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Most useful EPA documents
FAA Air Traffic Activity - FY 1984
Nancy Trembley
September 1984
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This report furnishes terminal and en route air traffic activity information of the National Airspace System. The data have been reported by the FAA-operated Airport Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs), Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), Flight Service Stations (FSSs), International Flight Service Stations (IFSSs), and Approach COntrol Facilities.
Federal Agency Noise Control Technology - Research, Development, and Demonstration Projects on Industrial Manufacturing, Mining and Construction Equipment During the Fiscal Year 1980
July 1980
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The scope of this report is limited to research, development, and demonstration of technology of industrial manufacturing, mining, and construction equipment to control occupational and environmental noise, and the report consists of descriptions of projects of Federal agencies that fall within this scope. Only projects that were active, recently completed, or impending as of January 1980 and reported by the Federal agencies are described, and only publications that appeared in 1978, 1979, or 1980 are listed in the bibliography.
Federal Aviation Administration - Analysis of a Single Event Noise Metric for Airport Noise Assessment
April 1991
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The Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979 authorizing the establishment of a voluntary program of local airport noise compatibility planning, and directed the standardization of the procedure for representing and evaluating airport noise. Specifically, the Act directed the Secretary of Transportation, through regulations, to: a. Establish a single system of measuring noise, for which there is a highly reliable relationship between the projected noise exposure and surveyed reactions of people to noise, to be uniformly applied in measuring the noise at airports and the areas surrounding the airports; b. Establish a single system for determining the exposure of individuals to noise which results from the operations of an airport and which includes, but is not limited to, noise intensity, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence; and c. Identify land uses which are normally compatible with various exposures of individuals to noise. (Public Law 96-193, Sec. 102.) In response to this legislative mandate, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Part 150 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning (14 CFR 150) in 1980. THis procedure adopted A-weighted Sound Level as the "single" unit for measureing noise, designated Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) as the "single system" for determining the exposure of individuals to airport noise, and included a table of land uses which were considered to be normally compatible ot incompatible with various levels of Yearly DNL. The selections of A-weighted Sound Level, DNL, and the normally compatible land uses were based on the best scientific information available at that time (References 1 to 3). In general, DNL was also adopted by the FAA for its environmental assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act (Reference 4), and by most other federal agencies in their environmental reviews. Recent research has supported these findings (Reference 5). In recent years, there have been indications of increasing dissatisfaction with the accepted airport noise evaluation methodology and the compatibility guidelines designed above. In particular, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has raised a number of issues concerning the present federal process for evaluating airport environmental noise effects. The USEPA's concerns focused on the adequacy and applicability of current methodologies and metrics, the definition of full disclosure, and the extent of mitigation measures which should be considered in an environmental document. Of particular concern to the USEPA, and one of the subjects of this report, is the evaluation of impacts at levels of impact below a DNL of 65 decibels (dB). The purpose of this report is the quantification and documentation of airport noise impacts using a noise exposure metric based on single-event noise levels, rather than the equal-energy concept embodied in the DNL metric.
Federal Noise Effects Research FY 73 - FY 75
Interagency Noise Effects Research Panel
March 1975
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Potential effects of noise on the public health and welfare are described, limitations and gaps in necessary knowledge of those effects are identified as research needs, and eight categories for analyzing noise effects research are presented. The current Federal research programs are summarized for each of the eight categories. The Noise Effects Research Panel through its collective knowledge of the needs and the current research has identified specific research areas which need additional emphasis in order to provide accurate and thorough information on effects of noise. The Panel concluded that the current programs need continued and in some instances expanded support in order to provide necessary information on the effects of noise. Some areas of concern which are not currently being addressed are also identified.
Federal Noise Program Report Series, Vol. III - Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration: Noise Policy and Related Environmental Procedures
July 1978
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This document discusses the important features of FHWA's noise policy and related environmental procedures. It also identifies associated problems with the policy without attempting to present an "evaluation". No examination of how the policy actually works in the field was undertaken. The purpose of the report is to serve as aid to persons concerned with noise abatement and control activities in the Federal Government.
