[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  NOISE ABATEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AT CHARLIE BROWN AND 
                   HARTSFIELD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

                                 ______


                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 5, 1994

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, we all know how important the 
airlines are to our daily lives. For communities in close proximity to 
airports, they can be a source of jobs and essential to local economic 
prosperity. However, airports also negatively impact these communities. 
They bring increased traffic, noise pollution, and other forms of 
environmental degradation.
  On September 8, 1994, I held a hearing in Georgia's Fifth 
Congressional District to examine how residents around Hartsfield 
International and Charlie Brown Airports are affected by these 
problems. Community representatives met with officials from the Federal 
Aviation Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to 
discuss the adverse affects of these airports and to seek solutions to 
these problems.
  The following are testimonies of some of the community 
representatives who participated in the hearing. I urge my colleagues 
and Federal officials to take heed to these testimonies, as they 
represent the concerns of people who must live with the roar of engines 
and the fumes from jet fuel.
  The Fulton County Airport, Charlie Brown Airfield is a major reliever 
airport for the Hartsfield International Airport. Our main problems 
with the Charlie Brown Airfield in the northwest and southwest quadrant 
of the city of Atlanta are, noise and air pollution and health and 
environmental concerns and issues.
  We have major problems with airplanes flying over our homes at 3 a.m. 
and 4 a.m., 7 days a week; yet, the air traffic control tower is 
unmanned between the hours of 12 a.m. midnight, and 6 a.m. We would 
like a curfew for airplane flights at Charlie Brown Airport between the 
hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., as is the policy of many major 
metropolitan cities. Our other concern is low-level jet aircraft 
flights in our area as a result of us being directly in the holding 
area for Hartsfield International Airport.
  Occurrences of flights with fatalities need to be monitored closely 
and the risk to our community noted. The LDN--day-night average sound 
level has no relationship to the impact airplanes flying in the area 
bring to our area, or to the acquisition of homes in our area. All of 
Carroll Heights should be considered the clear zone, because we are 
impacted by air flights. However, 32 homes and 1 business were 
purchased almost 2 years ago, because they were in the clear zone. 
Fulton County purchased eight additional homes in the clear zone area, 
but four or five homes which are still directly impacted by the airport 
because our area is so densely populated. Airplane noise is 
unbelievably unbearable by day and night, but is even more unbearable 
when it rains because of low flying aircraft.
  We are asking for a health and environmental study which would 
include our air, water, and soil. We would like a risk assessment of 
our health concerns because many residents have cancer and respiratory 
illnesses. We would like the entire area monitored, and data collected 
in a timely manner, over a period of time, not many many years, in 
order to draw a logical conclusion to incidences of disease in this 
area.
  Our quality of life is not as good as it could be, we live in fear of 
airplanes falling daily, the air that we breathe reeks of fumes, the 
noise from aircraft that we hear is deafening, the environment is 
unclean and unsafe. We have complained to local and Federal authorities 
for years, but to no avail. From this hearing, we hope to attain a 
commitment for, and to set wheels in motion for a full environmental 
study of the air, water and soil. A health study to address the high 
incidences of cancer and respiratory illnesses and other health related 
problems. We also hope to attain and have put into action a noise study 
to determine the urgent need for a curfew of the late night flights at 
the Fulton County Airport, Charlie Brown Airfield.

