Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program Update Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Washington, DC
The Wyle Acoustics Group has been selected as part of a team to update the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study for Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Over the years, DCA has experienced a high level of controversy due to noise complaints from nearby residents. As a result, a multi-jurisdictional study working group is overseeing study progress and public involvement will be a key element of the project. Multiple public meetings are planned for scoping and progress milestones such as completion of the draft noise exposure modeling, future scenario noise analysis and development of the revised Noise Compatibility Plan (NCP).
Wyle engineers have completed preliminary measurements and are planning a second phase to measure noise out in the community to validate the results of the INM modeling. Wyle will also perform supplemental analyses to provide the community with alternative ways to understand noise impact. For example, Time Above (TA) the noise threshold of 65 dB, presented as a set of contours depicting locations where the threshold is exceeded for 10, 20 or 30 minutes per day, will help airport neighbors understand the result of various changes in the airport flight operations and fleet mix. Similarly, Wyle will use specialized in-house software to compute and map contours showing the Number of Events Above (NA) the 65 dB threshold. By examining the TA and NA metrics, working group and community members are given more information than can be provided through the standard Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) contours, as useful as these are. This enables decision-makers and the public to participate more effectively in the Part 150 Noise Study process.