Each Noise Monitoring Terminal (NMT) features a Brüel & Kjaer system with an integrated Barix Instreamer. The Instreamer encodes the aircraft noise captured at each NMT, and streams it over IP to a control centre where it's correlated with flight tracking information. These portable field NMTs are currently situated at 12 permanent, noise-sensitive sites throughout the surrounding communities, including two on the airport grounds. Two additional portable units can also be quickly deployed to specific locations, allowing Centennial operators to monitor noise levels in response to specific residential complaints.
"Before we obtained this noise monitoring technology, we didn't have a direct way of correlating noise complaints with the actual aircraft in the air," said Aaron Repp, noise & environmental specialist for Centennial Airport, which is owned and operated by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority. "Now, we can listen to audio recordings and study the data, including the duration and decibel level of monitored noise events, to verify if a particular noise was the direct result of specific flight activity in that area."
Prior to deploying the NMTs, Centennial Airport was limited to just logging and tracking complaints, or calling upon nearby Denver International Airport to check their noise monitoring system. Having its own reliable, round-the-clock NMTs enables Centennial Airport's noise monitoring team to maintain a detailed noise exposure database over time, and develop a five-year forecast of noise levels based upon the projected volume of airport traffic.
"Today, when we speak to local planning commissions and city councils about noise exposure in the airport vicinity, we're no longer resorting to estimates of aircraft noise levels," said Repp. With its rapidly growing population, the Denver metro typically sees a great deal of residential and commercial real estate development and construction.
"We can now support our case with hard facts and figures - and even furnish a historical perspective analysing noise data in a particular area over a specified period of time," added Repp. "Having concrete data like this is especially valuable to prospective home buyers and business owners that may wonder how much aircraft noise they'll experience if they locate near this airport."
(Jim Evans)
