PUBLICATION: The Hartford Courant
DATE: January 4, 2000
SECTION: Town News; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Julie Ha
DATELINE: Rocky Hill, Connecticut
The Hartford Courant reports that nine noise walls will be erected in communities around Rocky Hill, Connecticut near Interstate 91, after years of complaints from residents.
The article reports that nine noise walls will be erected in communities around Rocky Hill, Connecticut near Interstate 91. The walls will cost $6-million, 90 percent of which will be paid by the federal government, and could be up by the end of fall 2001. Residents have been complaining about noise in the area for years.
PUBLICATION: News and Record
DATE: January 4, 2000
SECTION: Triad/State, Pg. B1
BYLINE: Paul Muschick
DATELINE: High Point, North Carolina
The News and Record reports that High Point, North Carolina officials are delaying the approval of development plans near Piedmont Triad International Airport, fearing that a planned FedEx hub may cause more noise than expected. Approval will be delayed until an FAA-supervised noise study -- due later this month -- is released.
The article reports that council members in High Point, North Carolina, supported by the mayor, are delaying the approval of development plans near Piedmont Triad International Airport. A FedEx hub is planned for the airport, and a similar one in Indianapolis caused more noise than expected. Approval may be delayed until a noise study on the hub is released.
The article notes that the area in question is estimated to grow 56 percent in the next fifteen years. A local committee that includes residents have recommended that business and industry is better suited to the portion of that area closest to the airport. Even so, the study will be delayed. The mayor has said that although it makes sense to wait, the decision should be made as soon as possible because developers are waiting to begin projects, and because the plan isn't expected to change due to the noise study results.
The article goes on to say that the Airport Authority has not approved the hub. FedEx hopes to begin construction on the $300-million facility by 2005. The noise study, which is being supervised by the Federal Aviation Administration, is due to be released later this month.
The article notes that homes on large lots were originally proposed for 78 percent of the land, but now are proposed for only 30 percent. Not only might it be unwise to put many houses near the airport, but businesses might actually like the location better because of its proximity to FedEx. The committee had itself suggested that building be delayed on 726 of the 8,200 acres until the noise study is released, but the council has delayed building in the entire community.
PUBLICATION: AFX European Focus
DATE: January 3, 2000
SECTION: Company News
DATELINE: Brussels, Belgium
AFX European Focus reports that Brussels, Belgium will ban all nighttime flights starting in mid-2003, as well as restricting noisy flights after 11 p.m starting in 2001.
The article reports that Brussels, Belgium will ban all nighttime flights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. starting in mid-2003. Also, flights after 11 p.m. will be subject to noise limitations starting in January, 2001. DHL World Airlines flies 35-40 times from Belgium nightly, and will likely be highly affected by the restrictions.
PUBLICATION: Daily News
DATE: January 3, 2000
SECTION: Editorial; Pg. 30
DATELINE: New York City
The Daily News prints an editorial which criticizes the FAA for taking so long to provide noise relief for New Yorkers.
The editorial which criticizes the FAA for taking so long to provide noise relief for New Yorkers. They say "between the "airspace redesign community workshops," the examination of the public comments, the follow-up workshops, the environmental assessments and the environmental impact statement, it will take [an unacceptable] five years to change routes for relief."
The article notes that the FAA decided in 1998 to redesign the flight paths all across the country, starting with New York City: where 300,000 people and 10,000 tons of cargo pass through every day.
PUBLICATION: Daily Press
DATE: January 3, 2000
SECTION: A-Section, Pg. A9
BYLINE: William H. McMichael
DATELINE: Hampton, Virginia
The Daily Press reports that many residents living in Hampton, Virginia near Langley Air Force Base are used to fighter-jet noise. The base does maintain no-flight hours on most days, but doesn't restrict afterburner use. Some say that residents aren't sufficiently aware of potential noise problems when they move in.
The article reports that many residents living in Hampton, Virginia near Langley Air Force Base are used to jet noise from the fighters. Some say that real estate agents don't always warn residents about noise, although they are required by law; also, some homebuyers don't listen when agents do tell them about the noise. There are also homeowners who lived in the area before the notification law was passed.
The article notes that although the runway can be used in the other direction, directing takeoffs over uninhabited land, wind direction often discourages that option. The base does maintain no-flight hours between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m., and extend those hours to 8 a.m. on weekends and holidays. On rare deployment days, those restrictions are suspended. Also, loud afterburners that are "sometimes fired to boost thrust on takeoff when the jets are heavily loaded" can add to the noise.
