03-16-2022 ARC Meeting PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION
March 16, 2022 6:00 p.m.
City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve
1.Call to Order
2.Election of Officers—Chair and Vice Chair
3.Approval of Agenda
4.Approval of Minutes
a.Approval of Minutes of the January 19, 2022 Regular Meeting
5.Public Comments
6.Unfinished and New Business
a.Review of Chair Norling’s meeting with the Eagan ARC chair
b.Heights Highlights Article Review and Building Permit Message
c.Review 2022 action items and meeting planning
7.Acknowledge Receipt of Reports and Correspondence
a.2021 Noise Contour Report
b.Review of Airport Operational Statistics (link: https://www.macenvironment.org/
reports/)
i.Complaint Information
ii.Runway Use Information
iii.Turboprop Information
iv.Noise Monitor Information
c.News Articles
8.Commissioner Comments
9.Adjourn Meeting
_____________________________________________________ Airport Relations Commission
DATE: March 16, 2022
TO: Airport Relations Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Election of Officers
At its meeting on March 16, the ARC should elect a Chair, and a Vice Chair for the (retroactive) term of February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.
The current chair is Gina Norling and the current Vice Chair is Arvind Sharma.
Page 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
January 19, 2022
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on
Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1. Call to Order
Acting Chair Sharma called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The following commissioners
were present: Arvind Sharma, David Sloan, Kevin Byrnes, William Dunn, and Jim Neuharth.
Absent (excused): Gina Norling, Jeff Hamiel.
Staff present: City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson and Office Support Assistant Sheila
Robertson.
2. Approval of Agenda
Motion by Dunn/Second by Byrnes to approve the agenda.
Discussion: Commissioner Sloan asked if the commission could address the strategic priorities
without Chair Norling present. City Administer Jacobson stated that the commission could do
so, if acting chair Sharma was comfortable with that. She noted that item 4a. should still be
discussed tonight.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Approval of Minutes
a. Approval of Minutes of the November 17, 2021 Regular Meeting
Motion by Neuharth/Second by Sloan. No discussion.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. Public Comments
No public comments.
5. Unfinished and New Business
a. Strategic Priority- Communications Plan
Page 2
City Administrator Jacobson summarized where they left off in relation to ARC
Communication Priorities and noted that ARC is slated to publish an article in an
upcoming newsletter. The City will increase the frequency of the quarterly “Heights
Highlights” newsletter to a bimonthly publication. The deadline to submit an article
for the March/April edition is on January 21, whereas the deadline to submit an
article for the May/June edition is on March 25.
Acting Chair Sharma suggested they try to get an article out in the spring or summer
when the weather gets nicer and complaints increase.
Commissioner Neuharth suggested May/June as a good option and noted he’ll work
with Communications Coordinator Sharon Deziel to get some ideas together and
send back the committee.
Commissioner Dunn noted that one topic idea could be the explanation of 5G
frequency band in regards to MSP Airport.
City Administrator Jacobson asked if that topic would be too difficult to explain in a
text format. Perhaps the article could relate 5G frequency band in regard to safety
and technology.
Commissioner Neuharth suggested that Brad Ryks, Executive Director of the MAC,
would be a good resource on that topic.
Acting Chair Sharma noted that for more information they could also ask a cell
company such as Verizon. He suggested we use an article to explain why we have
more noise.
City Administrator Jacobson suggested we do a “general airport” piece, and then
follow up in another issue to go deeper into a detailed topic.
Commissioner Byrnes agreed that in May/June it’s noisier, and an article in
November could provide a data recap or education to educate residents.
Commissioner Sloan asked if there’s any value to explaining the ARC’s role.
Commissioner Byrnes suggested that is a good idea, and could note at the end of an
article.
City Administrator Jacobson noted there has been some published notes about what
ARC is in the weekly “Friday News”.
Acting Chair Sharma suggested they review the article drafted by Commissioner
Neuharth at the next meeting on March 17. This will allow the commissioners to
edit and approve in real time.
Commissioner Neuharth will send out a draft to the ARC members prior to the
March meeting so edit.
b. Strategic Priority- Noise Mitigation
Page 3
Commissioner Byrnes offered the idea to offer options for noise mitigation to those
applying for permits.
Commissioner Neuharth thought there once was a method to review prior to
building in certain high noise areas.
