EPA Document Collection

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About the EPA document collection held by the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse.

Subject Index: A B C E G H I L M O P R S T U W
Title Index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W #

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Economic Effects
Effects
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Economic Effects

Noise Control Technology Evaluation for Supersonic Transport Category Aircraft
Kenneth M. Eldred
July 1980
PDF

Noise control technology applicable to supersonic transport (SST) category aircraft is evaluated in view of the restraints of the Noise Control Act of 1972, which restricts both the EPA and the FAA to noise regulations that meet considerations of "safety, economic reasonableness, technological practicability, and appropriateness to type of aircraft." The effect of such constraints on the design goal for second-generation SSTs is considered. The report contains five sections. Section 2 develops a basic perspective on the noise of subsonic and supersonic aircraft and the general relationships between their airframe and engine performance characteristics, noise certification standards and noise impact. Section 3 summarizes the status of individual elements of noise control technology including engine, aerodynamics, and operational procedures. Section 4 reviews some of the integrated airfram-engine noise integration studies, and Section 5 attempts to summarize where noise and the SST stand with respect to technology. This report is based on information developed and made available prior to Fall 1978.

Truck Transport Refrigeration Units - Summary Report
March 1982
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has conducted a review of the draft noise emission regulation planned for Truck Transport Refrigeration Units (TTRU's). This review was performed from the standpoint of the prevailing conditions of the national economy, the economic difficulties being experienced by the truck and TTRU industries, the President's policy to reduce the burdens of Federal regulations, and the changes in the Agency's regulatory priorities due to national need and budgetary constraints.

Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Vehicles - Proposed Motorcycle Noise Emission Regulations - Draft Environmental and Inflationary Impact Statement
November 1977
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued proposed noise emission regulations for newly manufactured motorcycles and motorcycle replacement exhaust systems. These proposed regulations are intended to alleviate the problem of motorcycle noise not only in cities and on highways, but in off-road environments as well. This draft Environmental and Inflationary Impact Statement (EIS-IIS) presents in summary form benefits to be gained from the proposed motorcycle noise standards, and the economic implications of this action. Also presented are the principal regulatory options which were considered by EPA. The information contained in this document will provide an understanding of the issues involved with this proposed rulemaking, and of EPA's strategy in promoting a quieter, more livable environment for all Americans.

EPA Analysis of the Amendment to Delete "Engine Brake" Deceleration Testing from the Medium and Heavy Truck Noise Regulation
ONAC
May 1977
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A presentation of the questions posed and an assessment of the issues related to the consideration of the amendment to delete deceleration testing from the medium and heavy truck noise regulation (40 CPR 205) is reported. Although noise emissions from engine brake operation are inique in character, it appears that noise control using engine exhaust muffling for the vehicle acceleration mode also reduces engine brake deceleration sound levels. Economic impacts of vehicle deceleration testing using engine brakes appear minimal if engine brakes are installed at the point of manufacture. The report contains EPA Regulatory Docket No. ONAC 77-3 exhibiting all comments submitted by interested parties.

Simplified Noise Strategy Manual
Mones E. Hawley
July 1981
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This report was prepared by EPA, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, in support of its function to provide technical assistance to communities. It is one of nine which comprises the Community Noise Assessment Manual. The Manual provides a comprehensive and computerized system for assessing the noise problems of a community and then planning a noise control strategy for its abatement. This manual's objectives are the same as those described in the "Strategy Guidelines for Developing a Community Noise Control Program." It provides however a simplified and manual system for planning the noise control strategy for abating a community's noise problems. It assists comunitite in determining, in an objective manner, the efficient allocation of funds for reducing the adverse effects of noise in their community. By following a step-by-step written procedure, a noise planner can be assisted in selecting the most cost-effective noise abatement measures and the amount of money which should be spent on each. The primary criterion for optimization is based on economic and acoustical data gathered in the community.

Regulatory Impact Analysis, Oxides of Nitrogen Pollutant Specific Study and Summary and Analysis of Comments
March 1985
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As required by Executive Order 12291, this document has been prepared to summarize the results of all analyses conducted in support of the final rule for gaseous emission regulations for 1988 and later model year light-duty vehicles, light-duty trucks, and heavy-duty engines and for particulate emission regulations for 1988 and later model year heavy-duty diesel engines. In addition, this document also provides a summary and analysis of most of the comments received in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (49 FR 40258 October 15, 1984). Included here is a consideration of the technological feasibility, economic impact, environmental effects and cost effectiveness of the standards along with the development of data on the impacts of several regulatory alternatives. The remaining issues raised by commenters to this rulemaking are reviewed and responded to in the preamble. These include the proposed averaging program, allowable maintenance provisions and high altitude standards. The oxides of nitrogen (NOx) environmental impact analysis contained in this document also serves as the NOx pollutant-specific study required by Section 202(a)(3)(E) of the Clean Air Act. The material presented in this document deals primarily with those areas of the draft Regulatory Impact Analysis-[L] which were the subject of public comment. Areas of analysis which were not commented upon are repeated here only where needed to aid the understanding of material being revised. The draft analysis is therefore incorporated into this document by reference for treatment of topics not specifically re-addressed herein.

Background Document for Railroad Noise Emission Standards
December 1975
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This document contains the technical, economic, health and welfare analyses and other pertinent data and information utilized by the Environmental Protection Agency in the development of the final Interstate Rail Carrier Noise Emission Regulation.

Noise Emission Standards for Construction Equipment - Background Document for Portable Air Compressors
December 1975
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Environmental Impact Statement for Final Interstate Rail Carrier Noise Emission Regulation: Source Standards
December 1979
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This Environmental Impact Statement addresses the final noise emission regulation for railroad activities, other than line-haul operations. In arriving at the final regulation, the Environmental Protection Agency carried out detailed investigations of railroad yard operations, noise sources, noise measurement methodologies, available noise control technology, costs attendant to noise control methods, possible economic impacts, and the potential environmental and health and welfare benefits associated with the application of various noise control measures. Data and information were generated as a result of these investigations. Summaries are presented herein of the more pertinent information regarding the environmental impacts expected to result from the regulatory action.

Economic Impact of Proposed Airport Noise Reulations, R77-4 - Volume II: Economic Analysis of Public Airports Outside Chicago
Marvin Frankel; Lise Zwisler
June 1981
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Noise Emission Standards for Contstruction Equipment - Proposed Wheel and Crawler Tractor Noise Emission Regulation - Part 1. Draft Environmental Impact Statement Part 2. Background Document
June 1977
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The Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Economic Impact Statement, and Background Document were prepared in support of the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed regulation which sets noise emission standards for newly manufactured wheel and crawler tractors. The proposed regulation has been published pursuant to the mandate of Congress as expressed in the Noise Control Act of 1972 (86 Stat. 1234)

Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment - Proposed Bus Noise Emission Regulation - Part 1. Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Part 2. Background Document
August 1977
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This Draft Environmental Impact Statement addresses a proposed noise emission regulation for buses. In arriving at the proposed regulation, the Agency carried out detailed investigations of bus design and manufacturing and assembly processes, bus noise measurement methodologies, available bus noise control technology. costs attendant to bus noise control methods, costs to test vehicles for compliance, costs of record keeping, possible economic impacts due to increased costs, and the potential environmental and health and welfare benefits associated with the application of various noise control measures. Data and information generated as a result of these investigations are the basis for the statements made in Part 1 of this document. Part 1 has been designed to present, in the simplest form, all relevant information regarding the environmental impact expected to result from the proposed action. Where greater detail is required, the Agency encourages persual of Part 2, the Background Document.

