Introduction

Overview

St. Louis International Airport (STL) is partnering with Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an expansion to the airport facilities to support defense-related aircraft assembly and flight testing.

The expansion will:

• Allow for the development of currently underutilized airport property
• Support regional economic development, and
• Provide facilities necessary to support national defense requirements.

Boeing will expand its current footprint by leasing two parcels on airport property to the north and northeast of the airfield. Operations will consist of construction of aircraft assembly and test facilities, including demolition of non-functional structures. Connector taxiways and tow ways will provide access onto the airfield.

An evaluation to assess the potential environmental consequences of the Proposed Action was conducted.

Notice of Availability

FEDERAL FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT/RECORD OF DECISION

Site Development for Aircraft Assembly and Flight Testing

St. Louis Lambert International Airport

St. Louis, Missouri

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the improvements identified at the St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St. Louis, Missouri. The FONSI/ROD is being made available to the public pursuant to Part 1506 of the Council On Environmental Quality Regulations concerning implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The FONSI/ROD can be viewed online at https://www.flystl.com/civil-rights/public-notices-and-reports and copies can be viewed at the airport administration office, the Berkeley City Hall, and the following local libraries near the airport: Ferguson Municipal Public Library and the Bridgeton Trails, St. Charles Rock Road, Florissant Valley, Prairie Commons, Parkview, and Natural Bridge branches of the St. Louis County Library. Copies can also be viewed at the Federal Aviation Administration, Airports Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Public Participation and Open House Follow-up

Overview and Open House Materials

An open house regarding the Boeing Site Development for Aircraft Assembly and Flight Testing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) was held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. The event’s meeting materials can be found below.

Watch the Open House Presentation

A recording of the formal presentations can be viewed below.

Boeing Site Development for Aircraft Assembly and Flight Testing – Public Survey Results

Executive Summary

The executive summary of the results of that survey can be found below as a downloadable Pdf file.

Boeing Site Development for Aircraft Assembly and Flight Testing – Information

PROPOSED ACTION INFORMATION

Location and Planned Structures

The project will be located in the northeast area of St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Boeing would lease two parcels (see Figure 1).

• Brownleigh (approximately 110 acres)
• Northern Tract (approximately 75 acres)

Two potential phases are currently planned (the square footage is estimated):

Phase 1: Construction of an assembly building and flight ramp (approximate time frame)

• Brownleigh Parcel
  • 880,000 square feet assembly building
• Northern Tract Parcel
  • 185,000 square feet hanger building
  • 80,000 square feet radar cross section test facility
  • Open aircraft shelters, hush house, maintenance building, fuel calibration building and fire house totaling 90,000 square feet
  • Several small support/storage structures

Phase 2: Construction of new structures/additions (to be determined based on future needs)

• Brownleigh Parcel
  • 660,000 square feet assembly building
• Northern Tract Parcel
  • 200,000 square feet paint hanger
  • 150,000 square feet hanger addition
  • Additional open-air aircraft shelters, hush house and fuel calibration building totaling 60,000 square feet

Environmental Areas Evaluated

As part of the environmental evaluation process under FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures and FAA Order 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions, the following areas were evaluated:

• Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Climate
• Dept of Transportation Section 4(f)
• Hazardous materials, Solid Waste, Pollution Prevention
• Historic and Cultural Resources
• Land Use
• Natural Resources and Energy Supply
• Noise and Noise Compatible Land Use
• Socioeconomics, Environmental Justice, Children’s Environmental Health and Safety
• Visual Effects
• Water Resources
• Cumulative Impact

On December 15, 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration approved a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) in regard to the Site Development for Aircraft Assembly and Flight Testing at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The complete Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and FONSI/ROD file can be downloaded below:

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions or comments regarding the Boeing Site Development for Aircraft Assembly and Flight Testing, please contact James Neidel, STL Airport Planning Manager at 314-551-5027 or jrneidel@flystl.com.