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Van Nuys Airport Holds Public Workshop Regarding Noisier Aircraft Phaseout Project Draft Environmental Impact Report
October 02, 2008 --
VAN NUYS, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/02/08 -- On Tuesday, October 7, starting at 3 p.m., the Van Nuys Airport (VNY) will hold a public meeting associated with the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that the airport is preparing for the Noisier Aircraft Phaseout project at VNY. Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the department of the City of Los Angeles that owns and operates VNY, has released the Draft EIR which is required to evaluate the potential impacts associated with the proposed phaseout.
"The meeting provides an opportunity for interested parties to learn more about the project, study results, EIR process, and commenting opportunities," said Van Nuys Airport Manager Selena Birk. According to Roger Johnson, Deputy Executive Director of Environmental Services, "LAWA proposes to establish a maximum noise level for all aircraft arriving at and departing from VNY. The proposed project that is the subject of this Draft EIR is an ordinance that would gradually phase out aircraft that generate noise levels of 77 dBA or greater on departure, based on FAA-published data. The phase out would take place over a seven-year period, starting on January 1, 2009, with the allowable maximum level being reduced in four steps. The 77 dBA limit would be enforced on and after January 12, 2016. The project includes exemptions for certain military, government (police, fire, search & rescue), medical emergency, maintenance-related, and historic aircraft operations."
The public meeting is open to all interested parties. It will be held between 3 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Van Nuys FlyAway, Upstairs Conference Room, 7610 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, California 91406. Free parking for the meeting will be available in the short-term parking lot in front of the FlyAway. The meeting will be in "workshop" format, so that interested parties can attend any time during the three hour session. LAWA representatives and consultants will be available to brief attendees on the proposed project and the EIR process as well as to solicit input on the adequacy of the Draft EIR. The focus of this meeting is on the proposed phaseout, which is separate and distinct from the Part 161 project that is ongoing at VNY. This public meeting is not intended to address the Part 161 project which is studying other possible noise reduction measures.
Forms will be provided at the meeting for use in providing written input on the Draft EIR; the forms may be completed and handed in at the meeting or returned by mail. The comment period on the Draft EIR scope ends on Monday, November 17, 2008; comments must be received by 5 p.m. on that date to be considered.
The public is invited to view the Notice of Availability (NOA) and DEIR on the study website at www.lawa.org/vny/vnyEnvironment.cfm or by calling Karen Hoo, LAWA Environmental Planning, at (310) 646-3853 for other viewing locations.
The Van Nuys FlyAway is an accessible facility. For special accommodations at any meeting associated with this EIR, please contact the Department on Disability at (213) 485-6334 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. TDD is (213) 485-5034.
About Van Nuys Airport:
One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service.
Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY averages nearly 400,000 takeoffs and landings annually. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including four major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies.
Annually, the airport contributes approximately $1.3 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 12,000 jobs. In addition, VNY provides programs to benefit local residents, along with educational initiatives and aviation-related career and training opportunities. For more information, visit www.lawa.org/vny.
Contact:
Diana Sanchez
Van Nuys Airport
(818) 909-3529
dsanchez@lawa.org
