Eco-friendly Mersey cuts down airport noise pollution

Dec 19 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAP drawn up to assess noise created by Liverpool John Lennon Airport shows its impact is lower than many others in the country because of the River Mersey.

The map shows people in parts of Runcorn are exposed to 55 decibels of noise during the daytime and some Speke residents up to 75 decibels.

The European safety level for workplace noise – where ear protection is required– is 85 decibels.

But a large section of area hit by noise falls on the Mersey, whereas other city airports such as Manchester hit a larger area of inhabited land, according to the images released by Defra yesterday.

The mapping, carried out during 2006-07 in line with the EU’s Environmental Noise Directive, gives details of daytime and night time noise levels at 18 British airports.

The data will be used to draw up action plans to address the noise climate around each airport, and John Lennon Airport (JLA) will be launching its strategy within the next few weeks.

It will include descriptions of the measures that will be taken to reduce environmental noise.

Andrew Dutton, environmental manager at JLA said: “The airport was placed here for a reason and being so close to the water is obviously a benefit.

“If you look at the maps for many other airports more built-up areas are affected. We are also very lucky because of the airlines that use us. They all use the most efficient and quiet aircraft possible.

“But we always need to consider our neighbours and our action plan will include measures to help do this.”

Defra is working to produce noise maps for major roads, railways and big cities in England. These will include the airport maps revealed yesterday, and will be used to produce action plans to help local authorities and airport operators better manage levels of noise in their communities.

And in a bid to be more environmentally friendly, the airport has installed new wind turbines to provide some of its energy – the first in the country to do so.

The two 15-metre windmills on Speke Hall Avenue are supplying part of the airport’s energy and could soon be joined by many more, if the pilot project proves successful.

Liverpool’s Labour leader, Councillor Joe Anderson, said: “The fact that the airport is starting to use wind power and thinking about the environment, as we all should, is to be welcomed.

“Given that the airports and air transportation is responsible for so much pollution it is great to see them looking at ways to redress the balance – we all need to take responsibility and this is a good first step. With regard to noise created by the airport, again it is a question of balance.

“I know Defra have insisted that airports look at their impact on local communities and we do need to protect residents, whilst also enjoying the benefits that having a successful airport offers.

“We need to work together.”

lizawilliams