New Legaspi Airport Draft FS - PPP Center

2.5.3 Noise
Ashfalls during eruptions of the volcano are generally experienced in the
municipalities of Camalig, Guinobatan and Ligao in the southwest, and in Tabaco
in the northeast (Figure 2.5-5). This phenomenon is caused by the predominant
wind drift around the volcano in the NE direction during the months of October to
June, and in the SW direction during the months of July to September. However,
Legaspi City experienced considerable ashfalls during past eruptions, particularly
in the 1897, 1984 and 1993 eruptions.
In the absence of a definitive noise standards for aircraft operations in the
Philippines, USFAA Regulation (FAR 150), identifies compatible land uses based
on day-night sound levels. It specifies a yearly day-night average sound level of
less than 65 dB for residential, schools and hospitals. For comparison, a jet
aircraft taking-off nearby registers at least 140 dB, which is more than the human
threshold of 120 dB for pain but lower than 150 dB which is known to rupture the
human eardrum.
The noise pollution that will be generated by the landing and take-off of aircraft will
be a critical issue in the future since the areas within the immediate vicinity of the
airport is experiencing steady growth in population and commercial activities.
Over a period of eight years (1990-1998), an average of 37 hectares of agricultural
land per year were converted to urban use. Barangay Bagtang with many
residential structures and where Rwy 06 is located will be most affected by aircraft
noise.
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