The noise and hassle of more traffic at Witham Field seem to be getting worse, not better. The Witham Airport Action Majority, a group that has complained to the county about noise, safety and toxic fumes, is campaigning to move the airport. They are disappointed and angry that the county commission has refused to consider a feasibility study that would examine the possibility of moving the airport to a rural location west of Palm City.

The WAAM leaders have a point. The county is considering multimillion-dollar remedies to solve the problems created by expanding operations at Witham Field. The options include buying up homes in takeoff paths and creating earthen "berms" that would absorb noise. But commissioners have refused to consider a study to determine whether moving the airport is practical.

An unbiased study, however, would insert facts where there now is emotion. It would answer such questions as: How much would a move cost? Would existing airport businesses make the move? How might a move affect future development in the county and on the Witham Field site?

Florida Department of Transportation officials, meantime, have decided to study noise affecting seven public and private airports in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. The study, expected to start in six months and take a year to complete, aims to get the airports to consider ways they might cooperate to eliminate noise. One possibility would be to build a "reliever" flight strip specifically for "touch and go" landing and take-off training at one airport for all pilots in the Treasure Coast region. The "reliever" strip could ease the noise problem at several airports.

The DOT study may help with noise problems, but it won't eliminate the need for Martin County to study the possibility of moving the airport. A study could conclude that moving the airport isn't a good idea. But at least residents would know that county officials have heard their complaints and are willing to consider the possibility.