ILM seeks noise study feedback
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington International Airport will be conducting a noise study over the next 18-24 months.
The study is currently in its beginning stages, and will examine the impact of air traffic noise at ILM to the surrounding area. Several neighborhoods lie just a few hundred feet from both of the airport’s runways.
The roughly $1 Million study is federally funded by the FAA and will also include opportunities for community input.
According to ILM Director Jeffrey Bourk, the study will provide an outside perspective on the issue.
“We felt it’s important to conduct this study, because we want to make sure we have an objective view of what is taking place in and around the community, and that’s what this is going to provide,” he said.
New Hanover County Commissioner and Airport Authority Member LeAnne Pierce said the study is important to provide the best environment for surrounding communities.
“We want to move forward with this, we want to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to be considerate of our citizens,” she said.
Residents have been complaining about the noise for years. Robert Smith lives on Laurel Dr. just north of the airport. He said the loudest noise comes from military aircraft that use the airport for training and refueling purposes.
“When the military jets come over, especially the harriers, you cannot exaggerate how loud it is. You can’t wear 35 decibel ear muffs and stop it. You can’t stick your fingers in your ears,” he said.
Smith added that the neighborhood existed before the airport.
“The airport should have never been built this close to a neighborhood. Neighborhood was here long before the airport,” he said.
Smith and other concerned residents will have time to share their feedback.
“Concerned citizens, airport users, people that have questions about airport noise and what it means to them should come to this meeting,” he said.
The study workshop will be held on May 15, 5-6:30 p.m. at Snipes Academy Gymnasium at 2150 Chestnut St. Wilmington, NC 28405.
To view more information about the study, click here.
