Burbank Plans Suit to Challenge OK of Airport Terminal

BURBANK — The city of Burbank will sue to challenge a federal environmental report that approved a larger terminal at Burbank Airport, officials said Wednesday.

The Burbank City Council, in action similar to that taken by Los Angeles officials two weeks ago, late Tuesday authorized the filing of a lawsuit to prevent construction of a larger passenger terminal because of ongoing concerns over noise, traffic and other problems.

The suit will challenge an environmental report for the new terminal that was approved March 15 by the Federal Aviation Administration. Under federal law, Burbank officials have 60 days to file suit in federal court appealing the FAA’s approval of the environmental report.

“We’re getting serious about protecting our interests,” said Ted McConkey, a Burbank City Council member. “Our position has been and continues to be that the environmental impact report was deficient.”

The issue has kept relations strained within the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, which controls the airport with three representatives from each city. Mediators are trying to help resolve the long-standing disputes.

McConkey said Burbank officials will continue to participate in the mediation despite the pending legal action.

Victor J. Gill, an airport spokesman, said airport officials had not yet received notification of the Burbank suit.

“It will be referred to legal counsel,” he said.