Section 1: Program Basics

Part 150 Noise Study

• What is a Part 150 Noise Study?
o Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 150 (Part 150) “Airport Noise Compatibility Planning” Sets forth standards for airport operators to use in documenting noise exposure around airports and establishing programs, which may be eligible for federal funding to minimize noise-related land use incompatibilities. It is a voluntary process.
o It consists of two parts:
 Noise Exposure Map (NEM): Detailed description of airport layout, operations, noise exposure, land uses, and noise/land use compatibility for the study year and a forecast year.
 Noise Compatibility Program (NCP): A proposed plan to reduce noise exposure, and identify land use mitigation measures to address existing non-compatible uses and land use control measures to prevent new non-compatible uses.

Noise Exposure Map(NEM)

• What is a Noise Exposure Map (NEM)?
o A noise exposure map is a graphical presentation of the specific aircraft noise levels (noise contours) around an airport, depicted over the existing land use. The noise level is expressed as Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL). The NEM depicts the noise levels for the current condition (2018) and 5 years in the future (2023).
• What is a noise contour?
o A noise contour is a line on a map that depicts equal levels of noise exposure as generated by a required FAA computer model (AEDT).
• What is Day-Night Sound Level (DNL)?
o DNL is a 24-hour weighted energy average noise level based on A-weighted decibels (dBA) that adds a 10 dB penalty for aircraft noise occurring between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The FAA requires the use of DNL as the noise metric for the NEM.
• How did the arrival of the F-35 affect the noise maps?
o The 2024 Noise Exposure Map Update will include the existing F-35 operations.

Noise Compatibility Program Study (NCP)

• What is a Noise Compatibility Program (NCP)?
o The NCP is a land use planning study that recommends noise mitigation efforts and recommendations for future land use planning initiatives for areas located within the 65 DNL and higher noise contour.
• What kinds of noise mitigation programs can be recommended?
o The types of programs the FAA will provide grant funding after their approval include sound insulation, sales assistance, purchase assurance, and the acquisition of avigation easements.

Section 2: Eligibility & Participation

• How do I know if my home is eligible?
o Eligibility is based on whether your property is located inside the FAA-approved 2029 Noise Exposure Map (NEM) boundary. If your home is within the noise contour area shown on the map, it may qualify for noise-reducing improvements. The airport will also contact homeowners directly as funding becomes available.
• What criteria determine eligibility?
o To participate in the Sound Insulation Program, your home must meet all of the following:
 Be located within the program area shown on the 2029 NEM.
 Comply with local building codes.
 Have been built before October 1, 1998, unless it is specifically included in BTV’s long-term implementation plan for noise mitigation.
• How do I check my address on the 2029 NEM map?
o Use the interactive 2029 Noise Mitigation Program Map:
 Click the search icon on the map.
 Type in your full street address.
 Press Enter to see if your property falls within the noise contour or mitigation boundary.
If your home is inside the boundary and meets program requirements, it may be eligible for sound insulation treatments.
• Is participation voluntary?
o Yes. Participation in the Sound Insulation Program is completely voluntary. Homeowners are not required to participate, and declining the program does not affect property rights.
• What happens if my home was built after 1998?
o Homes built on or after October 1, 1998, are generally not eligible for sound insulation treatments. The only exception is if your home is specifically identified in BTV’s long-term implementation plan, which provides noise mitigation to certain newer residences located within the FAA-approved boundaries.
• Are non-residential buildings (schools, churches, etc.) eligible?
o Yes. Some non-residential properties, such as schools, places of worship, and community facilities, may qualify for noise-reducing improvements. These treatments are designed to make gathering and learning spaces more functional and comfortable despite being located in higher-noise areas.

