Westfield-Barnes Airport, Westfield MA; FAA Approval of Noise Compatibility Program, 43746-43752 [E9-20730]

Agencies

• Federal Aviation Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 165 (Thursday, August 27, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43746-43752]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-20730]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration


Westfield-Barnes Airport, Westfield MA; FAA Approval of Noise 
Compatibility Program

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces its 
findings on the noise compatibility program submitted by the Westfield 
Airport Commission under the provisions of Title I of the Aviation 
Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 (Pub. L. 96-193) and 14 CFR part 
150. These findings are made in recognition of the description of 
federal and non-federal responsibilities in Senate Report No. 96-52 
(1980). On August 3, 2009, the Airports Division Manager approved the 
Westfield-Barnes Airport noise compatibility program. All of the 
proposed program elements were approved.

DATES: Effective Date: The effective date of the FAA's approval of the 
Westfield-Barnes Airport noise compatibility program is August 3, 2009.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Doucette, Federal Aviation 
Administration, New England Region, Airports Division, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, Telephone (781) 238-
7613.
    Documents reflecting this FAA action may be obtained from the same 
individual.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice announces that the FAA has given 
its overall approval to the Westfield-Barnes Airport noise 
compatibility program, effective August 3, 2009.
    Under Section 104(a) of the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act 
of 1979 (hereinafter the Act), an airport operator who has previously 
submitted a noise exposure map may submit to the FAA a noise 
compatibility program which sets forth the measures taken or proposed 
by the airport operator for the reduction of existing non-compatible 
land uses and prevention of additional non-compatible land uses within 
the area covered by the noise exposure maps.
    The Act requires such programs to be developed in consultation with 
interested and affected parties including local communities, government 
agencies, airport users, and FAA personnel.

[[Page 43747]]

    Each airport noise compatibility program developed in accordance 
with Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR), Part 150 is a local program, 
not a federal program. The FAA does not substitute its judgment for 
that of the airport proprietor with respect to which measures should be 
recommended for action. The FAA's approval or disapproval of FAR Part 
150 program recommendations is measured according to the standards 
expressed in Part 150 and the Act, and is limited to the following 
determinations:
    (a) The noise compatibility program was developed in accordance 
with the provisions and procedures of FAR Part 150;
    (b) program measures are reasonably consistent with achieving the 
goals of reducing existing non-compatible land uses around the airport 
and preventing the introduction of additional non-compatible land uses;
    (c) program measures would not create an undue burden on interstate 
or foreign commerce, unjustly discriminate against types or classes of 
aeronautical uses, violate the terms of airport grant agreements, or 
intrude into areas preempted by the federal government; and
    (d) program measures relating to the use of flight procedures can 
be implemented within the period covered by the program without 
derogating safety, adversely affecting the efficient use and management 
of the navigable airspace and air traffic control systems, or adversely 
affecting other powers and responsibilities of the Administrator as 
prescribed by law.
    Specific limitations with respect to FAA's approval of an airport 
noise compatibility program are delineated in FAR Part 150, Section 
150.5. Approval is not a determination concerning the acceptability of 
land uses under Federal, state, or local law. Approval does not by 
itself constitute a FAA implementing action. A request for Federal 
action or approval to implement specific noise compatibility measures 
may be required, and an FAA decision on the request may require an 
environmental assessment of the proposed action.
    Approval does not constitute a commitment by the FAA to financially 
assist in the implementation of the program nor a determination that 
all measures covered by the program are eligible for grant-in-aid 
funding from the FAA under the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 
1982. Where Federal funding is sought, requests for project grants must 
be submitted to the FAA Regional Office in Burlington, Massachusetts.
    The Westfield-Barnes Airport study contains a proposed noise 
compatibility program comprised of actions designed for implementation 
by airport management and adjacent jurisdictions from the date of study 
completion to the year 2014. Westfield requested that the FAA evaluate 
and approve this material as a noise compatibility program as described 
in Section 104(b) of the Act. The FAA began its review of the program 
on April 22, 2009, and was required by a provision of the Act to 
approve or disapprove the program within 180 days (other than the use 
of new flight procedures for noise control). Failure to approve or 
disapprove such a program within the 180-day period shall be deemed to 
be an approval of such a program.
    The submitted program contained 20 proposed actions for noise 
mitigation. The FAA completed its review and determined that the 
procedural and substantive requirements of the Act and FAR Part 150 
have been satisfied. The Airports Division Manager therefore approved 
the program effective August 3, 2009.