Report to Congress - Effects of Airport Noise on a Neighboring State
October 1980
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This report is submitted to Congress in response to Section 8 of the Quiet Communities Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-609) which resulted from Congressional concern that aircraft noise from some airports may impact communities located in another State. The question was whether the communities in the other State could effect change at the airport to provide relief for their citizens. The Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency were directed to study jointly this issue and determined that Philadelphia International Airport satisfied the selection criteria in the Act. The Act further directed that the study be conducted in cooperation with the airport operator, appropriate Federal, State, and local officials, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization which, in this case, is the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). This led to formation of an Advisory Committee under the auspices of the DVRPC to assist the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration. This study illustrates that regional advisory bodies can work effectively on problems which cross political boundaries. The study included three semi-independent programs: (1) Noise Measurement, (2) Noise Modeling, and (3) Community Response. The objective of the measurement program was to obtain actual aircraft noise levels in selected residential areas around the Philadelphia International Airport. These data were used to verify the results of the Noise Modeling Program. The FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM), a computerized noise simulation, was used to predict aircraft noise levels around the airport as a function of all of the pertinent parameters, i.e., types and numbers of aircraft operating at the airport (both current and forecast for 1990 and 2000), flight tracks, operating procedures, and time of day of aircraft operations. The Community Response Program made the public aware of the noise study through standard public information techniques, a toll-free telephone complaint service, conduct of a community opinion survey to determine how people feel about the airport and its environmental impact, and establishment of an Advisory Committee to assist in the selection of noise control options. The telephone complaint service registered 296 complaints during the 118 days in which it was operated. One thousand seven hundred and twenty-three interviews were conducted among residents within approximately 20 miles of Philadelphia International Airport, of whom 447, or 26.0 percent, lived in New Jersey and the remainder in Pennsylvania. Crime was identified most often as the most serious environmental problem, while noise (from all sources including aircraft) was fifth among the eight categories specified. The noise exposure conditions, and the relative effectiveness of alternative noise control actions, were investigated for the existing 1980 operations and for projected 1990 and 2000 operations. Alternative noise control actions were grouped into five categories: airport layout; airport and airspace use; aircraft operations; land use; and noise program management. Detailed results of these analyses are reported, in terms of the population impacted by several values of Average Day-Night Sound Level (Ldn), which includes a 10-decibel added penalty on nighttime aircraft operations. On this basis, the most effective noise control option for Philadelphia International Airport appears to be a reduction in nighttime operations, in combination with a preferential runway use program to keep the remaining nighttime flights away from populated areas. These actions would reduce aircraft noise impacts in the affected areas of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Before any such use restrictions should be considered by the operator of Philadelphia International Airport, however, a more detailed syudy should be made to account for all economic factors which could be affected by those restrictions. Any aviation-related options should be complemented by a continuing citizen involvement program and a broad land-use planning program.

Noise Emission Standards for Surface Transportation Equipment - Information in Support of the Proposed Regulation for Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors - Part 1. Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Economic Impact Statement Part 2. Background Doc.
August 1977
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The Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Economic Impact Statement, and Background Document were prepared in support of the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed regulation which sets noise emission standards for newly manufactured truck-mounted solid waste compactors. The proposed regulation has been published pursuant to the mandate of Congress as expresses in the Noise Act of 1972 (86 Stat. 1234).

Noise in Rail Transit Cars: Incremental Costs of Quieter Cars
June 1974
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U.S. rail rapid transit systems, car operations, and the car building industry are described in relation to the procurement of quieter cars. The noise environment of passengers in rapid transit cars is discussed and the major noise sources and paths of noise transmission into cars are delineated. For essentially all combinations of car noise-control modifications deemed technically and economically feasible for implementation in new vehicles, estimates are presented of the associated noise reductions, initial costs, and operating costs. It is concluded that significant reductions in in-car noise under typical operating conditions can be achieved at incremental costs that are small percentages of the total car costs.

Growth Forecast by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry Economics - U.S. Industrial Outlook 1981
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Model Noise Control Provisions for Building Codes and an Imlementation Manual
A.S. Harris; D.S. Keast; N.P. Miller; T.J. Schultz
August 1981
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A model municipal noise control code for buildings has been developed. Also included is an implementation manual for this code. The provisions of the code were developed with three objectives in mind. First, they attempt to minimize the adverse health and welfare effects of intruding noise without requiring the construction of economically unreasonable buildings. Proposed standards for the outdoor reduction of noise levels are achievable with existing materials and construction techniques. Secondly, enforcement for the review of plans and for the acceptance of completed buildings are described. Thirdly, this material should help jurisdictions develop a process of administrationand enforcement that is compatible with existing building code procedures. The model provisions of the proposed building code contain performance standards. These standards are administered and enforced by review of plans and inspections during and after construction of buildings.

Economic Impact of Proposed Airport Noise Regulations, R77-4 - Volume IV: Economic Analysis of O'Hare and Midway Airports
Marvin Frankel; Lise Zwisler
November 1981
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Public Health and Welfare Criteria for Noise
July 1973
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The Noise Control Act of 1972 requires that the Administrator of The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) develop and publish criteria with respect to noise. These criteria are to "reflect tile scientific knowledge most useful in indicating the kind and extent of all identifiable effects of noise on the public health and welfare which may be expected from differing quantities and qualities of noise." This document meets that requirement. The terms "criteria and standards" are generally used interchangeably in the scientific communities concerned with noise and its control. However, in accordance with the intent of the U.S. Congress, criteria for environmental pollutants are to reflect an honest appraisal of available knowledge relating to health and welfare effects of pollutants, (in this case, noise). The criteria are descriptions of cause and effect relationships. Standards and regulations must take into account not only the health and welfare considerations described in the criteria, but also, as called for in the Noise Control Act of 1972, technology, and cost of control. This criteria document, therefore, serves as a basis for the establishment of tile recommended environmental noise level goals to be related to the "Effects Document" called for by Section 5(a)(2) of the Noise Control Act. That document, along with this criteria document, will become the basis for standards and regulations called for by Sections 6 and 7 of the Noise Control Act. Further, the terms "health and welfare," as used in the Noise Control Act include, as in other environmental legislation, the physical and mental well being of the human populations. The terms also include other indirect effects, such as annoyance, interference with communication, loss of value and utility of property, and effects on other living things. In preparing this Criteria Document, EPA has taken into account the vast amount of data in the general professional literature and the information contained in the "Report to the President and Congress on Noise" and its supporting documents prepared under Title IV, PL 91-604. To bring to bear the views and opinions of some of the world's leading experts on current knowledge regarding the effects of noise, EPA sponsored an International Conference on Public Health Aspects of Noise) in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia in May 1973. The proceedings of that conference have been applied to the preparation of this document. They are available, as stated in the Appendix to this document.

