Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study
Centennial Airport is currently conducting a Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Study Update to evaluate aircraft noise and land use compatibility in the surrounding communities.
The study began in late 2023 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026.
The study is a voluntary program under FAA guidelines that helps airports assess noise impacts, engage with communities, and develop mitigation strategies.
Public Meetings
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lone Tree Hub, Main Hall, 8827 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Tree, CO 80124 - The Study Team will hold a meeting is to share and collect feedback on the NEM package before its submittal to the FAA for acceptance. The NEM package includes the final, FAA-approved forecasts of aviation activity; draft Noise Exposure Maps; the results of the land use analysis; and flight tracks. The meeting will cover these topics as well as preliminary alternatives. Anyone interested can stop by at their convenience between to view display boards with Study information, speak one-on-one with members of the Study Team and Airport staff, and share their ideas, comments, and questions with the Study Team.
Greenwood Village Maintenance Facility – Mt. Elbert Room
10001 E. Costilla Ave., Greenwood Village, CO 80112
The Study Team will present:
- FAA-approved forecasts and draft noise contours
- Results of the land use analysis
- Preliminary information on potential alternatives
This is an open house format, stop by anytime to view study materials, talk with Study Team and Airport staff, and share feedback. (No formal presentation will be given.)
Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight Museum
13005 Wings Way, Englewood, CO 80112
This kickoff meeting introduced the Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update, explained the study process, and invited feedback from the public. The study’s goal is to work with surrounding communities and stakeholders to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise.
About the Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Study
Aircraft noise is a significant issue for airports and nearby communities nationwide. To address this, Congress passed the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979, establishing a single system for measuring noise exposure and a standardized airport noise compatibility planning program. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prescribed a set of procedures and standards under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14 Part 150, and entitled “Airport Noise Compatibility Planning” (commonly referred to as Part 150).
Purpose of a Part 150 Study
A Part 150 Study is a voluntary FAA program that allows airports to:
- Document aircraft noise exposure
- Identify compatible and non-compatible land uses
- Propose mitigation and abatement measures (must be approved by FAA to fund)
The study has two main components:
- Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs) – contour maps that show existing and future aircraft sound exposure levels
- Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) – recommends measures designed to reduce noise and incompatible land uses within the noise exposure area. FAA-approved measures can be eligible for federal funding. May include noise abatement measures, noise mitigation measures, and/or preventive measures.
History of Part 150 at Centennial Airport
2008 Study: Centennial Airport completed its first full Part 150 Study in 2008, led by Barnard Dunkelberg & Company (later merged with Mead & Hunt). The study produced 12 recommendations.
2016 Noise Exposure Map (NEM) Update: Consultant HMMH updated the NEMs, producing a 2016 Existing Noise Map and a 2021 Future Noise Map. These are the airport’s current official NEMs.
Ongoing Update (2023–2026): The current study, led by Mead & Hunt with partners HMMH and C&S Companies, will update noise exposure maps based on current and forecast conditions and develop a Noise Compatibility Program to address non-compatible land uses.
The ultimate goal is to create a balanced program, in consultation with stakeholders, that reduces aircraft noise effects while supporting the airport’s role in the community.