Aircraft Noise Compatibility Planning Study

AIRCRAFT NOISE COMPATIBILITY PLANNING STUDY

The Port Authority has embarked on its first 14 CFR Part 150 Studies for its airports in New York and New Jersey. Studies are underway for JFK, LGA, EWR and TEB airports.

Part 150 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) specifies procedures and methods for identifying land uses around airports that are not compatible with airport operations, and to develop measures to reduce, and prevent the introduction of new, noncompatible land uses. Noncompatible land uses are noise-sensitive uses of land that are impacted by aircraft noise in excess of thresholds established by the FAA.

Part 150 studies involve the creation of Noise Exposure Maps and Noise Compatibility Programs. A Noise Exposure Map (NEM) identifies an airport’s present and future noise exposure and the land uses which are not compatible with those noise patterns. A Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) identifies measures the airport operator has taken or proposes to take to reduce, and/or prevent the introduction of, noncompatible land uses.

Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:

To reduce, where feasible, existing and forecasted noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with federal guidelines;
To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability; and
To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.