Residential Noise Insulation Program

Introduction:

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is currently in the process of extending BART to the Silicon Valley. The Berryessa Extension Project is the first 10-mile phase of the planned BART Silicon Valley Project. The extension will benefit commuters, residents and businesses by reducing pollution, traffic jams and improving congestion along the I-880/I-680 corridors.

Federal and state environmental documents for the project has identified residences as being potentially eligible for the Residential Noise Insulation Program (RNIP). Depending on the estimated noise levels inside your residence or multiple units on your property; RNIP improvements such as acoustical glass, double pane windows, solid core doors, and/or weather-stripping may be installed to reduce noise at no cost to you.

If your property is eligible for these improvements, VTA will need to conduct a noise assessment inside your residence or units on your property. You will receive a letter in the mail detailing this process if you are the owner of the property identified. VTA will also be notifying tenants if your property is not owner occupied about RNIP and the request their participation.

Contact:

Should you have any questions, please contact Brent Pearse at (408) 934-2603 or VTA-BART Community Outreach at (408) 934-2662 . VTA is committed to keeping you informed and will work with you personally every step of the way. With your cooperation we hope to complete this noise assessment with minimal disruption to you or your tenants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Printable Frequently Asked Questions:
Residential Noise Insulation Program Fact Sheet (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)

• What is the Residential Noise Insulation Program (RNIP)?
• How might this information apply to me?
• How will you determine my eligibility for the Program?
• Why 45 dBA?
• If I am eligible for the Program, what are the next steps?
• What if I am not interested in participating in the Program?

What is the Residential Noise Insulation Program (RNIP)?

The Residential Noise Insulation Program (RNIP) will provide noise insulation for the upper floors of residences that may experience potentially severe noise impacts from the BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension (SVBX). The residences are identified through studies that determine the noise levels attributed to the SVBX Project that may not be reduced with existing or proposed sound walls. If your residence is found to potentially have an impact, this program will install acoustical windows, doors, and other improvements at no cost to you.

How might this information apply to me?

You may be eligible to participate in the RNIP for the SVBX Project. Noise studies conducted as part of the federal and state environmental documents for the SVBX Project identified your property as a potential candidate for the RNIP.

How will you determine my eligibility for the Program?

Your eligibility for the RNIP will be determined following noise measurements inside your property. If these measurements demonstrate that the SVBX Project could create noise levels above federal guidelines for your home, you will be eligible for the RNIP. Below are the noise analysis steps:

• Property owners identified as potentially eligible for the RNIP will be sent an information letter and package explaining the RNIP, including required permission documents to enter your property for noise measurements and architectural assessments.
• A visit will be scheduled by the noise consultant for approximately an hour to take noise measurements within your residence.
• Noise measurements will be conducted inside and outside your residence.
• Estimation of future interior noise levels with planned train service.
• Determination of whether future estimated noise levels within your residence exceed criteria for acceptable noise levels.
• If future estimated interior noise levels exceed the acceptable criteria of 45 decibels (dBA), the property is eligible for the program.

Why 45 dBA?

As stated in the California Noise Insulation Standards, the acceptable threshold for field tested airborne sound insulation is 45 dBA, which is equivalent to the noise a basic refrigerator makes.

If I am eligible for the Program, what are the next steps?

If the property you own or reside in is eligible, the property’s owner will be contacted by VTA to participate in the RNIP. The program consists of the following:

• A visit will be scheduled to review and document existing conditions and take measurements for noise insulation methods such as acoustical windows and/or doors.
• Property owners will be contacted to approve the proposed noise insulation method and give authorization for a contractor to enter and install the improvements.
• A visit will be scheduled by the contractor to install the improvements.
• Following installation, VTA will request property owner’s final acceptance of the improvements.

What if I am not interested in participating in the Program?

If you choose not to participate in the program, VTA will request the property owner to sign a waiver forfeiting rights to seek future damage from noise exposure related to the BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project.