Welcome to the Duluth International Airport Part 150 Study

The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) is initiating a study, commonly referred to as a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study (Part 150 Study), to document the levels of noise from aircraft operations at Duluth International Airport (DLH). We’re an active, integral part of our community, and that means we pride ourselves on being a good neighbor. While we cannot eliminate the sounds of a thriving airport, we can certainly try to mitigate them.

The Part 150 Study will be conducted under the guidance provided in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 14 Part 150.  The first component of the study is to prepare Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) and the second is to develop a Noise Compatibility Program (NCP). The NEMs provide information on the existing noise levels, as well as the expected noise levels for the next five years. The NCP sets forth measures intended to mitigate the impacts of significant noise exposure on noise sensitive areas near DLH and to limit, to the extent possible, the introduction of new incompatible land uses into locations exposed to significant noise levels.  Levels of significance are identified in the Federal Aviation Regulations.

The DAA has contracted with Landrum & Brown, an internationally recognized aviation planning firm, to conduct this study.

A Public Information Workshop/Hearing was held on November 2, 2021, to allow an opportunity for public questions and comments on the Draft Report.  The official comment period ended on November 26, 2021. This document has been submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for review.

 The study was approved by the Duluth Airport Authority Board at the November 16th, 2021 Board Meeting.

About this Study

The Part 150 Study process is designed to identify noise incompatibilities surrounding an airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities.  For Part 150 Study purposes, noise incompatibilities are defined as residences or public use noise-sensitive facilities (libraries, churches, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals) within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour.

The purpose of conducting a Part 150 Study is to develop a balanced and cost-effective plan for reducing current noise impacts from the airport’s operations, where practical, and to limit additional impacts in the future.

Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:

  • To reduce, where feasible, existing and forecasted noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
  • To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
  • To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with Federal guidelines;
  • To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability; and
  • To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.

This study will identify existing and future flight corridors, develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current (2020) and future (2025) conditions, evaluate air traffic control procedures that could be implemented to reduce noise exposure over residential areas, consider land use controls that could be established to reduce future incompatible land uses from being developed within high noise areas, and evaluate means to mitigate noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.

 

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Stay Informed

A Public Information Workshop/Hearing was held on November 2, 2021, to allow an opportunity for public questions and comments on the Draft Report.  The official comment period ended on November 26, 2021. This document has been submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for review. The study was approved by the Duluth Airport Authority Board at the November 16th, 2021, Board Meeting. 

DULUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT- RECORD OF APPROVAL 14 CFR PART 150 NOISE COMPATIBILITY PROGRAM UPDATE [PDF]

Cover, Statement of Certification, Table of Contents [PDF]
Chapter 1: Background [PDF]
Chapter 2: Affected Environment [PDF]
Chapter 3: Baseline Noise Exposure [PDF]
Chapter 4: Noise Compatibility Program [PDF]
Appendix A: FAA Policies, Guidance, And Regulations [PDF]
Appendix B: Noise Measurements and Complaints [PDF]
Appendix C: Noise Modeling Methodology [PDF]
Appendix D: Land Use Assessment Methodology [PDF]
Appendix E: Noise Abatement Alternatives [PDF]
Appendix F: Land Use Mitigation Alternatives [PDF]
Appendix G: Public Involvement [PDF]
Appendix H: Forecasts [PDF]
Appendix I: FAA Approval and Notices [PDF]

Official (Large-Scale) NEMs [PDF]

Large-Scale Supplemental Graphics [PDF]

Public Comments and Responses [PDF]

DLH Part 150 Update Document – Full Document (78MB) – Final [PDF]

Project Information

The following project memos and materials have been created during the Part 150 process as part of inter agency coordination.

