12 - Appendices

Appendices

Appendix A

Contour maps and population statistics methodology

NAP contour maps
The contour maps provided within the NAP were provided to us by our regulator, the CAA. The maps and population statistics were produced using the following parameters:

• The contours have been generated using the latest version of ANCON (v2.3) and the 2016 annual traffic data provided.


• Estimated areas, populations and households within all the contours, using an updated 2016 population database (based on the 2011 Census) were supplied by CACI Ltd.

Scottish Noise Mapping website
The contour maps provided on the Scottish noise mapping website were produced for the Scottish Government by Jacobs Ltd using the following parameters:

• OS Mastermap for the building footprints


• OS AddressBase data to determine the location of dwellings;


• a population density per household of 2.07 persons.

In addition, for population and dwellings Jacobs rounded to the nearest 100 and for area rounded to nearest 1km2, which is in accordance with EU Noise Directive (2002/49/EU). The Scottish Government will publish the maps and statistics on the Scottish noise mapping website.

Appendix B

Lden contour map
The noise maps are produced by computer software that calculates the noise level at specific points as the noise spreads out from the sources of noise that have been modelled. The software can take account of features that affect the spread of noise such as buildings and the shape of the ground (e.g. earth mounds), and whether the ground is acoustically absorbent (e.g. fields) or reflective (concrete or water).

Lden contours
The Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006 requires that strategic noise mapping should be conducted at five yearly intervals. Unlike the conventional summer 16-hour Leq dBA contours, the regulations require a different range of noise parameters: Lday, Levening, Lnight, LAeq16hr, and dB Lden. A full definition of these terms is provided in the glossary.

Lden is based on air traffic movements over the entire year, unlike dB LAeq contours which are based on air traffic during the busiest summer months. In addition, an arbitrary weighting of 5 dB is applied to each of the evening (19:00-23:00) movements and 10 dB for each of the night (23:00-07:00) movements, to take into account the greater perception of disturbance at night. Contours for strategic noise mapping are presented in 5 dB steps from 55 dBA to 75 dBA. Lnight differ in that they are presented between 50 dBA and 70 dBA.

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Appendix C

LAeq contour map
The UK Government uses the Equivalent Continuous Sound Level, Leq dBA for this purpose which provides average noise levels for the busiest 16 hours of the day, between 07:00-23:00 over the busiest three months of the year, from mid-June to mid-September. This is the most common international measure of aircraft noise. This is measured over the whole year in this case 2016, 16-hour period refers to 07:00-23:00 (local time). This is the time period and parameter set out by legislation – The Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006.

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Appendix D

Lnight contour map
The Lnight contour map shows the A-weighted long-term average sound level determined over all the night periods of a year; night time for this type of measurement is defined as 23:00-07:00 which is commonly used in environmental noise measurement and legislation to define the night time period, and may often be shown in noise reports and contour mapping as the Lnight (8hrs).

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Appendix E

Useful links

EU Noise Directive (2002/49/EU):
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32002L0049&from=EN

Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/ssi2006/20060465.htm

Scottish Noise Mapping:
https://noise.environment.gov.scot/

The CAA:
www.caa.co.uk

The Airport Operators Association:
http://www.aoa.org.uk/

Sustainable Aviation:
http://www.sustainableaviation.co.uk/

Scottish Air Traffic Control (SATS):
https://nats.aero/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PrestwickCentre-FINAL.pdf

NATS – Aeronautical Information Service/AIP:
http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=62&Itemid=111.html

Edinburgh Airport Noise Lab – information on our complaints policy, insulation grant scheme and new Noise and Track Keeping monitoring system can be found via our website:
http://www.edinburghairport.com/about-us/community-and-environment/edinburgh-airport-noise-lab/noise-at-edi

Edinburgh Airport 2017:
www.edinburghairport.com/expansion

ICAO Appendix 16 Volume 1 – Environmental Protection, Aircraft Noise:
https://www.icao.int/environmentalprotection/Documents/Publications/Doc_9501_Volume_I.pdf

ISO 1996-2: 1987 REVISED 2007 – ISO 1996-2:2007 Acoustics – Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise – Part 2: Determination of environmental noise levels:
https://www.iso.org/standard/41860.html

Appendix F

Insulation Grant Scheme

Households without double glazing in the 63 dB contour of the airport, who haven’t benefited from the scheme before, are entitled to apply for:

• free secondary glazing to fit existing windows; or


• a 50% contribution to standard double glazed PVCu replacement windows; or


• a 50% contribution to high specification double glazed PVCu replacement windows, specially designed to reduce noise levels, or a combination of these options;


• a 50% contribution for replacing glass sealed units (glass only keeping existing window frames).

