Noise News for Week of January 30, 2000


T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island Plans to Buy 260 Homes to Mitigate Noise

PUBLICATION: Associated Press State and Local Wire
DATE: January 31, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Warwick, Rhode Island

The Associated Press State and Local Wire reports that T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island plans to offer home buyouts to 260 homeowners to mitigate noise. Local officials are asking for creation of a federal law which would make airports reimburse municipalities for tax revenue lost in the process of noise mitigation.

The article reports that T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island plans to offer home buyouts to 260 homeowners to mitigate noise. The plan could cost $40 million. Homeowners will be notified within a few weeks.

The article notes that some worry about the tax revenue that will be lost by the buyouts. In response, local officials are asking the state's congressional representatives to propose a federal law which would make airports responsible for reimbursing localities for tax revenue lost in the process of noise mitigation.

The article notes that since 1996, passenger counts at the airport have more than doubled to 5 million. A federal noise study of the airport is being conducted as part of a proposal to change flight paths and extend a runway: a proposal that could cost $90 million.

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Helicopter Convention Includes Retrofits to Reduce Noise Footprint, Inspired By Noise Problems Over Grand Canyon National Park

PUBLICATION: Aviation Week and Space Technology
DATE: January 31, 2000
SECTION: World News & Analysis; Vol. 152, No. 5; Pg. 44
BYLINE: Edward H. Phillips
DATELINE: Las Vegas, Nevada

Aviation Week and Space Technology reports on an international helicopter conference which included the introduction of a retrofitted sightseeing helicopter which is quieter than the original, creating an 80-decibel footprint.

The article reports on an international helicopter conference held in Las Vegas. The event, which drew 14,000 people included the introduction of a retrofitted helicopter which is quieter than the original. The redesign was undertaken to address noise problems at Grand Canyon National Park.

The article notes that Whisper Jet Inc. spent $10-million on the redesign of its Sikorsky S-55, which was "retrofitted with a 1,040 shp. Garrett 331-10 turboshaft engine derated to 650 shp." The result is a vehicle with large sightseeing windows and room for nine passengers. The noise footprint has been reduced to 80 decibels by using "a special acoustic liner in the engine intake plenum," and a modified exhaust system.

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Exeter, U.K. Recording Studio Owner Threatened With Eviction Because of Noise Complaints, Although Noise Officials Say the Noise Is Legally Acceptable

PUBLICATION: Express and Echo
DATE: January 31, 2000
SECTION: Pg.14
DATELINE: Exeter, United Kingdom

The Express and Echo reports that the owner of a recording studio in Exeter, U.K. is being threatened with eviction because of noise complaints. Local noise officials visited the studio and said that the noise was in legal limits, but the landlord still insists on eviction.

The article reports that the owner of a recording studio in Exeter, U.K. is being threatened with eviction because of noise complaints. The man has spent 4,000 pounds on noise insulation, and cut back on evening sessions.

The article notes that local noise officials visited the studio and said that the noise was in legal limits, and even called it "inaudible." No new noise complaints have been received since November, but the landlord still insists on eviction.

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Scaled-Down Housing Development in Stoke-on-Trent, U.K. Receives Approval Despite Concerns that Nearby Shot-Blasting Operation May Prompt Noise Complaints

PUBLICATION: The Sentinel
DATE: January 31, 2000
SECTION: Council: City, Pg.7
BYLINE: Michael Howard

The Sentinel reports that the city council of Stoke-on-Trent, U.K. approved a scaled down housing development near a noisy plant. Representatives of the nearby engineering company say they worry that noise complaints may still jeopardize the future of the plant.

The article reports that the city council of Stoke-on-Trent, U.K. approved a scaled down housing development near a shot-blasting operation and engineering plant. The development was supposed to include 182 homes, but the developer reduced the number to 92 and moved them away from the noisiest areas to please the city council.

The article notes that shot-blasting is analogous to sandblasting, but uses steel balls instead of sand and more effectively contains dust. Representatives of the nearby engineering company say they worry that noise complaints may still jeopardize the future of the plant.

The article goes on to say that the city council also required construction of an earthen berm, fencing, and double-glazed windows to protect homeowners from noise.

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Minnesota Competition Asks College Students to Design a Cleaner, Quieter Snowmobile

PUBLICATION: Star Tribune
DATE: January 31, 2000
SECTION: News; Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Richard Meryhew
DATELINE: Mankato, Minnesota

The Star Tribune reports that engineering students from seven colleges will compete in Jackson, Wyoming to have the cleanest, quietest snowmobile. The issues of air-pollution and noise in Wyoming state parks had been looming large, and the competition was conceived as a constructive way to address the issue.

The article reports that engineering students from seven colleges -- including Minnesota State University: Mankato -- will compete in Jackson, Wyoming to have the cleanest, quietest snowmobile. The Clean Snowmobile Challenge includes $23,000 in cash prizes.

The article notes that students will clean up the two-stroke engines -- which typically emit about one-third of their fuel unburned into the air -- by adding a "cylinder head that incorporates direct fuel injection, make use of a catalytic converter and use an ethanol-blend gasoline." Insulation will be added in the hood to muffle noise, and the exhaust pipe will be larger for the same reason.

The article goes on to say that the competition was the brainchild of a teacher from Jackson, Wyoming and a state parks manager. The issues of air-pollution and noise in Wyoming state parks had been looming large, and the competition was conceived as a constructive way to address the issue.

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Letters to the Editor Show Support for El Toro Airport

PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: January 30, 2000
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 13; Metro Desk
BYLINE: D. C. Barr, Camille Jensen
DATELINE: Mission Viejo, California; Orange, California

The Los Angeles Times prints several letters to the editor, two of which deal with potential noise from the proposed El Toro International Airport in Orange County, California. The first argues that El Toro is needed because nearby John Wayne Airport is already overburdened and unsafe. The second says that residents near the proposed El Toro Airport knew about the noise from the former military base, and so should have no complaint about noise from a new airport.

"Orange County is facing a dilemma much bigger than asserted noise from the El Toro airport: an insufficient infrastructure that could cripple Orange County in the near future.

Already millions of Orange County air passengers are using Los Angeles International and Ontario airports because John Wayne Airport is incapable of handling additional planes and passengers.

After the condemnation of 700 prime business acres, required to enlarge John Wayne, Orange County would still be left with an undersized, dangerous airport with no further room to expand.

Fortunately, the El Toro base does exist and will be the ideal place for international and cargo flights. John Wayne should be left as a commercial airport to continue servicing Orange County's millions of passengers yearly.

