HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/1/2012 - STAFF REPORTS fppLAM Sp9
a
V N
c44
1
F0"`'�p CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
UNFINISHED BUSSINES
DATE: February 1, 2012
SUBJECT: Report on the Status of Military Aircraft Operations
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION
SUMMARY
This staff report provides an update on the City's initiatives toward reducing the number
of Military aircraft operations and associated noise reduction at Palm Springs
International Airport. Additionally, information is included which outlines past noise
mitigation programs by the Airport and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and File.
STAFF ANALYSIS
Due to months of noticeable increases in the number of Military aircraft operations at
the Palm Springs International Airport, and related increase in noise, the City has taken
an active role in reaching out to the Military and federal representatives in an effort
reduce the number of Military flights. Although the City cannot restrict use of the Airport
under federal law, the City is committed to work cooperatively with the Military and FAA
to address these issues and develop a reasonable approach that reduces noise levels.
Toward this goal, the City Council appointed an Airport Noise Subcommittee which
includes members Mills and Lewin.
Joining us in this effort, Congresswoman Bono-Mack has taken the initiative to send a
letter directly to the Department of Defense inquiring as to the reasons for the increased
Military aircraft operations and requested information regarding precautionary steps that
can be taken to reduce the noise. At this time, we have not received a response from
ITEM NO. *
City Council Staff Report
February 1, 2012 -- Page 2
Report on Status of Military Aircraft Operations
the Department of Defense; however the Congresswomen's Office is following up on
her request.
On December 12, 2011 the Council Subcommittee, the Airport Commission Noise
Subcommittee Chairman, staff and a representative from the Congresswoman's Office
met to discuss possible solutions. In addition to the formal request to the Department of
Defense by the Congresswomen's Office, a range of several other noise mitigation
strategies have been implemented.
• Signs requesting "good neighbor" flying practices have been placed adjacent to
the apron where Military aircraft arrive and depart.
• The Airport Director met with fixed based aviation operators and requested their
participation in communicating our "good neighbor' message to Military Pilots
who utilize their facilities.
• The Airport's web-site now has information specifically directed to Military Pilots
advising them of the residential areas surrounding the Airport and recommending
noise abatement operational practices.
• The Council Subcommittee reaffirmed the inclusion of Military aircraft operations
data in the Airport's updated Master Plan Environmental Review which is
presently underway.
In 1993 a multi-year noise mitigation project was initiated and ultimately completed in
2005. This program, which was prompted by the extension of the Airport's primary
runway, was compiled under FAA guidelines for studying and developing the Airport's
noise footprint. Subsequently, a "noise exposure model" was approved by the FAA
which included a plan for mitigating noise related issues for property within this noise
footprint.
Approximately $11 million in federal grant funds were expended on an array of
mitigation projects which included noise insulation for approximately 200 homes,
acquisition of vacant land to provide buffers between the airport and residential areas,
construction of a noise barrier and wall, and the purchase and demolition of four homes
and one multi family unit. These measures occurred at both the north and south ends
of the Airport runway. The attached document provides a general overview of the noise
exposure map developed at that time and a list of completed remediation expenditures.
a
City Council Staff Report
February 1, 2012 -- Page 3
Report on Status of Military Aircraft Operations
Next steps in the current process include further meetings with the Council
Subcommittee and federal officials where appropriate, review of the Department of
Defense response to the Congresswomen's request, and updates to the City Council -
including information relative to the Airport Master Plan Environmental Review update.
Thom�lan, A.A.E.
Executive Director, Airport
David H. Ready, D.
City Manager
Attachment: PSP Noise Mitigation History
3