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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between an Environmental Impact Statement and a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study?

Answer: An EIS is a disclosure document that identifies significant environmental impacts, including but not limited to noise, which would occur as a result of a proposed project, in order to inform decision-makers and the public of the reasonable alternatives which would avoid or minimize adverse impacts. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administers the preparation and review of the EIS process and findings.

A Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study is a planning document that identifies the impacts of noise which occur as a result in changes in aircraft operations such as the construction of a new runway. The document identifies alternatives to minimize the adverse impacts of noise on a community.

The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is conducting a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study concurrently with the EIS, to recommend alternatives that can be incorporated in the Environmental Impact Statement.

2. Why does the south runway need to be relocated?

Answer: There are several reasons why relocating the south runway (Runway 10R/28L) was chosen as the best alternative for the future of the airport. The south runway will need extensive repair in the near future. It is common to review the location of a runway prior to a major rehabilitation project is undertaken to determine if there are reasons to relocate the runway. While the costs to relocate the south runway are higher than reconstructing the south runway in place, those costs will be offset in the long-term by increasing operating efficiency at the airport, minimizing impacts to the airport during the reconstruction of the runway, and opening other development opportunities on the airport.

3. What effect will the runway relocation have on aircraft noise in the surrounding area?

Answer: Relocation of the south runway will also change the arrival and departure flight paths for that runway. Therefore, it is expected that there would be increased noise levels under the new flight paths. At this point in the process, the specific areas that would receive increased noise and the amount of increased noise has not been determined. The answer to these questions will be disclosed in the EIS document. In addition, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority will be preparing a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study to identify potential noise impacts and to develop recommendations for reducing and/or mitigating those impacts.

4. When will the new south runway be constructed?

Answer: The new runway is expected to be operational by the year 2013.

5. What will happen to the existing south runway?

Answer: Once the new south runway is operational the existing south runway will be closed and will be converted into a taxiway.