VarianceAll California airports that impact their surrounding communities with a cumulative noise level of 65 decibels Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or greater must receive a variance to certain provisions of the California Noise Standards provided by the State of California, Division of Aeronautics (State). The California Noise Standards use the 65-decibel CNEL contour to define a noise impact area. It is the ultimate objective of the California Noise Standards that there will be no incompatible land uses (i.e., residential, schools, churches, hospitals) located within the 65 decibel CNEL contour. Since the late 1970s, the owner and operator of the Airport has received eight variances to the California Noise Standards. Here are the frequently asked questions for the 9th Variance Process for San Diego International Airport. What mitigation programs have resulted from the variance process? The California Noise Standards are designed to bring the airport proprietor and the local noise impacted community together to work cooperatively to diminish airport noise impacts. Some of the SDIA noise compatibility programs resulting from this process include the Airport Use Regulations, Time of Day Restrictions (curfew) and the Residential (Quieter Home) and School Sound Attenuation (Insulation) Programs. What is the status of the current variance? The 8th Variance to Title 21 of the California Noise Standards - Terms and Stipulations, successfully implemented in August 2001, remains in effect for three years. On June 25, 2004 the Airport Authority requested a 9th Variance in accordance with Title 21. Stipulations to the current Variance include enhancements to the Airport Authority's Residential Sound Attenuation Program (the Quieter Home Program), adding members to the community's Airport Noise Advisory Committee (ANAC), updating the Remote Noise Monitoring System, and enhancing the Authority's programs for disseminating noise information and education to the public. For more information on the Variance process at the Airport, please call (619) 400-2781. |
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