Encyclopedia of Environmental Science and Engineering, Volume I and II

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levels in Table 9 as protective of public health and welfare.

All are based on an average 24 hour day.

Control of community noise. Environmental noise

problems are particularly difficult to solve due to problems

of shared responsibility and jurisdiction. In many cases,

Federal laws preempt community regulations. Highway

noise and aircraft noise, often the most significant contribu-

tors to community noise levels, are largely exempt from local

control. In spite of the difficulties encountered, however, the

importance of protecting the quality of life makes environ-

mental noise control efforts worthwhile. Depending on the

circumstances, some of the following courses of action may

be considered.

a) Review the applicable noise ordinance. Compare

it with a model noise ordinance. Check to see if

specific limits are set in terms dBA. Determine

whether or not sound level meters are available and

whether or not the ordinance is actually enforced.

b) Meet with representatives of the local governing

body or environmental commission. Make them

aware of noise related problems in the community.

c) Initiate a campaign for public awareness with

regard to the environment including the noise

environment. Make use of the local papers.

d) Consider a ban or limitation on all-terrain- vehicles

(ATV’s). Determine whether muffler requirements

are actually enforced.

e) Encourage planning and zoning boards to require

an environmental impact statement (EIS), including

a noise report, before major projects are approved.

f) Support noise labeling for lawn mowers and other

power equipment.

g) Attend and participate in hearings involving plans

for airports, heliports, and highways. Consider

noise impact when evaluating the cost/benefit

ratio for proposed facilities.

h) Evaluate the feasibility of noise barriers on exist-

ing and proposed highways in sensitive areas.

i) Support legislation to reduce truck noise emission

limits.

j) Support legislation enabling airport curfews.

REFERENCES

Barry, T.M. and Reagan, J.A. FHW A highway traffic noise prediction

model FHWA-RD-77-108, 1978.

Environmental Protection Agency, Information on levels of environmental

noise requisite to protect public health and welfare with an adequate

margin of safety, EPA 550/9-74-004, 1974.

Environmental Protection Agency, Model community noise control ordinance,

EPA 550/9-76-003, 1975.

Environmental Protection Agency, Protective noise levels, EPA 559/979-100,

1978.

Federal Aviation Administration, Noise standards: aircraft type and air-

worthiness certification, FAR part 36, 1985(a).

Federation Aviation Administration, Airport noise compatibility planning,

FAR part 150, 1985(b).

Federal Highway Administration, Procedures for abatement of highway

traffic noise and construction noise, FHPM 7-7-3, 1976.

Federal Register, Code of federal regulations, 29, parts 1900 to 1910, 1985.

Miller, J.D., “Effects of noise on people,” J. Acoust Soc. Am. 56, no. 3,

pp. 729–764, 1974.

Noise control act of 1972, PL 92-574, HR 11021, Oct. 27, 1972.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Occupational noise

exposure hearing conservation amendment” Federal Register, 46 (11),

4078–4181 and 46 (162), 42622–42639, 1981.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Guidelines for noise enforce-

ment”, OSHA Instruction, CPL2-2.35,29 CFR1910.95(6) (1), 1983.

Peterson, A.P.G., Handbook of noise measurement, GenRad, Concord, MA,

9th ed., 1980.

Stansfield, S. and M. Haines, “Chronic aircraft noise exposure and chil-

dren’s cognitive performance and health: the Heathrow studies”, FICA

symposium, San Diego CA, 2000.

Wilson, C., Noise Control, Krieger, Malabar FL, 1994.

Zimmer, I.B., R. Dresnack, and C. Wilson, Modeling the impact of aircraft

noise on student proficiency”, NOISE-CON Portland ME, 2001.

The following Internet resources may contain current information of interest:

http://www.faa.gov Federal Aviation Administration

http://www.icao.int International Civil Aviation Administration

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov. Federal Highway Administration

environment/noise

http://www.osha.gov Occ upational Safety and Health

Administration

TABLE 8

Design noise levels

Sound level

LeqHdBA

Measurement

location Land use category

57 Exterior Tracts of land in which

serenity and quiet are of

extraordinary

significance.

67 Exterior Residences, schools,

churches, libraries,

hospitals, etc.

72 Exterior Commercial and other

activities.

52 Interior Residences, schools,

churches, libraries,

hospitals, etc.

TABLE 9

Protective noise levels

Effect Level (dBA) Area

Hearing protection Leq24 70 All areas. See Section 9.

Outdoor activity LDN 55 Outdoors in residential

areas.

Interference and annoyance Leq24 55 Outdoor areas where

people spent limited

amounts of time.

Indoor activity LDN 45 Indoor residential areas.

Interference and annoyance Leq24 45 Other indoor areas with

human activities such as

schools, etc.

Source: EPA (1974, 1979).

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