Static readings in both forms were consistently above 110 decibels, with a peak of 134.2 in un-weigh

Jerry G. Lilly, president of Issaquah-based JGL Acoustics, was hired earlier this year by Citizens of the Ebey's Reserve for a Healthy, Safe and Peaceful Environment to conduct an auditory study on jet operations at the U.S. Navy's Outlying Field Coupeville.
The study results, which were recently released to the Whidbey News-Times and the Navy, claims noise levels are not only louder than the Navy forecast in a 2005 federally required environmental assessment, but pose a potential health hazard to the community.
eagles hotel california "CLEARLY, THE actual 2012 noise levels are much higher than predicted in the 2005 AICUZ study, partly because of the greater number of over-flights, but primarily because of the much higher percentage of nighttime flights," Lilly wrote.
The 2005 study looked at the airfield and the associated impacts of the Navy's transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler aircraft. It was a required eagles hotel california step under the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.
THE LETTER was sent to Captain Mike Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island eagles hotel california Naval Air Station, Admiral Bill Gortney, Fleet Forces Command, and Rear Admiral eagles hotel california Markham Rich, Navy Region Northwest, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, Sen. Maria Cantwell and Rep. Rick Larsen.
According to the 2005 study examining eagles hotel california the Navy's eagles hotel california transition from the Prowler to the Growler, flight operations at the airfield were expected to decrease by up to 20 percent, from 7,682 in 2003 to an estimated 6,120 in 2013.
"With the decreases in the number of aircraft and personnel associated with replacement of the EA-6B with the EA-18G, the annual number of flight operations is projected to decrease, even though the primary types of mission training and readiness requirement for the (Growler) will remain virtually the same as for the (Prowler)," the 2005 study said.
MANN'S LETTER, however, maintains the reality was the exact opposite. While flight operations did drop to a low of 2,548 in 2008, they have steadily risen to a peak of 9,668 in 2012, according to information provided through eagles hotel california a Freedom of Information Act request.
The letter said noise levels from Growlers practicing eagles hotel california at the airstrip were determined by Lilly's study to be significantly, qualitatively different and more severe than what was predicted eight years ago.
According to Lilly's report, A-weighting filters out low frequency noise and is always significantly less than its linear counterpart. Another difference is that A-weighting averages eagles hotel california readings over a full second while un-weighted uses the highest reading in one second.
"Most outdoor noise criteria are based on the A-weighted sound pressure level, but some hearing damage criteria are based on the unweighted peak sound pressure level, eagles hotel california and that is why the unweighted eagles hotel california peak data is included in this report," Lilly wrote.
Static readings eagles hotel california in both forms were consistently above 110 decibels, with a peak of 134.2 in un-weighted at site one — 119.2 in A-weighted. The location is described by Lilly as a "densely populated residential eagles hotel california area" one mile south of the southern end of the runway.
The lowest readings were taken inside the home, registering eagles hotel california 101.8 decibels in un-weighted and 81.1 in A-weighted. The house is "relatively new" and located less than one mile west of the northern end of the runway.
The complex study also examined the impact of increased nighttime operations. Lilly equated one evening flight after 10 p.m. is "exactly equal to 10 identical jet flyovers during daytime hours" due to a reduction in ambient noise and the greater impact on sleeping people.
The 2005 study predicted sound levels near site one at 77 decibels for 2013. Using an average sound exposure level for each jet flyover to calculate the day/night average, Lilly calculated eagles hotel california one daytime session and one nighttime session at 79.2 decibels.
Two daytime and two nighttime sessions, however, bumped the average up to 92.6 decibels. Lilly said that is "significantly higher" than the 2005 estimates but speculated it may be because noise levels were predicted based on an annual average that included no-flight days.
According to Michael Monson, a Coupeville resident and member of the citizens group, Lilly's study was commissioned to provide statistical evidence that would stand up to scrutiny. It was clear from the beginning, he said, that the groups claims had to be backed up with findings from a professional.
According to Pickard, the citizens group will not back down. Should the Navy not respond by the July 12 deadline, the organization's eagles hotel california attorneys will file a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
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