Introduction
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – While the world is eagerly watching autonomous technology cautiously take over various services, there’s one service in specific that the City of College Station and Amazon are negotiating for – drone deliveries. Amazon Prime drone delivery, an aspirational go-to for quick parcel deliveries, is yet to be confirmed for the residents of College Station.
What’s the Perfect Spot?
The city is in talks with Amazon to determine a potential operating site where the Amazon Prime Air facility could be set up. Based on the information from recent communications, the lease for the currently proposed site will run through September next year. Post that, Amazon will not be continuing operations at this location. Instead, it is expected to work with the city to find a more suitable operating location for its Prime Air wing.
Noise Mitigation Plans
Noise pollution is an important aspect that is often brought up in the context of drone operations. Addressing this concern, Amazon stated that the Prime Air Drone Delivery Center (PADDC) will be limited to four operations per hour. These operations would be scheduled between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Working with the Community
Amazon is dedicated to considering local feedback to influence the operational decisions of Prime Air. Acknowledging this, Amazon’s spokesperson, Sam Stephenson, released a statement where it highlighted the possibility of considering alternate sites based on the community’s feedback. Stephenson also emphasized that these operational decisions were made before the meetings with the City of College Station began.
Public Engagement
For those interested in understanding more about Amazon’s drone package delivery operations in College Station, a Draft Environmental Assessment has been made accessible to the public. The open-to-all document details the various facets of delivery operations that Amazon plans to kick-start in the city. A public comment period that originally closed on July 12 offered residents a chance to voice their queries, concerns, and opinions about the proposed setup.
Conclusion
The news of Amazon’s drone delivery operations taking flight in College Station is still up in the air. While there is definite eagerness among the residents, the questions revolving around operating sites, noise levels, community feedback, and more need clear answers. For the time being, the world is left with just a potential drone buzz overhead, closely following the progress and outcomes of the Amazon-City of College Station talks.