PUBLICATION: Star Tribune
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. 2B
BYLINE: Mike Kaszuba
DATELINE: Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Sandy VonDeLinde, president of Preserve Our Environment
The Star Tribune reports that nearly 400 people attended a recent Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) meeting on whether to grant a noise variance to the Minnesota Orchestra's proposed outdoor amphitheater in Brooklyn Park. Most were against the project, saying the amphitheater will increase traffic, crime, and noise. 14 homes and a church would need to agree to any noise variance, but at least two are refusing to negotiate.
The article continues, saying that opponents have gathered more than 2,000 signatures to force a referendum on the project, which could result in a wholesale amphitheater ban in residential areas. There has been some disagreement, however, over whether the petition is made up of valid signatures. If the MPCA approves the variance, there will be an additional 30-day public comment period.
PUBLICATION: Sun-Sentinel
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Local, Pg. 3B
BYLINE: Stella M. Chavez
DATELINE: West Boca, Florida
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: David Goodstein, member of the West Boca Community Council
The Sun-Sentinel reports that over 200 residents gathered in Boca Chase to protest a proposed I-95 style noise walls in front of their homes that they say would give the community a 'prison-like' feel and decrease their property values. The Department of Transportation wants to build 16-foot noise walls in front of 8 communities in Boca Raton, Florida; Boca Chase residents want an 8-foot wall atop an existing berm, which has been shown already in Hillsborough county and confirmed by the state noise program administrator. The sound barriers, whatever their final form, will be required after the proposed widening of U.S. 441 from two lanes to six increases noise to more than 67 decibels, the point at which federal regulations require a noise wall.
The article continues, noting that a Representative and State Senator representing Boca Raton, who support the resident's concerns, plan to meet with the Department of Transportation before it makes its final decision next week. A member of the West Boca Community Council said that he hoped the DOT would delay its recommendation to the State Highway Department. The Department of Transportation's concerns are that they don't have enough land to construct the more land-intensive alternative; "For every foot of wall or berm that goes up, there has to be two linear feet of land."
PUBLICATION: St. Petersburg Times
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Hernando TIMES; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Scott Calvert
DATELINE: Hernando County, Florida
The St. Petersburg Times reports that "Bubba the Love Sponge Clem", a radio DJ in Hernando County, plans to attend the County commissioner's meeting to protest what he describes as a 'witch hunt' against him. Clem's recently-opened nightclub in Spring Hill has been drawing noise complaints from neighbors, but Clem claims the volume is under allowable limits. The County claims that noise meters do not pick up bass, which creates the disruptive thumping; the County has ordered a new $3000 noise meter that is capable of picking up lower frequency sounds. The noise ordinance would have to be changed in order to use the new meter for enforcement.
The article continues, saying that County officials believe that his appearance is 'showboating', but say that he is allowed three minutes to address the commission like any other area businessman. Clem opened a nightclub for teenagers in 1995, which shut down soon after, and claims that the commissioner wants to 'drive' him from the county again. He plans to bring a petition, and possibly an entourage to the meeting with him. The Commission's code-enforcement official acknowledges that Clem has lowered the bass a few notches and installed soundproofing in the ceiling, but the walls have yet to be insulated and the bass is still pounding too loud for neighbors.
PUBLICATION: The Patriot Ledger
DATE: May 8, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. 09C
BYLINE: William Flynn
DATELINE: Boston, Massachusetts
The Patriot Ledger prints an opinion piece, claiming that jet noise from Logan airport has never been a big deal. The author has a thirty year history in the area, living in Quincy and Squantum, and frequently relaxing with friends outside in Houghs Neck, Germantown, Wollaston and Montclair. He has never had problems reading, conversing, or balancing a glass of beer through it all. While he acknowledges that air traffic could increase with a proposed new runway at Logan, he says it could be positioned to take most air traffic out over water, diminishing impact on residential areas.
PUBLICATION: The Palm Beach Post
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Local, Pg. 5B
BYLINE: Chuck Mcginness
DATELINE: Boca Raton, Florida
The Palm Beach Post reports that about 150 residents in Boca Raton, Florida gathered for a rally against a proposed 16-foot to 18-foot noise wall between their homes and U.S. Route 441. Instead, they want an 8-foot wall atop an existing 8-foot berm, which they say would be equally effective and more attractive that the proposed "prison setting." The Department of Transportation says it doesn't have money to buy extra land for berms, and that it's too far along in the process to change plans. Three federal legislators vowed to help residents, saying that a delay is worth it if a more acceptable compromise can be reached.
The article continues, noting that the noise wall is part of a plan to expand the two-lane highway to six lanes. Noise walls are required when noise levels exceed 67 decibels. Some residents are already having trouble sleeping with the noise, and believe the proposed noise walls would be acceptable.
