PUBLICATION: The Weekly of Business Aviation(tm)
DATE: May 31, 1999
SECTION: Vol. 68, No. 22; Pg. 250
DATELINE: Salt Lake City
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: National Park Service; Federal Aviation Administration
Politicians and air tourism officials testified at a recent House subcommittee against a National Park Service Proposal (NPS) banning sections of the Grand Canyon as off limits to commercial tours according to the Weekly of Business Aviation. Both groups challenge the motives and methods of park service officials, claiming extremism has taken over.
According to the article, Rep. James Hansen (R-Utah), chair of the House national parks and public lands subcommittee, called the hearing in response to proposed system for evaluating achievement of the natural quiet standard."
The article states that the proposal would set the standard for aircraft in certain zones well below the average ambient sound levels, which Hansen says is impossible to attain. >P>Hansen explained that when restoration of natural quiet has occurred, even using the park's standards, they switch to a level that is harder to achieve and less attainable. According to the article, Hansen claims the park officials' prevailing tactics are a frustrating environmental ruse.
The article further states that air tourism executives are even angrier that as more stringent noise limits are being considered, complaints about aircraft noise visitors to the park have fallen to very low levels. According to BA, industry representatives claim that regulations in 1988 eliminated much of the noise in the national park, and improved air tour aircraft safety while restoring natural quiet to the Grand Canyon.
That legislation, the article explains, set minimum standard altitudes for both fixed- and rotary-wing air tour aircraft. New routes were to ensure that aircraft did not fly over areas with the most ground visitors.
According to the article, John Alberti, an acoustical engineer who analyzed the NPS proposal for the air tour operators, for adoption as the aircraft sound criterion for evaluating substantial restoration of natural quiet. BA reports Alberti as claiming that park service officials overstate the level of aircraft noise and understate the ambient sound levels.
BA reports that Alberti also told the subcommittee that even if air tour flights are completely eliminated, park service officials will not be able to achieve the below ambient noise level standard because the Grand Canyon lies under a major east-west high-altitude jet route.
The article revealed that Rep. James Duncan (R-Tenn.), chairman of the House aviation subcommittee, wants to find a compromise, but park service extremists on this particular issue are difficult to please by using a standard that no one can achieve.
The article quotes Jacqueline Lowey, NPS deputy director as saying "the mission of NPS "is to preserve the natural and cultural resources of national parks unimpaired for future generations. In the case of Grand Canyon National Park, there is no disagreement that this mission includes protecting the natural quiet or the natural sounds of the park, and that aircraft overflights have an impact on that resource." According to BA. The park service continues to work with FAA on administrative implementation of PL 100-91, and anticipate that a new rule, along with new flight routes, will be implemented in full by summer, 2000.
The article goes on to explain that David Traynham, an FAA assistant administrator for policy, planning and international aviation, told the subcommittee that the park service's dual noise standard "reflects whether a person is actively listening for aircraft or not." He cited factors based on land use, visitor activity and geography. He adds that the NPS use of average ambient sound levels for a noise impact threshold with a two-zone system will give a more precise reflection of the acoustic conditions of the park. According to the article, FAA plans to propose modifying existing regulations and reflecting the changes in NPS policies.
The article reports Traynham as stating the NPRM will use the FAA's standard computer program that predicts aircraft noise based on types of aircraft and number of flights. In the article, Traynham said FAA produced a modified version "to provide specific data appropriate to aircraft noise conditions in the park. This data will then be used to assess the noise exposure implications of the actions proposed in the upcoming NPRM."
BA reports that Jacob Snow, assistant director of the Clark County, Nev. Department of Aviation, told the subcommittee that the natural ambient noise level in park averages about 20 decibels higher than the one used by park srvice. Snow argued that the FAA noise model is useful in an urban setting near an airport, but inappropriate in an environment like the Grand Canyon. The article goes on to say that Snow told the subcommittee that even when the Grand Canyon is very quiet, the ambient level is low. The article reports that according to Snow, to get from that level to what NPS wants is an enormous difference.
PUBLICATION: Sun-Sentinel
DATE: May 30, 1999
SECTION: Local, Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Ken Kaye
DATELINE: Palm Beach, Fl.
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Lisa Waters, Palm Beach International Airport noise abatement director; Lori Kligfeld Labell, manager, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Frank Harrington, a noise activist official
The Sun-Sentinel reports that at Palm Beach International Airport(PBIA), more money means less noise.
According to the article, the airport has paid airlines $262,723 in rebates as an incentive to use quieter airliners. As a result, the Sun-Sentinel reports that 98 percent of the airliners that land meet federal guidelines for quiet planes.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that airport officials explained the rebate program as an attempt to encourage air carriers to use quieter airplanes.
According to the article, the rebate money comes from $585,970 the airlines paid to Palm Beach County in one of the most aggressive anti- noise programs in the nation, and is far ahead of most airports in the nation, including those in Florida.
The report states that PBIA fines an airline $2,600 each time a noisy plane takes off or lands at night and $260 for each daytime operation. The airport calls the charges environmental operating fees, the article says.
The article cites other airports that have quieter airline traffic. Miami International has about 57 percent quiet planes and Fort Lauderdale, 77 percent.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that a national noise policy approved by Congress in 1990 requires all airliners to meet Stage 3 standards by 2000. But, the article continues, airliners make 81 flights a day at PBIA, and airline officials want to usher the standards along even sooner.
According to the article, the rebates have proven to be a major impetus. Since starting the program in October 1997, PBIA has seen a 66 percent reduction in the use of Stage 2 aircraft, generally older thunderous planes such as Boeing 727s and
The Sun-Sentinel reports that PBIA officials can find no other airport that saw as much of a reduction.
According to the article, Waters noted that at this late date, there are still a lot of Stage 2 airplanes and a low percentage of Stage 3 at airports.
The article reports that from a mile away, a Stage 2 airliner taking off makes as much noise as a heavy diesel truck 25 feet away. It goes on to say that A Stage 3 airliner makes as much noise as normal conversation three feet away, according to federal noise studies.
The article reports that according to the rebate program an airline gets no rebate if fewer than 80 percent of its flights into PBIA are quiet planes. If 80 percent to 89 percent of the flights are quiet, the article continues, the airline gets back 50 percent of what it paid in environmental fees; 90 percent to 95 percent quiet flights earns back 75 percent; and 95 percent to 100 percent gets back 85 percent.
According to the article, Waters reported on three airlines that received significant rebates. TWA made the biggest improvement, going from 67 percent to 100 percent Stage 3 aircraft, and received a $29,000 rebate. Delta was paid back $108,324, and US
The article also quoted Waters regarding the protocol airlines must follow the regulations. "If a carrier backslides from quarter to quarter, or if they increase number of nighttime Stage 2 operations, they get nothing," she said.
Not all airlines, reported the Sun-Sentinel, claim the rebate has been a factor or a major influence. According to the article Northwest has two flights a day into the airport, a quiet Airbus A-320 and a noisy DC-9. Because its Stage 3 mix was 78 percent, it got no rebate.
The article reports that one public noise committee activist agrees the rebate program is working because of the dramatic reduction in complaint calls from airport neighbors. In March 1998, the airport received 174 calls. In March 1999, it received only 50 calls.
The article quotes Frank Harrington, a noise activist official spokesperson, as saying "That's significant. Also, the number of people who come to our open noise meetings is greatly reduced. So either there is less noise, or there's certainly a realization that airports make noise."
According to the Sun-Sentinel article, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has also made progress. From March 1998 to March of this year, the airlines have operated 11 percent more quiet planes, the article says.
The article reports that 5,200 airliners operated by 25 major U.S. air carriers will have to meet Stage 3 guidelines by Jan. 1.
"Right now, we're ahead of schedule," said Diana Cronan, spokeswoman for the Air Transport Association, which represents those airlines. "There won't be any problems being 100 percent compliant by the end of the year." Ken Kaye can be reached at kkaye@sun-sentinel.com or 954-385-7911.
