Ponteland school helps keep airport noise down

Working together, the devices provide real-time data on noise levels and record flight tracks to monitor aircraft activity.

Staff from Newcastle International regularly check the data from the devices as part of its comprehensive environmental management agenda.

As part of the airport's work with Ponteland Middle School, pupils from the Eco Action Team were invited to air traffic control and to take a tour of the airport to learn more about environmental concerns.

The students watched aircraft take off and land onto Newcastle's runway and observed how the controllers manage the busy skies and play a key role in managing noise pollution.

Watching the radar screens and listening to pilots communicating with air traffic control gave the students an insight into how the controllers monitor and limit the impact of noise pollution on neighbouring areas, like their school.

The controllers explained to the eager environmentalists how they plot the departure and arrival paths of each flight to keep noise disruption low and within strict Government guidelines.

Helen Hughes, environmental advisor for Newcastle International, said: "Newcastle International is delighted that our environmental activity has allowed us to work with local schools to help teach young pupils how we're committed to keeping the environment clean.

"Having a noise monitoring device at Ponteland Middle School provides an excellent opportunity for us to work together to manage the local environment whilst fulfilling our obligations set out in the Noise Action Plan. It also gives the children an insight into how businesses manage their environmental impact. We hope that pupils in the school have also learnt some valuable lessons about the importance of managing the environment."

Teacher Martin Froggatt said: "It was a great day out for these children, who have a keen interest in the environmental issues which surround their lives.

"The day at air traffic control clearly taught the children about how Newcastle Airport tries to reduce their noise pollution as much as possible. We are very much looking forward to the next visit from the environmental co-ordinator, and are excited about what else we'll be taught."

The airport's draft Noise Action Plan is due to be submitted to the Government by the end of this month.

The plan outlines Newcastle Airport's management of the environmental impact noise has on particular areas of the North East and has been drawn up in response to European Regulations. The 18 largest airports in the UK will be producing similar documents.

David Laws, chief executive of Newcastle International, said: "We welcome the opportunity to produce a Noise Action Plan.

"This will further allow the company to demonstrate the environmental work we are doing and identify new challenges, to ensure continual improvement.

"It also encourages engagement will all parties concerned on this topic, including airlines, air traffic control, local communities and senior airport management."

Taken from the Evening Chronicle Go Green supplement