What is a Part 150 Study and what is its purpose?
A Part 150 study provides a means for airports to accomplish noise
reduction goals and develop a comprehensive set of noise abatement actions and mitigation
measures that will work effectively together. Part 150 is a federal program appropriating
aviation-generated funds for the purpose of aircraft noise mitigation measures in
communities surrounding an airport including sound insulation.
How were the program boundaries determined?
The program boundaries were determined by the Part 150 study that
was completed in August 2004. The study researched future noise impacts around the
airport and created projected noise contours in a 2008 Noise Exposure Map (NEM).
This map is the basis of the RSIP program boundaries. All residential structures
within the map’s 65 DNL contour, plus a one hundred foot buffer, are eligible for
sound insulation subject to a number of specific qualifying factors.
How is eligibility and priority determined?
In addition to the requirement for a home to be within the Part
150 Noise Exposure Map's 65 DNL contour, plus a one hundred foot buffer, the other qualifying factors are:
- The Home must be a legally permitted residential structure constructed before October
1, 1998.
- The home's owners must sign an Avigation Easement and a Homeowner Agreement
to participate in the program.
It should also be noted that single family residences will be treated
before condominiums and apartments. To find out if you are eligible, try our
Find My Home
tool.
What is an avigation easement?
The easement is a legal document that stipulates that the homeowner
agrees to recognize the perpetual right of aircraft to fly over their home in return
for the sound insulation program improvements. The easement is permanently attached
to the property deed once it is recorded by the local county Register of Deeds. The avigation
easement must be signed prior to the commencement of any work in the home.
What is a Homeowner Agreement?
The Homeowner Agreement is a legal, binding agreement between the
homeowner and the Airport that allows sound insulation treatments to be installed.
It describes the treatments that will be done and the obligations of both parties
to insure that the work will be done in efficient and professional manner. The Homeowner
Agreement must be signed prior to commencement of any work in the home. Failure
to complete the above mentioned agreements within the required deadline might result
in the homeowner's removal from the program.
How is the Sound Insulation Program funded and are there any
costs to me?
It is anticipated that eighty percent (80%) of project funding will
come from the FAA with the remaining twenty percent (20%) from other sources. There
may be some costs that must be borne by the homeowner, in cases of special conditions
involving non-conforming code conditions, structural conditions or existing building
conditions that will affect the proper installation of sound insulation improvements.
There may be additional costs such as the replacing window dressings (blinds,
draperies, etc.), reinstalling security system devices, or finish painting for
any new wood trim that may be installed.
When will my house be sound insulated?
The program will sound insulate homes based upon which homes are
“most impacted” by noise. This means that homes closest to the airport and to the
centerline of the runways will be treated before homes that are further away. In
an effort to proportionately distribute our Sound Insulation efforts to each affected
town, a percentage of the homes within each phase will be allocated among the 4 towns.
Are there different styles of sound insulation products to
choose from?
Decisions regarding types and styles will be made as part of the
Pilot phase activities. It is highly likely that the products and styles offered
in the Bradley program would be similar to those used in other sound insulation
programs. These are chosen for their acoustic effectiveness and their compatibility
with residential architecture.
How are the contractors selected?
The work will be publicly bid and awarded to the lowest responsible
bidder.
Am I protected against liability during construction?
The contract documents will require that the contractors be licensed
and bonded and will contract directly with the Airport.
Is the work guaranteed?
Yes, the contractor guarantees the work for one year, which is consistent
with industry practice, and there are extended product warrantees for up to ten
additional years.
Are permits required in order to insulate my home?
Yes, the contractor performing the sound insulation construction
must acquire permits and is responsible for the cost of those permits. Discussions
have already begun with building officials from each town to ensure that plan reviews
and permits can be issued in a way that is manageable for all parties.
Will my property taxes increase as a result of the acoustical
treatments?
The Program is currently pursuing an answer to this question. In
nearly all other jurisdictions, improvements that are made to the home for sound
insulation are considered exempt.
How do I use the interactive map to locate my home?
The
Find My Home
Tool is built using familiar web technology that works just like Google maps, Yahoo
Maps or MapQuest. If you have used one of these tools before, the find my home tool
should be familiar. Just enter your home's address and click the Search button.
If an address is found, it will be indicated on the map with a pushpin. If the
address is not in our database the tool will let you know and give you the
option of using a public address locator so you can see an approximation of
where your house is in relation to the noise contours.
My Home is NOT eligible, what improvements can I make at my
own expense?
There are several resources available to you on this site; take
a look at our section in “How Noise Travels” to learn more about how noise enters
a home. You can also review the “Typical Improvements” section, which can give you
ideas as well as contact information for the typical product manufacturers. The
Manufacturers can help you find contractors who are experienced with their products.
Who decides what work will be done in my home?
Acoustical treatments are determined by the Program consultant team,
which evaluates the needs of each home on a house-by-house basis. These treatments
will be reviewed with Airport staff to ensure their consistency with FAA reimbursement
guidelines. Proposed treatments will then be reviewed with each homeowner before
bid documents are prepared for construction.
What if I want to make other repairs?
Improvements outside of the scope agreed upon through the sound
insulation program are not covered and may not occur from the time construction
begins in your home until it is officially completed.
How long will the work take?
Once construction begins, most homes are substantially completed
within 10 days. The Program may elect to install mechanical systems on a separate
schedule from the doors and windows. Substantial completion is achieved when all
products required under the base contract are installed, but does not include “Punch
List” time (construction review and follow-up modifications). From start to finish,
it generally requires six weeks to completely finish all the work.
Are there any costs to me?
The FAA and the Bureau of Aviation and Ports pay for the basic costs
for labor and materials to install sound insulation treatments. The only costs to
the homeowner would be to adjust or replace window dressings (blinds, draperies,
etc.); reinstall security system devices; or prepare the home for installation of
the treatments (if needed).
Who does the construction work?
The work is bid under Connecticut State bidding law to general contractors
who are required to be insured, licensed and bonded. Contractors who are eligible to bid
must meet qualification criteria, and the contractor with the lowest, responsive
bid is awarded the job.
I recently installed new windows and doors. Will I be reimbursed
for these improvements?
Improvements completed by the homeowner prior to participating in
the sound insulation program are not eligible for reimbursement.
My new windows fog up and my old ones did not. Are the new
windows defective?
No. The new windows are tighter-fitting, insulated windows that
provide a weather-tight, energy-efficient seal. Sealing your home makes it more
comfortable and quiet, but also keeps normal household moisture in. Any condensation
(“fog”) on the windows is a result of the windows’ effectiveness at restricting
the escape of moisture and heat from your home.
Will air conditioning be provided?
An air conditioning system may be installed with the sound insulation
package if your home does not already have one. Existing forced air systems may
be modified to accommodate air-cooling, or a separate cooling system may be installed.