WAA’s Noise Management Program incorporates a monitoring component. The intent of the Monitoring program is to:
_ Measure the effectiveness of existing procedures, and other aspects of the management program andidentify aircraft operations that are not in compliance with regulations designed to mitigate noise.
The Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) estimates disturbance levels in the areas near the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and along the flight paths. The NEF model has been used by airports across Canada and is both well established and well tested.
What is the NEF?
The Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) is the official method used for airport/aircraft noise assessment. The NEF was designed to predict human annoyance to airport operations within noise impact areas. The NEF is represented as contours overlaying the airport and surrounding neighbourhoods. The contours are related to the predicted noise disturbance on a scale of 0 to 40 with only those exceeding an NEF of 25 being plotted. Generally, areas within the NEF 30 are those that experience disturbances. The contours can be used to plan compatible land uses in areas regularly affected by airport operations.
The NEF is a method developed to predict the degree of community annoyance from aircraft noise on the basis of various acoustical and operational data. The model calculates disturbance levels by examining noise levels produced from the frequency and mix of aircraft at given altitudes, and the time of day at which the noise occurs. The model weighs nighttime disturbances almost 17 times greater than day-time movement.
The NEF model is described in the form of noise exposure contours. These contours are based on a scale from 0-40. The NEF contours for Winnipeg International Airport indicate the following contours:
_ NEF 40 closest to the airport and generally little residential land use.
_ NEF 35 encompasses older neigbourhoods developed prior to land use planning considerations. Frequent disturbances are anticipated in these neighbourhoods. Aircraft noise is anticipated to rise above background levels.
_ NEF 30 also encompasses older neigbourhoods developed prior to land use planning considerations. Moderate disturbances from aircraft operations are anticipated in these neighbourhood
_ NEF 25 includes areas where aircraft noise on average is slightly below background levels.
Transport Canada does not recommend new developments within the NEF 30-40 zones.
In the case of Winnipeg, the contours have shrunk considerably since 1979, as a result of quieter aircraft and the development and implementation of noise abatement procedures.
The NEF have been used in the development of the Airport Vicinity Development Plan for areas surrounding Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
The Noise Reporting Line
As part of a Citizen Response Program, a 24-hour Noise Reporting Line was established in 1990 to allow citizens to contact airport personnel by telephone with questions or comments regarding noise levels at Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. Citizens may call the Noise Reporting Line anytime to request information or comment on a specific operation. The Noise Reporting Line can be reached at 987-9403.
Flight Tracking and Investigation
The WAA flight tracking system is designed to track aircraft arriving and departing Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. This tool enables WAA to identify aircraft associated with noise disturbances, and any aircraft or carrier that may not be operating consistently with the regulations.
WAA forwards identified deviations from the designated flight track to Transport Canada for investigation. There are relatively few aircraft deviations and the majority of those occur for acceptable reasons such as to avoid inclement weather (i.e. thunder storms), flocks of birds or even to maintain separation distances from other aircraft in the area.