Uithoorn reports Schiphol for noise pollution

Fed up with noise from Schiphol Airport, the municipality of Uithoorn has submitted a formal enforcement request to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management. Officials say they are “deeply concerned about the declining quality of life in Uithoorn.”

The municipality calls on the ILT to promptly take measures against the recurring violations of Schiphol’s allowed noise limits. Uithoorn experiences the disturbance primarily from flights using the Aalsmeer runway.

Ferry Hoekstra, Uithoorn’s alderman for Schiphol matters, states, “Over the past years, we have repeatedly highlighted the unacceptable and disproportionately growing nuisance in Uithoorn. Yet, no measures have been taken to alleviate it. As a municipality, we find ourselves with no alternatives but to begin this legal action.”

The municipality notes that takeoffs from the Aalsmeer runway rose by 68.6 percent last year compared to 2008, whereas overall flight movements at Schiphol grew by just 5.1 percent during the same period. "This disproportionate increase is well known, yet no action has been taken. We’ve had enough. Efforts to shield densely populated areas have utterly failed," Hoekstra stated.

Planes are expected to use the runways that minimize noise impact on local communities. In August, the ILT aviation authority warned that Uithoorn faces a potential breach of noise limits for the third consecutive year.

A Schiphol spokesperson was unable to comment in detail. An ILT spokesperson stated, "We are addressing the issue and are assessing it at the moment."

Minister Robert Tieman of Infrastructure and Water Management, representing the BBB party, said through his spokesperson that he has "taken note" of the municipality's request. He believes that the ILT, as an independent regulator, should decide on the matter.