Commissioner Byrnes asked if the City’s permitting department could comment
whether it’s an issue they see a lot or not. He will put together a draft of
information for residents to use as a resource.
City Administrator Jacobson will put that information on the City’s website and will
review a physical handout/tip sheet for homeowners draft once Commissioner
Byrnes completes it.
6. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports and Correspondence
a. Review of Airport Operational Statistics (link:
https://www.macenvironment.org/reports/)
i. Complaint Information
ii. Runway Use Information
iii. Turboprop Information
iv. Noise Monitor Information
There are no new stats to review as the MAC’s website is currently down. City
Administrator Jacobson is working with Michelle Ross for support and will hopefully
have it resolved soon.
b. News Articles
There are no news articles to review.
7. Commissioner Comments
There are no commissioner comments.
8. Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Sloan/Second by Dunn to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried 5-0.
Acting Chair Sharma adjourned the meeting at 6:40pm.
Minutes taken by Sheila Robertson
Office Support Assistant
Page 4
_____________________________________________________ Airport Relations Commission
DATE: March 16, 2022
TO: Airport Relations Commission
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, City Administrator
SUBJECT: ARC Heights Highlights Article & Building Permit Message
Background A strategic priority for the Airport Relations Commission is to Inform and Engage Mendota Heights’ Residents Regarding Airport Related Issues. At the January 19 meeting, the Commission
discussed the following strategy action items:
•Development of an ARC communications plan using existing city channels in order to provide
ongoing information to residents abut airport related information.
To advance this goal, the Commission is preparing an article for the May-June Heights
Highlights city newsletter. The recent issue of the Heights Highlights included an article
which provided a general overview of the all of the city’s advisory commissions.
Commissioner Neuharth has volunteered to draft a more specific article and has provided
the following outline:
1) ARC History
2) ARC Mission Statement
3) Current ARC Members (including a Photo of the Commissioners)
4)ARC's Participation with the NOC & MAC
5) A Data Monitoring Chart illustrating Noise Control Results.
6)Public Access to Report Noise Events.
The deadline for the May-June edition of the Heights Highlights is March 25.
•Identify contact points and messaging to help inform residents of noise mitigation options/bestpractices when making home improvement or remodeling.
Commissioner Byrnes has volunteered to take the lead on developing messaging and hasdrafted a one-page informational piece for contractors and property owners who pullbuilding permits.
Page 5
Attachments:
•March-April 2022 Heights Highlight City Commission Article
•Building or Remodeling & Airplane Nosie-DRAFT
Action Requested The Commission should review/edit and provide input.
Page 6
Page 7
Remodeling or Building?
Discuss strategic soundproofing options with your client/contractor.
One of the many conveniences of Mendota Heights’ metro location is proximity to
the airport. With this convenience does come some associated airplane noise.
While a small number of residents live in areas that experience enough plane
noise to qualify for government funded noise mitigation, nearly everyone has
some occasional noise impact. Although flight patterns are generally predictable,
they can vary due to a variety of factors including weather, construction at the
airport, and air traffic safety needs. Beyond flight routes, weather patterns and
geography can also impact how noise travels in neighborhoods near the airport.
Limited noise today does guarantee limited noise tomorrow.
Building and remodeling projects provide an easy opportunity to enhance a
home’s soundproofing with only incremental cost relative to a larger project.
Even if a home is not under an established flight path, consider discussing simple
low-cost soundproofing options with your client/contractor.
Walls and Ceilings
• Sound proofing insulation (avoid spray foam)
• Thicker or double drywall
• Bass traps (walls)
• Resilient channel (ceiling)
• Putty pads around electrical boxes and fixtures
Doors and Windows
• Double or triple pane windows
• Solid core doors
• Specially designed soundproof/acoustic windows (these can be expensive,
but a limited application may justify the cost)
• Acoustic caulk around windows and door frames
On larger projects, application of soundproofing techniques can be strategically
applied to higher value locations to reduce cost. Noise that a person wouldn’t
notice in the kitchen during a busy day could be bothersome in the master
bedroom in the early hours of the morning. Spend money on soundproofing
where the return on the investment is greatest.
Page 8
Vision
Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family oriented residential community, with a spacious, natural feel and the amenities of a city.
Mission
To preserve and enhance the quality of life in Mendota Heights by providing quality public safety, infrastructure, and planning for orderly and sustainable growth.
Powers & Duties
Advise city council on matters pertaining to airport noise and operations. Make recommendations regarding strategies to mitigate city’s air noise exposure.
