Environment

The Airport is committed to being a good neighbor and has implemented programs to address the concerns and interests of the community and the environment.

Final Environmental Assessment

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY   
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT,   
FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT and   
RECORD OF DECISION   
PROPOSED TERMINAL B SOUTH CONCOURSE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT   
NORMAN Y. MINETA SAN JOSÉ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT   
SAN JOSÉ, SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that a Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) was approved for the City of San José’s proposed Terminal B South Concourse Improvements Project at San José International Airport (SJC), San Jose, Santa Clara County, California.  The FONSI/ROD are based upon results of a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) dated April 2023.

The Proposed Action addressed by the FONSI/ROD are:

  • Extension of Terminal B through the construction and operation of an up to 750,000 square foot (SF) South Concourse which includes 16 airline gates with passenger loading bridges;
    • Eight (8) gates currently exist in the Interim Terminal Facility, two (2) gates would be relocated from current locations in the existing terminals, and six (6) gates are new; 
      • The terminal gates would be designed to accommodate Aircraft Design Group III aircraft; and
  • Reconstruction and strengthening up to 392,000 SF of deteriorated airfield apron at the south end of the proposed Terminal B South Concourse to support aircraft terminal parking.

The FAA’s Federal Actions include:

  • Unconditional approval of the portions of the ALP that depict the Proposed Action pursuant to 49 U.S.C § 47107(a)(16).
  • Determinations under 49 U.S.C. §§ 47106 and 47107 that are associated with the eligibility of the Proposed Action for Federal funding assistance under the Airport Improvement Program and 49 U.S.C. § 40117, as implemented by 14  CFR § 158.25, to use passenger facility charges (PFCs) collected at the Airport for the Proposed Action to assist with construction of potentially eligible development items as shown on the ALP, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, (Public Law 117-58).

The FONSI/ROD indicates that the project is consistent with existing environmental policies and objectives set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 in that it will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment.  Copies of the Final EA, and FONSI/ROD will be available at the following locations for public inspection from April 28, 2023 through June 2, 2023:

The FONSI/ROD may also be viewed at the FAA’s website at: https://www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/records_decision/

Sustainability at SJC

Biennial Sustainability Report (FY 17-18 & FY 18-19) 

Biennial Sustainability Report (FY 19-20 & FY 20-21)

Sustainability Management Plan (SMP)

  • SJC has implemented a campaign to switch-out conventional lighting, with efficient and energy-saving LED lighting throughout the Terminals. 
  • The Airport designs and builds all new construction to meet the U.S. Green Building LEED Silver Certification, with a goal to meet LEED Gold Certification.
  • SJC utilizes "smart" technologies, such as Building Management Systems (BMS) to control lighting and HVAC, which allows the Airport to track usage in real-time. By adjusting lighting and HVAC to meet the real-time needs using the BMS, the Airport can reduce energy consumption. 
  • In addition to reducing energy usage at the Airport, SJC installed a 3.4-acre solar PV farm that produces 1.1 Megawatts of electricity. 
  • SJC also made the switch to San Jose Clean Energy, which provides 86% carbon-free electricity. 

Carbon Reduction Statement

Community and Environment

Guadalupe River and Gardens

As an environmental leader, the San Jose Airport supports the Guadalupe River Trail which runs adjacent to the airfield and the Guadalupe Gardens. These trails are a part of the San Jose Green Vision Goal of creating 100 miles of interconnected trails which supply commuters with easy access routes and recreation space. The Guadalupe River Trail runs 11 miles through the San Jose area. This trail and garden foster awareness with the local environment.

There are 20 storage spaces for bikes that are available near the Airport terminals for customers, travelers and workers which are easily accessible from the Guadalupe River Park trail.

Environmental Stewardship

At SJC we have secured 84 acres of infield areas which are a home to a resident population of Western Burrowing Owls, a California Species of Special Concern.

The Burrowing Owl is one of the smallest and unique species of owls, growing to a height of approximately 9 inches, weighing about 4 oz., and living in underground burrows. We have a wildlife management program that actively manages the Western Burrowing Owls within the infield areas to ensure the ongoing safety of both the burrowing owls and aviation operations. The owls are banded at a young age, with a specific code that allows biologists to observe owls into adulthood.

For more information on Burrowing Owls, please visit the City of San José's website.

Reduction and Recycling

As part of the City’s Green Vision, San Jose Airport has a goal for Zero Waste by 2022. By implementing composting and recycling programs we are currently diverting 85% of our waste from landfill trash.

Airport environmental staff works closely with food concessions, tenants and janitorial staff to improve waste management at the facility. When the new terminal opened, receptacles were purchased and installed which improve the convenience and accessibility of recycling for passengers.

After researching the benefits of composting and conducting a waste audit of concession kitchens we found that we can compost over 70% of what enters the waste stream. Environmental staff worked closely with concessions, training them to sort food and compostable waste from trash and recyclables. Compostable materials are taken to Z-Best, a nearby Industrial Composting facility, where they are transformed into nutrient rich compost and fertilizer.

By implementing waste reduction measures, the Airport has reduced disposal costs and trash going to the landfill striving for zero waste by 2022.

Water Conservation

At the Airport buildings are major users of potable water. As a result, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is aiming for more efficient use of this limited resource.

SJC uses recycled water for toilet flushing and landscaping, which consist of primarily native and drought tolerant plants to reduce water use.

Recycled water is treated and provided by South Bay Water Recycling (SBWR). A City agency with a network of over 100 miles of purple pipes throughout Santa Clara County.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Storm water is created when rain falls on hard surfaces and drains off of buildings, road surfaces, or other industrial materials. Storm water can carry pollutants like pesticides, paint, and oil through the storm drain system directly into local creeks and other bodies of water without filtration. By using preventative measures we reduce our impact upon local water sources.

Bordering the Guadalupe River it is important to act as environmental stewards. The Airport implements preventative measures to protect storm water by mimicing natural systems using native vegetation and surfaces that allow rainwater to be absorbed and recharge local groundwater.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)

Consolidated Rental Auto Center (ConRAC)

The Consolidated Rental Auto Center (ConRAC) is located across the street from the new Terminal B. The location reduced the need for bus trips to rental car offices, and decreased the size of the Airport’s bus fleet, helping to protect air quality. The ConRAC is a state of the art facility with the newest technology that allows the Airport’s rental car companies to operate fueling, maintenance and indoor carwash racks with greater efficiency and more environmental controls. The ConRAC is topped by a 1MW solar array that supplies 20% of its power.

Electric Vehicles

In 2010 Facilities Division of the Airport made a shift to using Electric Vehicles for their daily operations on the airfield. Since these vehicles do not need to travel on commercial roadways, the Airport can reduce their impact on air quality and reduce the carbon footprint of their operations. One convenience of these vehicles is their charging compatibility. These electric vehicles require Level 1 charging which is a simple 110V, 3-prong outlet are available in offices, home walls, and garages.

With the advent of more electric vehicles (EV) hitting the market, SJC has installed EV 8 chargers in the hourly parking south of Terminal B to serve customer vehicles while parked at the Airport. The chargers were provided through an air quality settlement by California Air Resources Board along with a grant to Southwest Airlines to install Ground Support Equipment (GSE) chargers. Southwest is in the process of converting their GSE fleet to electric to reduce their air quality impact.