Properties already fitted with double glazing and do not want it replaced, can arrange for a free home survey to be carried out to identify whether the home’s current insulation qualities can be improved. Loft insulation has also been found to help further reduce noise disturbance. For this reason, eligible households would also be entitled to ventilation and loft insulation free of charge as part of the scheme. For further information call us on 0800 731 3397.

Noise Insulation Scheme process

1. Residents should arrange their own quotes for doubling glazing installers. This should detail per window and door.


2. Houses built since 2009 are not eligible for the scheme.


3. Residents should send the quotes to Edinburgh Airport.


4. Edinburgh Airport write back to the resident with the confirmed contribution the airport will pay.


5. Residents and airport agree how the airport contribution will be billed. A cheque can be posted to the resident after installation. Installers can invoice the airport directly for the airport contribution agreed.


6. Residents go ahead and instruct the work to be done and notify the airport when the new glazing is installed.


7. Airport visits the property to check that the job has been completed.


8. Airport pays their contribution.

Appendix G

Current noise finding procedures

Noise monitors and noise fining
Aircraft flying to and from Edinburgh Airport are monitored by three permanent and fixed noise monitoring stations located at Cramond, Uphall/ Broxburn and Livingston. There are maximum allowed levels for daytime noise (06:00-3:30) and night time noise (23:30-06:00) – these are 94 dBA Lmax and 87 dBA Lmax respectively. Flights must not exceed these levels and airlines are fined for all exceedances. This is a voluntary policy introduced by Edinburgh Airport to mitigate against noise nuisance in our communities. All money received from fines is donated to our community fund for distribution to local good causes.

Placement of noise monitors Fixed site noise monitors are positioned at 6.5km from start of roll (the point in the runway where a flight begins its departure); the monitors record levels for both departing and arriving aircraft at these fixed positions. The positioning of the noise monitors is in accordance with a detailed scientific study carried out for the Department for Transport (DfT) by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Edinburgh Airport follows this guidance along with Glasgow, Heathrow, Gatwick and Bristol airports amongst others. Further information on all CAA scientific studies can be found on the CAA website.

Appendix H

Conclusions of the Ricardo – AEA 2013-2014 AQ monitoring
Ricardo-AEA was commissioned by Edinburgh Airport Ltd to undertake a 6-month air quality survey investigating nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations at Edinburgh Airport during 2013-2014. This survey follows on from similar studies carried out during 1999, 2003-2004, 2006-2007 and 2010-2011.

The hourly NO2 objective of no more than 18 exceedances in a year of 200 µg m-3 is not likely to have been exceeded at any location.

A decrease in annual average NO2 concentrations was seen when compared to the 2010 survey with annual average NO2 concentrations averaged over all sites dropping to 2007 levels; at 29 µg m-3.

A slight downward trend in NO2 concentrations has been seen at the automatic Edinburgh St Leonards monitoring site from 2003 to 2013

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Appendix I

ICAO Appendix 16 Volume 1 – Environmental Protection, Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise certification
Certificated noise levels for larger aircraft are classified by the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices – Aircraft Noise: Appendix 16 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation into:

• a) Chapter 2 types, characterised by the noisier, low bypass turbofan aircraft and early high bypass turbofan aircraft.


• b) Chapter 3 types, characterised by the modern, quieter, high bypass turbofan aircraft.

Under European legislation, since 2002, Chapter 2 aircraft (of over 34 tonnes maximum take-off weight or with more than 19 seats) have no longer been allowed to operate at European airports. There are separate noise certification schemes for small propeller aircraft and for helicopters.

In June 2001, following the fifth meeting of the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP/5), the Council of ICAO adopted a new Chapter 4 noise standard, which is more stringent than the current Chapter 3 standard.

