Washington, DC—(ENEWSPF)–October 16, 2013 – Reps. Jan Schakowsky and Mike Quigley release the following statement on working to reduce O’Hare Airport noise pollution:
U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) to further examine ways to mitigate O’Hare Airport noise pollution resulting from the new runways opening this week as part of the O’Hare Modernization Program.
“I am closely monitoring the O’Hare Modernization Program and its impacts on the 9th Congressional District,” said Rep. Schakowsky. “I am committed to doing everything I can to protect the communities surrounding O’Hare Airport from adverse impacts of air traffic and will continue to advocate for quieter aircraft, better technology to reduce noise impacts on the community, and soundproofing of homes, schools, and businesses dealing with high levels of airport noise.”
“The O’Hare Modernization Program will increase safety, expand operations and improve efficiency at this vital economic engine,” said Rep. Quigley. “But vibrant neighborhoods and stable property values need not be sacrificed in the process. I’ll continue bringing neighbors and airport officials together to explore additional ways we can address community concerns.”
In a letter to the FAA, Quigley and Schakowsky encouraged officials to 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. The representatives believe the metric is outdated and does not accurately “reflect the true level of discomfort experienced by residents.” For a full copy of the letter click here.
A separate letter to the CDA asks officials to consider expanding the Fly Quiet program, which encourages pilots and air traffic controllers to use designated nighttime preferential runways and flight tracks that direct aircraft over less populated areas, such as forest preserves, highways and commercial or industrial areas. For a full copy of the letter click here.
Much of the 9th Congressional District sits between Lake Michigan and O’Hare Airport, and the communities in the 9th district sit below some of the most frequently used flight paths to and from the airport. Rep. Schakowsky has worked for years to help homeowners, schools, and businesses with soundproofing efforts and has worked with the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission on other efforts to reduce noise pollution. This year, she reintroduced H.Res. 29, a resolution calling for cooperation between the FAA and local airport authorities to continue to work to develop airport noise mitigation plans. Rep. Schakowsky is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, serving as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade.
O’Hare became a part of Illinois’ 5th Congressional District in January of this year. Since then, Rep. Quigley has met continuously with neighborhood organizations and aviation officials to discuss solutions to the noise concerns and was able to have a temporary noise monitor placed at North Park Village. Rep. Quigley serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where he has made Chicago-area infrastructure investment a top priority as a member of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD).
Source: www.schakowsky.house.gov
