Aircraft Noise Concerns in Delta
This page covers the following topics:
Overview
On May 10, 2007 NAV Canada implemented a number of changes to aircraft routes in southern British Columbia. Among the changes implemented were new Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) for aircraft inbound to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). These airspace changes triggered an internal 90 day review to verify if NAV Canada's objectives to enhance safety and increase efficiency had been met. In this case, due to complaints primarily from residents in South Delta and South Surrey, NAV Canada also examined the noise impact on residents as part of the review process. As a result of the community and municipality's diligent and persistent efforts to ensure that these concerns were heard and addressed, NAV Canada implemented four noise mitigation measures on February 14, 2008. These measures have made some headway in reducing the amount of aircraft noise over Delta.
The Corporation of Delta acknowledges that these measures have not resolved all of the communities' concerns. Delta Council and staff are working closely with the Vancouver Airport Authority and NAV Canada to better understand the noise issue so we can implement further noise mitigation measures. Most recently, YVR's Noise Management department announced that they will be installing a noise monitoring station at South Delta Secondary School so that aircraft noise levels can be monitored. In addition, NAV Canada has recently granted YVR permission to provide flight tracking data to the public. In 2009, YVR will be using this tracking data to develop a real time web tool that will allow residents to monitor aircraft movements and noise levels over their homes.
It is our intention to update this website as any new information regarding aircraft noise becomes available (see the chronological event board entitled Reports & Related Documents listed below for all information and correspondence). Please check back regularly for updates.
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YVR Noise Management Plan
The 2009-2013 Noise Management Plan for YVR details the core elements of the YVR Aeronautical Noise Management Program and initiatives that will shape and guide noise management efforts over the next five years.
A total of 16 initiatives are identified for the 2009-2013 YVR Noise Management Plan. These initiatives were identified in consultation with the YVR Aeronautical Noise Management Committee, from information gathered through a community web survey, and through an extensive analysis of noise complaints received by the Airport Authority.
View the 2009-2013 Noise Management Plan for YVR - { pdf 4MB }
YVR Noise Information Seminars
Are you interested in how noise is managed at Vancouver International Airport? If so, you are invited to join YVR Noise Management staff at one of their information seminars. To find out more information, visit the YVR website.
YVR Frequently Asked Questions
YVR has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide answers to some of their most frequent inquiries.
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YVR's Web Tracking Tool
YVR released an online web tracking tool that allows members of the public to see real-time and historical flight and noise data collected by the Airport Authority's aircraft noise monitoring and tracking system.
WebTrak for YVR allows Delta residents to track flight activity and subsequent noise levels over a specific region. The program integrates radar data received from NAV CANADA and noise data collected from 20 noise monitoring terminals (including Delta's newest monitor located at South Delta Secondary School) into an interactive regional map (see attachment). The public can identify aircraft type, elevation and noise level, and whether the aircraft is arriving or departing. With easy-to-use features and menu options, anyone with access to the Internet can replay historical flight activity within the past 30 days, locate their residence on the map to determine the distance from aircraft in flight, and, if they wish, register a comment or concern about a particular flight.
The WebTrak for YVR tool can be accessed through the Noise Management section of the YVR website or by using the following link http://yvr.webtrak-lochard.com/template/index.html.
Temporary Aircraft Noise Monitoring Terminal in Sunshine Hills
At the Corporation of Delta's request, YVR has installed a temporary aircraft noise monitoring terminal in Sunshine Hills. The monitor was installed on June 4, 2010 and is located on the roof of Delta Fire Hall #5 (11720 - 64th. Avenue). This location was chosen based on feedback from North Delta residents who are concerned with the level of aircraft noise created by the GRIZZ Standard Terminal Arrival Route.
It is anticipated that the monitor will be activated for several weeks this summer - when the GRIZZ STAR is most frequently used. Following this, the temporary monitor will be moved to a location in Ladner/East Delta to measure aircraft noise that is typically most prevalent in the fall months.
YVR will be analyzing the data from both monitors and will publish a report to present the findings. When available, this report will be posted on the Corporation of Delta's website.
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Reports & Related Documents
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Contact Information
Commercial Aircraft Noise Concerns
NAV Canada can be contacted at 1(800) 876-4693 or email service@navcanada.ca with your questions and concerns. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has a 24 hour noise information line which is (604) 207-7097 or email noise@yvr.ca.
Boundary Bay Airport - Small Aircraft Noise Concerns
Noise complaints generated from aircrafts flying in and out of Boundary Bay Airport should be directed to Alpha Aviation at (604 ) 946-5361. If your complaint is about a particular aircraft please be ready to provide information regarding the exact time and location of when and where you saw the aircraft in question AND, if possible the colour and/or any distinguishable markings on the aircraft (e.g., numbers, names). Alpha Aviation staff will be working with the flight schools and private aircraft owners to ensure that pilots are following Transport Canada's regulations for civil aviation.
Some documents on this page are available in Adobe Acrobat Reader® PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader® you may download it for free by clicking on the link to the right. [ back to top ]