About the EPA document collection held by the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse.
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Most useful EPA documents
Dallas Fort-Worth Regional Airport (DFW) - 1987 Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) 30/40
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The Danger of Evaluating Hearing Protectors on Their Attenuation Alone
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This publication aims to illustrate that the attenuation of a hearing protector has little bearing on the actual or effective protection given, unless the protector can be worn for the full duration of the noise exposure.
Demonstration of Noise Control for the Cummins NTC-350 Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Natan E. Parsons; Richard G. DeJong; Jerome E. Manning
June 1982
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This report presents the results of an engineering study to design and demonstrate eto of reducing piston-slap noise for an in-line, heavy duty truck diesel engine. The Cummins NTC-350 engine was selected for the demonstration. The engine heads and cylinder liners were structurally modified to reduce the vibration transmission to the engine block and the radiated noise. The modifications were designed to achieve a 5 dBA noise reduction without degrading engine performance, fuel economy, or emissions.
Demonstration of Noise Control for the DDA 6V-92TTA Heavy Duty Truck Diesel Engine
Richard G. DeJong; Natan E. Parsons; Jerome E. Manning
May 1982
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This report presents the results of an engineering study to design and demonstrate methods of reducing diesel engine block vibration and radiated noise. The Detroit Diesel Allison 6V-92TTA heavy duty diesel truck engine was selected for the demonstration. This engine was structurally modified to reduce vibration and noise due to the unit injectors and piston-slap. The modifications were designed so that the noise reduction was achieved without degrading engine performance, fuel economy, or emissions. A 4 dBA reduction of overall engine noise reduction was demonstrated.
Dempster Systems Response to ONAC Docket 81-02 (Medium and Heavy Trucks) ANR-490
April 1981
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Department of Defense: Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program
April 1977
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This document is intended to assist Federal agencies in understanding the Department of Defense's program to abate noise at military airfields. It covers some of the important features of the Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program, its problems and relationships to other agency noise programs.
Department of Environmental Quality Response to ONAC Docket 81-02 (Medium and Heavy Trucks) ANR-490
April 1981
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Department of Transportation - United States Coast Guard - CH-1 to the Water Supply and Waste Water Disposal System
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Design Guide for Reducing Transportation Nois and Around Buildings
David S. Pallett; Robert Wehrli; Roger D. Kilmer; Thomas L. Quindry
April 1978
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This design guide presents a unified procedure for the selection of noise criteria in and around buildings, for the prediction of exterior and interior noise levels arising as a consequence of transportation systems operations, and for the evaluation of the adequacy of building designs with regard to environmental noise. Noise criteria levels are suggested in terms of equivalent sound levels (Leq). Simplified predictive methods enable the estimation of noise levels arising as a consequence of highway, railway, and aircraft operations. The sound isolation provided by the building shell is estimated by means of a new single-figure rating system. Finally, design manipulations which may make possible the improvement of the acoustic conditions in and around buildings are suggested.
Design Guide for Reducing Transportation Noise in and Around Buildings
David S. Pallett; Robert Wehrli; Roger D. Kilmer; Thomas L. Quindry
April 1978
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This design guide presents a unified procedure for the selection of noise criteria in and around buildings for the prediction of exterior and interior noise levels arising as a consequence of transportation systems operations, and for the evaluation of the adequacy of building designs with regard to environmental noise. Noise criterion levels are suggested in terms of equivalent sound levels (Leq). Simplified predictive methods enable the estimation of noise levels arising as a consequence of highway, railway, and aircraft operations. The sound isolation provided by the building shell is estimated by means of a now single-figure rating system. Finally, design manipulations which may make possible the improvement of the acoustic conditions in and around buildings are suggested.
The Design of a Low Cost Sound Level Meter
John D. Griffiths
April 1974
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Conventional sound level meters generally use precision ceramic microphones and discrete solid state circuitry. This report describes a design using an electret microphone and integrated circuit operational amplifiers. The advantages of this design are low cost, ease of manufacture, stable gain, and low power consumption. Construction details are included to permit local manufacture. The complete instrument is capable of meeting the ???2, General Purpose Sound Level Meter, requirements of ANSI S1.4-1971, American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters.
