Antiquated Canadian Aircraft Noise Guidance—Setting the grounds for encroachment and adverse community impacts

A comprehensive research project at the University of Windsor entitled Prediction and Management of Aircraft Noise Annoyance Around Canadian Airports reviewed multiple components of Canada’s TP 1247 Land Use in the Vicinity of Aerodromes. Using noise, complaints and survey data from Toronto Pearson International Airport, researchers evaluated the Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) system as a tool for aircraft noise annoyance prediction and management. The NEF metric and its correlation to annoyance was examined as well as applicability of the NEF 30 threshold for the onset of significant annoyance. Further, the guideline for expected community response to noise was tested. The research found that most components of the NEF system are antiquated and in need of revision. A lack of prompt action to update Canadian guidelines for aircraft noise is setting the grounds for conflicts between stakeholders with competing interests and increasing the risks for greater noise impacts on future communities.