Noise News for Week of April 20, 1997


Noise Pollution

PUBLICATION: The Herald-Sun
DATE: April 20, 1997
SECTION: Editorial; Pg. A16;
DATELINE: Durham, N.C.

The following editorial appeared in the Durham, N.C. Herald Sun:

What we fail to hear

Ever notice that the more isolated people become, the louder the world gets? When people feel alienated, they often use noise to shut the world out, to announce their presence, or to get revenge.

Noise pollution is everywhere, all the time. People drive through noisy traffic to work in loud factories and then return home to crank up their lawn mowers and leaf blowers, while aircraft roar overhead and trucks drone on the nearby interstate superslab. Indoors, two televisions and a radio chatter constantly, challenged by a stereo, a dishwasher and an air conditioner. To escape, some of us put on headphones and listen to our Walkman. We pump up the volume, even at the risk of hearing damage, to mask undesirable noises around us. We've become so accustomed to background noise that many are uncomfortable without it. They expect noise in elevators, in stores, in offices, on picnics, at the beach. Some young people are so driven by the need for noise, they seek out super-amplified rock concerts complete with explosions, where they add to the cacophony by screaming the entire time.

Controlling noise is a complicated social problem. Nobody doubts the psychological importance of peace and quiet, and at times we feel we have a right to some. But the legal standing of peace and quiet is another matter. Towns pass noise ordinances only to discover they can't or don't know how to enforce them. Noise codes have been struck down in a number of states, including North Carolina.

Besides, what's an acceptable level of noise? In Manhattan it's 51 decibels, which isn't low enough to help a woman living next to a recording studio that operates until 3 a.m. Inspectors found the studio noise reached but did not exceed the legal limit. Too bad.

Noise can put people with legitimate but different goals in conflict. The hardworking man who can't find another time to mow his grass except Sunday morning irritates his hardworking neighbor who wants to read the Sunday paper on his deck. People living near RDU International Airport and Walnut Creek Amphitheater in Raleigh have had to accept high noise levels as a fact of commerce rather than as a fact of life.

But when people care little about the community and their neighbors, they either give no thought to the effects of their noise or they use noise as a weapon. For example, a common nuisance on the streets of Durham now is the megasound system masquerading as a car. Even in heavy traffic you can feel this boom box on wheels 10 car lengths away. The driver, typically a young male, is aggressively announcing not only his presence but also his prerogative to force his taste in thunder on the rest of us -- all that's missing, fortunately, is "The Ride of the Valkyries." Such sonic assaults are not unlike animals marking their territory. It's an act of defiance and perhaps retaliation. Because noise gets inside us in ways that other sensations don't, eventually it gets to us. It disturbs the rhythms of our bodies, affecting our sleep, our sense of well-being, and perhaps our health. New York City's hot-line about quality-of-life problems received 1,500 complaints in its first two weeks. Forty percent were about noise. Noise drives us apart. Overpowering noise blocks communication. Careless noise makes us callous. Vengeful noise makes us enemies. The more noise there is, the more we turn up the volume -- and the less we hear.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


University of Southampton Researchers Fight Noise With Soundwaves

PUBLICATION: M2 Presswire
DATE: April 21, 1997
DATELINE: University of Southampton

'Noise?', an exhibition being held at the Science Museum in London, will feature sound cancellation technologies from the University of Southampton's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, the M2 Presswire reports.

The technology, called active sound control, uses carefully controlled "secondary" sources of sound to cancel out unwanted noises.

The results of the institute's studies show that the technique is more promising for cars, airplanes and helicopters than in buildings, the article reports. Researchers said this is due to the more complicated waveforms that exist in buildings.

Research team member Professor Steve Elliott says that a commercial product is still some way off, and suggests that the best way to solve a noise problem is to persuade the person who is causing the noise to turn it down. That failing, Elliot said, "The 1996 Noise Act, which is expected to come into effect later this year will set an objective standard for excessive neighbor noise at night."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Alpharetta, Georgia Fedex Packaging Facility Raises Residential Noise Concerns

PUBLICATION: The Atlanta Journal
DATE: April 24, 1997
SECTION: Extra; Pg. 04H
BYLINE: Devi Sen Laskar; Staff Writer
DATELINE: Alpharetta, Georgia

The Atlanta Journal reports that the Alpharetta City Council is delaying approval of a proposed 88,000-square-foot Federal Express office and distribution center while it considers the noise concerns of area residents.

The article reports that Alpharetta will approve the plan if Fedex agrees to create several buffers between the facility and nearby residential neighborhoods. The buffer would include a 135-foot area of trees. The proposal is expected to be approved next week.

Similar concerns are being raised by Roswell resident over a UPS facility proposed for their town.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Aircraft and Construction Noise On Rise at Calgary Airport

PUBLICATION: Calgary Herald
DATE: April 24, 1997
SECTION: City News; Pg. B12
BYLINE: Monte Stewart, Calgary Herald
DATELINE: The Calgary Herald

The Calgary Herald reports expected increases in airport noise due to increased air traffic and construction projects at the Calgary Airport.

"As traffic is building up here at the airport, there is additional noise for those that live closer to the airport," said Calgary Airport Authority president Ernie Caron. He added that while new regulations will lower the noise levels, they will not be fully in effect until 2005. In the meantime, noise levels will increase.

The construction projects are expected to take 10 years to complete, and include expansion of runway A, the addition of four new gates, expanded parking and customs facilities, and a parkade. The expansion is due increased volume in air traffic, which is projected to continue to grow.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Noise Limits for Automobiles May Have Little Effect

PUBLICATION: Japan Economic Newswire
DATE: APRIL 24, 1997
DATELINE: TOKYO, Kyodo

The Japan Economic Newswire reports that limitations proposed by the Environment Agency to impose decibel limits on cars may have little noticeable impact on noise levels.

According to a 1995 survey cited in the article, only 12.7% of 4,380 sites studied met standards for permissible noise sanctioned by the government. The new standards, suggested to begin in 1999 for some types of cars, would not have much effect on noise levels.

'Even if the limits were imposed on all cars, it will be difficult to dramatically improve the current situation,' an agency official said.

Some experts are calling for other measures to be implemented. Those measures were not specified in the article.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Hanover, Virginia Airport Expansion Has Residents Concerned Over Noise

PUBLICATION: The Richmond Times Dispatch
DATE: April 24, 1997
SECTION: Area/STATE, Pg. B-3
BYLINE: Claude Burrows; Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
DATELINE: Hanover, Virginia
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Hanover Community Alliance

The Hanover County Board of Supervisors voted to move ahead with plans to expand Hanover County Airport, the Richmond Times Dispatch reports. Residents are concerned about the increased noise the expansion may bring.

The $7 million expansion plan includes extending the airport's runway 750 feet, building a new terminal, and constructing a new taxiway on the eastern side of the airfield.

The Hanover Community Alliance, a residents' organization, is voicing its concern over noise issues. The board will advertise public hearings and will include members of the community alliance, the Airport Advisory Board, and county officials on a commission that will make recommendations on noise mitigation.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Jefferson Parish Parish Council Passes Airboat Noise Regulation

PUBLICATION: The Times-Picayune
DATE: April 24, 1997
SECTION: Metro; Pg. B3
BYLINE: By Manuel Roig-Franzia, West Bank Bureau
DATELINE: Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

A new ordinance limiting airboat noise in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, has been passed by the Parish Council, The Times-Picayune reports. One boat owner plans to challenge the new rules.

The restriction prohibit airboat operations within half a mile of residential areas between sunset and sunrise, and restrict airboat speeds to 5 mph during the day. Residents were pleased with the rules.

"We really needed the relief," Lafitte resident Mike Miller said. "No one has the right to terrorize the citizens by buzz bombing houses with these boats."

The council also said it would ask the Sheriff's office for strict enforcement of the regulation, the article reports. Residents also vowed to make sure boaters abide by the new rules.

However, Airboat Swamp Tours owner Tommy Vanacor said he will not honor the regulation. "I will continue operating my tours, but I cannot promise that I'll idle down to 5 mph for safety reasons." Vanacor said the unique, rudderless design of airboats necessitates higher speeds in windy conditions to keep the boat steady. While councilman Lloyd Giardina argued that Florida had similar restrictions on speed, Vanacor's attorney Steve Grefer said the regulations would not stand up in court. Vanacor promises a court battle if he is given a citation.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


International Noise Awareness Day in Toronto

PUBLICATION: The Toronto Star
DATE: April 24, 1997
SECTION: Life; Pg. C5
BYLINE: By Bill Taylor Toronto Star
DATELINE: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Annette Feige, Eric Greenspoon, Citizens Coalition Against Noise

Annette Feige and Eric Greenspoon, members of the Citizens Coalition Against Noise, said that daily life is getting noisier, the Toronto Star reports. They are trying to bring national attention to the noise issue.

