Judge grants So. Burlington's F-35 motion

Judge Geoffrey Crawford has granted the City of South Burlington's request to participate in support of the safety and sound lawsuit against the U.S. Air Force, only days before the case is heard in court.

South Burlington City Manager Kevin Dorn and attorney John Klesch confirmed the development.

A federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) from March 2012 is at the heart of the lawsuit. Litigants said it did not adequately address noise, health and safety issues associated with the F-35A jet beddown. Current litigants are the City of Winooski, the Stop the F-35 group and other six individuals. South Burlington is not a party to the lawsuit, it participates as amicus curiae, with a letter or memorandum supporting the litigants.

Judge to read So. Burlington F-35 motion

The memorandum contains two issues that the City Council would like to see addressed. First, South Burlington is concerned the Federal EIS did not adequately review noise impacts and possible mitigation strategies. Secondly, the city says the FEIS did not adequately review impacts on health and safety.

This story was first posted online on June 30, 2016. Contact Nicole Higgins DeSmet ndesmet@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1845. Follow her on Twitter @NicoleHDeSmet.

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