City asks residents to voice concerns on increased airplane noise

Visit www.elmhurst.org/voiceconcern  to complete survey

The City of Elmhurst is asking all residents to help the community by voicing concern of increased airplane noise in Elmhurst. The request for community support has become essential due to the recent 100% increase in nighttime airplane noise affecting specific areas in Elmhurst. Residents are asked to help now by visiting elmhurst.org/voiceconcern to fill out a short survey.

This aircraft noise increase is a result of the Chicago Department of Aviation’s Runway Rotation Plan (RRP) test, which has been implemented to analyze the shared impact of aircraft noise in neighborhoods surrounding O’Hare Airport. The RRP Tests encourage pilots and traffic controllers to use designated nighttime runways. The tests are analyzed by community feedback, including a heavily-weighted survey designed for the RRP.

The Fly Quiet Program is currently administering RRP Test #3. This test directly impacts specific areas in Elmhurst, with a 100% increase in nighttime airplane noise compared to Test #1 and Test #2. Every other week during the evening hours of 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. aircraft noise from low flying planes are causing distress to many Elmhurst residents. This test will be in place through Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017. If the survey results for Test #3 show low community feedback, it is possible that this RRP will be the Chicago Department of Aviation’s long-term plan for designated nighttime runway use.

The City of Elmhurst is asking all residents to help now by visiting elmhurst.org/voiceconcern . Residents are asked to fill out a 5-minute survey to voice concern on the RRP Test #3 and its impact on Elmhurst. It is recommended that residents respond to questions #15 and #21 with the answer, “NO”.

Every Elmhurst resident can make a difference. If there are limitations to accessing the Internet, it is recommended that residents call (800) 435-9569 to voice concern. By voicing concern, residents are supporting fair distribution of nighttime air traffic that minimizes the current noise impact on residents in our community.

For more information, visit  www.elmhurst.org/voiceconcern