1990: Sep
1994: Jul Sep
1996: Jun Jul Sep Oct Nov Dec
1997: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1998: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
1999: Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2000: Jan Feb Mar Apr
Bibliographic Report Available on Psychological and Physiological Effects of Noise Pollution. The publication Life Sciences & Biotechnology Update printed information about a bibliographic report available from the NTIS Bibliographic Database about the psychological and physiological effects of noise pollution. The report is a collection of up to 250 abstracts of available reports, studies, papers, and other documentation on a range of noise pollution issues, including: human reactions and tolerance to noise from aircraft, vehicular traffic, processing industries, and military operations; noise abatement and control; noise management systems; dose-response relationships; attitude surveys; public opinion case studies; noise effects on animal ecology; and more. The report also contains information about ordering the various studies, and extensive indexing.
Connecticut Airport Considers Policy on Addressing Noise Complaints. The Hartford Courant reports that the Airport Commission, an advisory board for Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, will meet Wednesday to consider adopting a written policy to improve noise control and respond to residents' complaints about noise.
Florida Columnist Sneers at Sailboats. Orlando Sentinel Tribune printed an editorial in which the writer says it's disgusting to see sailboats cluttering up the beautiful Florida lakes, and that they should be banned in Orange and Seminole counties. He also argues that it's a lie that sailboats produce no noise or pollution and use free energy.
California Cemetery Sues Transportation Authorities for Noise of Proposed Rail Extension. The Recorder reports that the Cypress Lawn Cemetery Association in the San Francisco, California area has filed a lawsuit against BART (a rail transportation authority) and the San Mateo County Transit District at the San Mateo County Superior Court. The suit claims the transportation authorities violated the California Environmental Quality Act by failing to address ways to reduce or eliminate noise, vibrations, dust, landscaping scars, and architectural damage on the cemetery's property that borders BART's eight-mile planned extension to the San Francisco International Airport.
European Environmental Bureau Calls for Aircraft Fuels Tax to Fund Noise Abatement. Aviation Daily reports that the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) released a policy statement to European Union members stating that noise abatement measures should be funded by a tax on aircraft fuels. The EEB report also called for strict rules against night flights at Europe's airports, the article says.
Florida City Councillor Proposes Moving the City's Airport. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports that Venice, Florida City Councillor David Farley is lobbying for the city to consider moving the city's general aviation airport to another location to eliminate neighbors' noise complaints and free up the prime waterfront property on which the airport is located. The article points out that such a project would require approvals by state and federal agencies and millions of dollars.
Maryland Council to Vote on Funding Noise Barriers Near Baltimore. The Baltimore Sun reports that the County Council in Towson, Maryland, outside Baltimore, will vote tonight on whether to spend up to $2.3 million for noise barriers along a portion of Interstate 95 in Arbutus and the Beltway near Lutherville.
Aiport Officials Blame Burbank City Officials for Abandoning Talks Over Airport Expansion. The Daily News of Los Angeles reports that officials with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority decried Burbank (California) city officials' decision Tuesday to end talks intended to resolve the dispute over the airport terminal expansion. Authority officials claimed that Burbank officials destroyed the mediation process by making demands that could not legally be met by the authority. But city officials maintain that the authority wasn't willing to make concessions on noise restrictions. According to airport officials, the fate of the terminal now will be decided in an on-going legal battle over the project.
County in Washington Makes it Easier to Punish Industrial Noise Polluters. The Lewiston Morning Tribune reports that commissioners in Asotin County, Washington Monday passed a revision of an ordinance that will allow the county sheriff's employees, rather than state employees, to enforce industrial noise regulations. The action came partly as a result of complaints from residents living near Dutch's Welding in Clarkston, who said they couldn't get an uninterrupted night of sleep because of noise from the company. In addition, the state didn't have an employee stationed in Asotin County who could enforce industrial noise issues, the article says.
Louisiana Jury Rules Against Residents' in Shell Lawsuit Over Noise and Other Problems. The Times-Picayune reports that a jury in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana ruled against residents Tuesday in a lawsuit that alleged that Shell's Norco chemical plant poses a nuisance to the nearby Diamond community. The suit was brought by about 250 Diamond residents who claimed that noise, odors, soot, and bright lights from the plant's flare have caused continuous problems.
Ohio Airport Noise Task Force's Recommendations Sent to the FAA. The Dayton Daily News reports that the Aircraft Noise Task Force, commissioned last January to recommend ways to alleviate early morning aircraft noise over Centerville and Washington Township, Ohio (outside Dayton), recently produced a list of 16 long-term and short-term recommendations. On Aug. 18, Washington Township trustees and Centerville City Councillors approved those recommendations, and sent them to Rep. Tony Hall (D-Dayton), who forwarded them last week to the Federal Aviation Administration. Hall has asked the FAA to respond to the task force's recommendations and help lessen the noise, the article says.
Airport Noise Pollution is No Reason to Purchase Property, Resident Believes. The Morning Call printed the following letter-to-the-editor from L.R. Labar, a Hanover Township (Pennsylvania) resident, regarding an buyout of land by the Lehigh Valley International Airport:
Chicago Suburb Votes to Support Federal Bill to Fund Noise Office at EPA. The Chicago Tribune reports that village trustees in Arlington Heights, Illinois voted unanimously Tuesday to support a federal bill that would fund a noise abatement office in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The legislation is known as the Quiet Communities Act of 1997, and is currently being reviewed by committees in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Arlington Heights has long been involved in a fight against O'Hare International Airport over aircraft noise.
City Officials Say Proposed Noise Control Agreement Between Toronto Airport and Airlines Isn't Tough Enough. The Toronto Star reports that officials in Mississauga, Ontario believe a proposed noise control agreement between the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and the airlines using Pearson International Airport isn't tough enough. City officials insist that restrictions on runway use should be more stringent than outlined in the proposed agreement.
Connecticut Citizen Airport Commission Adopts Written Policy on Noise Pollution. The Hartford Courant reports that the Bradley International Airport Commission, a citizen commission in Windsor Locks, Connecticut that advises the state on the operation of Bradley International Airport, adopted a policy Wednesday that outlines recommended procedures for addressing noise pollution from jets. The policy stipulates that airport officials will "investigate each legitimate complaint and report its finding back to the caller," that officials of the state Department of Transportation, which runs the airport, will contact airlines and cargo carriers following complaints "to solicit their future cooperation with the airport's noise abatement program."