A Comparison of Sound Power Levels from Portable Air Compressors Based Upon Test Methodologies Adopted by U.S. EPA and the CEC
December 1980
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On December 30, 1975, the United States government issued a regulation which set limits on the amount of noise emitted from portable air compressors. This regulation also specified the noise test procedure to determine the maximum sound pressure level of compressors. On April 5, 1978, the Commission of the European of the European Communities (CEC) submitted a proposed directive to the Council of the European Communities, that also would set limits on the noise emitted by portable air compressors within the European Economic Community (EEC). The proposed directive also specified the test procedure to determine the sound power emitted from a compressor. It became evident that both U.S. and European manufacturers may need to perform two separate noise tests on their compressors if they intend to meet both existing U.S. and the proposed EEC noise standards. At the request of industry, U.S. government representatives entered into discussions with representatives of the CEC in November 1975. These discussions led to an agreement between the CEC and the U.S. EPA to jointly conduct comparative noise tests of various size compressors to assess the potential for alignment of the existing U.S. and proposed CEC test procedures. The test results presented in this report are the end product of those bilateral discussions and technical cooperation between the CEC and the EPA.

Technology, Cost and Economic Impact Analysis for the Revision of the Interstate Motor Carrier Emission Regulations
May 1978
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Regulatory Analysis for the Noise Emission Regulations for Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems
December 1980
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This document presents the technical data and analyses used by EPA in developing the noise emission regulations fro motorcycles and motorcycle exhaust systems. The information presented includes a detailed discussion of: the motorcycle and motorcycle exhaust systems industry; baseline noise levels for current motorcycles; the noise control technology available; the adverse health and welfare impacts of motorcycle noise and the potential benefits of regulation; the expected costs and potential economic effects of regulation; and the noise measurement methodology.

Analysis of the Health and Welfare and Economic Impacts of Revision of the Interstate Motor Carrier Noise Standard Coincident with a 2-Year Delay in the 80dB Medium and Heavy Truck Noise Standard
March 1985
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Under the authority of the Noise Control Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-574) (amended by the Quiet Communities Act of 1978) the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated two key noise regulations for trucks: The Noise Emission Standards for Motor Carriers Engaged in Interstate Commerce (40 CFR Part 202) effective October 15, 1975; and the Noise Emission Standards for Medium and Heavy Trucks (40 CFR Part 205, Subparts A and B) effective January 1, 1978. For brevity, these regulations are referred to in this document as respectively, the IMC (for Interstate Motor Carrier) and the MHT (for Medium and Heavy Trucks) regulations. The IMC regulation set two noise standards for trucks used in interstate commerce: a low-speed limit of 86 decibels and a high-speed limit of 90 decibels. The MHT regulation set a not-to-exceed noise standard of 83 decibels (measured in a low-speed acceleration test) effective January 1, 1978, and a reduced limit of 80 decibels, effective January 1, 1982. As a result of various economic developments and associated industry comments submitted in response to President Carter's initiatives to minimize the burden of regulations, in 1980, the EPA Administrator made a decision to defer the effective date of the MHT 80 dB standard to January 1, 1983. Subsequent contentions by the industry that economic efficiences would be achieved by making the 80 dB MHT standard coincident in time with updated exhaust emission standards for trucks led to further deferral of the 80 dB standard to June 1, 1986. Recently it hes abeen apparent that the revised exhaust emission standards originally scheduled for 1986 would not be promulgated in time for 1986 effectively. Instead, current projections are for a January 1, 1988 effective date for the updated exhaust emission standards. Accordingly, the industry has petitioned for further deferral of the 80 dB MHT standard to retain coincidence with the exhaust emission standards. Recognizing the logical consistency of this petition, the Agency is proposing to defer the 80 dB standards further, to January 1, 1988. In reviewing the Health and Welfare impact of this further deferral of the MHT standard, the Agency finds that there is a modest, but significant loss of benefits. At the same time, the Agency has experienced a renewed awareness of its obligation under the Noise Control Act to update the IMC noise standard to reflect "best available (noise control) technology." Available data on the noise levels of in-use trucks suggests that lowering the IMC noise limits to achieve consistency with the MHT 83 dB standard would provide some improvement in the noisiest portion of the truck fleet. Such improvement in turn is expected to provide health and welfare benefit gains that would compensate at least in part for the benefit losses expected from the MHT deferral. This analysis examines both the economic and the health and welfare impacts of the proposed regulatory actions. It presents the economic effects of these changes in reducing industry costs and the changes in health and welfare benefits resulting from the revised regulations.

Economic and Social Impact of Occupational Noise Exposure Regulations
Nicholas A. Ashford; Dale Hattis; Eric M. Zolt; Judith I. Katz; George R. Heaton
September 1976
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This report elaborates on the costs and benefits associated with alternative occupational noise exposure regulations. The limitations of cost/benefit analysis for social decision-making are enunciated. The impact of various regulatory alternatives for 85 dBA and 90 dBA criteria are analyzed.

Environmental Impact Statement for the Final Noise Emission Regulation for Buses
July 1980
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This document presents an assessment of the expected benefits and impacts of the Final Noise Emission Regulation for Buses. The information presented includes a description of the bus noise problem, the statutory basis for the action, a summary of the regulation, State and local programs complementary to Federal noise emission standards for buses, the alternatives considered, the expected benefits of the regulation, the potential economic effects of the regulation, public comments on the draft environmental impact statement, and conclusions.

Docket Analysis for the Final Noise Emission Regulation for Buses
July 1980
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This document presents all comments received from the public regarding the proposed Bus Noise Emission Regulation and the Federal government's responses to each comment. The comments include those received during the 90-day public comment period and testimony recieved at two public hearings. The comments and Agency responses address: health and welfare benefits of the regulation; bus interior noise; school buses; possible economic effects of the regulation; noise control technology; enforcement of the regulation; test procedures; Acoustical Assurance Period and Sound Level Degradation Factor; Transbus; transit malls; and general comments. The document also lists: those organizations and individuals that commented during the 90-day public comment period or testified at the hearings; other organizations and individuals with which the Agency had contact during the development of the regulation; and those organizations and individuals that the Agency will contact in order to inform the public of the benefits and impacts of the regulation.

