EVERETT – Commercial airline service at Paine Field would not significantly increase noise in surrounding neighborhoods, nor would it significantly affect the environment with jet exhaust or automobile traffic, according to a study released today.

The 86-page study was conducted by consultants hired by Snohomish County after two airlines last year asked about operating passenger flights from Paine Field. The airport, which primarily serves Boeing operations and smaller, private aircraft, is owned and operated by the county.

Public hearings on the report are scheduled for 6:30-9 p.m. Jan. 4 at Meadowdale High School, 6002 168th St. SW in Lynnwood, and the same time Jan. 5 at the Snohomish County PUD, 2320 California St., Everett.

Horizon Airlines has said it wants to operate four flights a day from Paine Field to Portland, Ore., and two flights per day to Spokane, using 75-seat Bombardier Q400 turboprop airplanes on both routes. Allegiant Air has said it plans to fly twice a week to Las Vegas, using 150-seat MD83 jet aircraft.

The county was required to prepare an environmental assessment before the airport’s certification can be changed to allow for commercial flights.

Some Snohomish County elected officials have said they oppose commercial air service at Paine Field. Still, federal law obligates any airport operator that receives federal funds to negotiate in good faith to provide space to any airline that expresses an interest in using the airport.

The $450,000 environmental study was funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The draft environmental assessment is available for review at the airport office, on the Paine Field Web site http://www.painefield.com/airserviceea.html, at www.snoco.org/departments/airport and in local public libraries.

Written comments will be accepted through Jan. 15. They may be submitted by e-mail to cayla.morgan@faa.gov or airserviceeacomments@snoco.org. They may be sent by regular mail to Cayla Morgan, Environmental Protection Specialist, Seattle Airports District Office, Federal Aviation Administration, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, WA 98057-3356, or

Dave Waggoner, Director, Snohomish County Airport, 3220 100th Street S.W., Suite A, Everett, WA 98204

Bill Sheets: 425-339-3439; sheets@heraldnet.com.