October 23, 2014

Capt. M. K. Nortier
Captain, US Navy
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
3730 North Charles Porter Avenue
Oak Harbor, WA 98278-5000
In future correspondence please refer to:
Log:
102214-23-USN
Property:
NAS Whidbey and Areas Associated with Flight Paths
Re:
Proposed Increase in EA-18 Growler Operations
Dear Captain Nortier:
We have reviewed the materials forwarded to the Department of Archaeology and Historic
Preservation (DAHP) regarding the above referenced proposal. Thank you for the opportunity
to comment on the project. Based upon your letter, we understand the proposal to entail an
increase in training sorties and other flight operations in the vicinity of Naval Air Station
Whidbey.
Our concerns center on this proposals effects to cultural and historic resources and how the
impact of increased noise levels and the frequency of elevated sound levels might have to these
resources in the Puget Sound Basin. Our interest is upon the following potential effects:
1)
Effects to historic buildings, structures, objects, and districts from the vibration of sound
waves to the short and long-term structural soundness of these historic property types. A related
concern is the effect of resulting sound-proofing activities at historic properties that if undertaken
could adversely affect historic character.
2)
Effects on the publics experience of using cultural and historic resources, particularly
traditional cultural properties, historic districts, and landscapes such as the Ebeys Landing
National Historic Reserve and the Port Townsend National Historic Landmark District. The
jarring effect of frequent and high noise levels on the feeling and association of cultural and
historic resources are of concern.
3)
Effects on the long-term viability of historic properties. Our concern is the increased and
frequent noise levels on the long-term viability of historic resources as places to live, work, and
recreate.
In defining the Area of Potential Effects, we recommend the Navy conduct a day and night noise
level assessment for flight patterns across the entire region where Growler flights will be
conducted. Such an assessment would help the Navy while considering the indirect effects
posed by increased Growler operations on cultural resources.
We look forward to the results of your cultural resources survey efforts, your consultation with
the concerned tribes, and receiving the survey report when it is available. We would appreciate
receiving any correspondence or comments from concerned tribes or other parties that you
receive as you consult under the requirements of 36CFR800.4(a)(4). These comments are
State of Washington Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
P.O. Box 48343 Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 (360) 586-3065
www.dahp.wa.gov

based on the information available at the time of this review and on behalf of the State Historic
Preservation Officer in conformance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
and its implementing regulations 36CFR800.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,

Russell Holter
Project Compliance Reviewer
(360) 586-3533
russell.holter@dahp.wa.gov
Cc:

Kristen Griffin (Ebeys Landing)

Chris Moore (WA Trust)

State of Washington Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation

P.O. Box 48343 Olympia, Washington 98504-8343 (360) 586-3065
www.dahp.wa.gov