SPECIAL REPORT: SUSTAINABILITY
It pursues new technology to help mitigate aircraft noise throughout
the broad O’Hare landscape. For example, ONCC was involved in the world’s fi rst ground run-up enclosure constructed at O’Hare. Last year ONCC sponsored its fi rst-ever technology symposium where aviation experts discussed design of quieter engines and other measures to preserve the human and natural environment. A highly sophisticated Airport Noise Management System, introduced
when ONCC was formed, provides monthly data reports that ONCC and the CDA use to develop and manage specifi c abatement noise programmes. Data comes from several sources including 33 noise monitors, FAA radar data and noise complaints. Brendan McLaughlin, ONCC executive director, attributes the organisation’s
co-operative spirit and collaboration with the FAA, CDA, airlines and their pilots as key to ONCC’s success in noise reduction. Currently, ONCC is working with aviation partners to refi ne a voluntary
night time Fly Quiet programme by identifying the handful of errant overnight departures. ONCC encouraged the CDA to integrate preferred departure fl ight paths into the FAA’s aeronautical plates included in fl ight manuals for improved pilot adherence and less noise over homes. When a new O’Hare runway was commissioned in 2008, aircraft noise
shifted dramatically in some communities. ONCC collaborated with Congressional, school and community leaders, to urge the FAA to re-consider its current 65 DNL standard (day/night level of averaging noise metric). In response, the FAA initiated a fi ve-year Noise Research Roadmap project in 2009 to evaluate the validity of the 65 DNL and to investigate frequency of
fl ights affecting quality of life for residents living near airports. ONCC serves as an advisory member. ONCC has also collaborated with municipalities to acquire nearly
$2.3 million in FAA funds to develop compatible land use plans in four O’Hare communities. Comprehensive plans address ground transportation networks, redevelopment opportunities and infrastructure needs. In terms of community relations, ONCC initiates dialogue about aircraft
noise issues through community outreach appearances, education programmes and information channels such as its website and brochures. The city of Chicago’s Community Outreach Vehicle offers residents an
opportunity to talk one-on-one with O’Hare aviation experts, see simulated fl ight paths over the gateway via fl at screens and pick up more information about the O’Hare Modernization Program. ONCC’s website (
oharenoise.org) hosts news about ongoing sound
insulation projects, monthly noise monitor reports, an annual report and newsletters, ONCC general and committee public meeting schedules and other aviation related information. Regarding environmental aviation technology, ONCC actively participates
on the advisory board for PARTNER, a leading aviation co-operative research organisation sponsored by the FAA, NASA and Transport Canada. As always, members tenaciously continue their pursuit of quieter skies.
About the author Arlene Mulder is Mayor of Arlington Heights and has served as chair of the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission since its inception in 1996.
AIRPORT WORLD/AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2010 51 AW
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