Amazon says the Prime Air drones would deliver packages within 30 minutes to an hour, flying from a facility on Mantua Grove Road in West Deptford. The company says the devices will operate within a 7.5-mile radius and carry items weighing five pounds or less.
"I'm for it. Why wouldn't you do it? I mean, save time, save money, drop it right in the yard. I'll take it. Why not?" said Greg Winner of Wenonah.
Amazon said in a statement, "We are currently working with local officials and exploring opportunities to expand our fast, reliable drone delivery service to reach customers in areas across the country."
But many residents say they're not convinced.
"I don't like it at all. I think it's going to mess up and it also takes away from jobs," said Jaime Alexander of Mantua Township.
Customers would need to use Amazon's app to confirm drop-off locations. Some residents worry drones could miss their targets, pointing to a Texas incident where a package landed in a backyard pool.
"What if that was an electronic?" Alexander said. "They deliver a lot of food and stuff, so there goes your food. There goes your order."
Mantua Township police say the drones would operate from 15 minutes before sunrise until 15 minutes after sunset, flying below 400 feet. Noise is another concern.
"It doesn't sound very necessary to me considering I order a package and it shows up within the same day. Definitely concerned about noise," said Gabriel Blotta of Mantua Township.
Amazon says the sound level during dropoff is lower than an idling truck and lasts about 30 seconds.
Privacy questions have also surfaced. Amazon says the drone's cameras and sensors are used only for navigation and obstacle detection, not for tracking people or recording movements.
"There's cameras everywhere; you're already recorded," Winner said. "I understand it's on your personal property; that's kind of an issue if they do that, but if they say they're not doing it, fine. I'm OK with it."
Some residents are calling for government intervention before the service launches.
"We need oversight of this process," said Elizabeth Flynn of Pitman. "We cannot just be told by Amazon that they are going to unleash a fleet of package drones over our houses and we're just going to have to deal with it."
Flynn has created a petition seeking transparency and a public hearing. The mayor said in a social media post that while residents may support or oppose drone delivery, he has no authority over Amazon's decision.
Mayor Robert T. Zimmerman released the following statement to Action News:
"Mayor Zimmerman and the Mantua Township Committee have received questions regarding Amazon's drone delivery operations.
To be clear, Mantua Township does not control the airspace over the Township. Airspace and the operation of aircraft, including delivery drones, fall under the authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Amazon's drone operations have received the necessary federal approvals to operate within the authorized airspace.
The drone delivery hub is located in West Deptford Township. Matters involving the hub, including its site, land use, and zoning, fall under the jurisdiction of West Deptford Township.
Mantua Township's authority is limited to matters within its jurisdiction, including the use of public property. Amazon has advised the Township that the drone will deliver directly to the customer's designated location and will not be landing on Mantua Township public property.
In response to concerns about privacy, security and data collection, Chief Murphy spoke with Rich Swayze, Regulatory Specialist, from Amazon today August 25th who indicated that:
'Prime Air drones use onboard cameras and sensors for navigation, obstacle detection, and safe delivery. The cameras help the drone see where it's going and operate independently, they are not viewed live by any person.'
Mr. Swayze also provided the following additional details:
- 'There is a Detect & Avoid (DAA) system that does collect video data - it is used by the system; the flight monitors do not see the video during flight.'
- 'This video is used by the system to track other manned aircraft in the vicinity and to perform avoidance maneuvers if the system determines there is a potential conflict with another manned aircraft.'
- 'The data is not retained unless it is determined that there is a safety issue with the specific flight that warrants further analysis. If there are no issues with the flight the data is recorded over during the following flights.'
- 'If it is determined a flight does warrant further safety analysis then the data is downloaded. The data is stored in a controlled/protected database for which a very limited number of Prime Air staff have access.'
- 'Prime Air would share with the FAA and/or NTSB if requested for safety purposes.'
- 'None of this operational flight data collected by the drone is sold.'
We understand that residents have questions and concerns. However, the Township cannot regulate or prohibit the use of FAA-approved airspace over Mantua Township. Where and how a customer receives a delivery on private property is not controlled by the Township.
Amazon officials were asked if any type of community engagement outreach for residents or customers is planned. Amazon indicated that they generally do host this type of community event but could not confirm a date at this time."