Montreal Neighborhood Will Get Noise Barriers. The Gazette reports that residents living along Highway 25 on the east side of Montreal, Quebec will get noise barriers to reduce traffic noise pollution. The barriers will cost $11 million, and will be funded by the city and the provincial Transportation Department.
New Citizens Group in Toronto Area Formed to Fight Aircraft Noise. The Toronto Star reports that a new ratepayers' association for the 14,000 residents of the Rockwood subdivision in Mississauga, Ontario will be formed this month to fight aircraft noise from Pearson International Airport. The Rockwood area is affected by both aircraft noise and high-density development proposals, the article notes.
Noise Barrier is Extended in Florida to Protect Elementary School. The Palm Beach Post reports that the Forest Park Elementary School in Boynton Beach, Florida will receive a noise barrier to protect it from noise pollution from Interstate 95. The Florida Department of Transportation reconsidered its earlier decision not to build the barrier behind the school.
Collapse of Negotiations Over Airport Expansion in Burbank Leaves Rift Between City Officials. The LA Weekly reports that late last week, negotiations collapsed between city officials in Burbank, California and the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority over expansion plans for the Burbank Airport, leaving decisions to be settled in court cases already filed. City and community leaders want strong restrictions on jet noise and air traffic, while authority members believe expansion is needed because the airport is already operating beyond capacity. But the failed attempt to negotiate a compromise has left a political rift within the city of Burbank, the article argues. Early this year, elected city officials and their appointees appeared to form a united front to oppose substantial airport expansion, but now the officials are divided into factions, with each side accusing the other of cynical politics, the article says.
Day-Long Noise Seminar Held in Europe. The publication Europe Environment reports that a day-long seminar will be held on September 16 to focus on the latest developments in noise legislation, ambient noise management, neighbor noise control, and noise research. The seminar is being sponsored by the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection in England.
Rally Scheduled in Missouri Town to Protest Airport Noise. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the citizens group St. Charles Citizens Against Aircraft Noise will hold a rally Saturday in St. Charles, Missouri to protest airport noise at Lambert Airfield. The rally is being used to urge local officials to more aggressively pursue a noise agreement with St. Louis officials.
Second Airport Noise Citizens Group Formed in Rhode Island Town. The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that a second citizens group is being formed to lobby for noise reduction from jets at the T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island.
United Airlines Will Reduce Noise Emissions of its Fleet Ahead of Schedule. The Xinhua News Agency reports that United Airlines officials announced today that they will reduce noise emissions from the company's fleet by 25% more than federal aircraft noise standards require by the end of this year, according to a company press release. Company officials intend to replace many of the fleet's jets with new aircraft to achieve the goal.
California City Officials Looking for Ways to Quiet Train Whistles. The Press-Enterprise reports that city officials in Riverside, California are searching for ways to quiet loud train horns that are drawing more complaints from residents. Officials are considering making the city a "quiet zone" for trains, which would require approval from the federal government and funds to build new railroad crossings.
Chicago Suburb's Decision not to Join City Noise Group Draws Criticism. The Chicago Tribune printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Laurie Stone, president and CEO of the Greater O'Hare Association of Industry and Commerce, regarding the decision by Elk Grove Village (Illinois) officials to not join the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, a group formed by Chicago's mayor to address airport noise issues:
Chicago's Airport Noise Commission Wants Pilots to Use Full Length of Runway for Takeoffs to Reduce Noise. The Chicago Tribune reports that the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, a city-suburban group working on noise issues at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, asked federal regulators Friday to require pilots taking off at night to use the full length of a runway in order to avoid flying at a low altitude over the northwest suburbs. The commission's action comes as noise complaints from residents are rising, the article says.
Connecticut Town Agrees to Spend $10,000 on Noise Meter and Enforcement Training. The Hartford Courant reports that the board of finance in Middletown, Connecticut agreed Thursday to spend $10,000 for a noise meter and training to enforce the town's new noise ordinance.
FAA Refuses to Re-Route California Jet Route Away from Indian Reservation. The Press-Enterprise reports that the Federal Aviation Administration has published the final version of an environmental assessment for a flight route proposal that would send as many as 170 jets per day bound for Los Angeles International Airport over California's San Gorgonio Pass and western Riverside County. The FAA's environmental assessment rejects an alternate route proposed by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians that would have routed the planes around the Morongo Indian Reservation. City officials and residents in Norco also opposed the FAA-proposed route, but the environmental assessment report downplays their concerns, the article says.
Indiana Township Calls Public Meeting to Interpret Technical Aircraft Noise Report. The Indianapolis Star reports that Charles Spears, Assessor for Wayne Township, Indiana, has called a public meeting to interpret a highly technical report on the impact of aircraft noise from Indianapolis International Airport. The report, which was released by the Indianapolis Airport Authority and prepared by a consultant, outlines the impact of noise on residents in Wayne and Decatur townships and Hendricks County. The meeting will be Monday at 7 p.m. in Ben Davis Junior High School, 1200 N. Girls School Road. The article notes that the airport authority has scheduled its own public hearing on the report for September 29 at 5 p.m. in the auditorium of Plainfield High School.
Petition Against Aircraft Noise is Circulated in Connecticut Town. The Hartford Courant reports that residents in the southern part of Suffield, Connecticut, near Stony Brook, are circulating a petition demanding a solution to "excessive aircraft noise" from the nearby Bradley International Airport.
Rally Held in Missouri Town to Protest Airport Runway Plan. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that a rally was held Saturday at the St. Charles (Missouri) City Hall to protest the proposed runway west of Lambert Air Field outside St. Louis. An estimated 500 people attended the two-hour rally organized by St. Charles Citizens Against Aircraft Noise. City, county, and state elected officials also attended and spoke at the rally.
Disputes over Noise at California's Van Nuys and Burbank Airports Take Different Turns, Columnist Says. The Los Angeles Times printed an editorial which expresses the different results in two similar noise-related disputes at southern California airports. The Federal Aviation Administration allowed Van Nuys Airport to initiate an extended noise curfew and limits on the loudest jets. On the other hand, Burbank decided to stop talking with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, choosing instead to let pending lawsuits decide the noise disputes there: at taxpayers expense.
Cities Nationwide Enact Noise Control Ordinances. The Telegraph Herald reports that cities across the country have recently passed noise ordinances targeting everything from car stereos, motorcycles, noisy night clubs, outdoor concerts, leafblowers, and ice cream trucks. The article goes on to provide a list of cities that recently have passed ordinances.