Regulatory Analysis for the Final Noise Emission Regulation for Buses
July 1980
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This document presents the technical data and analysis used by EPA in developing the Noise Emission Regulation for Buses. The information presented includes a detailed discussion of: buses and the bus industry; baseline noise levels for current buses; the noise control technology available; the adverse health and welfare impacts of bus noise and the potential benefits of regulation; the expected costs and potential economic effects of regulation; the measurement methodology; the enforcement procedures and existing State, local, and foreign noise regulations applicable to buses

Background Document for Medium and Heavy Truck Noise Emission Regulations
ONAC
March 1976
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On March 31, 1976, the Environmental Protection Agency issued a regulation governing noise emissions from medium and heavy trucks. That regulation was issued under Section 6 of the Noise Control Act of 1972. This document presents and discusses the background data used by the Agency in setting the standards contained in the regulation. Presented here is a comprehensive exposition on the most up-to-date available information on the environmental, technological, and economic aspects of medium and heavy truck noise.

The Economics of Noise Pollution
Keith G. Lumsden
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Colorado Springs, Colorado - Case History of a Municipal Noise Control Program
February 1979
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This technical case study of the noise control program in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was developed to enable noise control administrators and municipal officials from other local communities to benefit from the experience gained in Colorado Springs. This study was prepared under the direction of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Noise Abatement and Control. Colorado Springs was chosen for this study because the city has a vigorous noise control program that receives enthusiastic support from the city government and the populace. As with any local community program for noise control and abatement, it is a unique product of many community factors such as environment, demography, economic growth and business composition, structure and function of municipal government, and especially the interest and resourcefulness of the key individuals responsible for operating the program. Because of these and other variables, it is difficult if not impossible to attribute the program's overall success to any particular aspect of the effort. Rather, this report examines the Colorado Springs program in all of its phases with particular emphasis on those aspect which could be employed successfully byother local communities. Those who use this report should avoid the oversimplification of attempting to apply the methods used by Colorado Springs in an identical way to their own communities. A successful community noise control program will be a program that is responsive to the particular needs and problems of that community. The significant ingredients of the Colorado Springs noise control effort are the ideas and concepts that can be appropriated for that city and adapted to the needs and problems of other communities. How those ideas and concepts are specifically adapted, however, can be determined only by the noise control administrator or municipal official responsible for developing the program.

User's Guide and Documentation of the ONAC Railroad Cash Flow Model
May 1981
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The Railroad Cash Flow Model estimates the discounted present value of each firm's future cash flow stream. To determine this, the set worth of each railroad firm is subtracted from the present value of future cash flow. The model was developed by contractor in order to perform the economic analysis for the railroad regulation. The model was implicitly developed through contract funding but is not currently available for use on EPA's computer system.

Project Report - Minimum Altitudes for Noise Abatement
November 1974
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This is the third draft of the Project Report on Minimum Altitudes for Noise Abatement. In response to the distribution of the second draft, dated 5 March 1974, a number of comments were received from interested persons and organizations. Several of the respondents raised substantive issues on such matters as health and welfare aspects, safety, economic reasonableness, need for the regulation, airport operators' authority over airplane operations, etc. A summary tabulation and detailed discussion of these comments and issues is presented in Appendix B. Serious consideration was given to the comments recieved, and, as a result, this third draft of the project report contains substantial revisions from Draft No. 2.

The Economics of Noise Pollution
Keith G. Lumsden
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Revised Analysis of the Benefits and Csts of the 80 dB Noise Emission Regulation for Medium and Heavy Trucks
August 1981
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The Agency has committed to review the medium and heavy truck noise emission regulation. This commitment was developed in the context of Secretary Lewis' Task Force on the automotive industry earlier this year. This report presents the results of an updated analysis of the benefits and costs of the 80 dB noise emission regulation for medium and heavy trucks which was originally promulgated in April 1976 (41 FR 15538 - see attached Appendix). The 80 dB regulation is scheduled to become effective January 1, 1983. In updating the analysis, the Agency relied largely on data supplied by the truck industry. Other cost data were derived from the Agency's first-hand experience in quieting and operating trucks in its Quiet Truck Demonstration Program. We developed improved estimates of the health and welfare benefits of the 80 dB regulation by performing computations using the Agency's surface transportation noise computer program which models the Nation's roadway system and population. The relative economic impact of the 80 dB regulation was determined in terms of uniform annualized cost which represents the equal annual (annuity) payments made on a hypothetical loan borrowed byn truck users to pay for the anticipated additional capital expenditures and operating costs resulting from compliance withhe 80 dB regulation.

Final Environmental and Economic Impact Statement - Noise Emission Regulations for Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors
August 1979
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This document presents an assessment of the expected environmental benefits and economic effects of the Noise Emission Regulations for Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors. The informations presented includes the statuatory basis for the action, a summary of the regulation, a description of the existing truck-mounted solid waste compactor environment, the alternatives considered, the expected environmental benefits, the expected economic effects, and conclusions.

Noise Emission Standards for Surface Transportation Equipment - Regulatory Analysis of the Noise Emission Regulations for Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors
August 1979
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This document presents the technical data and analysis used by EPA in developing the Noise Emission Regulations for Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors. The information presented includes a detailed description of the truck-mounted solid waste compactor industry and the product; baseline noise levels for current compactors; a description of the measurement methodology; an analysis of the health and welfare impacts and potential benefits of regulation; the noise control technology available; an analysis of the costs and potential economic effects of regulation; the enforcement procedures; existing local, state, and foreign regulations applicable to compactor noise emissions; an analysis of comments to the public docket; and a description of the participation of the public throughout the development of the regulation.

The Economic Impact of Noise
December 1971
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A study has been undertaken to survey the economic impact of noise. Data available on the entire subject of noise and its abatement are so rudimentary that they do not lend themselves to even the most primitive economic analysis. It is demonstrated that the number of sources of noise in homes, in industry, on the highways, and in the air. It is growing at a dramatic rate. These noise sources are heterogeneous and transient, and, therefore, a universal solution for abatement of noise at the source is not available. From the economic viewpoint, it has been demonstrated that substantial costs are associated with noise and its abatement. Costs such as those associated with equipment redesign, right-of-way, and receiver insulation are discussed in detail. The most glaring data gaps highlight the need for research into the relationship between noise, its abatement, and its impact on: wages, prices, productivity, production costs, employment, balance of payment, real property values, and health. Research using the principles of economics must identify and analyze the most cost-effective alternative solutions to noise. A discussion of spending for noise research is included in the study.

A Comparison of Sound Power Levels from Portable Air Compressors Based Upon Test Methodologies Adopted by U.S. EPA and the EEC
December 1980
PDF

On December 30, 1975, the United States government issued a regulation which set limits on the amount of noise emitted from portable air compressors. This regulation also specified the noise test procedure to determine the maximum sound pressure level of compressors. On Arpil 5, 1978, the Commission of the European Communities (CEC) submitted a propsed directive to the Council of the European Communities, that also would set limits on the noise emitted by portable air compressors within the European Economic Community (EEC). The proposed directive also specified the test procedure to determine the sound power emitted from a compressor. It became evident that both U.S. and European manufacturers may need to perform two separate noise tests on their compressors if they intend to meet both existing U.S. and the proposed EEC noise standards. At the request of industry, U.S. government representatives entered into discussions with representatives of the CEC in November 1975. These discussions led to an agreement between the CEC and the U.S. EPA to jointly conduct comparative noise tests of various size compressors to assess the potential for alignment of the existing U.S. and the proposed CEC test procedures. The test results presented in this report are the end product of those bilateral discussions and technical cooperation between the CEC and the EPA.

