Sound Insulation Program

For updated information on Boston Logan’s current Residential Sound Insulation Program, please click here.

Massport has implemented an extensive sound insulation program that has successfully mitigated the effects of noise, but cannot eliminate it at its source. Massport’s Residential Sound Insulation Program is one of the most extensive sound insulation programs in the country. The Program has treated 11,000 dwelling units, including 5,500 homes and 36 schools, to date. Over the course of the program, Massport has invested $170 million in sound insulation.

Sound Insulation Program Eligibility

Eligibility for the program is based on federal requirements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has designated 65 dB DNL annual contours as the critical threshold for sound treatment eligibility. Massport submits to the FAA for approval a 65 DNL noise contour (also called a Noise Exposure Map or NEM) for a specific year. Once approved, Massport utilizes the NEM to assess eligibility for residential sound insulation.

To be eligible, a home must fall within the FAA-approved NEM and pass a pre-testing requirement that determines if the home will benefit from sound insulation treatments. Residents may experience noise from Boston Logan-related aircraft but not qualify for sound treatments if the home is outside the FAA-approved NEM or, if within the NEM, pre-testing determines the home will not benefit from the program.

The FAA approved Noise Exposure Maps by calendar year are listed below:

• Boston Logan 2020 NEM
• Boston Logan 2021 NEM

To determine if your home is eligible, we encourage you to contact Massport’s Noise Report Line at 617-561-3333 or by email. Based on the address you provide, we will determine if your home is eligible.

Noise contours may change from year to year. The FAA requires Massport to periodically submit a new NEM for review and approval. Therefore, eligibility for any particular home may change over time. The number of homes that are treated in any given year depends on the availability of federal grants.