Noise Mitigation Measures

Measure N1--Modification of Aircraft Departure Tracks (Continuation of 
1990 Measures 2 & 4)

    The intent of 1990 NCP Measures 2 and 4 were to modify the location 
and altitude of aircraft departure tracks utilizing each of the 
airport's four runways in order to minimize the level of noise caused 
by aircraft and helicopter overflights on the noise-sensitive 
population surrounding the airport. Measure 2 called for aircraft 
operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to perform a series of turns 
designed to avoid noise-sensitive areas, while Measure 4 recommended 
that aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) follow the 
same procedures. The departure paths recommended by these measures in 
the 1990 NCP did not significantly change the noise abatement 
procedures in place at the airport at the time of the 1990 Part 150 
study. The FAA approved these measures in their determination of the 
1990 NCP.
    This measure restates the noise abatement procedures already in 
place at the airport. The existing noise abatement departure procedure 
from Runway 02 directs aircraft to turn left to a 360-degree heading 
upon crossing the airport boundary until clear of noise-sensitive 
facilities, after which the aircraft can proceed on course. From Runway 
20, noise abatement departure flight tracks specify a left turn to a 
180-degree heading upon crossing the airport boundary. Runway 33 
departures are prohibited from making intersection departures, in order 
to maximize the height of aircraft above the mobile home community 
along the extended runway centerline. Runway 15 VFR departures are 
currently directed to maintain the runway heading until crossing the 
ridge line (unless otherwise directed by ATC), which reflects the 
changes recommended by Measure 2.
    Approved as a voluntary measure, subject to traffic, weather, and 
airspace safety and efficiency. This measure may be implemented totally 
or in part as deemed feasible and appropriate by the Air Traffic 
Manager for the safe and efficient movement of air traffic. Times and 
levels of compliance will be determined by the Air Traffic Manager as 
specific traffic management situations exist.

Measure N2--Perform a Site Selection/Feasibility Study for a Noise 
Barrier South of Runway 02 (Modification of 1990 NCP Measure 5)

    1990 Measure 5 recommended the construction of a noise barrier on 
the south side of the airport near the Runway 02 threshold. A noise 
barrier, depending on its location, can provide relief to airport 
neighbors from noise created by aircraft while on the ground, such as 
the use of reverse thrust, initial departure roll, and engine run-ups. 
Numerous sites were evaluated in the 1990 Part 150 study; however, only 
one proved to have the potential to significantly reduce noise 
exposure.
    A noise barrier, constructed of either an earthen berm or manmade 
wall (or a combination of both) could provide noise attenuation from 
aircraft ground movements. A berm would be placed in the location 
closest to the source of noise, subject to an FAR Part 77 obstruction 
analysis, and would need to provide at least a 5 dB single-event 
reduction in order to qualify for AIP funding. With the introduction of 
the F-15 aircraft at BAF, the ability of a noise barrier to reduce 
noise exposure near the departure end of Runway 02 may reduce the 
transmission of ground noise from the source (aircraft) to the receiver 
(densely populated residential land uses located along Old Holyoke 
Road). It is expected that a noise barrier would provide benefits to 
residents located south of the Massachusetts Turnpike from noise due to 
the use of F-15 afterburners during departures from Runway 02. This 
measure would direct the airport to perform a feasibility study that 
would evaluate the optimal location and construction technique that 
would provide the greatest benefit to

[[Page 43748]]

airport neighbors, in addition to identifying the costs and benefits 
associated with its construction.
    Approved. The previous study did not contemplate the presence of F-
15s. This noise barrier study should not repeat work previously done, 
but should determine feasibility of a noise barrier to mitigate noise 
created by the new aircraft.

