By Jan Axelson
Northside News
Dane County is preparing an update to the Noise Compatibility Plan for the Dane County Regional Airport. The plan, known as the Part 150 study, has two elements, a Noise Exposure Map and a Noise Compatibility Program.
The Noise Exposure Map documents existing and forecasted noise from aircraft operations. The map has been updated and approved by the FAA. The map doesn’t show peak noise levels but instead shows expected noise levels as a day-night average level (DNL) with greater weight given to noise from 10 pm–7 am.
The FAA considers land with a DNL of 65 or greater to be incompatible with residential use. The map shows 1,250 residential units and four noise-sensitive parcels exposed to a DNL of 65 or greater.
The area incompatible with residential use has expanded since the previous map was approved in 2022. On the Northside, the boundary runs just east of Packers Avenue. The noise-sensitive parcels are Claudi’s Kids Inc-Day Care Center, Ridgeway Church, Spence Motel, and Madison Area Technical College.
The Noise Compatibility Program will recommend ways to reduce land uses that aren’t compatible with aircraft operations. The program focuses on three strategies: noise abatement, land use, and program management.
For noise abatement, proposed measures encourage (but don’t require) aircraft to use flight paths that minimize noise to residential neighborhoods and schools. Another proposal encourages the Wisconsin National Guard to limit F-35A aircraft operations to 7 am–10 pm except for emergencies.
Possible land use recommendations include voluntary land acquisition, including at Cherokee Marsh and Token Creek. Program management recommendations include maintaining a noise advisory committee and improving the noise complaint response program.
On Feb. 20, airport staff and consultants hosted a public hearing and workshop on the draft program at the Dane County Airport. Members of the public viewed maps and other elements of the draft program, asked questions of the study team, and provided comments.
You can view the draft document at the airport offices, 4000 International Lane, and the Madison Public Library – Lakeview Branch, 2845 N. Sherman Ave.