Federal Noise Program Report Series Volume III - Noise Policy and Related Environmental Procedures
February 1978
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This report discusses the Federal Highway Administration's noise policy and related environmental procedures. Its purpose is to serve as an aid to persons concerned with noise abatement and control activities in the Federal Government. The report is the third in a series of documents discussing various Federal agency noise programs to be published by the Environmental Protection Agency in partial fulfillment of its responsibility under Section 4 of the Noise Control Act of 1972.
Federal Noise Program Reports Series, Vol. II - Department of Housing and Urban Development: Noise Abatement and Control Policy
April 1977
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This report discusses some of the features and problems of the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Noise Abatement and Control Policy. Its purpose is to serve as aid to persons concerned with noise abatement and control activities in the Federal Government.
Federal Noise Research - EPA Summary and Assessment
June 1978
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The United States Government is involved in research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities related to aviation, surface transportation, machinery and construction equipment noise abatement and control through a number of its Agencies and Departments. In addition, considerable effort is expended in noise effects research to help identify and categorize the adverse health effects of noise. These programs vary in size and complexity, and objectives vary according to overall Agency charters, statutory authorities and other priorities. One of the purposes of the Noise Control Act of 1972 was to establish a means of effective coordination of Federal research and development activities in noise research and noise control. The Act directs the Administrator of the EPA to compile and publish, from time to time, a report on the status and progress of Federal noise research and noise control programs. In early 1974, the Federal noise research coordination activity was initiated in accordance with Section 4 of the Act. Four interagency noise research panels were established in the areas of: -Aviation, -Surface vehicles, -Machinery, -Effects. Reports were issued by the panels in the March-May 1975 time period (Ref. 1-4). The reports summarized the FY 1973-75 ongoing and planned noise research, development and demonstration programs within the various Agencies of the Federal Government. During 1976, the four panels were reconvened to update the data base and also: -Assess the contribution of past, current and planned Federal Noise RD&D Programs, and -Identify technology and noise effects needs to support a long range National Noise Abatement Strategy. The Chairman selected for each panel was a senior representative of the Agency having maximum program content in the specific panel...EPA provided secretariat support to each of the panels. The panels developed specialized reports covering the Research and Technology Development and Demonstration programs related to their area of concern (Refs. 5-8). The individual report formats were generally consistent with minor variations between them based upon the perceived needs of the Panel Chairman and Panel participants. This summary report presents an EPA overview and assessment of the results of the panels' deliberations. Each of the Panel Chairman, as well as the panels' members, were provided an opportunity to comment on, (1) a preliminary draft and, (2) a final draft copy of this report. ALl of the coments were carefully considered and reviewed with the commenters. The final report includes those points deemed appropriate for inclusion herein. However, the findings, conclusions, & recommendations in this assessment are EPA's and not necessarily those of any other agency.
Federal Noise Research - EPA Summary and Assessment
June 1978
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The United States Government is involved in research, development and demonstration (RD&D) activities related to aviation, surface transportation, machinery and construction equipment noise abatement and control through a number of its Agencies and Departments. In addition, considerable effort is expended in noise effects research to help identify and categorize the adverse health effects of noise. These programs vary in size and complexity, and objections vary according to overall Agency charters, statutory authorities and other priorities.
Federal Noise Research in Health Effects, 1978-80
Carl Modig; John Moore; Jack Shampan
December 1980
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This review of federally sponsored research on the effects of noise on health updates a previous survey, and compares present trends in research in each research category and by federal agency. The following categories of research are covered: Nonauditory Physiologic Responses; Noise Effects on Sleep; Individual and Community Response; Behavioral, Social, and Performance Effects; Communication Interference; Noise Environment Determination and Exposure Characterization; and Human Response to Noise Concomitant with Vibration. Over 250 research projects were sponsored by twenty Departments, Institutes, and Agencies during the 1978-80 period. The following information is provided for each project: title; objective; description; summary of findings; where findings are published; period of performance; name and address of investigator; name, address and telephone number of agency contact person; fiscal year funding data. In comparing present research with previous recommendations made by an Interagency Panel, it was determined that overall expenditures had increased by about 15 percent (compared with the previous period) instead of the recommended 40 percent; and that in general, the Panel's recommendations have not been implemented in the priority areas.