PUBLICATION: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
DATE: May 4, 1999
SECTION: News North Pg. 8
BYLINE: Marie Rohde
DATELINE: Fox Point, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Fox Point, Wisconsin village officials are considering a noise ordinance that would deal with noise from home-based businesses. The issue was raised after several residents complained about a landscaping/snow removal business proprietor whose traffic and long-idling vehicles are disruptive.
PUBLICATION: The Morning Call
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: Local/Region, Pg. B9
BYLINE: Zackie Due
DATELINE: Saucon, Pennsylvania
The Morning Call reports that a 1987 construction ordinance and a newly proposed noise ordinance amendment conflict regarding the earliest time that noise is allowed in Saucon, Pennsylvania. The Town Planning Commission will reconcile the two ordinances before the noise ordinance is officially passed. The construction ordinance says noise can begin at 6 AM, while the noise ordinance says 7 AM.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 1; Zones Desk
BYLINE: Andrew Blankstein
DATELINE: Burbank, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that a California appellate court ruling gives Burbank, California the right to block any future expansion at Burbank Airport. The Airport Authority had claimed that Burbank had given up such power when it formed the authority jointly with the communities of Glendale and Pasadena in 1977, but the court ruled that a city "may not delegate discretionary powers in such a way that results in a total abdication of those powers." The decision should encourage the airport compromise, since a more moderate expansion plan would reduce resistance from the city.
The article continues, noting that the Airport Authority is made up of Burbank's three anti-noise, anti-expansion representatives and three pro-expansion representatives from both Glendale and Pasadena. The airport had planned to acquire a 130-acre site from Lockheed Martin through eminent domain for a new terminal, but the city could now block the airport from using the land for that purpose; Lockheed Martin could even sue for millions in damages for the airport's attempt to condemn the site. Despite the decision, representatives from the airport's airlines are still interested in growing at the airport. Currently the airport has 14 gates, and the airport's expansion plan calls for 19 gates. In 1980, the FAA said the terminal was too close to the runway, but didn't require its relocation.
The story continues, noting that while in 1997 a court decision ruled that California's public utilities code gave Burbank the right to stop terminal expansion, a 1998 decision said Burbank had signed away that right in 1977. Back in 1973, the overarching battle between Burbank and the airport had begun, when a court decision said Burbank could not interfere in the airport's safety and operations. Since 1995, airport expansion has been the major issue in Burbank's politics. Seven cases that have been filed by Burbank or the airport over the new terminal are still pending.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: Calendar; Part F; Page 2; Entertainment Desk
BYLINE: Michael P. Lucas
DATELINE: Hollywood, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that audience complaints over loud trailers have led Hollywood to set volume limits. Since trailers are traditionally recorded louder than the feature to grab attention, turning trailers down in a movie theater can make the film too soft. After a test by Hollywood engineers last summer showed that some trailers can average more sound intensity that the New York Subway (92 decibels), the Trailer Audio Standards Association started thinking about new volume limits; this spring the new controls were unveiled which would turn down the loudest trailers by one-third.
The article continues, saying the regulations will be enforced by the Motion Picture Association of America, which applies "the familiar green leader showing that the preview is approved for all audiences. Trailers can't show such things as nudity, shootings or spattering blood. Now, they can't be too loud."
The story goes on, saying those who produce trailers think higher volume helps to interest teenage viewers, a market that has grown 28.4% in the last two years. One reason volume started to increase was digital audio; with digital sounds, you can reach much higher volumes without distortion. Most theater audio systems peak at 105 decibels, about the same sound intensity of a circular saw. Quick sounds like gunshots, may reach that limit, but sounds that loud only become annoying when they last long; in an action trailer, many of these 'peak' scenes are played in rapid succession, which also makes trailers louder.
PUBLICATION: Idaho Statesman
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: Local ; Pg. 5b
DATELINE: Inkom, Idaho
The Idaho Statesman reports that residents in Inkom, Idaho are complaining about a low-frequency, intermittent sound that seems to be coming from a cement plant five miles away down the hillside. The plant's environmental officer says that the problem may be a kiln shell fan installed two years ago, and has placed a monitoring device at a home on the hillside; they plan to isolate different sounds captured by the device to determine that the sound is coming from them. The plant will consider hiring an acoustical expert if the sound is determined to be from the plant. The sound is heard most often on calm evenings after the nearby Interstate has quieted down.
PUBLICATION: The Herald-Sun
DATE: May 8, 1999
SECTION: Durham; Pg. B1;
DATELINE: Durham, North Carolina
The Herald-Sun reports that the Durham, North Carolina City Council is considering a noise and trespassing ordinance in city-owned parking facilities to discourage loud and raucous assemblies. After two people were killed in a December shooting and another man seriously injured in an April fight, the city is trying to eliminate crowds in their parking areas that can be conducive to violence. The amendment would require people to leave the parking lot after parking or returning to their car. The city would impose a new $2 nightly parking fee to pay for enforcement.
