Boise Airport Noise: How Loud Is It Really?

Boise Airport has been the subject of noise complaints from nearby residents, who have concerns about the noise levels of aircraft overhead. While the number of flights has not increased, some residents, like Erik Woken, have noticed a rise in noise levels, which has been attributed to winter weather and temperature inversions causing sound waves to refract back towards the ground. The airport has received noise complaints, with some residents worried about the potential introduction of louder military jets, such as the F-15 or F-35, which could significantly increase noise levels. The airport has proposed measures to reduce noise, including changes to building codes and sound insulation upgrades, but the issue remains a concern for those living nearby.

Military jets are a major source of noise

The Idaho Air National Guard operates a wing of A-10s, which take off and land on the same runways as commercial flights. The U.S. Air Force announced plans to decommission its A-10 fleet in 2014, and Boise Airport was identified as a candidate base for a wing of F-35s. F-35s are louder than A-10s, and residents have expressed concern that the presence of F-35s would make life near the airport unbearable.

The Boise Airport completed a noise study in 2015, which was accepted and approved by the FAA in August 2016. The study looked at current noise contours and forecasted future noise contours, as well as providing a list of possible noise mitigation efforts. One of the approved measures was the voluntary residential property acquisition within and adjacent to the DNL 65+ dB contour. This measure has been a source of contention, with residents expressing skepticism about the true intentions of the city and airport authorities.

The noise study also considered the potential impact of replacing the A-10s with F-15s or F-35s. The presence of F-15s would result in a major noise increase, with the number of homes exposed to an average of 65 decibels—the level considered incompatible with residential areas—increasing from 89 to 419. The impact of F-35s is less clear, as the study could not officially consider developments more than five years in the future. However, a noise exposure map based on the F-35 showed a smaller 65-decibel "noise contour," which raised concerns as F-35s are louder than F-15s when afterburners are in use.

The use of afterburners is another point of contention, with residents expressing skepticism about the official policy and believing that the reality of their use will be different from what has been promised. The noise study assumes that F-15s would use afterburners at takeoff, resulting in increased noise levels. The official F-35 afterburner policy is unclear, and local flight crews have limited knowledge as their expertise is with the A-10.

Overall, military jets are a significant source of noise around Boise Airport, and the potential introduction of louder aircraft and the use of afterburners has residents concerned about the impact on their quality of life. The noise study and proposed mitigation measures have done little to alleviate these concerns, with residents feeling excluded from the process and skeptical of the true intentions of airport authorities.

The impact of noise on airport neighbours

Noise is a common issue for those living near airports, and Boise Airport is no exception. The impact of noise on airport neighbours can be significant and far-reaching.

Firstly, it is important to understand the sources of noise at Boise Airport. The airport accommodates both commercial and military aircraft operations, with the Idaho Air National Guard operating a wing of A-10s on the same runways as commercial flights. Military jets, such as the F-15 and F-35, are equipped with afterburners, which are significantly louder than the engines of commercial aircraft. The presence of military aircraft operations can result in frequent and intense noise events for nearby residents.

The noise impact on airport neighbours can vary depending on their proximity to the airport and the flight paths. In the case of Boise Airport, areas like the I-84 corridor, Vista/I-84 parts of the bench, Columbia Village, and the south Boise areas around Overland Road to Maple Grove experience more noticeable aircraft noise. On the other hand, neighbourhoods like Amity/Cloverdale/Victory and Packard Estates are relatively quieter, with minimal to no aircraft noise.

The noise from aircraft operations can have several adverse effects on nearby residents. Excessive noise can lead to disruptions in communication, with individuals needing to pause conversations or increase the volume of electronic devices until planes pass by. This can be a source of frustration and annoyance for those living under flight paths. Additionally, noise can impact an individual's sense of peace and tranquillity within their home and disrupt activities that require concentration or quiet environments.

To mitigate these impacts, Boise Airport has proposed several measures. These include changes to the city's building code, implementing a sound insulation program, and acquiring residential properties within and adjacent to high-noise contours. The airport held an open house in 2017 to review these proposals and gather feedback from residents.

It is worth noting that the perception of noise can vary among individuals, and some may adapt to the noise levels over time. However, for others, the presence of aircraft noise can be a persistent nuisance and a significant factor influencing their quality of life.

The Boise Airport noise study

The Boise Airport is located near residential areas, and the noise generated by aircraft operations has been a concern for nearby residents. To address this issue, the airport has conducted noise studies and implemented measures to mitigate the impact of noise on the surrounding community. This report provides an overview of the noise studies conducted at the Boise Airport, the findings, and the resulting noise mitigation strategies.

