The Columbus Regional Airport Authority's Noise Program aims to improve the compatibility between aircraft operations and noise-sensitive land uses, while allowing the airports to continue serving their role in the nation's aviation system. Three elements serve to satisfy this objective:

1. Noise Abatement:

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority's Noise Abatement Office is committed to monitoring aircraft operations in conjunction with its efforts to minimize aircraft noise exposure for the community.

To assist in this endeavor, a noise and flight track monitoring system was installed in 1999 to help achieve balance between the economic benefits associated with the locations of the airports and the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding areas. A new, state-of-the-art noise and flight track monitoring system was installed in 2006 to replace the initial system. The replacement system is linked with air traffic control radar systems and permanent noise monitoring terminals placed in nearby communities. This, paired with a variety of other noise-reduction efforts, ensures that the airports remain pleasant neighbors.

Noise-reduction efforts:

Port Columbus Developed departure procedures to minimize overflights of residential areas Implemented a nighttime curfew for jet operations on the north runway Initiated a nighttime engine maintenance run-up policy Installed taxiway signs to warn pilots of noise-sensitive areas Installed noise abatement walls at three locations on the airport to reduce noise generated by nighttime engine maintenance run-ups Residential and school sound insulation projects Rickenbacker Developed departure procedures to minimize overflights of residential areas Implemented arrival procedures during nighttime hours to minimize overflights of residential areas

Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP):

The City of Columbus and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first implemented an FAA grant program at Port Columbus in 1992 following a noise compatibility study and subsequent reviews.

Since the program's inception, the Airport Authority has applied for and received 21 noise grants from the FAA totaling over $29 million. Grant funds were utilized for a variety of projects including: installation of an airport noise and flight track monitoring system, property acquisition, construction of noise abatement walls, residential sound insulation, school soundproofing, acquisition of portable noise monitoring equipment, and adoption of zoning codes for areas located within the airport noise contours.

Through Phase X, which was completed in June 2007, CRAA has sound insulated 702 homes. Such treatments include acoustic windows, attic insulation, new primary and storm doors, patio doors, central air conditioning and furnaces (where applicable), and electrical upgrades. Participants in this voluntary program are required to sign a Homeowner Agreement as well as an Avigation Easement. The Airport Authority makes the initial contact with residents living within the 65 DNL (Day/Night average sound level) noise contour, which is a qualifying factor for eligibility to receive sound insulation treatments. A map indicating the 65 DNL noise contour is located in the final Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study document available at the following link: http://www.columbusairports.com/noise/info.asp#150

Please note: The Airport Authority contacts owners of all residences located within the noise contour line and advises them of their eligibility to participate in this program.

2. Land Use Management:

Land use management involves developing measures to both diminish the noise impact on existing land uses and promote compatible development in undeveloped areas in the airport's vicinity.

3. Program Management:

Program management involves the detailed procedural and document management associated with the implementation of noise and land use measures, thus making program management responsible for monitoring and updating all aspects of the Noise Compatibility Program.

 

Port Columbus Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program and Noise Exposure Maps Update

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) is updating the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study for Port Columbus International Airport. The study is being prepared concurrently with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

CRAA has proposed a replacement/relocation of the south runway and the development of a new passenger terminal to supplement the existing passenger terminal at Port Columbus International Airport (CMH). Before these projects start, the FAA is preparing an EIS order to analyze and disclose the environmental impacts caused by proposed projects. Because there are potential noise impacts associated with the proposed projects, the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study has been updated.

Part 150 of the Federal Aviation Regulations provides guidance for conducting a Noise Compatibility Study. There are two components to the study process. The first component is to identify the Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) and the second is to develop a Noise Compatibility Program (NCP). NEMs are the official noise contours for the airport and are prepared for an existing condition (2006/2007) and for a five-year future condition (2012). It is anticipated that the construction of the proposed replacement runway will be completed in 2012.

The NEMs must be prepared according to FAR Part 150 guidelines in regards to methodology, noise metrics, identification of incompatible land uses, and public outreach. NEMS graphically show where significant levels of annual average noise exposure on incompatible land uses around the airport are anticipated. 

The NCP sets forth measures intended to mitigate the impacts of significant noise exposure on land uses that are considered by the FAA as incompatible with significant levels of aircraft noise. Levels of significance are identified in the Federal Aviation Regulations. Examples of incompatible land uses include: housing, schools, churches, nursing homes, parks, recreation areas, wildlife refuges or historic properties. Other measures in the NCP are identified to restrict the introduction of new incompatible land uses into locations exposed to significant noise levels.

The FAA will review and approve the measures identified to limit noise impacts on local residents. An airport with an FAA-approved NCP may be eligible for funding assistance to implement the measures in the NCP.

Public Involvement

The Noise Compatibility Study process is designed to encourage the public to comment on the study process and findings. Public information workshops were held throughout the Part 150 Study at key points. Workshops were conducted in an open house format where residents could attend anytime during workshop hours. Representatives of the FAA, airport staff, and consulting team were available at various stations throughout the workshops to answer questions or discuss specific issues. Public information workshops were held on July 11 and 12, 2006; December 5 and 6, 2006; April 24 and 25, 2007; and on August 14 and 15, 2007. A hearing was held in conjunction with the public workshops on August 14 and 15. The public was invited to provide their oral comments to a court reporter. The transcripts for the hearings have been included in the final Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study. Advertising for the workshops and hearing was placed in the Columbus Dispatch and community newspapers several weeks before the meetings.

The final Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study document was submitted to the FAA on November 14, 2007. A Record of Approval is anticipated from the FAA in June 2008.

In addition, a printed copy of the final Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study document is available at the administrative offices for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, located at Port Columbus International Airport, 4600 International Gateway, Columbus, OH 43219.