PUBLICATION: The Daily News of Los Angeles
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg. N3
BYLINE: Lee Condon
DATELINE: Burbank, California
The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that a California appelate court decided Burbank, California can reject airport expansion plans. Burbank Airport had claimed that the city had given up such power when it formed a joint airport governing board with neighboring Glendale and Pasadena. The city, which is now in a much stronger bargaining position, hopes to force the airport to scale down its expansion plan.
Burbank does not want the airport to add five gates to its existing 19, and they insist upon a curfew on flights between 10 PM and 7 AM as well as a noise-abatement budget. The city council of Glendale recently gained to members who are in favor of working with Burbank for stricter noise rules. The question seems to be, will Burbank or the airport make the first move towards compromise.
PUBLICATION: The Dallas Morning News
DATE: May 5, 1999
SECTION: Plano Morning News; Pg. 2R
BYLINE: Sherry Jacobson
The Dallas Morning News reports that Plano, Texas' Planning Commission is considering a noise ordinance proposal that would stictly limit the light and noise that a car-related business (such as a gas station) can allow to leave their property. 24-hour gas stations have been flooding residential communities with light and noise at night. The new ordinance would limit the light that can spill over to any area of a neighbors yard, limit sound to 60 dB in daytime and 55 dB at night, and would keep gas stations on the corners of city blocks. Fines for violations can be as high as $2000.
PUBLICATION: Chicago Tribune
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Trib West; Pg. 4; Zone: Dn
BYLINE: by Jeff Coen
DATELINE: Naperville, Illinois
The Chicago Tribune reports that Naperville, Illinois police have asked city council to amend the noise ordinance to allow the impounding of cars when their stereos are too loud. The request comes in response to noise problems in a local parking lots in front of Walgreen's on the scenic Riverwalk. Teenagers often crank their stereos in the parking lot, fight, and "quite frankly make a point to intimidate other people." It would cost $250 to release an impounded car.
The article continues, noting that an existing ordinance in Aurora, Illinois is enforced using "a network of residents who note noise violators, sign complaints and volunteer to appear in court. If signs are posted in the parking lot noting that it is for customers only, police could clear it of non-customers. The existing ordinance already states that stereos are too loud if they can be heard 75 feet from the car.
PUBLICATION: The Buffalo News
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Local, Pg. 5B
BYLINE: Michael Levy
DATELINE: Orchard Park, New York
The Buffalo News reports that residents in Orchard Park, New York are upset with noisy delivery trucks unloading behind a neighboring grocery store at 4 AM. The Town Board says they have no legal recourse currently, but the Town Supervisor said he personally knows the store owner and will talk with him about changing delivery times.
PUBLICATION: The Boston Globe
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: Metro/Region; Pg. B1
BYLINE: by Stephanie Ebbert
DATELINE: Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Globe reports that the Massachusetts' Port Authority (MassPort) has won preliminary approval of its environmental review of a new Logan Airport runway from the state's Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office. Insiders say MEPA is asking Massport to revise pieces of the draft before it formally approves it, including specific plans to encourage use of other nearby airports and a 'peak pricing' fare plan that would charge more to airlines during prime flight times. Both revisions are aimed at reducing traffic and peak demand at Logan. MEPA also considered over 1,000 public comments, making the runway the second-most commented on review ever.
The article goes on, noting that even a favorable approval does not mean the proposal is automatically victory, but it is the first approval needed in a long chain that could take up to three years. Massport must incorporate MEPA's comments into a final report, which will be reviewed again by MEPA, and then the FAA. Finally, Massport will have to go to court to have an injunction against new runways lifted, and that process may be appealed.
The story goes on to say that although Massport is claiming the runway will reduce delayed flights, critics including the mayor believe the runway will be used to increase traffic, which in turn brings more pollution and noise. The Governor also wants to purchase a currently unused airport in Worcester to help reduce congestion at Logan, in addition to improving roads and rail to other airports. Some have accused the Governor of pushing the new runway for political reasons.
PUBLICATION: Bristol Evening Post
DATE: May 5, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg.1
BYLINE: John Thompson
DATELINE: Pill, United Kingdom
The Bristol Evening Post reports that residents in Pill, U.K. are upset at the proposed new railway branch to two existing railway lines. Residents have endured noise from the M5 Avonmout Bridge for years, and its proposed widening already promises to increase noise. The heavy freight that would use the new railway would be add to the noise, making it unbearable for many residents. The Bristol Port Company wants to build the line across a wildlife area, moving thousands of heavy shipping vehicles off the roads.
