Alert: Urgent Modification of Air Routes in Puerto Rico: Serious Risks and Impact on Quality of Life

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Recently, the tragic crash of a plane in S?o Paulo, Brazil, which resulted in the deaths of 61 people, has highlighted the dangers of air routes passing over residential areas. This incident resonates with the situation in Puerto Rico, particularly in the Carolina area, where air routes have been temporarily modified due to airport improvements. These new routes, in effect for nearly a year, pass through densely populated areas, posing significant risks to thousands of residents.

?Governments worldwide have optimized flight paths to reduce noise pollution and improve safety. Puerto Rico needs to take similar steps.

?The decision to reroute aircraft over areas like Carolina has raised public concerns. The danger is not hypothetical; an accident similar to the one in S?o Paulo could result in a catastrophe of incalculable proportions. It is imperative to take preventive measures to avoid a disaster in Puerto Rico, where residents are at risk every time a plane takes off or lands.

?Beyond the risk of accidents, the temporary routes have introduced deafening noise from planes taking off from Luis Mu?oz Marín Airport, disrupting residents' daily lives. This situation has led to multiple complaints from residents, who report that the noise is unbearable, and that the quality of life has diminished considerably.

?Professor Jean Paul Rodriguez of the University of Texas at Galveston has conducted research on the social and economic effects of noise pollution, including its impact on property values. In his article Externalities of Noise Pollution, he explains how noise can reduce property values, especially around airports and highways, by 0.4 to 10%. It is one thing to purchase property knowing the noise levels near an airport and another when a change of route creates a new, unexpected reality for residents.

?Other examples of noise pollution's impact on property values can be seen in urban areas where noise from trains, open-air music, and loud events also affect the quality of life. Governments often regulate permitted noise levels to mitigate this impact. For instance, San Juan's municipal ordinance regulates noise levels to between 50 and 60 dB during the day and 45 and 55 dB at night. However, noise from low-flying aircraft fluctuates between 85 and 100 dB, significantly exceeding these limits and potentially affecting residents' health.

?It is crucial that airport and government authorities reconsider these temporary routes. Flights should be diverted over the ocean to minimize risk to human life in the event of an emergency. Additionally, compliance with noise regulations must be ensured to protect residents' safety, quality of life, and property values, which are often their most significant assets.

?The tragedy in S?o Paulo serves as a stark reminder of what could happen if immediate steps are not taken to correct this situation. Similar issues have been addressed in other parts of the world. For instance, the FAA's NextGen program, an advanced air traffic control system, has worked with local communities to adjust flight paths and altitudes to minimize noise. Similar measures have been implemented at Heathrow Airport in London, Sydney Airport in Australia, and Narita and Kaneda airports in Tokyo, Japan. These measures include optimizing approach routes to avoid densely populated areas, reducing night flights, and using less populated areas for flight paths.

?In conclusion, the recent tragedy in S?o Paulo underscores the urgent need to take immediate action to safeguard Puerto Rican citizens from similar catastrophes. It is imperative to correct these temporary routes to avoid potential tragedies and improve residents' quality of life.

Spanish Version