Federal Noise Research in Noise Effects
February 1978
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The Federal Noise Effects Research Program was documented and reviewed. The program expanded slightly over the last few years, with more aencies participating. The program is reasonably comprehensive and in general coordinated with no unjustified overlap of efforts. Research needs to support and justify regulatory and standards requirements were identified by the Panel as being of the highest priority. Satisfaction of these relatively short term goals with present budget restrictions could jeopardize long-range basic research needs to understand basic effects mechanisms. To satisfy both requirements, the Panel on the average recommends an increase of the overall Federal noise effects research budget of 40%. The Panel recommends several specific research topics for high priority funding. Some of these recommendations are the same ones listed among the 1974 recommendations, and the Panel was concerned about the only partial responsiveness to previous findings. Among the areas requiring additional support are effects of noise on sleep, and community or collective response. The area primarily requiring additional support priority and clarification is the area of non-auditory health effects, since no major well planned program for this area was apparent.
Federal Preemption of Railroad Noise Control: A Case Study and Comment
Jeffrey O. Cerar
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Federal Register
September 1992
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Federal Register
July 1983
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Federal Register
February 1982
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Federal Register
October 1980
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Federal Register
May 1980
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Federal Register
December 1982
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Federal Register
August 1981
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Federal Register
January 1981
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Federal Register
December 1982
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Federal Register
November 1979
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Federal Register
December 1982
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Federal Register
May 1975
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Major Noise Sources - EPA identifies certain products
Federal Register
September 1977
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Environmental Protection Agency - Buses - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment
Federal Register - Development and Submission of Airport Operator's Noise Compatibility Planning Programs and FAA's Administrative Process for Evaluating and Determining the Effects of Those Programs and Proposed Amendment to Definition of "Acoustical Cha
January 1981
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - 40 CFR Parts 202 and 205; Motor Carriers Engaged in Interstate Commerce; Noise Standards and Transportation Equipment Noise Emission Controls; Medium and Heavy Trucks; Proposed Rule
June 1985
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - 40 CFR Parts 202 and 205; Noise Abatement Programs: Motor Carriers Engaged in Interstate Commerce; and Medium and Heavy Trucks (Transportation Equipment_; Effective Date Defferal; Final Rule
January 1986
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Buses Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment
September 1977
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - General Provisions for Product Noise Labeling and Noise Labeling Requirements for Hearing Protectors; Approval and Promulgation
September 1979
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Identification of Products as Major Sources of Noise - Pavement Breakers and Rock Drills Report
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Low-Noise-Emission Products Certification Procedures
February 1974
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Motor Carriers Engaged in Interstate Commerce Noise Emission Standards
October 1974
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - New Wheel and Crawler Tractors - Noise Emission Standards for Construction Equipment
July 1977
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment - Medium and Heavy Trucks
April 1976
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment - Motorcycles and Motorcycle Replacement Exhaust Systems
March 1978
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment; Additional Testing Requirements for Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems; Proposed Rulemaking
December 1980
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment for Interstate Rail Carriers
September 1980
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment; Interstate Rail Carriers
April 1979
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment; Interstate Rail Carriers
April 1979
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment; Interstate Rail Carriers
January 1980
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment Medium and Heavy Trucks
April 1976
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards for Transportation Equipment; Motorcycles and Motorcycle Exhaust Systems; Final Rule
December 1980
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Emission Standards: Medium and Heavy Trucks; Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors
February 1982
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Noise Labeling Requirements for Hearing Protectors; Technical Amendment
February 1980
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Portable Air Compressors Noise Emission Standards
January 1976
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Railroad Noise Emission Standards
January 1976
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Truck Mounted Solid Waste Compactors: Noise Emission Standards
October 1979
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Federal Register - Environmental Protection Agency - Truck-Mounted Solid Waste Compactors: Noise Emission Standards
October 1979
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Federal Register - Part 1
July 1973
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Federal Register - Part I
November 1976
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Federal Register - Part I
May 1975
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Federal Register - Patr 1
May 1975
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Federal Research, Development and Demonstration Programs in Machinery and Construction Noise
February 1978
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This report is a compilation of the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities of Federal agencies and departments from FY 75 through FY 78 in the area of machinery and construction equipment noise. This report also contains assessments of these activities as well as recommendations for future areas of work.
Federal Research, Development and Demonstration Programs in Surface Transportation Noise
February 1978
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This report is a compilation of the research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) activities of Federal agencies and departments in the area of surface transportation noise from FY 75-78. It also contains assessments of these activities and recommendations for future areas of work.
Federal Research, Development and Demonstration Programs in Surface Transportation Noise
February 1978
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The Surface Transportation Noise Research Panel included representatives of the Department of Transportation (DOT); the Department of Defense (DOD); the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the Department of Commerce, National Bureau of Standards (DOC/NBS); the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and the Department of Energy (DOE). With the exception of HUD and DOE, these agencies sponsor and/or conduct the majority of surface transportation noise research development, and demonstration activities in the Federal Government. In addition, the Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service (USDA/USFS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) provided the panel with pertinent noise research information. Mr. W Harry Close of DOT, the lead department within the Federal Government for surface transportation noise RD&D, was chairman of the panel; EPA served as the secretariat.
Federal Research, Technology and Demonstration Programs
March 1978
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This report is a compilation of the research, technology, and demonstration (RT&D) activities of Federal agencies and departments in the area of aviation noise during the period FY 75-77, and planned activities for FY 78. This report also contains assessments of these activities as well as recommendations for future areas of work.
Federal Research, Technology and Demonstration Programs in Aviation Noise
March 1978
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The Noise Control Act of 1972 directs EPA to establish the effective coordination of Federal research and development activities in noise control, and to compile and publish periodic reports on the status and progress of these actions. The Federal noise research coordination activity was initiated in early 1974. Four interagency research panels were established in the areas of: (1) Aviation, (2) Surface transportation, (3) Machinery, and (4) Noise effects. The panels issued reports in the March-June 1975 time period summarizing the fiscal year 1973 through 1975 ongoing and planned noise research, technology, and demonstration (RT&D) programs within the various agencies of the Federal Government. During 1976, the four panels were reestablished to develop an up-to-date summary of Federally-sponsored noise RT&D programs, to assess their adequacy to meet national objectives for noise abatement, and to identify technology needs to support a national noise abatement strategy. The Federal Interagency Aviation Noise Research Panel included representatives of the agencies principally concerned with aviation noise abatement and research. They include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); the Department of Defense (DOD), Departments of the Air Force, Army, and Navy; and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA/ONAC). The Department of Housing and Urban Development was also represented because of their interest in aircraft noise abatement through land use planning and noise attenuating building practices. HUD sponsors no research in aircraft source noise reduction. Mr. Harry W. Johnson, Directior of NASA's Aeronautical Propulsion Division, served as chairman of the panel. NASA currently sponsors the bulk of aviation noise research programs within the Federal Government. EPA served as the secretariat. The information, assessments, conclusions, and recommendations in this report are the consensus of the panel members and are not necessarily the official views of the agencies.
FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model
T.M. Barry; J.A. Reagan
December 1978
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This report presents the FHWA method for predicting noise generated by constant speed highway traffic. The report is intended to be a users' manual as well as a reference document detailing the development, use, and limitations of the prediction method. In the main body of the report, the prediction procedure is presented in a step-by-step fashion and includes numerous example problems designed to highlight important concepts and features. For those interested in the theoretical development of the model, an extremely detailed derivation is presented in the appendices. The basis of the model is the equivalent sound level, Leq, although an adjustment for conversion to L10 is provided. The method incorporates three classes of vehicles - automobiles, medium trucks, and heavy trucks. Adjustments for absorptive ground covers and finite length barriers are also included. Certain special topics such as nonuniform highway sites and determination of equivalent day-night levels, Ldn, are also included.
Field Test of a Quieted Ford CLT 9000 Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck
E.K. Bender; J.A. Kane
October 1981
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This report describes the field test and operational performance evaluation of a quieted Ford CLT 9000 heavy-duty diesel truck. The noise of the truck had been reduced from 77.1 to 72.3 dBA. The field test showed the noise control treatments to be effective and durable in over 100,000 miles of service. The treatments had no adverse impact on the vehicle's operation and appear to have had negligible effect on fuel consumption. Incremental maintenance time of 2.5 hours was attributable to the treatments' impact on normal annual vehicle maintenance.