"At 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, we're urging people to stop whatever they're doing and just . . . listen," Greenspoon said. Wednesday is International Noise Awareness Day, and Greenspoon said it even has the support of the Toronto Mayor, Barbara Hall.

While he doesn't expect the city to come to a halt for an entire minute, he does hope to make people think about the noise around them. Music in restaurants, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, the work place and street traffic, are all contributing.

"It all adds up," Greenspoon said. "Young people are growing up knowing no different. They're damaging their hearing and becoming stressed out whether they're aware of it or not."

Feige said that noise is an important environmental issue, but that it is rarely considered and issue by the environmental movement, the article reports. "Not only do they not deal with the issue, but they sometimes contribute to the problem," Feige said. "The annual Earth Day events, for instance. They have huge loudspeakers blasting away. That's a real irony.

"Still, we're slowly getting through to people. We get a lot of E-mails, a lot of phone calls. We have several hundred supporters and members," Feige said.

As Feige and Greenspoon get up to leave the bar they are in after measuring its decibel output (roughly 70 decibels, which Greenspoon said is not dangerous but is often annoying, as well as about average for such places) they consider leaving one of several cards they have printed. One says "Your music bothers me!" Another says "I don't like music forced upon me. Would you please turn it off?" A third: "Your loud music drove me out!" And a fourth: "Thank you for your quiet environment."

In the end, they leave nothing.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Technological Solutions to Noise

PUBLICATION: ABC World News This Morning
DATE: APRIL 23, 1997
SECTION: News
BYLINE: Jack Smith, Asha Blake
DATELINE: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

ABC World News This Morning correspondent Jack Smith reports on two new technologies designed to reduce noise, one for the listener, one for the producer.

The first device is a pair of headphones that reduces roughly two-thrids of the incoming news. It can be useful on airplanes, in the workplace, or on the streets.

The second device was a set of speakers aimed at a noise created by an industry in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. By combining the sound-waves coming from a large fan with sound waves from the speaker, the two were able to combine in a way that created near silence.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Lambert Field (St. Louis) Officials Ignore Community Complaints

PUBLICATION: St. Louis Post-Dispatch
DATE: April 23, 1997
SECTION: St. Charles, Pg. 01
BYLINE: Ralph Dummit
DATELINE: St. Charles, Missouri
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Citizens Against Airport Noise (CAAN); Pat McDonnell

St. Charles, Missouri residents are circulating a petition to force its county council and Lambert Field officials to create a airport noise management program, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Area residents, led by Citizens Against Airport Noise (CAAN), are angry that their concerns over the Lambert Field expansion plan are not being addressed. CAAN member Pat McDonnell said that while the county council passed a resolution to create a noise abatement plan, they have done nothing to force Lambert Field officials to address the issue.

The resolution called for the development of "a noise agreement with significant penalties for failure to abide by the terms and conditions as has been accomplished at other airports around the country." McDonnell said that no such agreement was in the works.

To force the situation, the article reports that CAAN has begun to circulate a petition on the issue. The petition states: "Responsible airport owners and management establish procedures that lessen noise in surrounding neighborhood communities. Airports can establish curfews, define flight corridors around noise -sensitive areas and put in place noise -reducing procedures on departures and arrivals. . . Professional airport owners and management work with neighbors to develop programs; however, Lambert has no program."

In a week's time, the petition has collected over 2,000 signatures, McDonnell said.

Leonard L. Griggs Jr., Lambert's director, said the St. Louis Airport Authority "has never proposed signing an individual noise agreement with any community in the St. Louis metropolitan area." He added that the airport authority "will abide by the environmental impact statement and the record of decision being developed by the Federal Aviation Administration."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


New Schools in Montgomery, Alabama Will Be in Airport Noise Zone

PUBLICATION: The Montgomery Advertiser
DATE: April 22, 1997
SECTION: Front Page; Pg. 1A
BYLINE: By Kim Chandler Advertiser Staff Writer
DATELINE: Montgomery, Alabama

Two new Montgomery schools are being built within the noise zone of the city's Municipal Airport at Dannelly Field, the Montgomery Advertiser reports.

