Part 150 Index[Note: the "Recommendations below are those of the LAWA, and not necessarily those of the residents or community groups.] Proposed mitigation measures for the VNY Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study - May 29, 2001 With LAWA Staff Recommendations
1) Rental rates for leases and tie downs should be correlated to the level of noise generated by the aircraft to encourage quieter aircraft usage.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study with the acknowledgement that it be one of the items to be analyzed in a comprehensive Part 161 Study. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be predicated on the findings of the Part 161 Study.
2) The Part 150 NCP should establish differential landing fees with higher fees for noisier aircraft and lower fees for quieter aircraft.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study with the acknowledgement that it be one of the items to be analyzed in a comprehensive Part 161 Study. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be based on the findings of the Part 161 Study.
3) Fines should be imposed for aircraft operators who violate policies at VNY. After two violations, operators who violate the "Fly Neighborly"
program should be fined $500 for the third noisy operation. The fourth citation fine should be $1,000, and the fifth, $2,000. Any operator who receives a sixth citation letter should be banned from using the airport.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study with the acknowledgement that it be one of the items to be analyzed in a comprehensive Part 161 Study. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be based on the findings of the Part 161 Study.
4) The NCP should establish a daytime maximum noise limit of 77 dBA for aircraft operating at the airport.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study with the acknowledgement that it be one of the items to be analyzed in a comprehensive Part 161 Study. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be based on the findings of the Part 161 Study.
5) A cap on the number of Stage 3 jets that may be based at VNY should be a major NCP measure.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure not be pursued because the resulting economic hardships would be disproportionately higher than any benefits that might be realized. If the proposed measure is included in the Part 150 Study it should be identified as one of the items to be referred to a comprehensive Part 161 analysis. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be based on the findings of the Part 161 Study.
6) The Part 150 noise contour should be expanded to include the 60 and 55 CNEL contours.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure not be included in the Part 150 Study. However, if it is the desire of the Steering Committee to do so, the Committee may forward a recommendation to the City Planning Commission to investigate the feasibility/desirability of establishing land use controls within the 55 and/or 60 dBA CNEL contour areas with the purpose of minimizing the introduction of future non-compatible land uses.
7) The NCP should establish "Noise Sensitive Areas" in the list of NCP measures.
Recommendation: In recognition of other existing measures that address the apparent intent of this proposed measure it is recommended that no action is necessary with respect to this measure other than to possibly reinforce or emphasize the language of the adopted NCP measure # 1 7.
8) A l0 pm to 7 am curfew on non-emergency helicopters should be a key NCP measure.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study. The Steering Committee should also forward it to the Helicopter Task Force, as an item that they request should be considered.
If the proposed measure is included in the Part 150 Study it would be with the acknowledgement that it be one of the items to be analyzed in a comprehensive Part 161 Study. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be predicated on the findings of the Part 161 Study. Pending the outcome of the investigation into the feasibility and desirability of the measure by the Task Force the proposed measure would be subject to further evaluation within the context of the Part 150 Study.
9) A noise-sensitive marketing policy should be adopted for VNY.
Recommendation: It is recommended that development of a marketing policy, that will encourage the voluntary introduction of quieter aircraft into VNY operations and discourage the use of noisier aircraft as part the NCP, be included in the Part 150 Study.
10) A measure that would equalize departure routes should be adopted as an NCP measure.
Recommendation: This measure is antithetical to noise mitigation and it is recommended that it should not be pursued.
11) A 1500 to 2000 foot AGL minimum altitude should be required for helicopters.
Recommendation: It is recommended that adopted NCP measure # six be modified to include the provisions of this proposed measure. The Steering Committee should also forward the proposed measure to the Helicopter Task Force, as an item that they request should be considered. Pending the outcome of the evaluation by the Task Force the proposed measure, and/or adopted NCP measure # six, would be subject to possible further modification.
12) A "top of the runway" departure policy should be adopted as an NCP measure.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study as a reiteration of existing airport policy for jet aircraft.
13) The NCP should establish an "Airport Influence Area". This area would be created to encompass those communities where noise complaints have been recorded and includes the area covered by the noise contours for the year
2005. Various specific land use measures within this area should be implemented.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure not be included in the Part 150 Study. However, if it is the desire of the Steering Committee to do so, the Committee could forward a recommendation to the City Planning Commission to investigate the feasibility/desirability of establishing land use controls within an Airport Influence Area as defined by noise complaints and criteria established to define the relationship of those noise complaints to commensurate levels of proposed land use controls.