El Toro's 18,000 acres will provide an awesome park and airport. It would be a perfect blend of safe and quiet advanced aeronautical technology and a tribute to our foresight to provide the infrastructure necessary for Orange County to remain the jewel of California."

D.C. BARR

Mission Viejo

"There are times that too much information actually causes confusion. That is my evaluation of the airport issue in Orange County. Every week an El Toro airport-related issue dominates the local news, with both sides giving it their "spin."

Gone is the common-sense logic that our county's size, population, expected growth and lack of current airport capacity necessitate an airport on the large El Toro site.

Sure, communities around the proposed new airport will be affected. Most large public projects that benefit the majority have some negatives for a few people.

In this case, the affected people bought in that area knowing their neighbor was a Marine air base with noisy jets. Their complaints now must be examined with that in mind."

CAMILLE JENSEN

Orange

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Orange County, California Fair Agrees Not to Extract Legal Fees from Two Neighbors Who Opposed Them In a Losing Lawsuit Over Noise from a Fairgrounds Amphitheater

PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: January 30, 2000
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 12; Metro Desk
DATELINE: Orange County, California

The Los Angeles Times reports that the Orange County, California Fair has agreed not to hold two neighbors to their 'responsibility' to pay $52,000 in legal fees. The two neighbors had joined the losing side of a lawsuit that claimed an amphitheater was sold to the fair when it was known to be unusable due to noise restrictions. When the company who sold the theater settled and the neighbors did not, the neighbors were shouldered with the legal fees. If they don't appeal the ruling, the legal fees will now be waived.

The article reports that the Orange County, California Fair has agreed not to hold two neighbors to their 'responsibility' to pay $52,000 in legal fees. At one point, the fair had gone so far as to threaten the two women that they would have to pay $3.3 million in legal fees.

The article notes that the legal fees are from a lawsuit that the fair brought against an entertainment company -- Nederlander -- that sold the fairgrounds an amphitheater. The fair claimed that Nederlander knew the amphitheater was useless because of noise restrictions that essentially prohibited rock concerts. Nederlander was first sued in 1984 -- a year after it opened the theater -- for noise violations, and sold the amphitheater to the fair in 1993 for $12.5-million. <)>The article goes on to say that when Nederlander settled with the fair for $16-million, the two neighbors -- who had joined the suit with Nederlander in an attempt to insure that the amphitheater remain quiet -- were shouldered with the attorneys fees. The fees have been waived on the condition that the lawsuit not be taken to appeals court.

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Orange County, California Plans to Maintain Noise Rules at John Wayne Airport When Original Agreement Expires, Regardless Of Whether El Toro Airport Becomes a Reality

PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: January 30, 2000
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 1; Metro Desk
BYLINE: Jean O. Pasco
DATELINE: Orange County, California

The Los Angeles Times reports that Orange County, California officials plan to keep noise rules at John Wayne Airport in place even after 2005 when the original regulations expire. It remains unclear whether this plan will be feasible. Residents near John Wayne worry that if the proposed El Toro airport isn't built, John Wayne could grow dramatically.

The article reports that Orange County, California officials plan to keep noise rules at John Wayne Airport in place even after 2005 when the original regulations expire. In 1985 the rules were set, and they were allowed to stand after 1990 -- when a federal law limited local power over airport operations -- because they were established previously.

The article notes that the county hopes to amend the original agreement when it expires in 2005 to include the proposed El Toro Airport in the noise rules. A lawyer for nearby cities who are opposed to El Toro says that wouldn't work under the 1990 federal law, although the county would have a chance at renewing the noise regulations without amendment. The original agreement does contain mention of a future second airport, and officials hope that would be enough to imply that the same protections should apply.

The article notes that residents near John Wayne Airport worry that if El Toro doesn't become a reality, John Wayne could grow dramatically. A part of the 1985 noise rules includes a passenger cap, and if the noise rules aren't renewed 24-million passengers -- four times current usage -- could begin using John Wayne.

The article goes on to say that if El Toro is built, county officials will ban nighttime flights by the loudest jets, though some flights will be allowed. They claim that a larger buffer between runways and houses allows this more lenient policy at El Toro as opposed to John Wayne.

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West Boca, Florida Couple Complains that a Neighbor Stomps In Wooden Clogs at Night and Allows Her Dogs to Bark Constantly; Neighbor Files Suit to Stop Their "Harassment"

PUBLICATION: Sun-Sentinel
DATE: January 30, 2000
SECTION: Local, Pg. 1B
BYLINE: Nancy L. Othbon
DATELINE: West Boca, Florida

The Sun-Sentinel reports that in West Boca, Florida, an elderly couple claims their upstairs neighbor stomps around with wooden clogs at night and allows her two dogs to constantly bark. The neighbor, who now wears socks at night, said she is suing the couple for harassing her.

The article reports that in West Boca, Florida, an elderly couple claims their upstairs neighbor stomps around with wooden clogs at night and allows her two dogs to constantly bark.

The article notes that the neighbor, Karen Sohn, says that she wears the wooden clogs only because she's short, and has recently been wearing only socks at night. She claims that her dogs can't bark incessantly because of medical problems. She is suing the couple for harassing her, and says she is afraid to leave her house because of threatening phone calls that she has received.

The neighbors say she is intentionally trying to disturb them, and other neighbors agree that the clogs are annoying. Officials have been called to the apartments 21 times this month, and four times in the last two years.

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Pembroke Pines, Florida Considers Stricter Noise Ordinance

PUBLICATION: Sun-Sentinel
DATE: January 30, 2000
SECTION: Community News, Pg. 1
BYLINE: Mileydi Guilarte
DATELINE: Pembroke Pines, Florida

The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Mayor of Pembroke Pines, Florida has asked city commissioners to consider toughening the existing noise ordinance. Noise that exceeded new decibel limits, or was loud enough "to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighborhood, regardless of the time of day," would be punishable by up to $500 fine or 60 days in jail.

The article reports that the Mayor of Pembroke Pines, Florida has asked city commissioners to consider toughening the existing noise ordinance. Currently, noise is only a violation between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The stricter rules were prompted by an e-mail to the mayor, and are aimed at loud car- and personal-stereos.

The article notes that the new noise ordinance would set decibel limits, and officers would also be able to use their discretion to decide if noise is loud enough "to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of the neighborhood, regardless of the time of day." The maximum penalty would be a $500 fine and 60 days in jail.