Superintendent John A. "Pete" Eberhart said the location will not cause a problem because the schools are being built with noise suppression designs. "We've checked out all of that," he said. "There's not going to be a noise problem at these schools."

"We felt like somebody needed to put this in writing," said retired Lt. Gen. Stanley M. Umstead, a member of the Montgomery Airport Authority board of directors. "Noise is a factor for one of those schools right now, and for the other if the runway is extended."

City Councilman Joe Reed said putting schools near the airport "is unfair to the children." Reed said classes would have to stop when planes flew over.

Eberhart said the claim was untrue.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Dayton, Ohio Passes Legislation on Car Stereo Noise

PUBLICATION: The Dayton Daily News
DATE: April 22, 1997
SECTION: Metro Today, Pg. 4B
BYLINE: Sonia Krishnan Columbus Bureau
DATELINE: Dayton, Ohio
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Rep. Tom Roberts

Legislation proposed by Dayton Representative Tom Roberts would make it a misdemeanor to play a car stereo too loudly, the Dayton Daily News reports.

Under the proposal, if a car stereo can be heard from 25 feet, the driver could be fined up to $100 for the offense, the article states.

"There are residents complaining all the time about their windows shattering from the noise, " Roberts said. "I'm responding to my constituents' concerns."

Dayton Police Lt. John Barnes said the resolution would give the police the power to stop what is becoming a menace, and suggested that curbing loud stereos could also decrease other crimes.

"Traffic enforcement is a good proactive tool for police to use," Barnes said. "Someone who's stopped for this and thinking about committing a crime, might think twice because we've got his name and license number on record."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Soundproofing Plan Accelerated for Homes Around LAX

PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: April 22, 1997
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Tracy Johnson
DATELINE: Los Angeles
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Mayor Richard Riordan; Councilwoman Ruth Galanter

The Los Angeles Times says that a plan to soundproof residences near Los Angeles International Airport, which will be paid for by the city, will happen in nearly half of the originally projected 15 years.

The article notes that the $95-million project will be shortened in part because of an attempt to increase the efficiency of the noise-reduction program and soundproofing procedures. As many as 100 homes will be completed this year at a cost of about $15-million.

The article goes on to say that soundproofed homes will have double-paned windows, thick doors, and insulated walls and roofs. Noise levels should drop below an average of 45 decibels.

The article says that the Mayor believes the process was streamlined because "putting the power of noise mitigation in the hands of airport officials who receive most of the complaints [makes the program] much more manageable."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Technology May Solve Chicago, O'Hare Expansion Issue

PUBLICATION: Crain's Chicago Business
DATE: April 21, 1997
SECTION: News; Pg. 3
BYLINE: Judith Crown
DATELINE: Chicago

According to a study by United Airlines, technological and procedural changes at O'Hare International Airport could increase the airports flight capacity by 15% to 20%, Crain's Chicago Business reports. The changes could eliminate the need for a new runway and a third regional airport.

United currently has 430 flights into O'Hare daily, and said that flight delays and cancellations could be reduced through better management of arrivals and departures, as well as the flow of ground traffic, especially in bad weather.

The proposals include: upgraded pavement lights that would allow the use of a runway that is usually closed in bad weather; procedural improvements that would enable controllers to more efficiently stagger the time and distance between approaching aircraft; an upgraded tower simulator to help train controllers for the new procedures; and enhancement of ground positioning satellites, which provide the most precise reading of an aircraft's location to help controllers manage traffic flow.

United estimates the cost of these upgrades to be around $100 million, as opposed to $1 billion for a new runway, which has been proposed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

IDOT officials are also looking at new technologies, but say the problem cannot be entirely fixed with such solutions. "Technology can help reduce delays," says Robert York, the state's manager of the South Suburban Airport Project. "But it won't increase the capacity of the airport." The FAA forecast a 4.1% annual growth in air travel nationwide through 2008.

United officials said that some of the innovations can be installed in just a few months, the article reports, while others will take as long as five years. In the meantime, United and American Airlines will oppose the new airport until the effect new technologies have on airtraffic flow can be examined.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Hanover, Virginia Residents Angry Over Airport Expansion

PUBLICATION: The Richmond Times Dispatch
DATE: April 20, 1997
SECTION: Area/STATE, Pg. B-1
BYLINE: Claude Burrows; Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
DATELINE: Hanover, Virginia

The conflict over the expansion of the Hanover Airport was ignited by a letter sent to over 4,000 residents informing them of an ordinance that would require them to notify perspective buyers of potential airport noise, the Richmond Times Dispatch reports.