One Airline at New York County Airport Agrees to Comply with Voluntary Nighttime Noise Curfew. The New York Times reports that in response to resident complaints about nighttime flights at the Westchester County Airport in Valhalla, New York, the County Transportation Commissioner wrote letters to the offending airlines asking them to cooperate with a voluntary nighttime curfew. But only one airline, Continental Express, agreed to delay its first flight of the day to comply with the curfew.
Noise Pollution Diminishes Well-Being in an Iowa Town. The Telegraph Herald reports that noise pollution is an important issue for many Dubuque, Iowa residents. The article explores the ways in which noise affects our health and well-being, and then goes on to describe Dubuque's noise ordinance and problems with its enforcement.
Noisy Ice Cream Trucks in New York are a Nuisance, Columnist Argues. The New York Times printed an editorial in which the writer complains about the noise from ice cream trucks in New York City. The editorial discusses how it is virtually impossible to enforce the current rules regarding noise from the trucks
Columnist Notices that Life in the City is Too Loud. The Buffalo News printed an editorial in which the columnist concludes after his vacation in the country that everything is too loud in the city. The writer goes on to say that we shun silence, which partly explains our need to have noise everywhere.
Constant Noise Exposure Can Lead to Hearing Loss. The Telegraph Herald reports that constant exposure to loud noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss depending on the volume, duration, and repetition of exposure, according to experts. The article goes on to outline how hearing is damaged from noise pollution.
Iowa Town Ordinance Prohibits Excessive Noise. The Telegraph Herald reports that the noise ordinance in Dubuque, Iowa prohibits many excessive noises. The article goes on to describe the specifics of the city ordinance.
Canadian Judge Orders Federal Express Courier Depot to Stop Overnight Loading. The Toronto Star reports that Federal Express Canada Inc. has been ordered by a judge to stop overnight loading operations at its courier depot in North Bay, Ontario, because the noise is keeping neighbors awake. Residents living near the depot took Federal Express to court for nighttime disturbance. Justice Michael Bolan of the Ontario Court, general division, last week gave Federal Express until November 1 to relocate its operations or stop loading and unloading trucks between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., the article says.
Pennsylvania Man Kills Dirt Biker Over Noise. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that John Bereznak of Beaverdale, Pennsylvania on Saturday shot and killed a young dirt biker who was biking on the mounds of coal from an abandoned strip mine about 200 yards from Bereznak's house. Bereznak had complained about noise from the dirt bikers for several years, and once had thrown a shovel at a dirt biker while ranting about noise. He also was suspected by the town's dirt bikers of installing tar paper seeded with nails around the abandoned mine area. Bereznak later killed himself.
United Airlines Reduces Noise Emissions Early. M2 Presswire released a press release from United Airlines that says the airline will have reduced the aircraft noise emissions of its fleet by 25% more than federal standards require by the end of this year. The announcement came today during a meeting of the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.
European Environmental Bureau Calls for Fuel Tax on Aircraft to Reduce Noise. The Weekly of Business Aviation reports that the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) released a new policy statement to European Union members, saying that Europe's problem with increasing aircraft noise pollution is partly a result of the absence of a tax on aircraft fuels. The EEB called for noise mitigation measures to be funded by such a tax.
FAA Announces Approval and Review of Noise Programs in Arizona. The publication Airports reports printed the following listings from the Federal Aviation Administration notices in the Federal Register:
Second Hearing Held on Noise Ordinance in Massachusetts Town. The Telegram & Gazette reports that the Town Council in Southbridge, Massachusetts held its second hearing on a proposed ordinance that would set time limits on some types of noisy activity and institute methods of punishing offenders. Councillor Mark Carron made a motion to send the proposed ordinance back to the General Government Subcommittee for further review and revision. But that motion was defeated by an 8-5 vote. The third and final hearing, at which councillors are expected to vote on the ordinance, will be held September 22.
Residents in Massachusetts Town Vote to Uphold Ban on Motorcycles on Frozen Ponds. The Patriot Ledger reports that residents in Halifax, Massachusetts voted at last night's special town meeting to keep a ban on motorcycles on the town's frozen waterways. The ban originally was passed at the May town meeting as part of a new boating bylaw. But William Cafarelli had asked that the bylaw be amended to allow motorcycle use between 10 a.m. and dusk, the article says.
Amsterdam Airport Officials Consider Closing One Runway at Peak Times to Abate Noise. Airline Industry Information reports that officials from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport have announced that they may close one of the airport's four runways during peak times in order to stay within legal noise limits.
South Australian Government Will Monitor Noise Levels in Nightclubs. AAP Newsfeed reports that the South Australian government will monitor noise levels in nightclubs, hotels, and at concert venues in a project that will seek to improve the health of workers in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Frustrated by Years of Noise from Foundry, British Residents Will Fight. The Northern Echo of England, reports that residents of Tow Law, England are strengthening their fight against noise from a foundry after a local man was arrested and fined for protesting at the Bonds Foundry.
Maine City Rejects Airline Maintenance Facility Development Due Partly to Noise Concerns. The Portland Press Herald reports that Business Express, a New Hampshire-based airline, wants to move its headquarters and maintenance operations to Portland, Maine. But city officials in Portland don't want the maintenance facility, saying it would be too noisy, too large, and wouldn't fit in with the master plan for the Portland International Jetport. Officials from the city say their decision is final, but Business Express officials and a Maine state official are trying to get them to re-consider the proposal.
California Resident Creates CD of Jet Noise to Support Fight Against Proposed El Toro Airport. The Orange County Register printed an editorial that says resident Dave Kirkey has created a CD recording of airplanes taking off and landing at John Wayne Airport and Los Angeles International as ammunition in the fight against the proposed El Toro International Airport near Irvine, California. The editorial argues that Kirkey's CD is little more than conjecture of what the noise from El Toro actually would sound like.
Los Angeles City Councillors Act to Implement FAA-Approved Noise Mitigation Measures for Van Nuys Airport. The Los Angeles Times reports that a Los Angeles City Councilman has proposed a motion to tell Van Nuys Airport officials to initiate specific noise mitigation measures just approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Canada City Adopts Resolution Opposing Night Flights at Toronto Airport. Canada NewsWire Ltd reports that the Mississauga, Ontario Council adopted a resolution today that opposes night flights at the Toronto area Lester B. Pearson International Airport (LBPIA). The article goes on to print the resolution the Council adopted.
Georgia County Commission Considers Broad Noise Ordinance. The Atlanta Journal reports that County Commissioners in Newton County, Georgia are considering adopting a noise ordinance that would limit a wide range of noises, including excessive noise from car horns, loud music, noisy animals, and ice cream truck music.
