DATE: June 24, 2022
TO: Council Airport Committee
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: Evaluation of Airport Noise Program for Calendar Year 2021
RECOMMENDATION
That the Council Airport Committee (CAC) reviews this report and provides comments; no action is necessary.
SUMMARY
The global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) resulted in a decline in activity within the general aviation industry, including a significant reduction in the number of aircraft operations (takeoffs and landings) at general aviation airports in the United States during calendar year (CY) 2020. This decrease in operations led to a corresponding decrease to the number of noise complaints during the same time frame.
However, as the COVID-19 pandemic eased during 2021, aircraft operations at Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) increased from 104,218 operations in CY 2020 to 130,172 operations in CY 2021.
BACKGROUND
In July 1991, the City adopted Ordinance 91-16 to regulate aircraft noise at HWD. As a result, staff administers a noise program that includes the operation of noise monitors and the investigation of every noise complaint that is received. Staff also conducts pilot education seminars, distributes information on noise abatement procedures, and participates in outreach activities.
This report addresses the operational results for calendar year 2021.
DISCUSSION
Comparison of CY 2021 to CY 2020
The operational results for calendar year 2021 in comparison with calendar year 2020 are outlined below:
CATEGORY
CY 2020
CY 2021
Aircraft Operations
104,218
130,172
Complaints Received
131
303
Complaints Addressed
131
303
Noise Exceedances
84 100
Please note the following definitions:
Aircraft Operations – The number of takeoffs and landings for a defined period Complaints Received – The number of complaints received through email, letters, and calls to the Airport Noise Hotline Complaints Addressed – The number of responses by staff to noise complaints Noise Exceedances – The number of aircraft that exceed published noise limits in decibels established by the City Noise Ordinance Airport Operations Versus Complaints
There is typically a correlation between the number of aircraft operations and the number of noise complaints received. Typically, as the number of operations increase, so do the number of complaints. The number of complaints received at HWD for CY 2021 increased from 131 in CY 2020 to 303 in CY 2021, while the number of operations increased over the same period, from 104,218 to 130,172.
In September, staff received fifty-three complaints regarding one aircraft, a high-performance Arnold AR-6 single engine aircraft that participated in the Reno Air Races. The aircraft has a unique noise signature, and while it did not exceed the Airport Noise Ordinance limitations, it drew attention.
Airport Operations Versus Exceedances
The total number of exceedances increased in January and from August to November. These months experience increases to operations as the result of better flying conditions.
Households Versus Total Complaints
The term “Households” corresponds to the address and name at an individual residence. When an address is provided, staff notes the neighborhood, city, and pattern of complaints. Multiple complaints can come from one household, which is presented as the total number of household complaints (208). As noted earlier, the total number of complaints for CY 2021 was 303.
Complaints Versus Exceedances
Seventy-six households in San Lorenzo filed a total of 112 noise complaints in 2021, which represents 37% of the total complaints received. Only 23 of those complaints correlated with an actual exceedance of noise standards for the year.
Complaints by Neighborhood and Outside of Hayward
Eighty-five percent of complaints are received from residents in Hayward and San Lorenzo, the two communities closest to the Airport. The remaining complaints come from other cities in the Bay Area. While staff investigates all complaints received, the airport’s noise ordinance is limited to within the City’s boundaries, and staff has no jurisdiction outside the City.
Strategies Employed to Reduce Complaints
Airport staff is committed to reducing the number of noise complaints. First, the Airport’s Airport Operations Specialist monitors noise violations and contacts pilots that exceed published noise standards. Most violators voluntarily comply with noise abatement procedures once they have been notified. Second, each noise complaint received is investigated by the Airport Operations Specialist and contact is made with the individual registering the complaint. Each complaint is evaluated, and exceedances of the City’s noise ordinance are addressed. The noise abatement procedures are available on the City’s website or as requested by pilots, as well as through public outreach. Voluntary Noise Abatement Procedures include instructions such as:
Avoid overflights of residential areas
Departing to the west, turn at or before the golf course Climb at the best rate to reduce noise impact to our community Reduce climb power and propeller RPM as soon as practical Please refer to the Noise Abatement Procedure Guide above describing Hayward's most noise sensitive areas, traffic patterns with altitudes, and preferred departure procedures.
Staff strives to maintain an open dialogue with the public.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
No economic impact is associated with this informational item.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact is associated with this informational item.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This agenda item does not directly relate to items contained within the Council’s Strategic Roadmap.
SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
This report is informational in nature and does not pertain to any sustainability features.
PUBLIC CONTACT
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City’s website and distributed to interested parties.
NEXT STEPS
No next steps are outlined in this informational report.
Prepared by: Doug McNeeley, Airport Manager
Recommended by: Alex Ameri, Director of Public Works
Approved by:
Kelly McAdoo, City Manager