Also announce more than $10 million in DOT grants for noise mitigation measures
Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)—September 11, 2014. U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement regarding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s response to their request for a new environmental impact study (EIS) of the O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP):
“The unprecedented noise pollution facing our local communities is a serious problem that warrants urgent action. The FAA’s refusal to immediately complete a thorough EIS is extremely disappointing, and any FAA re-evaluation is meaningless if it does not consider increased noise level data. Our constituents’ quality of life is rapidly deteriorating, and the FAA’s response is unacceptable. There is more work to be done at all levels, and we will continue to push the FAA towards meaningful solutions that can provide relief to residents who are losing both sleep and patience.”
The representatives requested a new EIS in June. Since October 2013, complaints about the impact of the OMP, its newest runway and attending flight pattern changes at O’Hare have risen dramatically. In the ten years since the original EIS, significant changes to the implementation of the OMP underscore the necessity for a new assessment. Runways have opened out of sequence; new rules governing converging runways have pushed even more air traffic on the east-west configuration; and neighborhoods have been flooded with unexpected noise.
Additionally, the representatives announced two new U.S. Department of Transportation grants for noise mitigation measures in the area. The first provides $6.8 million for residential soundproofing for homes that fall within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) metric, and the second provides $4.8 million for measures at Ebinger Elementary School.
“These substantial grants are welcome news for families and students seeking relief from the noise that hinders their ability to live, work and learn in the neighborhoods they call home. We’re thankful that the Department of Transportation recognizes the importance of soundproofing in the noise mitigation process and urge the FAA to expedite their review of policies that could allow more individuals to qualify for soundproofing assistance,” said the representatives.
The representatives met earlier this year with FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to reiterate a request made in October 2013 that the agency reexamine the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) metric used to measure noise effects on individuals due to aviation activities. Lowering the level would potentially allow more residents to qualify for the O’Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP). The representatives believe the metric is outdated and does not accurately “reflect the true level of discomfort experienced by residents.”
Source: duckworth.house.gov
