Draft EUG Master Plan Update, February 2010

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CHAPTER 6 LANDUSECOMPATIBILITY (CAS-RCP) Combining Zone. It is recommended that the FAR Part 77 surfaces of the Airport Layout Plan be coordinated with Lane County’s CAS-RCP Combining Zone, and that impacts to existing land use and future development patterns be evaluated. Changes to the CAS-RCP Combining Zone should be coordinated with the Metro Plan amendment procedures. 2. Aircraft Noise While many land use regulations limit what can be done around airports, some regulations limit the impact airports can have on the neighboring population. Aircraft noise can be a nuisance to noise sensitive land uses surrounding an airport. Noise sensitive land uses can include residences, hotels, schools, churches, and office complexes. Noise can be a detrimental factor in the relationship between an airport and the surrounding community. Proper land use planning and protection are essential to mitigate the negative externality of airport noise, to keep the airport free of operational restrictions and incompatible land uses. 2.1 FAA Aircraft Noise Guidance To evaluate potential noise impacts, an aircraft noise analysis was performed and is presented in this study. According to the FAA’s Environmental Desk Reference for Airport Actions, a noise analysis, including noise contour maps, is required for airport projects that involve 90,000 annual piston-powered aircraft operations or 700 annual jet-powered aircraft operations, as well as projects that involve a new airport location, a new runway, a major runway extension, or runway strengthening. To evaluate noise impacts, the FAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have established the 65 decibel day-night average sound level (65 DNL) as a threshold for determination of significant noise impacts. Areas experiencing aircraft noise levels at or above 65 DNL are considered to have significant noise impacts. The FAA’s Integrated Noise Model (INM) is the accepted industry tool for evaluating aircraft noise impacts. The INM assists in analyzing changes in noise impacts resulting from new or extended runways or runway configurations; assessing new traffic demand, fleet mixes and alternative flight profiles; and evaluating modifications to operational procedures. Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) establishes Noise Control Regulations for Airports in OAR 340-035-0045. Houses within the 55 DNL contour can require the airport to undertake a noise abatement program. The airport and local government should work together to reduce the effects of aircraft noise on neighboring land uses. 2.2 Aircraft Noise Analysis This section compares noise exposure levels for 2006 with projected noise exposure levels for 2026. The following identifies land uses adversely affected by noise, and presents strategies to mitigate noise concerns. 2.2.1 Methodology To prepare a noise exposure map, the INM requires information concerning the number of aircraft operations, the types of aircraft (fleet mix), the time of day (day or night) that activity occurs, runway 6-10 Eugene Airport Master Plan Update (February 2010)