Distribution methodology for aircraft noise annoyance surveys

Abstract

Annoyance is one of the most common effects of aircraft noise on individuals. The prevalence of severe annoyance within a community is a metric that informs regulatory noise exposure thresholds and guidelines. It is therefore critical that accurate annoyance data is collected through community surveys, which are typically distributed to areas affected by various levels of aircraft noise, as defined by average-day type noise exposure contours. This distribution methodology excludes segments of the population that are affected by noise but underrepresented by these types of contours. Here are presented the results of two community surveys executed around Toronto Pearson International Airport, using different distribution methodologies. The first survey identified five zones for distribution based on noise exposure contours. The second survey was distributed within a 750-meter radius around 25 noise monitoring terminals in the vicinity of the airport. The two surveys yielded different annoyance results, particularly as they relate to the locations of highly annoyed respondents. A prevalence of severe annoyance was observed in areas that were intermittently affected by aircraft noise and thus out of the range of average-day type noise contours. It was concluded that a more comprehensive approach for survey distribution is necessary to ensure unbiased annoyance results.