2015 Baseline vs. Alternative Noise Exposure Contour
The study team has evaluated the potential for new noise abatement alternatives to further improve the land use compatibility around the airport. The evaluation found that the current noise abatement program is extensive and largely effective. Only one measure was considered to have any potential for additional improvement – the existing measure that establishes west flow as the preferred operating configuration. The study team is considering that an east flow operating configuration be recommended as the preferred operation.
As shown in the exhibit, the 65 DNL noise exposure contour for the "preferential east flow operations" (shown in green) is smaller in size along the approaches to runways 30R and 30L, which is over primarily residential land. This is due to the decrease in aircraft arrivals to these runways that would occur with the preferred east flow alternative. Conversely, the 65 DNL of the "preferential east flow operations" would increase along the approaches to runways 12R and 12L due to the increase in arrivals to these runways. The increase in the size of the noise exposure contour, however, is over compatible land use. Similarly, the 65 DNL (shown in green) also expands slightly along the 100-degree departure corridor to the east of the airport due to the increase in departures in this direction. The increase in the size of the noise exposure contour in this direction also occurs over compatible land uses. The table in the bottom right corner of the exhibit shows the reduction in noise impacts that would occur as a result of implementing "preferential east flow operations." The study team will further analyze this alternative before a final recommendation is made.
