SM Airport Environmental Studies

Lead Exposure
The Airport Commission passed the following two resolutions on September 27, 2021: 

First motion:

WHEREAS, no level of lead exposure is safe, and lead exposure particularly affects children, and

WHEREAS, the recent Reid-Hillview Airport Study (attached) showed conclusively that lead from aviation emissions near their airport increased blood lead levels in children, in concentrations in some cases far higher than during the Flint Water Crisis, and

WHEREAS, studies previously performed at Santa Monica Airport (AQMD & EPA in 2010) have also shown elevated levels of lead in the areas surrounding the airport due to leaded aviation fuel, and

WHEREAS, Santa Monica and West Los Angeles have multiple childcare centers, pre-schools, and elementary schools in close proximity to Santa Monica Airport, and

WHEREAS, we currently have a national administration that has made it a policy priority to promote clean energy, and reduce pollution and lead exposure,

NOW THEREFORE, we strongly encourage the City of Santa Monica to explore steps taken and actions initiated by the County of Santa Clara in their efforts to address and mitigate lead pollution exposure, and to take similar measures including (but not limited to) joining the recent petition filed by Earthjustice and the County of Santa Clara.

Second motion:

WHEREAS, the FAA “is committed . . . to support the development and use of unleaded aviation gas” (Consent Decree, Section VII), and

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica strives to be a “Green” City, and

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica currently owns and operates fuel tanks on the South Side of Santa Monica Airport that sell leaded fuel, and

WHEREAS, Atlantic Aviation provides (and is anticipated to continue to provide) leaded fuel at the North Side of the Airport, and

WHEREAS, it is our belief that the City can and ought to provide unleaded fuel options at the Airport,

NOW THEREFORE, we recommend the City Council pursue all avenues available to reduce, or even eliminate, lead pollution at the Airport.

These avenues could include, and are not limited to, providing unleaded fuel at cost, and the promotion and assistance in the acquisition of Supplemental Type Certificates for aircraft based at SMO.

 


SCAQMD General Aviation Airport Air Monitoring Campaign
at the Santa Monica Airport

 Download the SCAQMD General Aviation Report


Santa Monica Airport Health Impact Assessment

Click here to read the summary of the HIA completed in February of 2010
 Download the Santa Monica Health Impact Assesment Report


Aircraft Emission Impacts in a Neighborhood Adjacent to a
General Aviation Airport in Southern California

Click here to read the article or download the pdfs