RESIDENTIAL SOUND INSULATION PROGRAM (RSIP)

The Program was complete in November 2006 and is officially closed.

Applications are no longer being accepted.

In 1992, the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) conducted what is referred to as a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study. The result of this study was the Noise Compatibility Plan (NCP), which is comprised of a series of programs aimed at mitigating the effects of aircraft noise.

The Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) was an initiative that was derived from the NCP. By participating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the WCAA provided eligible homeowners with the benefits of sound insulation treatments free of charge.

RSIP
Over the life of the RSIP more than 2,400 residential homes were provided sound insulation treatments to reduce the impacts of aircraft noise. Such improvements included doors and windows which were acoustically designed and constructed to reduce noise, as well as installing additional insulation in ceilings, new furnaces, central air conditioning, and caulking around crevices and windows.

School Sound Insulation Program
Seven schools in five communities were provided sound insulation treatments such as windows, doors, air conditioning, and carpet to improve the learning environment.

Residential Acquisition Program
Homes closer to the Airport and most effected by the noise (70dnl) were eligible for acquisition at the appraised value. Under the program, 265 homes were acquired.

Purchase Assurance Program
This program guaranteed that eligible homeowners in certain areas near the Airport were able to sell their property at fair market value. If a homeowner was unable to sell the property in a specified period of time, it was purchased at its appraised value. If the owner was able to sell the property but was unable to obtain the appraised value, the difference was reimbursed.

RSIP Statistics

• During the course of the RSIP (1997 - 2006), more than 2,400 homes were insulated in five communities – Romulus, Huron Township, Taylor, Westland, and Dearborn Heights.
• From 1997 - 2006 over $122 million was spent on RSIP.
• Over $64,000,000 of that was provided by the FAA.

Homeowner Satisfaction

• On average, homes experienced a 7.7 Db drop in noise levels, 2.7 Db above the FAA minimum. More than 90% of homes tested achieved the required 5 Db reduction or more, with 29% achieving a greater than 10 Db reduction in noise.
• Based on pre and post construction surveys distributed to homeowners, on average they experienced an estimated 90% decrease in frequent noise related disturbances.
• Installation of sound attenuation treatments helped stimulate home improvements in the neighborhood.
• More than 99% of participants would recommend the program to other homeowners.

Economic Impact of Noise Compatibility Program (NCP)

• From 1992 – 2005 $118,232,000 was spent on the NCP.
• $5,443,000 worth of contracts were awarded to sound insulate schools
• RSIP activity substantially benefited the local economy – skilled labor, suppliers, contractors, local merchants.

DBE Participation
The WCAA supports business diversity initiatives and promotes the participation of DBE firms in all of its programs. With initiatives such as the Contractor Outreach Program, year after year, the RSIP exceeded the DBE goals of the WCAA and FAA.

Homeowners who participated in the RSIP who have questions or comments regarding work performed on their homes or product warranties may contact the Noise Program Manager at 734.942.3222.