B-52 Noise: Critical Barksdale AFB Noise Study Hits Bossier City Public Next Week

Could there be changes to Barksdale Air Force Base due to the "noise impact" of B-52 bombers on the public? We will soon find out as the findings of an official study will be revealed this month.

Barksdale Air Force Base: New Study Reveals B-52 Bomber Noise Impact in Louisiana

The United States Air Force has conducted an Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Study for Barksdale Air Force Base, and will be revealing the results to the public through an open house. Simon Zika, a Community Planner for Barksdale Air Force Base, discussed this study and open house with Bossier Parish Police Jurors during meetings this month. The open house will take place Thursday, May 29, from 5-7pm at the Bossier Parish Central Library.

With the AICUZ studies, the Department of Defense hopes to find ways to balance military needs with concerns from the public. The Air Force's stated policy focuses on public health, safety, and general welfare in balance with the needs of defense flying missions. So officials have spent the last year interviewing members of the public, and Barksdale personnel, and will be using this data to help guide their future plans.

The Bossier Parish Police Jury was provided with some "noise impact statistics" that say:

• The B-52H aircraft, powered by eight TF33-P-3 turbofan engines, produces significant noise levels. Near-field measurements show sound pressure levels can reach up to 140 decibels (dB) during takeoff.
• Far-field data indicate that noise levels can still be as high as 85 dB at 8,000 meters from the source.
• These noise levels can affect both the physical and psychological well-being of nearby residents, with potential impacts on hearing and overall quality of life.

Barksdale B-52 Noise Pollution: Community Health Concerns in Louisiana

There hasn't been an AICUZ study conducted with Barksdale Air Force Base since 2008. So this new information will update insights and recommendations for both the base, and the public, on how to deal with the noise impacts of the B-52s.

This means we could hear complaints from both Shreveport and Bossier City residents about the noise created by the base. That doesn't guarantee the base will be able to do anything to reduce those impacts, but there could be suggestions made that could help those residents.

Louisiana Public Invited: Barksdale B-52 Noise Study Results Revealed

Anyone with interest in what the study says about the current state of B-52 noise pollution in the area, or what the recommendations for the future are, can attend the event. Both civilians and military personnel are invited to the Bossier Parish Central Library in Bossier City, on Thursday, May 29, from 5-7pm.