Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport has released details of its comprehensive acoustic studies and innovative strategies for managing the sound environment.
This strategic plan is the culmination of extensive collaboration with external experts and the dedicated Working Group on Sustainable Development and Sound Climate from the YHU Development Table.
The Journey to Quieter Skies
Before delving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the meticulous process that led to this announcement.
The formulation of flight schedules and identification of aircraft types set to grace the terminal, scheduled for its grand opening in 2025, were crucial milestones.
Additionally, a technological link between the airport and NavCanada data was established. The new administration went above and beyond, seeking guidance from leading experts in the field and ensuring alignment with local stakeholders, including elected officials and citizen groups.
“We are delighted to declare that the YHU development project is committed to minimizing noise pollution,” announced Mr. Yanic Roy, President and CEO of Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport.
“Recent measures undertaken by the airport authority have led external experts to project a 20% reduction in noise impact by 2025.”
“This improvement is a direct outcome of our stringent aircraft quality policy, operational restructuring, and measures to prohibit noisy night flights,” he explained.
A Strategic Blueprint for Noise Control
The airport’s vision for future noise management is underpinned by several key components, with the focal point being the upcoming implementation of the WebTrack technological solution.
This innovative system aims to provide unparalleled transparency into the airport’s flight activities and streamline the process of complaint management and data analysis.
“With WebTrack, we gain precision in data and complaint analysis, empowering us to proactively mitigate the airport’s noise impact,” shared Mr Roy.
“We even have the flexibility to install sound level meters strategically. Ultimately, the Sound Climate Advisory Committee can make informed decisions based on reliable data.”
In addition to leveraging expert reports and the WebTrack solution, YHU plans to collaborate closely with the YHU Table members and reinvigorate the Sound Climate Committee.
This collaborative effort will enable proactive interventions based on WebTrack’s collected data. Periodic acoustic analyses will further enhance data intelligence, providing insights into activity evolution.
The installation of sound level meters will be considered to validate issues and assess the efficacy of mitigation measures.
For a detailed breakdown of the soundscape management process, refer to the appendix accompanying this press release.
Conclusion
Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport remains committed to transparency in its endeavors. The complete report titled “Acoustic Evaluation of the Project to Increase Airport Activities” will soon be available on the airport’s official website.
Additionally, detailed acoustic analyses conducted at receiving points, along with descriptive appendices outlining soundscape management measures, will be accessible to the public.
Montreal Saint-Hubert Airport (YHU) is managed by a non-profit organization created in 2000 which has owned the Airport and its land since its transfer by Transport Canada in 2004.
YHU intends to develop and exploit the full potential of this infrastructure of primary importance for the City and the region while respecting best airport practices and neighboring residents.