PUBLICATION: The Providence Journal-Bulletin
DATE: January 3, 2000
SECTION: News, Pg. 6C
BYLINE: Sylvia D. Sayles
DATELINE: North Smithfield, Rhode Island
The Providence Journal-Bulletin prints a letter to the editor from a North Smithfield, Rhode Island resident who believes noise and pollution from water trucks -- serving a nearby power plant -- and a newly-proposed power plant will degrade her community's quality of life.
"Quality of life must not suffer
I remember the days, not long ago, when my home was a source of pride of ownership and of peace and solitude. The quality of life that I enjoyed then is seriously threatened. I am one of many homeowners who live on either side of, and in close proximity to, the North Smithfield/Burrillville town line. The signs of change have been evident, but not until recently has the onslaught really begun in earnest.
Not long ago, there was a proposal to erect a cellular telephone tower in close proximity to my neighborhood. At almost 200 feet in height, this certainly would have become the focal point of this area. Not only was my neighborhood concerned about the ugliness of this monstrosity so close to our homes, the potential loss of property values is well recognized and the risk of health consequences still remains a serious concern.
Thanks to the great wisdom of the planning and zoning boards of North Smithfield, the proposal was defeated. My heart goes out, however, to the residents of nearby Burrillville who now have a view of a huge monopole cellular tower in their neighborhoods. This was just the first attack on the quality of life in my community.
The second assault is one that is so well known by anyone traveling on Route 102 this past year. It seems to be a annual event now. I refer to the constant barrage of water trucks that traversed Route 102 daily in order to keep the water-cooling reservoir satiated.
Is it possible that the planners and designers of the power plant in Burrillville were unaware of the fact the summers are usually dry in this part of New England? Was it part of the original plan of that facility to keep the facility functional in the dry season by monopolizing Route 102 with the huge water tankers? I understand the need for the facility and I understand that the water needs must be met to enable the continued production of the power on which we all rely. I do seriously question the need for speeds often demonstrated by the trucks observed as I drove on Route 102.
This is certainly a safety risk to anyone traveling this major route, and the noise generated by speeding trucks and their brakes is annoying at best. I find the lack of planning for the annual dry weather to be highly regrettable on the part of the designers of the facility. Surely some alternative plan can be drawn up so that the water needs can be met without the safety risks and incessant noise, while not jeopardizing the water table of the residents of the area. Reduction of the speed by the water trucks would have been a most welcome first step until a more intelligent overall solution was found to this problem.
Finally, without doubt the most threatening development to the quality of life in my community is the prospect of the erection of a new power plant on the North Smithfield reservoir. This proposal, drafted by Indeck Energy Services, based in Illinois, is by far the most serious threat to my community. There are many reasons for my concern. One need only drive near the Burrillville power plant and experience the noise it generates. Even at one mile distance the noise, the loud noise, that it generates is offensive and a constant disturbance.
The pollutants belching out of yet an another power plant, this one with a 210-foot smokestack, will seriously erode the air quality and not only in my immediate neighborhood, but throughout many areas of town and adjacent towns as well. No one should feel immune from these hazards just because they are more than a mile or two away from the proposed site and the tower is not visible from their homes.
The old adage of out of sight, out of mind is a dangerous attitude indeed. The long list of chemicals is horrifying. Included among these chemicals are ammonia, arsenic, benzene, cadmium, chromium, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, sulfuric acid and this is just a partial list.
In addition, the proximity of the site to the federal LR&R Superfund cleanup site is of serious concern. Most of my neighbors draw their water from individual wells. What happens when the hazardous waste that has been dumped in years past is agitated into the groundwater? Can we be assured that our groundwater won't be negatively and permanently affected? Will our water be safe? I was also under the impression that there was a town ordinance against any such construction so close to the aquifer. How has this ordinance been bypassed?
Promise of a tax cut as a benefit from this proposed power generating facility needs to be seriously examined. One estimate stated that the realized tax savings on a yearly basis would actually be insignificant per household and I expect that the loss of property values would far outweigh the benefits of a tax cut, if any.
Even if the plant were to create the suggested figure of 20 to 30 new jobs, at what cost to the community? Is it a fair tradeoff, or even an intelligent one, to negatively affect the property values and quality of life for hundreds of families for 30 new jobs? To whom will these new jobs be a benefit? Certainly not the local communities. The job requirements would be very specialized and the positions most likely filled from current highly trained Indeck employees.
Finally, for those of my community who own homes on the reservoir, I find this proposal to be totally unacceptable. Not only for the reasons stated above, but the proposed power generating plant would destroy the beautifully pristine views of the water and surrounding land and would certainly devastate property values. This power plant proposal must not happen, for the good of the towns of North Smithfield and Burrillville and the many surrounding towns and for the health and quality of life of all the residents therein.
