Six years after it was begun, Oakland International Airport officials are calling a success a $18.7 million program designed to sound-insulate more than 500 homes on Alameda's Bay Farm Island area.
The program, which began in 2000, ended up involving 558 Bay Farm property owners who participated to better quiet the insides of their homes from the near constant noise of low-flying commercial and private aircraft overhead.
The residential area, which was developed after the airport was established, sits adjacent to the facility's main runways.
The program was eventually offered to a total of 629 homeowners in the Bay Farm area.
"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the sound insulation program in Alameda," said Steven Grossman, director of aviation for the Port of Oakland, which operates the airport. "We thank the many homeowners and project team members who collaborated on this program."
Tests were conducted on 82 homes after completion of sound insulation improvements. Results showed that the average interior sound level was reduced by five to seven decibels. Energy efficiency was also improved inside homes.
Acoustical improvements of approximately $32,000 were installed in each home. Improvements may have included new acoustically rated windows, doors, attic insulation and a fresh air exchange option.
The Bay Farm area was deemed eligible for the sound insulation gear based on Federal Aviation Administration noise standards. Due to the advancement of current aircraft quieter technology and performance, the aircraft noise impact area has actually decreased in size since then.
The program was partially funded by the federally monitored Airport Improvement Program, a grant program that provides for capital improvements at airports and is funded through taxes from passenger tickets and aviation fuel. Additional funding came from passenger facility charges levied on the tickets of all departing passengers.
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