Hudson County Commissioners Support Reduction in Helicopter Flights in the Region

Photo Credit: xperiencedays.com

                                                                                                                              The Hudson County Board of Commissioners have approved a resolution strongly urging the New Jersey Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 5515/ Senate Bill 478 that would reduce the number of helicopter flights from airports, heliports and helistops licensed by the state.

The harmful effects of helicopter traffic in and around Hudson County, including reduced air quality as well as excessive noise that is intrusive and disruptive, have had significant impact on the health, welfare and quality of life of Hudson County’s residents.

A sharp increase in helicopter flight traffic in and around Hudson County that is unrelated to weather or safety concerns has disproportionately affected the communities of Hudson County.

The health impacts of helicopter noise include sleep deprivation, changes in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal functions, and reduced learning abilities of school age children.  Helicopter engine emissions, which include measurable quantities of smog forming gases and elevated levels of formaldehyde, aggravate respiratory and cause cardiovascular illnesses.

New Jersey Assembly Bill 5514, sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (District 33), Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (District 33) and Senate Bill 479, sponsored by Senator Nicholas J. Sacco (District 32), Senator Brian P. Stack (District 33), would require the State Commissioner of Transportation to promulgate regulations to reduce the noise generated by helicopters at airports, heliports, and helistops licensed by the State.  These regulations are to include requirements that the proprietor of an airport, heliport, or helistop reduce the number of helicopters leaving the airport, heliport, or helistop, reduce the number of helicopters leaving the airport, heliport, or helistop by not less than 47 percent per weekday compared to the average number of helicopter flights per weekday leaving from the airport, heliport, or helistop for the 12 months preceding the date of enactment of the bill.  Flights by helicopters owned or operated by a federal or military authority or the state government and helicopters providing emergency medical transportation would not be included in the required reduction in flights.

Board Chairman Anthony Vainieri and the Board of Commissioners strongly urge the New Jersey Legislature to pass Assembly Bill 5514/ Senate Bill 478 and urge Governor Phil Murphy to sign the legislation as expeditiously as possible.