SENATOR HANNON:
PORT AUTHORITY TO BEGIN AIRPLANE NOISE STUDIES
“I’m
pleased to report that the Port Authority will begin the long-awaited noise
studies for Kennedy and LaGuardia Airports” said Senator Kemp Hannon
(R-Nassau). “After years of working with
residents, environmental groups, and others, and ultimately involving the
Governor to get this done, it’s finally happening.”
A
California-based environmental consulting firm was selected to perform the
studies of the two airports, and once the studies are completed, will recommend
ways to reduce aircraft noise. The firm,
Environmental Science Associates, will create a series of noise exposure maps
to identify all neighborhoods receiving jet and airplane noise, and then offer
solutions to mitigate the impact upon communities.
“For
years, Long Island communities have been inundated by jet noise,” said
Hannon. “It’s clear to anyone living
under the flight paths of these airplanes that airplane noise has gotten
progressively worse, and something must be done to mitigate the noise. If the levels are too high – anything above
65dB – the federal government will provide funding for noise mitigation
projects, including the soundproofing of homes, if need be.”
The
Port Authority, which was ordered to conduct these studies earlier this year,
has also agreed to look at all communities with noise levels between 55 and
65dB as well. The FAA (which sets noise
standards) must approve the studies, which would then make the Port Authority
for federal funding to cover the costs of noise dampening projects.