Priority: Enhance City Governance and Services
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Timing Action
Status
Contact/Assigned
To
Est. Budget/
Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked
Inform and engage Mendota Heights’
residents regarding airport related
issues
• Create and implement an ARC Education Program
including military appreciation, history of Mendota
Heights airport noise, and provide engagement
opportunities such as informational stand at Parks
celebration event, summer concert series, etc.
X
Jeff Hamiel
Bill Dunn
Booth/Table at Park Celebration (August 2021)
Booth/Table at Fire Station Open House (October 2021; TBD 9/21)
• Develop an ARC communications plan, using existing city
channels (e.g., create a periodic Friday News ARC update)
to provide ongoing information to residents about airport
related information.
X September 2021 ARC meeting invite city Communications Coordinator help
inform and create comm plan.
• Create a City Voice of Neighborhoods to engage residents
of close-in neighborhoods X Neighborhood Post (like FB, Polco)
• Identify contact points and messaging to help inform
residents of noise mitigation options/best-practices when
making home improvements or remodeling
X Kevin Byrnes
• Consider volunteer program to follow-up on resident
noise complaints in partnership with MAC community
engagement best practices
X MAC’s responsibility is to address noise problem and engage with residents.
ARC wants to be informed when calls to city are received
Enhance partnerships with the
Metropolitan Airports Commission
(MAC), the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), legislative
leaders and other
government bodies regarding airport
issues
• Post COVID-19 “new normal” MSP operations: COVID-19
changed MSP operations, learn of disaster operation
procedures so in future, Mendota Heights only receives
fair share of noise
X
• Work collaboratively with other communities on mutual
concerns regarding airport development and operations X X
July 2021 Joint Eagan Meeting at Eagan City Hall; future 2022 Joint Eagan
Meeting
Monitor airport operations, trends and
advocate for the Mendota Heights
community
• Research and surveillance of MAC provided data to
confirm or request additional data needed
X X
Continue monitoring for such things as turboprops; continue to look at
relevant charts
• Determine custom-made for Mendota Heights metrics to
continue to monitor X X
Re-evaluate metrics
Page 9
Priority: Create a Vision for City Development and Redevelopment Areas
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority Action
Status Assigned To Est. Budget/
Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked
Bourne Lane property (and any other
properties designated for
redevelopment)
• Advise City Council of 65DNL location X X Approximately 14.8 net acres of redevelopment within the 65DNL
Implement airport related items from
the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan
• Partner with other Mendota Heights advisory boards for
awareness of focused airport information and
considerations
X X As development dictates
• Review MAC 2040 Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) X X
Priority: Conserve, Protect and Enhance Natural Resources
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority Action
Status Assigned To Est. Budget/
Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked
Mitigate the city’s air noise exposure • Revisit 12L Modification Request with MAC and FAA X
Gina Norling
Follow-up with Dana Nelson and Brad Juffer this fall to determine if updated
training procedures increased usage of cross-in-the-corridor operations
Research MAC EPA studies • Review latest MAC EPA studies to determine if PM2.5
particles were identified in community X
Gina Norling
Future research
Priority: Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure and Assets
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority Action
Status Assigned To Est. Budget/
Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked
Revisit ARC Operations
• In conjunction with ARC Education Program, refresh ARC
website with additional information and resources X Plan to address this in September 2021 meeting where city staff