The article continues, noting that residents would not be opposed to a passenger line, but freight would be too noisy. Other residents are concerned about the railway's violation of the wildlife area. Residents want a public meeting with the company to talk about the proposal.
PUBLICATION: Arizona Republic
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: Gilbert Community; Pg. Ev1
BYLINE: by Edythe Jensen
DATELINE: Gilbert, Arizona
The Arizona Republic reports that officials at the city of Gilbert and Williams Airport in Mesa, Arizona are pleased with new state legislation requiring developers to disclose the airport's existence and noise patterns. The legislation requires disclosure when the average noise exceeds 60 decibels. The bill gained support from more than 200 homeowners with lawsuits against developers who misled them about Mesa's Williams Gateway Airport, saying it saw little flight activity.
The article continues, noting that disclosure was already required for military airports but not for civilian operations. Some smaller airports won't need to disclose flight paths, because they don't set their flight paths as rigidly. Sky Harbor's Airport has no data for 60 decibel areas, so they will only be required to disclose the 65 decibel data they do have. Even with the new disclosure rules, it is important for home buyers to read the lengthy documents given to them by developers; the disclosure is often buried.
PUBLICATION: Albuquerque Journal
DATE: May 8, 1999
SECTION: Metro & New Mexico; Pg. E1
BYLINE: Tania Soussan
DATELINE: Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Albuquerque Journal reports that Albuquerque, New Mexico has requested $66,000 to buy noise monitoring equipment and create a new noise control position to help address the issue of urban noise. Though no noise control position existed, 6,000 hours of staff time were used dealing with noise complaints and related permits last year: the same as three full-time positions. The new position will focus on working with developers to curb noise before it becomes a problem, as well as responding to complaints, issuing permits, and educating the public.
The article continues, noting that the Citizens Noise Advisory Group believes the position is a good start, but three positions are needed. The group, together with the city, are working to revise the local noise ordinance. Changes may include restricting television news heliports to the airport, and better separation of zone types.
PUBLICATION: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
DATE: May 8, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. B10
DATELINE: Fayetteville, Arkansas
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that neighbors of a Fayetteville, Arkansas Feed Plant, who are already suing the plant because it is a nuisance, have discovered a new weapon in its fight: the noise ordinance. The ordinance has traditionally been associated with downtown's entertainment district, but it applies around the plant as well. Local police have ticketed the plant five times in eleven days for exceeding noise limits. A spokesman for the neighbors said that the residents are 'economically disadvantaged', and were not as likely to know the ordinance applied to them as those in wealthy neighborhoods.
PUBLICATION: Asheville Citizen-Times
DATE: May 5, 1999
SECTION: Local; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Katy Hillenmeyer
DATELINE: Arden, North Carolina Hearing to Regulate Airboats
The Asheville Citizen-Times reports that Mike Bumgardner, an airboat operator on the French Board River in Arden, North Carolina, will appear at the County commissioners meeting with some of his past passengers to protest the efforts to shut his operation down. Noise complaints and concerns about the environment from riverfront residents have prompted the commission to consider regulation of airboats, which would primarily affect Bumgardner.
The article continues, noting that many of the airboat's passengers are elderly, and would hesitate to see the river in other ways: kayaking, canoeing, etc. Further, Bumgardner feels discriminated against as the only airboat operator in the area.
The story goes on to say that residents are concerned about several issues, from noise and erosion to effects on waterfowl. The County Commission public comment meeting is a prerequisite for the commissions plans to ask the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to regulate airboats on the river.
PUBLICATION: Austin American-Statesman
DATE: May 7, 1999
SECTION: Metro/State; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Andy Alford
The Austin American-Statesman reports that air conditioners at Austin, Texas' new Heart Hospital emit a high-pitched noise that is annoying neighbors. The city's noise ordinance was designed to deal with late-night amplified noise of an excessive volume, and doesn't apply to the unamplified air conditioners of moderate volume. Residents of historical neighborhoods like Hyde Park think the traditionally placid feel is destroyed by the air-conditioners.
The article continues, noting that the city's anti-sprawl "Smart Growth" plans are likely to increase conflicts between residential and business neighbors. Many believe that a better forum to address these issues should be established. In the case of the hospital, the administration wants to evaluate the noise to determine if there's a problem before he spends money on acoustically modifying the air conditioners.
PUBLICATION: USA Today
DATE: May 4, 1999
SECTION: Life; Pg. 1D
BYLINE: Robert Davis
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: John Wheeler, president of the National Campaign for Hearing Health
USA Today reports that John Wheeler, president of the National Campaign for Hearing Health (NCHH) , insists that airline passengers need ear protection. He demonstrated on a twin-engine turboprop airplane that noise during banking maneuvers can reach 115 decibels; if this were a passenger's workplace, OSHA would insist on ear protection for periods of more than 15 minutes. Even during the quieter 110 decibel portion of the flight, OSHA would require ear protection for periods of more than 30 minutes.