Environmental Impact Statement for the Noise Emission Regulations for Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems
December 1980
PDF

This document presents an assessment of the expected benefits and impacts of the final noise emission regulations for motorcycles and motorcycle exhaust systems. The information presented includes a description of the motorcycle and motorcycle exhaust noise problem, the statutory basis for action, a summary of the regulation, State and local programs complementary to Federal noise emission standards for motorcycles and motorcycle exhaust systems, the rationale for regulation, the expected benefits of the regulation, the potential economic effects of the regulation, public comments on the draft environmental impact statement, and conclusions.

Docket Analysis for the Noise Emission Regulations for Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems
December 1980
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This document presents all comments received from the public regarding the proposed noise emission regulations for motorcycles and motorcycle exhaust systems and the Federal government's responses to each comment. The comments include written submissions received during the 90-day public comment period, and testimony received at the three public hearings. The comments and Agency responses address: health and welfare benefits of the regulation; economic effects of the regulation; noise control technology; enforcement of the regulation; test procedures; Acoustical Assurance Period and Sound Level Degradation Factor; labeling; mopeds; and general comments. The document also presents a statistical breakdown of all comments.

Effects

See Behavioral Effects, Economic Effects, Health Effects.

Enforcement

1976 Reassessment of Noise Concerns of Other Nations - Volume II - Country-By-Country Reviews
Carl Modig; Ghalib Khouri; John Stepanchuk; George Cerny
August 1976
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A review of noise abatement programs around the world (except U.S.) including laws, regulations, guidelines, criteria, governmental organizations, plans, research, etc., with bibliography and contact addresses to facilitate further inquiry. Volume II contains country reviews of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Canada, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, France, Switzerland, West Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, Poland, Soviet Union, Latin American countries, South Africa, and Spain. (Volume I contains a summary and a topic-by-topic review.) Each country eview is structured around an outline: (1) national laws, regulations and guidelines (occupational, emissions limits, zoning, other), (2) provincial and local framework, (3) enforcement and institutional data.

A Survey of Enforcement Practice With Respect to Noise Control Requirements in Building Codes in a Number of European Countries
Theodore J. Schultz
July 1976
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Report on Operations Analysis Including Monitoring, Enforcement, Safety and Costs
July 1973
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This report analyzes a number of noise abatement flight and operational procedures which are presently in use in one form or another in scattered parts of the air transportation system. For the most part the use of these procedures is not required by the FAA. The discussion in this report concentrates on the noise reduction potential, the costs, and other advantages and disadvantages of these noise abatement procedures. The attractiveness of procedural methods of noise reduction is that they can be accomplished in a short time (0 to 5 years) and at a low costs (often no cost). This is in contrast to aircraft or engine modifications or land use conversion which can provide more substantial long term benefits (3 to 15 years) but at greater cost.

Model On-Road Light Vehicle Noise Enforcement Procedures Manual
January 1980
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Handbook for Measuring Compliance With the Interstate Rail Carrier Noise Emission Standards
June 1980
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This handbook describes procedures for measuring compliance with EPA's Noise Emission Standards, which set limits on the noise of locomotives, switcher locomotives, rail cars, active retarders, car-coupling impacts, and locomotive load cell test stands. The Federal Railroad Administration will be promulgating compliance regulations in the near future for enforcement of the EPA Emission Standards. This handbook specifically addresses noise measurement procedures and is directed towards compliance officers, railroad personnel, local residents, and others to permit an assessment of the noise emissions from a railyard.

Potential Noise Reduction From - And The Cost Of - State and Local In-Use Motor Vehicle Exhaust Noise Enforcement Programs
September 1981
PDF

The results of the study and analyses performed indicate that on-the-street enforcement can reduce ambient traffic noise and mitigate the number of potential instrusive events (which lead to complaints) due to vehicles with faulty exhaust systems. Using the State of FLorida enforcement statistics, in the 1976 to 1980 time frame, it is estimated that ambient traffic noise levels have been reduced by 1.7 dB overall and the potential daily intrusive events reduced by over 4,000 occurrences per day for all vehicle types. Of several ways to perform on-the-street enforcement of vehicles with faulty exhausts, the use of the human ear to detect - and human eyesight to confrim, appears to be the most cost effective method. Greater effectiveness of the ear as a detector over the meter has been demonstrated. The cost of enforcement has been shown to vary with community size, ranging from about $.03 per person for communities of 2 million and greater persons, to about $.50 per person for communities of 5 to 25 thousand people. Thus, as a first approximation, a community of 25,000 people could provide on-the-street motor vehicle enforcement for $12,500, whereas a city of 7,000,000 could provide on-the-street enforcement for $200,000. In the case of Florida, a 4,000 per day reduction in potential intrusive events has been achieved with an annual noise enforcement budget of around $200,000.

Hillsborough County, Florida - Case History of a County Noise Control Program
August 1979
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This technical case study of the noise program in Hillsborough County, Florida, was developed to enable noise officials from other counties and communities to benefit from Hillsborough County's experience in developing and enforcing a noise ordinance (rule). This study was prepared under the direction of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Noise Abatement and Control. Study of this county's noise control program was conducted not only because it is typical of active programs in the southeastern United States but also because hillsborough County officials demonstrated that numerical noise limits are preferable to nuisance noise laws in resolving noise problems. However, the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) which enforces the noise rule also enforces air and water rules so that EPC staff works only part-time on the noise program on a limited annual budget. Partly because of these limitations, and partly because of legal procedures required for disposition of a willful noise violation, voluntary compliance is relied upon for resolving the majority of noise problems. In spite of current limitations and past program development problems, support for enforcement of the county noise rule continues to grow.

Handbook for Motor Vehicle Noise Enforcement
Gale R. Hruska
PDF

Often a police officer's only introduction to noise enforcement is when someone puts a sound level meter in one of his hands and a copy of the town noise ordinance in the other, and he is told to :go out and quiet those %*!!!&*! motorcycles." The purpose of this booklet is to provide some elementary instruction in the fundamentals of motor vehicle noise enforcement. The three main topics to be covered are: (1) sound and its characteristics, (2) the sound level meter, and (3) enforcement procedures.

An Evaluation and Assessment of Existing Data and Procedures for Tire Noise Measurement
R.D. Kilmer; W.A. Leasure Jr.; T.L. Quindry
November 1975
PDF

This report reviews existing tire noise measurement procedures with regard to their usefulness in the regulation of tire noise as well as the availability, extent and applicability of existing data. On the basis of this review, probable or potential measurement difficulties are identified that could hinder the promulgation and/or enforcement of future EPA regulations to control the noise emission from tires.

Model Community Noise Control Ordinance
National Institute of Municipal Law Officers; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
September 1975
PDF

This report contains a model ordinance for use by cities and counties in the development of noise control ordinances tailored to local conditions and goals. It is a comprehensive, performance-standard noise ordinance intended to overcome enforcement problems associated with the outmoded nuisance law approach to noise control. This report contains sections on the control of noise from both stationary and mobile sources and includes land use planning provisions. A preamble gives important explanatory information for certain ordinance sections.

