Amazon Drone Deliveries Cause Concerns In South Jersey

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — Residents throughout the South Jersey region are starting to get more answers as they brace for the planned expansion of Amazon's Prime Air Drone Delivery Service in the fall.

According to reports, the global retailer was set to ramp up its operations based out of its West Deptford facility in October.

On August 19, West Deptford officials and other local agencies met with Amazon to discuss the operation and the impacts to local quality of life.

As of Friday, Amazon still does not have Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals necessary to carry out deliveries in the area.

According to Amazon reps, the company is in the "early stages of diligence."

Under its current status, Amazon's Prime Air is cleared for Part 135 certification from the FAA, which holds the same guidelines as commercial air carriers.

Local operation in South Jersey on a delivery basis is still pending approval.

As of Friday, Amazon does not have a timeline for its rollout of the service, despite information that it was on track for October.

Maps, flight patterns, hours, and other timelines are still under development and awaiting review.

This process also includes obtaining Planning or Zoning Board approval on the local level, which would come after a publicly accessible meeting that is open to comments.

Amazon has confirmed, according to West Deptford officials, that they will be going through the application process at a later date.

Local leaders also were able to secure a promise from Amazon that they will hold public information sessions and community engagement efforts on its own before any deliveries begin.

Much of the concerns from residents in and around the West Deptford area has centered around the privacy risks that go along with a system like this.

In response, Amazon confirmed that Prime Air drone cameras do not track people or record movements, and are there for navigation, detecting obstacles, and further ensuring safe delivery.

Nobody monitors any live camera feed, according to Amazon, and the information is used by the individual drone to help it successfully complete its task.

Air quality also came up as a concern among the residents who call down below home.

Prime Air said their machines are equipped to fly in a wide range of conditions, including rain and varying temperatures.

They also operate with no exhaust emissions and are fully electric.

According to the service, the sound that can be expected is also minimal and comparable to an idling standard delivery truck parked on a street that lasts only 30 seconds.

In the air, the company said homeowners can expect to hear light noise like a window fan that in many cases can't be heard while indoors.

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