New EAC report highly critical of government lack on clarity on aircraft noise targets
The EAC has now published a follow up report to their November 2015 report, after the oral evidence given by Chris Grayling on 30th November. It is highly critical of the government on its assurances on noise targets and its low level of ambition in limiting noise in future. The EAC says: “We are concerned that the Government’s National Policy Statement has provided no further clarity on how predictable respite will be achieved or on the specific timings of a night flight ban.” … “The Government must carry out further work on respite which should form part of the NPS process, alongside plans for a live timetable of respite to be published beginning when the new runway is operational. We welcome the Government’s commitment to a 6.5 hour night flight ban. … it would appear inconsistent to reject its key recommendation on the precise timing of a night flight ban.” … and …”The stated goal of “fewer people […] affected by noise from Heathrow by 2030 than are today” shows a lack of ambition. Without Heathrow expansion, local communities would have seen a decrease in aircraft noise as new technology and airspace management techniques were developed.” … and “We are concerned with the inconsistency of the metrics used to measure noise attitudes. The Government has recognised that the level of significant annoyance has reduced and the number effected increased, yet it bases its conclusions on the out of date 57 dB LAeq 16hr contour.” And much more.
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New EAC report Carbon Emissions, Air Quality and Noise Seventh Report of Session 2016–17
23.2.2017
The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) in the House of Commons has been a key means of holding the DfT, Heathrow and the government to account on the environmental impacts of aviation expansion.
There are reports and associated evidence on all its inquiries, on the EAC website.
In November 2015 the EAC published an interim report on the Airports Commission’s recommendation for airport expansion in the South East of England. In October 2016 the Government announced its support for a third runway at Heathrow, in line with the Commission’s recommendation. The Government has since published a draft Airports National Policy Statement.
The EAC has now published a follow up report to their November 2015 report. It deals with air pollution (including surface access), carbon emissions and noise.
The EAC heard oral evidence from Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, and Caroline Low of the DfT, on 30th November 2015.
In the summary of the new report, the EAC say:
“We have seen little evidence so far of the “step change” in the Government’s approach to environmental mitigation which we called for in our interim report. To inform the National Policy Statement process, the Government needs to set out new modelling on air quality following the High Court’s latest ruling and a new approach to air quality post 2019; an emissions reduction strategy that will allow the UK’s carbon budgets to be met and effective noise mitigation measures enforced by an Independent Aviation Noise Authority. The Government must not allow our air quality standards to be watered down as a result of leaving the EU.”
Below are just the sections from the February 2017 EAC report on noise
The Airports Commission Report Follow-up: Carbon Emissions, Air Quality and Noise Seventh Report of Session 2016–17
23.2.2017
Noise
The Government needs to set out effective noise mitigation measures enforced by an Independent Aviation Noise Authority. In order to minimise the impacts for local communities, the Government must follow the Airports Commission’s recommendations on providing predictable respite and the timing of a night flight ban. The Government’s noise targets should be more ambitious and be assessed against the projected impact of a two-runway airport as well as the position today. The need for an authoritative Independent Aviation Noise Authority remains clear.
There is a long section on noise – too long to copy here.
It can be seen at https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenvaud/840/84007.htm#_idTextAnchor043
Conclusions
86.
The stated goal of “fewer people […] affected by noise from Heathrow by 2030 than are today” shows a lack of ambition. Without Heathrow expansion, local communities would have seen a decrease in aircraft noise as new technology and airspace management techniques were developed. A number of scenarios in the Airports Commission’s technical report showed that an expanded Heathrow in 2030 could be quieter than a two runway airport at the same time. The Government and Heathrow have argued three runways will allow the airport to manage its airspace more efficiently. The NPS does not clearly lay out the nature of the legally binding noise targets and it only compares an expanded airport in 2030 with noise levels today, it does not compare noise levels in 2030 with a two-runway airport at the same time. The Government should publish a comparison between projected three and two-runway noise levels in 2030 as well as with noise levels now. The Government and Heathrow should work towards a goal of less noise than a two runway Heathrow would create in 2030.
87.
The Government has argued that, with more effective use of airspace and new technology and operational techniques, noise levels will fall. There is a trade-off between carbon emissions reduction and noise reduction. The Government should work with the sector and public to set its priorities. If the Government plans to rely on future technical improvement to reduce noise impacts, then it must provide the aviation industry with support by setting a clear strategic direction for the industry and guarantee policy certainty for investment.
and
105.
The importance of the Government’s proposed Independent Aviation Noise Authority is demonstrated by the lack of ambitious noise targets and the necessity for a body to enforce the mitigation and compensation measures proposed by the Government and Heathrow. We are concerned that the Government has downgraded the proposed Independent Aviation Noise Authority to an Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise. The proposed structure and role of this body would prevent it from having an authoritative role, and may raise questions about whether it is truly independent and credible. The Government must create an Independent Aviation Noise Authority with an independent chair, the ability to enforce its policy recommendations and the remit to monitor and enforce Heathrow’s commitments to provide respite, including the live timetable; its compliance with night flight scheduling; and the schedule and investment timetable for rolling out the promised noise insulation.
106.
