Justice Given the large percentage of households identified as having limited English proficiency (LEP) (almost half of EJ block groups within 1 mile of the Airport have over 20% of households who report limited English proficiency), the 2023/2024 EDR should also report on specific events planned/attended and strategies enacted to intensify engagement with members from these LEP populations. As discussed in A-17, for 2023/2024 EDR and future EDRs and ESPRs, Massport has expanded its environmental justice (EJ) outreach to provide translation services in languages spoken by at least 5 percent of a given population located within a 5-mile radius of Logan Airport or within Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) communities. For this EDR, this includes eight languages, as well as interpretation services for Spanish at public meetings, with other languages MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-63 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A available upon request, as detailed in Section 2.2.4.1 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . As discussed in A-29, A-36, and A-37, Massport continues to evaluate and adjust engagement strategies by meeting the community where they are. Engagement with the community includes attending monthly neighborhood association meetings, verbal briefings before and after filings at the RCC, and other forms of outreach as described in Section U2.4 of the User’s Guide . Specific outreach related to the 2023/2024 EDR is discussed within Section E.1 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . A-39: Environmental Justice The 2023/2024 EDR should present an updated analysis of existing environmental conditions and public health risk within EJ populations. This updated analysis should present data on all air quality and climate indicators presented in MassDEP’s Cumulative Impact Analysis framework (which overlap in large part with EJ Screen data). Indicators above the 80th percentile as compared to statewide averages should be reported for each individual census tract (not for entire 1-mile radius) containing EJ populations within 1 mile of the Airport. In addition, these data should be reported for any EJ populations located within the largest geographic area associated with documented impacts from the Airport, most notably, the largest sound contours (e.g., 60 DNL) documented in the 2022 ESPR. New for the 2023/2024 EDR , a new chapter has been created to discuss outreach and environmental justice (EJ), see Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice . Massport continues to coordinate with Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) independently and through the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group process on refining the EJ and public health analysis throughout the development of the 2023/2024 EDR . As discussed in prior comments, the Work Group’s primary objective is to assess and discuss potential supplemental mitigation measures that could address environmental concerns associated with Logan Airport operations among EJ communities in East Boston, Winthrop, and Chelsea. Additional details on the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group’s scope, objectives, and updates are available in Section 2.2.4.2 of Chapter 2 . In concurrence with MEPA, the 2023/2024 EDR does not repeat the EJ analysis within the 2022 ESPR , specifically the DPH EJTool and U.S.EPA’s EJScreen, as these data sources have not been updated since the 2022 ESPR filing or are no longer available. The 2023/2024 EDR , at the direction of MEPA, utilized Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA) framework to assess existing public health conditions within 1-mile of Logan Airport. The findings within this framework are largely consistent with the outputs from DPH EJ Tool and U.S.EPA’s EJScreen as the MassDEP CIA framework utilizes similar sources, but at a much more granular level. Included in the findings are tables by census tracts, or block groups where available, presenting indicator findings. Through the use of MassDEP’s CIA tool, Massport has demonstrated a willingness to continue to work with MEPA to advance EJ and public health analysis within the EDRs. In addition to these findings, the MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-64 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR community conditions assessment following MassDEP’s CIA framework is presented in Sections E.5 through E.9 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . Findings for the Air Quality and Climate indicators are presented in Section 2.4.3 of Chapter 2 . As discussed in comment A-34, a designated geographic area (DGA) of 1-mile was considered for the public health existing conditions assessment, consistent with the 2022 EJ Protocols. As the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group continues discussions, Massport will consider appropriate and scientifically sound methods to expand the area of the existing conditions assessment to accurately capture potential environmental impacts directly associated with operations. A-40: Environmental Justice The 2023/2024 EDR