        George High Community Congressional Hearing Presentation

       The George High Community is located in extreme southeast 
     Atlanta bordered on the east by the Dekalb County line, on 
     the south by the Clayton County line, on the west by 
     Jonesboro Road, and on the north by South River Industrial 
     Boulevard.
       Ours is a neighborhood of approximately 550 homes and 5 
     apartment complexes so secretly trucked away in this 
     beautifully wooded area that most people don't know we are 
     here. We are proud of our natural forest and historical 
     background where artifacts have been founded that date back 
     to the day of the Indian. The trees and shrubs provide an 
     array of beauty that enhances the whole area and provide a 
     quality of life lost to most metropolitan area with the same 
     quantity of commercial development.
       Most of the houses in our community were built over 30 
     years ago. Most are brick ranch, split level or split foyer 
     two-level homes. The medium length of time lived in the 
     neighborhood is about 20 years. Most of the homeowners are 
     over 40 years of age and a substantial number of those are 
     elderly and retired--people who had planned to live out the 
     remainder of their days in this community.
       Over the years the beauty, safety and serenity of our 
     neighborhood have been encroached upon by outside factors. It 
     would be petty, but true, to say we were here first. Twenty 
     years ago when I moved into the area we rarely heard an 
     airplane fly over, landfills were unheard of, and the north 
     end of our community was a nature park called Lake Charlotte.
       Today, we are boxed in on the north by several low-end 
     trucking companies, on the east by the multi-million-dollar 
     Live Oak Landfill, on the south by Clayton County and its 
     nude dance clubs, on the west by the Airport, and overhead by 
     the mighty airplane with its noise and vibration.
       Our homes are literally being shaken from their foundation 
     and when we go out we can not hear and often can not bear the 
     smell. Many of the younger residents have given up the battle 
     and either put their homes up for sale or rented them under 
     Section 8, when they did not sale.
       We realize some of our environmental issues are not within 
     your jurisdiction. However, we feel you can have a positive 
     impact on the airplane noise and legislation regarding 
     landfills.
       The next page details our concerns/problems and our request 
     for your assistance.
       My name is Martha Wilson. I am Chairperson for the Normandy 
     Home Owners Association.
       The information which I will present summarizes some of the 
     complaint made by our Members relating to noise from the 
     Hartsfield Airport and other issues.
       In the course of our many meetings, it was decided to do as 
     physical check at random times of planes flying over the 
     Normandy Subdivision. The results of this exercise for 
     portions of 5 days--July 11 and 21 1994, and August 1, 22, 
     and 24, and given at Appendix 1.
       Although we get our worst problems (of very low flying 
     airplanes) whenever the weather is inclement, there were no 
     weather problems existing on the days of our Survey.
       In addition to the Survey, we have had a video tape 
     prepared by Mr. Jerome Williams, one of our Home Owners, 
     which will give you a factual idea of the sort of noise 
     levels we are subjected to.
       Other Speakers from our Subdivision will also address the 
     Panel on other aspects of our problems.
       The items of complaint are summarized as follows:
       1. The Noise we suffer is loud and constant as the survey 
     and video tape will show.
       2. Property has been depreciated. We have reports of 
     driveways, decks and roofs which have been so discolored, 
     that they have had to be replaced in less than 5 years.
       3. Family life is disrupted. Noise is heard during 
     breakfast, lunch and dinner time. There is interference 
     during family viewing of Television Programs. Telephones 
     develop static. There is little quiet time for children or 
     adults.
       4. People in positions, who could address the noise issues, 
     have not done so. Instead they have pointed the finger. Of 
     all the letters sent (Correspondence attached), and 
     invitations to Meetings, the only two persons, so far, who 
     have endeavored to assist, are Congressman John Lewis, and 
     Commissioner Hightower.
       5. Communities once inside the Noise Survey Limits are now 
     outside of it at a time when the air traffic over our area is 
     increasing, and the 5th Runway will bring traffic closer to 
     us.
       6. Natural barriers which existed when the original 
     guidelines were developed, no longer exist. Several parcels 
     of standing trees, have now been replaced by paving and 
     building construction.
