TD893
.U55
1979
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Noise Abatement
and Control (ANR-471)
Washington DC 20460
Noise
April 1979
Noise Control
Program
Progress to Date
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EPA Noise Control
Program Progress
to Date
APRIL 1979
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CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION v
QUIET COMMUNITIES ACT IMPLEMENTATION (Section 14) 1
State and Local Assistance 1
Airport, Highway and Rail Transportation Planning Assistance 5
Community Noise Counseling program 6
Dissemination of Public Information 6
Research 8
NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS 10
Identification of Major Sources of Noise, Criteria, and Control
Technology (Section 5) 10
Noise Emission Standards for Products Distributed in Commerce
(Section 6) 11
Railroad Noise Emission Standards (Section 17) 14
Motor Carrier Noise Emission Standards (Section 18) 15
Low Noise Emission Products (Section 15) 15
Product Labeling (Section 8) 16
Enforcement 16
Standards Development 18
Aircraft Noise Standards (Section 7) 18
FEDERAL PROGRAMS (Section 4) 20
Federal Noise Program Coordination 20
Consultations 21
Reports on Federal Noise Programs 21
EIS Review 21
Interagency Agreements 22
Federal Facility Compliance with State and Local Noise Laws 22
STUDIES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS 23
Strategy and Economics 23
Noise Information System 23
International Activities 23
in
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Page
NOISE CONTROL PROGRAM BUDGETS 25
EPA ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS 26
EPA REGIONAL NOISE PROGRAM CHIEFS 28
NOISE DOCUMENTS 29
IV
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INTRODUCTION
The EPA Noise Program was formally established on December 31, 1970 under Title IV
of the Clean Air Amendments of 1970. Title IV directed the Agency to conduct a full
and complete investigation and study of noise and its effect on public health and welfare
and to report the findings to Congress within one year. That report provided the informa-
tion needed to support the first national noise control legislation in the United States: the
Noise Control Act of 1972, which was signed by the President on October 27,1972.
Under the Noise Control Act of 1972, the Agency was mandated to:
Identify major sources of noise
Regulate those identified sources
Propose aircraft noise standards to the FAA
Label noisy products
Engage in research, technical assistance, and dissemination of public informa-
tion, and
Coordinate all Federal noise control efforts.
As the regulatory effort progressed, along with the other aspects of the program noted
above, it became evident that although effective source regulations at the national level
were needed, those regulations must be augmented by effective noise control programs at
the State and local level. The Agency began putting more emphasis on providing the
necessary technical assistance to States and localities in 1978, with limited resources.
During Congressional oversight hearings in Spring of 1978, much of the testimony high-
lighted the need for developing more effective local noise control programs, expanding
the public education/information program, and providing increased funding for technical
assistance at the State and local levels. In response to these needs, Congress passed the
Quiet Communities Act of 1978. The Act was signed into law on November 8, 1978.
In addition to extending the provisions of the 1972 Act for one year, the Quiet Com-
munities Act amended Section 14 to significantly increase the EPA role in aiding States
and localities in establishing noise control programs and in providing the public with
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information on the harmful effects of noise on their health and welfare. The new Act
mandates EPA to fund, through grants, cooperative agreements or contracts:
Financial assistance to States and localities for:
Problem identification
Noise control capacity building
Transportation noise abatement
Evaluation and demonstration of noise control techniques.
Establishment of regional technical assistance centers
Provision of assistance in staffing and training for State and local programs
Maximum use of Older Americans in noise control programs
Conduct of a national environmental noise assessment
Development of education materials
Loans of equipment to States and localities
Increased noise research.
This booklet describes EPA's activities in carrying out the Noise Control Act of 1972 and
the Quiet Communities Act of 1978. Where appropriate, the relevant sections of the Act
are noted for each major area.
Included at the back of the booklet is a listing, by subject area, of all available EPA pub-
lications along with the information necessary to obtain copies. Also, a mailing list
application is included as the centerfold. If you would like to receive EPA noise docu-
ments in the future, tear the form out carefully, fill it in and drop it in the mail.
You may also contact the EPA Regional Noise Program Chief in your nearest EPA
regional office. A list of their names and addresses is provided.
Charles L. Elkins
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Noise Control Programs
VI
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QUIET COMMUNITIES ACT IMPLEMENTATION (Section 14)
State and local governments represent the vital linkages in EPA's attempt to achieve its
established goal of stimulating 40 State and 400 effective local noise control programs.
State and local participation and partnership are absolutely essential to reach the objec-
tives of controlling and abating noise levels. It is also at the State and local levels that the
principal responsibilities reside for dealing with noise issues and problems.
In this regard, and to establish and maintain State and local noise control capabilities,
Congress emphasized State and local financial and technical assistance in the Quiet Com-
munities Act of 1978. Under the authority provided in the Act, as well as building on
successful components of the original Noise statute, EPA has developed financial and
technical assistance programs and activities designed to help States and localities identify
and remedy noise issues and problems.
State and Local Assistance
Assistance to State and local agencies is provided by the 10 EPA regional offices. Efforts
to date have concentrated on encouraging the development of State and local noise con-
trol programs to implement in-use and operational measures for immediate noise control
benefits and to complement EPA regulatory efforts. In the future, financial assistance will
be available to States and localities in accordance with the Quiet Communities Act
amendments to continue these efforts. The regional offices are helping States and locali-
ties prepare applications.
EPA also surveys and assesses State and municipal environmental noise programs. In
1971, EPA surveyed these programs in the 50 States and a number of large cities. The
information obtained helped to promote passage of the Noise Control Act of 1972.
In compliance with the provisions of the Act, EPA has conducted similar surveys in 1974
and 1978. The results of these surveys are published in "State and Municipal Noise Con-
trol Activities, 1973-1974" and now in a similar volume for 1978. The latter survey was
directed toward the 50 States and 900 communities with populations over 25,000. That
report describes the status of State and local noise control programs, their capabilities
and activities, and the specific areas in which technical assistance from EPA is needed.
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Training of Noise Control Personnel
EPA sponsors regional noise workshops to train State and local officials in all aspects of
environmental noise. These workshops are administered by the EPA regional noise pro-
gram personnel. EPA has conducted over 90 workshops, attended by more than 3,600
officials, in various locations throughout the country.
EPA has also developed a noise training manual for three target audiences - decision-
makers, environmental managers, and entry level noise technicians. It is being adapted
into an accredited correspondence course for State and local noise control officials.
Sound Measurement Equipment
EPA advises State and local governments on types and uses of sound measurement and
analysis instruments. Sound level meters and other types of equipment are available for
loan to States and localities through the EPA regional noise offices. EPA also evaluates
instruments such as sound level meters and community noise monitoring systems.
Development of Improved Methods for Measuring and Monitoring Noise
EPA has recently developed a community noise monitoring and assessment manual. This
manual is designed to provide local community officials with uniform guidelines for the
design and implementation of a community monitoring program, including a locally ad-
ministered social survey program and an acoustical noise monitoring program. EPA has
developed an automated system called LISTEN (Local Information System to Evaluate
Noise) to assist communities in assessing their noise problems and in planning their
strategy for abating and controlling noise. Three manuals have been developed to describe
the system and its associated computer programs. EPA will provide computer services to
communities on a limited basis to assist in the analysis of community-collected data.