Helpful Documents

Helpful Links  

Upcoming Meetings

Past Meetings

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) Meetings:

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) #5: November 3, 2021

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) #4: February 03, 2021

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) #3: September 17, 2020

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting #2: March 5, 2020

Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting #1: September 16, 2019

  • Meeting Time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Amatuzio Conference Room, Duluth International Airport
  • Meeting Purpose:
    • PAC Kick-off Meeting
    • Present background information on the Part 150 Study Process
    • Present background information on aircraft noise
    • Present information on historical noise abatement planning at DLH
  • Meeting Documents:

Public Workshop Meetings:

Public Workshop and Public Hearing #4: November 2, 2021

Public Workshop #3: February 17, 2021

  • Click here to view a recording of the presentation, the video is also available for download on the linked website.
  • Meeting Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Online Meeting
  • Meeting Purpose
    • Present an overview of the Part 150 Study process
    • Offer Opportunities for you to share your comments and participate in the study
    • Provide information on existing and future noise contours and associated housing and population impacts
    • Provide information on the proposed Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) recommendations
    • Next steps in the Part 150 Study process
  • Meeting Documents

Public Workshop #2: August 26, 2020

  • Click here to view a recording of the presentation, the video is also available for download for the linked website.
  • Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Online Meeting
  • Meeting Purpose
    • Present an overview of the Part 150 Study process
    • Offer Opportunities for you to share your comments and participate in the study
    • Provide information on existing and future aircraft operations at the airport
    • Provide information on existing and future noise contours and associated housing and population impacts
    • Next steps in the Part 150 Study process
  • Meeting Documents
    • Part 150 Study Process [PDF]– These graphics show the basic steps of a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study and a matrix of basic land uses that are compatible or incompatible with various noise levels based on Part 150 guidelines. These boards also show the inputs and outputs used for the computer-generated noise contours and the comparison of typical noise levels to aircraft noise levels.
    • Short-Term Noise Monitoring Results [PDF]– These graphics describe the short-term noise monitoring program and the location of the noise measurement sites that occurred from November 4 to November 7, 2019.
    • Noise Modeling Methodology & Input Data [PDF]– These graphics show various methodologies utilized to calculate the Existing (2020) and Future (2025) noise contours. These methodologies include arrival and departure flight tracks of both civilian and military aircraft, touch-and-go flight tracks and aircraft run-up levels. These graphics also depict the fleet mix that is used to calculate the noise contours.
    • Noise Exposure Contours [PDF]– These graphics depict the preliminary draft Existing (2020) and Future (2025) noise contours overlaid onto a land use base map. The maps show the residential homes impacted by the 65 DNL. The 65 DNL noise contour is the threshold at which residential land uses are considered potentially incompatible. They also show the estimated population within the 65+ DNL noise contour. Population estimates are based on the recent census bureau block group population and housing data.
    • Next Steps [PDF]– These graphics detail the elements of a Noise Comptatbiliy program and potential options at DLH. They also show the next steps in the Part 150 schedule.

Public Workshop #1: October 2, 2019

  • Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Meeting Location: Amatuzio Conference Room, Duluth International Airport
  • Meeting Purpose:
    • Kickoff of Part 150 Study Public Process
    • Get input on Noise Monitoring locations
    • Present background information on the Part 150 Study Process
    • Present background information on aircraft noise
    • Present information on historical noise abatement planning at DLH
  • Meeting Documents

What is a Part 150 Study?

Part 150 is a section of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) that sets forth rules and guidelines for airports desiring to undertake airport noise compatibility planning.  The Part 150 establishes guidelines for technical aspects of aircraft noise analysis and the public participation process for airports choosing to prepare airport noise compatibility plans.

Part 150 Study involves six major steps:

  • Identification of airport noise and land use issues and incompatibilities;
  • Definition of current and future noise exposure contours;
  • Evaluation of alternative measures for abating noise that impact the 65 Day Night Level (DNL) noise contour (e.g., changing aircraft flight paths), mitigating the impact of noise (e.g., sound insulation), and managing local
  • land uses (e.g., airport-compatible zoning);
  • Development of a Noise Compatibility Plan (NCP);
  • Development of an implementation and monitoring plan; and
  • FAA review and approval of the recommended NCP, including the analysis of alternatives, the compatibility plan, and the implementation and monitoring plan.

