Amazon is hitting more turbulence in its controversial efforts to launch delivery drones in Massachusetts.
The state’s Department of Transportation sent a letter Thursday to the technology giant, saying it must obtain approval from the department’s Aeronautics Division following a public safety review process.
“I would remind you that the Aeronautics Division must complete its suitability review and ensure that the proposal poses no threat to safety before any operations can begin in Westborough,” department administrator Denise Garcia wrote in the letter to two Amazon executives.
Amazon is trying to convert a parking lot at its Westborough Fulfillment Center into an Amazon Prime Air Drone Delivery launching pad, and had originally planned to start in October. Under the company’s plan, drones would zip through the air in a 7.5-mile radius around the facility to deliver packages weighing less than 5 pounds.
The proposal met pushback from Westborough community members, local officials, and state lawmakers, who raised concerns about noise, safety, impact to property values, and zoning regulations.
“No such airport, restricted landing area, or air navigation facility shall be maintained or operated unless a certificate of approval of the maintenance and operation thereof is granted and is continued in force,” the letter reads.
According to the letter, the department has not received an official notification or request for review from Amazon as of Thursday. As part of the required review, the Aeronautics Division will assess potential environmental impacts. It will also consider an ongoing multistate lawsuit, in which Massachusetts is a plaintiff, that challenges the Federal Aviation Administration’s evaluation of environmental consequences of commercial drone delivery services.
The FAA said it found “no significant” environmental impact from delivery drones after a study in 23 states, although none were in New England.
Phil Eng, MassDOT’s interim secretary, said in a statement that the department has heard the concerns brought up by Westborough-area residents about Amazon’s proposal and that the department will hold a public hearing on the topic “to ensure residents have a meaningful opportunity to be heard and their concerns are fully considered.”
“We will carefully scrutinize their plans, and Amazon will need to demonstrate that its operations will not pose a risk to public safety and that it will minimize safety impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and the environment,” Eng said.
Amazon spokesperson Lindsay Hamilton said Prime Air has a track record of safe operations across nine states, with over a decade of testing.
“We remain committed to working closely with state and local officials as we continue to explore operations in Massachusetts,” she said. “We welcome the opportunity to demonstrate the safety of our operations and continue our engagement with local residents.”
Westborough is limited in its ability to deny Amazon’s plans as long as the company meets regulatory requirements. The FAA regulates the airspace, and the town holds some authority over the takeoff and landing zones.
The town’s planning board initially granted Amazon an accessory use permit for the launching pads over the summer. A group of residents opposed the zoning classification and appealed the decision, arguing the launching pads are technically airports and should warrant a special permit. Westborough’s Zoning Board of Appeals will review the request on Nov. 2.
Stephanie Stuchlik, a Westborough resident and a member of the opposition group Mass Blue Skies, welcomed MassDOT’s call for a state review.
“We do not believe the convenience of delivering everyday purchases by drone justifies imposing repeated flights, noise, and potential safety and environmental impacts on surrounding neighborhoods,” she said in a statement. “Residents deserve a meaningful voice, and we will continue opposing this model of delivery before it becomes established.”
On Monday, state lawmakers sent a letter to Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell asking for a dedicated task force to be created to review and suggest updates to the state’s regulations pertaining to drone delivery operations.
On the same day, Westborough Special Town Meeting attendees voted 510-13 to establish restrictions for unmanned aircraft. While they do not give the town authority to deny drone delivery operations, the amended bylaws would regulate the takeoff and landing area and would impose fines for infractions.
The bylaws would require a 150-foot buffer zone between launching pads and employee parking areas, privacy protections, and would prohibit town employees from ordering items to town property. It now needs to be approved by the attorney general and MassDOT Aeronautics Division.
The MassDOT letter also lists concerns raised by residents, including risks of flight over private property at low altitudes, potential harm for people and property, and the need to not interfere with law enforcement and public safety officials.
The letter requests an update on Amazon’s plans and project status.
Yogev Toby can be reached at yogev.toby@globe.com.