Communications Coordinator invited to help inform and create comm plan
• Update ARC Rules of Order X Review at November 2021 meeting
Determine future traffic congestion
based on MAC 2040 Long Term
Comprehensive Plan (LTCP)
• Review MAC 2040 Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP)
to provide City awareness of airport passenger and
operations forecast
X X
• Establish a working group focused on Mendota Heights
future traffic that monitors growth trends and demand on
the only high volume routes that provide service to
eastern metro and Wisconsin
Engage MNDOT study for projects
Page 10
Complaints by Location—By Month
(2021, 2022)
Location = Complainants
2021 Mpls Eagan Edina MH Blmgtn
January 65 32 3 6 3
February 57 27 4 4 2
March 112 49 16 8 4
April 84 48 16 10 11
May 115 62 13 14 10
June 111 67 12 10 8
July 102 90 8 8 11
August 90 74 10 10 11
September 124 55 15 11 6
October 135 55 11 14 5
November 50 45 7 6 3
December 43 41 6 4 3
2022 Mpls Eagan Edina MH Blmgtn
January 39 33 6 2 2
February 39 29 7 2 3
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Percent of All Departures by Location
(2021, 2022)
2021
Mpls/
Richfield
30R
Eagan
12R
Edina
30L
MH
12L
Blmgtn
17
January 25% 26% 32% 16% 1%
February 30% 17% 39% 11% 2%
March 16% 27% 26% 20% 11%
April 34% 13% 28% 11% 15%
May 24% 15% 11% 21% 29%
June 25% 7% 18% 14% 35%
July 16% 9% 15% 19% 41%
August 16% 8% 16% 19% 41%
September 23% 7% 24% 13% 34%
October 20% 21% 21% 20% 19%
November 25% 7% 29% 11% 28%
December 20% 11% 27% 14% 28%
2022
Mpls/
Richfield
30R
Eagan
12R
Edina
30L
MH
12L
Blmgtn
17
January 23% 8% 28% 12% 29%
February 29% 6% 36% 8% 21%
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Page 11
68 31 10 4 3434164 3
28%
20%
31%
15%
7%
20%
11%
27%
14%
28%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Mpls Eagan Edina MH Blmgtn
December Complaints by Location and Departures by Location
Complaints 2020 Complaints 2021 Departures 2020 Departures 2021
December Complaints December Night Departures
2019 2020 2021 2019 2020 2021
Minneapolis (30R) 3,502 2,762 2,056 173 12 106
Eagan (12R) 2,860 1,072 2,120 204 53 146
Edina (30L) 243 629 252 252 90 192
Mendota Heights (12L) 399 108 474 138 39 85
Bloomington (17) 165 104 90 7 4 19
Total 7,169 4,675 4,992 645 116 548
Page 12
January Complaints January Night Departures
2020 2021 2022 2020 2021 2022
Minneapolis (30R) 3,348 2,133 1,620 12 13 118
Eagan (12R) 3,571 1,095 1,877 53 67 124
Edina (30L) 433 329 254 90 64 195
Mendota Heights (12L) 316 80 135 39 11 90
Bloomington (17) 196 13 75 4 4 14
Total 4,675 3,650 3,961 116 159 541
43 41 6 4 3393362 2
25%
26%
32%
16%
1%
23%
8%
28%
12%
29%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Mpls Eagan Edina MH Blmgtn
January Complaints by Location and Departures by Location
Complaints 2021 Complaints 2022 Departures 2021 Departures 2022
Page 13
57 27 4 4 2392972 3
30%
17%
39%
11%
2%
29%
6%
36%
8%
21%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Mpls Eagan Edina MH Blmgtn
February Complaints by Location and Departures by Location
Complaints 2021 Complaints 2022 Departures 2021 Departures 2022
February Complaints February Night Departures
2020 2021 2022 2020 2021 2022
Minneapolis (30R) 2,732 1,877 1,867 247 28 152
Eagan (12R) 2,396 761 1,518 67 35 88
Edina (30L) 474 436 285 212 69 196
Mendota Heights (12L) 105 171 207 69 3 54
Bloomington (17) 123 26 33 20 0 12
Total 5,830 3,271 3,910 615 135 502
Page 14
Data used for UCL calculation
January 2009 through December 2013
Mean: 12.4 2020 Covid Pandemic Flight Reductions-Consolidation on 12L & 12R.
St Dev: 3.06
UCL: 18.4
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Percent OperationsMonth
12L Total Operations
Operations Mean UCL
Mean: Rolling 24/mo
7.8%
17.7%18.4%
Page 15
Data used for UCL calculation
January 2009 through December 2013
Mean: 19.5
St Dev: 7
UCL: 33.5
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Percentage OperationsMonth
12L Night Operations
Operations Mean UCL
33.5%
15.5%
10.7%
Mean: Rolling 24/mo
Page 16
Data used for UCL calculation
January 2009 through December 2013
Mean: 7.7 2020 Covid Pandemic Flight Reductions-Consolidation on 12L & 12R.