In sum, our community is under assault. You may chose to call it progress, or the demands of a growing population. No matter what you label this erosion of the quality of life, it is unacceptable. As a resident and homeowner in North Smithfield, I respectfully urge that solutions to these issues be sought. Not to do so will have consequences that may never be rectified and our quality of life will indeed be just a memory."
PUBLICATION: Waikato Times
DATE: January 3, 2000
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 3; Brief
DATELINE: Hamilton, New Zealand
The Waikato Times reports that the Wellington, New Zealand City Council dismissed complaints about noise from screaming patrons at a downtown bungy ride as not "a huge issue."
The article reports that the Wellington, New Zealand City Council dismissed complaints about noise from screaming patrons at a downtown bungy ride as not "a huge issue." Complaints had been received from nearby tenants about the noise and the effect on the character of the neighborhood.
PUBLICATION: Asbury Park Press
DATE: January 2, 2000
SECTION: C, Pg. 2, Your Views
BYLINE: Fran Coakley, President of Monmouth Organization Against Aircraft Noise (MOANN)
DATELINE: Union Beach, New Jersey
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Fran Coakley, President of Monmouth Organization Against Aircraft Noise
The Asbury Park Press prints a letter from a Union Beach, New Jersey resident who says a noise study which showed ocean routing of aircraft at New York City area airports was a big lie manufactured by the airlines. He says that contrary to the study, ocean routing would take the planes farther out to sea and coastal residents would not receive additional noise.
"Lie distorts ocean routing
I am responding to the letter from a Lacey writer, "Ocean routing expands noise, " about the routing of aircraft and its effect on shore towns.
Monmouth County is subjected daily to the noise of hundreds of departing aircraft from Kennedy and Newark airports. Ocean routing will route all of these aircraft over the ocean and eliminate the noise of departing aircraft for Monmouth shore communities.
Who could be opposed to such an obviously good idea? The airlines. From the beginning, the airlines have adamantly opposed ocean routing because it would cost about $1 extra per ticket to fly the slightly longer route required to use the ocean.
To try to block ocean routing, the airlines and their allies on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have been behind a disinformation campaign designed to terrorize shore communities and their leaders into opposing ocean routing.
To accomplish this, they are using the "big lie." It works like this: You get a credible source to manufacture the "big lie." In this case, the credible source was the consulting firm of Leigh Fisher, which was hired by another credible source, the Port Authority (with additional funding from the airlines).
The "big lie" was manufactured by mismodeling the ocean routing plan. The plan calls for aircraft to fly well offshore, where no one would hear them. Instead, Leigh Fisher "accidentally" modeled the plan with planes flying between the Garden State Parkway and the coastline. Although the consultants later admitted this mistake in legislative hearings in Trenton, the damage had been done and the perception left that ocean routing would cause additional noise for the Shore.
It is time to put the "big lie" to rest. Ocean routing will bring relief to many Monmouth communities and will not increase noise for any communities along the Shore."
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State and Local Wire
DATE: January 8, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Lincoln, Nebraska
The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that a restoration project at Lincoln, Nebraska's capitol has proven so loud that fifty employees in the building have been given the option of relocating. The noise was measured at 82.5 decibels, just 2.5 decibels below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's maximum of 85.
The article reports that a restoration project at Lincoln, Nebraska's capitol has proven so loud that fifty employees in the building have been given the option of relocating. They would move to the old federal building, where noise from construction crews jackhammers won't prevent their use of the telephone. The noise was measured at 82.5 decibels, just 2.5 decibels below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's maximum of 85.
The article notes that the relocation will be funded by restoration money. The construction project is meant to repair stress-relief joints on each floor. Other alternatives were considered, but were deemed unacceptable. Earplugs would limit phone use, and night-construction would bother residents.
PUBLICATION: The Columbian
DATE: January 8, 2000
SECTION: Clark County/Region; Pg. B1
BYLINE: Scott Hewitt
DATELINE: Vancouver, Washington
The Columbian reports that residents near Interstate 5 in Vancouver, Washington want a noise wall in their neighborhood where a planned extension will increase traffic. State transportation officials say that it could take about ten years to build the $50-million worth of noise walls currently on the waiting list with an annual budget of just over $5-million.
The article reports that residents near Interstate 5 in Vancouver, Washington want a noise wall in their neighborhood. A noise wall along Mill Plain Boulevard ends before it protects the residents in question, and they think a noise wall project should have been included in plans for a Mill Plain extension that will increase truck traffic along their road.
The article notes that residents have banded together for a noise wall, but state transportation officials say that the list for noise walls is long; it could take about ten years to build the $50-million worth of noise walls currently on the list with an annual budget of just over $5-million. If the neighborhood experiences particularly bad noise levels, however, it may be bumped to the top of the list once official noise measurements -- promised soon -- are taken.
