"Detroit Metro Airport begins noise abatement study"

Monday, May 10, 2004

Metropolitan Airport begins noise abatement study
The Associated Press


ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) -- A study of takeoff and landing patterns at
Detroit Metropolitan Airport has generated rumblings that extend beyond
the concrete runways of the world's 10th-busiest airport. 

The $1.6 million study being conducted by the Wayne County Airport
Authority is the first of its kind in 12 years. It will be the first to
measure the impact of the Midfield Terminal, which opened in early 2002.


The 18-month project will examine noise levels, population density,
weather, jet mechanics and other factors. The goal is to map flight
patterns and determine how neighboring communities will share $15
million in federal noise reduction grants distributed yearly by the
airport. Eligible homes get $20,000 worth of new doors, windows,
insulation and air conditioning systems to drown out the constant drone
from 491,000 annual takeoffs and landings. 

Despite protests from residents in Inkster and Dearborn, the new study
likely will reduce the number of eligible homes, said Scott Roberts, the
airport's noise compatibility director. The reason: Newer jets are
quieter than they were when the last study was conducted in 1992. 

"The runways aren't going to move, but the way they're used could get
changed," Metro spokesman Mike Conway told The Detroit News for a Monday
story. "There could be some modifications with the new study." 

The 1992 study left Inkster, Dearborn and most of Dearborn Heights out
of the "noise contour map," which determines which neighborhoods are
eligible for noise-reduction aid. 

Seventy percent of flights cross those cities before landing. But Conway
said arrivals make less noise than departures, most of which take place
over less-populated Huron and Sumpter townships southwest of the
airport. 

Ultimately, guidelines established by the Federal Aviation
Administration will dictate which communities qualify for assistance,
Roberts said. 

"The FAA rules are the rules," Roberts said. "Were going to get the map
and insulate everyone within it. Would it be great if we could do it for
everyone? Yes. But we can't." 

On the Net: 

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: http://www.metroairport.com 


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