The Part 150 Study process is designed to identify noise sensitive land uses surrounding an airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities.  For Part 150 Study purposes, noise sensitive land uses are generally defined as residences or public use facilities (libraries, churches, schools, nursing homes and hospitals) within the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) noise contour, the area the FAA defines as impacted by aircraft noise.

Why prepare a Part 150 Study?

The purpose for conducting a Part 150 Study at an airport is to develop a balanced and cost-effective plan for reducing current noise impacts from an airport’s operations, where practical, and to limit additional impacts in the future.  By following the process, the airport operator is assured of the FAA’s cooperation through the involvement of air traffic control professionals in the study and the FAA’s review of the recommended Noise Compatibility Program (NCP). The decision to undertake noise compatibility planning is normally voluntary on the part of the airport operator.

An airport with an FAA-approved NCP also becomes eligible for funding assistance for the implementation of approved measures.

Among the general goals and objectives addressed by a Part 150 Study are the following:

  • To reduce, where feasible, existing and future noise levels over existing noise-sensitive land uses;
  • To reduce new noise-sensitive developments near the airport;
  • To mitigate, where feasible, adverse impacts in accordance with Federal guidelines;
  • To provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community;
  • To minimize the impact of mitigation measures on local tax bases; and
  • To be consistent, where feasible, with local land use planning and development policies.

How long will the Part 150 Study take to complete?

The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) began early coordination of the Part 150 study in August 2019, and consultant team began work in September 2019.  The study is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will be submitted to the FAA for review. The review period by the FAA is typically 6-9 months. Implementation of the study recommendations will be based on review and approval of the NCP by the DAA and the FAA.

What are some examples of mitigation measures?

At a minimum, a Part 150 Study shall analyze and report on the following alternatives, subject to the constraints that the strategies are appropriate to the specific airport (for example, an evaluation of night curfews is not appropriate if there are no night flights and none are forecast):

  • Acquisition of land and interests therein, including, but not limited to air rights, easements, and development rights, to ensure the use of property for purposes which are compatible with airport operations.
  • The construction of barriers and acoustical shielding, including the soundproofing of public buildings.
  • The implementation of a preferential runway system.
  • The use of flight procedures (including the modifications of flight tracks) to control the operation of aircraft to reduce exposure of individuals (or specific noise sensitive areas) to noise in the area around the airport.
  • The implementation of any restriction on the use of an airport by any type or class of aircraft based on the noise characteristics of those aircraft.  Such restrictions may include, but are not limited to—
    • Denial of use of the airport to aircraft types or classes which do not meet Federal noise standards;
    • Capacity limitations based on the relative noisiness of different types of aircraft;
    • Requirement that aircraft using the airport must use noise abatement takeoff or approach procedures previously approved as safe by the FAA;
    • Landing fees based on FAA certificated or estimated noise emission levels or on time of arrival; and
    • Partial or complete voluntary curfews.
  • Other actions or combinations of actions which would have a beneficial noise control or abatement impact on the public.
  • Other actions recommended for analysis by the FAA for the specific airport.

What are Noise Exposure Maps (NEM)?

Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) identify the noise exposure of the current operating conditions, and projected future conditions.  Included within this analysis will be the operating conditions taking place at the airport including departure and arrival procedures, daytime and nighttime activity, touch and go operations and helicopter activity.

What is DNL?

The Day-Night Average Sound Level metric describes the total noise exposure during a given period.  DNL is a metric used for predicting the average long-term noise exposure on a population. In computing DNL, an extra weight of 10 dB is assigned to any sound levels occurring between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.  This is intended to account for the greater annoyance that nighttime noise is presumed to cause for most people. This extra weight treats one nighttime noise event as equivalent to 10 daytime events of the same magnitude.

What is AEDT?

The FAA has developed the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) for evaluating aircraft noise impacts in the vicinity of airports.  AEDT is a software system that models aircraft performance in space and time to estimate fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and air quality consequences.  AEDT has been updated numerous times since its implementation, and Version 3b will be used to develop the noise modelling for this Part 150 Study. The FAA requires the use of AEDT to develop noise exposure contours in Part 150 Studies.

