FAA Inspection Identifies Repairs Needed At Sonoma County Airport

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Department of Public Infrastructure announced its plans to refurbish a section of runway pavement and replace a deteriorating culvert following an annual inspection and report issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA has oversight of safety and operations at the regional airfield and conducts annual audits at all active airports with airline service in the United States to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. A checklist of required improvements was provided to the airport following the most recent audit.

In response to concerns identified in the report dated Jan. 12, airport officials sealed the affected areas to prevent additional water intrusion and further deterioration. The airport submitted a repair plan to the FAA on March 1. It will cost roughly $600,000 to repair the drainage culvert and pavement, officials said.

"Each year, airport officials and Department of Infrastructure personnel coordinate work to complete projects identified in this annual inspection report and within a timeframe agreed upon by the FAA," said Airport Manager Jon Stout. "The safety of the public and employees is the county’s top priority, and we can rest assured that the quality of the travel experience at STS will continue to be world-class."

Airport officials are in the process of procuring long-term repairs, according to a March 15 news release. The work includes culvert replacement, new pavement and pavement restoration of the areas in question. This is considered the most cost-effective and time-efficient approach and will minimize disruption to air passengers and airport operations, officials said.

"The airport team has been and continues to monitor the infrastructure with a focus on areas where pavement is involved," said Director Johannes Hoevertsz of the Department of Public Infrastructure. "This proactive approach is a standard part of our maintenance routine, ensuring that we address any issues promptly to maintain safety and operational efficiency. The department is committed to implementing the necessary repairs and improvements as identified in the FAA's annual report, demonstrating our ongoing dedication to the quality and reliability of our county's infrastructure."

The culvert replacement work on the runway will take an estimated 16 hours to complete, including night work, and is expected to take place in May. Flight disruptions are possible and will be communicated to travelers in advance, airport officials said.

Separately, airport officials said, the FAA identified a rough pavement section where an underground electrical conduit crosses the runway. In response, airport engineers have been monitoring the site and are working on a permanent repair.

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