Helping a City Propel Air, Noise, & Energy Initiatives

Since 2015, Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT) has worked alongside the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation (DOA) to provide noise abatement/mitigation services that support the City’s immediate and long-term sustainability goals. CMT’s responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations at the City’s Airport Noise Office, overseeing noise-related activities at both Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), and offering actionable guidance in the implementation of the airport’s 14 CFR Part 150 Noise Abatement program.

As part of its ongoing support, CMT investigates and responds to airport noise complaints, performs routine maintenance and training on the Noise and Operations Monitoring System (NOMS), and helps prepare and distribute daily, weekly, and monthly aircraft noise operations reports and ad-hoc analyses. CMT works closely with air traffic controllers and airline operators to enhance knowledge and participation in noise abatement procedures to improve compliance with PHL’s Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) measures in adherence with FAA CFR 14 Part 150 regulations. Additionally, CMT advises the City on updating the NCP and noise exposure maps (NEMS), conducting the noise analysis to confirm it reflects PHL’s current and forecasted conditions. With CMT’s help, PHL has made great strides in reducing non-compatible land use within the 65 dBA DNL and higher noise contours.

The environmental team worked alongside DOA staff using the FAA’s Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) to develop its internal noise contour update for 2016 and is currently scheduled to begin a Part 150 NEM update. Historically, CMT staff has prepared emissions inventories for construction-related activities associated with the development of the airport’s Master Plan. CMT also conducted an electric ground support equipment (eGSE) analysis to assess cost and benefits for replacing PHL’s fueled vehicles with electrically powered alternatives, identifying sources to fund the investment. As a result, the DOA installed electric baggage tractors, belt loaders, and charging stations throughout PHL, reducing emissions, lowering fuel and maintenance costs, and improving air quality in the airport’s expansion.

CMT helps the DOA in preparing the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, compiling and analyzing annual air emissions data to assess carbon reduction targets and aviation noise mitigation measures. CMT’s reports provide evidence supporting the airport’s progress toward achieving Airport Council International’s Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 2. CMT consistently delivers environmental services within the DOA’s fiscal budget and offers strategic recommendations by priority to help the City and the DOA meet critical deadlines for airport planning and infrastructure developments, promoting efficient airfield/airside operations year over year. When engaging with the FAA or the public, the DOA trusts CMT to represent its interests, all demonstrating the strength and stability of our relationship and the level of service we provide our clients in Philadelphia.