St Dev: 2.96
UCL: 13.4
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Percent OperationsMonth
12R Total Operations
Operations Mean UCL
Mean: Rolling 24/mo
13.4%16.5%
6.4%
Page 17
Data used for UCL calculation
January 2009 through December 2013
Mean: 28.9
St Dev: 8.82
UCL: 46.5
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Percent OperationsMonth
12R Night Operations
Operations Mean UCL
Mean: Rolling 24/mo
46.5%
28.7%
17.5%
Page 18
Data used for UCL calculation
January 2009 through December 2013
Mean: 2.2
St Dev: 0.98
UCL: 4.2
0%
1%
1%
2%
2%
3%
3%
4%
4%
5%Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Percent OperationsMonth
Departures North of Corridor
Operations Mean UCL
4.2%
1.8%
1.7%
Mean: Rolling 24/mo
Page 19
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22Percent OperationsMonth
Turbo North of Corridor
Operations Mean UCL
59.6%
50%
30.2%
Mean: Rolling 24/mo
Page 20
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Mar-20Apr-20May-20Jun-20Jul-20Aug-20Sep-20Oct-20Nov-20Dec-20Jan-21Feb-21Mar-21Apr-21May-21Jun-21Jul-21Aug-21Sep-21Oct-21Nov-21Dec-21Jan-22Feb-22DeparturesMonth
Turbo Trend
12L 12R
Page 21
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 1 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
Duluth airport looks to quell noise
concerns
An in-depth report could shape a plan to reduce
friction with neighbors.
A F-16 fighter aircraft with the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing takes off from the runway at the
Duluth International Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
DULUTH — Dwight Morrison is no stranger to the sound of aircraft, as he has
lived off the west end of Duluth International Airport’s longest and most-
used runway for more than 40 years. But he has yet to make peace with his
noisy neighbor.
Page 22
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 2 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
Morrison said overpassing jet aircraft sometimes make his whole house
shake.
“It even fractured a chandelier in our dinette,” he said.
Yet, Duluth International receives a relatively low volume of noise complaints
compared to many other airports, according to Tom Werner, its executive
director.
ADVERTISEMENT
A Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737 takes off from the Duluth International Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
“The community and the region at large is very supportive of Duluth
International Airport — the economic impact that it has, the jobs that it
provides,” he said.
Page 23
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 3 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
While Werner said there has been no large outcry about noise, to date, he
acknowledged: “There are a few instances where neighboring residents do
have issues with the current noise. And we’ve invited them to take part in
this noise study process.”
The airport commenced work in August 2019 on a comprehensive Part 150
Noise Study, a document that is just now undergoing review by the Federal
Aviation Administration .
A Part 150 Study doesn’t usually take quite so long to complete, but the
pandemic and the ensuing complication of collecting comment through
public meetings remotely initially slowed the process, explained Jesse Baker,
managing consultant with Landrum & Brown, the global aviation planning
and development firm hired to lead the project.
A Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737 takes off from the Duluth International Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Duluth.
Page 24
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 4 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
“The goal of the noise study is to understand where noise can be hazardous
to the uninvolved public neighborhoods outside the airport and then also to
identify ways we can reduce not only current noise, but reduce the impacts
of possible future noise issues and incompatible uses of land around the
airport,” Werner said.
It has been more than 20 years since Duluth International conducted its last
such study, at great expense. To date, the latest report has cost more than
$790,000 to assemble.
“There had been enough that has changed here, in terms of the fleet mix
that comes in and out of the airport, as well communities growing up around
the airport, that we really needed to take a fresh look at what noise was
doing in the community,” Werner said.
He said noise produced off airport property by civilian aircraft — such as
those flown for commercial and general aviation purposes — generally was
found to fit within acceptable limits. However, that was not the case for all
aircraft using the airfield, namely the military F-16 jets regularly flown by the
148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard.
ADVERTISEMENT
Page 25
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 5 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
An F-16 aircraft with the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing takes off from the Duluth International
Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Military flights
Lt. Col. Scott Prom, operations support squadron commander for the 148th,
concedes that taking off in an F-16 is a loud endeavor. It typically involves
kicking in engine afterburners to get the jet off the ground and to make it
climb safely and effectively.
Given the choice, pilots probably would choose not to use afterburners,
which consume large quantities of fuel, but Prom said the weight of the
aircraft is a key determinant.
“Since we have itty-bitty wings, we need a lot more thrust to fly. So, the
majority of our configurations and our weight require afterburner takeoffs.
Page 26
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 6 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
So, that’s where a lot of the noise comes through,” he said.
An F-16 with the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing uses the extra thrust from an afterburner to get
airborne at the Duluth International Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Morrison questioned whether many of the aircraft using Duluth International
need to be using quite as much thrust as they are though, suggesting that
throttling back could create less noise.
