Policy Order O-4

WHEREAS: Beginning in June 2013, air traffic departing Boston Logan Airport from 33L RNAV has been concentrated into "air highways," dramatically increasing the frequency of high decibel events for North Cambridge residents; and

WHEREAS: The air corridors formed by 33L RNAV are having similar impacts on the nearby communities of Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Belmont, Winchester, and Watertown, causing residents from those communities to form citizen action groups, including Fair Skies West Boston; and

WHEREAS: The City Council has previously directed the City Manager's office to seek ways to increase cooperation between nearby cities, but without specific topics around which to organize; and

WHEREAS: The City Council approved O-12 as amended, which includes a request that the City Manager explore implementing a noise measurement program; and

WHEREAS: Consultation from experts indicates that a multiple-city sound study conducted by a firm specializing in the field might be the most effective way to accurately measure the noise impact of 33L RNAV, and also record data in accordance to FAA standards; and

WHEREAS: Noise abatement for Cambridge and other communities is unlikely unless a firm produces an independent noise impact study, the costs and benefits of which can be shared widely; now be it therefore

ORDERED: That the City Council recommends that the city consider hiring a firm capable of producing an independent impact study in accordance with FAA standards as a way to satisfy Policy Order O-12 from August 10, 2015; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff, and the cities mentioned above, to find a collaborative solution to the specific problem of increased air traffic from 33L RNAV, including sharing the cost of an independent noise impact report in the current budget year; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore using this issue as a template for future collaborations; and be it further

ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.