Measure N3--Encourage the Use of GPS, RNAV, WAAS, and FMS Equipment To 
Enhance Noise Abatement Navigation (New Measure)

    This new measure would encourage the creation and use of advanced 
navigation techniques for implementation at the airport. The use of 
RNAV, GPS, FMS, and WAAS systems collectively will allow the better 
utilization of noise abatement departure procedures as well as more 
accurate approaches, with the benefit of reducing noise exposure over 
noise-sensitive land uses around an airport.
    The measure recommends the continued use of advanced navigation 
techniques, and as technology and its adaptation increases, the airport 
should identify and evaluate the use of alternative arrival and 
departure corridors and the refinement of existing corridors. No 
further action would be required, and the recommendation of this 
measure is a policy statement as opposed to a statement of action.
    Approved.

Land Use Mitigation Measures

Measure L1--Offer Voluntary Acquisition to Residential Structures 
Contiguous to the Future (2014) DNL 70 dB Noise Exposure Contour (New 
Measure)

    Acquisition programs are generally instituted in the most impacted 
areas around an airport, usually defined as those within the DNL 75 or 
70 dB noise exposure contour. The programs are voluntary, and are 
subject to the provisions set forth in the Uniform Relocation 
Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (49 CFR Part 24) 
(Uniform Act). This measure would offer voluntary acquisition to the 
residential land uses located contiguous to the DNL 70 dB noise 
exposure contour. There are approximately 52 parcels affected by this 
measure in the residential area south of the Massachusetts Turnpike.
    Federal funding for noise compatibility projects undertaken by 
airports is eligible only after an airport has completed and approved a 
Noise Compatibility Program. Property can be acquired by an airport 
either through condemnation (eminent domain) or through voluntary 
means, such as easements or fee simple purchase. A general outline of 
the procedures involved in the implementation of this measure follows.
    Following the approval by the FAA of this NCP, and assuming AIP 
grant funding is available, the City of Westfield will, either through 
its own administrative means or by soliciting bids for professional 
services, begin the acquisition process. The City's designated party 
will hire a qualified professional, independent appraiser in order to 
initially identify a property's fair market value. The property owner 
is encouraged to attend the initial appraisal. Following the appraisal, 
the Uniform Act specifies that the appraisal must be reviewed by a 
qualified review appraiser, whose purpose is to comprehensively assess 
the validity and reasonableness of the final valuation conclusion. This 
appraisal will be used to identify the fair market value of a 
residence, which is the basis for the City's offer. The determined fair 
market value is considered ``just compensation'' and does not include 
relocation costs, which are discussed later in the process. Following 
the appraisal of the property the airport will begin negotiations with 
the property owner, with an offer that it believes is just compensation 
for the property, but not less than the appraised fair market value. 
The initiation of negotiations officially begins with the City's 
submission of a written offer to the property owner.
    The sale of the property to the City would be similar to the sale 
of the property to a private seller, and includes the completion of a 
sales contract, transfer of title, and an executed deed. Following the 
closure of the sale, the airport owner or designee will provide written 
notice 90 days in advance of the moving date.
    Participation in the acquisition program as offered in this NCP 
would be voluntary, and participation in the program will qualify a 
homeowner for the benefits outlined in the Uniform Act and implementing 
regulations (49 CFR Part 24).
    Approved.