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Mayfield, Scotland Senior Citizen Sleeps In Her Car to Escape Neighbors Music; Neighbor Counters that Senior's Saint Bernard Snores

PUBLICATION: Sunday Mail
DATE: January 30, 2000
SECTION: News; Pg. 6
DATELINE: Mayfield, Midlothian, Scotland

The Sunday Mail reports that an elderly woman in Mayfield, Midlothian, Scotland has taken to sleeping in her car because of music that comes through her walls from her neighbors. Her neighbor says the music is not too loud, and counters that he loses sleep from her snoring, which she blames on her dog.

The article reports that an elderly woman in Mayfield, Midlothian, Scotland has taken to sleeping in her car because of music that comes through her walls from her neighbors. She says the music recently went on from 6 p.m. at night to 10:30 a.m.

The article notes that her neighbor says that police -- who have been called to the house many times -- always say the music is not too loud. He also says that he loses sleep from her snoring, which she blames on her Saint Bernard.

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UK Residents Suffer From Highway Road Noise

PUBLICATION: Daily Telegraph
DATE: February 5, 2000
SECTION: Pg. 03
BYLINE: by Andrew Baxter
DATELINE: Westcott, England
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Roy Eames, resident; Warblington Residents' Association

The Daily Telegraph of London reported on residents in one English town who say their quiet, pastoral life has come to an end because of a new highway that recently opened near their town.

According to the Moore family, the highway's concrete surface is the culprit, and the traffic roar is so intense that windows remain shut, even in the hottest weather, and outdoor meals don't happen anymore.

The article said that the Moores landscaped the perimeter of the property so they won't see the highway, but are determined to move if is not resurfaced with a material that generates less noise. That's the good news. The bad news is that property values around the Moores have suffered, too. One house 50 yards from the road is now "unsellable", even after a significant reduction in price.

The article said that road acoustics expert Graham Rock, has been commissioned to conduct a noise test, and accuses the English government of dragging its heels to solve the problem and now residents are putting the pressure on government officials.

According to the article, road noise can be reduced by half just by laying noise-deadening surfaces, as proven by a resurfaced highway in Yorkshire, prompted by public pressure.

The article said that the highway near Yorkshire is the first concrete highway resurfaced with a bitumen compound. Maintenance budget cuts, the article revealed, prevent similar roads from being resurfaced.

The article said that homeowners up to 300 meters from a new road are eligible for property loss compensation under the 1973 Land Compensation Act, and could potentially be eligible for "double-glazing grants."

The article said that 2,500 pay-outs near Sussex cost 22 million pounds, two million more than the cost of the road.

But it doesn't look as though government officials will soon act to remedy the problem. According to Roy Eames, a 68-year-old retired civil servant who heads the Warblington Residents' Association fight, a solution is inexpensive but that pleas for help have been ignored.

The article said that "transversely textured concrete" ("maintenance-free" ridged concrete) is the noisiest road surface, reaching 90dB when a truck goes by at 56mph. Acoustics experts state that damage to the ear can occur from constant exposure to noise above 80dB. Average readings are around 65dB, equivalent to standing in the middle of a noisy.

According to the article, the Highways Agency is laying noise -deadening bitumen on most roads as they become due for resurfacing, but a Conservative minister for transport, Bernard Jenkin, says it's too little too late. Jenkin further faults the Labour party for funding repairs to cover a very small percentage of the country's roads.

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Nevada Activists Criticize Navy Training Plan

PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: February 5, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
BYLINE: by Martin Griffith
DATELINE: Reno, Nevada
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Grace Potorti, director of Rural Alliance for Military Accountability

According to an article from the Associated Press, a group of Nevada activists who monitor military activity has criticized officials of the Fallon Naval Air Station for planning to place two electronic warfare sites and 22 smaller mobile electronic sites on public land. The article said the Bureau of Land Management is collaborating with the Navy on the plan, which will be used for training.

The article explained that Grace Potorti, director of the Rural Alliance for Military Accountability in Reno, said the increase in noise would have an adverse impact on the region. "We have serious reservations about this," said Potorti. "It all goes back to incremental military encroachment on public land that we all depend on, whether for ranching, mining or recreation."

The article claimed just the opposite--that the Navy's final environmental impact statement convinced officials at Fallon and BLM that the sites would have little environmental impact.

Potorti said expressed her concern that the BLM ignored local decision-making and isn't convinced that the noise impact is minimal. She went on to say that the group fears that once the sites are established, more will soon follow. "Five years down the road, it'll be Plan B calling for more land," she said.

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UK Residents Oppose New Nightclub Because of Noise and Rowdiness

PUBLICATION: Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
DATE: February 5, 2000
SECTION: Local News, Pg. 10
BYLINE: Peter Young
DATELINE: Newcasle, England
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Attorney Sally Young

The Newcastle Chronicle and Journal reported that residents in the English town complained to the Newcastle City council about plans for a new nightclub near their homes. They don't want to listen to noise or disturbances and promise to fight the plan.

According to the article, local attorneys are supporting the residents because of the potential problems that could occur.

Attorney Sally Young said: "It's completely out of order and we will be objecting most strongly.

One resident, Tom McDonough, 39, said "This is on the doorstep of a residential area and it came as a complete shock when we got the letter from the council."

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Idaho Cement Company To Study Plant Noise

PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: February 4, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Inkom, Idaho

According to an article from the Associated Press, the Ash Grove Cement Company will fund a second acoustic study to determine the source of a low hum bothering residents in the vicinity of the plant.

The article said that a previous study by Associates in Acoustics of Evergreen, Colorado claimed the noise was generated by traffic on Interstate 15, but neighbors don't agree and believe that study to be flawed.

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Illinois Condo Boards Should Be Concerned About Noise

PUBLICATION: Chicago Sun-Times
DATE: February 4, 2000
SECTION: Hof; Condo Watch; Pg. 27; N
BYLINE: David Mack
DATELINE: Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Sun-Times printed an article about condo living and noise, highlighting how to reduce it and how to deal with noisy neighbors, but remarking that noise is often defined in subjective terms and that our attitudes about it are as various as people.

According to the article, it isn't poor hearing that causes some people to be noisy, but a lack of consideration for others.

It is this reason, the article explained, that some condo associations set limits on the hours that loud music can be played.

The article went on to say that it is always prudent for condo boards to get neighbors to resolve their noise problems instead of enforcing the rules. If a peaceful conversation isn't pragmatic, the article suggested that neighbors meet with a committee or mediator to resolve the problem.

The article said that if noise is still a problem but doesn't violate any rules and if internal measures don't work, then sometimes the last resort is to call the police, and let them judge under local ordinances.

