O'Hare Noise Pollution Could Be Under Review

Washington, DC (May 20, 2009) — Growing noise pollution from planes at Chicago O'Hare International Airport has caused tremendous frustration for residents within ear shot of airplanes coming and going.  O'Hare maintains that aircraft noise is below the Federal Aviation Administration's mandated levels, but residents protest the FAA method does not accurately measure air traffic noise.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-IL, submitted an amendment today that would require the FAA to review their formula as a first step toward reducing noise pollution.  If accepted, the legislation would change the FAA Reauthorization bill to require an FAA study to determine whether averaging noise pollution over a 24-hour period is the best metric for measuring noise pollution.

"The current FAA noise level measurement formula is does not reflect what residents are experiencing because it includes late night, and early morning hours into the average when airplanes aren't flying,... said Rep. Schakowsky.  "We need to take steps to reduce noise pollution for residents without sacrificing airport efficiency that so many of us depend on for business travel and family vacations....

The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission reported that "the current noise metrics do not take into account the constant frequency of flights or its heightened annoyance to residents.  Averaging noise decibels via the Day/Night Sound Level (DNL) throughout the day does not resolve significant annoyance for people living, working and attending schools beneath air traffic....

On April 14, 2009, Rep. Schakowsky met with concerned residents who asked her to intervene on their behalf to reduce noise emissions.  Changes in the O'Hare air traffic pattern and the opening of a new runway has reenergized resident's calls for action.

Congress is expected to vote on the FAA Reauthorization this week.  The FAA Reauthorization authorizes $70 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, facilities and equipment, operations, and research and development for FY09-FY12.