Development of a Mechanical Equipment Noise-Control Permit Scheme for Model Building Code
Warren E. Blazier Jr.; Nicholas P. Miller; David A. Towers
August 1981
PDF

This report deals with the development of noise-control approaches applicable to a mechanical equipment permit schema for commercial, business, institutional, and residential high-rise buildings. The report identifies and categorizes mechanical equipment as noise sources. The equipment is classified and rank-ordered in the basis of potential noise impact. A series of worksheets and guidelines are presented for use in performing the calculations necessary to evaluate a given mechanical design for exterior noise impact. A mechanical equipment permit scheme is explained for use by a community. In developing this scheme the authors first examined the strengths and weaknesses of enforcement strategies currently being used by various jurisdictions throughout the country. These existing strategies are evaluated in terms of effectiveness, feasibility, enforcement costs and legal provisions. In making an evaluation emphasis is placed upon these enforcement practices which increase the probability that mechanical-equipment noise will be controlled.

A Survey of Enforcement Practice with Respect to Noise Control Requirements in Building and Costs in a Number of European Countries
Theodore J. Schultz
November 1976
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The report introduces the problem of effective enforcement of noise control requirements in building codes throughout Europe, examines in detail two approaches of special interest and finally proposes a new approach to the endorsement of building code noise requirements.

Preliminary Estimates of the Health and Welfare Benefits of State and Local Surface Transportation Noise Control Programs
Michael A. Staiano; Robert A. Samis
November 1979
PDF

The actual reduction in traffic noise exposure level for a given control measure can be conceptually considered a function of: the potential level reduction of the control, its applicability, the extent of its enforcement, and the effectiveness of its enforcement. A survey of the available literature yielded a reasonable amount of information regarding the potential level reductions of control measures, a limited amount of information regarding the observed exposure level reductions of control measures, and virtually no information regarding the applicability of controls, the extent of enforcement, or the effectiveness of enforcement. EPA's National Roadway Traffic Noise Exposure Model (NRTNEM) was used as a means of estimating the benefits of various state and local surface transportation noise control measures for the year 1985. Somewhat coarse simulations of the various controls gave the following results: -Various low speed vehicle noise control measures, applied nationwide, roughly halved of the surface transportation noise impact. -Upper estimates of high speed vehicle noise control measures (snow tire regulations and roadway surface treatment) yielded roughly a 2/5 reduction in impact. -The exclusion of noisy vehicles from residential areas, applied to cities with greater than 50,000 people population, has a potential for the reduction of impact by about 1/4. -Motorcycle enforcement resulting in the partial to total elimination of modified motorcycles has the potential for reducing impact between 1/5 to 1/4. -Reducing local speed limits, in cities of greater than 50,000 people population, was estimated to yield a maximum impact reduction of 1/5. -More stringent speed limit enforcement for highways, on a nationwide basis was estimated to have a maximum benefit of about 1/5 impact reduction. Recommendations for future work include refining NRTNEM itself to more realistically describe vehicle behavior at intersections, refining the simulations themselves to yield more accurate estimates (e.g., considering snow tire controls only for "snow states" and their exclusion only for summer months), and the simulation of simultaneous multiple complementary controls. Finally, any estimates must be considered in the light of reasonable expectations for the applicability, effectiveness and the extent of enforcement of control measures. In the absence of a data base for these parameters, sensitivity tests should be conducted.

Assessment of Ground Surface Corrections for Motor Vehicle Noise Measurements
Donald B. Pies
February 1977
PDF

In 1974, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation limiting the noise levels produced by trucks operated by motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. A measurement methodology was included in the background considerations for this regulation that allowed measurements pf truck noise levels to be made over hard (i.e., concrete, asphalt, packed dirt or gravel) or soft (i.e., grass or similar absorbent material) surfaces, with an adjustment factor of 2 dB to be added to the latter to account for the effect of ground attenuation. The Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety (BMCS) has the task of enforcing this regulation, and has published an enforcement procedure that includes the 2 dB adjustment factor. The provision of the adjustment factor is predicated on simple geometry of ground coverage and does not necessarily apply under other more complex conditions. Also, it appears that a systematic study has not been made of all available data in order to justify the numerical value of the correction factor. The purpose of this program is to study existing data and present recommendations as to the validity of the 2 dB adjustment factor.

Information Brief on Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety (BMCS) Truck Noise Data for Interstate Motor Carriers
June 1982
PDF

As mandated by the Noise Control Act of 1972, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued noise emission standards and regulations for interstate motor carriers. The noise emission standards were issued by the EPA on October 21, 1974 and the regulations for compliance were issued by the EPA on October 21, 1974 and the regulations for compliance were issued by the DOT on September 12, 1975. As part of the enforcement activity, the DOT's Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety (BMCS) established a truck noise measurement program which included data collecting, organizing and reporting functions.

Noise Enforcement Catalogue - A Directory of Persons Willing to Provide Assistance to State and Local Noise Enforcement Programs
January 1979
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State and Local Guidance Manual for Police: Motor Vehicle Noise Enforcement
PDF

This guidance manual for state and local police officers and law enforcement personnel was prepared for the Office of Noise Abatement and Control of the United States Environmental Protection Agency as part of its mandate under the Noise Control Act (P.L. 92-574, 42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq. Supp. 1978). The purpose of the manual is to provide law enforcement personnel with the necessary technical skills to enforce State and Local Motor Vehicle Noise Laws. The proper enforcement of motor vehicle noise violations requires the noise enforcement officer to develop specific technical skills, both in the use of noise measuring equipment as well as in the application of police practice to noise enforcement officer is utilizing a sound level meter to measure the violation.

Toward a National Strategy for Noise Control
April 1977
PDF

This document has been developed to continue the dialogue on the overall goals of the noise program, the role of the government, the role of consumers, and the role of industry in noise control, along with the selection of specific abatement and enforcement activities for EPA. It establishes a general framework for making decisions on the best strategy that EPA can employ to combat noise pollution. The primary goal of the Agency in the noise pollution area is to promote an environment for all Americans, free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. In order to reach this legislatively mandated objective five specific operational goals have been formulated. These are: A. To take all practical steps to eliminate hearing loss resulting from noise exposure; B. To reduce environmental noise exposure to an Ldn value of no more than 75 dB immediately; C. To reduce noise exposure levels to Ldn 65 dB by vigorous regulatory and planning actions; D. To strive for an eventual reduction of noise levels to an Ldn of 55 dB; and E. To encourage and assist other Federal, State, and local agencies in the adoption and implementation of long range noise control policies.

