COUPEVILLE, Wash. — A study from researchers at the University of Washington finds 74,000 people living on Whidbey Island are being subjected to harmful jet noise that could lead to even more serious physical, cognitive and emotional health problems.
The peaceful chirp of song birds surrounding Paula Spina's Coupeville home is often drowned out by massive steel birds roaring through the sky.
"It's been hell," Spina said.
The jets — known as Growlers for their deep, noisy rumble — regularly fly training missions low and loud over Whidbey Island, sometimes from the morning well into the night.
For more than a decade, neighbors have asked officials at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station to change the flight patterns, but the problem persists.
Neighbors have recorded noise levels at more than 130 decibels. That's about as loud as an air raid siren.
"The frustration level and the anger just soars whenever they fly by," Spina said.
The Navy transitioned to technologically advanced Growlers from quieter Prowler aircraft in late 2009. Since then, at least two lawsuits have been filed.
Washington's Attorney General determined the Navy "unlawfully expanded its Growler program without considering [environmental] impacts."
Now, researchers at the University of Washington have weighed in. They published their peer-reviewed findings in the prestigious Journal "Nature."
Researchers determined Growler jet noise can cause anxiety, hearing disorders and compromised childhood learning.
"Ultimately, they can lead to more severe health consequences over time including cardiovascular disease and psychological disorders as sort of a trickle down effect," said the study's lead researcher Giordano Jacuzzi.
"This really changes the whole name of the game," said Bob Wilbur, who also lives in the flight zone. "It gives credibility to what we've been arguing for a number of years, both in and out of court."
A civilian Navy advocacy group called the Navy League of The United States doubts the study's credibility, stating, "Since three of the seven authors are listed as members of local activist groups, the objectives, methods, and results appear to be far from academically objective."
"The science speaks for itself," said Jacuzzi. "This doesn't have to be a zero sum game. By considering various options the Navy can demonstrate that the interests of national security don't have to come at the expense of protecting the public at home."
The Navy League also states Island County is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest in the state.
"By extension, UW’s motivation and rationale for health concerns are suspect, since jets have been based at Whidbey since 1956, with nearly twice as many carrier jets historically, than proposed," wrote a League spokesman.
The Naval Air Station Whidbey Island declined to comment for this story.
Meantime, Paula Spina keeps her ear protection handy, even inside her house, because she's in this battle for the long haul.
"My attitude is: I know this isn't good for me, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna let them chase me out of my home," she said. "I will fight to the last minute."