Noise compatibility plan update
Plan achieves goal to reduce residential noise impact
INDIANAPOLIS—Developed and implemented in 1987, the Indianapolis Airport Authority’s Noise Compatibility Plan has achieved its goal to reduce residential noise impact.
Approximately 14,900 persons were impacted by aircraft noise levels that the FAA determined to be incompatible with residential use when the Noise Compatibility Plan was originally implemented. Today, that number is estimated to be less than 65.
The plan and its noise exposure studies and maps are reviewed and updated every five years. Updates were conducted in 1992, 1997, and 2003; the most recent was completed in December 2008.
Key land use components of the plan included:
- Guaranteed Purchase
- Purchase home/property
- Demolish improvements
- Dispose of or reutilize real estate for compatible land use or for future airport development
- Purchase Assurance
- Purchase home/property
- Sound insulate home
- Resell home on open market
- Sound Insulation (in lieu of Purchase Assurance)
- Homeowner provided acoustical treatments to reduce aircraft noise impact
The Guaranteed Purchase Program, which included 1,149 residential properties, is essentially complete with the acquisition of all but 54 homes. 367 homes were eligible for the Purchase Assurance Program and 118 homeowners have participated. 198 homeowners took advantage of the Sound Insulation Program.
Although 100% participation was not expected, participation has been favorable thus all three programs will effectively close in 2011.
"The Noise Compatibility Plan’s combination of noise abatement and land use policies has resulted in a significant reduction of residential noise impacts while maintaining the operational capacity to support the future growth of Indianapolis International Airport,” explained Robert Duncan, special advisor to the CEO.