Preparation of Model State and Local Legislation
Both a Model Community Noise Control Ordinance and model State noise control en-
abling legislation have been developed by EPA. To date, 20 States have incorporated
Model Ordinance guidelines in their noise control programs. The model State law was
developed in cooperation with the Council of State Governments and was published by
them in 1974. As a complement to the model community ordinance, EPA is developing
a Code of Recommended Practices with simple and technically correct local enforcement
procedures.
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State and Local Noise Control Research and Demonstration
Program - Quiet Communities Program (QCP)
In September 1977, EPA launched its first Quiet Communities Program (QCP) research
and demonstration project in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This is a pilot project to demon-
strate the application of the best available techniques for local noise control. The program
includes a community noise assessment program, model local noise control strategy, noise
control legislation, and an enforcement program. The emphasis of the QCP effort is on
total community involvement and action, aided by EPA guidance and fiscal support. Two
additional pilot QCP demonstrations will be initiated in mid-1979.
Allentown has completed the first two stages of the program: (1) a comprehensive assess-
ment study to identify and define their noise control needs, and (2) development of a
local noise control strategy incorporating the assessment data. A responsive noise control
ordinance has been drafted and is currently being considered by Allentown's City Coun-
cil. It is anticipated that the noise ordinance will be in effect by May 1979. Design and
development of responsive noise control and enforcement programs are currently under-
way and will be implemented when the noise ordinance becomes effective.
Each Community Helps Others (ECHO)
The ECHO program is designed to aid communities throughout the U.S. in developing or
improving noise abatement programs through the advice and assistance of volunteer noise
control experts from other communities. Program emphasis is on the transferability of
local noise control skills and experience. The ECHO program, initiated in 1978, continues
to operate successfully. Examples of current ECHO activities are:
Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments continues to provide tech-
nical assistance to Norfolk, Virginia. As a result of this effort, the Norfolk
noise director has now become an advisor to emerging noise programs in the
Tidewater area of Virginia.
The State of Connecticut has provided assistance to the State of Iowa regarding
the development of a State noise capability in Iowa.
Daytona Beach, Florida assisted Charlotte, North Carolina by training sixteen
city employees in the use of sound measurement equipment.
Colorado Springs, Colorado is assisting Rapid City, South Dakota and Casper,
Wyoming.
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Allentown, Pennsylvania is assisting various neighboring communities in the
Lehigh Valley area.
Portland, Oregon has assisted Anchorage, Alaska. In December 1978, Anchor-
age adopted a new community noise ordinance - the fifth community to
adopt such an ordinance after receiving ECHO assistance.
Approximately 55 communities have received assistance under the ECHO program to
date.
Regional Technical Assistance Centers
A number of regional technical assistance centers, using the capabilities of universities
and private institutions, will be established. These centers will supplement the Regional
effort in providing technical assistance and training to State and local officials.
Senior Environmental Employment Program (Older American Workers)
The Senior Environmental Employment Program was designed to provide meaningful
employment in environmental areas to workers 55 years of age or older. One aspect of
this program provides support for one man-year of effort to each EPA Regional Noise
Program Chief to help States and communities develop noise control programs and/or
provide remedies to noise source problems. The program is funded by a grant from
HEW's Administration on Aging (AOA) under terms of an interagency agreement be-
tween AOA and EPA.
The program has proved to be an excellent source of manpower at the local level as well.
Allentown, Pennsylvania used 40 Older Americans to conduct a local survey. Other com-
munities are following suit.
The Older Americans receive formal training courses in health effects of noise, basic
acoustics, and noise program development as well as continuous on-the-job training.
State Assignee Program
The Noise Office is participating in the national State Assignee Program, a program in
which professionals are hired by the Agency and detailed to the appropriate State Office
for a two-year period. EPA's Noise State Assignees provide support in the development
of State noise programs. Upon completion of their two-year term appointment, the
State Assignees may be employed by their respective State agencies.
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This program, initiated in 1978, currently includes one position each in California, Con-
necticut, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, and
Washington.
Airport, Highway and Rail Transportation Planning Assistance
Airport Assistance
EPA has developed a simplified and objective approach for determining aviation noise im-
pacts, which is called the Airport Noise Evaluation Process. This process was designed for
use by individuals lacking an in-depth background in aircraft acoustics. The process util-
izes information pertaining to airport operations and local demographic characteristics. In
most cases, the EPA process can be used without computers by using the EPA-developed
workbook manual Calculation of Day-Night Levels [LdrJ Resulting from Civil Aircraft
Operations. The manual is normally revised as new aircraft operating procedures come
into general use. For example, EPA recently published an addendum to the workbook
entitled "Sound Exposure Levels (SEL) Chart for Civil Jet Transport Aircraft Takeoffs
Using ATA Procedures (Adopted December 1976)."
The Agency is also continuing to distribute its Airport Noise A batement Planning booklet
for citizens wanting to learn what they can do at a local level. The booklet distribution is
normally made in conjunction with the showing of the EPA-produced film "Jet Roar,"
which describes what some communities are doing about their airport noise problems.
The Agency is currently participating in several airport noise abatement planning pro-
grams, as part of its technical assistance program. In addition to helping in the solution
of real problems, the Agency is using these efforts as a vehicle for the continuing refine-
ment of its noise abatement planning tools and programs.
EPA is conducting a noise abatement planning study of Philadelphia International Air-
port. This study is being performed jointly with the FAA. This joint study should result
in a set of effective noise control measures implemented at the airport and in the sur-
rounding impacted area, in addition to the required report to Congress.
Highway and Rail Transportation Planning Assistance
In addition to the extensive work in airport noise abatement, EPA, in response to its new
mandates, is developing noise abatement plans for areas around other types of major
transportation facilities. Studies have been initiated to develop noise abatement planning
manuals for various modes of surface transportation. These documents would be similar
to the manual already developed for airport noise abatement planning.
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Community Noise Counseling Program
In response to the Quiet Communities Act of 1978, EPA has established, through a con-
tract with the National Retired Teachers Association/American Association of Retired
Persons (NRTA/AARP), a program to train qualified Older Americans to become focal
points for handling noise complaints in their own communities. The ultimate goal of the
program is to foster effective community solutions to local noise problems through a net-
work of volunteer noise counselors. There are now 11 noise counselors being paid under
Title V of the Older Americans Act along with three volunteers, in 13 States. Plans call
for reaching a total of 20 counselors by the end of 1979. EPA has sponsored two training
sessions to equip the selected Older Americans for their challenging roles as community
noise counselors.
The Agency is also initiating a similar program through the National Urban League to
help reduce environmental noise in urban neighborhoods. By the end of 1979 there will
be 10 inner city noise counselors.
Dissemination of Public Information
New Education/Information Projects
A major public education/information effort was launched in 1976, and has been given
increased emphasis in response to the Quiet Communities Act of 1978. New programs
and materials designed and developed to provide the public with information on the
effects of noise on their health, and quality of life and on specific remedies to alleviate
or reduce this growing environmental problem include:
Two noise modules developed to be used in junior and senior high schools as
part of the science curriculum (currently being pilot-tested). Once the modules
have been tested, a cooperative effort will be initiated through the HEW Office
of Education to incorporate them in curricula throughout the United States.
