Story ID: 
FAA Extends Comment Period on Noise Research
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The FAA said stakeholder involvement is necessary as it uses its noise research to help shape future environmental policy.
Word Count: 282
The FAA extended the comment period for the existing noise research portfolio until April 14, providing additional time for stakeholders to review the results of its Neighborhood Environmental Survey and other areas recommended for investigation.

In January, the FAA opened the docket for comments, saying its research projects could be used to help shape future noise policy such as a revised use of the Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL). But the agency said it would not make any determinations until it has considered public and stakeholder input and completed any additional necessary research.

The Neighborhood Environmental Survey, a multi-year research effort to gain a better understanding of community response to noise, drew responses from more than 10,000 people living near 20 airports across the country and showed an increased level of reported annoyance due to aircraft noise, the FAA said.

Addressing this concern will require increased collaboration with all stakeholders, the FAA said. “In this regard, the FAA has an important role to play in addressing noise issues, including continuing to improve the understanding of how airport noise impacts communities surrounding our nation’s airports.”

This survey data and the other research related to noise abatement will be used to guide the FAA’s approach to noise exposure and ensuring the well-being of people living near airports. The increased annoyance reports come despite civilian aircraft being quieter than at any time in the history of powered aircraft and efforts to further reduce noise.

Further, the agency added, the number of Americans exposed to significant aviation noise near airports has been reduced from seven million to just more than 400,000, a more than 94 percent reduction.