PUBLICATION: The Times
DATE: January 8, 2000
SECTION: Features
BYLINE: Stephen Gardiner
DATELINE: London, England
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: James Petts of Sustain, an alliance of 100 UK groups for environmental improvements
The Times reports that London is considering a plan -- similar to one used in Paris, France -- to reclaim green space and fight noise at the same time. A noisy section of rail line or highway was covered; then, the cover was made into a park. The prime minister of England wants to reclaim greenspace, and this proposal would do it for about 20 million pounds per mile.
The article reports that London is considering a plan -- similar to one used in Paris, France -- to reclaim green space and fight noise at the same time. England's last government allowed -- and even promoted -- the sale of recreational fields by schools, and as a result green space is at even more of a premium than it was before.
The article notes several examples from France where a noisy section of rail line or highway was covered; then, the cover was made into a park. This reclaims green space, brings previously divided neighborhoods, and provides more uplifting views than industrial buildings or rail lines. France has created 171 such gardens in the last twenty years.
The article notes that the prime minister of England is propose to use the idea to reclaim greenspace for about 20 million pounds per mile. A representative of Sustain, an alliance of about 100 UK groups dedicated to environmental improvements, said "Some plants and trees are good at absorbing pollution, [making] an excellent barrier."
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State and Local Wire
DATE: January 7, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Bellevue, Idaho
The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that federal representatives from Boise, Idaho met with residents this week to discuss noise problems from Stage-2 corporate jets at Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey. A pending report may encourage Congress to allow cities to restrict noisy aircraft: a right that was taken away in 1990.
The article reports that federal representatives from Boise, Idaho met with residents this week to discuss noise problems from Stage-2 corporate jets at Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey.
The article notes that a General Accounting Office report may encourage Congress to allow cities to restrict noisy aircraft. That right was taken away in 1990 with the passage of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act. A change in the law would give cities like Hailey more power in reducing noise in the community.
PUBLICATION: The Press
DATE: January 7, 2000
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 7
DATELINE: Wellington, New Zealand
The Press reports that a therapist at a counseling center for sexual abuse victims in Wellington, New Zealand says his clients are upset at screams from a nearby thrill ride. Measurements taken in the last few days suggested that some screaming did exceed noise limits, contrary to previous estimates. City council members are discussing the issue with the operator.
The article reports that a therapist at a counseling center for sexual abuse victims in Wellington, New Zealand says his clients are upset at screams from a nearby thrill ride. The nearby reverse-bungy ride regularly generates screams from its riders as they are whisked 40 meters into the air.
The article notes that it was thought that it would take three people screaming at the same time to violate local noise rules, so little had been done. Measurements taken in the last few days suggested that some screaming did exceed noise limits. Bungy operators will meet with city council members soon to discuss the problem.
PUBLICATION: The San Francisco Chronicle
DATE: January 7, 2000
SECTION: News; Pg. A20
BYLINE: Carolyne Zinko
DATELINE: San Jose, California
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that a CEO who owns a private jet has sued San Jose International Airport over a rule that says his plane can't land at night because it weighs more than 75,000 pounds. The CEO says that federal laws prohibit "arbitrary and discriminatory" regulation based on weight rather than noise. In 1990, Congress "established complex criteria for cities wishing to enforce noise restrictions on airline traffic," but the curfew may have been grandfathered in since it was established before the law was passed.
The article reports that a CEO who owns a private jet has sued San Jose International Airport over a rule that says his plane can't land. The rule prohibits planes weighing more than 75,000 pounds from landing between 11:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The article notes that the CEO claims that his jet complies with the rule because it always lands while weighing under the weight limit, although it has a capacity to weigh more. He says that federal laws prohibit "arbitrary and discriminatory" regulation based on weight rather than noise. Lear jets, which weight under 20,000 pounds but make more noise, are allowed to land at night; he contends that his jet, which is equipped with quieter Stage-3 engines, should be treated like a Lear jet.
The article notes that San Jose threatened to take action against him after he landed his plane 'illegally' 6 times in the last year. They say that the relevant weight distinction is maximum capacity, not actual weight upon landing.
The article notes that the night curfew was created in 1984, and applies to all commercial airliners, cargo planes, and some private jets. In 1990, Congress "established complex criteria for cities wishing to enforce noise restrictions on airline traffic," but the curfew may have been grandfathered in since it was established before the law was passed. The two largest airports in the area do not have curfews.
PUBLICATION: Star Tribune
DATE: January 7, 2000
SECTION: News; Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Dan Wascoe Jr.