Desk Reference to Health & Welfare Effects of Noise
October 1979
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Desk Reference to Noise Descriptors
Jill Ann Lipoti
May 1983
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Detailed Research Plan: Cardiovascular Effects of Noise
December 1981
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The effects of long-term (acoustical) noise exposure on the cardiovascular system are the best-documented of the nonauditory physiological effects of noise and represent the greatest potential public health issue. As part of its modest research effort in the noise effects area, EPA has developed the plan contained in this report to organize research in this area, which has been identified by numerous experts as the number one noise effects research priority. This plan includes (1) a summary of what is known from short-term and long-term studies; (2) detailed multicomponent plans for animal experimental studies, human epidemiologic studies, and human experimental studies (3) discussion of recent research, including EPA-sponsored research at University of Miami and John Hopkins University, and (4) analysis of five options. It is estimated that if research proceeds according to this plan, decision points will occur in year 3, year 6 and year 8. On the other hand, a "rush program" could be created by simultaneously implementing Options 1-3. Estimates of yearly funding requirements for various options are provided.
Determinations of Impact From Vibrations Related to Highway Use
F.F. Rudder; Jr.0
June 1978
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This report documents the detail results of the study. The study comprised eight tasks. The objectives of the study were to clarify the nature and the extent of the traffic-induced vibration problem and to develop guidelines to preclude or control environmental vibrations related to highway use. The study was successful in both aspects. A companion report summarizing the technical results of tis study is entitled: "Engineering Guidelines for the Analysis of Traffic-Induced Vibration" Report FHWA-RD-78-XX. The report is organized with a summary main text. Details supporting the results in the main text are presented in the Appendices.
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
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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.
Development of Binaural Time-Delay Apparatus for Improving Intelligibility of Speech
Donald C. Gasaway
December 1971
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A variety of electroacoustic instruments and devices have evolved in attempts to improve the perception and discrimination of aural signals and messages. This report describes instrumentation that delivers binaurally time-delayed signals that tend to enhance the intelligibility of speech signals delivered to subjects. The electroacoustic device reported in this paper can be used to improve the intelligibility of desired signals when immersed in masking (interfering) noise. The device used to achieve binaural time delays encompasses completely variable delays ranging from 0 (in-phase) to 1500 msec. This device has proved of considerable value in situations where desired speech signals coexist with masking or other interfering noises, such as voice recordings obtained within cockpits or aircraft. Details of the device and practical applications of the binaural time-delay phenomenon are discussed.
Development of Noise Measurement Techniques for New Trucks
R.A. Hedeen; R.S. Norman; J.W. Kopec
January 1980
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The current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specification for new truck models requires a passby noise measurement for certification. Since passby tests can be influenced by wind, rain, humidity, ground condition, driver performance, truck position, and engine operation, other measurement techniques have been suggested. The idle-maximum-idle (IMI) test for a stationary vehicle is one possible alternative. To date, comparisons between passby and stationary tests have been incomplete. Therefore, the objective of Phase 1 of this program was to establish an accurate data base for comparison of different measurement techniques. For this initial study, a small vehicle was chosen to simulate a larger truck. The smaller vehicle was easier to modify and more compatible with existing facilities. General Motors selected and supplied the appropriate vehicle for measurement: a 1979 Chevrolet Chevette.GM engineers also selected four methods to modify the vehicle so that its noise signature was substantially changed. This vehicle, with appropriate modified parts, was then shipped to IITRI's Riverbank Laboratory in Geneva, Illinois (50 miles west of Chicago). Our staf made acoustical measurements on the vehicle in its five configurations under the following conditions. 1. EPA passby test, 2. IMI measurements outdoors in a free field environment, 3. IMI measurements in Riverbank Reverberation Room No. 2, 4. IMI measurements in Riverbank Reverberation Room No. 5. Based on the favorable results with the Chevette measurements, three heavy-duty truck tractors were sent to the Riverbank facility and measured in Room 5. In the following sections, results are presented for the two series of measurements.
Development of Realistic A-Weighted Auditroy Risk Criteria for Aerospace Operations
Donald C. Gasaway; Harrell C. Sutherland
December 1971
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The authors have previously proposed adoption of the CHABA Working Group 46 criterion for steady-state noises to assess degrees of auditory risk associated with aerospace operations. In this report, the salient features of various damage risk criteria are reviewed and primary and secondary compromises are discussed. A simple criterion using A-weighted sound levels is proposed for broad-band and narrow-band steady-state and intermittent noise and for impact noises. The criteria contained in this report provide guidance needed to identify potentially hazardous exposures encountered in aerospace operations.