PUBLICATION: The Press (Christchurch)
DATE: May 31, 1999
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Keene Howard
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Inner City West Neighbourhood Association; Geoff Keey, resident; Julie Robertson, former resident; Jessica Gordon, former resident; Ekler Cath, resident.
The Press reports that Salisbury Street residents Jessica Gordon and Julie Robertson will move out of their flat because ever-present pile driving at a nearby controversial Park Terrace development has created unbearable noise. The article further reports that people across the road had also moved out, and other residents who work nights at a nearby casino couldn't sleep during the day. Residents contend that the construction is destroying the community, said The Press.
According to The Press, construction for the 11-storey, 115-apartment complex is expected to take two more months.
The Press reports that the project is highly controversial because Christchurch City officials granted non-notified resource consent to the developers, which allowed construction to proceed without the public's knowledge.
The Press cites a city council report, documenting the pile-driving consistently exceeded the nuisance noise level and occasionally exceeded the maximum permitted noise levels for a residential area.
The article reports that Geoff Keey, spokesman for the Inner City West Neighbourhood Association, complained that the council defends its original decision that the noise had no adverse affects on anyone.
The article quotes Keey as saying "...the council's position is clearly untenable. The facts speak for themselves. Construction at Park Terrace is causing people to leave the neighbourhood."
"This situation should never have been allowed to develop" he continues in the article. "Residents are very upset at the approach council staff have taken."
PUBLICATION: Pm Cycle
DATE: May 31, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Truckee, Calif.
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Tom Alden, LochLeven Lodge at Donner Lake; Dennis Crabb, Truckee's attorney
TRUCKEE, Ca - Pm Cycle reports that jet skis and other personal watercraft will face new and sweeping restrictions at nearby Donner Lake in a proposal by the town council.
The article stated that a council subcommittee took up the issue earlier this month because of an expected increase personal watercraft use at the Sierra lake this summer.
Pm Cycle reports that some residents are collaborating with Donner Lake as a similar ban goes into effect Tuesday on most personal watercraft at nearby Lake Tahoe.
According to the article, the subcommittee calls for a 35 mph speed limit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays with a 10 mph limit the rest of the day. It also calls for a 10 mph limit all day Sunday and a 35 mph limit on weekdays. Regulation applies to all watercraft, according to the article.
Some residents criticized the recommendations, saying they don't go far enough citing water pollution, noise, and safety concerns caused by personal watercraft.
According to the article, personal watercraft release up to a quarter of their fuel unburned into the water. Donner Lake is water source for many people area.
"I'd like to see all the personal watercraft banned from the lake," said Tom Alden, general manager of the LochLeven Lodge at Donner Lake. "They're a public nuisance," he continued.
"A ban on personal watercraft is at the extreme end of actions the council will consider," said Dennis Crabb, Truckee's attorney. "They're kind of mulling over all of these options."
Other options range from adopting noise standards to limiting hours of operation to doing nothing at all, he said.
According to the article, other residents oppose the recommendations, but claim that any new restrictions would violate their rights. Ryan Hartman, owner of Anytime Power Sports in Truckee, strongly opposes any new restrictions.
The article quotes Hartman as saying "...they (town council) don't have the authority to ban them. They don't own that lake. The state does."
Any regulations approved by the council must reviewed and certified by the California Department of Boating and Waterways.<\P>
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: May 30, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 7; Metro Desk
DATELINE: Orange County, California
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Joseph Packi, Lake Forest resident; Etta O'Connell, Dana Point resident ; Karen M. Kedzie, Foothill Ranch;
The Los Angeles Times printed letters to the editor against the opening a former military airport to commercial traffic in Orange County.
* Being Lake Forest residents for 18 years, we are naturally concerned about an El Toro airport and the noise.
Now that the county is spending $1.3 million to give us a "sample" of airport noise, if we then let them know it is excessive or we don't like it, will they then scrap their plans for the airport?
Otherwise, what is this sample flying for?
If the powers at the county will take a poll and then listen to the wishes of all South County residents after the sample, I would agree to the expenditure.
JOSEPH PACKI
Lake Forest
The recent article concerning a test June 4 and 5 to show us how it might be at El Toro if it should become an international airport was most interesting.
The county plans so few landings and takeoffs it is completely unrealistic. In London one day we stayed "home" to rest and relax. What a shock.
Planes begin landing at 5 a.m. The noise level was loud and inescapable. The planes continued landing throughout the day, but the traffic really increased about 4 p.m. From then until 7 p.m. a jet landed every 70 to 80 seconds.
We were stunned to think this is what we and all those of us under the flight pattern or even near it will be subjected to should an international airport be allowed at El Toro.
ETTA O'CONNELL
Dana Point
The vast majority of the test flights will not take off on the main flight path of the proposed commercial airport.
Of the 27 scheduled test flights, only 10 will take off to the east, over Foothill Ranch and Rancho Santa Margarita. Of these, only one will be at night, 10:30 p.m.
This is in contrast to the proposed flight plan, in which 80% of the flights will take off to the east, with the majority of the cargo flights occurring at night.
In addition, none of the flights taking off to the east will be flown by Boeing 747s, Airbus 320s or Airbus 300s. These planes surely would be flown if the airport is approved, yet we will not have an opportunity to gauge their noise.
Finally, none of the planes will be fully loaded, to show what the increased thrust needed to propel a fully loaded and fueled plane will sound like.
Overall, this demonstration plan is flawed and appears designed to minimize the noise heard by the residents of the proposed easterly takeoff path.
These flights will cost the county over $1 million, yet we are unlikely to derive any useful information from the demonstration.
Supervisor Charles V. Smith asks why we are against the demonstration flights and "what we are afraid of." The answer is we are afraid that this poorly designed test will not adequately represent the type and amount of noise that an international airport, with flights taking off and landing every one or two minutes, 24 hours a day, will generate.
KAREN M. KEDZIE
Foothill Ranch
PUBLICATION: Daily News (New York)
DATE: May 31, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. 8
BYLINE: by Owen Moritz
DATELINE: Teterboro, New Jersey
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Lise Avery, noise monitor; Paul Griffo of Rutherford, a member of the Alliance of Municipalities Concerning Air Traffic and the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee.
TETERBORO, N.J. - The Daily News (New York) reports that the jet set is welcome at Teterboro Airport but not their noisy planes.
According to the News, the 75-year-old airport is only 8 miles from Manhattan and a favorite landing and takeoff site for celebrities, professional sports teams, corporate executives and other private plane owners.
Originally conceived to accommodate light plane traffic, Teterboro airport occupies 400 acres in the towns of Teterboro and Moonachie in Bergen County and is surrounded by mostly residential communities. The article says that the residential airport was originally built as a landing and take off site for small aircraft. Now it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and gets considerable middle-of-the-night traffic.
"When Teterboro was conceived, it was meant to accommodate teeny-weeny little planes," said Lise Avery, a member of a regional group monitoring noise at the airport. "Now we worry about flying boardrooms, refitted 737s planes that are too big and too heavy to land here and plane traffic at all times of the night."
According to the article, locals around the general-aviation facility are complaining about the noise generated corporate charters, private planes, helicopters and late-night flights.
"What is at stake is our quality of life, our safety, our health and our children's well-being," says Paul Griffo of Rutherford, of the Alliance of Municipalities Concerning Air Traffic, and TANAAC, the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee.
According to the News, Sen. Robert Torricelli (D-N.J.), Rep. Steven Rothman (D-Bergen) and other federal and state lawmakers have recently begun pressing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the airport, to consider a limited curfew.
The article quoted Bill DeCota, the Port Authority's deputy aviation director, as saying "We're sensitive to the communities, and we want to work with them."