The article goes on to discuss toxic noise which is noise that can cause hearing loss; 28 million Americans suffer hearing loss, and a full third of that is due to toxic noise. 20,000-30,000 'hair cells' in the inner ear respond to sound and relay that information to the brain, but toxic noise can break or bend these hairs and cause hearing loss. The NCHH wants to perform a study on airline passengers, and is already conducting a 5-year, $12 million education campaign to help reduce hearing loss. NCHH wants to test the hearing of all flight attendants, and provide all airline passengers with free earplugs. Some airlines provide first-class passengers with 'active-noise' earphones, which produce wavelengths opposite to noise to cancel it out. OSHA and the EPA have studied noise before, but they allow the FAA to regulate noise in airplanes.
The story continues, saying that while the FAA has studied the effects of noise on communities near airports, and on pilots, it has never been approached by anyone seriously concerned with airplane noise as a health issue for passengers. An official from the now-closed noise regulation division of the EPA says that even though no independent studies have been done, it is obvious that continuous exposure to anything over 75 decibels -- significantly lower than what airplane passengers can experience -- can produce permanent hearing loss; 85 decibels for any time over an hour can produce temporary hearing loss, including ringing in the ears. The EPA's noise regulation division may be refunded by new legislation that would also fund studies into noise on airplanes.
The article goes on, noting that even the Association of Flight attendants have trouble getting airlines to look at noise as a health issue, since the FAA has not set any regulations. The FAA claims that if anyone petitioned the FAA to look at the problem, armed with data, they would consider the issue seriously.
PUBLICATION: The San Francisco Chronicle
DATE: MAY 4, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. A17
BYLINE: Carolyne Zinko
DATELINE: Peninsula Communities, California
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that residents in Palo Alto, California and other Peninsula communities support limiting noise levels from leaf blowers as well as hours of operation. A demonstration of four leaf blowers for the city council showed that noise from all of them exceeded the limits that the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) claimed they met. Currently, if police identify a blower emitting over 70 decibels -- the present noise limit -- they can fine the violator $104. The Palo Alto city council wants a public hearing to determine if there is support for an outright ban
The article goes on to note that while older blowers emit at least 70 decibels, newer models emit only 65. Local police in nearby Menlo Park, who rejected an outright ban last year, propose that individual blowers be tested; if noise at 50 feet is below 65 decibels, the machine would get a sticker indicating its legality to police. The Menlo Park council is now considering limiting their use to every other week as well as limiting hours of use and noise levels.
Nearby Sunnyvale is considering a limit on the hours of leaf blower operation; currently the limits are 7 AM to 10 PM, but the changes would apply between 8 AM and 8 PM.
PUBLICATION: The Plain Dealer
DATE: May 2, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Alan Achkar
DATELINE: Cleveland, Ohio
The Plain Dealer reports that Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is waiting for an FAA decision, due in March of 2000, on the fate of their proposed new 6,500 foot runway which would cost well over $300 million. A long-term plan for a new runway has been held up by a battle between the airport and the nearby Brook Park community over a key piece of real-estate; while airport officials still claim they will need that runway within 15 years, the currently proposed runway would help reduce congestion at the airport over the short-term. The currently proposed runway would be 1,200 feet from an existing runway, which would allow simultaneous use of two runways only in good weather; the runway needed in the long-term would be 4,500 feet from any other runway, allowing simultaneous use in any weather.
The article continues, noting that the currently proposed runway may be ready by 2001, and by the following year airport officials hope to expand it to 9,000 feet to accommodate larger planes. Under the plan, an existing runway would be lengthened to 11,250 feet to accommodate international flights and heavy cargo planes. These improvements, as well as the addition of a parking garage and a car rental facility, are intended to improve the second-rate reputation of the airport. The airport currently has two runways placed 400 feet apart: a configuration which allows only one stream of traffic simultaneously.
The article continues, noting resident concerns about noise. Nearby community Olmstead Falls is particularly concerned about increasing traffic. They will bear many of the effects of increased noise, and the mayor is interested in seeing the environmental study and proposed approaches to noise mitigation including the soundproofing of homes, redirection of flight paths, etc.
The story goes on to discuss many obstacles to the new runway. The FAA will have to approve the runway --which involves a lengthy study of impact from environmental impacts and impacts from noise -- and fund up to 75 percent of the project; this means not only gaining FAA support but the support of key congressmen who are responsible for funding FAA grants for airport improvement. The FAA is planning to release a preliminary report soon, followed by a public hearing in Cleveland to hear resident concerns. The airport must obtain property from a neighboring NASA facility to make room for the runway, which the EPA believes may be contaminated and require clean-up.