Miami Residents Lobby Against Airport Noise, While Airport Officials Struggle to Reduce it. The Miami New Times reports that Maimi, Florida resident Patrick McCoy has been leading a fight against the jet noise from the Miami International Airport. McCoy wants the airport to instigate a mandatory noise-abatement policy, like other large U.S. cities. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Bunting, environmental planner for the aviation department, is trying to implement new procedures and policies that would mitigate noise rather than pursuing a noise-abatement policy.
Airlines Complain About New Noise Regulations at Amsterdam Airport. AFX News reports that three airlines said in a combined statement that the new regulations to mitigate noise levels at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport will have far-reaching, damaging consequences for them, and could severely damage the reputation of Schiphol as a high-quality European airport. The airlines that released the statement were KLM Royal Dutch Airlines NV, Transavia, and Martinair.
Amsterdam Airport Director Steps Down; Meanwhile, Residents Group Calls on Government to Reduce Noise Levels at Airport. ANP English News Bulletin reports that Hans Smits, director of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, announced Wednesday that he will step down from his position to become vice chair of the Rabobank. During much of Smits' five-year tenure at the airport, Schipol has been surrounded by cotroversy regarding expansion plans. In a separate move on Wednesday, the residents' group GEUS (Vereniging Geen Uitbreiding Schiphol) called on Transport Minister Annemarie Jorritsma to reduce noise from the airport by 20%, alleging that Jorritsma is not keeping the airport within the legal noise limits.
Portland Officials Concerned about Noise if Business Express Moves to Maine. The Kennebec Journal of Augusta, Maine, reports that negotiations between Portland, Maine, and New Hampshire-based Business Express, who would like to move its headquarters and maintenance operations to Maine, have reached a standstill. State officials are hoping to help the two parties come to an agreement. Portland's main objection to the move is noise pollution from the maintenance operations.
Transportation Plan for Northeastern Illinois Draws Criticism from Airport Opponents and Others. The Chicago Tribune reports that a public hearing was held in Des Plaines, Illinois Wednesday on the Chicago Area Planning Study, northeastern Illinois' transportation plan for 2020 recently released by CATS, the transportation authority. The hearing was dominated by calls for more data on the effects of a projected doubling of flights at O'Hare International Airport and for quieter trains, the article says.
Massive Expansion of Virginia Navy Air Base Would Bring More Jet Noise and Other Impacts. The Virginian-Pilot reports that a U.S. Navy draft report released Thursday recommends that all 11 Navy jet squadrons and 180 jets (Hornets) at the soon-to-close Cecil Field near Jacksonville, Florida be transferred to the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The article reports that although the expansion of the base in Virginia Beach would bring economic benefits, it would also increase jet noise in residential neighborhoods, congested roads, and population, including an influx of children into the school district. The article notes that at this stage, the plan is only a draft, and still could change as a result of politics and more review by critics and the Navy.
One-Fourth of Virginia City's Schools Would Have to be Moved if Navy Air Base Expands. The Virginian-Pilot reports that according to a draft Environmental Impact Statement report regarding expansion of the U.S. Navy's Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach, Virginia, one-fourth of schools in the city would have to be moved or shielded against jet noise if the project is carried out. The report also found that two schools would be in the jet base's potential crash area, 22 schools would be in a high-noise zone, and two schools which had previously been in the base's crash zone (one of which has been moved) would no longer be in the new potential crash zone.
British Council Uses New Powers to Quiet Noisy Neighbor. The Northern Echo of England reports that a resident of West Cornforth, England, who held noisy, late-night parties has been ordered by a judge to stop the noise.
New Noise Regulations Drafted in Malaysia. The New Straits Times reports that three sets of new noise regulations and a set of guidelines have been proposed by the Malaysian government to control the country's worsening noise pollution. The regulations and guidelines address a wide range of noises and vibrations, and currently are being reviewed by the government's DOE.
Columnist Recommends Quiet Dishwashers. The Tampa Tribune printed a question-and-answer column in which the writer answers a question about what noise-reduction features are available on new dishwashers. The columnist says the noise levels have been reduced to a whisper in the best models. He also tells readers how to get a buyer's guide of the quietest dishwashers.
Air Force and Auto Exhaust Systems Supplier Undertake Joint Project to Evaluate Sound Qualities. The Dayton Daily News reports that the Armstrong Lab at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Arvin Industries, a major supplier of auto exhaust systems, recently signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) to undertake a two-year research project to develop a computer program that can evaluate sound qualities. The article says that Arvin Industries wants better ways to evaluate sound quality in and around automobiles, while the Air Force is interested in evaluating the impact of air-base noises on surrounding communities. A CRDA is a way that federal labs make government technology for commercial uses, the article notes.
Amsterdam Airport Proposes Daytime Flight Restrictions to Curb Noise. The ANP English News Bulletin reports that officials at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport announced last week they would place daytime restrictions on flights, if approved by Transport Minister Annemarie Jorritsma, in order to stay within the country's noise limits. The restrictions would result in only two of the airport's four runways being available at some peak times, starting on October 1.
Experts with British Government Say Residents Don't Lose Sleep From Heathrow Aircraft Noise. The Independent reports that at the long-running public inquiry into a proposed fifth terminal at London's Heathrow Airport, government experts are submitting testimony that nighttime flights do not affect people's sleep.
Ohio Residents Oppose Railroad Expansion That Would Triple the Number of Trains. The Plain Dealer reports that the Norfolk Southern Railroad and its competitor, CSX, have submitted a joint application to the federal Surface Transportation Board to purchase rail tracks from Conrail in the Lorain County, Ohio. If the purchase is approved, the article says, Norfolk Southern will increase the number of freight trains it runs through Lorain County en route between New York and Chicago from 13 per day to 24. Residents who live near the tracks in Avon Lake and local government officials are opposed to the idea of increasing train traffic for a variety of reasons, including increased noise and safety issues.
Air Freight Organization Opposes Noise Restrictions at Amsterdam Airport. The ANP English News Bulletin reports that an organization of air freight companies, Barin, is opposing the restrictions on flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, scheduled to take effect October 1. The organization sent an angry letter to Dutch Transport Minister Annemarie Jorritsma, claiming the restrictions designed to keep the airport within legal noise limits will compromise the safety and environmental standards.
