TagSound Insulation(121)

Sharyn Parker, a retired Noise Officer and Sound Insulation Program Manager at King County International Airport, submitted public comments in February 2024 supporting Washington State bill ESSB 5955, which aims to address longstanding sound insulation repair and replacement issues for homeowners near Sea-Tac Airport. Parker, who managed Boeing Field's Sound Insulation Program from 2009 to 2015, raised concerns about unrealistic timelines, FAA funding eligibility, and the Port of Seattle's early program mismanagement, noting that some homeowners have waited nearly three decades for remediation of defective window installations. She urged legislators to pass the bill and called on the Port to improve contractor oversight, translation services, and public outreach for affected residents.

In February 2024, the Port of Seattle Commission proposed Order 2024-04, directing an assessment of previously installed noise insulation packages to be completed by end of 2024, with findings reported to Commissioners by January 21, 2025. The order also establishes a Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program, backed by an initial $5 million commitment, to identify and fix aging or ineffective insulation in homes near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Priority for repairs will be determined using the Port's equity index to ensure underserved communities are considered first.

This Washington State Senate amendment (S-4747.1/24), sponsored by Senator Keiser, modifies legislation related to airport noise mitigation programs administered by port districts. It expands the types of professionals that port districts—such as the Port of Seattle—can hire to inspect sound mitigation equipment, replacing the requirement for a 'state certified building inspector' with the broader option of building inspectors or other professionals experienced in sound testing or window and door installations. The amendment also allows port districts to enter into interlocal agreements with their host counties to contract for such inspection services, and makes technical language changes to the bill's intent section.

This document illustrates common defects found in Port Package window and door installations in homes near Sea-Tac Airport, showing problems that go beyond normal wear and tear. Issues documented include exterior mold growth that impairs visibility, active water leakage between window panes, and serious structural damage caused by water infiltrating wall framing — in one case requiring a full wall replacement costing $100,000. These problems are reported across the geographic area where Port Packages have been installed and are not attributed to homeowner misuse.

Port Of Seattle 2024 Environment and Sustainability Annual Report section on aircraft noise mitigation at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac Airport). Covers the Sound Insulation Program including 320 apartment units with finalized designs, 3 single family homes insulated, 3 places of worship awaiting construction, and Pacific Middle School (Highline School District) scheduled to open August 2027

Chapter 15.12 of the Burien Municipal Code establishes minimum building construction standards to reduce aircraft noise for properties near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Buildings are divided into three noise reduction zones (35 dB, 30 dB, and 25 dB), each requiring progressively higher sound transmission ratings for walls, windows, doors, roofs, and ventilation systems. The code applies to all new construction and most additions intended for human occupancy, with limited exceptions for small remodels and non-inhabited structures like warehouses and garages.

House Bill 1328 authorized the Port of Seattle to establish jet aircraft noise abatement programs for surrounding communities, allowing the port to purchase affected properties, fund soundproofing, and provide mortgage insurance for residents unable to obtain it due to noise impacts. The bill was amended by the Committee on Local Government to expand the defined impact area, remove eminent domain powers, and extend time limits for property payments. Funding for the program could come from general obligation bonds, capped at 1/8 of one percent of the total taxable property value within the port district.