This document outlines proposed changes to Washington State legislation governing airport noise mitigation programs, replacing the term 'mitigation equipment' with 'mitigation product' and expanding the definition to include items such as acoustical windows, attic insulation, and air conditioners. It addresses eligibility rules allowing previously treated properties to receive repeat benefits when mitigation products have visibly failed or no longer achieve their intended noise reduction levels, and argues that homeowners should not be penalized by 2015 FAA testing requirement changes that would otherwise disqualify approximately 40% of previously treated residences. The document also recommends that qualified civil or mechanical engineers, rather than general contractors, be enlisted to assess whether product failures have caused additional hazards or structural damage.Open full document
Notes
This document proposes legislative language changes related to airport noise mitigation programs, specifically replacing ‘mitigation equipment’ with ‘mitigation product’ and expanding eligibility for repair and replacement of failed mitigation products. It includes explanations for the changes, noting that FAA regulations updated in 2015 requiring pre- and post-noise testing should not penalize homeowners whose earlier installations did not require such testing. The document is authored by Eric Fitch, State Government Relations Manager at Port Of Seattle.