We are concerned with the inconsistency of the metrics used to measure noise attitudes. The Government has recognised that the level of significant annoyance has reduced and the number effected increased, yet it bases its conclusions on the out of date 57 dB LAeq 16hr contour. The Government must ensure that the NPS process is informed by the most up-to-date noise metrics, in light of the Attitudes to Noise Survey we expect the Government to consider 54 dB LAeq 16hr as the onset of significant annoyance.
107.
We continue to support the Airports Commission in its recommendation of a Community Engagement Board, but emphasise that this body must have real influence and act as a bridge between the airport and communities during the NPS process. We question whether Heathrow’s 20 year timetable for rolling out noise insulation is reasonable. We believe that communities affected by noise in 2026 should not have to wait 20 years for insulation.
Conclusions and recommendations
Noise
18. We are concerned that the Government’s National Policy Statement has provided no further clarity on how predictable respite will be achieved or on the specific timings of a night flight ban. (Paragraph 72)
19. The Government must carry out further work on respite which should form part of the NPS process, alongside plans for a live timetable of respite to be published beginning when the new runway is operational. We welcome the Government’s commitment to a 6.5 hour night flight ban. However as the Government’s case for expansion has relied heavily on the Airports Commission’s work; it would appear inconsistent to reject its key recommendation on the precise timing of a night flight ban. The Government must consider this recommendation alongside consideration of the health aspects caused to residents, in line with the requirements of EU Directive 598/2014. (Paragraph 72)
20. The stated goal of “fewer people […] affected by noise from Heathrow by 2030 than are today” shows a lack of ambition. Without Heathrow expansion, local communities would have seen a decrease in aircraft noise as new technology and airspace management techniques were developed. A number of scenarios in the Airports Commission’s technical report showed that an expanded Heathrow in 2030 could be quieter than a two runway airport at the same time. The Government and Heathrow have argued three runways will allow the airport to manage its airspace more efficiently. The NPS does not clearly lay out the nature of the legally binding noise targets and it only compares an expanded airport in 2030 with noise levels today, it does not compare noise levels in 2030 with a two-runway airport at the same time. (Paragraph 86)
21. The Government should publish a comparison between projected three and two runway noise levels in 2030 as well as with noise levels now. The Government and Heathrow should work towards a goal of less noise than a two runway Heathrow would create in 2030. (Paragraph 86)
22. The Government has argued that, with more effective use of airspace and new technology and operational techniques, noise levels will fall. There is a trade-off between carbon emissions reduction and noise reduction. (Paragraph 87)
23. The Government should work with the sector and public to set its priorities. If the Government plans to rely on future technical improvement to reduce noise impacts, then it must provide the aviation industry with support by setting a clear strategic direction for the industry and guarantee policy certainty for investment. (Paragraph 87)
24. The importance of the Government’s proposed Independent Aviation Noise Authority is demonstrated by the lack of ambitious noise targets and the necessity for a body to enforce the mitigation and compensation measures proposed by the Government and Heathrow. We are concerned that the Government has downgraded the proposed Independent Aviation Noise Authority to an Independent Commission on Civil Aviation Noise. The proposed structure and role of this body would prevent it from having an authoritative role, and may raise questions about whether it is truly independent and credible. (Paragraph 105)
25. The Government must create an Independent Aviation Noise Authority with an independent chair, the ability to enforce its policy recommendations and the remit to monitor and enforce Heathrow’s commitments to provide respite, including the live timetable; its compliance with night flight scheduling; and the schedule and investment timetable for rolling out the promised noise insulation. (Paragraph 105)
26. We are concerned with the inconsistency of the metrics used to measure noise attitudes. The Government has recognised that the level of significant annoyance has reduced and the number effected increased, yet it bases its conclusions on the out of date 57 dB LAeq 16hr contour. (Paragraph 106)
27. The Government must ensure that the NPS process is informed by the most up-to-date noise metrics, in light of the Attitudes to Noise Survey we expect the Government to consider 54 dB LAeq 16hr as the onset of significant annoyance. (Paragraph 106)
28. We continue to support the Airports Commission in its recommendation of a Community Engagement Board, but emphasise that this body must have real influence and act as a bridge between the airport and communities during the NPS process. We question whether Heathrow’s 20 year timetable for rolling out noise insulation is reasonable. We believe that communities affected by noise in 2026 should not have to wait 20 years for insulation. (Paragraph 107)
see https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenvaud/840/84008.htm
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See the EAC report
- Read the report summary
- Read the report conclusions and recommendations
- Read the full report: The Airports Commission Report Follow-up: Carbon Emissions, Air Quality and Noise
The Environmental Audit Committee, chaired by Mary Creagh, heard oral evidence from Chris Grayling, and Caroline Low (Dft) on 30th November.
“The Airports Commission Report: Carbon Emissions, Air Quality and Noise, HC 840 Wednesday 30 November 2016
Members present: Mary Creagh (Chair); Peter Aldous; Caroline Ansell; Glyn Davies; Caroline Lucas; Mr Gavin Shuker.
Questions 1 – 133 Witnesses: Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, and Caroline Low, Director of Airport Capacity, Department for Transport.
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