Field Test of a Quieted General Motors Brigadier Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck
E.K. Bender; J.A. Kane
December 1981
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This report describes the field test and operational performance evaluation of a quieted General Motors Brigadier heavy-duty diesel truck. The noise of the truck had been reduced from 81.7 dBA to 71.6 dBA. The 12-month field test showed the noise control treatments to be effective and durable, although the noise level of the truck did increase slightly. The treatments did not have an adverse impact on vehicle operation and there was no evidence of payload displacement. The vehicle's fuel economy was better than that of comparison vehicles, but this was not caused by the noise treatments. Incremental maintenance time of 2.25 hours was attributable to treatment removal and interference while performing regular maintenance during the 12-month period.
Field Test of a Quieted International Harvester F-4370 Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck
E.K. Bender; J.A. Kane
December 1981
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This report describes the field test and operational performance evaluation of a quieted International Harvester F-4370 heavy-duty diesel truck. The noise of the truck had been reduced from 81.1 dBA to 72.7 dBA. The truck accumulated 36,000 miles in 5 months of service. The treatments were effective and durable, and the noise level of the truck did not increase. The treatments did not have an adverse impact on vehicle operations and there was no evidence that the weight of the treatments displaced payload. The treatments did not have a measurable effect on fuel consumption. The treatments had a minimal impact on maintenance time.
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.
Final Environmental Impact Statement
January 1981
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This amendment to the occupational noise standard imposes requirements for hearing conservation programs. It will beneficially impact the workplace environment by reducing hearing loss and other adverse health effects associated with noise exposure. The environment outside the workplace should not be significantly affected as a result of promulgation of the amendment. Minimal increases in capital costs and an increase in operating costs for some industries may occur. OSHA considered other reasonable alternatives in the development of the amendment: (1) revision of the permissible exposure limits for noise, (2) initiation of hearing conservation programs at higher or lower levels, (3) revision of the monitoring, testing, and training provisions, and (4) "no regulatory action." OSHA may conduct future proceedings concerning these and other alternatives.
Final Regulatory Analysis of the Hearing Conservation Amendment
January 1981
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The effects of occupational noise can be divided into two principal categories: auditory effects and extra-auditory effects. There is a wealth of information on the relationship between noise exposure and hearing loss. Dose-response relationships have been well established. Numerous studies are available which describe the effects of noise on hearing as a function of level and duration. The effects are stated in terms of the audiometric frequencies at which the loss occurs, the degeree of hearing loss, the anatomical changes (in animal experiments), and the differential changes in hearing as variables such as age and sex interact with noise exposure. The extra-auditory effects of noise involve complex physiological reactions, which are much more difficult to document. Although stress-related illnesses have been associated with noise exposure, the multitude of factors which contribute to stress confounds efforts to provide a direct "cause and effect" relationship between noise and such stress-related conditions as hypertension or ulcers. Although precise dose-response relationships are lacking at this time, information on the extra-auditory effects is included in this discussion because the data are highly suggestive or adverse effects, and therefore provide added incentive for protecting noise exposed workers.
Final Report - Assessment of the Applicability of Existing Health and Welfare Criteria to General Aviation Aircraft Noise and to General Aviation Airport Communities
Larry A. Ronk
March 1980
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Existing metrics of environmental noise and its impact on people are reviewed for their suitability in assessing the impact of general aviation (GA) noise on people in airport communities. GA aircraft consist of noncommercial aircraft in propellor-driven, jet, and helicopter categories. In a recent year over 124 million GA operations were performed at approximately 6,000 public-use airports. Available criteria (dose response relationships) are discussed in detail for various health effects of noise, focussing on individual and community annoyance responses, but also including noise-induced hearing loss, communication interference, sleep disturbance, and nonauditory physiological effects. It is concluded that there are only marginal differences in the way several noise metrics predict individual response; therefore, the simplest measurement (A-weighting without a duration correction) is recommended. For community response, no existing annoyance criteria may be entirely appliable to GA airport communities, based on results of several studies. For the time being the criteria developed by Schultz should be used. Information in appendices include a bibliography of health effects of aircraft noise; statistics on the mix of GA aircraft types, distribution of daily GA operations by airport types, and population density around GA airports; and GA flight procedures.
