Episode 1: Introducing the Sound Defense Alliance and the Growler Jet Noise Issue with Anne Harvey and Mark Lundsten

The Navy’s Boing EA-18G Growlers: The loudest planes in the world and they’re flown over protected, environmentally sensitive, and irreplaceable areas across the greater region of Northwest Washington. These jets have astounding impacts on human health, the environment, and so much more. In this introduction episode, we will ease you into the Growler jet noise issue and how the Sound Defense Alliance is working to address it. Hosts Terra Huey (she/her) and Caitlin Epstein (she/her) are joined by guests Anne Harvey (she/her) and Mark Lundsten (he/him), residents of Coupeville and Anacortes, WA, who are involved with the Sound Defense Alliance. Listen to learn more about what it’s like to live under these jets, and what you can expect from this limited podcast series.

 

Resources:

Learn more about the Growler jets and how to take action at: www.SoundDefenseAlliance.org

Coupeville Community Allies

Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve (COER)

Quiet Skies Over San Juan County

A Map of Whidbey and Camano Islands

 

Glossary Terms:

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - A government document that outlines the impact of a proposed project on its surrounding environment. In the United States, these statements are mandated by federal law for certain projects.

Record of Decision (ROD) - Final action prior to implementation of the Proposed Action. Any outstanding issues, including protests, are resolved. After this stage, protestors may sue the agency in federal court.

Growler jet - The EA-18G Growler: an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. The EA-18G replaced the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the United States Navy.

Ault Field - The main base portion of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI).

Outlying Field (OLF) - A military airport owned and operated by the United States Navy located two miles southeast of Coupeville, Washington, on Whidbey Island. Also known as Naval Outlying Landing Field Coupeville or NOLF Coupeville. 

 

Nature sounds recorded in the Olympic National Park (Gordon Hempton, The Sound Tracker, Co-Founder Quiet Parks International)

Hosted by Terra Huey and Caitlin Epstein

Produced by Caitlin Epstein in partnership with the Sound Defense Alliance