Below are some of the most
frequently asked questions about the O'Hare School Sound Insulation
Program.
Which schools are eligible for School Sound Insulation?
How long has the School Sound Insulation Program been around?
What is done to the school to insulate against
noise?
Who pays?
Which schools are eligible for School Sound Insulation?
In 1982, a Technical Working Group, comprised of representatives
from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airlines,
suburban communities and Chicago, recommended the soundproofing of
three schools. In 1984, the FAA approved the Final Environmental
Impact Statement for O’Hare’s Master Plan which identified 27
schools impacted by average noise levels of at least 70 DNL.
Day-Night Average Sound Level, or DNL, is a measure used to describe
the average aircraft noise levels over a 24-hour period, and
includes a ten decibel penalty for nighttime aircraft noise between
10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Since its formation in 1997, the O’Hare Noise
Compatibility Commission determines which schools will
participate in the Program based on noise levels and available
funding. If appropriate, the Department of Aviation conducts
interior and exterior noise measurements at each school during
regular classroom hours. The eligibility for school sound
insulation is based on the interior levels above FAA recommended
guidelines for the expenditure of noise abatement funds.
Return to top
of page
How long has the School Sound Insulation Program been around?
Since 1982, the Department of Aviation has administered the School Sound Insulation Program in the communities around O’Hare Airport. The program is the largest and among the oldest in the nation and has provided more than $285 million in funds to sound include 115 schools in the sound insulation program.
Return to top of page
What is done to the school to insulate against noise?
Typical sound insulation measures could include
-
windows modifications
-
addition of acoustical insulation batts
to ceiling assemblies
-
weather-stripping windows and doors
-
installation of new air conditioning and
ventilation systems
-
addition of vestibules at exterior doors
Return to top of page
Who pays?
The Federal Aviation Administration contributes 80% and the City of Chicago provides 20% funding for the Program (using the Passenger Facility Charge of $4.50 assessed by the airlines for each passenger departing O’Hare).
Return to
top of page
|