This will enable a standardized national approach to educating school age chil-
dren on hazards of environmental noise.
A noise module designed to be used by the International Union of Operating
Engineers (heavy equipment operators) in their apprenticeship training pro-
gram (currently being pilot-tested) in three major union training centers. This
curriculum will be adopted for use in apprenticeship training programs of other
major construction unions, marking the first comprehensive national effort to
reduce construction site noise through instruction in the health hazards of
noise, proper methods of hearing protection, quieter working techniques, etc.
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An Interagency Agreement with the Department of Labor's Bureau of Appren-
ticeship and Training and the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program
(LEAP) to include "noise enforcement" in their apprenticeship program and
provide training in noise enforcement techniques for LEAP training officers
in five regional workshops.
The development of three brochures for school children and young adults to
be disseminated at the time hearing tests are given. Although such tests are
mandated by each State, many States currently do not test all school children
regularly. At present, no followup information is given to students on hearing
health care and the effects of noise on their overall health. These brochures
are also designed with a message for parents of school children, to foster a
more comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of excessive environ-
mental noise on their health and quality of life.
Production of an eight-minute mime film, "A Quieter World: It's Up to Us"
Production of the following publications:
- Noise: A Health Problem
- Noise and Your Hearing
- Hear, Here
- Think Quietly About Noise
- Quieting in the Home
- ECHO (An explanation of the Each Community Helps Others Program).
EPA is also active in distributing public education materials by exhibiting at
national meetings of organizations such as the National Parent/Teachers'
Association, the National League of Cities, and the National Association of
Counties. Additional exhibits are made available to State and local noise
personnel in their public outreach programs.
National Information Center for Quiet
EPA has also established under contract the National Information Center for Quiet as
a national clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of public education/infor-
mation materials on noise, its effects, and methods used to quiet the environment.
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The Center will conduct an annual Symposium on Community Noise and disseminate
program-package kits developed for civic/fraternal organizations as well as general infor-
mation about noise. The Center's address is:
National Information Center for Quiet
P.O. Box 57171
Washington, D.C. 20037
Research
In the area of noise effects research, studies are being conducted concerning:
Effects of high level noise during pregnancy (animals)
Investigation of the effects of protracted noise exposure on blood pressure and
heart rate using Rhesus monkeys
Assessment of the relationship between annoyance and intrusiveness of noise
sources
Effects of high level, low frequency noise (animals)
Longitudinal study of the effects of noise on children.
In 1978, EPA helped support and participated in a multi-nation seminar on the effects of
noise on wildlife. New information in this area will assist EPA and other agencies in
making environmental impact evaluations.
Also in 1978, EPA completed two investigations dealing with people's perception of noise
and their attitudes about their noise environment:
Comparison of Various Methods for Predicting the Loudness and Accepta-
bility of Noise
The Urban Noise Survey.
The findings and conclusions of both investigations are being employed in EPA environ-
mental noise impact assessment procedures. The Agency is also currently studying State
and Federal programs for worker compensation for occupational hearing loss.
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In a joint effort with the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory, two
other studies were completed in 1978:
Typical noise exposures of Americans
Effects of noise exposure greater than 24-hours on hearing.
In the area of technology research, an RD&D program with Purdue University dealing
with identification of truck noise sources and engine enclosure investigations has been
completed. The results are being utilized in the engine and truck technology investiga-
tions (see below). An EPA/NASA program concerning development of several "quiet"
propeller configurations for small general aviation aircraft is continuing.
Other RD&D programs initiated in FY77 and continuing through FY79 deal with:
Quiet truck technology
Quiet tire technology
Internal combustion engine technology.
In January 1979, EPA sponsored a noise research technology symposium with invited
participation from government agencies, industry, universities, and the private sector.
The primary objective was to develop a national noise technology research agenda for
both the Federal government and the private sector. Proceedings of the symposium will
be published in April 1979.
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NOISE EMISSION STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
Identification of Major Sources of Noise, Noise Criteria,
and Control Technology (Section 5)
Criteria and Levels Documents
Under this Section of the Act, EPA is required to publish two major documents: the
Criteria Document and the Levels Document.
The Criteria Document represents an appraisal of available knowledge relating to the
health and welfare effects of noise.
The Levels Document identifies levels of environmental noise requisite to protect the
public health and welfare with an adequate margin of safety. In accordance with the Act,
this document does not take economics and technology into account. However, it does
provide helpful guidance in evaluating the benefits to be gained from noise abatement
actions. An abbreviated version of the Levels Document is now available.
The agency is currently undertaking studies to supplement the Criteria and Levels docu-
ments. These studies include work on: hearing loss, intrusive characteristics of noise, and
dose/response relationships.
A major deficiency in the Criteria document results from the lack of knowledge of the
non-auditory effects of noise. The Quiet Communities Act of 1978 mandates EPA to
investigate the effects of noise "with special emphasis on non-auditory effects." EPA
is conducting research involving noise-induced hypertension in monkeys and workshops
on cardiovascular effects, and is involved in working groups studying long term non-
auditory effects.
Major Sources Identification
EPA is further required to publish reports identifying major sources of noise, to provide
information on controlling noise from those sources, and to regulate those sources. The
Agency has issued several separate identification documents. The first identification, pub-
lished June 21, 1974, encompassed portable air compressors and medium and heavy
trucks, for which regulations have been promulgated.
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The Agency has subsequently identified
Wheel and crawler tractors (construction equipment)
Truck-mounted solid waste compactors (garbage trucks)
Motorcycles and motorcycle replacement exhaust systems
Buses
Truck-transport refrigeration units
Power lawn mowers
Pavement breakers and rock drills.
EPA has been conducting a number of pre-identification studies that will allow decisions
to be made on a phased basis concerning possible identification of additional major
sources of noise. Among the products studied are automobiles and light trucks, tires,
chainsaws, and earth moving equipment used in construction.
Cost and Technology Reports
EPA has published a number of cost and technology reports, some as separate reports,
others as background documents to regulatory actions. These are noted in the list of EPA
reports in the back of this booklet.
Noise Emission Standards for Products Distributed in
Commerce (Section 6)
The Agency is required under this Section of the Act to promulgate noise emission regula-
tions for any product identified as a major noise source if standards are feasible. The
Agency was specifically directed to consider products in the following categories:
Construction equipment
Transportation equipment
(including recreational vehicles and related equipment)
Motors and engines
(including any equipment of which an engine or motor is an integral part)
Electrical or electronic equipment.
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In addition to health and welfare effects, these standards must take availability of tech-
nology and cost of compliance into account.
Final Regulations Issued
On January 14, 1976, the Agency published final regulations on newly manufactured
portable air compressors. These regulations will have the effect of eliminating such com-
pressors as a major source of construction site noise.
On April 13, 1976, the Agency published noise regulations for medium and heavy trucks.
These regulations will reduce the urban traffic noise impact for 97 million people. A more
stringent standard has been reserved for promulgation in the 1985 time period, and work
is now underway to develop the necessary data on which this future regulatory decision
will be made. On November 23, 1977 (42 FR 59975), as the result of a petition from the
Recreation Vehicle Manufacturers Association, EPA issued a stay of effectiveness of these
regulations as they applied to motor homes, pending Agency reconsideration of the
applicability of the rules to that product. A similar stay on fire apparatus was published
on January 12, 1978 (43 FR 1796).