Final Report - Construction Site Activity
Larry A. Ronk; Jeffery Broe; Mary Henschel
September 1978
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This report presents results of the current project to characterize construction site activity. The purpose is to develop an updated data base for computing the health and welfare impacts of construction equipment noise on the total U.S. population. Key data elements compiled include: 1) construction equipment A-weighted noise levels at 50 feet and 2) typical construction site sizes according to site type, surrounding average population density and geographic location within the U.S. Other data compiled relate to: 1) construction equipment usage and noise emission characteristics, 2) construction site demographic data and boundary noise level measurements and 3) construction equipment operator populations and operator's daily noise exposure times...
The First National Conference on Buying Quiet - Schedule
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First Report on Status and Progress of Noise Research and Control rams in the Federal Government - Volume 1 Report on Status and Progress
June 1975
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Issued in compliance with Section 4(c)(3) of the Noise Control Act of 1972 (PL 92-574), this report describes Federal noise control and research activities and establishes a baseline of agency program information that may be used in subsequent years to assess progress in the Federal Government's noise control efforts. Thirty-nine Federal agencies were requested to submit information on their noise related activities to EPA. Volume I of the report contains a summary and assessment of reported activities which are described both by agency and by the following functional areas: noise standards and regulations, noise abatement, hearing conservation, technical assistance, and research. Volume II consists of four reports describing Federal agency noise research, development, and demonstration programs in the areas of surface vehicle noise, aviation noise, noise effects, and machinery noise. The reports include project descriptions and fiscal data and were prepared jointly by the membership of four interagency research panels, formed in 1974 by EPA.
First Report on Status and Progress of Noise Research and Control rams in the Federal Government - Volume 2 Research Panel Reports
June 1975
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Issued in compliance with Section 4(c)(3) of the Noise Control Act of 1972 (PL 92-574), this report describes Federal noise control and research activities and establishes a baseline of agency program information that may be used in subsequent years to assess progress in the Federal Government's noise control efforts. Thirty-nine Federal agencies were requested to submit information on their noise related activities to EPA. Volume I of the report contains a summary and assessment of reported activities which are described both by agency and by the following functional areas: noise standards and regulations, noise abatement, hearing conservation, technical assistance, and research. Volume II consists of four reports describing Federal agency noise research, development, and demonstration programs in the areas of surface vehicle noise, aviation noise, noise effects, and machinery noise. The reports include project descriptions and fiscal data and were prepared jointly by the membership of four interagency research panels, formed in 1974 by EPA.
First Report on the Federal Urban Noise Initiative
February 1980
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In his Environmental Message to the Congress on August 2, 1979, President Carter announced a new Urban Noise Initiative. The Initiative established an Interagency Connittee on Urban Noise to carry out a five point urban noise program: 1. Initiation of programs to achieve soundproofing and weatherization of noise-sensitive buildings such as schools and hospitals. 2. Promotion of the use og quiet-design features in the planning, design and operation of proposed urban transportation projects. 3. Encouragement of noise-sensitive developments, such as housing, to be located away from major noise sources. 4. Help to Federal, state and local agencies to buy equipment and products. 5. Support of neighborhood self-reliance efforts to address local noise problems. Important progress has been made since the Presidents' Message was issued. The purpose of this report is to briefly indicate those actions which have been taken and plans for future action. It fulfills the President's requirement for a report by February 1, 1980.
Five-Year Plan for Effects of Noise on Health
December 1981
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This Plan, a revision of an earlier unpublished "EPA Five-Year Noise Effects Research Plan," is intended to serve as a blueprint for future research by other organizations. In addition to introducing categories of health effects of noise and setting priorities for new research, it includes detailed plans for the following categories: nonauditory physiologic effects, particularly, cardiovascular effects; sleep disturbance; individual and community response; noise-induced hearing loss behavioral, social, and performance effects; and communication interference. Each plan proceeds from what is known, the research priorities, and results of recent research to arrive at a detailed plan including Multi-Component Research Initiatives.