AEDT utilizes flight track information, aircraft fleet mix, and aircraft flight profiles and terrain as inputs.  AEDT produces noise exposure contours that are used for Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs).

What is the purpose of noise monitoring?

Field measurements from the short-term noise monitoring program will be collected for use in the study.  The measurements are compared with pre-existing database information related to aircraft noise level and performance characteristics in AEDT.  The information collected during the measurement program includes acoustical output, as measured at known locations, as well as flight trajectory data (the aircraft’s three-dimensional location) relative to the noise measurement site.  This information will be used to ensure that the input data into the AEDT is as accurate as possible.

Can the Duluth Airport Authority restrict operations on its runways?

No, the FAA is the only entity that can manage aircraft runway operations or aircraft in flight at DLH.

Can the Duluth Airport Authority recommend implementing aircraft noise restrictions?

If recommended, the DAA could request airlines and other airport users to voluntarily restrict the use of certain types or aircraft.  All options would need to result in a reduction in the noise impacts at DLH before being recommended in the Part 150 Study and\or implemented by the DAA.

In order to implement mandatory restrictions on aircraft a separate Part 161 Study (Notice and Approval of Airport Noise and Access Restrictions) would need to be conducted.  To date, no Part 161 Study has been approved by the FAA.

Can the Duluth Airport Authority recommend implementing operating curfews?

If recommended the DAA could request airlines and other airport users adopt a voluntary curfew.  It should be noted curfews are typically used as a last resort, when all other options have shown to be less than adequate, due to the drastic negative impacts upon both aviation and the community’s benefit from aviation.  All options would need to result in a reduction in the noise impacts at DLH before being recommended in the Part 150 Study and\or implemented by the DAA.

In order to implement mandatory curfews at an airport, a separate Part 161 Study (Notice and Approval of Airport Noise and Access Restrictions) would need to be conducted.  To date, no Part 161 Study has been approved by the FAA.

Where does the Duluth Airport Authority receive funding for noise mitigation projects?

When noise mitigation programs are approved by the FAA through a formal Part 150 Study, those programs then become eligible to receive FAA Grant funding of up to 80%.  The remainder of the funding comes from the Duluth Airport Authority, from revenues generated at the airport (parking fees, landing fees, leases, etc.).

What types of noise mitigation projects can the Duluth Airport Authority spend funds on?

Any noise reduction related project approved by the Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) and the FAA through a Part 150 Noise Study that demonstrates how it will have a measurable impact on noise can qualify for FAA funding and for DAA funding.

For example, home insulation projects inside the 65 DNL Contour, the FAA-established noise impact area that determines insulation eligibility, would qualify if approved by the FAA through the Part 150 Noise Study.  FAA funding sources come with a number of stipulations and conditions that the DAA agrees to when accepting funds. Additionally, the same FAA conditions would prevent the DAA from using the revenues it generates at the airport (parking fees, landing fees, etc.) for projects that are unable to demonstrate a measurable community impact on noise.

Qualifying for FAA grants is the first step.  Other steps include an environmental review of the proposed action, obtaining the grants from the FAA and receiving DAA approval authorizing the use of available airport funds.

What results can communities around DLH expect from the new Part 150 process once it is complete?

The current Part 150 Study is underway.  As part of their works, consultants will develop new noise maps showing how the airport’s overall noise affects the community now and in the future.  The consultant will conduct a wide-ranging review of all the Airport’s noise reduction efforts and evaluate new ways to improve upon existing efforts.  Through public workshops, the public will be able to identify and shape the noise recommendations that will be included in the Part 150 Study. The Duluth Airport Authority (DAA) has committed to a thorough and accessible public process throughout the Part 150 Study that will ensure there are multiple avenues for involvement and public comment.

How can I get involved with the Part 150 Study as it progresses and where can I find information?

A series of public workshops will be held at key milestones during the Part 150 Study.  Open to all, each workshop is designed to make it easy for the public to provide input, ask questions and offer recommendations in a more personal setting.  Click here for additional information on public meetings.  To keep up to date throughout the Part 150 process, sign up to receive email updates here.