Environmental Measures and Noise Complaints
Environmental Measures
One of the strategic objectives outlined in the 2006-2010 Strategic Plan of the Airport Authority is “to operate and manage the airport in an environmentally responsible manner”. Furthermore, as a part of the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, the environment was identified as a key issue in addressing economic and social responsibility, transparency, and good governance.
The major focus of the Authority relating to the environment is to:
- Eliminate environmental impacts where possible;
- Reduce the impacts when elimination is not possible; and
- Continuously improve results from all plans and programs.
A comprehensive report was compiled in 2008 to assess our current situation and to illustrate how far we have come in environmental stewardship. Highlights of the report include the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan that comprises the following programs:
- Stormwater Monitoring
- Aircraft Noise Management
- Groundwater Monitoring
- Hazardous Materials
- Environmental Assessments
- Waste Reduction/Recycling
- Internal Compliance Auditing
- Tank Inventories
- Communication/Awareness Training
- Green Procurement
- Air Polution Reduction Campaign
- Contaminated Sites
- Energy Efficiency
To read more about the success that has been achieved on the environmental front, click on the icon which will take you to the Environmental Performance Report
Noise Complaints
Canadians depend upon air transport – it’s a vital facet of life. The presence of an airport in a community has a positive impact on the quality of life and the opportunities presented to the residents and businesses. Air transportation facilitates the ability for business to operate effectively, to move people and products around the world, and to expand their reach into the global marketplace. Easy air travel offers individuals the opportunity to expand their horizons and experiences through travel to new and interesting places.
But, aircraft make noise. And since the Ottawa International Airport Authority (OMCIAA) wants to be a good neighbour, we are always looking for ways to reduce noise discomfort for residents living around us, all while keeping a close eye on safety requirements.
What are we doing about noise?
Here are some of the things that OMCIAA and the aviation community are doing to reduce aircraft noise:
- Arrivals and departures are routed to the least disturbing flight paths – without compromising flight safety;
- Radar and navigational aids provide precise control of arrivals and departures;
- Noise levels are monitored using fixed microphone systems located at various points;
- We work with planners at the municipal and provincial levels to coordinate growth around the airport in an effort to minimize disturbance for future residents;
- Aircraft manufacturers are continuing their research in noise control technology. Today’s generation of jet engines deliver more power to carry larger aircraft, with a dramatic decrease in noise; and
- Air carriers are gradually phasing the noisiest of their aircraft out of their fleets or retrofitting them with new, quieter engines.
OMCIAA’s Aircraft Noise Management Program requires that all noise complaints are investigated to determine whether or not noise abatement procedures were followed. Transport Canada is notified of all infractions after which they can pursue further investigation, and issue fines accordingly. Noise incidences have fallen from a high of 210 in 1998 to 62 in 2008, with no violations to published noise abatement procedures.
Airport Operations Influence Zone (AOIZ)
The Ottawa International airport has taken noise abatement one step further. In partnership with the municipal and provincial governments and other community stakeholders, we have created the AOIZ. This line is a composite of the 30 NEF and 30 NEP noise contours, and takes into account visible features such as roads and watercourses. The zone was established to restrict noise-sensitive development such as residential housing, schools, and libraries, all of which are easily disturbed by noise.
We’re listening
OMCIAA listens to every noise inquiry and investigates to determine the cause. There is a 24-hour noise complaints reporting service which can be reached at (613) 248-2023. Every effort is made to respond to inquiries by the next business day.
Other inquiries can be directed to:
Ottawa International Airport Authority
1000 Airport Parkway Private, Suite 2500
Ottawa, Ontario
K1V 9B4