FAQs

How is aircraft noise measured?: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) utilizes the Integrated Noise Model (INM), which is a computer model that generates the noise exposure map. Factors that influence INM include number of aircraft operations, fleet mix, runway operations, flight track usage, weather, and nighttime operations.
The exposure map is also known as the DNL contour. DNL stands for day-night average sound level and is an average of daily noise exposure over an annualized period. DNL contours ultimately determine which areas and homes are eligible for MAC funded mitigation programs, including the sound mitigation program.

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Airport

1. How can I submit a noise complaint?: The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is the responsible government unit for airport noise. Complaints may be filed with the MAC online or to call in a complaint, dial (612) 726-9411.

2. How is aircraft noise measured?: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) utilizes the Integrated Noise Model (INM), which is a computer model that generates the noise exposure map. Factors that influence INM include number of aircraft operations, fleet mix, runway operations, flight track usage, weather, and nighttime operations.
The exposure map is also known as the DNL contour. DNL stands for day-night average sound level and is an average of daily noise exposure over an annualized period. DNL contours ultimately determine which areas and homes are eligible for MAC funded mitigation programs, including the sound mitigation program.

3. How is the city addressing airport noise concerns?: The City Council and city staff have and continue to work with the MAC to address runway and noise impact issues. The MAC utilizes an advisory committee known as the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) to have a dialogue about noise issues and to provide policy recommendations to the MAC. The NOC is comprised of six representatives from the airline industry and six representatives from communities affected by airport noise.
The cities touched by the 65 DNL noise contour each have a representative on the committee. These cities include Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis, and Richfield. The sixth community seat on the NOC is a shared at-large representative for other cities affected by airport noise including Apple Valley, Burnsville, Inver Grove Heights, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, and Sunfish Lake. After repeated requests to be given representation on the NOC, the NOC voted to grant Apple Valley status as an at-large community in March of 2006.

4. Are Apple Valley residents eligible for sound mitigation?: The MAC-submitted 60 DNL contour provides for the basis of the sound mitigation program. This contour extends south from the airport to the northwest portion of the City of Eagan, extending as far south as the intersection of Cedar Avenue and Diffley Road. While the City of Apple Valley is impacted by airport traffic and noise, it is not eligible for MAC-funded mitigation programs, including the sound mitigation program.

5. What are the individual impacts of air traffic noise?: Each individual has a different sensitivity to noise. Some people are very annoyed by airplane noise while other people may hardly notice similar noise levels.

7. How was the decision made to open the new runway?: The runway is the result of the dual-track planning process initiated by the state legislature in 1989 and ended in 1996.