Measure L2--Acquire and Relocate the Arbor Mobile Home Park (New 
Measure)

    This measure would allow the City of Westfield to acquire the 
property on which the Arbor Mobile Home Park resides, located within 
the DNL 65 dB Future (2014) Noise Exposure Contour, and to facilitate 
the relocation of mobile home owners and rental tenants. Typically, 
noncompatible land uses within the DNL 65 dB noise contours are offered 
participation in sound insulation programs; however, mobile homes are 
not eligible for sound insulation under AIP guidelines. The Arbor 
Mobile Home Park is located directly to the west of the airport and 
southwest of the terminal and office complex. The property is 
approximately 5 acres in area and contains approximately 58 residential 
lots. Under the Future (2014) Noise Exposure Contour, residences in 
these areas are expected to experience DNL levels ranging from 65 to 70 
dB. It is anticipated that this measure would be implemented as 
follows. The airport would first, either through the City of Westfield 
or through soliciting professional services, appraise the property, 
submit a written offer to the park owner, and upon mutual acceptance of 
the offer, take ownership of the property. The City of Westfield would 
become the landlord of the property, and could either retain existing 
management or hire a mobile home park manager to continue to operate 
the mobile home park during the relocation process. Following the 
hiring of an acquisition specialist to assist with the implementation 
of the relocation program, the airport would initiate the relocation of 
the mobile home park residents.
    Approved.

Measure L3--Sound Insulate Residential Structures Within the DNL 65 dB 
Noise Exposure Contour and Contiguous Areas (Continuation of 1990 
Measure 10)

    A sound insulation program is an airport-sponsored program designed 
to reduce the interior audibility of aircraft overflights through 
modifications and replacement of building materials. In its most common 
form, a sound insulation program reduces the ability of sound energy to 
enter a structure through replacement of windows and sealants, the 
addition of efficient climate control systems, the reduction of 
structural air passages (modifications to venting), attic or wall 
insulation, and the installation of solid core doors. Windows and 
doors, as well as the seals that surround them, are the most common 
elements of an effective program.
    The goal of a sound insulation program is to reduce the interior 
intrusion of aircraft overflights to a point that minimal interference 
with daily activities, such as telephone conversations, watching 
television, and sleep, occur. FAA guidelines specify that the goal of a 
sound insulation program is an interior noise level of DNL 45 dB, which 
generally requires a

[[Page 43749]]

Noise Level Reduction (NLR) of approximately 20 dB from the outside to 
the inside of a structure, depending on the noise level in which the 
structure resides. For example, residences located within the DNL 70 dB 
noise exposure contour should have an NLR of at least 25 dB, to achieve 
an interior design goal of DNL 45 dB. The type of mitigation offered in 
a sound insulation program is related to the NLR of the existing 
structure, with a minimum goal of achieving at least a 5 dB noise 
reduction.
    A total of 364 residences (including those identified in Measure 
L1) have been identified as being potentially eligible for 
participation in a sound insulation program. A residence is considered 
impacted, and therefore potentially eligible for inclusion in the sound 
insulation program, if the DNL 65 dB noise exposure contour falls 
within the parcel boundary of a property. Additionally, properties that 
comprise a contiguous residential area are also included as potentially 
eligible. A total of 52 properties are expected to be impacted by noise 
levels of DNL 70 dB or greater (or comprise a contiguous area), while 
the remaining residences are expected to be impacted by noise levels of 
DNL 65 dB or greater or represent contiguous areas adjacent to the DNL 
65 dB noise contour. Although attempts have been made through the Part 
150 process to identify all residential structures located within the 
DNL 65 dB noise contour, it is possible that some may not have been 
identified. This measure is designed to include all potentially-
eligible residential structures within the DNL 65 dB noise exposure 
contour, even if not included in a zone as mentioned above.
    Approved.

Measure L4--Remedial Easement Acquisition (Continuation of 1990 Measure 
11)

    The primary vehicle for obtaining avigation easements in a Part 150 
mitigation program is in exchange for sound insulation improvements. 
However, due to the voluntary nature of the sound insulation program 
(Measure L3), property owners may elect to decline participation for 
various reasons, such as having previously performed home renovations. 
In such cases, an airport sponsor may elect to offer the property owner 
a one-time fee in exchange for an avigation easement. With the signing 
of an avigation easement, a property owner gives the airport the right 
of flight over the property, and also, in some cases, agrees to a 
restriction of future modifications or changes of land use. An airport 
will then hold the easement until sold or released. The avigation 
easement, as a legal document, would be attached to the property deed 
and, in the case of sale of the property, would be transferred to any 
future owners.
    Approved.