However there also are advantages to high-thrust afterburner takeoffs,
according to Baker.
“It moves them up and out of the area quicker,” he said, explaining that the
noise impact is diminished with altitude. Baker also pointed out that it’s best
not to take any chances getting airborne with aircraft that are often loaded
with ordinance.
Page 27
3/10/22, 9:51 AMDuluth airport looks to quell noise concerns - Duluth News Tribune | News, weather, and sports from Duluth, Minnesota
Page 7 of 13https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/business/duluth-airport-looks-to-quell-noise-concerns
While takeoffs often necessitate the use of noisy afterburners for safety’s
sake, Prom said landings are another matter. He noted that the Guard has in
the last six months, adopted some procedures “so we’re coming in at higher
altitudes from different directions to disperse the noise.”
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A pilot with the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing checks instruments before taxiing away from the
hanger at the Duluth International Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Prom said pilots also can often use an “idle descent” from altitudes as high
as 8,000 feet, where they throttle back and essentially glide into a landing
under minimum power.
“So, that’s one thing we can safely do. It’s just on takeoff we don’t have that
many options,” he said.
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Audra Flanagan, a spokesperson for the 148th, reported the unit received 25
noise complaints in 2021, but she added that many callers simply want to
ask what’s going on. She said the Guard has stepped up advance efforts to
inform the public via local media outlets, as well as social media, when
special exercises in specific areas are planned, especially when night
missions are to be conducted. Flanagan said that outreach has helped.
Prom said regular nighttime training is a must to keep unit members’ skills
sharp.
“We understand that we make noise, but we’re doing everything in our power
to mitigate that as much as possible, while keeping safe and being ready to
perform our state and federal mission,” Prom said.
Flanagan said the 148th has appreciated the local support it has received as
Duluth’s eighth-largest employer with 1,062 people on its payroll, including
470 full-time and and 592 part-time members. An economic impact study
estimates the unit contributed about $105 million to the economy in 2001.
But Flanagan also accepts the need for public scrutiny, saying: “We need the
community to take an honest look at us once in awhile.”
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A pilot with the 148th Fighter Wing checks instruments before taxiing away from the hanger at the Duluth
International Airport on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
The greatest levels of noise are found to the east and west of Duluth
International‘s main runway, which is oriented in the same direction.
Baker said the study looked at the possibility of extending the airport’s other
runway which runs at a northeast/southwest bias to disperse some of the air
traffic. The current runway is too short for F-16s to safely use on a regular
basis.
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Ground personnel walk past an F-16 aircraft with the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing at the
Duluth International Airport on Friday Jan. 7, 2022.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
But such an extension would cost at least $30 million, and because of
prevailing winds, the study determined it would be usable for only about 5%
of the 148th’s flights.
Concerns
Morrison questioned the legitimacy of the report’s noise modeling which is
based largely on an FAA database. Morrison referred to the modeling as “a
mathematical construct,” rather than a reflection of reality.
Baker said the sophisticated noise modeling system the FAA has developed
distinguishes between the noise produced by about 5,000 different types of
specific aircraft and takes into account the frequency of operations at
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different times of day and night.
The study also did include some on-the-ground monitoring.
“But one of the challenges can be background noise, especially when you’ve
got a monitor a couple hundred feet away from a highway, with trucks and air
brakes contributing noise,” Baker said.
A bright sun fills the sky above hangers at the Minnesota Air National Guard 148th Fighter Wing on Friday, Jan. 7,
2022, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
Mitigation
If Duluth’s Part 150 passes muster, a subsequent noise mitigation plan could
cost up to $19 million to execute, with the FAA covering 80% of the
authorized cost. Duluth International would be left to come up with the
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remaining 20% — up to an estimated $3.8 million. Werner said those figures
represent the top end of the anticipated cost spectrum and predicted the
actual plan adopted will be more modest in scale.
Baker said he considers it most likely the mitigation plan that is approved will
be more in the range of $4 million to $6 million, requiring a local investment
of $800,000 to $1.2 million.
Given the outsized role that military aircraft play in creating a racket at
Duluth International, Baker said Duluth likely could make a strong case for
additional assistance from the U.S. Department of Defense, and the airport is
working to explore what resources could be brought to bear on that front.