Aircraft Noise Over Grand Canyon is Not Significant, Resident Believes. The Arizona Republic printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Edward Murphy, a Mesa, Arizona resident, regarding aircraft noise over Grand Canyon National Park
Connecticut Town Council Tables Noise Ordinance Proposal. The Hartford Courant reports that the South Windsor (Connecticut) Town Council voted to table a proposed noise ordinance for a month and gather more information after a public hearing on the issue Monday. The ordinance was proposed after residents complained about noise from Cupid Diaper Co. of Satellite Road.
Florida City Airport Officials Request New Federally Funded Noise Study. The Sun-Sentinel reports that airport officials in Boca Raton, Florida will request Wednesday that the Airport Authority seek federal funding for a new noise study for the city airport called a Part 150 study. The action comes in the midst of continued criticism over airport officials' response to resident concerns about aircraft noise.
Freeway Noise Study in California Finds Noise Levels Don't Exceed Mandated Federal Levels. The Los Angeles Times reports that the San Juan Capistrano City Council will review a noise study along Interstate 5. Residents had complained about noise after highway changes were made, but the study shows that noise levels do not exceed federal limits. Since the levels are not exceeded, it is likely that no noise mitigation will be undertaken.
Live Radio Show in Great Britain Offers Free Rustle-Free Cough Lozenges to Audience. The Times Newspapers Limited reports that Great Britain's Radio 3 station is handing out rustle-free cough lozenges to audience members who attend their live recording concerts, in an attempt to reduce noise during the live broadcast. Many audience members take cough lozenges during the concerts to avoid coughing at the wrong moment, the article says. The rustle-free wrapping paper was developed by Grantham Manufacturing Ltd. in Lincolnshire and uses waxed paper, as well as a secret ingredient to reduce noise.
Noise Limits for Amsterdam Airport May Be Reviewed and Relaxed by Government. The Financial Times reports that the Dutch government may consider relaxing legal controls on noise pollution at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, after airlines mounted a strong protest against recently announced flight restrictions. Transport Minister Annemarie Jorritsma favors a review of the noise legislation, the article says, and may gain the backing of a parliamentary majority in a debate expected this week.
Seattle Natural Gas Company Installs Silencing Devices on Gas Pipeline to Reduce Noise. The Seattle Times reports that Northwest Pipeline, a Seattle company that operates an underground natural gas pipeline, installed silencing devices on the pipeline last month to quiet sound waves resulting from compression of the gas at a station in Woodinville, Washington. Residents in the Bear Creek area had complained that the noise was constant and resembled a helicopter flying overhead. According to Grant Jensen, company spokesperson, the silencing project cost about $500,000 and should be a permanent fix.
Tennessee Residents Oppose Airport Land-Purchase Plan. The Chattanooga Times reports that residents of the Pine Grove and Portview Hills subdivisions in Chattanooga, Tennessee told members of the Metropolitan Airport Authority Monday that they aren't concerned about the aircraft noise generated at Lovell Field. However, according to Madeline Sims, president of the area's neighborhood association, the residents are worried that the airport authority will purchase their homes piecemeal and at low prices.
Airport Noise Complaint Session in Rhode Island Draws More Than One-Hundred. The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that 120 people attended an airport noise meeting in Warwick, Rhode Island last night to complain about jet noise from aircraft flying out of T.F. Green State Airport. The meeting was organized by U.S. Representative Joseph McNamara.
Bambardier Announces its New Personal Watercraft is Quieter. Business Wire released a press release from Bombadier, a manufacturer of personal watercraft, that says all models of their Sea Doo watercraft and jet boats will have the D-Sea-Bel Noise Reduction System by model-year 1999.
Boston's Big Dig Highway Project Spends Millions on Noise and Other Mitigation Costs. The Washington Post reports that officials managing Boston's "Big Dig," a massive highway project to build an eight-lane highway under the downtown at a cost of nearly $11 billion, are spending about a quarter of the project money on mitigating the negative impacts of the project. Critics say Big Dig bosses give money to anyone who's smart enough to threaten a lawsuit. But the bosses say their approach simply illustrates the reality of undertaking a large public infrastructure project in the late 1990s. Their approach, the article says, is a combination of engineering, traffic management, eco-sensitivity, social work, and ward-heeling that could indicate how the U.S. will approach other road and bridge projects, which across the country need hundreds of billions of dollars worth of repair.
British Government Announces Funding of New Research into the Health Effects of Noise. M2 Presswire reports that Great Britain's Environment Minister Angela Eagle announced today that the government will invest about 600,000 Pounds into research of the links between health and environmental noise. The research will take three years, and will be run jointly by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department of Health. The former department also will conduct separate studies regarding the incidences of noise disturbances and attitudes towards noise, so that changes in the country's "noise climate" can be traced. These Noise Attitude and Incidence surveys are expected to be completed by the end of 1998, building upon two surveys that took place in the early 1990s.
Dutch Institute Finds that Compensation for Residents Near Amsterdam Airport is Cheaper Than a New Airport. AFX News reports that according to the publication Het Financieele Dagblad, the Dutch economic institute NEI has released a study that concludes that compensating residents who live near Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport for noise pollution would be cheaper than building a new airport.
German Government Approves Aircraft Emissions and Noise Proposals. AFX News reports Germany's federal cabinet has approved a collection of proposals from the transportation and environment ministries that aim to reduce aircraft emissions and noise, according to a joint statement from the ministries. The statement also said that aircraft noise and emissions reduction would be encouraged through financial incentives -- for example, the tax break for the use of jet fuel could be eliminated, and taxes on aircraft take-offs and landings could be restructured.
Los Angeles City Council Moves to Place Restrictions on Noisy Jets at Van Nuys Airport. The Los Angeles Times reports that the Los Angeles City Council will develop an ordinance to limit noisy jets at Van Nuys Airport, and to extend a nighttime curfew, now that the Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the plan.
Love Airfield in Dallas May Not be Able to Handle More Flights if Restrictive Law Ends. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that a dispute is raging over whether the Wright Amendment, a law that restricts flights at the Love Airfield in Dallas, Texas, should be abolished. Many have speculated that abolishing the amendment would bring new air traffic growth and lower fares. But according to a Dallas official, there probably is not enough capacity at the airport to handle much growth. The article goes on to detail the limitations of the airport and of expanding flights there.
Maine City Councillors Reject Residents' Bid to Restrict Leaf Blowers. The Bangor Daily News reports that City Councillors on Bangor, Maine's municipal operations committee heard complaints from three residents Tuesday about leaf blower noise in their neighborhood, and decided to contact the noise offender rather than re-write the noise ordinance at this point.
