San Francisco International Airport
Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approach/Precision Runway Monitor Project
Final Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Record of Decision

Date: February 9, 2001

You or your agency received a copy of, or provided comments on, the Draft Environmental Assessment prepared for a Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approach /Precision Runway Monitor Project at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), dated March 20, 2000.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes the relocation and installation of navigational aids (the Instrument Landing System [ILS] and Precision Runway Monitor [PRM]), and the implementation of various air traffic control procedures (including changes in San Francisco International Airport [SFO] feeder routes) related to the operation of a Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approach (SOIA) at SFO. More specifically, the proposed Federal action includes the relocation of an existing localizer, construction of a new glide slope and PRM, and establishment of new flight procedures, including instrument procedures, for the proposed new SOIA on runway 28R

A site-specific Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared for this action. The Final EA addressed three alternatives: the proposed action; the reduced SOIA procedure operation alternatives and the no action alternative. The proposed action and reduced SOIA procedure operation alternatives call for the relocation and installation of navigational aids, implementation of a SOIA arrival procedure, and adjustments to feeder routes that serve runways 28L and 28R. Under the proposed action, the SOIA procedure and feeder routes would be used 100 percent of the time and would reduce delays during periods of cloud heights between 3,500 and 1,600 feet above ground level (AGL). Under the reduced SOIA procedure operation alternative, the SOIA procedure and feeder routes would be used only during certain weather conditions when cloud heights are between 4,500 feet AGL and ground level. In addition, the reduced SOIA procedure operation alternative would not be used during the hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m

The FAA has selected the Reduced SOIA Procedure Operation Alternative as the preferred alternative. From the information contained in the Final EA, the FAA has determined that no significant environmental effects will result from installation and operation of the SOIA /PRM project. Therefore, the FAA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) in conformance with requirements set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1989 and the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended.

The foregoing actions are directed 13 be taken, and determinations and approvals are made under the authority of 49 U.S.C. S44502 (formerly Section 1006 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended. This decision constitutes an order of the Administrator reviewable in the Circuit Court of Appeals in accordance with the provisions of 49 U.S.C. S46110 (formerly Section 1006 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended).

This decision constitutes final agency action under 49 U.S.C. S46110, for the SOIA/PRM project to serve San Francisco International Airport. Any party to this proceeding having substantial interest may apply for review of decision by filing a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or the court of appeals of the U. S. for the circuit in which the person resides or has its principal place of business. The petition must be filed not later than 60 days after the decision is issued. Copies of the Final EA or FONSI/ROD can be reviewed at the offices of the of the FAA and SFO, and at bay area libraries or obtained by written request to:

Rob Brueck, Project Manager
Parsons Harland Bartholomew & Associates
2233 Watt Avenue, Suite 330
Sacramento, CA 95825