Noise monitoring terminals
We use NMTs to help obtain objective data and assess aircraft noise levels. NMTs are one source of information that feeds into our Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS).
NMTs map
Some of the considerations that go into selecting NMT locations include:
- Proximity to flight paths
- Proximity to existing NMTs
- Proximity to noise-sensitive land use
- Background noise level
- Utility sources, site access and security
- Terrain and building interference
Noise events
Noise events are captured by NMTs and can be created in many ways, including traffic, construction, and aircraft noise. A noise event is measured against two predefined thresholds:
- Sound level – The sound thresholds for Toronto Pearson’s NMTs are set according to the ambient background noise at each location. At night, the threshold is lowered to account for lower ambient background noise. The threshold from 6:30 am to 11:59 pm is 65 dBA and from midnight to 6:29 am is 60 dBA.
- Duration – The duration threshold is set at five seconds. So, an event must take place for a minimum of five seconds to be identified as a noise event.
An NMT will capture a noise event if both thresholds are met or exceeded.
Once the NMT has recorded a noise event, ANOMS will check to see if there were any aircraft operations at that location. If there were, ANOMS correlates the noise event to the aircraft operation and registers it in the system as an Aircraft Noise Event.
Noise regulations
Toronto Pearson is federally regulated and not bound to any municipal noise by-laws. Under federal regulations, there is no maximum limit for noise level. The most important tools the airport uses to manage noise levels in the community are the noise abatement procedures and continuously working on Land Use Planning.