New Jersey Agrees to Fund Computer Model Simulation of Citizens' Plan to Reroute Air Traffic. The Record reports that New Jersey Governor Whitman said Tuesday that the state will fund a computer model simulation of a citizens group's plan to reroute Newark International Airport departures over the Atlantic Ocean. Members of the citizens group, the New Jersey Citizens Against Aircraft Noise, said its plan would relieve 900,000 New Jersey residents of jet noise.
Rhode Island Town Council Considers Ordinance Creating Quiet-Zones. The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that the Cumberland, Rhode Island Town Council will vote tonight on a proposed noise control ordinance that would allow noise-sensitive zones to be established in areas in which residents show that noise is hazardous to their health. The proposal was brought by two residents who say the noise in their neighborhood is bad for their health. Several city officials, however, believe the ordinance is not a good idea and will not pass.
British Residents Kept Awake by Noise from Cable Company Night Work. The Northern Echo of England reports that residents of Darlington Borough, England, disturbed by noise from late-night work by a cable TV company brought their objections to town officials.
Canadian Airline Fleets Start to Install Hush Kits to Meet New International Noise Regulations. The Financial Post reports that Canadian airline fleets have started to install hush kits in their older, noisier planes in order to meet new international noise restrictions. The article goes on to describe the noise regulations and hush kits, and to discuss which Canadian airlines are installing the kits.
Chicago Suburb Seeks Voting Rights on Airport Noise Commission. The Chicago Tribune reports the Rolling Meadows (Illinois) City Council has agreed to seek voting rights on the Chicago O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, a group formed by the mayor to make noise mitigation recommendations. Currently, the city is represented on the commission, but cannot vote on issues because it is not considered an "affected area." But residents convinced city councillors that the noise they experience warrants a vote on the commission, the article says.
FAA Committee Holds Meeting on Noise Certification Issues. FNS Daybook reports that the Federal Aviation Administration's Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee will meet today to discuss noise certification issues.
Florida City Votes to Approve Airport Expansion and Land Deal for Cargo Hub. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the Hollywood (Florida) City Commission voted Wednesday to approve a land deal proposed by developer Michael Swerdlow to create a cargo hub between the port and the airport and to approve the $1.5 billion expansion of the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The commission's decisions came after Swerdlow offered annual payment to the city in lieu of taxes.
Long Island Town Rejects Expansion Plan for Shopping Center Due to Citizen Protests. Newsday reports that the North Hempstead (New York) Town Board voted unanimously Tuesday to reject plans for expanding a shopping center on Port Washington Boulevard, near a residential area. The board voted after a public hearing that attracted more than 100 residents who opposed the expansion. Residents believed the project would increase traffic, congestion, and noise.
Pennsylvania Airport Authority Seizes Land Planned for Residential Development. The Morning Call reports that the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority has seized 107 acres of land by eminent domain in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, effectively killing plans for a 262-home residential development that was being considered by the town Planning Commission. In seizing the land, the authority also may have saved three heavily used baseball diamonds, which were also being considered for development. Now, Catasauqua's mayor says he will ask the airport whether more sports fields could be built on the seized land, which the airport says it has no plans to develop.
Temporary Ban Set on Personal Watercraft in National Parks. The Star Tribune reports that federal officials announced Wednesday that a moratorium will be imposed on the use of personal watercraft in the National Park System, starting in October. The moratorium could lead to a permanent ban on the machines in many areas of the National Park System, the article says.
Washington School District Gets Grant for Pilot Project to Reduce Aircraft Noise. PR Newswire released a press release that reports the Washington Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (CTED) will provide a grant of $165,000 to the Highline School District in Olympia, Washington for a pilot project to identify which schools could benefit from soundproofing to mitigate the impact of jet noise from the nearby airport. The money will allow the school district to begin the first phase of the pilot project, which will consist of surveying eight to twelve schools to determine which is the best candidate for an actual soundproofing project, the article says.
Connecticut Town Considers Monitoring Jet Noise Levels. The Hartford Courant reports that Roland Dowd, First Selectman in Suffield, Connecticut, is seeking to have special equipment installed to monitor jet noise from Bradley International Airport. Dowd's action comes as resident complaints about the noise are increasing. But some residents believe Dowd is just stalling, and a more immediate solution is needed, the article says.
Dutch Prime Minister Says Legal Noise Limits Must be Met at Amsterdam Airport. The ANP English News Bulletin reports that the Netherlands' Prime Minister Wim Kok said on Thursday that the legal noise limits that apply to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport must be observed, but that the cabinet will look into any leeway possible within the law. He added that no decision has been made yet on the new daytime flight restrictions proposed for the airport, but that no solution was possible within the law, there will be little the government can do besides approve the restrictions. The prime minister also said that eventual changes to legislation have not been ruled out.
German Cabinet Approves New Plan to Reduce Noise and Air Pollution from Jets. The Journal of Commerce reports that the German Cabinet this week approved a new air-traffic environmental plan that calls for taxation of aircraft fuel and stricter requirements for aircraft to minimize harmful noise and air emissions. The plan was jointly proposed by the government ministries of Transportation and the Environment, the article notes.
New Group Formed in Toronto Area to Fight Aircraft Noise. The Toronto Star reports that a ratepayers' group has been formed in the Rockwood neighborhood of Mississauga, Ontario to represent the 14,000 residents who will be affected by aircraft noise when a new runway opens at Pearson Airport this November. Lawrence Mitoff, who is already the chair of the Council of Concerned Residents, a coalition of groups and individuals opposing the runway, was elected president of the new group as well. The article reports that many residents believe one aggressive organization is needed to represent residents' interests. Mitoff noted that planes will fly just a few hundred feet above houses when the new runway opens.
Oregon Resident Tells Others to Move Away if They Can't Take the Noise. The Bulletin printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Eva Conover, a Bend, Oregon resident, regarding residents who complained about noise at Mountain View High School:
Road Covering Absorbs Traffic Noise in Britain. The Northern Echo of England reports that for residents of Bishop Middleham, England, noisy traffic could be a thing of the past after a local quarry company helped pay for road safety measures, including paving the road with a covering called whispering bitumen, which absorbs traffic noise.
U.S. Park Service Develops Rules Making it Easier to Ban Personal Watercraft from National Parks. AP Online reports that the U.S. National Park Service is developing new rules to make it easier for personal watercraft such as jet skis to be banned in National Parks. The agency has proposed a rule expected to get final approval in late October that would direct local park officials to determine the "appropriateness" of jet ski use in each park and restrict or ban the machines if necessary. The article says there has been a growing concern among many park superintendents about the impact of personal watercraft on the tranquillity of parks.