Measure L5--Sound Insulate Educational Facilities and Places of Worship 
(New Measure)

    No schools or places of worship are located within the DNL 65 dB 
noise exposure contour. However, noise-sensitive facilities are located 
immediately adjacent to the DNL 65 dB noise exposure contour, therefore 
this measure recommends that the airport investigate the feasibility of 
sound insulating those facilities deemed eligible for mitigation. Five 
noise-sensitive facilities have been preliminarily identified as 
potential candidates for sound insulation, based on their proximity to 
the Future (2014) DNL 65 dB Noise Exposure Contour. Westfield North 
Middle School and Southampton Road Elementary School, located to the 
west of the airport, the Russian Evangelical Church and Word of Grace 
Church, located to the north of the airport along North Road, and Our 
Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, located along Holyoke Road south of 
the airport, all may potentially be eligible for sound insulation.
    The airport would first, for each facility, perform acoustic 
testing in order to determine each building's eligibility for sound 
insulation. Proposals to sound insulate each facility will be 
coordinated closely with both the City of Westfield and the FAA. The 
first step in the process would be to perform a feasibility study, 
which would identify the building NLR and the impacts of aircraft 
noise, and also identify the times the facility is open and use of the 
facility by the community.
    Eligibility for sound insulation of noise sensitive facilities is 
determined not only by the building's NLR, but also on the use of the 
facility. For example, a facility that is only in use during evening 
hours when aircraft activity is low may not be deemed eligible. Pending 
the results of the feasibility study, and ultimately, City of Westfield 
and FAA approval of the proposal, the design phase, which identifies 
the type of modifications needed to meet FAA guidelines, would begin, 
followed by construction and a post modification evaluation. It is 
expected that the priority for both the feasibility investigation and 
sound insulation, if eligible, would be begin with Westfield North 
Middle School and Southampton Road Elementary School. Pending available 
funding and the amount of time each of the churches are utilized by 
members of the community for educational and worship services, 
feasibility studies and potential sound insulation may be pursued for 
each.
    Disapproved. The Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) show none of the 
schools are within the DNL 65 dB noise contour either now or in the 
future. One of the first criteria for determining whether a measure 
meets part 150 approval standards is that the area to be mitigated must 
be within that NEM contour. The airport sponsor has not provided NEMs 
that show a local standard (i.e., DNL 60 dB) has been adopted by the 
local jurisdiction with land use authority. Until and unless the 
schools are located within the adopted NEM contours, the FAA may not 
consider approval of this measure.

Measure L6--Preventive Easement Acquisition (Continuation of 1990 
Measure 14)

    Similar to the acquisition of easements through sound insulation 
and purchase assurance programs, easements can be acquired in order to 
prevent future incompatible development in specified areas. In the case 
of easement acquisition of undeveloped or compatible land uses, they 
can act as a deterrent for future incompatible development. This 
measure would allow airport and City of Westfield to prevent future 
incompatible development within the DNL 65 dB noise exposure contour 
without proper sound attenuation materials or other development 
controls.
    Approved.

Measure L7--Modify Existing Zoning Within the DNL 65 dB Noise Exposure 
Contour

    A very common and effective method for reducing both existing and 
potential noise-sensitive development in the vicinity of airports is 
modifications to the existing zoning code. A zoning code establishes 
permitted and non-permitted uses in geographic areas surrounding an 
airport, and includes regulations pertaining to elements such as 
height, density, and siting of buildings. A community relies on its 
zoning code to promote orderly growth and safe separation of many 
differing types of land uses. When considering airport noise issues, 
various approaches to conventional zoning are often considered. Zoning 
for compatible land uses within a specified boundary, such as the DNL 
65 dB noise exposure contour, entails eliminating zoning designations 
that would allow for