"The county made some mistakes in how it handled the issue and is now paying the price," said Jack Ward, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors. "At this point some people are not going to be convinced by anything the county says about the project."

The article reports that many of the current residents were not informed of the airport's 10-year expansion plan when they moved in. They are angry that they are being required to notify others, though the same courtesy was not extended them.

Airport officials are trying to convince residents of the economic benefits of airport expansion, the article reports. "It is a win-win proposition for both the county and the citizens because a better airport will enhance the county's economic development prospects and provide more safety for people living in that area," said Jack Ward, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


East Hungtington, Pennsylvania Residents Win Stay of Construction Project

PUBLICATION: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
DATE: April 23, 1997
SECTION: Metro, Pg. B-3, Towns
DATELINE: East Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Don Johnson

Residents of East Huntingdon, Pennsylvania have won a temporary victory against Lomac Petroleum, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The residents are trying to halt construction of a natural-gas pumping station that would create "a life-changing noise," one resident said.

"We don't want to hear a mechanical noise when we step outside," said resident Don Johnson. The residents also fear the sound of the pump will scare off wildlife.

Lomac was instructed to stop construction because it had not filed papers for a zoning variance for the location on which it was building the pumping station. The papers have since been filed and a hearing will be scheduled to discuss the matter.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Singaporeans Modify Motorcycles to Sound More Powerful, But Pass Annual Noise Inspections

PUBLICATION: Singapore Straits Times
DATE: April 21, 1997
SECTION: News
BYLINE: Ginnie Teo
DATELINE: Singapore
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Winny Lim, Tampines resident

The Singapore Straits Times reports that motorcycles that have been modified to make more noise are an increasing problem in Singapore. Last year, 418 motorcyclists were booked for modifying their exhaust systems illegally, the article reports. Motorcycle shops commonly make the modifications for the bikers. Meanwhile, motorcycle owners modify their bikes back to their original, quieter condition each year when the bikes must pass inspection.

According to the article, Singaporeans are familiar with the problem, especially residents of HDB estates, where noise seems amplified when it reverberates between tall buildings. Tampines resident Winny Lim, said she is completely fed up with the noise. She said, "When I'm putting my baby to sleep, a noisy motorcycle zooms past and wakes her up."

The article reports that most of the motorcyclists booked last year for illegally modifying their exhaust systems were Singaporean teenagers who rode medium-sized motorcycles of 125 to 400cc, while a few offenders were Malaysians. The article says that most motorcycle shops will modify the bikes. Riders often ask to swap their original exhaust pipes with smaller ones, which do not block out the engine sound as efficiently. With the smaller pipes, the bikes can produce as much as 110 decibels when they are revved. The permitted noise level set by the Environment Ministry for motorcycles is 99 decibels, the article says. When motorcyclists go for their annual inspections, they simply put back the original exhaust pipes. If a motorcycle doesn't pass the inspection or is found to have a modified exhaust system, the owner is fined $50 for every offense and must fix his vehicle, the article reports.

The article goes on to say that one of the newspaper's reporters checked three carparks in Clarke Quay, Hill Street, and Bedok, and found that 21 motorcycles out of 60 had illegal modifications. Checks by the newspaper reporter at motorcycle shops found that a dozen shops said they had about 20 customers each month asking for motorcycle modifications. Only two of the twelve shops surveyed said they refused such requests. Workers at the shops which accept motorcycle modification jobs said they always try to discourage the motorcyclists before they accept the jobs. One mechanic said, "We tell our customers: 'If you modify your bike, you're playing the fool with the law.' But some customers will say: 'Never mind, my father's rich, he can afford the fine.'" Another mechanic said when he advises motorcyclists the modification is illegal, some change their minds. He added that his shop gets about 300 customers a month, and charges $80 to $400 for each modification job, depending on the bike's size and the extent of the changes requested. Owners of the shops which refuse such jobs said that their mechanics were against noise pollution, or that such jobs are illegal.

