PART 150 NOISE COMPATIBILITY STUDY |
MILWAUKEE |
| What is a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update? |
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Part 150 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) establishes a voluntary, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administered program that includes procedures to be followed by airports to assess aircraft noise and land use compatibility. It establishes a single system for the measurement of aircraft (and background) noise, a single system for determining the exposure of individuals to aircraft noise, and a standardized airport noise compatibility planning program.
The planning program includes: (1) provisions for the development and submission to the FAA of Noise Exposure Maps and Noise Compatibility Programs by airport operators.; (2) standard noise units, methods, and analytical techniques for use in airport assessments; (3) identification of land uses which are normally considered compatible (or non-compatible) with various levels of noise around airports; and (4) procedures and criteria for FAA approval and disapproval of noise compatibility programs. The Noise Compatibility Program will contain recommendations for noise abatement and mitigation addressing both land use and aircraft operational issues. General Mitchell International Airport completed a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study in 1993. The Part 150 Compatibility Study Update, currently underway, will look at current noise and land use conditions and develop a forecast of conditions for five years into the future. |
| What is the Objective of this Study? |
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The objective of this Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update is to find reasonable solutions to the problems associated with noise generated by aircraft, and to present solutions that can be implemented. The goal of the overall program is for General Mitchell International Airport, in consultation with the state/local planners, local aviation groups, and interested citizens, to develop a balanced and cost-effective program to minimize and/or mitigate aircraft noise effects on the local communities.
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| How is Aircraft Noise Measured? |
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In 1981, the Federal Aviation Administration formally adopted the Day Night Average Sound Level (DNL) as the primary measure for determining exposure of individuals to airport noise. Day Night Average Sound Level, abbreviated DNL and symbolized as LDN, is the 24 hour average sound level, in decibels, obtained from the accumulation of all events, with the addition of 10 decibels to sound levels from 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. The weighting of nighttime events accounts for the usual increased interfering effects of noise during the night, when ambient levels are lower and people are trying to sleep. The 24 DNL is annualized to reflect noise generated by aircraft operations for an entire year and are identified by “noise contours” showing levels of aircraft noise.
DNL is the most widely accepted descriptor for aviation noise because of the following characteristics: DNL is a measurable quantity; DNL is simple to understand and can be used by airport planners and the general public who are not familiar with acoustics or acoustical theory; DNL provides a simple method to compare the effectiveness of alternative airport scenarios; and DNL has a substantial body of scientific survey data regarding the reactions people have to noise. |
| What are noise contours and how are they used? |
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Technically, a noise contour represents the average annual noise levels summarized by lines connecting points of equal noise exposure. More simply, noise contours are computer generated lines that are modeled to reflect both current noise conditions near airports as well as to predict what the future noise conditions will be.
A variety of information is gathered during the Study to create an accurate noise contour, including: number of flights; flight paths, type of aircraft, type of aircraft engines, time of day, weather conditions, and runway use. Actual on-site noise measurements specific to aircraft operating at General Mitchell International Airport are used to verify predicted individual aircraft noise levels contained in the computer model. These data are used to generate noise contours that are overlaid onto base maps to create a Noise Exposure Map (NEM), which is used to identify where specific levels of aircraft noise occur. The Noise Exposure Maps developed for General Mitchell International Airport will be used in several ways: – Defining where areas of roughly equal noise exist in the communities surrounding the Airport. – Assessing various alternative solutions to reduce the effect of noise. – Defining eligibility for federal funds for noise abatement programs. |
| How long will it take to Complete and Approve the Part 150 Study? |
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Work on the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update began in February of 2003. Completion is anticipated in the fall of 2004. Once the Noise Exposure Maps (NEM’s) are accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for review, it will take up to an additional six months for FAA approval.
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| Who will be Involved in the Part 150 Study? |
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A Study Advisory Committee (SAC) was formed to work closely with airport staff and the consultant team of Barnard Dunkelberg & Company. The Study Advisory Committee includes 26 members representing aviation, business, and citizen interests. The role of the Committee is to review information, provide feedback, discuss noise abatement alternatives, and advise the Airport on the adoption of a noise abatement program at the airport. Study Advisory Committee meeting minutes are available for viewing on this web site.
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| How can I be Involved in the Part 150 Study? |
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Public Information Workshops will be held at various times during the Study process. The “open house” style of the meetings will allow you to view maps showing the level of noise exposure at various locations, flight tracks of aircraft, and other aircraft activity at General Mitchell International Airport. Various alternatives will be presented and draft recommendations will be available for review. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and express your concerns. Meeting dates will be advertised in local papers, posted on the Airport’s web site, and noted in the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update newsletter.
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