The article also reports that airport manager Phil Engle claims the late-night flights are essential for emergency medical purposes and bank couriers from Wall Street and the Federal Reserve Bank.
The News says that the bistate Port Authority and airport operator, Johnson Controls World Services Inc., stress that the airport employs 1,600 people and generates $496 million in business for local hotels, stores and ground transportation.
According to the News, everyone agrees that the airport has taken the economy to new heights, reporting that there were 185,000 landings and takeoffs at Teterboro in 1998, up 10% from the year before.
Only Teterboro officials seem unconcerned about the noise argument, says the News.
Teterboro is largely a manufacturing town, and has only 14 residents, including children who attend schools in neighboring communities, the article says. The town receives $13,000 a year from the Port Authority in lieu of taxes.
PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: May 31, 1999
DATELINE: Truckee, Calif.
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Tom Alden, LochLeven Lodge at Donner Lake; Dennis Crabb, Truckee's attorney
The Associated Press reports that jet skis and other personal watercraft will face new and sweeping restrictions at Donner Lake in a proposal by the town council.
The article stated that a council subcommittee took up the issue earlier this month because of a projected increase in personal watercraft use at the Sierra lake this summer.
The AP article reports that residents of other towns are collaborating with Donner Lake because a similar ban will go into effect on most personal watercraft at nearby Lake Tahoe.
Restrictions include a 35 mph speed limit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays as well as a 10 mph limit the rest of the day, according to the article. Also included are a 10 mph limit all day Sunday and a 35 mph limit on weekdays. The regulations apply to all watercraft.
Some residents criticized the recommendations, saying they aren't strict enough and cite water pollution, noise, and safety concerns.
According to the article, personal watercraft release up to a quarter of fuel unburned into the water. Donner Lake is a water source for many people in the area.
"I'd like to see all the personal watercraft banned from the lake," said Tom Alden, general manager of the LochLeven Lodge at Donner Lake. "They're a public nuisance," he continued.
According to the article, other residents oppose the recommendations, claiming that the new restrictions would violate their rights.
"A ban on personal watercraft is at the extreme end of actions the council will consider," said Dennis Crabb, Truckee's attorney. "They're kind of mulling over all of these options."
Crabb added that other options range from adopting noise ordinances to doing nothing.
Ryan Hartman, owner of Anytime Power Sports in Truckee, is resolutely against any restrictions.
The article quotes Hartman as saying "...they (town council) don't have the authority to ban them. They don't own that lake. The state does."
PUBLICATION: Daily News (New York)
DATE: May 31, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. 8
BYLINE: by Owen Moritz
DATELINE: Teterboro, New Jersey
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Lise Avery, noise monitor; Paul Griffo of Rutherford, a member of the Alliance of Municipalities Concerning Air Traffic and the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee.
The New York News reports that Hollywood celebrities, professional sports teams, and corporate executives who jet into the Teterboro Airport during late night and early morning hours have prompted neighborhood residents to lodge formal complaints. The residents have asked municipalities near the airport, noise monitoring organizations, and state and federal legislators to investigate.
According to the News, the 75-year-old airport is only 8 miles from Manhattan and a is favorite site for celebrities, professional sports teams, corporate executives and other private plane owners.
Originally conceived to accommodate light plane traffic, Teterboro airport occupies 400 acres in the towns of Teterboro and Moonachie in Bergen County and other nearby residential communities. The article says that the residential airport was originally built for small aircraft. Now it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and gets considerable middle-of-the-night traffic.
Lise Avery, a member of a regional group monitoring noise at the airport gave reasons for the residents' complaints. "Now we worry about flying boardrooms, refitted 737s planes that are too big and too heavy to land here and plane traffic at all times of the night."
"What is at stake is our quality of life, our safety, our health and our children's well-being," says Paul Griffo of Rutherford, of the Alliance of Municipalities Concerning Air Traffic, and TANAAC, the Teterboro Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee.
According to the News, federal and state lawmakers have recently begun pressing the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the airport, to consider a limited curfew.
The article quoted Bill DeCota, the Port Authority's deputy aviation director, as saying "We're sensitive to the communities, and we want to work with them."
The article also reports that airport manager Phil Engle claims the late-night flights are of critical importance for emergency medical purposes and bank couriers from Wall Street and the Federal Reserve Bank.
The News says that the bistate Port Authority and airport operator, Johnson Controls World Services Inc., stresses the economic impact of the airport, which employs 1,600 people and generates $496 million in business for local businesses and transportation services.
According to the News, no one questions whether the airport has taken the economy to new heights. In 1998, the airport saw an increase of 10% from the year before, with 185,000 landings and takeoffs.
Town officials are making no comment about the noise argument, says the News.
Teterboro, primarily a manufacturing town has few residents, which include children in neighborhood schools, the article says. The Port Authority pays Teterboro $13,000 a year in lieu of taxes.
PUBLICATION: The Press (Christchurch)
DATE: May 31, 1999
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Keene Howard
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Inner City West Neighbourhood Association; Geoff Keey, resident; Julie Robertson, former resident; Jessica Gordon, former resident; Ekler Cath, resident.
The Press reports that the incessant noise caused by pile driving at a highly controversial development area has caused people to move out of their homes. Some residents claim the city council willfully and knowingly deceived residents by issuing a construction permit without the public's knowledge.
The article further reports that people across the road had also moved out, and other residents who work nights at a nearby casino couldn't sleep during the day. Residents contend that the construction is ruining the community, said The Press.
The Press reports that the project is highly controversial because Christchurch City officials granted consent to the developers, which allowed construction to proceed without public knowledge.
The Press cites a city council report, documenting the pile-driving consistently exceeded the nuisance noise level and occasionally exceeded the maximum permitted noise levels for a residential area.
The article reports that Geoff Keey, spokesman for the Inner City West Neighbourhood Association, complained that the council defends its original decision that the noise has not affected the residents in any way.
The article quotes Keey as saying "...the council's position is clearly untenable. The facts speak for themselves. Construction at Park Terrace is causing people to leave the neighbourhood."
PUBLICATION: Sun-Sentinel
DATE: May 30, 1999
SECTION: Local, Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Ken Kaye
DATELINE: Palm Beach, Fl.
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Lisa Waters, Palm Beach International Airport noise abatement director; Lori Kligfeld Labell, manager, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport; Frank Harrington, a noise activist official
According to the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, airport officials at Palm Beach International Airport (PBIA) are paying airlines over $200,000 in rebates if they use quieter airliners.
The article says that the airport has paid airlines $262,723 in rebates as an incentive to use quieter airliners. As a result, the Sun-Sentinel reports that 98 percent of the airliners that land meet federal guidelines for quiet planes.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that airport officials explained the rebate program as an attempt to encourage air carriers to use quieter airplanes.
According to the article, the rebate money comes from $585,970 the airlines paid to Palm Beach County in one of the most determined anti- noise programs in the nation, and leads other airports in the country.
The report states that PBIA fines an airline $2,600 each time a noisy plane takes off or lands at night and $260 for each daytime operation. The airport calls the charges environmental operating fees, the article says.
The article cites other airports that have quieter airline traffic. Miami International has about 57 percent quiet planes and Fort Lauderdale, 77 percent.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that a national noise policy approved by Congress in 1990 requires all airliners to meet Stage 3 standards by 2000. But, the article continues, airliners make 81 flights a day at PBIA, and airline officials want to usher the standards along even sooner.
According to the article, the rebates have proven to be a catalyst. Since starting the program in October 1997, PBIA has seen a 66 percent reduction in the use of Stage 2 aircraft, generally older thunderous planes such as Boeing 727s and McDonnell-Douglas DC-9s.
The Sun-Sentinel reports that PBIA officials can find no other airport that experienced such a reduction in aircraft noise.
According to the article, Waters noted that at this late date, there are still many Stage 2 airplanes and a low percentage of Stage 3 at airports.
