#5: “No Regulation, No Problem”
Many parts of the USA lack a Noise Ordinance. Contrary to what some believe, a Plant located in such an area is not free of responsibility regarding community noise. Here are four reasons:
- Engineering Standards ANSI S12.9 Parts 4 and 5 define noise evaluation methods and compatible noise levels. Raw sound pressure levels are augmented by time-of-day weighting and contextual adjustments. In cases of excessive noise, the “percentage highly annoyed” can be estimated. A “Good Neighbor” makes noise that’s compatible with the surrounding Community.
- Public Welfare – Engineering licensure laws in most States require consideration of the public health, safety, and welfare as a matter of professional ethics. That’s independent of the client’s interest, independent of regulation, and without being asked by the community. It’s no secret that communities of all types object to excessive noise. Therefore, a Plant designed with the Public Welfare in mind makes a compatible amount of noise.
- Civil Litigation – Noise impact studies since the 1950s characterize situations likely to result in everything from satisfaction to “multiple threats of legal action” (and beyond) by Communities. The cost of litigation can dwarf the cost of the noise control work that might have precluded it. Additionally, the prognosis gets worse if Engineering Standards and Public Welfare appear to have been disregarded.
- Noise control after-the-fact – Extra expense, effort, and performance loss arise when crow-barring noise control into a Plant that’s already in service and not designed to receive it. The cost often far exceeds that of doing it right in the first place. Worse yet, once sensitized to excessive noise, it takes several dB of additional noise control to mollify the neighbors. See Fallacy #4.
Summary
The noise emission of a Plant and its impact on a surrounding Community can be forecast in early design. A Plant designed without reference to its noise impact is, at the very least, an uncontrolled business risk, and could “poison the well” for other similar Plants seeking approval in the future.
A noise study can help assess community impact before it’s too late.
The necessary skills can however be learned by mere mortals. Nelson Acoustics provide practical training in noise control.
Nelson Acoustics can help you anticipate and manage the quantity and characteristics of emitted sound to minimize annoyance. Before it makes the news.
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