To require the Department of Public Health to conduct a study of the health impacts of airplane flights on the resident communities that are represented on the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee
Action
Following the completion of the study, the Department of Public Health is required to submit its findings within 60 days to both the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Committee on Public Health, ensuring that the results are reviewed by relevant legislative bodies. This step underscores the importance of transparency and legislative engagement in addressing the health outcomes of residents living near the airport.
Impact
The bill emphasizes a rigorous examination of various health issues linked to airplane noise and air pollution, including asthma aggravation, sleep disturbances, stress, and high blood pressure. By mandating this study, the legislation seeks to gather critical data that could inform future public health policies and interventions aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of aviation activity on local residents. The requirement for a comprehensive assessment within a specified timeframe of 180 days demonstrates a proactive approach to a public health issue that has been a growing concern in Massachusetts.
Summary
Senate Bill 1471, introduced by Senator Walter F. Timilty, mandates the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the health impacts of airplane flights on communities represented by the Massachusetts Port Authority Community Advisory Committee. The bill outlines a structured approach to assessing both the health and noise-related effects associated with airplane operations near these communities, particularly focusing on those along the flight paths of aircraft taking off and landing at Logan International Airport. This study aims to address community health concerns that have arisen due to increased air traffic and associated emissions.
Contention
Potential points of contention surrounding SB 1471 may arise from various stakeholders including local government officials, aviation authorities, and community advocacy groups. Proponents of the bill argue that the study could lead to necessary regulations or improvements in flight operations to protect public health. Conversely, air travel advocates or representatives from Logan International Airport might express concerns regarding the resource allocation for such studies and the implications they could have for aviation operations. The scope of the study and its findings could influence future policymaking and regulatory frameworks related to airport operations and community health.
Aviation-Impacted Communities ActThis bill increases access to noise mitigation measures for aviation-impacted communities. Under the bill, an aviation-impacted community is a community that is located not more than one mile from any point at which a commercial or cargo jet route is 3,000 feet or less above ground level.The bill expands noise mitigation program funding under the Airport Improvement Program to include aviation-impacted communities that are not currently within the 65 day-night average sound level (DNL) standard.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must conduct outreach to aviation-impacted communities to inform them of the opportunity to be a designated community. A designated community must form a community board to provide information to airport operators and the FAA concerning aviation impacts (e.g., aircraft noise).A community board may petition the FAA to conduct a community assessment and, based on the assessment, the FAA must devise an action plan that alleviates or addresses the community’s concerns.In addition, the FAA must enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and provide the FAA with a framework and diagnostic tool for conducting community assessments.The FAA must provide grants for necessary noise mitigation in a designated community for residences, hospitals, nursing homes, adult or child day care centers, schools, and places of worship. Further, the FAA and airport operators must provide (1) noise mitigation grants for communities subject to significant frequency of overhead flights, and (2) noise mitigation for residences impacted by significant nighttime aircraft noise.