The article reports that from a mile away, a Stage 2 airliner taking off makes as much noise as a heavy diesel truck 25 feet away. It goes on to say that A Stage 3 airliner makes as much noise as normal conversation three feet away, according to federal noise studies.
The article reports that according to the rebate program, an airline gets no rebate if fewer than 80 percent of its flights into PBIA are quiet planes. If 80 percent to 89 percent of the flights are quiet, the article continues, the airline gets back 50 percent of what it paid in environmental fees; 90 percent to 95 percent quiet flights earns back 75 percent; and 95 percent to 100 percent gets back 85 percent.
According to the article, Waters reported on three airlines that received significant rebates. TWA made the biggest improvement, going from 67 percent to 100 percent Stage 3 aircraft, and received a $29,000 rebate. Delta was paid back $108,324, and US Airways was rebated $ 43,140.
The article also quoted Waters regarding the protocol airlines must follow the regulations. "If a carrier backslides from quarter to quarter, or if they increase number of nighttime Stage 2 operations, they get nothing," she said.
The article reports that one public noise committee activist agrees the rebate program is working because of the dramatic reduction in complaint calls from airport neighbors. In March 1998, the airport received 174 calls. In March 1999, it received only 50 calls.
The article quotes Frank Harrington, a noise activist official spokesperson, as saying "That's significant. Also, the number of people who come to our open noise meetings is greatly reduced. So either there is less noise, or there's certainly a realization that airports make noise."
According to the Sun-Sentinel article, the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has also made progress. From March 1998 to March of this year, the airlines have operated 11 percent more quiet planes, the article says.
The article reports that 5,200 airliners operated by 25 major U.S. air carriers will have to meet Stage 3 guidelines by Jan. 1.
"Right now, we're ahead of schedule," said Diana Cronan, spokeswoman for the Air Transport Association, which represents those airlines. "There won't be any problems being 100 percent compliant by the end of the year."
PUBLICATION: The Orange County Register
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Pg. B01
BYLINE: Mary Ann Milbourn
DATELINE: Orange County, California
The Orange County Register reports that a flight demonstration at Orange County, California's Marine Base which is intended to show the public what a commercial airport at the base would be like will take place Saturday. Critics claim that the demonstration is misleading because planes will be lighter and there will be relatively few flights. Also, some fear that the demonstration is not safe, since the two flight paths to be used are deemed to dangerous by the nation's two pilot unions. The article then lists the schedule for takeoffs and landings.
PUBLICATION: The Orange County Register
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: Accent; Pg. E01;
BYLINE: Jeff Kramer
DATELINE: Orange County, California
The Orange County Register prints a column, taking a sarcastic look at the $1.3 million jet-noise test at Orange County, California's El Toro Marine Base. The author Jeff Kramer asserts that the County has a knack for spending large amounts of money to reveal the obvious: in this case, whether a commercial airport at El Toro would cause annoying noise. He takes us through his own low budget survey of various sounds that are annoying.
PUBLICATION: The Orange County Register
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: Editorial; Pg. B08
BYLINE: George Serniak
DATELINE: Orange County, California
The Orange County Register prints an editorial by George Serniak, a pilot with a major airline, which gives specific reasons as to why a jet-noise test at Orange County, California's El Toro Marine Base will be deceptive. He notes that the demonstration, purported to show residents what a commercial airport at El Toro would sound like, will use only one arrival path and two departure paths; he further notes that most often pilots and air-traffic controllers determine the safest, most efficient 'visual approach', which follows no prescribed flight path. He says that contrary to the impression that one arrival path will give, "arrivals will blanket the majority of south Orange County residential areas."
The author goes on to say that residents who experience no noise from the demonstration should not conclude that a real airport would be similarly kind. He notes several instances in which the demonstration flight paths take jets miles out of their way to 'cleverly' avoid residential areas; this would never happen during normal operation of an airport. He also notes that noise contours maps, which suggest that those outside a 65-dB daily impact area will not be bothered significantly by noise, are misleading; one noise monitor which is 'outside' of the 65-dB area is less than one mile from the departure runway, and can register 80-100 dB for single events. He concludes by saying that although his airline background makes him sympathetic to airport expansion, he feels that the process for El Toro's airport has been flawed and that the demonstration is a misleading waste of taxpayers money.
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State & Local Wire
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin
The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that 14 County Conservation wardens at Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin's Lake Wisconsin will be joined by an airplane in an effort to catch violators of personal water craft rules. The airplane will be used to record violations on video. Complaints from lakefront residents about noise, as well as concerns about environmental destruction and safety issues, prompted the rules and the crack-down. Boaters will be given warnings, but wardens will give tickets when necessary; while personal watercraft represent only 5 percent of registered boats on the lake, they are involved in a much higher percentage of the accidents there.
The article goes on to discuss some of the restrictions on personal watercraft, which include getting too close to other boats, disrupting fishermen, and being too loud near the shore; within 200 feet of shore, state law requires personal watercraft to travel at no-wake speeds. Boaters must also stay 100 feet away from docks and other boats.
PUBLICATION: The Florida Times-Union
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: Community News; Pg. 1
BYLINE: Timothy Allen Gilmore
DATELINE: Arlington, Florida
The Florida Times-Union reports that a residents in Arlington, Florida are worried that a proposed $6 million, 2,000 foot runway extension at Craig Municipal Airport would increase air traffic to a point inappropriate for their small community. The airport currently has two 4,000-foot runways; the extension would allow larger -- but still relatively small -- general aviation airplanes currently using Jacksonville International Airport to use Craig instead.
The article goes on to mention the Arlington/Beaches Citizens Planning Advisory Council, which has not condemned or approved of the project; it wants to know more details about the project. The expansion would increase traffic at the airport from 400 takeoffs and landings each day to about 450. The airport is already developing a noise-abatement program, though the airport has never generated many noise complaints; loud Apache helicopters, used by the Air National Guard, will be moving to nearby Cecil Field which should reduce noise complaints even more. The Jacksonville Port Authority plans to form a Craig Airport Community Action Group, in response to complaints that past decisions have not involved the community.
The story continues, saying that City Council will need to approve the runway since the construction would require the revision of the city's 2010 Master Plan. Council members have opposed the plan in the past, citing safety and noise issues. Some residents recommended moving the additional traffic to nearby Cecil Field, but officials said that although they are open to that idea, they predicted the market would favor Craig since it is closer to downtown.
PUBLICATION: The Ledger
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: East Polk; Pg. F1
BYLINE: Amber Grimes
DATELINE: Haines City, Florida
The Ledger reports that Haines City, Florida City Commissioners have begun revising the local noise and nuisance ordinances to make it stricter and more enforceable. If the revisions are passed by the council, violators will now be subject to fines of up to $500 a day up to $7500 for violations such as drug-related activity, prostitution, and criminal gang activity.
The article goes on to note other changes in the ordinance. Parked cars that were permitted in the past to play loud music before 11 PM and after 7 AM will now be forbidden from playing loud music in a residential area at any time; the change is intended to protect day-sleepers who work nights. Yelling and singing will now be permitted between 8 AM and 9 PM, instead of the former 7 AM to 11 PM. Blocking a public street will now be illegal at all times with the elimination of an five-minute exemption designed for grocery stores with minimal parking. Police noted that additional patrol hours will be required to adequately enforce the new measures.
PUBLICATION: The Los Angeles Times
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Scott Martelle and Jean O. Pasco
DATELINE: Irvine, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that after the first day of $1.3 million jet-noise tests at the 4,700 acre El Toro Marine Base in Orange County, Florida, neighbors are mixed in their reactions. Many critics turned out with noise monitors -- despite the fact that the County had stationed their own -- and measured noise of up to 107 decibels. Some scheduled demonstration flights in the early morning were scrubbed because of bad weather; critics said this supported their claim that the demonstration flight paths were misleading because they would eventually be forbidden by federal officials due to safety concerns. Officials claimed that the flights were scrubbed only because the foul-weather landing system -- which would be in place at a functioning commercial airport -- had been removed by the Marines when they vacated the base.