Code of Current Practices for Enforcement of Noise Ordinances
F.M. Kessler; M. Alexander
July 1981
PDF

This report provides communities interested in adopting a noise control ordinance with measurement procedures for effective enforcement. The first segment discusses the theory of sound, terminology, and computation methods. Vibration measurement and criteria are also presented. The second segment of this report presents the current measurement procedures. Noise and vibration measurement procedures are presented for stationary noise sources. These include statistical sampling and steady sound techniques, both weighted and octave band. Both roadway (passby) and stationary sound level measurement methods are provided for automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles. Sound measurement procedures are also included for buses, construction equipment, model vehicles, recreation vehicles, and refuse collection vehicles. Sketches of the measurement sites and forms for reporting measured data are provided for each measurement procedure.

Model Noise Control Provisions for Building Codes and an Imlementation Manual
A.S. Harris; D.S. Keast; N.P. Miller; T.J. Schultz
August 1981
PDF

Guidance Manual for Police in State and Local Noise Enforcement Procedures
PDF

The purpose of this manual is to provide law enforcement personnel with the necessary technical skills and procedures to enforce State and Local motor vehicle noise laws. The manual has been written for use by the police officer charged with the enforcement responsibilities, as well as his supervisor.

Guidelines and Sample Training Workbook for Police Enforcement of Noise Regulations
February 1980
PDF

This report is one of the products of a contract between the EPA's Noise Enforcement Division and Jack Faucett Associates, Inc. One purpose of the contract is to develop materials suitable for use in training State and local police officers to enforce their noise control laws.

Docket Analysis for the Final Noise Emission Regulation for Buses
July 1980
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Regulatory Analysis for the Final Noise Emission Regulation for Buses
July 1980
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Model On-Road Light Vehicle Noise Enforcement Procedure Manual
August 1980
PDF

Noise from vehicular traffic has long been recognized as a potential health problem and has now reached such a point that in the recent Annual Housing Survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census,

State and Local Environmental Noise Control: 1980 Survey Report
December 1981
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The 1980 state and local environmental noise survey is the fourth in a series of noise control assessments conducted in 1971, 1974 and 1978 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The survey was designed to determine the status of noise control programs in states and cities with over 20,000 population. Eighty-two percent of the states and 58% of the 1200 cities surveyed returned questionnaires. The results of the survey are arranged in the following sections and subsequent chapters of the report: -Public Awareness of Noise, -Legislation and Enforcement, -Noise Control Programs, -State and Local Resources, -EPA's Technical Assistance Program.

Laws and Regulatory Schemes for Noise Abatement
December 1971
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I - Among the more significant findings and conclusions of this Report are the following: - The existing Environmental Noise Regulatory Structure is fragmented in organization and ad hoc in operation. Abatement functions are distributed among Federal, State, and local governmental levels but are largely uncoordinated. - The environmental noise problem context is composed of a wide variety of discrete noise sources and noise environments. Numerous partial efforts have been made to regulate "excessive" or "unnecessary" noise through regulatory schemes directed to abatement at the source, reduction of the effects of noise, and to remedies (by private action) to abate the source or to reduce the effects. - Regulation by the Federal government has been slight. Even with respect to aircraft noise the pace of abatement at the source has been gradual with no short term prospects for substantial relief. - Regulation by the states has for the most part been limited to selected noise sources although some states are now in process of enacting comprehensive noise abatement statutes. - Most noise abatement regulation has taken place at the local level by means of general noise ordinances or ordinances directed to specific noise sources or by the creation of "quiet zones". - Both State and local governmental levels are handicapped in police power regulation of some of the more critical noise sources as a result of preemptive Federal legislation (aircraft noise) or by the threat of impinging upon a strong national interest in maintaining the free flow of interstate commerce. - Very little attention has been given to construction equipment or site noise, or to domestic noise sources. - Enforcement of noise abatement State statutes and municipal noise ordinances has been notoriously spasmodic and uniformly weak; in general, noise control enforcement has been placed on already overburdened State highway patrols or local police officers. - While both the Federal government and State governments have been slow to intervene in the noise regulatory area, certain trends point to a substantially increased level of effort: Federal level: Noise abatement (occupational) of all businesses operating in interstate commerce, Construction site noise abatement under the Construction Safety Act, Highway design to reduce noise effects. State level: Enactment of comprehensive environmental quality statutes, including environmental noise abatement codes, Enactment of specific legislation designed to control the total noise emissions of vehicles and to regulate the noise level operations of vehicles. Local level: Initial efforts by a few cities to enact comprehensive Environmental Noise Codes covering all or most of the serious noise sources and noise environments subject to municipal regulation, Growing sophistication at all governmental levels in noise abatement and control techniques, including the establishment of decibel levels to replace or supplement verbal-subjective standards, Increasing disposition to broaden coverage of noise sources and noise environments by regulatory schemes and to disseminate through labelling or by other means useful information on noise dangers and abatement techniques to the general public. II - Among the more significant continuing problems in the regulation of environmental noise identified by the Report are the following: - Lack of officials and organized public interest in aggressive noise abatement programs. - Conflict of the social interest in noise abatement with other social values such as safety or free expression which are accorded higher priority in the scheme of social interests. - Intensification of the stress between Federal efforts and State/local noise abatement efforts, especially in those regulatory contexts where Federal preemptive legislation is involved. - Continuing difficulty by State or local authorities to regulate noise to the satisfaction of local conditions and needs where such regulation requires control over the noise source or effects of vehicles, equipment, and appliances regularly moving in or operating in interstate commerce. - Continuing difficulty, due to the multiplicity of noise sources and noise environments, of determining what noise sources or effects are to be controlled by what level of government with respect to the setting of standards or to operating procedures, having appropriate regard for the need of uniformity of regulation in some areas and the need for diversity of regulation to suit unique local conditions in others.

State and Local Noise Enforcement Legal Memoranda
April 1980
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The legal memoranda included in this document address some of the more prevalent enforcement issues which have arisen in connection with State and local noise control activities. This collection of legal memoranda is organized according to the following two distinct phases of noise control activities: (1) ordinance drafting; (2) prosecution.

State and Municipal Noise Control Activities 1973-1974
ONAC
January 1976
PDF

Presented is an assessment of 1973-1974 State and municipal environment noise control efforts based on an EPA survey of States and municipalities with population greater than 75,000. This assessment is designed to provide an overall perspective of the composition and scope of noise control efforts. Areas covered are: organization and orientation of noise control efforts, enforcement, budgetary data, personnel, equipment, program problems and applications of technical assistance. The survey results have been used by EPA/ONAC as a guide in the present technical assistance program. This document has been prepared primarily as a planning and reference guide for public administrators and other officials engaged in the development and implementation of environmental noise control programs.