The article quoted Bob Nesbit of the law firm of Kovitz Shifrin & Waitzman as saying that noise problems are the most frequent reasons his firm represents condo associations. Nesbit said that boards must be proactive in addressing noise disputes to avoid being sued.

"Boards must uphold their own covenants," he said.

According to the article, the first action boards should take is to listen to a noise complaint at the source to determine whether there's a rule violation or problem. In extreme cases, they can bring in a specialist to check noise levels with a meter. If there is a noise problem, Nesbit suggests sending a letter to the offending party asking for quiet. If that doesn't work, then the owner should file a formal complaint asking for a hearing, with the potential to set fines for non-compliance. The last step is going to court, but Nesbit warns that associations "shouldn't expect to be able to recover legal fees."

To reinforce the point, Nesbit suggested bringing "a whole parade of witnesses who don't like the noise," to ensure, the article said, winning in court.

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Illinois Tenants Encouraged to Make Sound Improvements Against Noise

PUBLICATION: Chicago Sun-Times
DATE: February 4, 2000
SECTION: Hof; Pg. 27; N
BYLINE: Donna Peremes
DATELINE: Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Sun-Times suggested several ways to insulate a residence against noise.

If thin walls are a problem, hanging a large ceiling-to-floor tapestry back-padded with fiberglass muffles sound effectively, according to Illinois building inspector Al Ubell. The article added that building a separate wall with pegboard or other absorbent material backed with fiberglass also works well.

Draping a carpet from the ceiling (insert with grommets) is a handy tip that interior designers who work with sound people gave Ubell.

Doubling the padding of carpeting is an easy and effective, according to Ubell, who prefers a fibrous pad such as fiberglass, nylon, Orlon or Teflon, rather than a foam pad, which is susceptible to air pockets and deteriorates more quickly.

The article stated that people with pianos should have shock absorbers under the wheels.

Checking out where the elevator, garbage chute and stairwell are in a prospective condo or apartment is good advice, according to the article, and living at least one unit away from mechanical equipment is good for the sound sensitive.

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California Residents Disturbed Over Continual Jet Noise

PUBLICATION: San Francisco Chronicle
DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2000
SECTION: East Bay Friday; Pg. 1; East Bay Etcetera
BYLINE: Josh Sens
DATELINE: East Bay, California

The San Francisco Chronicle reported on Point Richmond residents who are subjected to jet noise every six minutes, and who've organized to get the number of overhead flights reduced.

The article said that while they may have fashionable homes and breathtaking views, the nighttime air traffic is the worst in the Bay Area. According to the article, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., nearly every flight headed north or east from Oakland and San Francisco flies over Richmond.

Resident Christine Cordi says the airport is expanding, thus evening noise is getting worse, prompting her to join with another Richmond resident Millicent Yee, to ask Richmond Mayor Rosemary Corbin to pressure the Federal Aviation Administration reroute the flights.

The article said that airport noise is a political hot potato because cities with more "clout," such as Berkeley, are successful in keeping nighttime flights out of their airspace, but Richmond may be a different story.

"The FAA's first priority is safety, then efficiency, then noise, " says Christian Valdes of the Port of Oakland's Noise Abatement Office.

Cordi pledged to continue her protest.

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Hong Kong Government Wants To Sue Executives for Company Noise Violations

PUBLICATION: Agence France Presse
DATE: February 3, 2000
SECTION: International News
DATELINE: Hong Kong, China

The Agence France Presse reported that government officials in Hong Kong plan to pass a bill making executives liable for the noise their companies create because of a significant increase in noise complaints. Fines could be as high as $12,870 for the first offense. As of this writing, fines are levied against companies only.

According to the article, in 1998 companies were declared in violation of noise ordinances in 85 percent of the 380 convictions because of construction, commercial, and industrial activities. The article went on to say that between 1996 and 1998, 44 companies were cited for violating noise ordinances five or more times. Twelve firms were cited more than 10 times. The article said that about 100,000 people were affected by the noise pollution cases prosecuted here last year.

A spokesperson for the company said the rationale behind the proposal is to force executives to take responsibility to fix noise problems.

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North Carolina FedEx Airport Plans Subject of Noise Debate

PUBLICATION: High Point Enterprise
DATE: February 3, 2000
BYLINE: Paul B. Johnson
DATELINE: Greensboro, North Carolina

According to the Tribune Business News, FedEx officials may have to prove how noisy its aircraft will be by providing a sample landing and takeoff at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA). Airport officials are amenable to the idea if FedEx executives are open to the idea.

North High Point resident John Hayes suggested the trial run, and the article said that FedEx spokesman officials with the overnight delivery service corporation would remain open to the idea. However, company spokesman Jess Bunn stressed that the Federal Aviation Administration's environmental impact study is the best resource regarding questions on the impact of noise. A public hearing has not yet been scheduled, but is expected in the future.

The article said that $300 million FedEx center, critical to the economic growth and longevity for the airport, is expected to open in 2005. FedEx opponents state that the early morning air traffic will result in serious airport noise and adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods. In addition, approval from the FAA is mandatory in order that regular flights can land and take off without hindrance.

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South Carolinians Organize Opposition to Port Authority's Plan for Container Port

PUBLICATION: The Post and Courier
DATE: February 3, 2000
SECTION: Ber, Pg. 1
BYLINE: Tyees Douglas
DATELINE: Charleston, South Carolina
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Daniel Island Neighborhood Association; Judy C. Jackson, association president; "South Carolina-More Than a Port"; Juliet Cohen, director

The Post and Courier reported that residents on Daniel Island will publicly oppose the State Ports Authority's (SPA) plan to establish a large container port on state land near the island. They've even formed their own organization, the Daniel Island Neighborhood Association.

The plan is called the Global Gateway project, and the group issued a press release criticizing SPA's Draft Environmental Impact Statement because it did not take into consideration an estimated 300 homes on the island, which was essentially rural until about 1996.

The article said that while residents were aware of the potential growth for the island, they had no inkling of SPA's project until they read about in the paper.

According to the article, association president Judy C. Jackson wants people in nearby towns to know Daniel Island residents actively oppose the port because the potential negative impact on their lives is significant. By contacting other communities and getting the word out, the association hopes local officials will rethink establishing the port.

The article said that an SPA spokesperson tried to reassure residents that every precaution will be taken minimize noise from the port's activity, including building buffers such as berms and separating residential and industrial traffic.

In addition, the SPA claims that it hasn't turned a deaf ear to residents and promised to include them in the final environmental impact statement.