An F-16 sits in a hanger on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
That money could go to cover soundproofing measures, such as improved
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insulation and upgraded windows, for up to 62 homes.
Seven homes located off the ends of the airport’s main east-west runway are
subject to enough noise that they could qualify for outright acquisition by the
airport, but Werner stressed any such sales would be voluntary and not
compelled.
If those residents do not wish to sell, Werner said they could alternatively
accept what’s called an aviation easement, where they would receive a
financial payment as compensation for the right to use the air space above
their homes.
Morrison said the “mitigation plan” seemed to have less to do with reducing
noise than paying off neighbors to tolerate it.
A 148th Fighter Wing pilot runs through preflight checks Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in Duluth.
Clint Austin / Duluth News Tribune
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3/10/22, 9:56 AMColorado appeals court affirms multi-million judgment against DIA for noise violations in Adams County
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DIA still owes Adams County more
than $30 million for noise violations,
Colorado appeals judge affirms
It’s not yet clear if the airport will appeal again, this
time to the state’s high court
John Aguilar March 4, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.
(Courtesy of Denver International Airport)
A plane takes off from Denver International Airport. On Thursday, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that DIA still
owes Adams County and several cities within the county $33.5 million for noise violations.
Denver International Airport still owes Adams County, and several cities
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within the county, $33.5 million for noise violations that impacted nearby
neighborhoods, the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday.
The appellate court concluded that “we discern no error” in a Jefferson
County District Court judge’s determination in June 2020 that DIA didn’t
properly monitor noise emanating from aircraft during a three-year period
starting in 2014 — violating an intergovernmental agreement it had with the
county that goes back to when the airport was built more than 30 years ago.
Adams County, along with Thornton, Aurora and Brighton, sued the airport in
2018 over the noise issue, which impacted long-established neighborhoods
west and south of the airport. The case went to trial in Jefferson County in
the fall of 2019.
The county accused DIA of relying on an arcane and outdated noise
modeling system — rather than actual ground measurements — to gauge
airport noise. Jefferson County District Court Judge Christie Bachmeyer
ruled that DIA’s methodology wasn’t in keeping with the agreement the
airport had made with surrounding communities.
“Since Denver has not remedied the violations as required by the agreement,
Denver must now make a $500,000 payment for each of the 67 … violations
over the three-year period from 2014 through 2016 in the total amount of
$33,500,000,” the judge wrote in her June 2020 order.
A spokeswoman for DIA said airport officials are still reviewing Thursday’s
decision from the appeals court and do not yet know if the airport will
challenge it in the Colorado Supreme Court.
Adams County officials did not immediately issue a comment on the matter.
Noise impacts from DIA have been the subject of numerous legal challenges
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against the airport. Adams County has argued that Denver agreed to
measure and minimize aircraft noise as part of its 1980s annexation of land
in the county to build the 53-square-mile facility.
DIA has countered in court that it had already given Adams County and its
cities $40 million in excessive noise payments, dating from the airport’s
February 1995 opening through 2011. Those payments, DIA said in a filing it
submitted to the court in 2019, were based on the airport’s same noise
modeling system that was at issue in the latest trial.
Adams County and its cities were fully aware of the system the airport was
using during the years they were collecting millions in noise levies, DIA
asserted. Airport officials alleged that as aviation technology has advanced
and planes have become quieter, the municipalities feared that money would
dry up — precipitating the 2018 litigation.
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3/10/22, 9:54 AMMinnesota birders hope for a rare, good snowy owl winter - StarTribune.com
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Minnesota birders hope for a rare,
good snowy owl winter
Could this be one of those years when versions of
Harry Potter's Hedwig turn up everywhere?
By Val Cunningham Special to the Star Tribune January 18, 2022 — 8:00am
Late in December, a birder reported seeing three snowy owls at
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. This was exciting, because it's a
rare treat to spot one of these spectacular white owls. And such sightings
inevitably make the birding community hungry for more — for a winter when
many snowy owls show up in our state (more about that later).
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Snowies are well-named, with striking white plumage that blends well with
snowy backgrounds. Because they hatch and spend much of their lives in
the Arctic, they're not daunted by cold or wind-swept landscapes. In the
Arctic they hunt for lemmings, but when far from home they survive on mice,
rats and rabbits, as well as birds and ducks, sometimes even a great blue
heron. Once they're on the move they often settle at Arctic-looking places,
such as airports and open fields.