DATELINE: Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Star Tribune reports that a plan to redevelop part of Richfield, Minnesota may face an obstacle in the form of a low-frequency-noise report on Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's new runway. The 8,000 foot runway will open in 2003. New buildings will be " built with the latest sound-stopping techniques and materials to blunt low-frequency noise."
The article reports that a plan to redevelop part of Richfield, Minnesota may face an obstacle in the form of a low-frequency-noise report on Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport's new runway. The city plans to relocate "2,900 Richfield residents and [demolish] up to 650 single-family houses, 403 duplexes and apartments and 43 businesses." The city is pushing the redevelopment to encourage younger residents and denser population to help replace property taxes lost to airport expansion. Also, low-frequency noise would be a larger problem in the area designated for destruction than in the area slated for new development.
The article notes that the land will take $150-million minimum to clear. Officials hope that the plan will attract $90-million in state and federal money. Otherwise, the redevelopment will be less extensive.
The article goes on to say that the 8,000 foot runway will open in 2003. New buildings will be " built with the latest sound-stopping techniques and materials to blunt low-frequency noise." Also, new residents will be notified about potential noise impacts. Tall office buildings will serve to block some noise for residences, and residents of the planned townhouses and apartments represent a demographic that spends less time outside than residents of single-family houses.
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State and Local Wire
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
BYLINE: Mark Shaffer
DATELINE: Jerome, Arizona
The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that "ex-hippies" living in Jerome, Arizona are pushing for a noise ordinance that would provide relief from noisy, smelly motorcycles ridden by a large biker population. The ordinance would prohibit noise of over 80 decibels at 25 feet from the source.
The article reports that "ex-hippies" living in Jerome, Arizona are pushing for a noise ordinance that would provide relief from noisy, smelly motorcycles ridden by a large biker population. The ordinance would prohibit noise of over 80 decibels at 25 feet from the source.
The article notes that non-biker residents and businesses have complained about heavy-petting on the street, noise from a biker bar, modified motorcycle mufflers, fumes, and sexual harassment of teenage girls by bikers.
The article notes that the town has created motorcycle-only parking spots to discourage illegal parking. The biker bar owner has soundproofed the doors, installed a noise monitor, and asked patrons to be quieter.
The article notes that some non-biker residents say that they have been threatened by bikers for things such as allegedly cutting them off on the road to enforcing the fire code in the biker bar. Head of the local art program rejected a $5,000 donation from a motorcycle fundraiser, calling it "dirty biker money."
The article notes that there are 18 bikers in the community of 500.
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State and Local Wire
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Shakopee, Minnesota
The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that the Fish and Wildlife Service has opposed an amphitheater in Shakopee, Minnesota that would disrupt animals and recreation at a wildlife refuge. A preliminary environmental review determined the noise wouldn't be too much, but the Fish and Wildlife Service wants further study at the 10,500 acre refuge.
The article reports that the Fish and Wildlife Service has opposed plans for an amphitheater in Shakopee, Minnesota that would be built next to a wildlife refuge. The service determined that the noise would disturb wildlife and outdoor recreation.
The article notes that wildlife affected could include "populations of bald eagles, great blue herons, common egrets and other wildlife." Also, opportunities for "birdwatching, environmental education and wildlife interpretation" would be diminished. A preliminary environmental review determined the noise wouldn't be too much, but the Fish and Wildlife Service wants further study at the 10,500 acre refuge.
PUBLICATION: The Associated Press State and Local Wire
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that the Air Force has announced that a flight path it had considered for low-altitude training flights through New Mexico is not its top choice. The flight path through New Mexico would have brought 2,600 flights each year within 200 feet of the ground, generating painful noise that could disrupt recreation, ranching, and wildlife.
The article reports that the Air Force has announced that a flight path it had considered for low-altitude training flights through New Mexico is not its top choice. The military had chosen four possible paths, and has selected a West Texas path as its preferred option.
The article notes that the flight path through New Mexico would have brought B-52 and B-1 bombers within 200 feet of the ground, generating painful noise that could disrupt recreation, ranching, and wildlife. About 2,600 flights will follow the chosen path through Texas each year.
The article goes on to say that an environmental study showed the New Mexico route to be unsuitable, which is what local officials and residents have been saying all along. A coalition of "local governments and Indian pueblos that had threatened to sue if the Air Force pursued the New Mexico route" are pleased; the route may be used once a day as it has been in the past, although use will not increase.
PUBLICATION: Aberdeen Press and Journal
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: Business, Pg.3
DATELINE: Stonehaven, U.K.
The Aberdeen Press and Journal reports that the Aberdeenshire Council granted permission for later operating hours at a Stonehaven bar. A neighbor had said the hours would cause noise problems, but police officials said there had never been any problems.