The article goes on to quote a skeptical Irvine city council member. "If this is a snapshot, and this snapshot is going to turn into a film with planes coming in every few minutes, it's absolutely incompatible with any type of outdoor use...." Some residents said the noise was hardly disruptive, and well worth the convenience of a nearby airport.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: Part A; Page 22; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Bonnie Harris and Eleanor Yang
DATELINE: Orange County, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that after jet-noise demonstrations at Orange County, California's El Toro Marine Base, residents have mixed reactions. One resident said "When it went over, I just thought, 'I'm moving... this is no way to live." Another claimed they were"within tennis ball-throwing distance from them." Still others worry about peripheral problems like traffic, pollution, and congestion. Conversely, some admitted the noise wasn't as bad as they expected.
The article continues, noting several interesting things about the complaints registered by phone and email. First, voice-mail boxes were used and therefore filled up before all complaints were registered; residents were frustrated that after such a large investment, real people -- or at least larger voicemail boxes -- were not there to receive complaints. On the other hand, over 50 complaints were mysteriously logged about aircraft noise in the morning, when the scheduled flights were scrubbed due to weather and did not actually fly.
PUBLICATION: The Los Angeles Times
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: Part A; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Scott Martelle and Jean O. Pasco
DATELINE: Orange County, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that after the first day of $1.3 million jet-noise tests at the 4,700 acre El Toro Marine Base in Orange County, Florida, neighbors were mixed in their reactions. Today will be the second day of the demonstrations, which are designed to help people make up their mind as to whether to support a commercial airport at El Toro; the proposed airport could handle up to 28.8 million passengers each year by 2020. Critics say the tests are worthless because only under-loaded planes are using unrealistic flight paths, and air traffic is no comparison to an actual commercial airport.
The article goes on to note that although official noise measurements from ten monitors will be unavailable for two weeks, unofficial noise monitors from citizens registered up to 107 decibels. Many residents were startled and irritated, but others think that having a nearby airport is worth some hardly-disturbing noise. The County's plans would convert 2,000 acres of the former military base into an international airport, reserve 1,000 acres for a wildlife preserve, and use the rest of the 4,700 acre base as park lands. Many in the real estate business were postponing open houses today because of the noise, and worry that the airport would hurt property values.
PUBLICATION: Star Tribune
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. 20A
DATELINE: Richfield, Minnesota
The Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Legislature -- which initiated plans for a new north-south runway at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport near Richfield -- does not seem willing to help pay for noise abatement that the project would necessitate. Last year, the city of Richfield almost sued the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC) over lack of designated funds for noise abatement. The settlement included plans to seek funds from the Legislature, but so far there has been no success.
The article continues, noting that 60 blocks of Richfield may become unlivable from low-frequency airport noise. The Legislature decided three years ago to expand the airport at its current site rather than move it to another county, and saved $2 billion; it seemed likely that they would recognize the costs -- for noise abatement -- inherent in keeping the airport where it was. The city asked for a tax increment district in east Richfield, which would allow the city to begin buying homes and replacing them with commercial buildings that were more conducive to higher noise.
The story goes on, noting that the legislature claimed that tax increment financing is often abused, and said that residents living so near the airport already should be used to it. It did say it could get $30 million in bonds from an increase in landing fees if the FAA approved them, thus skirting state responsibility. The FAA is not expected to approve such a request, since every other airport would be interested; even if they did, the airport is currently trying to encourage competition and charge higher fees to airlines would not help.
PUBLICATION: Chicago Tribune
DATE: June 5, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. 5; Zone: Nw
DATELINE: Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago O'Hare Airport's Noise Compatibility Commission -- following the lead of the European Union -- is asking the FAA to ban noisier aircraft that don't meet quiet-engine standards. Hush-kits can muffle some noise from older airplanes, but the engines still don't run as quiet as those in newer aircraft. New federal standards take effect next year, but O'Hare also encouraged the FAA to begin cooperative work on an even quieter set of noise standards that could be accepted internationally.
PUBLICATION: The Arizona Republic
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: Tempe/Ahwatukee Foothills Community; Pg. Ev1
BYLINE: by Betty Beard
DATELINE: Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona
The Arizona Republic reports that residents in Apache Junction and the Ahwatukee Foothills -- two communities near Arizona's Sky Harbor International Airport -- are complaining about an increase in jet-noise in mid-March. Residents say there should have been a public hearing to discuss a change in flight paths, since the noise impact has increased so much in their communities and over a Superstition Mountain wilderness area. The FAA made seemingly euphemistic claims that there was "no 'flight pattern change' and no environmental impact; they implemented a 'flight departure procedure change' from Sky Harbor."
The article goes on to note that an additional section of airspace obtained from the Air Force has allowed the airport's 'flight departure procedure change', which uses two parallel streams and allows the movement of twice as many planes. Since planes should be quiet at 10,000 feet over Apache Junction, the FAA claims there was no need for a public hearing. Nevertheless, residents of both affected communities have arranged meetings that will allow the FAA to justify itself to residents. Some residents say they don't notice increased noise, though one of them said "I have a feeling it might be sounds echoing off the mountains."
PUBLICATION: The Arizona Republic
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: Scottsdale Community; Pg. 10
BYLINE: by Betty Beard
DATELINE: Ahwatukee Foothills, Arizona
The Arizona Republic reports that residents of Ahwatukee Foothills in Arizona are scheduled to meet with FAA officials to discuss increased airplane noise over their community. Two residents will be collecting names of those who wish to complain about the increased traffic which began in mid-March after flight patterns from Sky Harbor International Airport changed. The FAA acknowledges that 40-80 more flights are flying over the community using an older route due to increased air traffic and shifting wind patterns; they also claim that the planes should be 7,000-10,000 feet high and away from the foothills area, and shouldn't cause much noise on the ground.
The article continues, saying that residents can see color patterns from the ground, suggesting that they may not be flying as high as the FAA claims. The FAA acknowledges that planes can be 5-7 miles off of their flight path.
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State & Local Wire
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: West Allis, Wisconsin
The Associated Press State & Local Wire reports that officials at the Milwaukee Mile Racetrack in West Allis, Wisconsin has agreed to limit noise. Residents have complained about noise that lasts all day; most of this noise comes not from races, but from pre-race tire testing and a racecar-driving school that helps the track bring in revenue when there are no races. Officials at the track have agreed to post signs to tell residents when loud non-race events will occur, reduce the number of cars that can be testing tires at any given time, and require better mufflers for the driving school.
PUBLICATION: The Canberra Times
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: Part A; Page 2
BYLINE: Frank Cassidy
DATELINE: Yarrowlumla Shire, Australia
The Canberra Times reports that Queanbeyan Council will meet with Yarrowlumla Shire in an attempt to obtain more land for residential development. In 1996, the Council approved a proposal for a 500-unit development under an existing flight path for nearby Canberra Airport. The transport minister criticized the approval then and now as irresponsible, since the current flight path has already been moved several times in response to resident protests. The Minister of Planning is to make a decision on the proposal in about a month.
PUBLICATION: City News Service
DATE: June 4, 1999
BYLINE: by Cathy Franklin
DATELINE: Santa Ana, California
The City News Service reports that after the first day of a $1.3 million jet-noise demonstration at Orange County, California's El Toro Marines Base, residents are not pleased. One man who lives near the flight path said "I think it's really intolerable, particularly every three minutes to have that going by...." Three of the five county supervisors are for the conversion of the El Toro base to a commercial airport, and the demonstration is meant to give residents a feel for how loud a commercial airport would be.
