E9-23926. Notice of Approval of Noise Compatibility Program

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its findings on the noise compatibility program (NCP) submitted by the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria for General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport under the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 47501 et seq. (the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act, herein referred to as “the Act”) and 14 CFR part 150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of Federal and nonfederal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 (1980). The General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport noise exposure maps were determined by FAA to be in compliance with applicable requirements on June 26, 2009. Notice of this determination was published in the Federal Register on July 2, 2009, 74 FR 31791.

Under section 47504 of the Act, an airport operator who has previously submitted a noise exposure map may submit to the FAA a noise compatibility program which sets forth the measures taken or proposed by the airport operator for the reduction of existing non-compatible land uses and prevention of additional non-compatible land uses within the area covered by the noise exposure maps. The Act requires such programs to be developed in consultation with interested and effected parties including local communities, government agencies, airport users, and FAA personnel.

Each airport noise compatibility program developed in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150 is a local program. The FAA does not substitute its judgment for that of the airport proprietor with respect to which measures should be recommended for action. The FAA's approval or disapproval of FAR Part 150 program recommendations is measured according to the standards expressed in Part 150 and the Act and is limited to the following determinations:

a. The noise compatibility program was developed in accordance with the provisions and procedures of FAR Part 150;

b. Program measures are reasonably consistent with achieving the goals of reducing existing non-compatible land uses around the airport and preventing the introduction of additional non-compatible land uses;

c. Program measures would not create an undue burden on interstate or foreign commerce, unjustly discriminate against types or classes of aeronautical uses, violate the terms of airport grants agreements, or intrude into areas preempted by the Federal Government; and

d. Program measures relating to the use of flight procedures can be implemented within the period covered by the program without derogating safety, adversely affecting the efficient use of navigable airspace and air traffic control systems, or adversely affecting other powers and responsibilities of the Administrator prescribed by law.

The submitted program included eleven proposed actions for noise mitigation on and off the airport, as applicable. The FAA completed its review and determined that the procedural and substantive requirements of the Act and FAR Part 150 have been satisfied.

On September 16, 2009, the FAA approved the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport noise compatibility program. All eleven of the recommendations of the program were approved.

Specific limitations with respect to FAA's approval of an airport noise compatibility program are delineated in FAR Part 150, section 150.5. Approval is not a determination concerning the acceptability of land uses under Federal, State, or local law. Approval does not by itself constitute an FAA implementing action. A request for Federal action or approval to implement specific noise compatibility measures may be required, and an FAA decision on the request may require an environmental assessment of the proposed action. Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially assist in the implementation of the program nor a determination that all measures covered by the program are eligible for grant-in-aid funding from the FAA. Where Federal funding is sought, requests for project grants must be submitted to the FAA Chicago Airports District Office.

These determinations are set forth in detail in a Record of Approval signed by Deb Roth on September 16, 2009. The Record of Approval, as well as other evaluation materials and the documents comprising the submittal, are available for review at the FAA office listed above and at the administrative offices of the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport.

DATES:

Effective Date: The effective date of the FAAs approval of the General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport noise compatibility program is September 16, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Amy Hanson, Environmental Protection Specialist, CHI-603, Federal Aviation Administration, Chicago Airport District Office, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018. Telephone number: 847-294-7354. Documents reflecting this FAA action may also be reviewed at this same location.

Issued in Des Plaines, IL September 17, 2009.

Jack Delaney,

Acting Manager, Chicago Airports District Office.