HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09241991 - 2.6 2-606
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: J. MICHAEL WALFORD, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: SEPTEMBER 17, 1991
SUBJECT: NOISE REPORT FOR BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT
SPECIFIC REQUESTS)OR RECOMMENDATIONS)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
1. Recommended Action:
ACCEPT the attached reports from the Public Works Director relating to noise complaint activity
at Buchanan Field Airport.
II. Financial Impact:
None.
III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background:
The attached report, Semi-Annual Noise Report, January - June, 1991, summarizes the noise
complaint activity and community concerns regarding Buchanan Field Airport aircraft operations.
It summarizes complaint type, location, type of aircraft, and caller analysis.
Also included is a special report on noise complaints for 1990, requested by Valentin Alexeeff,
GMEDA Director. This three-part report provides a caller analysis profile of complainants
regarding aircraft operations at Buchanan Field Airport in 1990. Part One contains the numerical
rating and street name where complaints were four or greater. Part Two shows the census
tracts that generated 10 or more complaints. Part Three examines noise complaints by date,
where the complaints were five or greater.
Continued on Attachment: X SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON SEP 24 W1 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED _OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT )
AYES: NOES:
ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
I hereby certtty that this is a true ; i6cot copy of
JMW:TW:gm an action taken and entered >>n :im minutes of the
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Board of Supery n th( n lvri
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Orig Div:Airports ATTESTED:
PHIL BATCHGLoR CIo-ak)i trie Board
cc: County Administrator of Supervisors and County Administrator
GMEDA Director
Public Works Director �f -�•Oeputy
Public Works Accounting
Auditor/Controller
Aviation Advisory Committee �-
Federal Aviation Administration
NOISE REPORT FOR BFA
September 17, 1991
Page 2
SEMI-ANNUAL NOISE REPORT
JANUARY - JUNE 1991
The purpose of this report is to summarize community concerns regarding Buchanan Field Airport
aircraft activity during the first six months of 1991.
The total number of complaints regarding aircraft activity associated with Buchanan Field Airport during
the first six months of 1991 was 369. This is a decrease of 32% compared to the same period last
year. Several factors contributed to this decrease in the number of complaints:
PILOT PUBLICATIONS DISTRIBUTED
In an effort to notify pilots of Buchanan Field Airport's recommended noise abatement procedures,
restrictions on certain operations, and assist them in operating their aircraft as quietly as possible, the
Airport continued to circulate its Noise Management Program pilot brochures. In addition, pilot
newsletters are distributed monthly to based pilots. Current noise, safety, and other issues are
addressed.
PILOT COOPERATION ENHANCED
Pilot cooperation in the Noise Management Program has been an essential part of the program
success. Monthly pilot meetings are held, and local pilots have reaffirmed their interest in being good
neighbors to the community around the Airport. In addition, the local FAA air traffic controllers assist
by providing noise abatement information upon request.
OPERATIONS DOWN
The total number of operations during this reporting period has decreased by 11%, compared to the
same period last year. Also during this time, total aircraft operations per complaint averaged 380-to-1.
This compares to a ratio of 241-to-1 during the same period last year.
QUIETER AIR CARRIER SERVICE
January 1 - March 1, 1991, 13% of the total number of complaints were regarding USAir's BAe 146 85-
passenger jet operations. Primarily because of its size, the general perception was that the USAir jet
was "too low and too noisy". On March 2, 1991 - May 1, 1991, this jet service was replaced by the
DeHavilland Dash-8, a smaller, quieter, 37-seat turbo prop aircraft, flown by StatesWest as USAir
Express. During this time, there were ten complaints filed by four households. May 2 to present,
StatesWest again downsized to the Beech 1900, a 19 seat turbo-prop commuter. Also on May 2,
American Eagle introduced new commuter flight service from Buchanan Field utilizing the Fairchild
Metro III (19 seat commuter turbo-prop). During this reporting period, there have only been three
complaints from two households on these aircraft.
ANALYSIS BY MONTH
JANUARY 1991 - 46 Complaints/24 Complainants
The majority of complaints were of "noise" during daytime hours (0700-1900 hrs). 41% of all
complaints in January were regarding helicopter training activity. Helicopter activity accounts for
approximately 20% of the total number of operations from the Airport. There were a total of 18
helicopter complaints (14 of these were from residents of Pacheco) made by four housieholds, 79% of
which came from two callers. Compared to January 1990,total complaints decreased by approximately
39%.
FEBRUARY 1991 - 59 Complaints/33 Complainants
17 complaints where from 13 residents of Pleasant Hill, mostly jet "noise", four of which were regarding
USAir operations. Seven residents of Pacheco made 14 complaints, primarily noise from helicopter
training. Six residents of Martinez made 13 complaints, primarily concerned with "too many aircraft".