Denver City Officials Agree to Discuss Airport Noise with County Under Threat of Lawsuit. The Rocky Mountain News reports that Denver officials agreed Monday to negotiate with Adams County officials over noise from the Denver International Airport. Under a schedule set in a 1988 agreement, Adams County gave Denver until Monday to agree to talks on solving the noise problem, or else it would sue to collect $3.5 million in noise violation fines. While noise pollution still is the primary dispute, the negotiations are expanding to include other airport-related grievances, including water pollution caused by the airport and Adams County's opposition to a sixth runway.
Proposal to Reroute Corporate Jets to Different New Jersey Airport Worries Residents. The Record reports that a plan to relieve congestion and delays at New Jersey's Newark International Airport could add 14,000 takeoffs and landings per year to the Teterboro Airport in Bergen County. But residents and local officials near Teterboro who are already fighting jet noise from the airport are unhappy with the idea and are preparing for a new battle, the article says.
Rhode Island Airport Officials Consider Voluntary Noise Reduction Controls. The Providence Journal-Bulletin reports that officials at the R.I. Airport Corporation are considering establishing voluntary flight rules at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, in order to address the recent backlash against increased noise after the airport's new terminal that opened one year ago. Flight rules being considered involve the amount of power pilots should apply on takeoff, how quickly they should climb, and whether they should turn once they gain sufficient altitude. The article notes that officials are considering these measures after they have already spent $35 million on other noise control schemes, including buying out neighbors, soundproofing houses, and building noise barriers on the airfield. The article goes on to detail the long history of the jet noise fight in Warwick, and the success of other airports around the country in establishing voluntary flight rules to mitigate noise.
Motorcycle Noise in Vancouver Inspires Resident to Take Action. The Vancouver Sun printed a column that discusses the response of one Vancouver (Canada) resident, Russell King, to noisy motorcycles on his street. King said he wants the noise laws enforced more stringently, and is going to start working with neighborhood groups to address this growing noise problem.
New Hampshire Residents Organize to Protest Aircraft Noise. The Union Leader reports that the group Save Our Skies has organized a meeting tomorrow night for residents disturbed by jet noise from the Manchester (New Hampshire) Airport. Organizers intend to discuss the nighttime jet noise problem and strategies to deal with the problem. Officials at the Manchester Airport, meanwhile, say there is little they can do to mitigate the problem.
Aircraft Noise Becomes an Issue in South Australian Election Campaign. The AAP Newsfeed reports that aircraft noise became an issue in the South Australian election campaign today, when the ALP (Labor party) called for the nighttime curfew at Adelaide Airport to become federal law.
Canadian Native People Disturbed by Noise From Military Jets. The Ottawa Citizen printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Mike Boychyn, a Scarborough, Ontario resident, regarding the nuisance of military flights to the native Innu people:
Homeowner Near Colorado Airport Sues Developer Over Jet Noise. The Denver Post reports that Arapahoe County, Colorado resident Kevin Evans is suing Esprit Homes over jet noise from Centennial Airport, the second busiest general aviation airport in the country. Evans purchased a $325,000 home from Esprit Homes, and argues that the representatives from the company did not disclose the home would be impacted by jet noise. Evans is asking for $900,000 in damages, the article notes.
Massachusetts Airport Noise Opponents Are Disappointed at Officials' Response to Their Noise Recommendations. The Patriot Ledger reports that residents and local officials in the Boston, Massachusetts area who are seeking a reduction of aircraft noise from Boston's Logan International Airport are disappointed at state and federal officials' response to noise mitigation recommendations they made earlier this year. Residents of Milton, Braintree, and Dorchester presented a list of recommendations to Massport and Federal Aviation Administration officials in July, and the agencies issued a five-page response to the recommendations this month.
Massachusetts Town Passes Noise Control Ordinance With Stiff Fines. The Telegram & Gazette reports that the Southbridge (Massachusetts) Town Council passed on a 9-2 vote a noise-control bylaw that sets fines for unreasonable noise levels. The fine for first-time offenders is double that of most other town infractions, the article says.
New Noise Regulations at Amsterdam Airport Would Restrict Growth, Officials Say. The publication Airports reports that new noise regulations proposed by officials at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands would permit only limited air traffic growth in 1998, according to an airport official. The article says that according to the Dutch business daily Financieele Dagblad, Schiphol Manager Hans Smits said demand will increase by 8% to 10% next year, but capacity will increase by only 1% until 2003, when the airport's fifth runway becomes operational.
Colorado Airport Gets Federal Funding for Noise Study. The Denver Post reports that the Federal Aviation Administration has approved a $400,000 grant for a two-year noise study at Centennial Airport in Arapahoe County, Colorado. The study will be used as a standard for noise mitigation efforts once it is completed, the article says.
Louisiana City Police Start Fining Owners of Car Alarms That Go Off Unnecessarily. The Times-Picayune reports that Kenner (Louisiana) Police Chief Nick Congemi this week started using the city's noise ordinance to curb the number of false car alarms his officers investigate. Officers now will give summons to any vehicle owner whose alarm has sounded for more than 15 minutes, unless criminal activity is suspected, the article says. The summons carries a maximum fine of $500, 60 days in jail, or both. Congemi's crackdown on car alarms comes after he proposed a bylaw to the City Council that would have fined vehicle owners $25 for false or faulty car alarms, but councillors didn't even discuss the proposal.
British Medical Association Recommends Curbs on Motor Traffic, Emissions, and Noise. The Press Association Newsfile reports that a report has been released by the British Medical Association arguing that high levels of motor traffic and pollution are producing adverse effects on people's health. The study, called Transport and Health, was undertaken by the Association's Board of Science in response to the British government's green paper on transport and the environment. The report calls on the government to set national targets to reduce motor traffic, diesel emissions, and vehicle noise, the article says.
St. Paul Planning Commission Continues Suspension of New Metal Shredders. The Star Tribune of Minneapolis, Minnesota, reports that members of the St. Paul City Council voted on Wednesday to extend a temporary moratorium on new metal shredders in St. Paul as the city neared a decision on whether to make the ban permanent. Those in favor of the ban object not to recycling but to the noise and other types of pollution caused by operation. They say the industry should find a more appropriate site.
Australia Introduces Bill to Limit Flights at Sydney Airport. AAP Newsfeed reports that Australia's federal government introduced the Sydney Airport Demand Management Bill 1997 yesterday that would limit the number of planes landing and taking off at Sydney Airport to 80 an hour and would limit the number of movements within five-minute periods. The bill was introduced by parliamentary transport secretary Michael Ronaldson, the article says. However, the bill has met with widespread criticism, both from a tourism lobbying group and from local officials whose towns are affected by jet noise.
