JWA: Noise boost minor

Despite a record level of passengers at John Wayne Airport in 2007, a new report released by the airport’s Noise Abatement office shows that noise levels around the facility have increased by only one to two decibels — an amount too insignificant to be recognized by the human ear, according to airport officials.

Airport spokeswoman Jenny Wedge attributed the stabilization to quieter and larger aircraft, which are able to handle more passengers without much ostensible change in air traffic.

While final numbers have yet to be compiled, Wedge estimated the airport serviced 10 million passengers this year, a slight increase from the 9.6 million served in 2006.

“From 2003 to 2006, we compared annual data at all of our noise-monitoring stations, and the maximum fluctuation in decibels was no more than two over that period,” she said. “We remained in our noise contours, which are defined in our access plan, which airports are required to follow.”

The airport maintains 10 noise monitors throughout departure and arrival paths in the areas surrounding its runways.

Airlines accused of violating the county’s General Aviation Noise Ordinance more than three times in three years have their flight privileges revoked, according to airport officials.

The airport had negotiated an increase of allowable air traffic with city and community groups in 2003, resolving to cap the airport’s passenger load to 10.8 million passengers by 2015.

Wedge further acknowledged that, while decibels levels have risen only slightly, the new limits permit more frequent takeoffs and landings.

Officials with AirFair, a group representing the airport’s neighbors, said they would decline comment at this time.

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at chris.caesar@latimes.com.