The article also says that many of the motorcyclists are motivated to make their bikes louder by trying to impress girls, and by peer pressure. One motorcyclist, Jack, said, "I like speeding past a group of people, revving my engine and looking at their shocked faces. They jump when they hear the loud noise and they'll turn to look at me." Another biker, Alex Wong, said: "I modified my bike because my friends did it. It gives me a sense of power."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Knoxville Community Meeting Reinforces Noise Ordinances

PUBLICATION: Knoxville News-Sentinel
DATE: April 20, 1997
SECTION: East Tennessee; Pg. B3
DATELINE: Knoxville, Tennessee
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Kim Trent of the Center for Neighborhood Development; Council of Involved Neighborhoods (COIN); Knoxville Police Department; Councilman Nick Pavlis

Noise problems from patio bars, boom boxes and other sources will be the topic of discussion at a meeting being sponsored by the Council of Involved Neighborhoods (COIN), Councilman Nick Pavlis and the Knoxville Police Department, the Knoxville News-Sentinel reports.

Kim Trent of the Center for Neighborhood Development said, "The main [noise] concern we have been hearing has to do with the Old City, but other neighborhoods also experience noise problems during the summertime, especially with boom boxes, which become more prevalent when the weather becomes warmer."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Noise Museum Exhibition Opens in London

PUBLICATION: M2 Presswire
DATE: April 21, 1997
DATELINE: London, England

M2 Presswire reports in a press release that there will be an exhibition titled "Noise?" will open at the Science Museum in London on April 24, and will run till July 27. One of the features of the exhibition is research currently underway at the University of Southampton on active sound control, which is cancellation of an unwanted sound wave with another sound wave generated by a loudspeaker. The press release says that the exhibition is aimed at a general and family audience and explores many other interesting areas of noise research, including the production of quieter road surfaces and noise tags to monitor an individual's exposure to noise levels.

For more information, contact Professor Steve Elliott/Professor Frank Fahy/Russell Thompsett, Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, University of Southampton, Tel: +44 (0)1703 593082; Fax: +44 (0)1703 593190; e-mail: SJE@ISVR.SOTON.AC.UK; or, the Building Research Establishment, Tel: +44 (0)1923 664664 (2.00pm-4.30pm Monday to Friday); or, Robert Davies, Manager, ISVR Consultancy Services, Tel: +44 (0)1703 593312; Fax: +44 (0)1703 592162; e-mail: RAD@ISVR.SOTON.AC.UK; or, Sarah Watts, Public Affairs, University of Southampton, Tel: +44 (0)1703 593807; or, Zena Howard / Natalie Fowle, Science Museum Press Office, Tel: +44 (0)171 938 8188/8181.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


The European Commission Outlines Airport Equity Proposal

PUBLICATION: 1997 RAPID
DATE: April 23, 1997
SECTION: Press Release; Ip: 97/339
DATELINE: European Community

The 1997 RAPID reports that the European Commission agreed on a proposal that would create a framework to ensure fair and equitable market conditions for airports and airlines within the EC. The program includes a proposal for noise regulations.

The proposal is an attempt at libaralization of the air transport market, and includes provisions on cost, space availability, air traffic, ground handling services, computer reservation systems, and other issues.

The noise issue would have to do mainly with flying times and allowable aircraft noise levels. The development of the proposal is still in the preliminary stages.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


British University Studies Sound to Fight Noise Problems

PUBLICATION: M2 Presswire
DATE: April 21, 1997
DATELINE: Great Britain

M2 Presswire reports in a press release that for several years, researchers at the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at Great Britain's University of Southampton have been investigating the potential of active sound control in reducing the effect of noise transmitted from one room to another in buildings. The press release says that active sound control is the cancellation of an unwanted sound wave with another soundwave, usually generated by a loudspeaker. The press release says that the scientists' work on active sound control is one of the features of an exhibition opening at the Science Museum in London on Thursday, April 24, titled "Noise?" The exhibition runs until July 27, and coincides with both International Noise Awareness Day on April 30, and National Noise Awareness Day on July 23.

The press release says that initial findings from the research indicate that active sound control of noise is much more difficult in buildings than in aircraft, helicopters, or cars. Those are the areas in which active sound control has already been used, the press release explains. The waveform of the noise in buildings is often more complicated than that in aircraft and cars, the press release says, and noise in buildings also tends to have a strong subjective impact, particularly if it is music.

