Letter From State Senator Tom Hayden

December 3, 1996

To Jack Driscoll, Executive Director Los Angeles Department of Airports

Wanda J. Williams, Project Manager Department of Airports

Re: Van Nuys Airport Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report, General Plan Amendment and Zone Change

Dear Mr. Driscoll and Ms. Williams:

Thank you for the opportunity to address the adequacy of the Draft EIR and Draft Van Nuys Airport Master Plan. I have been interested in the future plans for the airport and the various growth alternatives which have been presented. To my surprise, there has been little regard by the Department of Airports to curtail noise intrusions and regular nightly and early morning disruptions. The airport has failed to adequately address neighborhood concerns while proposing to add a greater number of aircraft to an already overstressed community.

The Initial Study Checklist in the DEIR indicates that there may be adverse impacts from noise. Yet the noise impact area is predicted to decrease due to the reduction in Stage II aircraft from the Van Nuys Fleet by 2015. As was pointed out in the Part 150 Steering Committee Meeting, there is no indication that such aircraft will decrease. In fact, due to the prohibitive cost of purchasing new and quieter jets, Stage II aircraft could continue to be refurbished saving the owners hundreds of thousands of dollars and creating noise impacts.

While the plan assesses the primary uses for the airport which include the short and long term aviation needs, it does little to ensure its compatibility with the surrounding neighborhoods. An objective of the document is to set forth standards and policies that result in aircraft noise reductions. Yet the proposed project would allow up to 58 additional jets and 25 helicopters to a fleet that today has a noise reduction plan that does not work. A look through your compilation of public comments in Volume 4 of the Draft EIR will set the record straight on the operating practices at Van Nuys Airport and the significant impacts caused by noisy aircraft. "Unbearable," "relentless aircraft noise," "plummeting home values," "ear-aching rumbling," "deafening sound," "rockets taking off," "intolerable," and "quite stressful" are but a few mentioned by neighbors, in spite of a mitigation plan in place, referred to as "Fly Neighborly." In light of the ongoing complaints, to contemplate promoting the continued use of the airport as a general aviation reliever airport with an integral role in the Southern California air transportation system while advancing an alternative to increase jet and helicopter use, is insensitive and irresponsible.

The 1994 Noise Exposure Contour Evaluation prepared by Landrum & Brown, Inc. (March 1995) indicates that the noise contour has continued to expand over previous years proving that mitigations are not working. In 1994, noise contour was as low as 1.29 square miles at 65 CNEL while the existing noise contour is 1.62 square miles. The DEIR must not be built on expectations or hope. The fact is that aircraft related noise at Van Nuys Airport is expanding and was not predicted.

Until such time as effective mitigation can be attained, the preferred alternative of aviation growth must be opposed. Balancing a healthy community with an economically strong and viable city is difficult, at best. But the quality of life for thousands of men, women and children is infinitely more important than 113 acres of vacant land. Not until human life has been addressed can the economic benefit of Van Nuys Airport to the San Fernando Valley and the Southern California region be considered.

Sincerely,
TOM HAYDEN

Van Nuys Airport page
Revised 12/05/96