TagNoise Mitigation(208)

The Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act, introduced in the 118th Congress by Mr. Smith of Washington, would allow airports to receive additional federal funds under the Airport Improvement Program to repair or replace previously installed sound insulation in residential homes affected by aircraft noise. The bill provides a one-time waiver so that prior government spending on a home's soundproofing would not count against the allowable project cost for new work. Eligibility is tied to whether the building falls within the FAA's Day Night Level (DNL) 65 noise standard or suffered damage from the original sound insulation treatment.

This 2022 FAA guidance letter explains how airports can legally spend airport revenue on noise insulation projects, such as new windows, doors, and air conditioning, for homes and schools located within the DNL 65 dBA noise contour — the federal threshold for significant aircraft noise impact. Spending airport revenue on noise insulation for properties outside that noise boundary is generally prohibited as revenue diversion, unless a lower local noise standard has been officially adopted or 'block rounding' has been approved. The letter also clarifies that airports may purchase mobile or permanent noise monitoring equipment using airport revenue, provided certain conditions are met, but monitors cannot be used to enforce noise abatement flight procedures.

This exploratory draft outlines a proposed Post Project Coordination Study aimed at ensuring the continued implementation of programs developed under the Sea-Tac Communities Plan. It identifies key areas requiring coordination, including aircraft noise reduction, drainage improvements, community action programs, and land use controls, with principal agencies such as the Port of Seattle and King County playing central roles. The document also highlights the need for legislative advocacy at both the state and federal levels, as well as potential follow-up studies to fully carry out the plan's recommendations.

This document presents the Noise Remedy Update for Jackson International Airport (Sea-Tac), operated by the Port of Seattle, outlining the overall program boundaries for noise mitigation efforts in surrounding communities. It includes detailed maps showing three categories of noise remedy zones: Acquisition (properties purchased by the Port), Purchase Assurance (properties guaranteed a buyer), and Sound Insulation (properties eligible for noise-reduction improvements). The affected areas span multiple neighborhoods north and south of the airport, including White Center, Boulevard Park, Normandy Park, Des Moines, and parts of Kent and Renton.