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

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluation5.4.2.2 Additional AnalysesIn addition to evaluating the affects of significant noise impacts on noise-sensitive land uses (residential), thecompatible land use analysis also considers other noise impacts, such as noise-sensitive land uses and zoningdistricts exposed to noise levels of DNL 65 dB and above as well as the changes in land uses associated with themandatory land acquisition related to construction, and land acquisition for noise mitigation, andFAA-recommended clearing of the RPZ areas for Alternatives B2 and B4. In accordance with the Part 150 NCP,the compatible land use analysis identifies residential land (in parcels and acres; the number of housing unitsare presented where applicable for comparison purposes to the noise, and social and socioeconomic analyses)within the DNL 70 dB contour that would be eligible for voluntary participation in a land acquisition program.Also in accordance with Part 150, as identified under Section 5.3, Noise, residences located between the DNL 65dB and 70 dB contours would be eligible for sound insulation.For the purposes of this FEIS, 100 percent participation in the VLAPs is assumed in order to disclose allpotential land use changes related to land acquisition. Property owners that initially elect not to participate in aVLAP continue to be eligible and could voluntarily participate at any time, contingent upon fundingavailability. Additionally, throughout RIAC’s ongoing Part 150 Program, the rate that residents choose tovoluntarily participate in the program ranges from 90 to 95 percent on average. 293 Land acquired for noisemitigation under RIAC’s ongoing Part 150 NCP (Completed and Current Part 150 VLAPs) were assumed toalready be acquired under Alternatives B2 and B4 as part of the compatible land use assessment and are notconsidered project-related mitigation. 2945.4.3 MethodologyLand use compatibility assessments include consideration of direct and indirect project-related impacts andcumulative impacts. The focus of the analysis is compatibility of residential land uses with airport-related noise.The analysis also assesses the impacts of land acquisition on land use and zoning patterns in the City ofWarwick and evaluates consistency with applicable land use plans.5.4.3.1 Methodology for Identifying Compatible and Incompatible Land UsesLand use compatibility is defined by the FAA as “use of land that is identified as normally compatible with theoutdoor noise environment (or an adequately attenuated noise level reduction for any indoor activities involved)at the location because the yearly day-night average sound level is at or below that identified for that or similaruse.” 295 Based on the criteria presented in Table 5-35, all land uses are considered to be compatible with noise levelsless than DNL 65 dB. The FAA and HUD established the threshold of land use compatibility at DNL 65 dB basedon a nation-wide survey that measured public responses to aircraft noise, in particular levels of annoyance inrelation to aircraft noise. 296,297 Several land use categories (residential, public use, and outdoor music shells) are notconsidered to be compatible with noise levels of DNL 65 dB or higher. Where the community determines thatthese uses must be allowed within the DNL 65 dB, the FAA recommends that a noise reduction measures for293 More recently, as evident under the Current Part 150 VLAP, participation has declined slightly to approximately 90 percent. This decrease is due to the currenteconomic conditions, including more stringent guidelines for obtaining mortgages. For the purposes of this FEIS, 100 percent participation is assumed.294 The Completed Part 150 VLAP was completed in 2009 and the Current Part 150 VLAP, a continuation of RIAC’s Part 150 NCP, was initiated in early 2010 and isscheduled to be completed by 2015. The Alternative B2 and B4 VLAPs would begin as soon as 2012 for Alternative B4 and in 2020 for Alternative B2.295 14 CFR Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning, paragraph 150.7.296 FAA Order 1050.1E Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, June 8, 2004.297 Environmental Criteria and Standards of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 Code ofFederal Regulations Part 51; 44 Federal Register 40861, Washington, DC, July 12, 1979.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-48 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc