TagNoise Mitigation(259)

H.R. 5874, the 'Decrease Noise Levels Act,' introduced in February 2020, would require the FAA to lower the threshold for significant aircraft noise from a day-night average sound level of 65 to 60 decibels. The bill also directs the FAA to publish a public report within one year outlining a strategy to further reduce residential noise levels to 55 decibels over the following decade. Additionally, it mandates that community outreach efforts include evaluations of alternative noise measurement metrics beyond the current standard.

The Port of Seattle completed an updated Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), which was approved by the Port of Seattle Commission in October 2013 and subsequently received a Record of Approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The study identifies noise incompatibilities in communities surrounding Sea-Tac and recommends measures to reduce aircraft noise, building on earlier programs such as a 'fly-quiet' initiative and sound insulation efforts. Sea-Tac is recognized as having one of the most comprehensive airport noise reduction programs in the nation, and this updated study is intended to further minimize the impact of aircraft noise on neighboring communities.

The Aviation Impacted Communities Act establishes a structured process to help neighborhoods affected by aircraft noise, starting with the FAA identifying eligible communities and ending with grants for noise mitigation. A community qualifies as 'aviation impacted' if it is located within 1 mile of any point where a commercial or cargo jet route passes at or below 3,000 feet above ground level. Once designated, communities can form boards, conduct studies, and develop action plans to address aviation-related impacts near airports like Sea-Tac.

This legislative summary outlines a proposed bill aimed at protecting communities affected by airport noise and aviation emissions. It establishes a formal designation for 'aviation-impacted communities' located within one mile of low-flying commercial or cargo jet routes, creates local community boards to engage with the FAA and airport operators, and requires the FAA to develop action plans and provide mitigation funding — such as sound insulation and noise barriers — for affected residences, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.

This 2019 WSDOT report analyzes noise barriers along the SR509 Phase 1 highway alignment near the Sea-Tac area, evaluating whether proposed sound walls meet feasibility and cost-reasonableness standards. Wall 3 was rejected because it could not achieve the required 5 dB noise reduction for nearby residents. Wall 4 met the technical noise-reduction threshold but was ultimately rejected because its estimated cost of $111,478 exceeded the allowable budget of $72,254.

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study, approved by the Port of Seattle Commission in October 2013 and later by the FAA, aims to identify and reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. The study developed noise exposure maps for 2013 and projected 2018 conditions, evaluated air traffic control procedures, and considered land use controls to limit noise-sensitive development in high-noise areas. Sea-Tac is recognized for having one of the most comprehensive airport noise reduction programs in the nation, with measures including a 'fly-quiet' program and sound insulation assistance for affected residents.

This July 2019 briefing presented to the Highline Forum outlines Sea-Tac Airport's sound mitigation efforts under the FAA's Part 150 program, a voluntary federal framework that helps airports address noise and land use conflicts while qualifying for up to 80% federal grant funding. Sea-Tac's program, which began in 1985 and has undergone three updates (most recently in 2014), has involved extensive public outreach including workshops, city council presentations, and community forums. The briefing highlights that Sea-Tac Airport has been actively working to reduce aviation noise impacts on surrounding communities for more than 30 years.