The article reports that the Aberdeenshire Council granted permission for later operating hours at a Stonehaven bar. A neighbor had said the hours would cause noise problems, but police officials said there had never been any problems.
The article notes that the bar will now stay open until midnight Monday through Wednesday, until 1 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. Music at the bar comes only from a jukebox, or the occasional live DJ who moves to a room in the other side of the bar after 11 p.m.
PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 3; Zones Desk
BYLINE: Andrew Blankstein
DATELINE: Burbank, California
The Los Angeles Times reports that Jane Garvey of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said that a proposed ban on eastern takeoffs from Burbank Airport should be removed from the draft agreement. Burbank city officials downplayed the comment as a suggestion, likely because they know that the ban will help win support from Burbank voters.
The article reports that Jane Garvey of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said that a proposed ban on eastern takeoffs from Burbank Airport should be removed from the draft agreement. City officials dismiss the comment as a suggestion among multiple suggestions. At least one area politician applauded Garvey, saying that communities must share the noise.
The article notes that the ban would protect residents in communities to the east from airplane noise, but would increase noise west of the airport unfairly. Burbank city officials know that the ban will help win support from Burbank voters.
PUBLICATION: News and Record
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: Triad/State, Pg. B1
BYLINE: Michelle Cater
DATELINE: Stoneville, North Carolina
The News and Record reports that neighbors of a wood-product finishing factory say that the owner hasn't complied with a conditional-use permit, and complain about sawdust and noise from the factory. The owner of the factory says he believes he is in compliance, and pointed to improvements such as added ducts and piping that were meant to better contain sawdust. The town council will send a letter of violation to the company, and they will have until July to comply.
The article reports that neighbors of a wood-product finishing factory expressed their concerns about noise and sawdust clouds at a town council meeting in Stoneville, North Carolina. Residents say that he hasn't complied with a conditional-use permit, issued last summer, that prohibits use of a loud air-compressor and other work after 8 p.m. and on Sundays.
The article notes that the owner of the factory says he believes he is in compliance, and pointed to improvements such as added ducts and piping that were meant to better contain sawdust. The factory is one of five in Stoneville, and employs 115 people, making it one of the largest employers in town. The company makes furniture and cabinets.
The article goes on to say that the town council will send a letter of violation, through the planning director, to the company; they may be given time to comply, but could technically be fined at any time.
PUBLICATION: The Seattle Times
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: Editorial; Pg. B5; Letters To The Editor
BYLINE: Mark Feuerstein
DATELINE: Mercer Island, Washington
The Seattle Times prints a letter to the editor that criticizes a recent letter that supported sharing aircraft noise by redistributing it. This letter says redistribution is no solution.
"In response to Robert Rudolph's letter outlining his committee's position on the proposed "split turn" for aircraft departing Sea-Tac (" Noise of two turns is equal," Dec. 24), I must say there is nothing equitable about it.
Mercer Island already carries an equitable share of noise not accounted for by the Part 150 study. Aircraft flow is southbound most days of the year. On south-flow days, Mercer Island gets a generous dose of noise from aircraft setting takeoff thrust at Sea-Tac. Communities farther away hear little of this noise.
First flights of Boeing airliners from the Renton airport, which are all mandatory northbound departures, and around-the-clock operations at Boeing Field are also part of the present community- noise burden unrecognized by the Part 150 study.
Regarding the north-flow split turn specifically, airplanes flying at half the normal altitude sound four times louder. The study "accounted for this" by assuming planes would climb faster, etc. Planes climb only as fast as the saturated air-traffic-control system will allow. Size, weight and destination have surprisingly little to do with climb rate.
The proposed split-ground paths are inequitable in another way. Eastbound planes turn approximately 90 degrees during climb-out. Planes bound for, say, California will turn approximately 180 degrees. It's obvious that a turning plane stays overhead longer than a plane flying straight. More turning means more noise.
The split turn merely moves noise. We all need meaningful noise reduction, not redistribution."
PUBLICATION: Star Tribune
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: Business; Pg. 3D
BYLINE: Dan Wascoe Jr.
DATELINE: Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Star Tribune reports that a committee of the Metropolitan Airports Commission for Minnesota's Twin Cities has approved a new leasing agreement which would designate up to seven gates as short-term. New airlines taking advantage of the new system can opt out of noise abatement fees for projects that are not included in the current plan.
The article reports that a committee of the Metropolitan Airports Commission for Minnesota's Twin Cities has approved a new leasing agreement which would designate up to seven gates as short-term. This would allow new airlines a better chance of establishing themselves.