Diesel Engine Noise Conference
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Directory of Computerized Noise Prediction Models
March 1974
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This Directory was compiled in order to assemble as much information as possible about existing computerized noise prediction programs. The term "computerized noise prediction model" has been deliberately defined broadly, and even includes one calculation method that has not yet been programmed for computer. All items have been roughly categorized as either "equipment design" programs or "environmental noise prediction" programs. In our description of "known users", we have distinguished between "clients" and "computer program recipients". The former receive results generated by a computerized (and usually proprietary) model but have no direct access to the model. The latter have received their own copy of the program, and are, therefore, a more fruitful source of information on the practical vices and virtues of a particular program. Also, it will be seen that some programs are very similar in their inputs and outputs; however, they may differ in the numerical results because of different data sets contained in the built-in tables (example: data for noise signatures of single flyovers, by aircraft type). It was beyond the scope of the present effort to obtain and analyze contents of such data sets. For each detailed information, the documentation or the contact person is the best source.
Directory of Federal Laboratories and Research Facilities with Noise Capabilities
July 1979
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This directory provides government officials and others a basic reference guide to various Federal laboratories and research facilities having noise research and/or noise testing capabilities. The Environmental Protection Agency is publishing it pursuant to its responsibilities under the Noise Control Act of 1972 (PL 92-574) and the Quiet Communities Act of 1978 (PL 95-609).
Docket 01-82 - Index of State and Local Materials
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Docket #81-02 - Index to Comments
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Docket Analysis - 80 dB Noise Emission Standard for Newly Manufactured Medium and Heavy Trucks - Docket 81-02
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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.
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.
Documentation of the EPA/ONAC Model
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Donaldson Company, Inc. Response to ONAC Docket 81-02 (Medium and Heavy Trucks) ANR-490
April 1981
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Draft Environmental Impact Statement - Dulles Airport Access Road - Outer Parallel Toll Roads
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Draft Final Report - Development of Construction Site Noise Parameters and Levels Data Base
Larry A. Ronk
February 1980
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The principal objectives of this study are to: 1) identify additional pieces of equipment (generic types) not included in the EPA's construction site health and welfare noise impact model; 2) estimate the population density variations resulting from population transfer between the five construction site model geographical regions during the normal daytime work period; 3) evaluate construction activity duration time periods (and the influence of geographical location with U.S. and of population density on the average construction activity duration); and 4) collect and evaluate available data concerning "typical", or average, noise-reduction values for various building-structure types. Relative to each of these study objectives, this report will attempt to fill existing data gaps, to provide additions to the existing data bases, and to revise obsolete or poorly documented assumptions currently used in the EPA's construction site noise impact model.
Draft Final Report - Development of Construction Site Noise Parameters and Levels Data Base
February 1980
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This report presents the results of an investigation to: 1) identify additional pieces of equipment (generic types) not included in the EPA's construction site health and welfare noise impact model; 2) estimate the population density variations resulting from population transfer between the five construction site model geographical regions during the normal daytime work period; 3) evaluate construction activity duration time periods (and the influence of geographical location within the U.S. and of population density on the average construction activity duration); and 4) collect and evaluate available data concerning "typical", or average, noise-reduction values for various building-structure types.
Draft Report on Legal and Institutional Analysis of Aircraft and Airport Noise and Apportionment of Authority Between Federal, State, and Local Governments for Environmental Protection gency Aircraft/Airport Noise Report Study - Task Group 1
June 1973
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Draft Report on Legal and Institutional Analysis of Aircraft and Airport Noise and Apportionment of Authority Between Federal, State, and Local Governments for Environmental Protection gency Aircraft/Airport Noise Report Study - Task Group 1, Appendix B
June 1973
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Draft Report on Review and Analysis of Present and Planned FAA Noise Regulatory Actions and Their Consequences Regarding Aircraft and Airport Operations for Environmental Protection gency Aircraft/Airport Noise Report Study
June 1973
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The Dynamic In Plane Response at the Centre of a Rotating Elastic Disc Due to Oscillatory in Plane Forces at the Rim
R.J. Pinnington
October 1982
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