Model Noise Control Ordinance
PDF

The Model Community Noise Control Ordinance (model ordinance) is intended to be a basic tool which communities, both large and small, can use to construct noise control ordinances suited to local needs and conditions. The complete model ordinance, including optional provisions, is perhaps more suitable for larger communities, with populations of about 100,000 or more. Smaller communities and large communities with limited resources may wish to adopt only those provisions which address their most pressing noise problems. It is important that the community ensure that all provisions adopted are realistic in relation to local needs and conditions; that all provisions are consistent with one another, with other local law, and with State and Federal Law; and, finally, that all provisions are clear and otherwise well drafted so that enforcement problems will be minimized.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Noise Advisory Circular - Portable Air Compressors - The Noise Enforcement Facility's Compressor Exchange Test Program
October 1978
PDF

Model Noise Control Ordinance
PDF

The Model Noise Control Ordinance (model ordinance) is intended to be a basic tool which communities, both large and small, can use to construct noise control ordinances suited to local needs and conditions. The complete model ordinance, including optional provisions, is perhaps more suitable for larger communities, with populations of about 100,000 or more. Smaller communities and large communities with limited resources may wish to adopt only those provisions which address their most pressing noise problems. It is important that the community ensure that all provisions adopted are realistic in relation to local needs and conditions; that all provisions are consistent with one another, with other local law, and with State and Federal law; and, finally, that all provisions are clear and otherwise well drafted so that enforcement problems will be minimalized.

NRTA-AARP - Noise Counseling Program
PDF

The Community Noise Counseling Program sponsored by The National Retired Teachers Association-American Association of Retired Persons, was initiated September 22, 1978 with contractual agreement with EPA-ONAC. The Administration of the program was the responsibility of the Association's Senior Community Service Employment Program, Special Programs, and from the start was carried on in conjunction with the Older Worker Employment Program. SCSEP eligible enrollees were recruited and assigned to the Noise Counseling Program by Project Directors in local projects where needs were identified and the site selection was made and approved by EPA program officials. Linda Scott was hired as Program Coordinator for the Program, and was given the responsibility of training and supervising the selected enrollee Noise Counselors. Eight selected enrollees were given formal training in October, 1978. In addition to the SCSEP program enrollees assigned, several volunteers were recruited and given both formal and individualized training in Community Noise Abatement projects. In evaluating the Program, nothing stands out as much as the excellent performance of these Older Worker Program enrollees, when given: a meaningful job and assigned to a specific task; training and guidance to prepare them; and support and motivation from the SCSEP Projects and the community. In the words of the EPA Project Officer; "The program is very valuable to EPA because it works". When given the challenge, the Noise Counselors responded. The increased awareness in their communities is well documented by publicity, letters of commendation, and on going public service announcements, and, in general, increased efforts to pass meaningful local noise legislation by local officials, and increased enforcement for existing noise ordinances in their communities have been as a result of their efforts.

Noise Emission Standards for Surface Transportation Equipment - Regulatory Analysis of the Noise Emission Regulations for Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors
August 1979
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Proceedings Surface Transportation Exhaust System Noise Symposium
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Noise Abatement and Control (EPA/ONAC) has initiated studies pursuant to requirements established under Section 8 of the Noise Control Act of 1972 which may lead to Federal requirements for the labeling of surface transportation vehicles and mufflers with respect to noise. One study is designed to assess the methodologies available to measure and communicate the noise reduction characteristics of surface transportation vehicle exhaust systems. The information communicated may be actual sound levels or information relative to sound levels (i.e., verification that a vehicle with a particular aftermarket muffler installed will meet an applicable standard), or other information such as warranty claims, proper maintenance and operator instructions, etc. The information would be used by dealers, repair facilities, enforcement personnel and the general public.

Guidelines for Developing a Training Program in Noise Survey Techniques
William Gately; Paul L. Michael; George W. Kamperman
July 1975
PDF

The report contains guidelines for the content, format, organization, and administration of a training program for noise survey technicians. It is intended to provide assistance to State and local governements in setting up a training program with the following objective: the training of technicians to assist in the enforcement of noise ordinances and investigation of noise complaints. The program is directed toward trainees with a minimum of a high school education and no previous experience in acoustics. The report outlines and explains material to be covered in a 4 1/2 day training program.

Docket Analysis for the Noise Emission Regulations for Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems
December 1980
PDF

Toward a National Strategy for Noise Control
April 1977
PDF

This document has been developed to continue the dialogue on the overall goals of the noise program, the role of government, the role of consumers, and the role of industry in noise control, along with the selection of specific abatement and enforcement activities for EPA. It establishes a general framework for making decisions on the best strategy that EPA can employ to combat noise pollution. The primary goal of the Agency in the noise pollution area is to promote an environment for all Americans, free from noise that jeopardizes their health or welfare. In order to reach this legislatively mandated objective five specific operational goals have been formulated. These are: (A)To take all practical steps to eliminate hearing loss resulting from noise exposure; (B)To reduce environmental noise exposure to an Ldn value of no more than 75 dB immediately; (C)To reduce noise exposure levels to Ldn 65 dB by vigorous regulatory and planning actions; (D)To strive for an eventual reduction of noise levels to an Ldn of 55 dB; and (E)To encourage and assist other Federal, State and local agencies in the adoption and implementation of long range noise control policies.

Technical Analysis - Alignment of the Interstate Motor Carrier Noise Regulation
June 1982
PDF

Since passage of the Noise Control Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-574, 86 Stat. 1234) the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively concerned with abatement and control of noise from medium and heavy trucks. Section 18 of the Act directed the Administrator to establish noise emission regulations for motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. In October of 1974 the Agency promulgated an Interstate Motor Carrier (IMC) noise regulation (40 CFR 202). The regulation prescribed in-use operating noise limits, effective October 15, 1975, for all vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) in excess of 10,000 pounds. On September 8, 1975 the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which has the Federal enforcement responsibility for the IMC regulation, issued a regulation (49 CFR 325) that prescribed test procedures for determining compliance with the (IMC) noise emission standards. The effective date of the DOT regulation also was October 15, 1975. A number of states and local jurisdictions have adopted and enforce the "in-use" noise standards of the IMC regulation as part of their individual noise control ordinances. Subsequent to the IMC regulation, the Agency promulgated a regulation (40 CFR 205) under the authority of Section 6 of the Act, that established not-to-exceed noise levels for medium and heavy trucks (MHT) manufactured after January 1, 1978. When the Agency promulgated the IMC regulation, it recognized that certain adjustments to the noise limits would be required in the future to ensure that the benefits anticipated from any "new product" regulation would be realized throughout the operating life of new trucks. This document analyzes the potential effects of aligning the levels of the "in-use" IMC regulation with the not-to-exceed levels of the "new-product" MHT regulation. In such an alignment, the IMC noise levels for trucks manufactured on or after January 1, 1978 would be consistent with the noise emission standards of the MHT regulation. Trucks manufactured prior to January 1, 1978 would not be affected. The analysis of the potential effects of aligning the IMC and MHT standards is based on extensive field data on in-use truck noise levels, supplemented by tire noise and vehicle noise degradation data that were not available when the IMC regulation was promulgated in 1974. The analysis assesses the degree of compliance with the IMC standards by interstate motor carrier vehicles. It further evaluates the change in the in-use noise levels of trucks since promulgation of the IMC regulation and the in-use noise levels of trucks manufactured after January 1, 1978. The analysis concludes with an assessment of the potential costs and benefits of an alignment of the IMC regulation with the MHT regulation for post-1977 trucks.