New airlines will be able to opt out of paying for noise abatement projects that are not included in the current 2010 plan. As a result, the new lease agreement will mean that the airport will need to focus more heavily on issuing bonds to pay for such projects.
PUBLICATION: Virginian-Pilot
DATE: January 6, 2000
SECTION: Local, Pg. B10
BYLINE: Al Saferstein
DATELINE: Virginia Beach
The Virginian-Pilot prints a letter to the editor which questions the military's presentation of Daily Noise Levels for Virginia Beach jet noise without presenting the more telling data on single noise events.
"OCEANA JETS
Day-night averages hide noise impact
Regarding the Dec. 16 letter, "Sound of misinformation roars through our city":
While Leslie Cecchini is technically correct, her assessment of jet noise using the day-night average (DNL) is a source of misinformation. Single-event noise measurement is an accepted federal and scientific method of describing sudden loud- noise events that characterize aircraft overflights. It is often these abrupt and chronic noise impacts that wake up children and adults, create stress and interfere with cognitive development and reading achievement by elementary schoolchildren.
The sound-exposure level (SEL) is a measure of sound intensity during a single- noise event. The DNL metric, on the other hand, obscures the true noise impact by averaging low- noise and no- noise periods with high- noise events. Useful information regarding the number and magnitude of high- noise events caused by individual overflights is lost in the process.
For example, an exploding stick of dynamite has a peak noise level of 194 dB. However, when averaged over 24 hours it would essentially be zero, but it would certainly be an unsettling event. Further, a radio blasting for two hours by a less-than-considerate neighbor would render local noise ordinances useless if noise were measured using a 24-hour average. The same situation exists for high- noise events caused by jet aircraft as they overfly homes, schools, churches and hospitals.
The high- noise zones associated with NAS Oceana cover an area of 81,090 acres, or more than 126 square miles. More than 72,000 residences - almost half the city's residential dwellings - are affected. It is difficult to fathom why the Navy refused to provide the single-event noise information."
PUBLICATION: Intelligencer Journal
DATE: January 5, 2000
SECTION: Local, Pg. B-2
BYLINE: Kelly Brosnahan
DATELINE: West Lampeter, Pennsylvania
The Intelligencer Journal reports that a mini-mart in West Lampeter, Pennsylvania wants to expand. One neighbor, who has already planted trees and built a shed to shield himself from noise and light from the current store, says a larger store will worsen the situation and force him to move. The store will appear before the planning board soon.
The article reports that a mini-mart in West Lampeter, Pennsylvania wants to expand. The store will go before the zoning board for the request because convenience stores are only allowed in the county as a special exception; also, several zoning variances are being sought.
The article notes that one neighbor, who has already planted trees and built a shed to shield himself from noise and light from the current store, says a larger store will worsen the situation and force him to move. In particular, the refrigeration units at the store make a constant noise.
PUBLICATION: Air Transport Intelligence
DATE: January 5, 2000
BYLINE: Graham Dunn
DATELINE: London, England
Air Transport Intelligence reports that the European Express Association (EEA) has denounced a move by the Belgian Government to ban night flights starting in 2003. The EEA says that express companies need to fly at night to maintain their competitive edge, and to continue benefiting the European economy.
The article reports that the European Express Association (EEA) has denounced a move by the Belgian Government to ban flights -- starting in 2003 -- between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., with restrictions throughout the period of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The EEA says that express companies need to fly at night to maintain their competitive edge, and to continue benefiting the European economy.
The article notes that the proposition was called a "unilateral decree... [and a] short-term political 'solution',... not given proper thought in advance." The EEA says that agreements made in 1999 to use a "quota system to steadily improve the noise impact" should suffice. DHL Worldwide Express had already complained, saying it "aims to reduce night-time noise levels at the airport in 2003 to a minimum of 80% of the summer 1999 figure."
PUBLICATION: The Daily News
DATE: January 5, 2000
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 4
BYLINE: Sarah Gault
DATELINE: Vogeltown, New Zealand
The Daily News reports that a couple living in Vogeltown, New Zealand thought the Millennium concert on New Years' Day night was too loud and went too long. Local officials thought that most people wouldn't mind the once-in-a-millennium exception.
The article reports that a couple living in Vogeltown, New Zealand thought the Millennium concert on New Years' Day night was too loud and went too long. The couple called the concert's security before calling the mayor to complain, but the noise was not diminished. The couple couldn't hear their television, and said that noise should have been kept in the stadium and ended at 11 p.m., when the local ordinance says it should.
The article notes that local officials thought that most people wouldn't mind the once-in-a-millennium exception. The ordinance says that noise should be less than 55 decibels at any neighboring property line.
