Lawmakers want new study on O'Hare noise

As noise complaints have continued to fly in after O'Hare International Airport opened a new runway in 2013, two state lawmakers want to look into it.

Republican state Reps. Dennis Reboletti of Elmhurst and Michael McAuliffe of Chicago will file legislation to study the environmental and health impacts brought on by the new runway.

Reboletti said he has received complaints from all over his district about problems other than noise.

People have complained about “not only new noise pollution but also environmental pollution,” he said. “Fuel from airplanes, and dust and silt, and people are extremely concerned about their health and well-being.”

Reboletti said the study would look at the potential affect on health and quality of life for those in the O'Hare area. The study would also look at whether to expand the number of homes that are eligible for soundproofing programs.

The Republicans quoted a 2004 environmental impact study that said nearly 16,000 people would be eligible for soundproofing programs based on the jet noise they were likely to hear.

However, no new study based on actual data has been done.

Reboletti said he hopes to have a report delivered to the legislature by Oct. 31.