The neighborhood association joined "South Carolina-More Than a Port," an umbrella organization of 16 groups that actively oppose the project. Director Juliet Cohen voiced emphatic concern over the impact of the container port, especially increased traffic, noise, air and water pollution.

In a series of local community meetings, Daniel and other members of the alliance have attempted to meet with citizens and legislators to let them know that more than Daniel Island's quality of life is at stake, that the region's quality of life is at risk.

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UK Tavern Owners Asked to Reduce Noise

PUBLICATION: The Press
DATE: February 3, 2000
SECTION: News; National; Pg. 7; Regional Briefing Regional News
DATELINE: Wanaka, New Zealand

According to The Press, local officials from Wanaka urged tavern and motel owners to resolve their conflict over noise from loud music and bar customers.

Motel owners say their overnight guests expect to sleep undisturbed overnight. Tavern and restaurant owners claim they must be able to do business or they'll lose customers to nearby Queenstown. No compromise or resolution has been reached to date, but talks are still going on.

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Noise is All in a Day's Work for Florida's Garbage Pick Up

PUBLICATION: The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News
DATE: February 3, 2000
SECTION: Opinion; Pg. A11
BYLINE: Joe Crankshaw
DATELINE: Martin County, Florida

The Stuart News/Port St. Lucie News printed a satirical opinion editorial about garbage pickup and noise. The editorial was a tongue-in-cheek answer to someone's rhetorical question about why garbage collection is so noisy in the morning.

Beginning with the premise that all occupations include a training period, the writer claimed that sanitation workers also received training, especially concerning early morning pick-ups.

Recalling the days before trash and garbage were not separated, the writer stereotyped sanitation workers as they emptied heavy cans of refuse into a truck and clanged them back down before continuing down an alley to another stop.

The editorial continued its satirical tone with a description of workers willfully denting metal cans as instructed in the hypothetical training period known as "garbology class." One of the goals, the editorial stated, is to make loud noises early in the morning without being arrested while simultaneously letting residents know their garbage has been dealt with. "Try to make as much noise as you can and don't leave unless it [the can] is dented."

Continuing in the same satirical bent, the writer suggested that the invention of the plastic garbage can threatened to ruin the sanitation worker's love of noise, so training instructors decided to use large trucks with noisy gears to make up for the plastic cans' lack of clanging and banging.

In an effort to be fair to other vocations, the writer listed other noisy occupations such as railroad engineers who not only blow whistles and horns at railroad crossings but also make whistle music while traveling the rails day and night.

The writer concluded that the answer to the rhetorical question is that sanitation workers make noise because the equipment is noisy and making the noise is fun, all the while reassuring residents that their garbage is being picked up.

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Flordia Ball Field Too Noisy for Neighbors

PUBLICATION: The Tampa Tribune
DATE: February 3, 2000
SECTION: Northwest, Pg. 3
BYLINE: Kathy Steele
DATELINE: Odessa, Florida

County planners approved a private citizen's request to play ball on the field he bought. Now the owner finds himself beset with noise and land use violations, putting him ad odds with local officials because night activities disrupt the peace and quiet of his neighbors, and the field is not zoned for night games.

Chuck Fest purchased two ball fields from a company owned by the investment firm where he works. One of them, Camp Keystone, is the subject of the controversy.

According to the article, local officials told him that Camp Keystone was in violation because it hadn't been approved for night activity. If he wants to continue using it at night, the property must be rezoned from agricultural to planned development.

Fest claims that his property rights have been violated and he's ready to go to court to straighten it out.

Neighbors complain about the noise from night practices, saying it interferes with life at home and frightens the horses on their property.

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Illinois City Council to Limit Construction Hours and Outdoor Speaker Decibel Levels

PUBLICATION: Chicago Tribune
DATE: February 3, 2000
SECTION: Trib West; Pg. 4; Zone: Dn
BYLINE: Jeff Coen
DATELINE: Naperville, Illinois

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Naperville City Council submitted two changes regarding noise to the Plan Commission. One change would limit work hours for construction crews and the other would limit the decibel levels on outdoor speakers at businesses.

The article said that the city council's actions followed similar noise control actions in nearby cities like Chicago, Evanston and Arlington Heights.

If the changes pass muster at the Plan Commission, commercial construction crews could work from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

The council seeks comments from both the staff and the Northern Illinois Home Builders Association. A spokesperson from the builder's association thought the restriction on work hours reasonable, but added he would like to have emergency extensions allowed.

The only exemption from the restricted hours is work by the public works department.

The article stated that all city business zoning districts would have to conform to the restricted work hours, except for Naperville's downtown commercial center.

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City of Denver Appeals Fine Because of Airport Noise

PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Denver, Colorado

An article from the Associated Press reported that local cities around Denver won a $5.3 million fine against the city of Denver because of excessive noise from Denver International Airport (DIA). Denver is appealing the fine.

Here's what happened. As part of a land deal, Denver and Adams County officials signed a 1988 agreement that Denver would get land in Adams County top build DIA and Denver would abide by the noise levels in the agreement.

The County District Judge who heard the case found numerous noise violations in the towns of Brighton, Northglenn, Thornton and Aurora.

The article said that in one instance, the average annual jet noise was 65 decibels over the limit beyond the airport's boundaries. Denver city attorneys claim that Adams County was in non-compliance because the county did not prohibit residential uses of the property, which was in the agreement.

The judge fined the city $500,000 for each violation, totaling $4 million with an additional $1.3 million in interest.

Denver city attorneys say the court was in error, that the penalty is not enforceable and that no actual damages occurred.

The appeal will more than likely take months.

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Alternatives to Airport Noise in Australia Easy To Do

PUBLICATION: Canberra Times
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: Part A; Page 10
DATELINE: Canberra, Australia

The Canberra Times printed this letter to the newspaper regarding airport noise and possible alternative solutions. The letter is printed in its entirety.

Upgrading airport unacceptable MS MONIKA GREEN in her letter " Aircraft noise won't stop" (CT, January 24) is overly pessimistic. Whilst aircraft noise will be to some extent always with us its occurrence will be reduced with the advent of the very fast train, which will absorb a great deal of the Sydney traffic, making the noise tolerable, if not liked.

Reconciliation of jumbo-jet engine noise could be achieved by separating aircraft from urban conglomerations by moving the international parts of Tullamarine and Kingsford Smith airports to the Junee neighbor hood, connected to main cities by Maglev train. Another expedient would be to use vertical- lift type aircraft to raise them to a height over the airport at which the noise is acceptable at ground level.