Proposed Regulations Issued
On July 11, 1977, EPA proposed noise emission regulations for new wheel and crawler
tractors having horsepower ratings from 20 hp to 500 hp (42 FR 3580-4).* These
machines are generally used for bulldozing and front-end loading operations at construc-
tion sites. Public hearings on the proposed rule were held in Philadelphia and Los Angeles.
Public comments received on this rule are under review. The proposed regulation stipulates
the following limits measured at 15 meters.
Machine Type HP (dBA) Effective Date
Crawler Tractor 20-199 77 March 1981
74 March 1984
Crawler Tractor 200-450 83 March 1981
80 March 1984
Wheel Loader 20-249 79 March 1981
76 March 1984
Wheel Loader 250-500 84 March 1981
80 March 1984
Wheel Tractor 20 plus 74 March 1981
*Federal Register Issue and page number.
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On August 26, 1977, the Agency proposed standards for new truck mounted solid waste
compactors, better known as garbage trucks (42 FR 43226). The proposed regulation
limited compaction cycle noise from all refuse vehicles manufactured after January 1.
Public hearings were held in Salt Lake City and New York City, and the comments re-
ceived on this proposed rule have been reviewed and considered in the development of
the final rule, expected to be published in the fall of 1979.
On September 12, 1977, EPA proposed regulations to substantially reduce exterior and
interior noise emitted from new city buses, school buses, and inter-city buses (42 FR
45776). A final regulation is expected in late 1979, or early 1980. The proposed standards,
in dBA measured at 50 feet, are:
_,., . ~ , . XT . ₯ . Interior Noise Level
Effective Extenor Noise Level
(at noisiest seat location)
1979 83 86
1983 80 83
1985 77 80
On March 15, 1978, EPA proposed regulations to reduce noise from new motorcycles
and new motorcycle replacement exhaust systems. Street, off-road, and moped-type
motorcycles are also covered. Public hearings were held in Los Angeles, St. Petersburg,
Fla., and Washington, D.C. The proposed noise limits, in dBA measured at 15 meters, are:
Street Motorcycles
Effective Date Sound Level
January 1, 1980 83
January 1, 1982 80
January 1, 1985 78
Moped-Typed Street Motorcycles
Effective Date Sound Level
January 1, 1980 70
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Off-Road Motorcycles
170 cc Displacement and Less
Effective Date Sound Level
January 1, 1980 83
January 1, 1982 80
January 1, 1985 78
Off-Road Motorcycles
More than 170cc Displacement
Effective Date Sound Level
January 1, 1980 86
January 1, 1983 82
The proposed regulation also calls for compliance labeling for new motorcycles and a
label concerning its Stationary Sound Level. This label will aid State and local officials in
enforcement against tampering and unlawful modifications. Final regulations are ex-
pected in the fall of 1979, or early 1980.
Notices of proposed rulemaking have not yet been issued for truck transport refrigeration
units, lawnmowers, or pavement breakers and rock drills.
Railroad Noise Emission Standards (Section 17)
Under this Section of the Act, EPA promulgated on December 31, 1975, regulations
setting specific maximum in-use noise standards applicable to trains operated by inter-
state rail carriers.
EPA is in the process of broadening the scope of its railroad noise emission standards to
include most interstate rail carriers' equipment and facilities. This action was ordered by
the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on August 23,
1977, in response to a petition for review by the Association of American Railroads.
Publication of both proposed and final rules is projected for 1979, in compliance with
the court order.
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The Department of Transportation, through the Federal Railroad Administration, is
responsible for the enforcement of these regulations. Compliance procedures for the
original regulation were published in the Federal Register on August 23, 1977 (42 FR
42343).
The EPA rules provide for comprehensive Federal preemption over State and local rail
carrier noise ordinances on the equipment and facilities covered by the EPA standards, as
the Noise Control Act requires.
Motor Carrier Noise Emission Standards (Section 18)
On October 29, 1974, EPA promulgated regulations, effective October 15, 1975, setting
specific maximum in-use noise standards applicable to vehicles over 10,000 pounds Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) operated by interstate motor carriers. This regulation will
lessen the noise impact for approximately 10 million people.
The regulation also requires vehicle exhaust systems not to be defective and bans the use
of certain noisy tread tires on vehicles subject to the regulation.
Present plans call for revising these in-use standards to require new trucks meeting the
more stringent new product standards promulgated under Section 6 to continue to meet
more stringent levels while in use.
The Department of Transportation's Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety (BMCS) is respon-
sible for enforcement of this regulation. BMCS issued compliance regulations on Septem-
ber 12, 1975. BMCS and several States and localities are now enforcing these regulations.
Low Noise Emission Products (Section 15)
On February 13, 1974, EPA issued certification procedures for low-noise emission prod-
ucts to be purchased by the Federal government. Since these procedures can apply only
to products for which a new product regulation has been issued under Section 6, no pro-
gram could be initiated prior to promulgation of the first new product regulation. EPA
is now implementing a comprehensive program concerning low-noise emission products.
LNEP levels have been set in all regulations proposed after 1976. A Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking for LNEP criteria and procedures for use by EPA in determining whether a
product can be certified as a low-noise-emission product and qualified as a suitable sub-
stitute for products purchased by the Federal government was published on May 27,
1977 (42 FR 27442). LNEP levels for portable air compressors and medium and heavy
trucks were also proposed in that notice.
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Product Labeling (Section 8)
Under this Section, EPA is required to label any product
1. Emitting noise capable of adversely affecting the public health or welfare
2. Sold wholly or in part on the basis of its effectiveness in reducing noise.
On June 22, 1977, the Agency published the Proposed General Provisions for Noise
Labeling and Proposed Noise Labeling Requirements for Hearing Protectors. Public hear-
ings on these proposed rules were held in Washington, D.C., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and San
Francisco. Final rules for both actions are expected in 1979.
Studies are underway on several household and consumer products to determine their
candidacy for noise labeling. The Agency has developed minimum standards for voluntary
product noise labeling by manufacturers that could be accepted by EPA in lieu of man-
datory labeling imposed by the Agency. These will be published in the General Provisions
final rules. Manufacturers of noise producing products and their trade associations are
being encouraged to review these and to develop voluntary labeling programs to obviate
Federal intervention.
Enforcement
The Noise Enforcement Division is responsible for development and enforcement of regu-
lations applicable to new products regulated or labeled under Sections 6 and 8, respec-
tively, of the Noise Control Act. In addition, the Division assists EPA Regional Offices,
and States and localities in enforcing Federal noise control standards and regulations and
in designing and enforcing complementary State and local controls.
The Federal enforcement strategy used for the portable air compressor and medium and
heavy truck regulations consists of the following:
Early manufacturer testing of normal production products which are repre-
sentative of future products (Product Verification)
Statistical sampling and testing of new products off the assembly line (Selec-
tive Enforcement Audit)
Manufacturer's time-of-sale warranty
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Tampering prohibitions and noise related maintenance instructions placed in
consumer literature;e.g., owner's manuals
Administrative orders, including recall of noncomplying products.