The article continues, saying that the 25 percent of the project that the FAA did not fund would be covered by increased landing fees at the airport; currently airlines pay $2.93 for each 1000 pounds of weight. Continental Airlines says the increase will be worth it, as they prepare to open a new concourse and introduce some new regional flights this month.
PUBLICATION: The Post and Courier
DATE: May 5, 1999
SECTION: B, Pg. 3
BYLINE: Arlie Porter
DATELINE: Charleston County, South Carolina
The Post and Courier reports that a proposed ordinance in Charleston County, South Carolina that would have allowed police to charge dog owners whose pets bark continually was voted down 6-2. Persons convicted under the ordinance would have received a $500 fine. Although they were sympathetic to residents who have complained of incessantly barking dogs, several council members were concerned that the ordinance was unreasonable for rural residents who "expect to have animals around them" as part of their lifestyle; they maintained that an existing nuisance ordinance would allow problem-dog owners to be prosecuted.
PUBLICATION: The Kansas City Star
DATE: May 5, 1999
SECTION: Zone/Lee's Summit; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Jennifer Taylor
DATELINE: Lee's Summit, Missouri
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Hal Oppenheimer, leader of Airport Expansion Evaluation Committee
The Kansas City Star reports that Airport officials, city officials, and the citizen's group Airport Expansion Evaluation Committee (AEEC) have reached a compromise over the expansion of an airport runway in Lee's Summit, Missouri. The proposed $20-$30 million project would extend the airport's major runway from 4,000 to 5,500 feet, but the city has agreed to hold off on the project until they learn whether Kansas City's Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport is closing. Expansion at Lee's Summit depends on the ability to relocate pilots from the Kansas City airport closing.
The article goes on, saying that the AEEC and the city have disagreed over the project for months, but the city's decision to hold off on the project, coupled with several promised efforts to better inform residents, has quieted the conflict. The efforts include: a "lighting and noise field workshop" which would discuss the effects of expansion on noise and light, and demonstrate the lighting differences; a dialogue with residents living in the seven homes on the 335 acres that would be required for the expansion, meant to facilitate an agreeable buyout.
The story continues, noting that the AEEC still plans to circulate a petition to put the expansion to a public vote, but they will seek only a simple majority, not the 2/3 majority they have spoken about before. Also, the group will stop running ads in the paper until they learn the fate of the Kansas City airport; if that airport remains open and Lee's Summit still pursues an expansion, the group will have the same disagreements over environmental impacts and economic justification.
The article goes on to say that the council will perform a cost/benefit analysis to evaluate the expansion's effects on taxpayers. The AEEC has submitted a list of issues it believes must be considered in the analysis, including justification of expenditures and a time line for the project. Further, the AEEC will make public what it believes are shortcomings in the current environmental assessment before any future work on an assessment begins.
PUBLICATION: The Denver Post
DATE: May 4, 1999
SECTION: Denver & The West; Pg. B-05
BYLINE: Nancy Lofholm
DATELINE: Delta, Colorado
The Denver Post reports that a United Latin American Pentecostal Church in Delta, Colorado is drawing complaints from neighbors about excessive noise. Amplified sermons, rock-band music, and shouting emanates from the dilapidated wood-frame church on Sunday mornings and evenings as well as Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Church officials are facing trial on two misdemeanor counts of causing unreasonable noise.
The article continues, noting that the city filed the charges after numerous residential complaints were received. "In the house next door to the church, Meri McCartney said the church music has been so loud when she has called police to complain that the officer on the other end of the line asked her to turn down her stereo so he could hear her."
The story goes on to say that officials of the denomination, which has 24 congregations and 5,000 members nationwide, claim that the Delta church is their first to receive noise complaints. The PA has been turned down in recent weeks, but the noise is still disturbing.
PUBLICATION: The Dominion
DATE: May 3, 1999
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 5
DATELINE: Sydney, Australia
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Jeff Withycombe, Executive Director of Sydney Coastal Councils Group
The Dominion reports that Australia's Sydney Coastal Councils Group is calling on the state government to ban jet skis from Sydney Harbor while restricting their use elsewhere. Water police reported 120 incidents last year -- a 30 percent increase -- and the risk to riders and others such as bathers who use the harbor is rising. Some councils in Sydney have received up to 10 calls a day complaining of physical danger and excessive noise.
The story continues, noting two serious injuries already this year: internal injuries when a rider collided with a wharf, and a major leg laceration when a rider hit a boat wake. The New South Wales Transport Minister is looking into restrictions on jet skis; currently, state laws require jet ski operators to carry a photo license, and can impose $200 fines on them for inappropriate behavior.