The article continues, noting that the noise impact from commercial planes should be about 70 percent less than the impact from military jets. Nevertheless, critics feel that 27 takeoffs and landings over two days can not approximate the impact of a commercial airport which will be serving 28.8 million passengers by 2010. Furthermore, the cancellation of the morning's first landing justifies some critics' belief that El Toro is not safe as a commercial airport. One resident measured up to 85 decibels of noise on his own noise monitor; the County placed 10 official noise monitors around the flight paths.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Jean O. Pasco
DATELINE: Orange County, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that weather may be a problem for the morning flights scheduled in a jet-noise test at Orange County, California's El Toro Marines Base. FAA regulations say the flight must be scrubbed if clouds are below 3,000 feet or visibility is under three miles; Marines removed electronic equipment from the airport that would have allowed landings in 'foul weather." If the first flight is scrubbed, it will be sent to Ontario International Airport and attempt another El Toro landing at 4 PM.
The article continues, noting that 10 noise monitors are located near the flight paths, and that at least two of the five county supervisors who proposed the test will be listening as well. Critics say the $1.3 million demonstration will prove nothing since the planes will be flying light, and since air-traffic over the two-day demonstration is comparable to future air traffic over two hours. Those who want the demonstration say it will give residents an idea of what a commercial airport would be like at the proposed 2,000-acre airport, which would be able to serve up to 28.8 million passengers each year by 2020.
The story goes on, noting that the property will be vacated by Marines in July, and deeded to the county within two years; it has been designated for an airport since a 1994 decision.
The story concludes by noting that airline pilots have sent a second letter to the FAA asking for 'special airport designation' at El Toro. They say that at least one departure path, which uses an upward sloping runway and encounters an 800-foot ridge three miles out, may be unsafe for commercial traffic; Marines stopped using the path in 1965 when a transport plane crashed into the ridge. The FAA maintains that responsibility for the test rests with the Marine Corps, which approved the demonstration.
PUBLICATION: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: News Pg. 1
BYLINE: Fran Bauer
DATELINE: West Allis, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that a meeting between Milwaukee Mile racetrack officials, State Fair officials, and three local legislators has succeeded in identifying significant steps that will reduce noise for residents of West Allis, Wisconsin. At the meeting, racetrack officials agreed to post signs showing the schedule for non-race events such as tire-testing and race car driving school classes. They also agreed to limit the number of cars that can test tires at once, require better mufflers for the driving school, and refrain from scheduling any new non-race events this year.
The article continues, noting that neighbors don't mind the races, but that non-race noise seems to go on all day long and becomes irritating. Noise-walls will also be researched as another potential way to reduce noise. Non-race events are held to bring in revenue during stretches when races are not scheduled. Neighbors will be receiving a letter from the State Fair Park detailing the remaining events this year, and can also check the internet for details.
PUBLICATION: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
DATE: June 4, 1999
SECTION: St. Charles County Post, Pg. 1
BYLINE: Shane Anthony
DATELINE: St. Charles, Missouri
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Pat McDonnell, co-chairman of St. Charles Citizens Against Aircraft Noise
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the St. Louis Airport Commission was unfazed by a statement from St. Charles, Missouri's Citizens Against Aircraft Noise (CAAN). The statement said that a real-time study should be performed before a third runway -- which would be two miles closer to St. Charles and increase noise -- is approved at Lambert Field. CAAN co-chairman Pat McDonnell asked for a real-time study of the expansion plan, which would include a computer model of predicted impacts. "We need your assurances that our families and homes are not in danger," McDonnell said. "You would demand the same for your families."
The article continues, noting that the runway an accompanying terminal improvements would be built by 2004, and would be intended to reduce flight delays and increase gates. Commissioners said they would stand by an FAA ruling that said the study -- supported by the Air Line Pilots Association and the local National Air Traffic Controllers Association -- was unnecessary, and also said that there would be no more public comment periods during Commission meetings on this issue; they noted that the local organization of air traffic controllers who work in the tower do support the expansion. Further debate will take place in federal court.
PUBLICATION: The Atlanta Journal
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: Clayton / Henry Extra; Pg. 2Ji
BYLINE: Rudolph Johnson
DATELINE: Lake City, Georgia
The Atlanta Journal prints a letter to the editor that accuses the city of Atlanta of unfairly exploiting surrounding communities with Hartsfield International Airport's proposed fifth runway. The runway was originally to be for commuter traffic only, but there is already talk of expansion to support jets. The letter also mentions a previous promise broken by the airport to fly a designated path that would reduce noise. The author calls for another major airport in another area of Atlanta to more fairly distribute air-traffic impacts.
I was very disappointed to read that Chairman Crandle Bray was quoted as stating Atlanta might get a deal on extending (Hartsfield International Airport's planned) fifth runway. Chairman Bray has previously told me that runway would not cross I-285. His statement was not qualified.
I submit to you that the city of Atlanta will promise you almost anything to get what they want. They also will lie! Example: The fifth runway was to be for commuter landings only. Now, before it is even started, they want to expand it for jet service. Jet aircraft are not built in a week, so they knew commuter airlines would have jets when they promised the fifth runway was to be used for commuter landings only.
It is inconceivable to me that Clayton County commissioners would cause the rest of Forest Park, Lake City and a large portion of Morrow to be noise impacted just to benefit the city of Atlanta. The city has no effective noise abatement program and never has had one. Even when shown a way to minimize noise, they will not utilize it.
More than 15 years ago, they agreed to fly departure patterns to the east at 90 degrees, which is over Conley Road, on the north side of Forest Park. During inclement weather, they would fly a 105 degree pattern. This has been a joke. They fly 105 degrees over Forest Park and Lake City in the best of weather. They often depart farther south than 105 degrees, over Clayton College & State University.
Hartsfield Airport has reached its saturation point. Most major cities have more than one airport. It's time to represent the citizens of Forest Park, Lake City and Morrow, not the city of Atlanta. RUDOLPH JOHNSON, Lake City
PUBLICATION: Cleveland Scene
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: News
BYLINE: Mark Naymik
DATELINE: Cleveland, Ohio
The Cleveland Scene reports that while Cleveland's previously decaying Warehouse District is now jumping with nightclubs, an equally expanding residential population -- currently 1,533 residents and expected to grow by another 500 this year -- is concerned about the noise from bands, noisy patrons, and traffic that continue past 2 AM. The Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation will be funding a survey to determine if residents in the District feel noise is a problem. The mayor claims he is concerned with noise in neighborhoods, and will be looking into the issue.
The article goes on to discuss Cleveland's Flats, which is another haven for nightclubs but is zoned industrial. One club there moved its bands outside, but had to stop the practice after too many complained. Several particularly noisy clubs are mentioned, some of which will be adding rooftop decks.
PUBLICATION: The Courier-Journal
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: News Pg.01b
BYLINE: Andrew Melnykovych
DATELINE: Louisville, Kentucky
The Courier-Journal reports that Leigh Fisher Associates has begun a noise study at Louisville, Kentucky's International Airport. The study utilizes noise monitors that record noise simultaneously at four locations for 24-hour periods; this time -- as opposed to a study six years ago -- monitor locations will be kept secret from Airport Authority officials, and a grassroots advisory committee has input into which 20 monitoring sites were selected. The consultants acknowledge that it would be hard for the authority to reroute planes away from noise monitors, but the secrecy has given residents more confidence in the study's eventual results. The results will be compared to a computer model, and the model will be adjusted if necessary.
The article continues, noting that the airport authority's new general manager has vowed to involve the public, and residents seem more satisfied with monitoring procedures this time. A UPS hub at the airport is responsible for a large portion of the noise, especially at night; when new runways opened in 1995 and 1997, several local neighborhoods experienced an increase in noise. Noise from an airplane's take-off is usually 20 decibels or four times louder than the same plane landing.
The story concludes, noting that the increased noise has increased resident turnover in nearby communities. Residents hope that the study will show that more planes should be routed over commercial and industrial areas.