Noise Studies at Boise Airport

The Boise Airport has a history of conducting noise studies to assess and address the impact of aircraft noise on nearby residents. These studies are typically carried out every 10 years, with the most recent one completed in 2015, in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. The 2015 noise study was accepted and approved by the FAA in August 2016. Previous noise studies were conducted in 2004, 1996, and 1986.

Noise Impact and Mitigation

The 2015 noise study focused on current noise contours and future noise forecasts. It identified areas where noise levels exceeded the acceptable threshold for residential areas, which is set at 65 decibels by the FAA. The study also proposed a range of noise mitigation measures, including preferential runway use, voluntary residential property acquisition within the affected areas, implementation of a sound insulation program, and the initiation of a noise monitoring system.

Community Concerns and Engagement

The introduction of louder military jets, such as the F-15s or F-35s, has been a significant concern for residents living near the Boise Airport. They worry that the increased noise levels will negatively impact their quality of life. Additionally, there has been criticism regarding the airport's public involvement efforts during the noise study process, with some residents feeling excluded and seeking more transparency.

Noise Mitigation Strategies

To address the noise concerns, the Boise Airport has proposed and implemented several strategies. These include preferential runway use, voluntary residential property acquisition within the noise-affected areas, and the implementation of a sound insulation program. The airport has also considered the expansion of an existing runway specifically for military flights, although this option is not feasible in the short term.

The Boise Airport noise studies have played a crucial role in understanding and addressing the impact of aircraft noise on nearby residents. By implementing noise mitigation measures and engaging with the community, the airport strives to reduce noise disturbances and create a more harmonious environment for its neighbors. Ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies will be essential to ensure the effectiveness of these measures in the long term.

The Federal Aviation Administration's role

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to reduce the number of Americans exposed to aviation noise around airport communities. Over the last 40 years, the number of people exposed to significant aviation noise in the U.S. has declined from roughly seven million to just over 400,000. The FAA continues to improve its understanding and means of reducing the effects of aircraft noise exposure.

The FAA requires current noise studies as a prerequisite for airports to apply for funding to reduce noise impacts on surrounding neighbourhoods. In 2015, the Boise Airport completed a voluntary noise study in accordance with the FAA, which was accepted and approved by the FAA in August 2016. The study looked at current and future noise contours and provided a list of possible noise mitigation efforts.

The FAA also plays a role in addressing noise complaints and inquiries from the public. While decisions about flight times, the number of operations, and aircraft type are within the scope of private industry, the FAA strives to reduce noise through noise research and collaboration with aviation stakeholders and local communities.

The FAA's role in noise exposure reduction includes encouraging local jurisdictions to make planning and zoning decisions that prevent new residential development in areas with significant aircraft noise levels. The FAA also issues grants to fund projects to sound-insulate homes, schools, and healthcare facilities through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

In summary, the FAA has been actively working to reduce aviation noise around U.S. airports, including at Boise Airport, through noise studies, collaboration, grants, and addressing public concerns.

Noise complaints and mitigation efforts

Boise Airport has been the subject of noise complaints from nearby residents, who are concerned about the impact of aircraft noise on their daily lives. The airport has taken steps to address these concerns and mitigate noise levels, including conducting noise studies and implementing approved noise abatement measures.

In 2015, the Boise Airport completed a voluntary noise study in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This study was accepted and approved by the FAA in August 2016. It examined current noise contours and made predictions about future noise levels. Additionally, it provided a list of potential noise mitigation strategies. Approved noise abatement measures included preferential runway use, voluntary residential property acquisition within and adjacent to high-noise areas, the purchase of avigation easements, and the implementation of a sound insulation program.

Despite these efforts, noise complaints from residents near the airport have persisted. Some residents, such as Erik Woken, have noticed an increase in noise from airplanes and have filed complaints with the FAA. While the FAA's analysis may show no changes in flight paths or procedures, residents' perceptions of increased noise may be influenced by factors like winter weather and temperature inversions, which can cause sound waves to refract back toward the ground, making aircraft sound louder.

The airport and the city of Boise have continued to engage with the community and explore options for further reducing noise impacts. In 2017, the airport held an open house to review proposals, including changes to the city's building code and upgrades to sound insulation in nearby homes. The city has also considered the potential expansion of an existing runway to accommodate military flights separately from commercial flights. However, some residents remain sceptical of the city's transparency and commitment to addressing their concerns.

While the Boise Airport works to balance the needs of the community with the operational requirements of the airport, noise complaints and mitigation efforts are ongoing. The airport continues to seek ways to minimise noise impacts on neighbouring residents while maintaining safe and efficient aircraft operations.

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