T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluationaround the Airport (described below). Figure 4-2 shows the locations of the primary, secondary, and vehiculartraffic noise measurement sites. Refer to DEIS Appendix F.5, Noise Monitoring, for further details on the methodsof these noise measurements, such as site selection and measurement instrumentation.In addition, the Baseline Condition includes supplemental noise analyses that provide a full understanding ofthe noise environment, but are not required by the FAA to evaluate significant impacts. Supplemental noiseanalyses and metrics were included in this EIS because they were requested by the public and agencies duringthe EIS scoping process. The following supplemental analyses and metrics were used to evaluate thealternatives:• Single-Event Noise Analysis – A statistical analysis of single events for individual aircraft operations wasperformed by comparing measured noise levels from aircraft operations – captured by the noise monitorsand correlated with the flight track radar data – to modeled noise levels from the INM.• Cargo-Related Ground Noise Analysis – Noise exposure from cargo operations was predicted usingdetailed descriptions of operations provided by cargo operators, and took into account geometry of thecargo facility, terrain, and average weather conditions.• Vehicular Traffic Noise Analysis – Short-term vehicular traffic noise measurements were conducted atseven sites based on their proximity to noise-sensitive sites (Figure 4-2; shown with an “R” prefix).• Supplemental Aviation Noise Metrics – While not required by the FAA but requested through agency andpublic scoping, supplemental noise metrics were calculated for the Baseline Condition to better describe thenoise environment, in addition to DNL.Refer to DEIS Appendix F, Noise, for further descriptions of the methodology used to conduct the noiseevaluation for this FEIS.4.2.1.4 BackgroundThis section provides background on current and past noise abatement and noise compatibility programs atT.F. Green Airport.Rhode Island Airport Corporation’s Noise Abatement Program and Noise Compatibility ProgramT.F. Green Airport was one of the first airports in New England to participate in the FAA’s Noise and Land UseCompatibility Program, which is conducted under 14 CFR Part 150. 149, 150 The Airport’s first Part 150 Study andNEM were approved by the FAA in 1986. In 1991, the Noise Exposure Map (NEM) was updated and in 1993RIAC’s first Part 150 study update was completed. Both Part 150 studies included aircraft-related noiseabatement measures some of which been adopted and continue to be implemented, and others were notenacted. In 1999, RIAC undertook a complete update of the original Part 150 Study that evaluated theeffectiveness and/or applicability of previously implemented noise abatement and land use compatibilitymeasures, and provided recommendations. During the course of this Part 150 Study update and based on anrevised NEM (dated 2000), 58 additional noise abatement and land use alternatives were evaluated for their149 14 CFR Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning.150 RIAC’s Part 150 NCP was initiated by the 1986 NEM and NCP approval, and includes the1991 NEM update, 1995 NEM update, 2000 NCP revision, 2008NEM update, and 2010 NEM update.Chapter 4 – Affected Environment 4-4 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH04_Affected_Env_JUL_2011.doc