PUBLICATION: The Daily News of Los Angeles
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg. N3
BYLINE: Lee Condon
DATELINE: Burbank, California
The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that a rehearing, requested by California's Burbank Airport on the issue of Burbank's veto power over airport expansion, was denied. The original decision held that the city of Burbank must approve any expansion plans at the airport. The airport could still take the case to the Supreme Court, but they hope that a new, scaled-down version of it's original proposal will meet with the city's approval.
The story goes on, noting that Burbank wants a curfew on night flights, together with an airport noise-abatement budget, before it will approve expansion at the airport. Burbank wanted to use a shortcut to impose the night-flight curfew, but the FAA has ruled that it must go through the traditional, formal "Part 161 study."
The article continues, noting that Glendale -- which along with Pasadena and Burbank has three commissioners on the joint Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority -- advised their commissioners to be more sympathetic to Burbank's jet-noise problems. Last week, the City Council in Glendale reversed its previous position and came out in support of the night curfew, advising its commissioners to do the same.
PUBLICATION: THE HARTFORD COURANT
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: Town News; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Warren Woodberry Jr.
DATELINE: Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The Hartford Courant reports that residents in Rocky Hill, Connecticut near I-91, who have for decades complained about traffic noise, are pleased with the state's current noise abatement study. Residents submitted a 200-signature petition to the city council complaining about interstate noise; the interstate borders 700-800 homes in Rocky Hill. The Federal Highway Administration has determined that noise abatement must be provided, and the state is in the process of deciding whether that is reasonable and feasible. If all goes well, construction could begin within several years.
The article continues, noting that berms were originally planned for the highway twenty years ago, but federal funding was discontinued at the last minute. Now, with an $8 million road-widening project underway, noise abatement is an even more pressing issue. The noise-abatement project would be funded by 90 percent federal money, with the remaining funds coming from the state.
PUBLICATION: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: News Pg. 7
BYLINE: Fran Bauer
DATELINE: West Allis, Wisconsin
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Mayor of West Allis, Wisconsin along with legislators and officials from the local Milwaukee Mile Racetrack will have a meeting today to discuss ways to reduce noise. Though the track manager says he has received only five noise complaints, he says he is willing to work with neighbors as long as he feels their intention is not to shut him down. While major races at the track last only a few hours, the track is also by racers testing tires and by a race driving school; this noise can go on all day long without a break.
The article continues, noting that the racetrack -- which is located on State Fairgrounds -- already has plans to use $20 million in state bonds to build new seating at the Park which would be repaid using future revenue. The racetrack's current contract, which automatically renews every seven years until 2020 as long as all conditions are met, does not mention tire-testing; therefore, the state should have some say about it.
Neighbors assert that although the governor has supported track attempts to draw more races to the track, neighbors assert that "the speed of today's cars has outgrown State Fair's track, and the noise is driving people nuts. Something's got to be done. But there's no one from West Allis on the State Fair Park Board."
PUBLICATION: Orlando Sentinel Tribune
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: Lake Sentinel; Pg. 1
BYLINE: by Monica Scott
DATELINE: Tavares, Florida
The Orlando Sentinel Tribune reports that the City Council of Tavares, Florida has given its preliminary approval to a noise ordinance which would allow police to ticket violators from $50 to $250. The ordinance was proposed in response to complaints targeted at a local restaurant that hosts live bands. The ordinance defines violations subjectively as "noise which tends to cause discomfort or disturbs or annoys any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area," and proceeds to define it more objectively as "the use or operation of any radios, sound amplifiers, loudspeakers and musical instruments, among other things, plainly audible between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. at a distance of 50 feet." Restaurant operators maintain they are not violating any ordinance, and wish the ordinance would set a truly objective, decibel limit.
PUBLICATION: Providence Journal-Bulletin
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg. 1C
BYLINE: Gregory Smith
DATELINE: Providence, Rhode Island
Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the City Council of Providence, Rhode Island is making revisions to their ordinance that should make enforcement easier and stiffen fines. The revisions come as noise complaints continue to roll in during the loud summer season, and are meant to target car radios, amplification systems, and home stereos. Excessive noise is defined loosely as"any noise audible at a distance of 200 feet from its source by a person of normal hearing," allowing officers to make a judgment call. $100 fines will be the minimum, and will double for uncontested violations. Repeat offenders will draw a $100 surcharge on top of any fine. Fines will be $500 for violators who contest a fine but are found guilty, or they may serve up to 10 days in jail.
The article continues, noting that police will post signs to warn motorists of the noise ordinance, asking them to keep their radios turned low. "Noise traps" may even be set up in a similar manner to speed traps in problem areas. Police will step up enforcement, since violations that carry higher fines are prioritized. Noise meters will not be necessary, but if they are used the measurement time will be reduced to five minutes. The ordinance is still gentler than the one in Rochester, New York, where police can tow a car for an excessively loud radio.
The story goes on, saying that police will also be targeting those who receive complaints but never appear in court; the totals were up to 1,000 at last count. Publicity and education campaigns will also be a part of the crack-down on noise, using billboards and neighborhood watch groups to get the word out. Noise will be presented as not only a nuisance, but a safety issue; like cell phones, loud music can distract motorists.
PUBLICATION: The San Francisco Chronicle
DATE: JUNE 3, 1999
SECTION: News; Pg. A19
BYLINE: Michael Mccabe
DATELINE: Menlo Park, California
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Menlo Park's City Council restricted the noise-levels and hours of operation for leaf blowers, but did not limit their use to every other week as was proposed. More than 100 residents, including many local gardeners, attended a council meeting that dealt with the issue; many spoke against the proposed every-other-week ban, saying that it would "make outlaws out of honest, hard-working gardeners." The restrictions would limit legal leaf-blowers to those producing 65 decibels or less, and would require operators to wear ear protection. In addition, hours of operation were limited to 8-5 on weekdays, 11-3 on Saturdays (for residents, not paid gardeners), and banned from Sundays, holidays and "Spare the Air" days.
The article continues, noting that leaf blowers will also be required to have extended nozzles, which are designed to keep dust from rising into the air. An outright ban was overturned in November, and even before the council meeting letters, phone calls, and emails from those who opposed an every-other-week limit were already pouring in.
PUBLICATION: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
DATE: June 3, 1999
SECTION: West Post, Pg. 8
BYLINE: Tim Renken
DATELINE: United States
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Paul Hansen, Izaak Walton League of America executive director
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that a report released by the Izaak Walton League of America details the environmental and safety concerns raised by increasing use of personal watercraft. While many consider the noise from personal watercraft a nuisance, the report asserts that problems go far beyond that. Ordinances around the country are restricting their use. Their two-cycle engines are terrible polluters, they cause a disproportionately large percentages of water-based accidents, and their noise and spray disrupt wildlife, plant life, and others who use the waterways.
The article goes on to quantify the problems. Two cycle-engines have not changed in design for 50 years, and produce the same amount of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides in one day of use as a new car which is driven 100,000 miles. Up to 1/3 of their fuel is spilled into the water, resulting in 165 million gallons of fuel in our waterways each year; that's 15 times the amount from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Personal watercraft produce up to 90 percent of the pollutants on a waterway even when they use only 10 percent of the fuel used by all vehicles on the lake. While the EPA has called for 70 percent reduction in emissions by 2006, technology currently exists in Europe that would produce 80 percent cleaner engines at little additional cost.
The story continues, noting that 70 mph top speeds encourage reckless behavior and accidents. Although only 9 percent of registered boats are personal watercraft, they are involved in 26 percent of accidents and 46 percent of injuries on the water. They exist in 32 of the National Park System's 87 units, and 27 of those have reported problems with personal watercraft including environmental damage and speeding.
