TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Liza Tamura, City Clerk
George Gabriel, Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Request by Councilmember Montgomery to Send a Letter to United States Congressman Ted Lieu Regarding LAX Airport Noise Pollution.
CONSIDER AUTHORIZING LETTER
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDATION:
At the request of Councilmember Montgomery, staff recommends that City Council consider authorizing the Mayor to send a letter to United States Congressman Ted Lieu regarding Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) noise pollution.
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FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the recommended action.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2018, LAX temporarily closed the south inboard runway through May 11, 2018, for runway reconstruction. During the closure of the south inboard runway, more aircraft have used the south outboard runway for both departure and arrival operations.
While some operations are expected to shift from the south to north runway complex. LAX plans to conduct Over-Ocean Operations between 12 AM and 6:30 AM during this closure, as weather and operational conditions permit. Residents living near LAX have noticed a change in aircraft flight activity and noise during this temporary runway closure.
From April 3rd to April 5th, the FAA temporarily deviated from Over-Ocean Operations (12 AM - 6:30 AM) due to the closure of both runways on the south complex. Whenever possible, the FAA transitions LAX air traffic flow to Over-Ocean Operations from 12 AM to 6:30 AM, wherein aircraft arrive and depart over the ocean to minimize noise disturbance mainly for communities directly east of the airport. During this traffic flow, the south runway complex is utilized primarily for departures, while the north runway complex is utilized primarily for arrivals. With both runways closed on the south complex, the FAA deviated temporarily from Over-Ocean Operations, maintained air traffic in Westerly Operations, and directed all aircraft operations to the north runway complex during these three nights. As a result, persons living near the airport or under arrival flight paths noticed a change in aircraft flight activity and associated noise.
DISCUSSION:
Recently, the City Council and staff have received numerous noise complaints from the community due to flight operations at LAX. At the request of Councilmember Montgomery, a letter has been drafted informing United States Congressman Ted Lieu of the City’s concerns, and the City’s desire to minimize impact to residents. Consistent with City Council precedent, the City Council may authorize the Mayor to sign the letter.
PUBLIC OUTREACH/INTEREST:
After analysis, staff determined that public outreach was not required for this issue.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed this report and determined that no additional legal analysis is necessary.
Attachment:
1. Draft Letter to United States Congressman Ted Lieu