An Advisory Circular System has been established for both the compressor and truck
regulations. The Circulars discuss topics of common interest and applicability to the regu-
lated industries and aid firms in complying with the Act and regulations. They are used
to communicate procedural and policy matters involving the interpretation and admini-
stration of the regulations.
The Division is monitoring the actions taken by manufacturers of portable air com-
pressors and medium and heavy trucks in compliance with new product noise emission
standards. Fourteen inspections at truck manufacturers' facilities have been conducted
to determine whether the manufacturers are complying with the regulations. Thirteen
inspections have been conducted at compressor manufacturers' facilities.
Six selective enforcement audits of truck production have been conducted. Two audits
of compressors have been conducted.
In four instances, vehicles were recalled for repair or modifications. Each recall was ini-
tiated by the manufacturer as a result of his own inspection and monitoring activity, and
in each case, a small number of products were involved.
The EPA Noise Enforcement Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, is equipped with a low-speed
passby test track and a stationary runup pad for testing trucks and compressors. These
testing facilities have been used to conduct EPA tests on regulated products and to cor-
relate manufacturers' test facilities. Sixteen correlation studies were conducted with truck
manufacturers and seventeen with compressor manufacturers.
The Division has two Mobile Noise Enforcement Facilities (MoNEF) that have been used
in site comparison studies with truck and compressor manufacturers and in the develop-
ment of field test data on additional products being studied for future regulatory action.
The MoNEFs have also been used to conduct surveillance testing of regulated products in-
use and are used periodically to assist State and local noise control officials in the devel-
opment and refinement of their enforcement capabilities.
A major portion of the Division's State and local guidance is currently focused on the
development of noise enforcement training materials for State and local police officers.
17
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The Division has conducted two noise enforcement training courses at local police acad-
emies. The Division is also developing similar training materials for health officers and
guidance materials for State and local prosecutors.
Standards Development
To foster a better understanding of EPA and other Agencies' needs in developing regula-
tions, the Agency sponsored a standards development workshop under the auspices of
American National Standards Institute and the Acoustical Society of America in coopera-
tion with the National Bureau of Standards. This three-day workshop was held in Decem-
ber 1977. The reports resulting from this effort will be available in 1979. They will lay
out regulatory standards needs for the future and the basis on which technical standards
should be developed.
Aircraft Noise Standards (Section 7)
Submission of Proposals to FAA
Although aviation noise regulatory authority rests with the FAA, EPA is mandated to
play a significant role in the aviation regulatory process. Under Section 7 of the Act, EPA
was directed to prepare a comprehensive report on the problem of aircraft/airport noise
and to submit regulatory proposals to the FAA. The FAA must either accept the EPA
proposals or state in the Federal Register why the proposals were rejected, accompanied
by a detailed analysis of EPA's submittal.
If EPA believes that any FAA action regarding the EPA proposals does not adequately
protect the public health and welfare, the Agency can request the FAA to publish a
report in the Federal Register further stating the basis behind any FAA decisions.
EPA has submitted to the FAA six Source Regulations, two Operational Regulations, and
one package dealing with the Airport Noise Regulatory Process. The proposed regulations
are:
Source Regulations:
SST - Submitted 27 February 1975 (Future SSTs) (40 FR 14093)
SST - Submitted 13 January 1976 (Present SSTs) (41 FR6270)
Propeller Driven Small Airplanes - Submitted 6 December 1974 (40 FR 1061)
Retrofit - Submitted 28 January 1975 (40 FR 8218)
18
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Fleet Noise Level - Submitted 28 January 1975 (40 FR 8222)
Modify FAR PART 36 - Submitted 1 October 1976 (41 FR 47358)
Short Haul - (Under evaluation)
Operational Regulations
Approach and Landing (3) - Submitted 29 August 1975 (40 FR 44256)
Minimum Altitude - Submitted 6 December 1974 (40 FR 1072)
Takeoff- (Under evaluation)
Airport Noise Regulatory Process - Submitted 22 October 1976 (41 FR 51522)
Hearings on all of the EPA proposals have been held. The FAA has accepted the EPA pro-
posals concerning reduced flap approach and landing and retrofit, except for retrofit of
business jets. The FAA has not yet taken any formal action on the EPA proposals per-
taining to FAR PART 36 (levels for new design aircraft) or airports. The FAA has issued
notices of decisions not to prescribe the EPA proposals pertaining to: propeller driven
small airplanes, except for some minor provisions; fleet noise level; two-segment visual
approach and landing; two-segment instrument approach and landing; and minimum
altitudes.
SST Activities
EPA provided technicians and equipment to monitor the noise emissions of the initial
Concorde 02 SST flights into Dulles International and Dallas, Fort Worth airports in
September of 1973. The results of that monitoring exercise were published and are
available.
In January 1976, EPA provided a detailed analysis of the issues associated with the appli-
cations of British Airways and Air France for Concorde SST flights to U.S. airports.
In October 1977, the FAA published a supplemental draft EIS and a supplemental NPRM
that reopened the docket on two previously submitted EPA proposals. The FAA con-
ducted hearings, at which EPA testified, and subsequently published in the Federal Regis-
ter on June 29, 1978, amendments to FARs 21, 36, and 91. Although many aspects of
this final rule regulating SSTs are consistent with the EPA proposals, the FAA decided
not to prescribe the EPA proposed requirements that applications for new type design
SSTs be required to comply with the same noise limits as newly designed sub-
sonic aircraft.
19
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FEDERAL PROGRAMS (Section 4)
Federal Noise Program Coordination
Section 4 of the Act requires EPA to coordinate all Federal noise research and control
programs. EPA has planned and organized a four part program to integrate Federal
agency noise abatement policies and programs into a national noise strategy.
The first part is a Communication and Information Exchange Program consisting of three
elements: (1) joint publications concerning individual agency jurisdictions, programs and
accomplishments; (2) a series of directories of all Federal noise personnel and laboratory
resources that can be used in joint work programs; and (3) a series of regularly scheduled
informal meetings among Federal agency noise personnel. A forum that has proven suc-
cessful in fostering interagency cooperation is the informal luncheon meeting at which a
host agency presents its noise program and solicits inquiry and comment from the others.
Since the spring of 1977, over 15 agencies have participated in the meetings. EPA and
other agencies plan to continue them.
The second part of the program is a Joint Special Studies and Demonstration Program to
integrate the independent Federal agency authorities into a consistent overall Federal
strategy. Fifteen cooperative projects with other Federal agencies are in progress as a
result of this program: 5 in surface transportation noise; 3 in construction site noise, 3 in
occupational noise; and 4 special projects covering such areas as procurement and land
use. These projects will develop information on and demonstrate noise control measures
and then facilitate their incorporation in Federal noise policies and programs. The process
will complement EPA noise regulatory activities as well as State and local noise abate-
ment actions.
The third part of the program concerns research coordination. The Agency has estab-
lished four interagency noise research panels, whose reports are listed along with the
other EPA publications. The panels have generated reports that examined Federal RD&D
activities during the FY73-FY75 period to determine the contribution of these efforts to
the control of noise and understanding of its effects. Research activities in the areas of
noise effects, aircraft noise, surface vehicle noise, and machinery noise were reported. The
panels were reactivated in 1976 to update the data base and to assess the contribution of
the on-going and planned RD&D programs to meeting the long range goals of a national
noise abatement and control program. Reports on this subject were published in early
1978.
