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• <br /> that FedEx (the largest air cargo airline at OAK) will phase -out most of their noisiest nighttime aircraft <br /> operations (Boeing 727s) by 2010. <br /> Finally, the Port remains open to exploring new ideas to avoid and mitigate aircraft noise, and will keep <br /> • these community concerns in mind if and when future projects are studied and proposed. <br /> Question 2: Specific Plans to Mitigate New Airplane Noise <br /> The Port is committed to mitigating the effects of aircraft noise on neighboring communities. Section <br /> 6.3.7 of the master plan summarizes the Port's existing noise control programs, including voluntary noise <br /> abatement flight procedures, community outreach and participation, and residential and school sound <br /> insulation programs. It is important to note that none of the projects or land uses discussed in the master <br /> plan are anticipated to change or reduce the effectiveness of the Port's existing, voluntary noise abatement <br /> flight procedures. <br /> Further, the San Leandro representatives on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee requested that the <br /> master plan investigate the effectiveness of a noise barrier to block take -off roll noise emanating from <br /> aircraft departing on Runway 29. The preliminary results are contained in Section 6.6 of the master plan, <br /> and a public meeting with the Neptune Drive neighbors is scheduled on January 5, 2006. The master plan <br /> recommends that the Port and San Leandro continue to work together to investigate the feasibility of <br /> • constructing a noise barrier, either on the Airport or along the rear yards of the homes on the west side of <br /> Neptune Drive. As projects or groups of related projects undergo environmental review pursuant to <br /> CEQA and/or NEPA, it is important to note that because there may not be any significant aircraft noise <br /> effects, a potential noise barrier may not be formal mitigation under CEQA / NEPA. Therefore, the Port <br /> would be pursing a noise barrier in response to community interest. <br /> Question 3: Specific Plans to Reduce Use of Noisier Aircraft <br /> As described in the response to Question 1, the Port does not (and cannot) control the number or type of <br /> aircraft that the airlines (or other aircraft operators) fly in and out of OAK. With that said, the master plan <br /> forecasts assume that FedEx will phase -out all but one nighttime Boeing 727 operation. Although the <br /> Port cannot require this phase -out under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990, we believe that <br /> FedEx will eventually retire this aircraft due to its age and high operating costs. Further, as air cargo <br /> weight is anticipated to grow at OAK (low growth scenario, focused on existing air cargo airlines), it is <br /> anticipated that FedEx (and other air cargo airlines) will start using larger aircraft, retiring the older and <br /> smaller Boeing 727s. <br /> Question 4: Noise Barrier <br /> • <br /> See response to Question 2. <br /> Question 5: New Traffic Problems <br /> • The master plan suggests that the Port, City of San Leandro, and City of Alameda jointly undertake a <br /> traffic monitoring study (Section 8.3). As was the case in the Airport Development Program (ADP) <br /> environmental documents, the Port would expect to commit to paying its pro rata share of intersection <br /> improvements in the City of San Leandro as a result of significant traffic effects identified in future <br /> environmental documents. As you know, intersections within the City of San Leandro are within the <br /> City's jurisdiction, and therefore only the City can effect any intersection improvements. <br /> • <br /> 3 <br />