The press release also says that active sound control can be more active sound control can sometimes work at a single point in a room, but the effect is soon lost when the listener moves away from that point. A solution to this problem may be an active headset, where the active control system is incorporated into a pair of small headphones, or an active headrest for use in one location. The press release says the research is still at too early a stage to envision a commercial product. The research is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Meanwhile, researcher Steve Elliott said, "The 1996 Noise Act, which is expected to come into effect later this year, will set an objective standard for excessive neighbor noise at night. Another suggestion, which might be practicable in some cases, is the construction of a double wall."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Salesman Denied Compensation For Tinnitus

PUBLICATION: Illinois Workers' Compensation Law Bulletin
DATE: April 21, 1997
SECTION: Arising Out Of Employment; Working Conditions; Vol. 5, No. 6

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Law Bulletin reports that a salesperson who suffered acoustic trauma due to a low flying airplane while he was on a sales call, did not sustain an injury considered to be compensable.

The Commission that decided the case noted that the doctrine of positional risk was not recognized in Illinois and there was no increased risk peculiar to claimant's employment.

The claimant was diagnosed with Tinnitus after a plane at the airport where he was making a sales call passed overhead at about 50 to 70 feet. The claimant was unable to protect his ears because of the sales cases he was carrying in his hands.

The arbitrator in the case denied benefits, noting that the mere fact that an employee was present at the place of injury because of his employment duties did not in and of itself establish that the employee's injury arose out of his employment. The arbitrator determined there was nothing in claimant's job duties that put him at greater risk of suffering tinnitus from an overhead jet airplane than any member of the general public. A majority of the Commission adopted the arbitrators findings.

The dissent argued that claimant was a traveling salesman and was required to go to wherever his customer or potential customer was located, and therefore was placed by his job duties in a situation where hearing damage, to the extent of 15% loss, resulted.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Residents Around LAX Will Be Soundproofed

PUBLICATION: The Daily News of Los Angeles
DATE: April 22, 1997
SECTION: News, Pg. N4
BYLINE: Patrick Mcgreevy Daily News Staff Writer
DATELINE: Los Angeles

Mayor Richard Riordan announced the creation of a new Airport Residential Soundproofing Bureau, with a budget of $12 million, that will soundproof 8,900 homes around Los Angeles International Airport over the next 7 years, the Daily News of Los Angeles reports.

"This is part of our program to be good neighbors and to put people first," Riordan said at a news conference at LAX.

The program will cover homes that have decibel levels over 65 due to airport noise. The target decibel level will be 45.

Most are happy with the plan. However, Councilwoman Laura Chick said that similar problems exist around Van Nuys airport, and that a similar program should be set up there. The mayor's office is waiting for conclusive studies to demonstrate the need for noise abatement around Van Nuys.

Airport Department spokeswoman Nancy Niles said the noise problem is worse at LAX because of the large number of heavy commercial jets that use the airport, as opposed to the predominantly smaller planes that fly out of Van Nuys.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


35-Year-Old Knoxville Noise Ordinance May Receive Update

PUBLICATION: Knoxville News-Sentinel
DATE: April 22, 1997
SECTION: A Section; Pg. A4
BYLINE: By Jim Balloch, News-Sentinel Staff Writer
DATELINE: Knoxville, Tennessee
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Gwen Winfrey of the Morningside Homeowners Association

The Knoxville News-Sentinel reports that a 35-year-old noise ordinance, criticized by residents for being vague and inadequate to current needs, may soon be changed.

At a public meeting held Monday, the News-Sentinel reports that citizens volunteered to serve on a study committee that will make recommendations on an updated ordinance to the City Law Department and the City Council.

Complaints addressed at the meeting ranged from noise produced at a promotional event held at a local business to the sound output from "boom boxes" used by many area youth. Gwen Winfrey of the Morningside Homeowners Association said a vacant lot in the five points area attracts youths, cars and boom boxes "year after year, every summer."

Knoxville's ordinance prohibits, among other things, musical noises that "annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons" in nearby residences. The vague wording leaves most of the power of interpretation in the hands of police officers.

The law is "very nebulous" said Dr. Sam Burchfield, audiologist at the University of Tennessee. Burchfield said "Lawyers could have a field day with this" because the ordinance contains no specific, measurable decibel levels.

