TagNoise Mitigation(218)

This FAA document outlines the legal assurances that non-airport sponsors (such as local governments near an airport) must agree to when receiving federal grant funds for noise compatibility projects. Sponsors must comply with a wide range of federal laws, executive orders, and regulations — covering areas like civil rights, environmental protection, labor standards, and property acquisition — for the duration of the project, up to 20 years. These assurances become legally binding upon acceptance of the federal grant offer.

In April 2022, the Port of Seattle Commission considered authorizing a $1.29 million settlement with Wesley Homes to resolve a dispute over an avigation easement and aircraft noise at Wesley's Terrace Building near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Under the agreement, the Port would conduct acoustical testing, pursue FAA funding for noise mitigation, reimburse up to $250,000 of Wesley's legal fees, and commit to a full Part 150 noise study update for SEA Airport. Although the Port denied wrongdoing, it recommended settling to avoid the higher costs of going to trial.

The Burien Airport Committee's 2021-2022 Draft Workplan outlines the city's priorities for addressing impacts from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with a focus on noise mitigation, health impacts, land use, and sustainable aviation. High-priority items include reviewing the Sustainable Airport Master Plan, exploring noise reduction solutions such as limiting late-night flights, and providing community health education to reduce airport-related health impacts. The committee also aims to strengthen partnerships with the Port of Seattle and advocate for policies around sustainable aviation fuel and climate action.

The Burien Airport Committee (BAC) June 2021 workplan outlines the city's priorities for addressing the impacts of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on the Burien community. Key high-priority topics include reviewing the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), exploring noise mitigation strategies, advancing sustainable aviation fuel research, and addressing airport-related health impacts. The committee also plans to strengthen its partnership with the Port of Seattle and integrate airport climate concerns into the city's Climate Action Plan.

The Burien Airport Committee held a Study Session on March 16, 2021, focusing on airplane noise and its impacts on surrounding communities. Key agenda items included an update from Congressman Adam Smith's office on a letter urging the FAA to implement a noise mitigation program for homes, updates on the SeaTac Airport Roundtable (StART) process, and a discussion on preparation for the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The meeting was conducted virtually via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions under Governor Inslee's Healthy Washington guidelines.

Arlington County, Virginia renewed a consulting services contract (No. 20-042-RFP) with ABCx2, LLC to study aircraft noise generated by Reagan National Airport air traffic near Arlington County, VA, and Montgomery County, MD, and to recommend mitigation strategies. The renewal period runs from March 24, 2021 to March 23, 2022, with one additional 12-month renewal option extending through March 23, 2023. The contract was signed by Arlington County's Assistant Purchasing Agent Meloni Hurley and ABCx2, LLC Manager James K. Allerdice, Jr.

Letter dated February 22, 2021 from Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09) and Katherine Clark (MA-05) to FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson urging swift implementation of the FY21 House Appropriations Report provision on the FAA sound insulation program. The letter addresses Airport Improvement Program (AIP) regulations barring airports from applying for federal funds for the same project more