To upgrade Canberra Airport to international standard for reasons of prestige would be unacceptable from the noise aspect alone.

TOM HOWARD Burra Creek, NSW

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Oklahoma School Children at Risk from Noise and Traffic from Interstate

PUBLICATION: Daily Oklahoman
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: News; Mr. Traffic
BYLINE: Steve Wedel
DATELINE: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

In a column of the Daily Oklahoman, a letter to the editor stresses the need for state or local officials to put up a wall against noise and possible safety hazards posed by traffic on Interstate 44, which runs 100 feet from the playground. The letter is printed in its entirety.

Help! Children's lives are at stake. Madison Elementary School's playground is less than 100 feet from the edge of Interstate 44, with nothing but a chainlink fence in between. Residents have tried for years to get a wall put up for the noise (no luck) but I know we need one for the protection of everybody's kids. If anything, couldn't they put up concrete barriers like in the middle of the highway? It would stop a semi going 60-70 mph better than a chainlink fence. - P.O., Oklahoma City

In response the letter, a reporter investigated the noise and agreed that it was serious. According to the article, the state's Transportation Department claims it is working to mitigate the noise and has already addressed safety issues.

The article mentioned that the Transportation department studied the feasibility of a noise wall, and a Transportation spokesperson agreed on the necessity of such a sound barrier, but added that the department simply doesn't have the money to build one. After meeting on the school grounds, though, the spokesperson said that planting trees that absorb sound along may alleviate the noise somewhat.

The article said that the school and Transportation Department are looking for help in getting mature trees donated, especially junipers and cedars.

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New Airport Comes to Dallas: Residents in Flight Path Not Sure About Added Noise

PUBLICATION: Dallas Morning News
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: News; Pg. 11A
BYLINE: Kim Horner
DATELINE: Dallas, Texas
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Love Field Citizens Action Committee; Rudy Longoria, chairman

According to the Dallas Morning News, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has given Legend Airlines approval to begin service to Love Field, which is outside Dallas, and some residents in nearby neighborhoods are concerned about more jet noise.

But opinion is split on the impact of the noise because some people have become accustomed to it and no longer notice it. Others reiterate that the noise is an issue.

The airline promises that residents won't notice additional noise because the airlines will only have nine flights at first.

Legend may have won the court's decision to fly into and out of Love Field, but residents say they plan to fight more air traffic. They've formed their own group, the Love Field Citizens Action Committee, and the group's chair, Rudy Longoria, said that in addition to more noise, the group is concerned about additional automobile traffic from people traveling to and from the airport.

Love Field's jurisdiction has been limited to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Louisiana. When Legend begins operations, it will open service to Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

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UK Government Panel On Sustainable Development Lists Noise Among Priorities

PUBLICATION: Hermes Database
DATE: February 2, 2000
DATELINE: London, England

The Hermes Database reported on a governmental panel in England that met recently to look at sustainable development, the environment and how that country views its own resources. What's remarkable about the panel is that it lists noise as one of the priorities, along with such topics as energy strategy, genetically engineered organisms, world trade and the ethics of biotechnology.

According to the article, the Panel serves as a resource for the Government on critical issues; and maintains contact with people throughout the country and keep informed of development issues in other countries. In the summer of 2000, a Sustainable Development Commission will replace the Panel, and will be more proactive on sustainable development issues and monitor their progress as well.

Specifically addressing noise, the plane discussed how policies controlling noise have "evolved" over the past 40 years, with only an incomplete and somewhat patchy collection of legislation and guidance.

Particularly interesting was the Panel's finding that a thriving economy is linked both to an increase in noise levels as well as a reduction in quality of life. Also included in the Panel's report is that legislation and remedies to noise pollution, no matter what source (domestic, industrial, traffic) are conspicuously inadequate. Its recommendation is that the Government recognize that noise can have a negative and significant impact on life whether urban or rural and take assertive measures for improved noise legislation.

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Los Angeles City Council Unsure About Phasing Out Stage 2 Jet Aircraft

PUBLICATION: Los Angeles Times
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: Metro; Part B; Page 4; Zones Desk
DATELINE: Los Angeles, California

According to the Los Angeles Times, the city council wants to talk to the FAA about restricting the number of noisy aircraft at Van Nuys Airport. The article said that city council members are uncertain of their ability to limit the number of Stage 2 aircraft, which are older and noisier than newer planes, from landing or taking off.

The article said that council members want to know whether they can restrict the number of planes now and make the rules stricter later. But when they asked the FAA, the response was unclear so council members want more legal advice from the FAA. The article said that aviation businesses, of course, oppose the noise restrictions.

The panel will meet in late February to discuss the restrictions.

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London's Theater District Too Noisy for Soho Residents

PUBLICATION: Press Association Newsfile
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: Home News
BYLINE: John Aston
DATELINE: Soho, England

An article from the Press Association Newsfile reported that Soho residents have taken political action against Westminster City Council's decision to allow another new night café in London's theater. Resident's claim that there are just too many night cafes, loud music and entertainment in the West End, London's theater and entertainment center, and that they interfere with their sleep.

The article said that the Soho Society and the Meard and Dean Street Residents' Association want to legally force the council change the way it grants licenses to avoid making a difficult situation worse. According to the article, 10 years ago, 17 night café licenses were issued. Today, there are over 100.

The High Court thought the residents had just cause for their case and granted a judicial review. Resident and chair of the Soho Society David Bieda is quoted as saying that the case is not only about the rights of neighbors to sleep, it also concerns the responsibilities of local officials to balance between entertainment and residential life.

According to the article, this legal action would not prevent the new café from opening, but would provide "guidelines for the future."

The article said that attorneys for the residents will cite the city council for not doing the job it was meant to do: protecting the rights of citizens in the "reasonable use" of their homes, which includes the right to sleep undisturbed at night.

The article said that in addition to noise from large crowds outside the cafes, residents are also upset incidents that sometimes accompany nighttime entertainment, such as public urination, which is a concern for police as well.

Lawyers will argue that residents have a right to be protected from this noise and pollution under the European Convention on Human Rights.

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Seattle Towns in Flight Paths Should Share Jet Noise

PUBLICATION: Seattle Times
DATE: February 2, 2000
SECTION: Editorial; Pg. B5; Letters To The Editor
DATELINE: Seattle, Washington

The Seattle Times printed this letter to the editor regarding Washington towns in flight paths. The letter is printed in its entirety.

Many years ago, when the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) set up flight paths, the Madrona, Leschi, Medina and East Bellevue communities were not consulted in the process.