These big owls measure about 24 inches from their heavily feathered feet to
the tops of their big, round heads. The ones in our area left the tundra late
last fall, migrating southward to spend the winter, with early reports coming
from the shores of Lake Michigan in November.
While a few snowy owls are reported in Minnesota most winters,
birdwatchers always hope that each year will be an "irruption winter," when a
flood of snowies appears in our region. This doesn't happen often, but some
are already predicting that this will be one of those winters.
Despite their affinity for airports, these can be dangerous places, both for
the birds and for aircraft, if an owl collides with a plane. No one knows this
better than Norman Smith, who has spent 40 years capturing and relocating
the snowy owls that settle in at Boston's Logan International Airport each
winter. As the director of a major Massachusetts Audubon nature sanctuary,
he helped develop a system for trapping and banding the owls and then
releasing them, a feat that requires many federal and state permits.
"In an average winter, I relocate 15 to 20 owls," Smith says, "but the big year,
2013, I relocated 121 owls from Logan." He captures and takes the owls
either to coastal salt marshes or to areas north of the airport, both good
hunting grounds. Smith, who has relocated 20 owls so far this winter, adding
to his total of 900 owls banded over 40 years, has retired from his day job.
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At our own international airport, the staff first uses noise-makers and
fireworks-like bursts to try to drive the owls away. If these don't do the job,
the owls are captured and relocated.
The big question is why do snowy owls irrupt, flooding southward in some
years, occasionally appearing as far south as Florida ? The theory used to be
that snowy owl irruptions were driven by a scarcity of Arctic lemmings, the
owls' dietary staple. This was partly based on the experience of rehabilitation
centers, which admitted many starving snowy owls in irruption years.
The picture now looks more complex, based on information from researchers
studying these owls in the field and from banders like Smith: In summers
when lemmings are abundant in the Arctic, snowy owl nests produce a large
number of youngsters. Once these juveniles fledge, they push out to find
their own feeding territories, some eventually reaching our region.
Researcher J.F. Therrien, who studies the owls in the Arctic, says snowies
disperse across the tundra every year in search of lemmings. "They're not
starving, 80 percent or more are in quite good shape in winter," Therrien
stated in a recent International Owl Center webinar.
Whether or not this turns out to be a year with high numbers of snowy owls
in Minnesota, spotting even a single bird is a treat.
Because they're so spectacular, and are not seen every year, reports of
snowy owls tend to bring out crowds of people, and this can be a problem. If
humans approach too closely, owls can be spooked into flight, becoming
vulnerable to traffic or predators. Snowies tend to rest in the daylight hours,
and hunt at night, so continual daytime disturbance can be a major stress.
Please note the box with tips for respecting their space.
St. Paul resident Val Cunningham, who volunteers with the St. Paul Audubon
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Society and writes about nature for local, regional and national newspapers
and magazines, can be reached at valwrites@comcast.net.
Don't stress 'em out
Snowy owls often draw a crowd. Here are tips for allowing these beautiful
visitors to hunt and rest without disturbance and to respect private property:
Do not approach an owl; it's best if you stay in your vehicle.
If you do get out, stay at least 50 to 100 yards away.
Use binoculars or a scope to bring the bird in closer.
Remain quiet so you don't spook the owl.
Don't leave food for the owl.
If the owl is on private property, don't enter without permission.
More about the snowy owls
Male snowy owls show dark brown feather barring when they're young and
become whiter as they get older. Females keep some dark markings
throughout their lives.
Study flat areas and watch for any irregularities in the snow — a lump or dirty
patch could be a snowy owl facing away from you. These owls often perch
out in the open, so check high points like hay bales, fence posts, telephone
poles, buildings or grain elevators.
Snowies' thick feathers provide protection from Arctic cold and make them
North America's heaviest owl, weighing about 4 pounds. Great horned owls,
another large owl, weigh about 3 pounds.
Snowy owls make distinctive sounds
(allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Owl/sounds).
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Some resources:
International Owl Center, Houston, Minn.: internationalowlcenter.org
Project SNOWstorm: projectsnowstorm.org
Owl Research Institute, Charlo, Mont.: owlresearchinstitute.org
All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
allaboutbirds.org/guide/Snowy_Owl
Some stats
Females are larger than males
Length: 20.5 to 27.9 inches
Weight: 56.4 to 104 ounces
Wingspan: 49.6 to 57.1 inches
Nests on the ground
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