       7. The Program has not been equitably distributed. Some 
     area which are farther from the Airport are now included, and 
     areas much nearer have been excluded. In some instances 
     houses almost adjacent to each other, have seen one included, 
     and the other excluded.
       8. We were told that Eastern Airlines had left and that 
     quieter Aircraft are being used. This is just not so.
       9. South Fulton is bombarded with Waste Treatment Plants, 
     Land fills and noise. An Environmental Justice Act needs to 
     be instituted.
       We are recommending the following:
       1. The EPA be requested to report on what they have done or 
     will do, to protect our health, as it relates to the Airport 
     noise and pollution.
       2. That regulations which govern the LDN needs to be 
     updated and rewritten.
       3. That the administration of Federal Funding for the Noise 
     Abatement Program be changed. It is suggested that a Regional 
     Panel be formulated to disburse the funds, instead of the 
     City of Atlanta. (See FAA letter to Congressman Lewis dated 
     May 31, 1993, the second paragraph of which states ``An audit 
     found that the city of Atlanta overcompensated Property 
     Owners by about $49m ($39m Federal Share), and would 
     potentially overcompensate additional Homeowners an 
     additional $179m ($14m Federal Share). After finding this 
     out, I quote from the fourth paragraph ``Atlanta opted to 
     modify its Program by utilizing a new Noise Contour Map, 
     which was prepared for the proposed Commuter runway. This new 
     Map, which has not yet been approved by FAA, effectively 
     removes 3000 homes from the Program by locating them outside 
     the Noise affected area. ``(End Quote). A Regional Panel, 
     including Fulton county Representatives, needs to be 
     established, since most of the affected residents live in 
     Fulton County, and this will ensure accountability.
       We ask further that say within 30 days of this Hearing, a 
     follow up report of action taken on these recommendations, be 
     provided us.
       I am Allan McDermott, a Retired Civil Engineer. Prior to 
     retiring, I was for 5 months, Acting Commissioner of Public 
     Works, for the City of Atlanta.
       I have been a Home Owner in the Normandy Subdivision for 
     the past 15 years.
       For the past 5 years or so, our Neighborhood Association 
     has unsuccessfully tried to have our area qualified for 
     consideration under the Airport Noise Abatement Program. In 
     August `93, I and others in the Subdivision, received letters 
     from Max Walker, then Commissioner of Aviation for the City 
     of Atlanta, which said in effect, that the existing Noise 
     Level Contours (which presumably included us) had been 
     declared invalid by FAA, because they exaggerated the current 
     Noise Level; and that new Noise Contour Maps would now be 
     required to attract additional Federal Funding. The suggested 
     reasons for the exaggeration in the existing contours were 
     quoted as (1) The demise of Eastern Airlines meant that there 
     were fewer flights and (2) the projected use of quieter 
     airplanes.
       The actual facts as I personally can testify to are that 
     (1) An estimated 150-200 (I base this on the fact that on a 
     recent Sunday afternoon, between the hours of 5-6 pm, I 
     counted 9 such flights; I conservatively estimate that there 
     are at least 20 such instances per annumn) pass over my house 
     annually, seemingly at tree top level. Most such flights--but 
     certainly not all--take place during inclement weather. 
     During the few minutes that it takes for these flights to 
     approach and pass over, conversation is impossible; TV 
     Programs develop the jitters; if at night, one is suddenly 
     awakened from the deepest slumber; and at times, there is a 
     pervasive smell of Airplane Fuel, which, my wife tells me, 
     blocks up her sinuses. Sometimes it is just plain 
     frightening. (2) On a regular basis, mainly on a Sunday 
     between midnight and day break, we suffer apalling noises, 
     which I presume to be Jet Engines being tested at full 
     throttle, and (3) On a regular basis, during the late night 
     hours, airplanes, which I presume are Air Cargo planes, 
     awakens everyone in the house with their take off noise.
       Having read the Environmental Assessment Study relating to 
     the 5th runway at Hartsfield, it appears that the Noise Level 
     Contours were developed by averaging over a 24 Hour/Annual 
     period, with some weighting given to nightime readings. This 
     data is diluted by guesstimating the effect of quieter planes 
     in the future. The resulting curves are not therefore rigidly 
     factual, but contains some reasoned guess work and 
     extrapolation. The Flight Pattern Diagrams show smooth 
     Circular Segments radiating from the ends of the existing 
     runways. None that I saw showed the flights over Normandy 