Nearby Gatlinburg's noise ordinance, which is very similar to Knoxville's, was struck down by a Circuit Court judge as unconstitutionally vague. That decision is on appeal.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Airport Noise Won't Stop Las Vegas Housing Project

PUBLICATION: Las Vegas Review-Journal
DATE: April 23, 1997
SECTION: Aa; Pg. 4AA
BYLINE: Ray Parker
DATELINE: Las Vegas, Nevada

The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the North Las Vegas City Council approved a $100 million housing project despite concerns over airport noise raised by both residents and airport officials.

The protests also included concerns over increased crime levels, decreased property values, traffic congestion and the effects of a higher populace on the quality of schools. The council said that the developers had answered all concerns, and gave its approval.

Councilman John Rhodes cast the only negative vote. Other councilmembers were mollified on the noise issue by promises by developers to make new residents sign a noise disclosure form.

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Toronto Citizens Coalition Working to Stop Noise

PUBLICATION: The Toronto Star
DATE: April 24, 1997
SECTION: Life; Pg. C5
BYLINE: Bill Taylor
DATELINE: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Eric Greenspoon, Annette Feige, activists, Citizens Coalition Against Noise; Barbara Hall, mayor

The Toronto Star reports that Eric Greenspoon and Annette Feige are leading activists in Toronto's Citizens Coalition Against Noise. The activists are trying to start a noise pollution revolution in Canada, the article says. They work to raise awareness about noise pollution, and they will be handing out earplugs and informational material next Wednesday on International Noise Awareness Day.

According to the article, Annette Feige said she got involved in noise issues when she couldn't get to sleep one night because of what she thought was a party next door. She found out the party was 30 houses away, and no one but her had complained. Greenspan said, "It's that Canadian mentality. People don't complain."

Feige and Greenspoon say they want to spread the word that noise levels are rising and can damage health. They say Barbara Hall, the mayor, and other municipalities are already behind their cause. And they're pushing for a widespread minute of silence on International Noise Awareness Day. Greenspoon said, "At 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, we're urging people to stop whatever they're doing and just . . . listen."

The article says Greenspoon said he checked out 10 or 15 restaurants today with his noise meter, and they all registered about 70 decibels. He said normal conversation is at about 58 to 60 decibels, and the Ontario workplace standard is a maximum of 90 decibels for eight hours. He added that 85 decibels is about the level of a smoke detector going off. Rock concerts, Greenspoon said, easily register 115 to 120 decibels and are very dangerous.

But it's the noise of daily life that the coalition is most focused on, the article reports. Greenspoon says that noise is increasing steadily. Greenspoon and Feige say stores almost always have music, and even libraries aren't quiet anymore. Traffic, airplanes, lawnmowers, and leaf-blowers are also on their list of villians. Greenspoon says all the noises of daily life add up. "Young people are growing up knowing no different," he said. "They're damaging their hearing and becoming stressed out whether they're aware of it or not."

Greenspoon and Feige say it's not only hard to convince the average citizen that noise pollution is an issue, it's even hard to convince many environmental groups. Feige says most environmental groups not only don't deal with the issue, they sometimes contribute to the problem. She cited the annual Earth Day celebrations that use blasting loudspeakers.

But, the activists say they're slowly getting through to people. They have several hundred supporters and members, they say. The article reports Greenspoon and Feige have a collection of "comment cards" they often leaves behind at bars and restaurants. Most have comments like "Your music bothers me!" or "I don't like music forced upon me. Would you please turn it off?" or "Your loud music drove me out!" The one they don't use much, the article says, reads "Thank you for your quiet environment."

Top
NPC Noise News
NPC Home


Previous week: April 13, 1997
Next week: April 27, 1997

Indexes

Indexes

Aircraft Noise
Amplified Noise
Effects on Wildlife/Animals
Construction Noise
Firing Ranges
Health Effects
Home Equipment and Appliances
Industrial/Manufacturing
International News
Environmental Justice
Land Use and Noise
Lawsuits
Civil Liberty Issues
Miscellaneous Noise Stories
Noise Ordinances
Noise Organizations Mentioned
Outdoor Events
Noise in Our National Parks/Natural Areas
Regulation
Residential and Community Noise
Snowmobile and ATV Noise
Research and Studies
Technological Solutions to Noise
Transportation Related Noise
Violence and Noise
Watercraft Noise
Workplace Noise

Chronological Index
Geographical Index

NPC Menu Bar NPC Home Page Ask NPC Support NPC Search the NPC Home Page NPC QuietNet NPC Resources NPC Hearing Loss and Occupational Noise Library NPC Noise News NPC Law Library NPC Library