PUBLICATION: The Ledger
DATE: June 2, 1999
SECTION: East Polk; Pg. F1
BYLINE: Amber Grimes
DATELINE: Haines City, Florida
The Ledger reports that Haines City, Florida's City Council will be holding an after-meeting workshop designed to find ways to toughen the local noise ordinance; the workshop will be open to the public. Residents have complained for years that the existing ordinance isn't well enforced, and police who try to enforce it have complained that "because of assumptions judges have made, it is hard to get it enforced in the courts." One main target of the new revisions is a better way to restrict excessively loud car stereos. Many elderly people in the community are afraid to call the police to complain, and they wish police would tighten enforcement so they didn't have to.
The article continues, noting that another recent incident prompted the revision. A small gathering turned into a 600-person crowd in front of a boarding house on Easter weekend, and the music kept getting louder; residents were worried that the situation could explode.
"We don't know which way to turn," Hill said.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: June 2, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 3; Zones Desk
BYLINE: Kurt Streeter
DATELINE: Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that a bill that passed California's State Assembly would lift the current ban on leaf-blowers in many California cities and instead impose limits on noise intensity and hours of operation. Blowers would be legal between 9 and 5 during the week, and could only emit up to 65 decibels of sound; current gas-powered leaf blowers emit an average of 67-69 decibels. The Legislature called for an environmental impact study of leaf blowers earlier this year, and the sponsor of the bill in the Assembly may wait for the results of that study before submitting the bill to the State Senate.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: June 2, 1999
SECTION: Part A; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Jean O. Pasco
DATELINE: Irvine, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that a judge has dismissed claims by environmentalists that jet-noise tests at Irvine, California's El Toro Marines Base require a state environmental impact report. Environmentalists and other critics have claimed that the $1.3 million demonstration, which is intended to give residents an idea of noise from a proposed commercial airport, is misleading because planes will be flying lighter and thus quieter, a danger to the environment because of noise, and dangerous because of hilly terrain on the takeoff path. The judge said that while all of that may be true, the test will cause insignificant environmental harm, and will be used to gather information: a fact that exempts the demonstration from needing a state environmental report.
The article continues, noting that the proposed airport will be capable of handling up to 28.8 million passengers by 2020. The federal government announced it would close the base 6 years ago, and county officials designated the 4,700 acre facility to be shared between a medium-sized commercial airport, a wildlife area, and parkland. The demonstration will go on as planned this weekend, despite environmental and safety questions raised by critics. Weather could be an issue, since the Marines have removed a poor-weather navigation system which would be required in rainy or overcast conditions.
The story concludes, noting that the Allied Pilots Association and other pilot groups have said that the terrain is too hilly for safe takeoffs. Even the marines discontinued the use of one demonstration runway after a crash killed 84 people in 1965. Nevertheless, 27 takeoffs and landings are still scheduled this weekend as part of the demonstration.
PUBLICATION: The Plain Dealer
DATE: June 2, 1999
SECTION: Metro; Pg. 5B
BYLINE: by Alison Grant
DATELINE: Cleveland, Ohio
The Plain Dealer reports that as Cleveland, Ohio's Hopkins Airport phases in quieter aircraft and reduces its noise impact area, some homes that were eligible for soundproofing in the past would no longer be eligible. The proposed solution is to lower the decibel limit from 65 decibels to 60 decibels, which would assure that those who have already applied for soundproofing would not be removed from the list. As a result, hundreds of homes that were never eligible for soundproofing will now be able to apply. City council supports the idea, with the stipulation that those who have been on the list the longest be given priority.
The article continues, noting that 2,500 fewer homes will be in the 65 decibel impact area; the zone currently contains 5,860 houses, of which 2,700 have applied for insulation. It costs about $28,000 to soundproof a house with muffling doors, windows, heating, and cooling systems. The work is paid for by ticket charges at the airport and with assistance from the FAA. The expanded zone of eligibility may mean that existing money will be spread even thinner in an attempt to soundproof even more homes.
PUBLICATION: Providence Journal-Bulletin
DATE: June 2, 1999
SECTION: News, Pg. 1C
BYLINE: Michael Smith
DATELINE: Warwick, Rhode Island
The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that while noise from Providence, Rhode Island's T.F. Green Airport is disruptive at nearby schools including two in Warwick, the FAA says that noise levels at the schools do not justify money for soundproofing. A member of one of the school's committees said "I would say the most accurate tool is the human ear; if you cannot teach or you cannot hear in the classroom, that model (being used by the government) doesn't matter."
The article continues, noting that the Rhode Island Airport Corporation commissioned a study to determine if the schools qualified. The study used an 8-hour noise average -- instead of the normal 24-hour average -- to better reflect the length of the school day. Teachers argue that several isolated instances of high noise each day disrupt lessons, even though the daily average is not high. School officials believe a different standard should be established for schools. Comments from teachers, parents, and administrators will be incorporated into the final report.
PUBLICATION: Chicago Tribune
DATE: June 2, 1999
SECTION: Metro Lake; Pg. 2; Zone: L; Lake Overnight.
BYLINE: Marcia Sagendorph.
DATELINE: Wauconda, Illinois
The Chicago Tribune reports that Wauconda, Illinois is considering stiffer penalties for violators of its noise ordinance. The proposal was prompted by increasing complaints about the noise from car stereos at a local apartment complex. Current fines range from $25-$750, but village officials say they 'lack teeth' without jail time to back it up.
PUBLICATION: Asheville Citizen-Times
DATE: June 1, 1999
SECTION: Local; Pg. B3
BYLINE: Katy Hillenmeyer
DATELINE: Emma, South Carolina
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Charles Norton, Emma resident
The Asheville Citizen-Times of South Carolina reports that a Buncombe County Superior Court judge has denied some Emma landowners a preliminary injunction against the owners of a Shelby Road firing range near their property, which is located in a residential area. A trial date has yet to be determined.
The article states that Charles Norton, one of three plaintiffs in the nuisance suit naming Don and Kimberly Guge as defendants, complained to county commissioners about the noise the range has created in their west Buncombe neighborhood. The owners formed a firearms club at the range soon after it was built in 1997, making the range exempt from the county's noise ordinance, prompting the residents' action.
"Nowhere is it appropriate in a residential area," said Norton, who is seeking an undetermined amount of damages against the Guges.
According to the article, neither the owners nor their attorney was available for comment.
The Citizen-Times reports that five houses sit within 300 feet of the range where Sheriff's deputies registered some gunfire noises over 80 decibels in a test last winter.
The controversy prompted commissioners to re-examine their noise ordinance and review firing regulations. The article says that commissioners and County Attorney Joe Connolly have suggested mediation, which the residents rejected.
"No mediation is taking place because the primary individuals who have made complaints to the county have indicated they were unwilling to participate," Connolly said.
According to the Citizen-Times, Norton expressed impatience with their suggestion to mediate.
"Why should I mediate a doggone firing range in my neighborhood?" he asked. "This shouldn't have happened to start with."
PUBLICATION: Bc Cycle
DATE: June 1, 1999
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Sacramento
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Bc Cycle
SACRAMENTO - Bc Cycle reports that cities and counties would be limited in their regulation of noisy leaf blowers by an impending bill in the state Legislature.
According to the article, gardeners are backing the bill again because of previous bans and regulations of a tool they say is essential in 19 cities around the state. Cities have restricted hours and noise levels and in some cases, have imposed outright bans because of residents' complaints about noise, dust and air pollution.
Attempts last year to similarly restrict local authority over gas-powered leaf blowers failed in a Senate committee.
PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: June 1, 1999
DATELINE: Sacramento
The Associated Press reports that an impending bill in the California legislature, if passed, would limit cities and counties in their regulation of noisy leaf blowers. Gardeners are backing the legislation for the second time, claiming that bans and regulations on the noisy gardening tool will significantly curtail its use in 19 New Jersey cities.
Residents have complained in these cities, and have been successful in restricting hours and noise levels because of noise, dust and air pollution. Some of the cities have imposed bans on leafblowers.
In 1998, a similar bill to limit local regulation over the gardening tool failed in a Senate committee.
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