TagSound Insulation(58)

This 2013 report from the National Academies provides updated guidelines for airport sound insulation programs (SIPs), helping airport sponsors manage the process of reducing aircraft noise in homes, schools, hospitals, and other noise-sensitive buildings. It covers key topics such as construction contracting, federal funding requirements, and best practices for working with homeowners and contractors on government-funded renovation projects. The guidelines are intended for use by airport staff, consultants, and FAA offices in developing compliant noise compatibility programs.

At a March 1, 2012 Des Moines, WA City Council study session, staff presented a policy discussion on whether to update the city's Sound Transmission Control (Sound Code) requirements, which govern noise-reducing construction standards for buildings near Sea-Tac Airport. The existing code, last revised in 1996, was criticized by developers and homeowners as overly burdensome, while the Port of Seattle's official 'Part 150' noise contour study won't be finalized until 2016. The Council was asked to consider options ranging from immediate regulatory relief—such as reducing sound zones, limiting requirements to windows only, or making compliance voluntary—to waiting until the 2016 study is complete before making any changes.

The Federal Aviation Administration approved a total grant payment of $4,935,000 to the Port of Seattle for AIP Project Number 3-53-0062-77, covering acoustical insulation work at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Out of $6,476,538.99 in claimed costs, $6,168,750.00 was deemed allowable after disallowing $307,788.99, with the federal share set at 80%. The Port of Seattle submitted closeout documentation in March 2006, though a Circular A-133 audit by Deloitte & Touche and final acoustic test results for Seawind Condominiums were still pending completion at the time of closure.

In September 2003, the Port of Seattle Commission considered authorizing a $3.69 million program to sound-insulate 98 single-family homes near Sea-Tac Airport that fell within the projected 2010 65 DNL noise contour and were built before local noise codes took effect. The project, stemming from a 1997 Environmental Impact Statement related to the airport's third runway, aimed to reduce interior noise levels by at least 5 decibels in eligible homes in Des Moines and unincorporated King County. Funding was to come primarily from federal Airport Improvement Program grants (80%), with the remainder drawn from the Airport Development Fund, and homeowners were required to grant the Port an avigation easement in exchange for the insulation work.

This document compiles evidence alleging that the Port of Seattle violated Federal Grant Assurance C.6 and Washington State law RCW 53.54.020 in connection with its noise compatibility program at Sea-Tac Airport. It includes letters from elected officials, audit findings by Deloitte & Touche, and records showing the Port received over $100 million in federal funds for FAR Part 150 noise mitigation while allegedly failing to comply with the program's requirements. Supporting materials span 1990–1998 and involve Congress members, state legislators, the FAA, and the Washington State Auditor's Office.

Since 1982, Seattle-Tacoma Airport (Sea-Tac) has received 13 federal AIP grants totaling over $50 million to acquire approximately 750 noise-impacted land parcels near the airport. In addition, four federal grants totaling over $7 million have funded a noise insulation program that has treated 323 homes, with further funding of $3.2 million per year requested to insulate roughly 175 additional houses annually over the next four years.

In February 1984, the Port of Seattle sent an update to concerned citizens about proposed noise remedy programs near Jackson International Airport (Sea-Tac), including land acquisition, purchase assurance, and sound insulation initiatives. A subcommittee recommended expanding the program boundaries to cover 275 additional residences under purchase assurance and 44 more under land acquisition, with criteria addressing airport-related development buffers and neighborhood continuity. The Port Commission was scheduled to review these recommendations at a Staff Review Session on February 28, 1984.

This 1984 draft document from the Port of Seattle outlines the Noise Remedy Update program for Seattle-Tacoma (Jackson) International Airport, defining geographic boundaries for three types of noise mitigation measures: property acquisition, purchase assurance, and sound insulation. The maps cover areas north through south of the airport, including neighborhoods such as Boulevard Park, Des Moines, Normandy Park, and Zenith, showing which zones qualify for each remedy based on aircraft noise exposure. Sound insulation coverage extends as far north as S. Kenyon Street, while acquisition zones are concentrated in the areas immediately surrounding the airport's runways.