PUBLICATION: The Detroit News
DATE: May 6, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Pg. Pg. D5
BYLINE: Edward L. Cardenas
DATELINE: Harrison, Michigan
The Detroit News reports that the Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison, Michigan is releasing a study of changing flight patterns to assess noise impacts of military flights on surrounding communities. The study was conducted from 1987-97, and can help the community designate less noisy areas as residential in future zoning decisions. Twin engine fighters have been replaced with quieter single engine ones, night flights have been reduced, and engines are now tested in soundproofed 'hush houses.'
PUBLICATION: The Chapel Hill Herald
DATE: May 3, 1999
SECTION: Front; Pg. 1;
BYLINE: Ray Gronberg
DATELINE: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The Chapel Hill Herald reports that the Town Council in Chapel Hill, North Carolina has given the Town Manager 30 days to consult with an acoustics expert before suggesting changes to a proposed noise ordinance. A committee researching noise limits suggested tightening the limits by 5 decibels; the changes would mean noise must be under 45 decibels at night and 50 decibels during the day. The Town Manager said his department didn't have expertise to determine if this was appropriate "practically, legally, and financially", and asked for several months to consult with an acoustics consultant.
The article continues, noting that the Council voted unanimously to give the Town Manager 30 days to consult with the expert. Several council members thought his extended timeline was merely a delay tactic designed to postpone the decision until after summer adjournment. The committee's recommendation was made three months before, and applied to industrial, institutional, and commercial noise; a noisy heating and cooling unit at a University of North Carolina Building drew complaints and prompted the study. The restrictions would apply to existing buildings as well as future ones.
The story goes on to say that Council members who supported the changes acknowledged that enforcement procedures and the details of retrofitting existing buildings needed further study, but that the general recommendation was clearly appropriate and should be acted upon.
PUBLICATION: The Boston Globe
DATE: May 2, 1999
SECTION: North Weekly; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Mac Daniel
DATELINE: Rockport, Massachusetts
The Boston Globe reports that complaints regarding noise, environmental impact, and safety of personal watercraft in communities near Rockport, Massachusetts is prompting responses from waterway officials and harbormasters. Injuries are increasingly common, and most officials say the best approach is regulation, coupled with education. An informal survey revealed that officials would rather educate than ban.
The article continues, noting that sales of personal watercraft peaked a few years ago when 198,000 were sold around the country. This year 130,000 were sold. Manufacturers include substantial educational material with personal watercraft.
The story goes on to say that eleven accidents involving personal watercraft were reported in Massachusetts last year, including one fatality. That represents 22 percent of total boat accidents, up from 19 percent the year before. 75 percent of the accidents were partly due to operator inexperience, highlighting the need for education. In Massachusetts, safety courses are not mandatory as they are in other states, although they are available at many rental stores. A doctor from Massachusetts General Hospital said that high speed and the illusion of safety in the event of a water crash are the major contributing factors to severe injury.
The story continues, saying that state regulations already in place include a minimum operation age of 16 and mandatory flotation devices. Additionally, personal watercraft can not tow a skier, travel at high speed in busy areas, or operate on ponds smaller than 75 acres.
The Globe continues, noting how Rockport has chosen to deal with the issue. A local developer planned to bring a fleet of watercraft in to a proposed harborside resort, sparking community concern. A noise ordinance is being studies, and a central concern is the lack of places for operators to launch from safely away from bathing beaches.
The article goes on to discuss Ipswich's approach, where residents have complained of recklessness and environmental damage by watercraft operators. There, the dockmaster will hand out educational fliers to all watercraft operators who launch there. Town selectmen also plan to fund the purchase of a personal watercraft for water police next year, allowing watercraft operators to feel more in common with officers as well as to foster understanding in officers. Officials in Newburyport and Beverly have employed officers on watercraft for several years to enforce noise regulations, and have found that it does foster understanding between operators and officers.
The article concludes, noting that in Gloucester a serious injury in 1996 highlighted the need for education. A personal watercraft jumped a boat's wake, and fell on top of the operator. The speed there is supposed to be 5 miles per hour. Officials there plan to increase education, because they "don't want to have to pull over every single operator who's violating the law," they want to insure safe operation of the vehicles.
PUBLICATION: The Boston Globe
DATE: May 2, 1999
SECTION: City Weekly; Pg. 11
BYLINE: Alan Lupo
DATELINE: Boston, Massachusetts
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Peter Koff, attorney working with Communities Against Runway Expansion
The Boston Globe reports that many of the communities affected by noise from Boston, Massachusetts' Logan Airport oppose proposed new 5,000-foot runway 14/32 , but their concerns differ slightly. Airport officials claim the new runway would reduce delays and spread noise more evenly over the area surrounding the airport; opponents believe the runway will add noise in the long run. Some opponents criticize the use of computer models instead of real noise monitors, but the airport claims that the FAA prefers computer models because there is no noise from other sources such as traffic or construction.
