San Jose International Airport has hired the well-qualified acoustical engineering firm of Charles M. Salter Associates to conduct noise tests for each dwelling within the boundaries of Sonora Avenue, North First Street, Highway 880 and Highway 87. The primary question of the residents was whether each home needed to be tested. The Federal Aviation Administration requires that each dwelling be tested to determine whether Federal interior noise standards are violated, in order to qualify for any future acoustical treatment. The noise reduction performance of each dwelling is different. Therefore, each dwelling needs to be individually tested.
Testing is at the Airport's expense.
The fact that your neighbor had their home tested is not a reason for you to not request testing. If your home is not tested, you will not be eligible for treatment. The acoustical engineers are scheduled to complete the tests and provide a final report by May 2000. The emphasis at the neighborhood meeting was that every dwelling needs to be tested to qualify for any future acoustical treatment if that is recommended. Each owner will receive a report of the results for their property.