In order for an aircraft to qualify for the Chapter 4 standard, the following criteria must be met as a minimum:

• The relevant Chapter 3 noise limit at each certification point (flyover, side-line or approach) must not be exceeded, i.e. no trade-offs between points are permitted;


• Relative to the Chapter 3 standard, the minimum margin at any two-certification points must be at least 2 EPNdB;


• Relative to the Chapter 3 standard, the cumulative margin at the three-certification point must be at least 10 EPNdB.

From 1 January 2006, the Chapter 4 standard applies to newly-certificated aircraft, although manufacturers may also opt to re-certificate some of their existing Chapter 3 designs to the Chapter 4 standard.

Examples of aircraft covered by Chapter 2 – the Boeing 727 and Douglas DC-9.

Examples of aircraft covered by Chapter 3 – the Boeing 737-300/400, Boeing 767 and Airbus A319.

Some Chapter 2 aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-200 have been ‘hush kitted’ and re-certificated to the Chapter 3 standard.

Chapter 3 certificated aircraft may meet the Chapter 4 standard but they will only be classified as Chapter 4 if their manufacturer has opted to re-certificate them. For example, some A319s are certificated as Chapter 3 and some as Chapter 4. The aircraft are essentially the same and there would be no noise difference discernible to the observer on the ground.

As yet there is no agreed date for the phase out of Chapter 3 aircraft.

Appendix J

The cost of noise management

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Appendix K

Complaints policy

How we handle complaints about aircraft activity

We understand that our operations have an impact on our local communities and that residents may want to complain about aircraft activity. This policy explains how we receive and process complaints.

Introduction
This Policy on Handling Aircraft Noise Complaints has been revised in light of the introduction of the Casper Noise and Tracking System in January 2018.

Policy objectives:

• The acknowledgement and timely response of complaints.


• The provision of sufficient information to understand the source of the issue, and where appropriate, what action has been taken.


• The consistent recording of all complaint data.


• The establishment and maintenance of a complete record of complaints received transparent to the community, regulator and other stakeholders.


• The utilisation of a digital platform to facilitate these objectives.

Summary

• The principal mechanism for registering noise complaints at Edinburgh is through the online Casper system. However, we accept that not everyone has access or the ability to use the internet, and we will also accept complaints received via telephone to our dedicated noise complaints line, 0800 731 3397 (Freephone 24/7) or by letter.


• We will register, acknowledge and investigate all complaints received that have a full name, email address (where available) and postal address. All names, email addresses and postal addresses will be treated as strictly confidential and not used for any purpose other than registering complaints.


• Emails sent to our Executive team will be passed onto the Communications team to log, investigate and respond to on their behalf.


• To the extent we can, we will provide individuals with relevant information to help with understanding the issue raised. We believe that the fairest and most beneficial method for dealing with enquiries from all residents is to be clear and open about existing policies, the measures used to control noise and how these together affect how the airport operates.


• We will investigate the cause of complaints arising from specific causes such as poor track keeping but we will not repeatedly supply the same or similar information or substantial amounts of data.


• The Casper complaint database will provide aggregate data that is accessible to third parties.


• We will continue to monitor our overall performance, for example, with respect to track keeping and number of complaints received within our performance indicator of five working days.


• We will use data to continue to work proactively with airlines and air traffic service providers to enhance noise mitigation performance at the airport.

Receiving complaints
Complaints regarding aircraft noise made to the airport should be submitted via our dedicated complaints web portal (Casper) – www.edinburghairport. com/noiselab

In circumstances where the complainant does not have access to the internet complaints can be made by letter to our postal address at the end of this document or by telephone to our dedicated noise complaints line, 0800 731 3397 (Freephone 24/7). Complaints received by post and telephone will be entered into the Casper system by our staff, to maintain a single, uniform and transparent record of all complaints.

We will register, acknowledge and, where appropriate, investigate all complaints received.

For statistical purposes, it is essential that we are provided with a full name, valid email address (where available) and postal address and the reason for the complaint, otherwise the complaint cannot be logged.

Names, email addresses and postal addresses given will not be made public or used for any purpose other than registering complaint details, and to allow direct response to the complainant. Complaint reports by postal code area are recorded through Casper and published. We can only provide information on aircraft that operate to and from Edinburgh Airport.

