As part of the implementation of the 1996 Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) Study, the Naples Airport Authority purchased two (2) portable noise monitoring field kits, monitoring accessories, software and hardware support. This has allowed staff to conduct portable monitoring in the communities that surround the airport.

Noise Monitoring Program Main Objectives

The two main objectives of this program are to provide the public with useful, understandable, and geographically representative information on long-term noise exposure patterns, and to answer community questions with regard to levels of noise in their areas with solid reliable data - Not perception based data

Noise Monitoring Program Design Goals

The program has been designed with 4 goals in mind:

1. Provide an objective basis for identifying long-term changes in noise exposure, and to correlate this date with possible changes in activity levels, facility or runway use, airline schedules, or changes in airport rules and regulations.
2. Provide a means for identifying seasonal variation in noise exposure.
3. Provide a means for evaluating geographic variation in noise exposure.
4. To complete each of these items in the most efficient manner possible.

Portable noise measurements are very time consuming, including the time required to select appropriate measurement locations, make arrangements with homeowners , set up monitors, maintain the monitors throughout the measurement period, conduct observations, download the data, remove the equipment, prepare the reports.

What does the program do?

The program will provide us with a means to conduct recurring monitoring sessions and allow us to identify changes in exposure patterns from season to season and year to year.

Factors behind site selection

• There are many factors that went into the selection of the sites that are being used for noise monitoring. The list below illustrates the criteria that was used.
• Many of these Sites are in potentially noise-sensitive locations, i.e. residential areas, recreational areas, etc.
• We want sites to provide us with information on the potential impact of noise.
• We selected at least one site location directly off each runway end.
• We are seeking information related to long or short term changes in runway use.
• The selected sites are near the extended runway centerline or at the major flight corridors.
• Aircraft single event noise levels will be highest at these sites, improving the accuracy of aircraft noise event data
• Some of the Select sites are within the 60 dB day night average sound level contour which is the decibel level that the city uses for land use compatibility planning.
• Outside of this contour, non-aircraft noise generally dominates overall exposure, so changes in levels are less accurate indicators of changes in aircraft related impacts
• Selected sites with the lowest feasible background (non-aircraft) noise exposure.
• Select sites near to or at locations included in the 1996 Part 150 NCP.
• These sites provide a basis for comparing long-term exposure to reliable, compatible, historical measurement results.

Noise Monitoring Sites

Based on that criteria for selecting the best sites for the noise monitoring the following sites were selected

Site 1 - Springwood

• under the extended centerline for Runway 14 departures and Runway 32 arrivals.
• just outside the 60 DNL contour.
• will provide data related to noise in the southeast quadrant.

Site 2A - Gordon River Dock

• This site is no longer monitored due to construction at the site.

Site 3 - First Presbyterian Church

• just north of the preferred noise abatement departure corridor along 5th Ave South. (Located on 3rd Ave South)
• could not use 5th Ave because this area is densely developed with little protected area away from traffic or other non-aircraft noise producing activity.
• area is outside the 60 DNL.
• Basis for evaluation is because the exposure is related to the preferred Departure turn corridor.

Site 4 - Village Green Condominiums

• (12th and 5th St South) under the extended centerline for Runway 5 approach and Runway 23 straight out departure.
• area is outside the 60 DNL
• used in the previous 1996 study.

Site 5 - The Conservancy

• under the extended centerline for Runway 14 approaches and Runway 32 departures.
• it is just outside the 60 DNL contour line in a well sheltered area.

Site 6 

• This site is no longer used

Site 7 - Wyndemere Country Club

• under the extended centerline for Runway 23 approaches and Runway 5 departures
• well outside the 60 DNL contour allows us to evaluate noise exposure trends at a repetitive noise-sensitive site to the northeast of the airport.

Each site is monitored on a quarterly schedule so data can be accurately compared. Each site also has a 10 day monitoring schedule that provides data over a two weekend time period, which is generally the time periods we have the most activity and the most complaints. Ten days is long enough to minimize the effects of a short period of unusual weather or activity. There is a 3 day separation period that allows time for monitor relocation, maintenance, data transfer and review.

For more information about the Portable Noise Monitoring Program, please contact the Noise Abatement Office at 239-643-1140.