Flow Resistivity and Porosity Testing of Surface Materials
Ron Brown; Mark C. Lee; Louis C. Sutherland
May 1975
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Flow resistivity and porosity measurements have been performed on a variety of ground surface materials using a forced airflow apparatus and a microglass-bead-calibrated porosity instrument. It is found that the flow resistivity ranges from over 10(6) cgs rayl/cm for concrete down to less than 10(2) for sand and gravel. The porosity ranges from 0.4 for dry soil to less than 0.01 for concrete. The data are to be used as inputs to analytical model studies of the effect of ground absorption for potential application to future vehicular noise certification procedures.
Ford Motor Company Letter to EPA Regaring Noise Treatments and Their Associated Costs
June 1981
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Ford Motor Company's Response to ONAC Docket 81-02 (Medium and Heavy Trucks) ANR-490
April 1981
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Foreign Noise Research in Aviation
December 1977
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This is one of three reports which summarize foreign noise abatement research efforts, based on an appraisal carried out by Informatics Inc. for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, as part of their noise research coordination efforts. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has reconstituted interagency noise research panels covering three areas: aviation, surface transportation, and machinery and construction equipment. THe purpose of the panels is to assemble a total picture of U.S. Federally-sponsored noise abatement research recently completed, in progress, or planned, and provide recommendations fffor additional research which should be performed to meet the goals embodied in the national noise abatement strategy. The three panel reports are scheduled for release in early 1978. The three reports on research abroad are to supplement the information provided in the panel reports by providing a broad overview of the international research effort underway in noise abatement and control.
Foreign Noise Research in Aviation
December 1977
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This is one of three reports which summarize foreign noise abatement research efforts, based on an appraisal carried out by Information Inc. for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, as part of their noise research coordination efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reconstituted interagency noise research panels covering three areas: aviation, surface transportation, and machinery and construction equipment. The purpose fo the panels is to assemble a total picture of U.S. Fedrally-sponsored noise abatement research recently completed, in progress, or planned, and provide recommendations for additional research which should be performed to meet the goals embodied in the national noise abatement strategy. The three panel reports are scheduled for release in early 1978. The three reports on research abroad are to supplement the information provided in the panel reports by providing a broad overview of the international research effort underway in noise abatement and control.
Foreign Noise Research in Health Effects
Frederick Dick Barber; Carl Modig
May 1981
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Research from 19 countries, including 168 research projects, is described on the following topics: nonauditory physiologic response to noise; noise effects on sleep; industrial and community response to noise; noise-induced hearing loss and hearing conservation; behavioral, social and performance effects on noise; communication interference, noise environment determination and impact characterization, and effects of noise concomitant with vibration. For each project, an abstract, the name and address of the principle investigation, funding and sponsor data if available, and citations for available publications are given. It is concluded that foreign research efforts in this area have remained fairly constant over the last six years.
Foreign Noise Research in Machinery and Construction Equipment
December 1977
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This is one of three reports which summarize foreign noise abatement research efforts, based on an appraisal carried out by Information Inc. for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, as part of their noise research coordination efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reconstituted interagency noise research panels covering three areas: aviation, surface transportation, and machinery and construction equipment. The purpose fo the panels is to assemble a total picture of U.S. Fedrally-sponsored noise abatement research recently completed, in progress, or planned, and provide recommendations for additional research which should be performed to meet the goals embodied in the national noise abatement strategy. The three panel reports are scheduled for release in early 1978. The three reports on research abroad are to supplement the information provided in the panel reports by providing a broad overview of the international research effort underway in noise abatement and control.
Foreign Noise Research in Machinery/Construction Equipment
December 1977
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This is one of three reports which summarize foreign noise abatement research efforts, based on an appraisal carried out by Informatics Inc. for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, as part of their noise research coordination efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reconstituted interagency noise research panels covering three areas: aviation, surface transportation, and machinery and construction equipment. The purpose of the panels is to assemble a total picture of U.S. Federally-sponsored noise abatement research recently completed, in progress, or planned, and provide recommendations for additional research which should be performed to meet the goals embodied in the national noise abatement strategy. The three panel reports are scheduled for release in early 1978. The three reports on research abroad are to supplement the information provided in the panel reports by providing a broad overview of the international research effort underway in noise abatement and control.