It really was only a slight inconvenience to residents below the East turn flight pattern then, as the number of flights did not approach nearly what has now grown to an intolerable amount of noise, almost always during good weather.

On Clyde Hill, we get ascending airplanes directly overhead often linked as close as three minutes to five minutes apart, directly over our homes, from morning to night! We have background noise echoes of all the southbound incoming aircraft over Lake Washington as well, plus local aircraft from King County Airport.

We have complained without any relief from the intrusive pollution.

When and if the East-turn split is adopted, it will only be a partial solution to equalize the growing noise problem.

Every one of us benefits in some way from a growing economy (meaning more transportation) whether it be jobs for our children, profits for our businesses or convenient-flight options for personal enjoyment. As we all benefit, all of us should equally share the noise and work together on improvement through future changes. Mary Dore Clyde Hil.

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Wisconsin Circuit Court Judge Rules Local Noise Ordinance as Unconstitutional

PUBLICATION: The Associated Press
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
DATELINE: Superior, Wisconsin

According to the Associated Press, a judge in Superior, Wisconsin ruled that the local noise ordinance is unconstitutional, and in effect reversing a decision by the village board.

The article said that Shane Schiff of Lake Negagamon claimed he was singled out by the village board for operating dirt bikes on a race track within earshot of homes. Schiff says he made genuine attempts to mitigate noise by packing his motorbike mufflers, reducing noise levels to below federal standards, running only one bike at a time and using a trap as a sound and dust barrier. He pointed out that other equipment such as snowmobiles, lawn mowers, all-terrain vehicles, and even outboard motors were not included in the noise ordinance, and that was unconstitutional.

Apparently Judge Joseph A. McDonald of Circuit Court agreed, adding that the ordinance was vague as well.

The charges were that Schiff was in violation of a Lake Nebagamon noise ordinance that prohibited loud and unnecessary noise, including on Schiff's own property, which covers 5 1/2 acres.

Schiff's neighbors complained to the village board about the noise and dust, saying they had to stay indoors with their windows shut.

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US Engineering Students Compete in Nationwide Contest to Design Quieter Snowmobiles

PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: State And Regional
BYLINE: Richard Meryhew
DATELINE: Mankato, Minnesota
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: Gary Bishop, research scientist at the University of Denver; county commissioner Bill Paddleford

An article in the Associated Press reported that if engineering students are successful, then a little more peace and quiet may be in store for Yellowstone National Park, and snowmobiles will have a better public image as a result.

The article said that engineering students from seven universities across the nation will compete against each other to design the quietest and most efficient snowmobile. Students will meet in the Teton Mountains of Wyoming to display their design. According to the article, the goal is to reduce emissions and noise levels without compromising machine performance.

The article said that Wyoming teacher Lori Fussell and county commissioner Bill Paddleford developed the idea to address the park's air and pollution problems.

Snowmobiles have been the subject of heated debate because, and their use has resulted in legal action and a possibility that they could be banned from national parks.

One research scientist at the University of Denver, Gary Bishop, is well acquainted with the machines, and wants the manufactures of the machines to learn from the contest and begin designing machines that are cleaner and quieter.

The article said that the major manufacturers, Arctic Cat, Yamaha, Ski-Doo and Polaris have been unenthusiastic and slow to respond to the competition. However, the article said that engineers from the four companies plan to attend and observe.

One student from each team will drive the machines for 100 miles on a full tank of gas. Observers will be testing emissions, performance, noise, miles per gallon, range and design.

Reducing noise involved installing a newer-model exhaust pipe and muffling inside the hood to reduce engine noise.

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Illinois Town Officials Receive Info on Airport Noise Study

PUBLICATION: Associated Press
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: News; Pg. 4
BYLINE: Aurora Aguilar Daily Herald
DATELINE: Chicago area, Illinois

The Associated Press reported on an airport noise abatement study for Palwaukee Municipal Airport which will measure airport noise, identify exposure to it, and make a land use determination accordingly. The study will be completed in the spring of 2001.

Included in the study are recommendations from 27 local officials from Wheeling and Prospect Heights, airport owners, and a representative from an environmental group (Citizens for Airport Safety) advocating flight restrictions at the airport.

According to the article, results of the $389,000 study will help determine which homeowners will be eligible for federal money to help reduce airport noise. Attending the meeting on the study were Wheeling and Prospect Heights local officials, towns near the airport.

The article said that among the choices for noise reduction measures were sound-proofing homes, buying up property in the noisiest areas and modifying ground operations.

The down side of an FAA endorsement of the study's recommendation is that Palwaukee would find itself competing against other airports for the same pool of federal funds for noise abatement.

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UK Local City Council Member Objects to Noise in Neighboring Industrial Park

PUBLICATION: Evening Herald
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: Boxfile: Postbag, Pg.10
DATELINE: Plympton, England

The Evening Herald printed this letter from a City Council member in Plympton, England regarding commercial and industrial noise near residences. The letter is printed in its entirety.

Noise all the time at rear of their houses

VALLEY Road, Plympton, is an industrial estate with a number of commercial, office and industrial units.

Valley Road runs parallel with Dudley Road, which is residential. The rear gardens of the houses in Dudley Road back on to the rear of the commercial properties in Valley Road.

Residents in Dudley Road have complained; noise and nuisance occurs outside normal working hours, late into the night, also on Saturdays and Sundays.

This could be a matter of planning and letting agreements.

The city council, with its knowledge of the type of industrial use premises would be put to, could allocate in a much more appropriate manner.

There are vacant premises on both sides of this road. Consideration of this fact would be most helpful to all parties.

Some of the occupied units in Valley Road cause no problems due to the type of business carried out in respect of noise or nuisance.

It would be sensible if the businesses likely to create noise, etc, were accommodated on the opposite side of Valley Road away from private residents.

There is a problem with the volume of traffic; that includes a number of HGVs which affects all residents in Cot Hill, Dudley Road, Underlane, in fact the whole of this locality. They have made this very clear to planners at a number of public meetings.

Councillors in Plympton Erle Ward support any scheme to increase employment in Plymouth. At the same time we expect to see some discretion when locating industry.

We have considerable development at Langage which would easily accommodate heavy industry that should never be considered for location in residential areas.