should contain a section on Environmental Justice to present [MassDEP CIA] analysis. The 2023/2024 EDR , at the direction of Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), utilized Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)’s Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA) framework to assess existing public health data within 1-mile of Logan Airport. Reporting for the community health data is presented in Section 2.4.3 of Chapter 2 , Outreach and Environmental Justice . In concurrence with MEPA, the 2023/2024 EDR does not repeat the environmental justice (EJ) analysis within the 2022 ESPR , specifically the Department of Public Health (DPH) EJTool and U.S.EPA’s EJScreen, as these data sources have not been updated since the 2022 ESPR filing or are no longer available. As discussed in A-39, the findings within this framework are largely consistent with outcomes from DPH EJ Tool and U.S.EPA’s EJScreen as the MassDEP CIA framework utilizes similar sources, but at a much more granular level. Included in the findings are tables by census tracts, or block groups where available, presenting indicator findings. Through the use of MassDEP’s CIA tool, Massport has demonstrated a willingness to continue to work with MEPA to advance EJ and public health analysis within the EDRs and ESPRs. Findings for the Air Quality and Climate indicators are presented in Table E-8 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation , but despite the increased granularity, findings for health conditions and air quality and climate indicators remain in line with what was presented within the 2022 ESPR . In addition to these findings, the community conditions assessment results following MassDEP’s CIA framework are presented in Sections E.5 through E.9 of Appendix E, Environmental Justice Supporting Documentation . A-41: Logan Airport Environmental Review and Planning [EJ analysis] should be separate from discussions of sustainability efforts or other distinct topics. In the 2022 ESPR , Massport introduced a new chapter that included discussions on Massport’s outreach and potentially affected environmental justice (EJ) communities near Logan Airport. This 2023/2024 EDR separates community outreach and EJ content from sustainability and climate resilience into two distinct chapters for each topic: Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice , and Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience . In Chapter 2 , Massport reports updates on EDR and ESPR- MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-65 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A specific community outreach and efforts towards greater community engagement, with a focus on EJ populations. Section 2.4 of Chapter 2 also reports on conclusions and updates from the public health existing conditions review addressed in the 2022 ESPR , and for the first time in the EDR and ESPR series, presents results from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Cumulative Impact Analysis (CIA). A-42: Air Quality/Emissions Reduction (GHG) The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to report on [BU UFP studies] findings and additional mitigation measures implemented in response to new finding As discussed in A-10, Boston University has participated in studies conducted in 2022 that evaluated Ultrafine Particulate (UFP) concentrations surrounding Logan Airport. Section 8.6 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions , includes a discussion of mitigation associated with air quality, and updated information regarding recent and on-going research on Airport emissions, including on UFP, by institutions like Boston University and Tufts University. As a part of MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, researchers funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) and regulatory agencies have presented on air quality monitoring and studies within the vicinity of the Airport and at other airports. Section 8.6 of Chapter 8 discusses the studies and findings that have been presented on or referenced within the MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group. The studies have identified the need for accurate modeling to understand health exposures and comprehensive air quality monitoring to further understand UFPs from Airport activities. A-43: Air Quality/Emissions Reduction (GHG) The 2023/2024 EDR should provide updates and implications from continuing institutional research on UFP, black carbon, [and] the public health impacts of aviation-related air pollution. As discussed in A-10, As a part of MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group, researchers funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Massport Community Advisory Committee (Massport CAC) and regulatory agencies have presented on air quality monitoring and studies within near vicinity of the Airport and at other airports. Section 8.6 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions , discusses the studies and findings that have been presented on or referenced within MEPA’s Logan Airport Work Group. The studies have identified the need for accurate modeling to understand health exposures and comprehensive air quality monitoring to understand Ultrafine Particulates (UFPs) from Airport activities further. Additionally, Massport tracks other non-Logan Airport specific on-going research on health impacts of aviation-related air pollution. These studies include research on black carbon and UFP and are discussed in Section 8.6 of Chapter 8 . Massport will continue to follow these studies and consider the applicability of findings as they relate to Logan Airport and are adopted by other airports. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-66 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-44: Activity Levels The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to report passenger and activity levels and consider planning/mitigation commensurate with the anticipated return to pre-pandemic levels in 2025; in particular, air, noise, and traffic reduction measures should be a significant emphasis of future EDR and ESPR reporting. Passenger activity levels in 2023 mirrored levels observed in 2018, and in 2024, Logan Airport exceeded 2019 levels as airlines resumed previously suspended services, added new destinations, and responded to strong market demand in the Greater Boston area. Passenger activity at Logan Airport in 2023 decreased by 4 percent compared to 2019, with operations declining by nearly 8 percent. In 2024, Logan Airport exceeded 2019 passenger levels by approximately 2 percent, while operations declined by nearly 3 percent below 2019 levels. A detailed status update of passenger activity levels and operations related to 2019 levels is presented in Table 3-1 of Chapter 3, Activity Levels and Appendix F, Activity Levels Supporting Documentation . Massport will continue to report and track passenger and operation activity levels, as it relates to the 2019 baseline year in future EDRs and ESPRs. Consistent with past ESPRs and EDRs, the 2023/2024 EDR describes the cumulative effects associated with overall Logan Airport activity levels and compares these effects to previous conditions in the last reporting year, as well as to a benchmark reporting year’s conditions for each topic covered. The EDRs and ESPRs inform the projects subject to Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and serve as a baseline condition assessing project-specific impacts. The 2023/2024 EDR compares 2023 technical chapter data to 2022 and 2024 reporting year data, and 2023 and 2024 data are also compared to topic-specific benchmark year(s) to provide a standard frame of reference for comparisons. The rationale behind each benchmark year’s selection for a given topic is provided in each topic’s respective chapter. Separate from the EDR and ESPR, each Airport project subject to MEPA review follows these frameworks in the assessment of potential impacts and the development of mitigation strategies, as required. The status of mitigation measures associated with project-specific Section 61 Findings are documented in Chapter 10, Project Mitigation . A-45: Activity Levels The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to track flight and passenger levels and specifically note whether these levels have reached 2019 levels as of the reporting year; it should also indicate whether trends are on track to exceed projections based on actual activity levels gathered by the reporting year. As discussed in A-44, the 2023/2024 EDR reports that passenger activity in 2023 mirrored levels observed in 2018, and in 2024, Logan Airport exceeded 2019 levels as airlines resumed previously suspended services, added new destinations, and responded to strong market demand in the Greater Boston area. A detailed status update of passenger and activity levels as it relates to 2019 levels is MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-67 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A presented in Section 3.1 of Chapter 3, Activity Levels . Massport will continue to report and track passenger and operation activity levels, as it relates to the 2019 baseline year in future EDRs and ESPRs. In 2024, passenger activity levels exceeded levels seen in 2019 by approximately 2 percent; however, operations remained below 2019 levels by approximately 3 percent, as discussed in Table 3-1 and Section 3.1 of Chapter 3 . The forecast developed within the 2022 ESPR projected activity levels and operations 10 to 15 years in the future. Massport compared passenger activity levels and operations from 2024 to the forecast presented within the 2022 ESPR , as described in Section 3.1.5 of Chapter 3 . In 2024, while passenger activity levels were higher than experienced in 2019, levels remained approximately 19 percent below the 53.5 MAP presented in the 10-15 year future planning horizon in the 2022 ESPR . Similarly, operations in 2024 were approximately 16 percent below those projected in the 2022 ESPR . A-46: Mitigation If actual growth in passenger and/or aircraft operations outpace forecasts, I expect that additional information will be provided in future EDRs and ESPRs to demonstrate that additional mitigation and policies and strategies will be implemented to address the