Wind and Wave Evacuation & Survival (WiWaves) Facility Environmental Assessment

Weston conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of constructing a new 44,000 sq ft Wind and Wave Evacuation & Survival Facility (WiWaves) at Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC). The unique indoor facility will give pilots an opportunity to experience a realistic environment that simulates a water survival scenario. The existing testing facility is outdated and MMAC had limited options to accommodate a new, more modern facility. Weston was challenged to evaluate the unique and various impacts of the preferred locations in a compressed time frame to meet the construction schedule milestones. Weston consulted with all applicable federal, state, and local agencies with jurisdiction including 21 regional tribal nations during the EA process. Weston was able to reach this conclusion on budget and on schedule. The EA and subsequent Finding of No Significant Impact were completed on schedule, allowing the design and initial construction to begin in September 2021. By 2024, pilots should have a new state-of-the art facility to train for water survival techniques in tanks simulating high seas and strong winds.