20
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Publications Mailing List Application
EPA
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF NOISE ABATEMENT AND CONTROL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
EPA Hq Form 8800-4 (R.y. 9-78) MAY 1977 EDITION MAY BY USED
-------
&EPA
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Noise Abatement and Control
Washington, D.C. 20460
MAILING LIST APPLICATION
TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT (One letter/number per block. Do not use periods, commas, etc.)
c
A
R
D
1
2
3
4
INITIALS
i i
i \
i i
Q N New Application
_
I
i
i
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_
1
1
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1
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1
1
1
hange Narr
PREVIOUS NAME/ADDRESS (If ch
i 1
i i
i i
i i
e/ Address
anged)
LAST NAME
1 1 1 1 1 1
ORGANIZATION
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1
(If applicable
1 1 1
f ' '
1 1 1 1
STREET ADDRESS OR P.O. BOX NO.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
CITY
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1
CHECK APPLICABLE BOX(ES)
Q D-Delete Name/Address Q A-Add A
1 1 1
ea of Interest Cod
TITLE
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
STATE ZIP CODE
1 .. L_l i i
(s) Q D-Deleta Area of Interest Codes(s)
DATE OF APPLICATION
PROCEED TO PAGE 2 AND COMPLETE APPROPRIATE SECTIONS.
FOR EPA USE ONLY
ORIGINATOR (Name)
(Do NOT write in this space)
(TELEPHONE NO
REMARKS
AUXILIARY CODE - Mark an "X" in the appropriate auxiliary
B 01
Q 02 Press Release
Q 03 Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM)
Q 04 Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM)
Q 05 Final Regulation
D 06 Background Documents
PI 07 Economic Impact Analysis
Q 08 Environmental Impact Statement
ADDRESSEE ADDED BY - Check one
D 20 DAA a 21 S&R Div Q 22 Tech & Fe
SIGNATURE (Project Officer Approval)
code box (es)
Q 09 Technical Reports (other than R&D)
P 10 R&D Reports
Q 11 Guidelines/Manuals
Q 12 Federal Noise Program Reports
Q 13 Educational Materials/General Brochures
n 14 RFP's
Q 15 Scientific Reports - Effects of Noise
d Prog Div Q 23 State & Local Prog Div D 24 Sci Asst
DATE
FOR GSA USE ONLY (Do NOT write in this space)
Doc
ID
1 3
« ( 8 | U
Mail
List
7 9
9 | 6 | 0 |
Yr
10 11
I
Mo
12 13
|
Day
14 15
|
AGENCY IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
16
I I I I I
27
I I I I I
0 CARD ONLY
29 30 34
»|»l «l 1 I 1
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TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT
ORGANIZATION TYPE
(Check one that applies)
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
0101 Advisory Board
0102 Intra-agency Review Office
0103 Interagency Review Office
0104 Federal Agency/Bureau
0105 Regional EPA Office
0106 EPA Headquarter* Office
0107 Member of Congrsi*
0108 Congressional Staff
Q1D9 Foreign Government
J , Olio ONAC Staff
0201 Official of State Government
0202 Official of Local Government
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
0301 Official of National Association
0302 Member of National Association
0303 Official or Member of State/
Local Association
TRADE ASSOCIATION
0401 Official of National Awociation
0402 Member of National Association
0403 Official or Member of State/
Local Association
NEWS MEDIA
0501 Columnists and Writers
0502 Newspapers/Newsletters
06O3 Magazine* and Journal*
0604 Radio/TV
BUSINESS/INDUSTRY
.__. 0601 Component Part* Manufacturing
O602 End Product Manufacturing
O603 End Product Wholesale/Retail
O604 End Product User
O605 End Product Leasing/Renting
O6O6 End Product Maintenance/Repair
0607 Consulting/Planning Firm
06O8 Law Firm
06O9 Airport Proprietor
0702 High School
0703 Vocational
OTHER
O801 Public Interest/
Environmental Group
0803 Library
O8O4 Concerned Private Citizen
0805 Financial Firms
08O6 Voluntary Standards
Organization
AREA OF INTEREST
(Check appropriate areas)
0101 Available Technology
0102 Nolte Enforcement
0103 Measurement Methods
0104 Acoustic Assurance Period
R105 Special Local Conditions - Railroad
M105 Special Local Conditions - Motor
Carrier
0106 Strategy/Programming
0107 State/Local Ordinances
0108 Land-Use
0109 Noise Measurement
Instrumentation
0110 Noise Labeling Provisions
0111 Audlometric Testing Equipment
0113 Warning Systems
AIRPORTS
0201 Commercial
0202 General Aviation
0203 Military
AIRCRAFT
0301 Conventional
0302 Supersonic
0303 Genc-al Aviation
0304 Short Haul
0305 Flight Procedures
0306 Sonic Boom
0401 Railroads
0402 Medium/Heavy Truck*
0403 Light Truck* and Pickups
0404 Truck Component* (Garbage Com-
pactors, Hydraulic Pumps, ate.)
0405 Bute*
0406 Guided Mass Trensit
0407 Automobiles
0408 Motorcycles
0409 Interstate Motor Carrier
O410 Tires
0411 Highway Noise
0412 Noise Emiwlon Labeling
CONSTRUCTION
050J Earthmovmg Equipment
0502 Road Building Equipment
0503 Materials Handling Equipment
0504 Stationary Equipment
0506 Rotary Equipment
0507 Pneumatic/Hydraulic Power
Source Noisa
0508 Construction Site Noise
0509 Blasting
0510 Mining
0511 Noise Emission Labeling
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
POWERED PRODUCTS
0603 rh.tn Kmwt
ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
0701 Workshop Tools
__^_ 0702 Climate and Environmental
Control (Air Conditioning,
Fan*, etc.)
0703 Office Equipment
0704 Lawn and Garden Care
Equipment
0705 Music Ampllflert/HeadMt*
0706 Pumps and Generators
._. 0707 Transformers/Power
Station Equipment
0709 Noise Emission Labeling
APPLIANCES
0801 Kitchen
0802 Laundry
0803 Personal Care (Hair
Dryers, etc.)
___ 08O4 Indoor Maintenance
(Vacuum Cleaners, etc.)
_ 0805 Craft*, Hobbles, and Non-
Workshop Tools (Sewing
Machines, etc )
0806 NolM EmlMlon Labeling
INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY/EQUIPMENT
0901 Printing
0902 Textile
0903 Agriculture
0904 Mining
0905 Wood Forming
0906 Chemical Processing
0908 Metal Forming
O909 Power Plants
O910 Nolte Emiwlon Labeling
RECREATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT
1001 Snowmobile*
1002 Motorboats
1003 Off-Road Vehicles
1O04 Toys
1O06 Sport* Arena*
1006 NolM Emiwion Labeling
1101 Hearing Protective Device*
1 102 Building Material*
1103 Landscaping Materials
_^_1104 Muffler*
1105 Noise Reduction Labeling
1201 Hearing Low
1202 Speech Interference, Sleep
Disturbance, Nonaudltory,
Annoyance, Performance &
Behavior, etc.
