Northern Hills Homeowner's Association

I Think This is NOISE REDISTRIBUTION

May 09, 2000

Please note: This is a copy of an email from Col. Ed Carmick. He did not speak with anyone at the Airport office, so the questions and answers are only an expression what an "imaginary conversation" would be like with anyone from the Noise Abatement Department.

To: Amanda O'Krongley
Subject: Airport Noise Mitigation Office - NOISE REDISTRIBUTION PLAN

I have been researching the question of WHY the Airport Mitigation office and You in particular are conducting a so-called study.
Q. Does the San Antonio airport have a noise problem?
A. No the city is currently under compliance & actually does not have to reduce noise at all.
Q. What caused us to think a problem exists?
A. An activist group consisting of some 14 so-called experts along with the City councilman from district 10.
Q. What was the reason for such a group?
A. It is my understanding they wanted to redistribute what airport noise there is, so as to reduce the noise in their area.
Q. From the city of San Antonio?’s point of view, is this a sound or logical way to do business? Is it good for the city?
A. Not at all, it opens the city to all kinds of problems, investigation and criticism such as (but not limited to) the following:
1. FAA looking into a noise problem. Remember they say we are doing just great.
2. Brings up the requirement and all its real and political ramifications for a new airport.
3. Causes dissension among the citizens, especially those who live in district 10 and surrounding area.
4. Will make the Airlines question our, (or I should say YOUR) reasoning for deviating from a runway plan that has existed for years. These runways were constructed to take advantage of prevailing winds
5. A change could present all kinds of problems for airline traffic control, radar, wind sheer problems and gosh only knows what more.

Q. Who told you to conduct this so called plan?
A.?

Q. Who approved your involvement into conducting a noise redistribution plan?
A.?

Q, Do you think your action only concerns a few people?
A. Take a good look at your map with its proposed runway deviation & note the schools, housing, churches and new construction in the area who will be affected.

I have over thirty-eight years, thirty of which I was intimately involved in planning & conducting studies which had world wide impact. In fact I taught planning & study preparation as well as decision making. I now think in study format which makes my thinking rational and helps to keep me out of trouble.

From where I sit you have reacted to a non-existing problem. My mother always said "don't look for trouble" it is too bad you did not hear my mothers words.

If you think your NOISE REDISTRIBUTION PLAN is good for the city and your carreer then by all means continue the way you are going.

If however you think you may have been misled or as the saying goes "Snookered," then back off, regroup & ask for guidance from higher authority.
Consider this a learning experience.

You coined a new phrase "NOISE REDISTRIBUTION" to change for a few with implications for many. Have you given any thought as to why there is considerable building going on in the very area that cause all this problem, Can?’t be airport noise, that would stop them from there construction. SO WHAT IS THE PROBLEM????

I heard talk this evening of getting "Eye Witness Wants To Know" or some other such TV program to look into the so called problem. Interesting to say the least

I look forward to seeing where all this goes. And your comments on this letter.

Col Edward Carmick [rtd.]