T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) EvaluationAlternative B4. All eligible residences are based on the FEIS noise contours. Future Build noise mitigation for2025 would be determined based on revised noise contours and actual aircraft operations (a future FAAapprovedNEM) and would be implemented according to Part 150 guidelines.Sound Insulation ProcessThe purpose of sound insulation is to reduce the adverse impact of airport-related noise on noise-sensitive usesthrough building improvements. The previous sound insulation effort under the Part 150 NCP was voluntaryand was established under the Part 150 NCP. Eligible homeowners are notified if their home is eligible forsound insulation and, at this time, homeowners decide whether or not to participate. Homeowners are usuallyinvited to a general information meeting and are given detailed information about the program. To participate,various documents need to be completed. These documents give the airport permission to evaluate specificnoise problems and concerns and begin the modifications process.The goal of sound insulation is to achieve a noise reduction of at least a 5 dB from the insulation, resulting in nomore than 45 dB for interior noise level. Newer homes with thicker walls, additional insulation, and modernwindows may already have an interior noise level of less than 45 dB. Therefore, even if they were deemedeligible for sound insulation, they would not be sound insulated since they already met the sound mitigationgoal. Further attempts at sound insulation may not be effective. Such homes might receive some treatment, suchas additional caulking and new double pane windows, but not full sound insulation. After the completion of anFEIS or noise study, and before renovations can begin, a representative sample of homes may be subjected toacoustical testing and architectural and design surveys to determine which of the eligible homes might be soundinsulated. These tests ensure that the right types of sound insulation modifications are made. Proposedmodifications may include:• Replacing or sealing windows;• Adding better insulated doors;• Insulating the ventilation system, walls, and attic of the house; and• Adding or improving the ventilation system.After the tests and designs are complete, RIAC would present the proposed modifications to the homeowner.Contractors would be selected and the work would be performed on each residence. Following completion ofthe improvements, the home (or home of similar design) would be tested to ensure that the improvements meetthe FAA criteria of an interior 45 dB in all habitable rooms and a reduction of at least 5 dB due to theimprovements.6.2.3.2 Non-Residential Sound Insulation for Noise MitigationIn both 2015 and 2020, Alternative B4 would expose two non-residential noise-sensitive properties to asignificant increase in noise levels when compared to the No-Action Alternative: Jehovah’s Witnesses ofWarwick, Site PW017; and Baha’i Faith, Site PW039 (Figure 5-9). In 2025 under Alternative B4, threenon-residential noise-sensitive sites would experience a significant noise increase: Jehovah’s Witnesses ofWarwick, Site PW017; Baha’i Faith, Site PW039; and the John Wickes School, Site SCH524. Baha’i Faith and theJohn Wickes School (SCH524) have been sound insulated as part of a previous sound insulation effort under theChapter 6 – Mitigation 6-10 July 2011\\Mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH06_Mitigation_JUL_2011.doc