Airport Noise Impacts
Despite a decade of booming real estate sales, Chino Valley has so far retained its country feel. A busy, noisy airport will change all that, and we will lose the essential character of the town.
People start to complain about noise at a level of 50-55 decibels. The DB levels for aircraft that may use the proposed airpark range from 60-85 DB and above. The FAA says that noise levels 65 DB and above are incompatible with
residential land uses.
The average ambient rural DB level is 20-25. Quiet conversation is 30 DB. The Decibel scale, however, rises logarithmically, so an increase of 10 DB is a tenfold increase in energy and a perceived doubling in intensity.
Seventy decibels is about the volume of a vacuum cleaner, while jet aircraft noise can soar to around 140 (pain starts at around 120). The sound level of a small aircraft engine is comparable to a large chipping hammer, a symphonic orchestra, or heavy thunder.
In general, the greatest noise levels are experienced close to the airport, however, disturbance can also occur many miles away under aircraft approach and departure routes.
Numerous studies since the 1970s have found that chronic exposure to loud noise is detrimental to personal health and general quality of life, often without any awareness of its effects. Note that some of the below information relates to airports much larger than the proposed airpark. Reference this section for general information on noise impact.
Airport Noise Law Resources to help United States residents organize against airport development that damages quality of life.
How loud is the noise? Information on noise impact measurements
Quiet, please! Ode Magazine article summarizing effects of noise on sleep, learning, and blood pressure.
Noise impacts and sleep deprivation An environmental scientist on the impacts from large airport noise
Effects of aircraft noise on children Impact on children near LAX.
Chronic noise and psychological stress A major study of school children in neighborhoods near the Munich International Airport
Kids near airports don’t read as well. Experts at Cornell University report on study of the impact of noise on children.
Airport noise is harmful to the health and well-being of children. Noise may cause lifelong problems, latest Cornell study shows.
Airport noise may be bad for kids’ memory. Swedish study shows additional adverse effects.
Students’ work suffers. O’Hare area schools sue airport. $1.8 million spent to soundproof one building.
Aircraft noise and blood pressure Aircraft noise and high blood pressure.
Entire Kentucky town relocated in unique airport noise buyout New York Times
Guidelines for Community Noise World Health Organization