[[Page 43750]]

noncompatible development, such as residential districts. Changing 
these zoning designations from an incompatible land use to a compatible 
land use, such as commercial or industrial, would promote compatible 
land uses in noise sensitive areas. Alternatively, a jurisdiction may 
not desire to eliminate the feasibility of incompatible development, 
but may rather reduce the density of permitted residential units or to 
increase the size of residential lots in areas near the airport. An 
analysis of zoned land within the DNL 65 dB noise exposure contour 
indicated that approximately 398 acres of incompatibly zoned land uses 
are within the contour.
    Approved. The Federal Government has no authority to control local 
land use. Local governments have the authority to implement this 
measure. The FAA prefers that no new noise-sensitive development be 
allowed within the DNL 65 dB, and this measure will help achieve that 
goal.

Measure L8--Voluntary Undeveloped Land Acquisitions (Continuation of 
1990 Measure 16)

    Preventive land acquisition works in a manner similar to preventive 
easement acquisition, and the two are often paired prior to resale or 
development of potentially incompatible land. In some instances, land 
may become available for purchase in a noise-sensitive area, and in 
order to prevent future incompatible development, an airport or sponsor 
may choose to purchase the land and apply land use controls designed to 
discourage incompatible development. Factors to consider in this 
measure include the amount of available land, the ability of an airport 
or jurisdiction to make available the funds required to purchase the 
land, and the development potential of the land in question. Land uses 
that are generally compatible with airport options may not need to be 
purchased, as their noncompatible development potential is low. 
Generally, these types of purchases are eligible for AIP funding; 
however, the airport may be obligated to utilize the funds resulting 
from the sale of the land for other noise mitigation purposes or return 
the funds to the Aviation Trust Fund.
    Approved.

Measure L9--Airport Noise Overlay District (Continuation of 1990 
Measure 12)

    This measure recommends that the City of Westfield pursue the 
development of an Airport Noise Overlay District (ANOD) based on the 
Future (2014) Noise Exposure Contour. An Airport Noise Overlay District 
can require noise-level disclosure in real estate transactions, and 
could also require specified noise level reduction in the construction 
of new structures or the modification of existing structures. The 
measure can also prohibit non-compatible development within a specified 
boundary, such as the DNL 65 dB noise contour, or establish ``buffer 
zones'' that impose restrictions on noise-sensitive development in the 
area between the non-compatible area and the fully compatible areas 
beyond. Typical elements of an airport noise overlay district include a 
statement of purpose and intent, definitions of common terms, 
applicability, permitted uses as well as exemptions and nonconforming 
structures, a permitted use table, and NLR requirements.
    The WAC and Airport Staff will need to work in conjunction with 
City of Westfield officials and staff, and ultimately, the public in 
order to define the goals, restrictions, and boundaries of an Airport 
Noise Overlay District. Primarily, consensus on the boundary of an 
overlay district, whether defined as the DNL 65 dB of the Future (2014) 
Noise Exposure Contour or a geographic boundary that encompasses areas 
considered by the City of Westfield to be noise sensitive land uses, 
needs to be identified. Following that determination, various types of 
land use restrictions need to be evaluated, including potential 
restrictions on new non-compatible development, noise disclosure, 
acquisition of easements, and limitations on modifications to existing 
structures. Finally, the issue of identifying a buffer zone beyond the 
limits of areas considered to be impacted by noise exposure should be 
considered. Ultimately, the recommendations of the WAC can be presented 
to City of Westfield officials, at which time the ANOD would be subject 
to the standard public process of all changes to the City of Westfield 
zoning regulations.
    Approved. The Federal Government has no authority to control local 
land use. Local governments have the authority to implement this 
measure. The FAA prefers that no new noise-sensitive development be 
allowed within the DNL 65 dB, and this measure will help achieve that 
goal.

