HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/7/2012 - STAFF REPORTS - 00 Page I of 2
Scott Connelly
From: <senator@feinstein.senate.gov>
To: <sconnelly@dc.rr.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 01,2012 3:15 PM
Subject U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message
Dear Mr. Connelly_
Thank you for writing to express your concerns about noise pollution from aircraft.
I am sorry to hear that you are being inconvenienced by the air traffic noise in your area.
I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportumty to respond to your concerns.
Noise abatement efforts call upon the airport users, aircraft manufacturers, the
airport proprietors, Federal, state and local governments, and residents in communities
surrounding airports to take specific steps that are essential in reducing the number of
people adversely affected by noise.
The Federal government, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has
the authority and responsibility to control aircraft noise by the regulation of source
emissions, flight operational procedures, and management of the air traffic control system
and navigable airspace. The Federal government also provides financial and technical
assistance to airport proprietors for noise reduction planning and abatement activities and,
working with the private sector, conducts continuing research into noise abatement
technology.
Airspace design also influences airplane noise heard from the ground. Airspace is
constantly redesigned to accommodate airport expansions, increased airspace use,
improved aircraft capabilities and to maximize efficiency of our nation's air travel
infrastructure. Safety is the first priority in airspace design, but environmental impact
and noise abatement are also considered. Airspace redesign is administered by the FAA
and much input is derived from the experienced controllers and managers at air traffic
control facilities at individual airports.
As each airport is largely responsible for the airspace use immediately surrounding
the airport, I would suggest that you contact the noise abatement office at your local
airport with any concerns or questions. I would also encourage you to contact the FAA
Western Pacific Division at 15000 Aviation Blvd.,Lawndale, CA 90261.
Again, thank you for your letter. Please know that I will keep your comments in
mind should the Senate address this issue. I hope you will continue to keep in touch on
issues of importance to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to call my
Washington, D.C. staff at(202) 224-3841.
Best Regards.
Also, may I take this opportunity to wish you a happy and healthy holiday
season. And may 2010 be a good year for us all.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
3/2/2012
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Scott Connelly
2071 Marguerite St.
Palm Springs CA 92264
November 12, 2011
Senator Dianne Feinstein
750 B Street, Suite 1030
San Diego, CA 92101
Re: Military Aircraft Noise
Dear Senator Feinstein,
The recent increase in the number of military jets using the Palm Springs airport
continues to be a major concern as it is adversely impacting the quality of our lives. The
resulting extreme decibel levels are causing health, environmental, financial, and safety
issues.
The Desert Sun has published three articles since May of this year regarding the
problems and the increasing complaints of the jet noise. City officials are quoted as
saying it is out of our control.
I urge you to help our community find ways to mitigate or resolve these issues. Your
assistance in helping identifying how we can address these issues and open
communications with the Military would be appreciated.
I submitted the following suggestions to Palm Springs City Manager:
• Create a community based advisory committee.
• Meet with military representatives.
• Request the military use alternative airports in Coachella Valley such as Thermal.
• Initiate noise study and/or environmental impact studies.
• Request the military to reduce flights and have pilots mitigate noise.
• Review any contracts that are related to the military jets use of the airport and
identify ways to mitigate or change terms and conditions.
Thank you for your consideration and assistance in this matter of mutual concern
regarding our health and safety and the impact on the environment, as well as the
quality of life in our community.
We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Scott Connelly
760-324-5001