PUBLICATION: Journal of Commerce
DATE: January 5, 2000
SECTION: Transportation; Pg. 3
BYLINE: Bruce Barnard
DATELINE: London, England
The Journal of Commerce reports that Belgium's proposed ban on flights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. at Brussels Airport is the latest in a European trend of noise restrictions. Other airports have lost or gained cargo customers based on their noise restrictions.
The article reports that Belgium's proposed ban on flights between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. at Brussels Airport -- which will begin in 2003 -- is the latest in a European trend of noise restrictions. Restrictions -- particularly at night -- tend to hurt cargo carriers. DHL says the change at Brussels could cost 6,000 jobs.
The article notes that in Belgium, the goal is to reduce noise to 80 percent of 1999 levels. France denied DHL a presence at its Strasbourg Airport. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport lost several cargo carriers when it added noise restrictions. Smaller airports, such as Liege in Eastern Belgium, are benefiting from restrictions at larger airports by promising fewer restrictions to cargo operators; TNT Post recently added a Liege hub.
PUBLICATION: St. Petersburg Times
DATE: January 5, 2000
SECTION: Tampa & State; Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Richard Danielson
DATELINE: Tampa, Florida
The St. Petersburg Times reports that Tampa, Florida is considering noise walls at an infamous interstate junction. A public hearing will also be held to gauge public opinion about the walls. A preliminary survey suggests that opinion is leaning towards the barriers. Some officials say the walls will ruin tourists' driving experience.
The article reports that Tampa, Florida Transportation officials are considering noise walls along an infamous meeting of Interstate 4 and 275 called "Malfunction Junction." Informational letters and surveys have been sent out to 260 residents along the sections in question to determine public support for the walls.
The article notes that although federal officials require such noise walls to be considered as part of any roadway renovation where noise is at a certain level, support for the walls is unsure. Ybor City, Florida rejected noise walls at a construction project there so they could keep their view of the historic district. Also, local officials say that noise walls could spoil the experience of driving for tourists.
The article notes that the latest plan for the noise walls shows them to be much smaller than originally anticipated: eight feet in some places instead of 22 feet. Also, the entire interstate as it exists will become a grassy median, so that the noise walls will not make the wider runway seem as much like a tunnel.
The article notes that a public hearing will also be held to gauge public opinion about the walls. If the public doesn't want the walls, the Department of Transportation can recommend to federal officials that they not be required. A preliminary survey -- the officials junction survey hasn't been sent out yet -- suggests that opinion is leaning towards the barriers. Another aspect will be appearance of the barriers; textures or artwork can break up the monotony of a noise wall.
PUBLICATION: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
DATE: January 5, 2000
SECTION: Editorial, Pg. B6
BYLINE: Stephanie C. Aschemeyer
DATELINE: Clayton, Missouri
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch prints a letter to the editor from a reader who believes that noisy motorized vehicles have no place in our national forests, where they can harm wildlife.
"The national forests are the public's land -- all of the public, not just that portion that enjoys driving ATVs, jeeps, motorcycles and snowmobiles. People who claim to want wilderness experiences and use these intrusive modes of transportation to gain them are deluding themselves. Their wilderness experiences would gain validity if they traveled by foot, canoe or horseback.
The Dec. 12 article mentions the environmental damage to soil and streams and the noise pollution many people find obnoxious, all caused by these machines.
There is also concern about the loud noise from these engines. All wildlife residing in the wilderness depend on their ability to hear subtle sounds or sense delicate changes in the environment surrounding them. The ability to locate food for themselves or to escape becoming another animal's meal demands sensory acuity. Simply put, the loud engine noises make it impossible for wildlife to hear, and over time, the loud noise might permanently damage the finely constructed ears that have evolved to serve their various life forms.
This damage certainly has happened to the human ear. Shouldn't we take some responsibility for protecting other animals? I hope at least 40 million acres of national forest are protected from any more roads. I do not belong to any of the interest groups who support this position."
PUBLICATION: Western Morning News
DATE: January 5, 2000
SECTION: Pg.5
DATELINE: Exeter, United Kingdom
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Maureen Jones, chairman of Resurface The A30
The Western Morning News reports that activists from the Resurface the A30 group in Exeter, U.K. have hired a noise expert to measure noise levels along the A30 -- in addition to official measurements planned for April -- to "substantiate... claims that the noise levels are unacceptable at all times of the year."
The article reports that activists from the Resurface the A30 group in Exeter, U.K. have hired a noise expert to measure noise levels along the A30. Although the Highways Agency has promised to do its own noise tests after Easter when traffic will be at a higher rate, the group said "it is important we also substantiate our claims that the noise levels are unacceptable at all times of the year."
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