OBO3 Pump* anri H«na Tutor*
0605 Noise Emission Labeling
-------
Official Bu
Penalty for
$300
PLEASE
PLACE
STAMP
HERE
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ANR-490)
Washington, D. C. 20460
MAILING
LIST
APPLICATION
-------
The fourth part of the program is the establishment and operation of an Interagency
Committee on Urban Noise. This Committee, in operation since April 1978, has devel-
oped and is implementing six initiatives to use existing Federal funds to integrate noise
control into the Administration's Urban Program. The six initiatives are in the areas of
Weatherization and Soundproofing, Land Use, Neighborhood Projects, Procurement,
Urban Transportation and Local Noise Programs.
Consultations
Other Federal agencies are required to consult with EPA before prescribing noise regula-
tions. EPA may require public review of those regulations if the Agency determines the
regulations do not sufficiently protect public health and welfare.
EPA has reviewed and commented upon the policies and regulations of such Federal
agencies as DOT, HUD, DOC, and GSA. Regarding the pending decision on Federal
occupational noise standards, EPA has strongly stated its case for a more stringent occu-
pational noise standard than that proposed by the Department of Labor's Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Reports on Federal Noise Programs
As a major part of its coordination activity, EPA is required to report periodically on the
status and progress of Federal noise control activities. In June 1975, the Agency issued
the first of such comprehensive reports describing and discussing interrelationships among
the noise programs of 38 Federal agencies in the following areas: standards and regula-
tions, hearing conservation, noise abatement, and research, development and demonstra-
tion. Since then EPA has issued reports describing the noise policies of the Navy, Air
Force, HUD and FHWA.
EIS Review
EPA reviews about 1500 draft and 500 final statements per year. Statements in which
noise is a factor are reviewed primarily in the EPA regional offices, with Headquarters
providing guidelines, manuals, and technical assistance as required. Although not required
to do so by law, EPA prepares EISs on certain of its own environmental regulatory activi-
ties, including noise emission regulations under the Noise Control Act.
21
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Interagency Agreements
EPA is receiving consulting and technical support in a number of program areas (e.g.,
health effects, measurement, monitoring, technology demonstration) through agreements
with other Federal agencies. EPA is currently working with the National Academy of
Sciences Committee on Hearing, Bioacoustics, and Biomechanics (CHABA), the USAF
Aeromedical Research Lab, the U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Lab, the
National Bureau of Standards, the Department of Transportation, NASA, the Depart-
ment of Agriculture (Forest Service), the Naval Sea Systems Command, and the Depart-
ment of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship Training.
Federal Facility Compliance with State and Local Noise Laws
Under this Section of the Act, each Federal agency is required to comply with Federal,
State, and local noise control requirements.
EPA has taken actions to ensure such compliance on the part of Federal agencies. To
date, EPA has developed formal administrative guidelines and directives in the following
areas:
Project reporting by agencies
Inspection and monitoring of Federal facilities
Exemptions of Federal facilities.
EPA also reviews the efforts of other agencies to assure compliance.
22
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STUDIES AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
Strategy and Economics
A document of major importance is Towards a National Noise Abatement Strategy,
which was published for comment in October of 1976 and reissued in April of 1977.
This general strategy forms the basis for specific program strategies in surface transporta-
tion noise and construction noise that are now being developed.
EPA is also heavily involved in developing industry-forecasting models, decision-making
analyses, and the methodology for determining the economic costs and benefits of noise
abatement.
Noise Information System
EPA operates, under contract, a computer-based Noise Information Storage and Retrieval
System. Documents containing noise data or information are cross-indexed and filed to
provide a comprehensive collection. The system has been used primarily to support the
EPA standards and regulations activity. Access to the system may be obtained to research
specific subjects by writing to the Director, Standards and Regulations Division.
International Activities
EPA performs a number of important noise related functions on the international level.
These activities are conducted on both an ad hoc basis and as part of a continuing inter-
national effort toward reducing environmental noise and harmonizing the efforts of in-
dividual countries.
EPA has participated in ad hoc noise activities of the following international groups:
World Health Organization
NATO
US-USSR Working Group on the Enhancement of the Urban Environment
International Organization for Standardization.
23
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A major on-going EPA activity is the Agency's participation in efforts of the Interna-
tional Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Agency, through participation as an
advisor to the U.S. delegate, provides recommendations on international aviation matters,
exchanges views on environmental considerations, and reviews and recommends aircraft
noise standards.
EPA is a major participant in the noise activities of the Paris-based Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). EPA was the lead U.S. agency in the
noise area, with its representative acting as the official U.S. delegate to the International
Ad Hoc Group on Noise, which was chaired by another EPA official. The OECD Ad Hoc
Group on Noise completed a two-year study in December 1977. An OECD report,
"Reducing Noise in OECD Countries," was issued in 1978. The report covered:
Decision Criteria for Noise Abatement Policies
Economic Incentives for Noise Abatement
Regulations and Low-Cost Measures for Noise Abatement.
An EPA official is currently the U.S. representative to the OECD steering group that is
planning a major noise conference for early 1980. This conference will address national
noise program policy problems, will evaluate difficult aspects of noise abatement, and will
recommend steps for better harmonization of noise control efforts.
An EPA noise official chaired an international noise task group under the U.N. Economic
Commission for Europe (ECE) in Geneva, Switzerland. The task force examined informa-
tion on environmental noise problems and control measures and appropriate research
activities related to noise control. The ECE has issued a report entitled "National Ap-
proaches to Community Noise Problems," dated 5 April 1978.
EPA noise officials also participate in:
The cooperative environment program of the Commission of European Com-
munities, in Brussels, Belgium
The International Commission on Biological Effects of Noise, which met most
recently in Freiburg, Germany in September 1978.
24
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NOISE CONTROL PROGRAM BUDGETS
Fiscal Year
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
Office of Noise
Abatement & Control
(S Millions)
$ .3
1.2
2.7
4.2
5.1
9.8
9.8
10.3
10.0
11.9*
(Positions)
11
12
15
45
55
74
74
76
68
68*
Office of Enforcement
Noise Enforcement Division
($ Thousands)
$ 0
0
0
20.6
20.8
385.0
707.0
1,027.0
1,005.0
1,004.0*
(Positions)
0
0
0
1
1
18
22
24
22
23*
Regional
Offices**
(Positions)
0
0
0
0
0
10
11
12
15
14*
*Recommended in the President's Budget Message to the Congress.
**Dollar funding included with Office of Noise Abatement and Control.
25
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EPA REGIONAL NOISE PROGRAM CHIEFS
EPA
Region
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
States
Maine, N.H., Vt., Mass.,
R.I. , Conn.
N.Y.,N.J.,P.R.,V.I.
Pa.,Md., Del.,W. Va.,
Va., D.C.
N.C.,S.C.,Tenn.,Ky.,
Miss., Ga., Fla., Al.
Wise., 111., Mich., Ohio,
Ind.,Mn.
N. Mex., Okla.,Ark.,
La., Tex.
Nebr., Kans., Iowa,
Mo.
Mont.,N. Dak.,S. Dak.,
Wyo., Utah, Colo.