14) Public informational meetings on the progress of the Part 150 Program should be an NCP measure. The airport should annually monitor aircraft noise levels and the level of activity at the airport to determine if significant and unexpected changes have occurred to the base year NEM, and to determine if the Part 150 program is being successfully implemented.
These results should be provided at annual public information meetings to discuss the progress of the Part 150 plan and to educate and inform airport users and the affected communities. Discussions with airport users regarding community complaints associated with airport operations should also be included in these annual reviews. Recommendations for updating the NEMs and Part 150 program should be provided if unexpected changes occur before the 5-year period and significantly affect the land use compatibility situation around the airport, and/or the noise abatement cost assumptions used in the development of the current plan.
Recommendation: It is recommended that adopted NCP Measure #18 should be amended to reflect the establishment of a Noise Roundtable at VNY, in lieu of continuation of the Steering Committee, to review progress on implementation of the Part 150 Study. The Roundtable would be charged with holding annual community meetings, and more frequently as warranted, to discuss the status of the Part 150 program and recommended adjustments.
15) Provisions for a full-time Noise Abatement Officer should be an NCP measure. The Officer should be responsible for operation of the permanent monitoring system, community liaison regarding noise issues, collection of and response to noise complaints, implementation of the NCP, and ongoing noise compatibility planning efforts. The Officer is a critical element of the ongoing implementation and success of the NCP.
Recommendation: In recognition of current practices, and the intent manifested in adopted NCP Measure #23, it is recommended that it is not necessary to include this item in the proposed NCP measures.
16) The VNY noise complaint system should be improved to provide greater feedback to operators, and link complaints to actual noise reduction measures. The function of the noise complaint system should be expanded to effectuate reductions in noise and not merely be used for public relations purposes.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the intent of the proposed measure be incorporated into adopted NCP Measure #23 to provide added guidance to the Noise Abatement Officer in communicating with aircraft operators.
17) The NCP should ratify Resolution 13369 passed by the Airport Commission on October 2, 1982. This resolution clearly stated an operating policy, originally established in April 1969 and later reaffirmed, that would enforce a 12,500 lb. weight limit on air taxis and charters.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure not be pursued.
18) The NCP should include a measure for a total night-time curfew on ALL jet operations, both arrival and departures (except emergencies). It should be in place between 10 p.m. and 7 am.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure not be pursued because the resulting economic hardships would be disproportionately higher than any benefits that might be realized.
19) Cap or phase out the current fleet of helicopters.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study. The Steering Committee should also forward it to the Helicopter Task Force, as an item that they request should be considered.
If the proposed measure is included in the Part 150 Study it would be with the acknowledgement that it be one of the items to be analyzed in a comprehensive Part 161 Study. A determination on whether to further pursue this type of measure would be predicated on the findings of the Part 161 Study. Pending the outcome of the investigation into the feasibility and desirability of the measure by the Task Force the proposed measure would be subject to further evaluation within the context of the Part 150 Study.
20) Possible development of a program to provide financial assistance to residents who are interested in moving out the noise impact area.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this measure be included in the Part 150 Study.
21) Amend the NCP to investigate the feasibility of obtaining a noise monitoring system with real time capabilities.
Recommendation: It is recommended that this proposed measure be included in the Part 150 Study. It is further recommended, however, that any such noise monitoring system not be used for enforcement of any pre-set noise thresholds.
22) A system of incentives and disincentives could be established to encourage greater use of quieter aircraft and less use of noisier aircraft.
Recommendation: Refer to, and consolidate with, proposed measures #1 & 2.
23) Increase fines to have a deterrent effect on aircraft operators who violate existing ordinances at VNY.
Recommendation: Refer to, and consolidate with, proposed measure 43.
24) The curfew provisions currently contained in the Van Nuys Noise Abatement and Curfew Regulation could be expanded.
Recommendation: Refer to, and consolidate with, proposed measures #8 and # 18.
25) Maximum daytime noise limits for aircraft operating at the airport could be established.
Recommendation: Refer to, and consolidate with, proposed measure #4.
26) The existing voluntary Fly Friendly program could be made a mandatory program with penalties.
Recommendation: Refer to, and consolidate with, proposed measure #3.