     Subdivision--which, I assure you gentlement is no figment of 
     my imagination.
       Having administered the City's Noise Control Ordinance for 
     many years, and having on occasion been dragged out of bed at 
     2 am to address the complaints of irate citizens to the noise 
     from a Tunnel Shaft Exhaust Fan, or Contractors 250 cfm 
     Compressor (examples which spring to mind), I have had some 
     exposure to what constitures objectionale noise. In my 
     opinion, the average 65 db extended period noise is likely to 
     be more easily endured, than the 85-90 db (my guesstimate) 
     intermittent noise, over a 1-2 hour period. In actual fact, I 
     am familiar with cases of property--presumably in the Noise 
     Contour Area--which are currently receiving treatment under 
     the Noise Abatement Program, although they are twice as far 
     from the Airport than our Subdivision, and had no special 
     problem with Noise.
       Having stated the above, I would submit the following for 
     your consideration:
       When the 5th Runway is added, our Subdivision will be less 
     than 1000 meters away. In the past year or so, we have been a 
     slew of ``No Frill'' Airlines, which use older, leased and 
     refurbished plans, and whose noise levels are just as high as 
     they ever were. There is also a great increase in Overseas 
     flights requiring the construction of a new Concourse. I do 
     not think that it requires much technical know-how to 
     conclude that the noise problem is going to get a lot worse 
     for the Normandy Subdivision.
       I do not think that the FAA suggestion that the original 
     Noise level Contours is invalid because of projected less 
     flights and less noisy planes, has been proven. I think there 
     is a strong case for the original Contours to be applied. If 
     this view is not accepted, I urge the Authorities to 
     formulate new guidelines to ensure that concerns such as 
     ours, are equitably addressed.
       I feel strongly that there exists a clear and compensible 
     case for the 300 Home Owners in the Normandy Subdivision, 
     where we have been denied the privacy and quiet which we 
     should like to enjoy like other Citizens; this denial is due 
     directly to the intrusive noise and pollution from Hartsfield 
     Air Traffic.
       I thank Congressman Lewis and the Panel for the opportunity 
     provided us to present our case. I feel certain that we have 
     a just and reasonable cause and will arrive at decisions 
     which will be favorable to us.
       Thank you all, very much
       Congressman Lewis and Panel:
       I am Louis Register, Home-owner at 2674 West Rugby Avenue, 
     East Point, GA, My remarks to this panel will cover the 
     experience that the East Point West Ruby Avenue Homeowners 
     have encountered with the Atlanta Hartsfield Noise Abatement 
     Program and the Federal Aviation Authority, Southern Region, 
     Atlanta.
       There has been Three to Five Delay, and Three Different 
     Managers since the Noise Abatement program was initiated in 
     the College Park--East Point area.
       West Ruby Avenue, East Point was evidently confused with 
     West Rugby Avenue, College Park and left off initial 
     engineering area maps prepared for noise Abatement Program. 
     Nearby streets that intersect West Rugby Avenue, East Point 
     were included in the Noise Abatement program. (Mount Olive 
     Road, Ross Drive, Dodson Terrace). Recently the 2400 Block, 
     West Rugby Avenue, East Point was included in the Program and 
     2500-2600 Blocks excluded. We have been told by the current 
     Manager of the Atlanta Hartsfield Airport Noise Program that 
     was are not in the Noise Curve on the Contour Boundary Map. 
     That sounds incredible with the house next door to my 
     residence include with sound-proofing and Air-Rights 
     Compensation received. There seems to have been some errors 
     of judgement made in implementing this program on West Rugby 
     Avenue, East Point. West Rugby Avenue homeowners have 
     contacted the Noise Abatement Office, Federal Aviation 
     Authority (FAA), and their elected Representatives in 
     Congress to request fair and equitable treatment and 
     Compensation as other homeowners have received.
       I personally have contacted Senator Sam Nunn, and he has on 
     two occasions requested information on behalf from the 
     Federal Aviation Officials, Southern Region, Atlanta, but 
     information on my behalf from the Federal Aviation Officials, 
     Southern Region, Atlanta, but information furnished Senator 
     Nunn was not satisfactory to resolve this matter. Maps of the 
     impacted area are furnished for comparison on how the Noise 
     Abatement Program was and is being administered. Homeowners 
     received Noise Contractor letters in the initial phase of the 
     program, but FAA Authorities state there was a 
     misinterpretation of Contractor Letters.