proportional growth in impacts. The forecast developed within the 2022 ESPR projected activity levels and operations 10 to 15 years in the future. Massport compared passenger activity levels and operations from 2024 to the forecast presented within the 2022 ESPR , as described in Section 3.1.5 of Chapter 3, Activity Levels . In 2024, while passenger activity levels were higher than experienced in 2019, levels remained approximately 19 percent below the 53.5 MAP presented in the 10-15 year future planning horizon in the 2022 ESPR . Similarly, operations in 2024 were approximately 16 percent below those projected in the 2022 ESPR . As discussed in prior comments, the purpose of the EDR and ESPR has been to disclose the impact of operations at Logan Airport as well as impact of long-term growth through ESPRs. Based on findings from EDRs and ESPRs, Massport continuously assesses on-going and proposed programs and policies for efficacy to reduce Logan Airport's impact. The current status of these programs and policies is discussed within Section 2.2 of Chapter 2, Outreach and Environmental Justice ; Section 6.4 of Chapter 6, Ground Access ; Section 7.4 of Chapter 7, Noise ; and Section 8.5 of Chapter 8, Air Quality and GHG Emissions; and the new Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience . Where data is available, Massport has quantified these beneficial measures and intends to find better methods to quantify the effects of these programs in future EDRs and ESPRs. MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-68 A Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A-47: Planning The 2023/2024 EDR should continue to assess planning strategies for improving Logan Airport’s operations and services in a safe, secure, more efficient, and environmentally sensitive manner. Massport must accommodate and guide tenant development. The 2023/2024 EDR should describe the status of planning initiatives for the following areas: • Roadways and Airport Parking; • Terminal Area; • Airside Area; • Service and Cargo Areas; • Airport Buffers and Landscaping; • Energy, Sustainability, and Resiliency. Massport strategically plans Airport improvement projects to maintain its commitment to safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability while adapting to meet the changing needs of the industry and passengers. Massport reports on the status and timeframe for implementing projects under consideration in Chapter 4, Airport Planning . Massport also guides tenants in incorporating sustainable and resilient elements into their projects and everyday operations. See Sections 11.1.2 and 11.2.3 of Chapter 11, Sustainability and Climate Resilience , for more sustainability initiatives and environmental considerations incorporated into Massport and tenant Airport planning processes. A-48: Planning The 2023/2024 EDR should update the timeline of long-range planning activities identified in [Table 4-1 of the ESPR] and should indicate a clear commitment to return to prior environmental commitments relative to capital projects intended to minimize air emissions impacts. Chapter 4, Airport Planning , provides status updates of short and long-term planning initiatives that are on-going or were recently completed in 2023 and 2024. Table 4-1 of Chapter 4, Airport Planning , summarizes the schedule for implementing these planning initiatives, many of which include environmental commitments or were initiated to enhance the sustainability and resiliency of Logan Airport. Chapter 10, Project Mitigation details planned mitigation measures and associated status updates for specific projects that have completed Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review at Logan Airport that were recently completed or have on-going mitigation measures . To reduce the length of Chapter 10 , Massport assessed the projects previously reported on within this chapter and removed projects for which Section 61 mitigation measures had been completed or were indefinitely on-going. These projects' Section 61 mitigation findings and Massport’s implementation of them have been preserved in prior EDR and ESPR filings on Massport’s website. Each project discussed in Chapter 10 MEPA Certificate and Responses to Comments A-69 Boston Logan International Airport 2023/2024 EDR A has completed the requisite state and federal environmental reviews and has formalized mitigation plans with individual Section 61 Findings. Massport tracks the progress of both Massport and Logan Airport tenants towards implementing and meeting their environmental mitigation commitments on schedule and in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Section 61 Findings for each project. As each project moves forward through its design and construction phases, its mitigation plan is implemented with on-going tracking to verify compliance. Each section in Chapt
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related records
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- Air & noiseMassachusetts Port AuthorityLogan Airport Environmental Data Report, 2018 and 2019
- Air & noiseMassachusetts Port AuthorityLogan Airport Environmental Data Report, 2016