Compared to February 1990, total complaints decreased by approximately 17%.
NOISE REPORT FOR BFA
September 17, 1991
Page 3
March 1991 - 60 Complaints/28 Complainants
Ten complaints from Concord, 17 complaints from Pleasant Hill. Eight complaints (14%) on USAir
Express departures from runway 19R (primarily over Pleasant Hill), due largely to crosswinds out of the
south. Heavy air traffic over the three-day Easter Weekend accounted for 25% of the total number of
complaints. Compared to March 1990, total complaints decreased by approximately 30%.
April 1991 - 68 Complaints/37 Complainants
Majority of complaints (63%) "noise" from helicopter training (34%). 25% of the total number of
complaints were from three callers this month. Compared to April 1990, total number of complaints
decreased by approximately 14%
May 1991 - 78 Complaints/50 Complainants
During the month of May, total operations increased slightly, by I%. This was the first month in which
there was an increase in operations year-
to-date. 36% of the total number of complaints this month were due to a Lear-24 jet, medical flight
which departed the Airport at 1:17 a.m., on May 17, 1991. The runway used was 19R, which took the
jet out over the cities of Concord and Pleasant Hill. Compared to May 1990, total complaints
decreased by approximately 38%
June 1991 - 58 Complaints/27 Complainants
16 complaints from 10 households in Concord (38% one caller), 26 complaints from 4 households in
Pacheco (73% two households), 12 complaints from 9 households in Pleasant Hill. Compared to June
1990, total complaints decreased approximately 52%.
YEAR-TO-DATE COMPLAINT ANALYSIS (1991/1990)
BY LOCATION
While the total number of complaints from Concord residents remained fairly constant (a decrease of
approximately 3%), the average number of different households from which calls were made also
decreased. In 1990, the average was 13 per month, and the average per month during this period was
8 per month.
The total number of complaints from residents of Pleasant Hill decreased by more than half (56%).
During the first six months of 1990, the average number of different households registering complaints
monthly was 29. Year-to-date, that number has been reduced to 14.
Complaints from residents of Pacheco during the first six months of 1991 decreased by approximately
28% The average number of different households registering complaints remained constant (6).
Complaints from residents of Martinez decreased 14% The number of different households involved
also decreased. The monthly average in 1990 was 5, and the monthly average in 1991 is 4.
PART ONE - The following are the names and street names where complaints are our or greater
during the year 1990:
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' % i'`it>'< '` 2i£ 3iyi :; ` S :>ij:it< <> >. ... Temple Drive Concord Freda Drive Pacheco 54
Burnham Court Pleasant Hill 53
Santa Lucia Court Pleasant Hill 39
5 Hilltop Road Concord 39
NOISE REPORT FOR BFA
September 17, 1991
Page 4
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6 Morello Avenue Pleasant Hill 35
7 Hillsborough Drive Concord 39
8 Shasta Drive Martinez 31
9 Christen Drive Pacheco 26
10 Baylor Lane Pleasant Hill 17
11 Madigan Avenue Concord 4
12 Baylor Lane Pleasant Hill 10
13 Dalis Drive Concord 4
14 Greyfell Place Pleasant Hill 6
15 Ann Street Concord 9
16 Arklinlander Lane Martinez 8
17 Alan Way Martinez 19
18 Hilltop Road Concord 4
19 New Lake Place Martinez 5
20 Hilltop Road Concord 14
21 Harvard Dr Pleasant Hill 4
22 Bartlett Ct Pleasant Hill 4
23 Buxton Circle Pleasant Hill 6
24 Hillside Lane Martinez 5
25 Clipper Lane Martinez 5
26 Shasta Drive Martinez 5
27 Baylor Lane Pleasant Hill 6
28 Temple Drive Pacheco 5
29 Gragg Lane Concord 8
30 Jemco Court Pleasant Hill 5
31 Ada Drive Pacheco 8
32 Golf Club Road Pleasant Hill 7
33 Greenwood Drive Pleasant Hill 5
34 Alvina Drive Pleasant Hill 5
35 Olympic Drive Martinez 4
36 Harvard Court Pleasant Hill 5
37 Skander Court Pleasant Hill 5
38 San Miguel Concord 5
39 Alvina Drive Pleasant Hill 7
40 Medina Drive Pacheco 7
41 Freda Drive Pacheco 8
f'
NOISE REPORT FOR BFA
September 17, 1991
Page 5
Caller #1 (Pacheco) registered the highest number of complaints in 1990 (111 total). All
of these complaints were regarding helicopter training between the hours of 9 a.m. and
2 p.m. The typical complaint was "too loud, too low, too many, too often, and too close
to home." Airport staff visited the area on several occasions and observed helicopters.
On one occasion, the airport staff member talked with the caller's next door neighbor,
and was informed that "...sometimes we get overflights, but it really isn't that bad.