                               east point

       I am speaking on behalf of an East Point and College Park 
     neighborhood south of Washington Road less than 5 miles from 
     the Atlanta Airport. This neighborhood includes south Delowe 
     Drive, Pollard Street, Farris Ave, and Harris Drive.
       We are here tonight after three long years of phone calls, 
     letters, and meetings, trying to obtain some symbolance of 
     justice for our neighborhood. I'm not going to waste your 
     time going over maps and sound studies. You all have access 
     to that information. What we want tonight is for you to 
     understand that there is a problem with these studies. Either 
     the information gained from these studies is incorrect or the 
     information is not being properly analysed.
       We assumed our neighborhood would be one of the first to 
     receive compensation for noise pollution. Unfortunantly that 
     is not the case. I believe the reason for our consumption 
     will be quite evident after you listen to just a few minutes 
     of this tape filmed by K at Sosby in her yard 3207 Delowe Dr, 
     East Point.


                               PLAY TAPE

       Can you imagine having a cook out or even trying to have a 
     conversation outside over this nerve racking noise. We can't 
     even leave our doors and windows open. Not only is it 
     impossible to watch TV or listen to the radio with your 
     window open but jet fumes are unbearable.
       We have been told that noise monitors were put in place to 
     determine what area would receive compensation. IF that is 
     the case the monitors in our area could not have been working 
     properly. Some neighborhoods that are much farther away have 
     received compensation. It is totally outrageous to believe 
     air traffic created more noise a distance 8, 10 or even 15 
     miles farther away from the airport than we are. In the first 
     place we hear every airplane that takes off or lands. In the 
     second place the airplanes have not reached enough altitude 
     to buffer any of the noise as they pass over our 
     neighborhood.
       We have also been told that the noise level from the 
     airport is decreasing. I beg to differ with this. Our 
     neighborhood has not felt any relief from airport noise. As a 
     matter of fact with all the new upstart air carrier adding to 
     the number of flights in and out of the Atlanta Airport we 
     have had an increase from airtraffic nois pollution.
       We do not want to patronized. We are outraged because we 
     have not been treated fairly or dealt honestly. It is well 
     past time for our neighborhood to receive compensation.
       We are awaiting your immediate positive response.
       Good evening Congressman Lewis and Members of the Platform.
       My name is Brenda Bethune-Colbert. We have lived in the 
     Normandy Subdivision for almost sixteen years. When we first 
     moved out their the airplane noise was not that bad because 
     the old airport on Virginia Avenue was still in existence.
       After the new airport was constructed the noise began to 
     get bad. With construction on the new runways it has gotten 
     progressively worst.
       There are times when they have the different pushes, you 
     can her the airplanes taxing on the runway. You can even 
     smell the fumes. We can not attempt to sleep with our windows 
     open on a pleasant spring or fall night. If you do, ``no 
     sleep will you get''. Don't even think of trying to have a 
     nice evening on your patoi. You will not be able to have a 
     decent conversation.
       By the time the fifth runway is in place we will not be 
     able to exist.
       We live about five minutes from Hartsfield Airport. Yet, 
     you skipped over our subdivision and went behind us to Old 
     Bill Cook Road.
       In 1988, 1989, 1990, we were promised by the Airport 
     Abatement Office that we would be next in line for the noise 
     abatement money. It never came. We deserve to have our homes 
     noise proofed.
       We are in between West Fayvetteville Road and Old Bill Cool 
     Road. How could you skip over us.
       Is it because we did not raise enough ``HELL''. Is it 
     because the majority of our neighborhood is now Black. Well 
     we are here now and we so not plan to stop until we get what 
     we desreve. Even if we have to march on Washington, to let 
     the President and the world know. We plan to do just that.

                          ____________________