Section 3: What to Expect in Your Home

• Who decides what work will be done in my home?
o Each home is evaluated individually by the Sound Insulation Program team. Specialists assess the property and recommend treatments that meet FAA guidelines and address the home’s unique needs. Proposed improvements are reviewed with each homeowner before construction begins.
• What types of treatments are available? (windows, doors, HVAC, insulation, etc.)
o Most homes receive a combination of:
 Windows and doors – sound-rated replacements that reduce indoor noise.
 Insulation and air sealing – to block sound and improve energy efficiency.
 Heating, cooling, or ventilation upgrades – so windows and doors can remain closed while maintaining healthy indoor air.
Because every home is different, treatments vary and are customized to meet program goals.
• Will air conditioning be provided if I don’t already have it?
o In some cases, yes. If your home does not have air conditioning, and adding it will improve noise reduction, the program may install a system as part of your sound insulation package—always consistent with FAA guidelines.
• Can I keep my old windows and doors?
o No. Once removed, your old windows and doors become the property of the contractor.
• Why do my new windows fog up?
o Condensation on new windows is normal. The upgraded sound-rated windows are tightly sealed, which keeps in household heat and moisture. This improves comfort and energy efficiency while also reducing noise.
• What if I recently replaced my windows or doors? Will I be reimbursed?
o No. Improvements completed by homeowners before joining the program are not eligible for reimbursement.
• How long will the process take from start to finish?
o From categorization to completed construction, the process generally takes 36 months. This includes assessments, design, bidding, and scheduling before work begins in your home.
• How long will work take inside my home?
o Construction usually takes 30–40 days total. Most of the work is completed in the first 10 days, with the contractor in your home daily. Remaining “punch list” items and inspections are completed in the following weeks.
• Do I need to be home during construction?
o Yes. A homeowner or designated representative (age 18 or older) must be present during construction. This ensures access to the home and allows you to review progress with the contractor.
• Who does the construction work? How are contractors selected?
o Work is awarded through a public bidding process, following federal procurement rules. Contracts go to licensed, insured, and bonded general contractors that submit the lowest responsive and responsible bid.
• Are there any costs to me?
o No. The program, funded by the FAA and the airport, covers the cost of approved treatments, labor, and installation. Homeowners may be responsible for small incidental costs, such as:
 Adjusting or replacing window blinds or curtains
 Storing personal items during construction
 Preparing rooms for access
• What if I want to make other repairs to my house during construction?
o We ask that you avoid unrelated repairs or remodeling during the project. Only noise-reducing improvements included in your program design are covered. Other work should be scheduled before or after the program construction is complete.

Section 4: Program Process & Timeline

• When did the Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) start?
o The RSIP began in 2022 as part of BTV’s ongoing effort to reduce aircraft noise in nearby homes.
• How many homes are included in the program area?
o About 2,500 housing units have been identified within the FAA-approved program boundary.
• How many homes are addressed each year?
o Each year, BTV plans to design and construct noise-reducing improvements in about 50 homes, depending on the availability of FAA grant funding.
• How long does the design and construction process take? (12–18 months design to build, 30–40 days in-home construction)
o From start to finish, the full process takes about 36 months. This includes categorization, home selection, assessments, design, bidding, and grant approval. Once construction begins, work inside the home typically lasts 30–40 days, with most improvements completed in the first 10 days.
• What is the Purchase Assurance Program? How does it work?
o The Purchase Assurance Program helps ensure homeowners receive full market value when selling their homes. If a property sells for less than its market value, the airport may provide a differential payment to cover the gap. This can take different forms—such as cash assistance, home repairs, or help with realtor fees—depending on the situation.
• What happens to land acquired by the airport?
o Any land purchased by the airport is used as part of its noise mitigation strategy. The property becomes a noise buffer and is incorporated into the airport’s land use reuse plan.
• What happens if the 75 DNL line expands further into neighborhoods?
o FAA guidelines state that residential use is not recommended within the 75 DNL contour (the loudest noise-impacted area). If the contour expands into new neighborhoods in the future, additional home buyout programs may be considered in line with FAA standards.

Section 5: Miscellaneous

• Is land being purchased to build new roads or connections to the interstate?
o A. Please refer to the Airport’s 2030 Master Plan to visualize the concept of the road connection located at http://www.btv.aero/airport-guide/community-connection