Additions to RCAA Library

Airports create health hazards & other environmental challenges.  A recent addition to the RCAA library calls attention to the risks to health that are associated with aircraft noise.  A second new publication, from the US GAO, reviews the actions of airport operators in dealing with health & other environmental issues that seem to arise almost every time an airport seeks to expand.

Skeptics who deny that aircraft noise has serious effects on human health should spend a thoughtful hour or so, perusing "A Review of the Literature Related to Potential  Health Effects if Aircraft Noise", published in July by a joint effort of the FAA, NASA, & Transport Canada.  We recommend this to anyone concerned about aircraft noise but unsure of how serious the problem is.

The GAO report was published (on the web) a few days ago.  It's turgid reading, replete with abbreviations & acronyms (mostly unfamiliar), but it does confirm that environmental issues (noise high on the list) are contributing to delays in major expansion at airports all over the U.S. The report leaves a feeling that much was left unsaid, & at least one reader has told us that it seems aimed at placating those who feel that airports aren't doing anything about the environment.  The GAO's conclusion is that most are doing something, & the inference is "Oh, goody!". But whether it's enough, or is actually relevant ... that really is what is important but isn't addressed candidly.  The title is a guide to the mindset of the writers:  "Systematically Addressing Environmental Impacts and Community Concerns Can Help Airports Reduce Project Delays", GAO-10-50.  It is assumed that all airport projects are worthy & should not be delayed.  If an airport is seen to be "addressing" environmental issues, projects should be able to move forward more briskly.

One finds at p. 37 of the GAO report some discussion of Federal legislation that had escaped RCAA's notice, "The Aviation Streamlining Approval Process Act of 2003".  We know nothing about this legislation.

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Although RCAA was consulted by the GAO team while they were doing their research, the report does not go into detail about either Sea-Tac or Boeing Field, & RCAA's views are not reflected in the report.  Not that that is important.

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To borrow arrange to borrow a copy of either report, e-mail the RCAA office.