We receive a number of complaints made by images taken from apps such as Flight Radar. This does not provide the information we need to investigate complaints, which we do by using our own noise and track keeping software. When complaints are provided in this format we will request that residents provide the required information detailed above.

Specific enquiries
Complaints regarding specific flights must be individually registered. For complaints regarding specific departures we will, in line with this policy, supply details of the flight which is the subject of the complaint, such as airline, flight number and height. Where complaints are registered regarding a number of flights, we will endeavour to provide general information which will add to an individual’s understanding of the situation.

In the case of arriving aircraft, there is no requirement for track keeping as is the case with departing aircraft, however we will supply information to help explain the reasons for an unusual event, for example, a change to a normal operating pattern. Where it is deemed to help understand the noise relating to a particular area, we will supply typical days’ tracks of aircraft overflight and background information relating to operations.

Provision of information
We provide a full and comprehensive information service and our policy is to make available as much detail about aircraft operations as is reasonably practical (for example, noise limits, runway direction and aircraft heights within Noise Preferential Routes). All this information is publicly accessible through Edinburgh Airport’s Noise website – www.edinburghairport.com/ noiselab/

Requests for information above what is publicly provided through NTK system will be considered on its merits. We will take into account the amount of information that has already been made available, the resources required to process the information requested, and whether the information requested seems likely to enhance further understanding. We may however decline to undertake extensive data-gathering exercises in support of individual complaints.

General enquiries
We will supply information which explains aircraft routes and procedures, which includes maps showing typical tracks relating to individual postcodes, so as to be transparent and accurate about the possible impacts of aircraft operations for those living near Edinburgh Airport.

The Edinburgh Airport Noise Website – www.edinburghairport.com/noiselab provides detailed information on aircraft activity and how aviation may impact local communities, as well as hosting the dedicated complaints handling portal detailed above.

Persistent complainants
We sometimes receive a large number of complaints from individuals. Whilst we take all concerns seriously we will take a view on whether an individual’s request for information is taking up a disproportionate amount of time and resources.

We have adopted a three-stage process to investigating and responding to multiple complaints received by one individual.

Step 1
We will fully investigate and respond in detail to the first complaint received.

Step 2
If we are then contacted again and asked for additional information we will review our original response and, if appropriate and necessary, provide additional information.

Step 3
If a complainant contacts us a third time and we believe there is no additional information that can be provided to enhance understanding, we will inform the complainant that the complaint will be logged but will not be further responded to.

We work directly with Community Councils to understand concerns of local residents and communities. You may also wish to speak to your Community Council representative who can provide you with more information or pass feedback onto us.

Monitoring of noise abatement procedures and complaints
We will analyse complaints on a quarterly basis to establish trends, ensuring we can keep track of community concerns and where appropriate improve our communication on these issues and look into possible mitigation actions.

We will report on our complaints data at our quarterly EACC meetings, to the Noise Management Board (NMB) and in our quarterly community newsletter. The EACC and NMB meetings allow us to share information between interested parties including representatives of Community Councils and local resident’s groups. We can also share this information with other Community Councils if requested.

We will make quarterly noise reports available online via our Edinburgh Airport Noise Lab.

We will report on the number of complaints received, the number of complainants, any complainants that reached step 3 in the complaints process, a summary of key concerns and highlight any significant changes or trends that have emerged to ensure all complaints are publicly and transparently reported.

Abusive complaints
Edinburgh Airport Ltd will not respond to any complaints made that are of an abusive or threatening nature or containing obscene language. Any such complaints may be referred to the Police for investigation.

Assurance
We aim to respond to complaints within five working days. When a more detailed investigation is required we will send an acknowledgment email advising where possible a date when you can expect a full response. We appreciate that the information we provide may be technically detailed and will aim to ensure that our responses are provided in a jargon-free and easily accessible way. When requests for information are made, we will consider each on its merit and while we aim to be as helpful and transparent as possible we have to consider the resources available to us, the needs of other complainants and ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

Policy review
We will keep this policy under periodic review.

Postal address
Noise
Communications Team
Terminal Building
Edinburgh Airport Limited
Edinburgh
EH12 9DN
Scotland

Appendix L

Noise Action Plan Privacy Policy

https://nap.edinburghairport.com/privacy-policy.html