Measure L10--Environmental Review (Continuation of 1990 Measure 13)

    This measure recommends the City of Westfield to include airport 
staff during the course of administrative review of proposals for land 
use development in areas either within the DNL 65 dB noise exposure 
contour or in another defined boundary, such as an Airport Noise 
Overlay District (Measure L9). As is currently the practice in the City 
of Westfield, the airport manager participates in a weekly round table 
discussion of development that is located in the vicinity of the 
airport, and may be affected by aircraft overflights.
    Approved.

Measure L11--Real Estate Disclosure (Continuation of 1990 Measure 15)

    Measure L11 directs the Airport Manager to continue pursuing the 
implementation of real estate disclosure through both coordination with 
local real estate professionals to include information about airport 
noise and overflights, and through the inclusion of a noise disclosure 
ordinance attached to a property deed.
    Real estate notices are an effective means of acknowledgement of 
potential impacts from aircraft overflights in an area surrounding an 
airport to perspective property owners. Real estate disclosure notices, 
if implemented by local or State real estate associations, can 
effectively incorporate information about aircraft overflights, the 
location of the property in relation to the airport or flight patterns, 
and potential effects in either a legal document (through an easement) 
or in real estate marketing materials.
    Noise disclosure ordinances typically address property either 
within the 65 dB DNL noise exposure contour, which is considered 
incompatible with airport operations according to Federal guidelines, 
or in other predefined boundaries around an airport. At the City of 
Westfield discretion, the disclosure ordinance should be expanded to 
include property within the DNL 60 dB noise exposure contour or the 
proposed Airport Noise Overlay District.
    Approved. The Federal Government has no authority to control local 
land use. Local governments have the authority to implement this 
measure. The FAA prefers that no new noise-sensitive development be 
allowed within the DNL 65 dB, and this measure will help achieve that 
goal.

Measure L12--Modify Subdivision Regulation

    Subdivision regulations apply to large areas of compatibly-zoned 
land that have yet to be subdivided or that may be changed from one 
zoning category to another to permit development. The City of Westfield 
Planning Board administers the Rules and Regulations Governing the 
Subdivision of Land in Westfield, in accordance with the General Laws 
of Massachusetts (M.G.L.)

[[Page 43751]]

Chapter 41 Section 81K to GG, often referred to as the ``Subdivision 
Control Law.'' These regulations ensure the proper arrangement of 
roads, establish open space guidelines, ensure adequate public 
utilities such as water and sewer service, conformance with applicable 
City of Westfield Zoning Ordinances, and ensure an orderly and 
efficient layout of the subdivision. This measure directs the Airport 
Manager to pursue the inclusion of methods such as the incorporation of 
noise attenuating standards, noise disclosure, or the dedication of 
easements in the regulation of proposed subdivisions that may be 
impacted by aircraft noise as promulgated by the City of Westfield.
    Approved. The Federal Government has no authority to control local 
land use. Local governments have the authority to implement this 
measure. The FAA prefers that no new noise-sensitive development be 
allowed within the DNL 65 dB, and this measure will help achieve that 
goal.

Measure L13--Recommend Building Code Modifications

    Modifications to building codes can include elements to address the 
inclusion of sound insulation materials, such as windows and doors with 
higher Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings and other elements 
designed to reduce the transmission of sound from the exterior 
environment to the interior of a structure. Building code revisions 
only address new construction and significant modifications to existing 
structures. The City of Westfield, in accord with all other 
jurisdictions in Massachusetts, adheres to the Massachusetts State 
Building Code, 7th Edition as its guiding document. All construction 
and renovation of detached one and two family homes are regulated by 
the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS). As such, any 
changes designed to address airport noise would require modifications 
to the state code. This measure directs the Airport Manager to continue 
to engage the BBRS to encourage changes in the state building code that 
include requirements to address noise impacts from aircraft sources. 
While changes to the State building code are outside of the scope of 
Part 150, it is recommended that the airport, in conjunction with other 
airports around the state, further investigate the feasibility and 
practicality of suggesting these revisions.
    Approved. The Federal Government has no authority to control local 
land use. Local governments have the authority to implement this 
measure. The FAA prefers that no new noise-sensitive development be 
allowed within the DNL 65 dB, and this measure will help achieve that 
goal.

