Establishment of Airport Noise Office
Memo

 

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December 10, 1999

MEMORANDUM

TO: RAA/Jim DeLong, General Manager

FROM: 150 Study Group/Dorn Crawford, for the Chair

SUBJECT: Establishment of Airport Noise Office

As you know, the 150 Study Group adopted the attached resolution at its December 7 meeting. I am transmitting it herewith, on behalf of the chair, for further action, with a view toward realizing its urging of early implementation. The Study Group appreciates your speedy attention to this very important initiative.




Establishment of Airport Noise Office
Recommendation by the Noise Compatibility Study Group

Adopted December 7, 1999

Close, continuous and dedicated coordination with the airport staff is critical for developing and organizing, as well as implementing, an effective Noise Compatibility Program. The Study Group therefore recommends that the Regional Airport Authority take early action to establish an Airport Noise Office and appoint an Airport Noise Officer. Key functions of such an office might include:

• Coordinating with the Noise Compatibility Study Group, community organizations, and program implementing bodies; providing liaison with 150 Study activities and staff administrative support.

• Compiling and distributing regular summaries of airport activity, reports on performance of established measures (e.g. contraflow), and status of ongoing noise compatibility programs (e.g. relocation).

• Responding to noise complaints and comments, identifying trends, and recommending changes in programs for further consideration.

• Managing noise mitigation programs: administering ongoing activities such as insulation, or acquisition, managing FAA grants for approved measures, administering contracts for such services.

• Overseeing performance of noise abatement measures: documenting program implementation and maintaining statistical records for runway use and flight tracking, and accounting for weather and other factors affecting performance. Managing such monitoring systems and facilities as the airport may acquire.

• Producing and distributing public information materials, such as brochures, information on how to participate in ongoing groups, eligibility for participation in remedial programs, etc.

• Distributing advance information to the community on changes in airport operations due to maintenance, or other events that could affect noise exposure.

• Conducting follow-on reviews to evaluate noise compatibility measures and develop program enhancements.

Most of these functions are already being performed by the various departments of the airport staff; consolidating them into a dedicated office, as has commonly been done at other major airports, would add greatly to their effectiveness.

This office clearly should not be an end product of the 150 Study, but an active participant in its conduct, and in the implementation of the resulting program. We therefore urge its constitution and realization at the earliest possible date.

         

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