The article continues, noting that in Somerville, the Board of Aldermen want to sue Massport (Massachusetts' Port Authority) in order to seek monetary compensation for current flight noise and an injunction on the construction of new runways; Boston had sued Massport 25 years ago for the same reason, but Massport is trying to get the injunction lifted. Massport admits that Somerville receives increased noise at night and on Saturday's to "give [other communities] a break" that receive most of the daytime noise. A Somerville Alderman said that noise from turbo-props are a problem as well, but an airport spokesman said that turbo-prop flight patterns vary and are not predictably directed over any one area; he also said that turbo-props should be high enough once they reach Somerville to cause only slight noise .
The story goes on to say that Cambridge City Council passed a resolution unanimously opposing the runway, calling it "a short-term, short-sighted fix to the problem of delays at Logan." They claimed also that there has been little chance for public participation; the airport countered that they have already held 35 meetings in the area, and that the only reason they have not come to Cambridge is because they took the Council's resolution as the termination of open dialogue.
The article also mentions EPA representative John P. DeVillars, who characterizes the controversy as a transportation problem as opposed to an aviation problem. Massport claims to have a long-range plan to encourage traffic at other airports, but DeVillars says this is not enough. He believes that Massport must look at ways to better link Logan to other airports and public transportation facilities including rail and bus stations. He said that this means cooperating with other agencies of transportation such as Amtrak and the US Department of Transportation.
The story also talks about Hanscom, which is a general aviation field owned by Massport. General Aviation Fields may not be used by commercial or cargo planes. Hanscom is seen by some runway opponents as not sharing enough of the air traffic, and by others as an issue that can bring neighbors together. Peter Koff, an attorney working with Communities Against Runway Expansion, is attempting to do the latter.
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State & Local Wire
DATE: May 4, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Aurora, Colorado
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Bob Senderhauf, president of the Custer County Action Association
The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that the FAA has approved the Air National Guard's plan to conduct low-altitude F-16 training flights over southern Colorado. Several organizations opposed the plan, and Bob Senderhauf, president of the Custer County Action Association, said "They really completely ignored a lot of the concerns...." Residents are worried that the noise will affect their lifestyle, livestock, wildlife and tourism. The Air Force said it has considered resident concerns, and halved the area that will be affected by low-altitude flight. The flights would be as low as 300-feet over some areas. At least one resident/businessman has planned to sue if the plan goes through.
PUBLICATION: AAP NEWSFEED
DATE: May 5, 1999
SECTION: Nationwide General News; Australian General News
BYLINE: Ainsley Pavey
DATELINE: Brisbane, Australia
AAP Newsfeed reports that a street sweeper in Brisbane, Australia managed to cut the noise his truck makes from 86 to 73 dBs by making mechanical adjustments. His 2:30 AM rounds had been prompting complaints, but by speeding the brush speed while lowering the engine revolutions, noise was reduced dramatically. Normal ambient noise, including typical traffic, is about 55-60 dBs in the community.
The article continues, saying that the truck manufacturer is taking the employee's adjustments seriously, and "may change the way sweepers operate around the world." The adjustments add 5 minutes to each morning sweep, but saves 30 litres of diesel each day. The operator remains modest, saying he just tinkered on his tea breaks, in the face of praise from the city council and the sweeper company.
PUBLICATION: AFX News
DATE: May 4, 1999
SECTION: Company News; Regulatory Actions; Economic News; Trade Policy; Government; European Community
DATELINE: Arlington, Virginia
AFX News reports that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will try to negotiate an agreement between the United States and the European Union on reduction of noise and pollution from aircraft. The European Union's recent decision to outlaw older airplanes with 'hush kits' by 2002, intended to encourage the use of even quieter planes, means that the U.S. will have difficulty reselling their hush-kitted airplanes and lose an estimated $1 billion in lost sales. Negotiation within ICAO may be difficult, because many members are from developing countries where noise isn't seen as a primary concern.
PUBLICATION: Australian General News
DATE: May 2, 1999
SECTION: Nationwide General News
DATELINE: Brisbane, Australia
The Australian General News reports that under new nuisance laws, complaints will first attract a warning. For second and third offenses $120 and $240 will be levied, respectively, though a spokesman said on-the-spot fines would likely be less than that. Nuisances covered under the laws would include noise and smells; currently, 47% of nuisance complaints relate to noise. Currently, it is difficult to enforce nuisance laws because it's difficult to get a prosecution.
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