April
2003 Public Meeting Summary
On
Main topics discussed at the April meeting, which focused on the second
phase of the Noise Study:
·
Reviewed the results of the Noise Exposure Map (NEM) Report,
·
Addressed Key Issues that require future action,
·
Considered the Proposed NCP Program Alternatives, and
·
Reviewed the next steps of the study.
The results of the NEM
Report were presented. The Noise
Exposure Maps identified several properties with portions that fall within the
65DNL and are identified on the Land Use
Compatibility Matrix as being compatible with restrictions. These specific properties are Airport High
School, Airport Church of Christ, Ms. Jackie’s Daycare, and approximately 125
residential properties mostly located in the Churchill Heights Neighborhood. It was
noted that the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has identified the 65DNL
Contour as the line that defines where the FAA will approve and participate in
funding mitigation efforts.
Several issues that were
repeatedly brought up over the course of the study included early turnouts of
aircraft, especially over the Three Fountains area, nighttime noise from engine
maintenance run-ups, and Military C-130 “touch and go” operations. Although these instances are not a major
factor in the development of the noise contour lines, there is a major concern
within the surrounding community, and as such, the Study Group has included
recommendations in the DRAFT NCP to address each issue.
Proposed Noise and Land
Use Guidelines presented are broken down to two major subheadings – Operational
Initiatives and Land Use Initiatives, both of which have the ultimate goal of
noise exposure reduction.
o
Recommended measures for Operational
Control Techniques include:
§
Flight Track Modifications and Noise Abatement Departure
Profiles:
As weather, air traffic and safety permit, the Air Control Tower will advise aircraft
to follow certain departure and arrival headings to reduce the “early turn out
or turn in” dilemma. Also suggested are
thrust cutbacks and climb gradient recommendations.
§
Nighttime Runway Use Modifications Subject to Airfield
Enhancements: This option involves the construction of a new full full-length
southern taxiway parallel to Runway 11/29 for planes to utilize so departures could
be over industrial property at night.
This will substantially minimize the risk of possible runway
incursions. This option is projected to
cost $15 – 20 million, and is subject to FAA approval.
§
Military Flight Training Voluntary Reductions: It was noted that the
Airport has no jurisdiction over military C130 aircraft, and can only recommend procedural modifications and
request a reduction in military operations.
§
Construction of Ground Run up Enclosure: Part of the testing on aircraft
undergoing maintenance is to run the engine up to full power to check for
proper operation. To reduce the sound by
approximately 16dB during these operations, the Study Team has recommended the
construction of a Ground Run up Enclosure, a three sided 18’ – 20 foot high
“pen” or perhaps a more elaborate “hush-house” hangar type building. Some pen enclosures reportedly can achieve up
to a 16 dB reduction in noise levels.
§
Measures NOT recommended due to cost, effectiveness and overall
noise reduction included use restrictions, aircraft ground operational
procedures, noise barriers/berms and additional navigational aids.
o
Recommended measures for Land
Use Management Techniques include:
§
Incorporation of Compatible Use Zoning measures into area planning
documents on a city/county level to follow the Noise Overlay maps. In May of 1980, Lexington County instituted airport
noise related zoning ordinances, which defined some land use restrictions. The Study Team proposed going beyond the contour
as shown on the 2007 NEM 65DNL to recommend more definitive zoning measures
such as:
§
District 3 (area between 55 and 60 DNL contours): All land uses
are permitted, but noise/overflight statement will be listed on the plat.
§
District 2 (area between 60 and 65 DNL contours): All land uses
are permitted, but incorporates the noise/overflight statement on the plat and
adds noise attenuation building requirements for future buildings.
§
District 1 (area within the 65 DNL contour): Some land uses are
prohibited, avigation easements are required for new development approval, and
the noise/overflight statement will be on the plat.
§
For residences already within the 65 DNL contour that are
determined to be eligible for certain sound mitigation efforts, The FAA may
participate in mitigation efforts that are technically and financially
viable. Included in the recommendation
is the following:
v Voluntary Soundproofing
Program: Addition of insulation, noise attenuation baffles, solid core doors,
double paned windows, and possibly air conditioning units. Buildings in the
eligible area will undergo a final eligibility determination and only those that
are deemed technically and financially feasible to soundproof will undergo
soundproofing. The owner will be
required to execute an avigation easement in return for any soundproofing. Estimated cost if all residences are eligible
and choose this option: $5.8 million.
v Voluntary Fee Simple
Purchase Program: One parcel of land is currently recommended for purchase.
Estimated cost of purchase: $175,000.
v Voluntary Purchase of
Noise/Avigation Easements: An avigation easement is purchased from the
homeowner by the Airport/FAA which grants permission for aircraft overflight of
the property. This easement transfers
with property ownership, and is designed for homeowners who are not eligible
for soundproofing or those that opt out of the soundproofing program. Estimated cost if all within the contour
choose this option: $1.2 million.
The next steps in the
Noise Study program are as follows:
o
Following this meeting, there is a 30-day time frame for revisions
to be included into the report, which include recommendations from the Advisory
committee and public comments from this meeting and other contacts.
o
A revised plan will be submitted during a Public Hearing to be
held mid- summer, 2003. A court reporter
will take note of all comments during the meeting and incorporate that into the
official record as part of the Final Noise Compatibility Plan submittal to the
FAA.
o
If the FAA approves the Plan, the Airport will then be able to
apply for the Federal funding to follow through with the approved
recommendations.
It was noted that the Airport decided to undertake this voluntary
study in response to comments about noise levels that were expressed during its
recent master plan update.
THE LPA GROUP INCORPORATED is conducting this Study on behalf of
the Airport and is assisted by Environmental Science Associates and P.J. Noble
and Associates, Inc. For more
information or to be put on the Noise Study mailing list, please contact Debbie
Krauss at 822-5028 or via email at d.krauss@columbiaairport.com . Additional information
is also available on the Study’s website: http://noise.columbiaairport.com. or by calling