Airport's noise study differs from residents' experiences
Wed, 07/06/2011
(Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to Port of Seattle commissioners with a copy to the Times/News.)
Regarding some points on the Noise Study Draft.
A major problem with the study appears to be that subjects of the study are almost totally different from the noise and sleep problems brought up by the public. For example, the 2 a.m. flight has been brought up repeatedly by residents at other presentations but ignored by staff.
The "hush house" has been brought up repeatedly by staff but only rarely by residents and generally in response to staff and appears to be grossly overpriced. The picture suggests an opening would be pointed at (Des Moines Mayor) Bob Sheckler's house and downtown Des Moines.
The hush house evaluation document shows two locations "A" and "B" which would probably require relocation of the fuel tanks and "A" would require extensive fill as the location is on the golf course well below the first runway.
A coyote fence is on the west edge of the runway. This should be replaced with an airport fence to direct airport on the ground sound upwards where no known population exists.
Please take a look at the "Updated Noise Program Boundary." That boundary is a total farce. It is the same boundaries that were used for the SECOND runway projections. The Port went belly up on that runway.
You should notice how the Current Noise Remedy Boundary has regular right angle turns. The extensions represented vacant lots at that time to impress the FAA and the SECOND runway commissioners. I can guarantee that any aircraft taking off now from the third runway will emit more than 65 DNL at the midpoint.
Dan Caldwell
Des Moines