Program Management Measures

Measure P1--Establish a Noise Mitigation Advisory Committee 
(Continuation of 1990 Measure 9)

    This measure directs the airport and Westfield Airport Commission 
to establish a Noise Mitigation Advisory Committee to assist with the 
management and communication of noise issues. The WAC could solicit a 
group of individuals comprising of the Airport Manager or designee, 
personnel from various airport tenants, including staff from the MAANG, 
City of Westfield Planning Department staff, elected officials, and 
representatives from neighborhood groups or subdivisions. The mission 
of the committee would be to disseminate information about operations 
at the airport, to monitor the implementation of various mitigation 
measures, and to provide an ongoing dialog that links the City of 
Westfield and surrounding communities with Westfield-Barnes Airport. It 
is anticipated that the Noise Mitigation Advisory Committee would meet 
twice per year, depending on the implementation of the mitigation 
measures recommended in the NCP.
    Approved.

Measure P2--Institute a Community Awareness Program (New Measure)

    A community awareness program consists of educational materials 
designed to help members of the public understand the characteristics 
of operations at the airport. One of the largest obstacles to airport 
growth and development is a lack of understanding of the type of 
operations at an airport. A community awareness program provides 
details about airport tenants, the types of operations flown, and the 
times of days operations are flown. Additionally, these programs share 
the pilot's and airport tenant's perspectives, information regarding 
planning and development, and any temporary construction projects that 
would change the typical operating conditions at the airport. This type 
of program could also provide detail on various noise and land use 
mitigation projects undertaken by the airport.
    Changes anticipated to occur at BAF, including the change in 
mission and fleet of the 104th FW, the associated development projects, 
and the potential mitigation programs collectively warrant the 
publication of materials designed to convey this information to the 
public. This measure directs the Airport Manager to transmit 
information as provided in Measure P1 to the larger public in the City 
of Westfield.
    Approved.

Measure P3--Institute a Fly Quiet Program (New Measure)

    This measure recommends that the airport create and institute a Fly 
Quiet Program for use at the airport which would build upon the 
existing noise abatement departure procedures already in place. A Fly 
Quiet Program can include a number of measures designed to educate 
pilots and other aircraft tenants about noise sensitive uses in the 
airport environs. Among the range of measures that can be included are 
the installation of signage at each runway end reminding pilots about 
the noise abatement procedures, the creation of a color-coded map that 
identifies noise-sensitive land uses in the airport environs, and 
brochures keeping airport tenants aware of noise-related community 
concerns, as well as encouraging the use of both NBAA noise abatement 
procedures and AOPA Noise Awareness Steps.
    Approved. Wording for publications and signage, and location of any 
on-airport signage, must be coordinated with the FAA before final 
issuance. Publications/signage should not imply that voluntary noise 
abatement measures are mandatory.

Measure P4--Periodic Evaluation of Noise Exposure (Continuation of 1990 
Measure 8)

    This measure would direct the Westfield Airport Commission to 
periodically update the noise exposure maps at the airport either 
within a five-year time frame or when operating conditions at the 
airport change (such as the addition of air carrier operations or a 
further change in mission or operating characteristics of the 104th 
FW). The implementation of this measure would ensure a continuation of 
the evaluation of noise exposure, and would also allow for 
modifications to the boundaries of various land use mitigation programs 
should the need arise.
    Approved. NEMs should be updated as required by the Part 150 
Statute.
    FAA's determinations are set forth in detail in a Record of 
Approval endorsed by the Airports Division Manager on August 3, 2009. 
The Record of Approval, as well as other evaluation materials and the 
documents comprising the submittal, are available for review at the FAA 
office listed above and at the administrative offices of Westfield-
Barnes Airport, Westfield MA.


[[Page 43752]]


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts on August 3, 2009.
LaVerne F. Reid,
Manager, Airports Division, FAA New England Region.
[FR Doc. E9-20730 Filed 8-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P