Freeway noise is worse."
Caller #2 (Pacheco) registered the second highest number of complaints in 1990 (54
total), most of which were regarding touch-n-go training activity occurring on weekends
before noontime. The caller provides very little information and gives the impression of
being extremely annoyed about being awakened by small, single-engine aircraft over the
area. The home is located approximately 3/4 mile from 19R departures and is subject'to
frequent overflights and related training activities.
Most of the 39 complaints registered by Caller #4 (Pleasant Hill), were regarding jet
overflights (including USAir) from Runway 19 operations. The caller is always polite and
understands that aircraft must operate into the direction of the wind. This caller lives near
Sun Valley Mall, 1 1/4 miles from 19 departures and fears another crash like the one in
1985.
Caller #5 (Concord) with 39 complaints finds the noise from late night/early morning
activity extremely annoying. The home is located on a hill, approximately 1/4 mile from
the airport.
Caller #8 (Martinez) made 31 complaints in 1990, generally concerned that the amount
of aircraft in the air and number of overflights was unsafe. The location of their home
is subject to overflights no matter which runway was in use. Frustrated, this caller finally
contacted the FAA in Washington, were responded to, and haven't registered complaints
since February 3, 1991.
PART TWO - The following census tracts generated 10 or more responses during
calendar year 1990:
200.02 39
211.01 47
211.02 53
212. 249
220. 268
230. 23
240. 59
260. 21
270. 116
290. 66
320. 13
372. 11
381. 10
NOISE REPORT FOR BFA
September 17, 1991
Page 6
The census tract generating most of the complaints in 1990 was 220. from the City of
Pleasant Hill. Forty percent of all complaints in 1990 to the Airport were from esidents
in the same general location of Pleasant Hill. Of these complaints, 48% of calkers were
bothered by "noise"; 20% claimed "noise and low flying"; 17% perceived "low flying". Two
households made up 20% of all complaints for the City of Pleasant Hill.
The census tract 212. (Pacheco) generated 249 complaints in 1990. Sixty-six percent of
these complaints were generated by two callers.
The census tract 270. (Concord), generated 116 complaints during 1990. Fifty percent
of these were on Hilltop Road, approximately 1/4 mile from runway 19R.
PART THREE -The following are noise complaints by date in 1990, where the complaints
are five or greater:
1/8 - 5 4/24 - 5 6/29 - 5 8/29 - 5 10/28 - 6
1/9 - 9 5/6 - 5 6/30 - 6 9/8 - 12 11/8 - 5
1/10 - 11 5/10 - 18 7/6 - 5 9/11 - 7 11/9 - 8
1/18 - 17 5/11 - 6 7/7 - 6 9/15 - 7 11/14 - 5
1/31 - 5 5/12 - 10 7/8 - 7 9/17 - 8 12/7 - 6
2/9 - 5 5/16 - 9 7/11 - 5 9/18 - 8
2/13 - 5 5/20 - 6 7/18 - 7 9/19 - 6
2/25 - 7 5/21 - 12 7/21 - 6 9/24 - 5
2/26 - 6 5/26 - 5 7/22 - 8 9/25 - 7
3/4 - 7 5/29 - 6 7/28 - 7 9/26 - 8
3/5 - 9 5/30 - 6 7/31 - 6 9/28 - 7
3/6 - 9 6/2 - 9 8/13 - 7 10/1 - 6
3/9 - 5 6/3 - 12 8/14 - 8 10/2 - 10
3/15 - 5 6/4 - 7 8/16 - 5 10/4 - 12
3/29 - 5 6/6 - 15 8/17 - 5 10/5 - 7
4/1 - 5 6/14 - 9 8/18 - 8 10/7 - 6
4/4 - 6 6/17 - 5 8/21 - 5 10/15 - 7
4/5 - 5 6/21 - 5 8/26 - 6 10/18 - 7
4/10 - 7 6/22 - 5 8/27 - 7 10/20 - 6
4/17 - 5 6/25 - 6 8/28 - 7 10/24 - 5
Jan 10th--11 complaints - resulting from a Lear-24 jet (violator of Noise Ordinance) and a based twin-
engine aircraft.
Jan 18th--17 complaints - all resulting from a Jet Commander (violator of Noise Ordinance).
May 10th--18 complaints - a Lear 25 (violator of the Noise Ordinance).
May 12th--10 complaints - a military aircraft, exempt from the noise ordinance.
May 21 st--12 complaints - all on two GA aircraft
Jun 3rd--12 complaints - heavy air traffic day, nothing particularly unusual
Jun 15th--15 complaints - twin-engine (same one as on Jan 10)
Sep 8th--12 complaints - typical busy Saturday, nothing particularly unusual
Oct 2nd--10 complaints - nothing particularly unusual
Oct 4th--12 complaints - nothing particularly unusual