Church Sues Chicago for Soundproofing Money to Reduce Aircraft Noise in Schools. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Immaculate Conception parish in Elmhurst (Illinois) and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet filed a lawsuit against the City of Chicago Thursday, seeking $7.6 million for soundproofing to reduce aircraft noise from O'Hare International Airport. The lawsuit alleges that the jet noise disrupts classes at the parish high school and elementary school and that city officials reneged on a promise to fully soundproof the schools.
Dutch Transport Minister Expresses Concerns About Future of Amsterdam Airport. The ANP English News Bulletin reports that Dutch Transport Minister Annemarie Jorritsma Thursday told Members of Parlaiment that the economic development of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport could be in danger as a result of recently imposed measures to curb noise pollution.
Hearing on Soundproofing and Purchase Program for Homes Near Indianapolis Airport is Postponed. The Indianapolis Star reports that a public hearing on the Indianapolis (Indiana) Airport Authority's plans to alleviate noise problems for surrounding homeowners has been postponed until November after a request from the Plainfield Town Council for a 15-day extension. The hearing was supposed to be held Monday, but now will be held on November 12, the article says.
Cleveland Police Say Noise Ordinance Will be Enforced at Freeway Construction Site. The Plain Dealer reports that Cleveland (Ohio) police say they will begin to crack down on nighttime construction workers at the new Jennings Freeway site because of noise complaints from nearby residents. Police were to begin monitoring the site last night and issuing citations for violating the city noise ordinance if necessary. Police had previously told residents there was nothing they could do about the nighttime noise because the construction company had a 24-hour work permit.
Military Jets Will Make Life Noisier in Virginia City, Columnist Argues. The Virginian-Pilot printed an editorial in which the writer argues that although there will be substantial economic benefits if the Navy moves all of its F/A 18s to Virginia Beach, Virginia from the Cecil Field in Florida, life in the city will be noisier for all.
New England Patriots' Coach Uses Leaf Blower to Prepare Team for Game in Noisy Stadium. The Boston Herald reports that the New England Patriots' coach, Pete Carroll, began training the team for an October 6 game against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium by turning on an industrial strength leaf blower during practices. The Mile High Stadium is known for its loud crowd noise, which is a significant disadvantage for any visiting team, the article says. Coach Carroll wanted the team to practice running plays in an atmosphere where hearing signals is virtually impossible.
Alaska Group Formed to Promote Quiet Rights in the Outdoors. The Anchorage Daily News reports that a new group has formed in Alaska to promote the right to quiet in the state's outdoors. The group is called the Alaska Quiet Rights Coalition, and members say they have signed up hundreds of supporters across the state during the past year. An event planned by the group, Alaska Quiet Rights Day, will be held today and will be mainly a public information meeting.
BBC Gives Out Cough Drops with Quiet Wrappers at Live Radio Broadcasts. Weekend Sunday (NPR) reports in a radio broadcast that BBC Radio in London is distributing cough drops in quiet wrappers to audience members at its live classical music radio broadcasts, in an attempt to cut down on the background noise during the concerts. The broadcast goes on to interview James Pestell, the head of marketing for BBC Radio 3, the country's classical music station from the BBC.
Cleveland City Police Fine Road Crew Workers for Noisy Nighttime Work. The Plain Dealer reports that the Cleveland (Ohio) police fined two employees of the construction company building the Jennings Freeway for making too much noise late Friday night. The police's action came after residents living near the construction project complained about the late-night noise.
Mayor of Chicago Suburb Says Jet Noise Complaints are Being Ignored by Airport Officials. The Chicago Tribune printed the following letter-to-the-editor from Ronald Wietecha, Mayor of Park Ridge, Illinois, regarding noise from the O'Hare International Airport. Wietecha argues that the city of Chicago is not listening to the complaints of Park Ridge residents who have been fighting jet noise for 20 years.
Protest Against Airport Noise Held in New Jersey, But Governor Doesn't Attend. The Record reports that about 50 southern Bergen County (New Jersey) residents held a protest against jet noise at the entrance to the Teterboro Airport Saturday afternoon, because of a report that Governor Christie Whitman was coming to dedicate the newly renovated New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum. However, the governor never showed up, angering protesters even more, the article says. According to Whitman's re-election campaign manager, Tom Wilson, a stop in Teterboro "was never on our schedule."
Soundproofing Funding for Homes Near Milwaukee Airport is Restored. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the federal government has restored $2 million that had been cut from funds to soundproof homes surrounding the Mitchell International Airport outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The grant was announced last week by Milwaukee Congress member Jerry Kleczka, who helped restore the funding. The article reports the money will be enough to soundproof 96 homes (60 in Milwaukee, 15 in Oak Creek, 11 in St. Francis, and 10 in Cudahy). Additional homes likely will be soundproofed with state and airport funds, according to Airport Director Barry Bateman.
Decision by Pennsylvania Airport Officials to Re-Locate 52 Homes Angers Residents. The Morning Call reports that airport officials at the Lehigh Valley International Airport recently received a $3 million federal grant to re-locate the residents of 52 homes in the Williamson Mobile Home Court in Schoenersville, Pennsylvania. But homeowners are upset by the decision, the article says -- some because they learned about the airport's plans in the newspaper, and others because they don't want to move.
Anti-Noise Group Was Formed More Than 60 Years Ago in Britain. The Times Newspapers Limited reports that more than 60 years ago, there was a growing feeling that action needed to be taken to reduce noise in Great Britain. The article says there were several letters written to The Times regarding noise, including the following two. The first letter announces the formation of the Anti-Noise League, formed by a group of public figures, including the physician Lord Horder.
France Plans to Add Two Runways at Paris Airport and Enact New Anti-Noise Standards. International Market Insight Trade Inquiries reports that the French Ministry of Transport announced on September 23 that it plans to proceed with the addition of two new runways at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Anti-noise standards will accompany the project, the article says.
Wright Amendment Foes in Texas See Repeal as Economic Boost; Proponents Cry Foul and Cite Noise and Safety Concerns. The Dallas Morning News of Dallas, Texas, reports that while some favor the repeal of the Wright Amendment as a way to revitalize the economy of areas surrounding Love Field, others oppose the repeal of the Wright Amendment based on noise and safety concerns. Proponents use the recent revitalization of Midway Airport in Chicago as an example of what Dallas Love Field could be. Opponents say the Wright Amendment has little to do with area's economy.
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