AIRCRAFT NOISE: DUTCH PARLIAMENT RAISES NEW

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001844

SIPDIS

FAA LONDON FOR JOSEPH TEIXERA
STATE FOR EB/TRA FOR M.WALKLET AND S.PARSON
USEU FOR J.KESSLER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR ECON NL ENIV
SUBJECT: AIRCRAFT NOISE: DUTCH PARLIAMENT RAISES NEW
CONCERNS ABOUT SCHIPHOL



1. Summary. The Dutch parliament is reviewing aircraft
noise levels in response to pressure from communities in the
area of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Sleep disturbances have
increased as the 5th runway has come on line. It remains to
be seen whether or not the study will lead to a change in
regulations, but it is likely that if the debate were to
continue, it will pose a challenge to advocates of further
airport expansion. End Summary.


2. A study of airport noise commissioned by the Dutch
Second Chamber revealed a significant increase in sleep
disturbances as a result of airport expansion. The findings
may lead to changes in limits set for air travel at
Amsterdam's airport. The Second Chamber is frequently the
target of lobbying by city councils in townships surrounding
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport who have opposed plans to expand
the airport. The latest study, conducted by the Royal
Institute of Health and Environmental, measured the degree of
sleep disturbance among a sample population. It found a
significant increase since the 2002 opening of the airport's
fifth runway. Developers of the new runway originally
claimed its addition to the airport would reduce sleep
disturbances in the region. The findings of the environment
and health study will be paired with an economic impact
study, and the package will be presented to the Second
Chamber for review. The Parliament will then make a
recommendation for whether or not to change standing
regulations on air traffic. Dutch regulations set a ceiling
for the total number of "sleep-disturbed residents" in the
Schiphol area, in addition to limiting night flights and
specifying flight paths,


3. Maryanne Heijman of the Environmental Division of the
Civil Aviation Authority said the Transport Ministry hopes
economic factors will receive full consideration as the
Second Chamber considers the noise abatement issue. Heijman
predicts that there will be no change in the regulations
governing noise restrictions until at least 2006, but she
does expect the discussion to continue within the Chamber,
among community organizations, and in the press. News of the
study has put the issue back on the front pages of Dutch
newspapers.


4. Comment: The airport's rapid growth over the past 10
years, coupled with industrial development in the "Amsterdam
Airport Area", are significant drivers of the Netherlands'
economy. Schiphol just finished a major expansion phase and
has further plans for increasing commercial air business in
the near future. The Ministry of Transport and its private
sector allies argue that continued development of the airport
-- services and facilities -- is key to the country's future
competitiveness and economic growth. The noise pollution
issue could undermine their expansion campaign. But whether
or not it will reignite debate over aircraft standards (read
hushkits) remains to be seen. End Comment.
RUSSEL