Cllr Mrs K L Banks

Plympton Erle Ward

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Londoners Will Tolerate Noise if Construction of Main Thoroughfare Speeds Up

PUBLICATION: Evening Standard
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: Pg. 8
BYLINE: Colin Freeman
DATELINE: London, England

According to the London Evening Standard, telecom cable contractors are disrupting traffic and business because they begin work on the Strand, London's main thoroughfare, from 7:30 am to 5pm. The article advocates a choice of working 24 hours a day until the work is finished or extending the hours from 6am to 8pm, stopping just in time for curtain at nearby theaters.

Energis, Thus, Metromedia and Colt contracted work crews to lay cables and fibre optics to provide Internet and telephone services to merchants in London's West End.

According to the article, the work is a good example of tight coordination by the Westminster council, which required that the companies all have the work done at the same time, which prevents the same road from being torn up each time a different utility has work to do.

The article acknowledges an appreciation that the work must be done, that the coordinated approach is practical, but the Strand is a major artery in London, and regular work hours are inadequate to complete the job in a timely manner. Some local businesses and organizations as well as local officials are strongly in favor of speeding up the work.

The economic impact of closing down the Strand are estimates, but according to the RAC, the cost is about ƒ750,00 a day or ƒ30,000,000 for the period of six weeks that the road is closed.

The article said that local businesses are also affected adversely by the construction Local businesses because of lost businesses or difficulty with delivering goods.

The article said that the companies understand and even sympathize with businesses but working into he night isn't an option because of safety and environmental reasons, and while there may be theaters who don't object to night work, hotel guests and other theaters might take issue.

The article said that local authorities have options regarding such contracted roadwork, and one of them levying daily fines against contractors who do not meet the deadline. The other is awarding bonuses for each day that work is completed ahead of time, according to Irvin Yass, director of policy and transport at London Firs Group.

Another option is to legislate a system whereby utilities would pay for occupying the road from the day work would begin.

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UK Town Council Grants Entertainment License After Noise Reduction

PUBLICATION: Herald Express
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: News;Ents;Pubs/Clubs/Hotels, Pg.11
BYLINE: Unknown
DATELINE: Torquay, England

The Herald Express reported that the public entertainment licenses for two inns have been granted only after the owners squelched the noise.

Both the Inn on the Downs at Babbacombe, and ClubXS at the Inn on the Green at Paignton did not have their licenses renewed last year because of noise complaints.

The article said that it took the Torquay Council's consumer protection sub-committee requiring specific measures the establishments had to take in order to reduce noise.

Satisfied that the work was done, the sub-committee granted the licenses, which will have to be renewed again.

The sub-committee also changed a license of one hotel because of late night noise.

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South Korean Residents Sue Government Over Airplane Noise

PUBLICATION: Korea Herald
DATE: February 1, 2000
BYLINE: Chang Jae-Soon
DATELINE: Seoul,South Korea
ACTIVISTS, INDIVIDUALS, AND GROUPS MENTIONED: People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy; Korean Federation for Environmental Movement

The Korea Herald reported on residents who sued the government and a government-run airport operator because of airplane noise from nearby Kimpo International Airport. Residents seek compensation for "physical and mental damage" because of airport noise.

According to the article, 48 people said overhead jet noise caused them to suffer from hearing loss, chronic fatigue and insomnia. In addition, the residents claim the Korea Airports Authority failed to reduce noise levels by not establishing buffer zones between the airport and neighborhoods.

Residents filed suit with the Seoul District Prosecutor's Office with the assistance of sympathetic groups such as the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement.

The article said that about 400,000 people are affected by the noise from Kimpo International and more if people living around military airports are taken into account.

The article said that compared to other nations, Korea's regulations on airport noise are Pointing out that Korea has relatively loose.

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Noisy Neighbors Turn Down the Volume Before UK Environmental Officer Can Act

PUBLICATION: Leicester Mercury
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: News: Housing, Pg.4
DATELINE: Leicester, England

According to the Leicester Mercury, an attempt by the local environmental health officer to act on noise complaints because the disruptive neighbors turn down the volume of their stereo before he arrives.

One neighbor who complained said the noisy music lovers have harmed the quality of life for him and his family. He suggested that all tenants be evaluated by the city council on a regular basis once they move in. He has requested a new apartment if the council is unable to take action.

Because the council has no evidence to take disciplinary action, they emphasized that the one thing they can do is to continue to investigate. They recommended that the offended party write his local housing office, who in turn will contact the noisy tenants.

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California Trains and Boom Cars Subjects of Residents' Complaints

PUBLICATION: Sacramento Bee
DATE: February 1, 2000
SECTION: Editorials; Pg. B6
DATELINE: Roseville, California

The Sacramento Bee printed these letters about train noise at night and loud car stereos. The letters are printed in their entirety.

Re "Trains in city may start whistling in dark -- a lot," Jan. 14: Sacramento residents should be concerned about proposed federal regulations requiring trains to sound horns at grade crossings.

Currently, through a long-standing agreement, Sacramento residents are allowed to enjoy some peace at night because there is a nighttime whistle ban in Sacramento. The proposed regulations would invalidate that ban.

Instead of improving grade crossings to make train and automobile and pedestrian accidents less likely, train companies are making their horns louder. Union Pacific's horns are almost three times as loud as the current minimum federal requirements. Train companies are also insisting on more aggressive use of the horns.

If the new regulations are instituted, Sacramento residents can expect the same thing that happened to Roseville: Many sleepless nights.

Frank Weinstein

Roseville

There are actions local governments can take in response to the train horn noise problem. One is to require that railroad horns not to exceed the required sound levels. A second is to upgrade crossings to federal standards, which do not require horn blasts at all. Some crossings, such as the crossing at Calvine Road, come close already.

People who are interested in joining in political action to force railroads and federal regulators to be more community friendly will find resources at the Web site www.nonoise.org and may wish to join HORN (Halt Outrageous Railroad Noise), which can be found at that Web site.

Chris Scruton

Sacramento Bass booming noise

Re " Noise complaints have nightclub facing music," Jan. 16: I'm no sound engineer, but I'm willing to bet decibels don't measure a booming bass. As stereos get more powerful, code and law enforcement agencies need to find a way to measure and recognize the effects of bass on the human body and mind -- and the need for the public to be protected from it. I have a fantasy: As a booming car passes by I take out a little box. I push down on the plunger and out of the offensive vehicle rises a puff of smoke; the booming is stilled. My dream invention: the Boom Buster.

Julia E. Bauer

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Previous week: January 23, 2000
Next week: February 6, 2000

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Industrial/Manufacturing
International News
Environmental Justice
Land Use and Noise
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Miscellaneous Noise Stories
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Outdoor Events
Noise in Our National Parks/Natural Areas
Regulation
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