Foreign Noise Research in Noise Effects
Niriam Heilman
January 1978
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This volume has been compiled from the results of a survey on foreign noise effects research from 1975-77. The survey was conducted for the second interagency noise effects research panel. Included in the volume are 211 project descriptions, from twenty-two countries. Projects are reported under the following subject areas: noise-induced hearing loss, non-auditory health effects, psychological and performance effects, noise effects on sleep, communication interference, community or collective response, effects of noise on domestic animals and wildlife, noise environment determination, and noise concomitant with vibration.
Foreign Noise Research in Surface Transportation
December 1977
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This is one of three reports which summarize foreign noise abatement research efforts, based on an appraisal carried out by Informatics Inc. for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, as part of their noise research coordination efforts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reconstituted interagency noise research panels covering three areas: aviation, surface transportation, and machinery and construction equipment. The purpose of the panels is to assemble a total picture of U.S. Federally-sponsored noise abatement research recently completed, in progress, or planned, and provide recommendations for additional research which should be performed to meet the goals embodied in the national noise abatement strategy. The three panel reports are scheduled for release in early 1978. The three reports on research abroad are to supplement the information provided in the panel reports by providing a broad overview of the international research effort underway in noise abatement and control.
Foreign Noise Research in Surface Transportation 1978-1981
May 1981
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Foreign Research in Tire Technology and Tire Noise Propagation and Abatement
August 1979
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting research that will help to develop quieter tires. In order to do this, the U.S. EPA needs to be cognizant of the current state of the art and planned future activity in tire noise research and tire technology, both inside and outside of the United States. The U.S. EPA therefore requested Informatics Inc. to compile and update the available information on foreign tire noise research and tire technology.
Freightliner Corporations Letter to EPA Answering Questions regarding ONAC Docket 81-02
May 1981
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Freightliner Corporation's Letter to the EPA, Petitioning the 1982 Medium and Heavy Truck Noise Emission Regulations
March 1981
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Freightliner Corporations Response to ONAC Docket 81-02 (Medium and Heavy Trucks) ANR-490
April 1981
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Fundamentals and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise
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During recent years there has undoubtedly been an increase in environmental noise. In addition, everyone has become more aware of noise. Although the growth of noise may be a symbol of growth in technology, the increased awareness of the public toward noise has brought on a rapid response everywhere in trying to abate noise. Highway traffic noise is one of the identifiable problem areas; this has been caused by (1) increased vehicular size and quantity, (2) greater concentration of traffic on major highway routes, and (3) increased use of land near highways to fill the residential and commercial needs of a growing population. In recognition of this problem, on 26 April 1972, the Federal Highway Administration ("FHWA") of the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an advance copy of its Policy and Procedure Memorandum ("PPM") 90-2 on "Interim Noise Standards and Procedures for Implementing Section 109 (i) of Title 23, United States Code." This was updated by the 8 February 1973 final version of PPM 90-2, entitled "Noise Standards and Procedures", a copy of which is included at the end of this textbook. To assist in the understanding and implementing of PPM 90-2, the FHWA has made provision for conducting a one-week training course in the "Fundamentals and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise." This course is being given in 1973 in each of the Field Regions of the FHWA and is available to qualified, selected personnel from the various State highway agencies and the FHWA field offices. The training course has been prepared and is being given by the staff of Bolt Beranel and Newman Inc., acoustical consultants. This manual serves as the textbook for the training course.
Fundamentals of Noise: Measurement, Rating Schemes, and Standards
December 1971
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This report is intended to serve as an introduction to noise, including the inter-relationship between physical measures and psychological responses. The basic principles of sound generation and propagation are discussed as well as the measurement of both the physical attributes of noise and effects of noise on people. The suitability and effectiveness of various noise exposure rating schemes, used to estimate or predict the effects of noise on man, are discussed and critiqued. Included are sample calculations of sound level, loudness level, and perceived noise level for five selected spectra. The need is stressed for inclusion of well-defined environmental and operational requirements into measurement procedures for those devices where the noise produced is dependent on the surroundings and the operation of the device. Also presented are a glossary of pertinent acoustic terminology and a compilation of existing standards related to noise, including a brief description of the intent and scope of each.
FWD Corporation Response to ONAC Docket 81-02 (Medium and Heavy Trucks) ANR-490
April 1981
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