Calif., Nev., Ariz.,
Hawaii
Wash., Oreg., Idaho,
Alaska
Addtess
JFK Building
Room 2113
Boston, Mass. 02203
26 Federal Plaza
Room 907G
New York, N.Y. 10007
Curtis Building
Room 225
6th & Walnut Sts.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19106
345 CourtlandSt.,N.E.
Atlanta, Ga. 30308
230 S. Dearborn
Chicago, 111. 60604
1201 Elm St.
Dallas, Tex. 75270
324 East llth St.
Room 1509
Kansas City, Mo. 64016
1860 Lincoln St.
Suite 900
Denver, Colo. 80295
215 Fremont St.
San Francisco, Calif. 94105
1200 Sixth Avenue
Room 11C
Seattle, Wash. 98101
Noise Representatives
Mr. Al Hicks
(617/223-5708)
Mr. Tom O'Hare
(212/264-2109)
Mr. Patrick Anderson
(215/597-9118)
Dr. Kent Williams
(404/8814861)
Mr. Horst Witschonke
(312/353-2202)
Mr. Mike Mendias
(214/767-2742)
Mr. Vincent Smith
(816/374-3307)
Mr. Paul Smith
(303/337-2221)
Dr. Richard Procunier
(415/556-4606)
Ms. Deborah Yamamoto
(206/442-1253)
28
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NOISE DOCUMENTS
The following "noise" technical documents, unless otherwise noted, are for sale by the
National Technical Information Service (NTIS), U.S. Department of Commerce, 425
13th Street, N.W., Room 620, Washington, B.C. 20004 (Phone: 202/296-4348) or from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington,
D.C. 20402 (Phone: 202/783-3238). Certain publications are available from the National
Information Center for Quiet (NICQ), P.O. Box 57171, Washington, D.C. 20037.
The documents are grouped into the areas of:
Reports to Congress
Health and Welfare
Noise Monitoring
Surface Transportation
Aviation
Construction
State and Local Noise control
Federal Programs
Household and Consumer Products
Regional
Other
29
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TITLE
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Reports to Congress
Report to the President and Congress
on Noise December 31, 1971
Report on Aircraft-Airport Noise
(Senate Document 93-8) -- August 1973
First Report on Status and Progress of
Noise Research and Control Programs
in the Federal Government June 1975
Health and Welfare
Noise from Industrial Plants
December 1971
Community Noise - December 1971
Effects of Noise on Wildlife and Other
Animals December 1971
Effects of Noise on People
December 1971
Social Impact of Noise
December 1971
The Effects of Sonic Boom and Similar
Impulsive Noise on Structures
December 1971
Economic Impact of Noise
December 1971
Relation Between Daily Noise Exposure
and Hearing Loss Based on the
Evaluation of 6,835 Industrial Noise
Exposure Cases June 1973
PB-206716
AVAILABLE AT GPO
PB-243447/AS
Vol.1
PB-243448/AS
Vol. II
PB-206718
PB-207124
PB-206720
PB-206723
PB-206724
PB-206725
PB-206726
AD-767204
30
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TITLE
A Scientific Basis for Limiting Noise
Exposure for Purposes of Hearing
Conservation - July 19, 1973
Prediction of NIPTS Due to Continuous
Noise Exposure - July 19, 1973
Public Health and Welfare Criteria for
Noise - July 1973
Proceedings of the International Congress
on Noise as a Public Health Problem,
Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia
May 13-18, 1973
Impact Characterization of Noise Including
Implications of Identifying and Achieving
Levels of Cumulative Noise Exposure
July 1973
Information on Levels of Environmental
Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health
and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of
Safety - March 1974
Population Distribution of the United
States as a Function of Outdoor Noise
Level -June 1974
Federal Noise Effects Research: FY73-FY75
March 1975
Some Considerations in Choosing an Occu-
pational Noise Exposure Regulation
February 1976
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
AD-767274
AD-767205
PB-241000/AS
PB-241060/AS
ALSO AVAILABLE
AT EPA
PB-224408/AS
PB-239429/AS
PB-235022/AS
PB-241751/LK
PB-251408
31
-------
TITLE
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Noise: A Health Problem*
Noise at Work*
Noise Around Our Homes*
Noise and Its Measurement*
Hear, Here*
Noise and You*
Think Quietly About Noise*
Noise: A Challenge to Cities*
Measures of Noise Level: Their Relative
Accuracy in Predicting Objective and
Subjective Response to Noise During
Sleep February 1977
Economic and Social Impact of
Occupational Noise Exposure
Regulations March 1977
Speech Levels in Various Noise
Environments May 1977
Behavioral and Physiological Correlates
of Varying Noise Environments
June 1977
The Urban Noise Survey
August 1977
Comparison of Various Methods for
Predicting the Loudness and Acceptability
of Noise August 1977
The Ability of Mildly Hearing Impaired
Individuals to Discriminate Speech in
Noise January 1978
Federal Noise Research in Noise Effects
February 1978
AVAILABLE AT THE
NATIONAL INFORMA-
TION CENTER FOR
QUIET
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-276593
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-280480/AS
PB-280335
*Written especially for general public.
32
-------
TITLE NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Protective Noise Levels AVAILABLE AT EPA
(condensed version of "Levels" Document)
November 1978
A Critical Review of State and Federal
Workers Compensation Programs for
Occupational Hearing Loss
(in preparation)
Foreign Noise Research in Noise Effects PB-279383/AS
January 1978
Effects of Noise on Wildlife
(in preparation)
Noise Monitoring
Fundamentals of Noise Measurement PB-206727
Rating Schemes, and Standards
December 1971
Standards and Measurements Methods, AVAILABLE AT GPO
Legislation and Enforcement Problems,
San Francisco, California
September 27-29, 1971, Vol. PV*
Evaluation of Commercial Integrating- COM-74-104-77
Type Noise Exposure Meter
December 1973
The Design of a Low Cost Sound Level AB-783808
Meter - April 1974
Guidelines for Developing a Training AD-A01667
Program in Noise Survey Techniques
July 1975 (Office of Naval Research)
*Written especially for general public.
33
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TITLE NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Guidelines the Development of
Procedures for the Measurement of
Sound Source Emission (in preparation)
Procedures for Estimating Sound Power COM-75-11399
from Measurements of Sound Pressure
July 1975 (NBS/NBSIR 75-652)
Surface Transportation
Transportation Noise and Noise from PB-208660
Equipment Powered by Internal
Combustion Engines - December 1971
Manufacturing and Transportation Noise AVAILABLE AT GPO
(Highway & Air) Chicago, Illinois
July 28-29, 1971, Vol. II**
Transportation Noise (rail and other); AVAILABLE AT GPO
Urban Noise Problems and Social
Behavior, New York, N.Y.
October 28-29, 1971, Vol. VI**
Background Document for Interstate PB-242554/AS
Motor Carrier Noise Emission Regulations
October 1974
Environmental Noise Measurements on AVAILABLE AT EPA
Interstate 57 During and After Truck
Strike - June 1974
(USA Const. Engrg. Research Lab)
Noise in Rail Transit Cars: Incremental PB-234992/AS
Costs of Quieter Cars June 1974
*Written especially for general public.
**EPA Public Hearings.
34
-------
TITLE
Federal Surface Vehicle Noise Research,
Development, and Demonstration Programs:
FY73-FY75
Federal Research, Development, and
Demonstration Programs in Surface
Transportation Noise - February 1978
Passenger Noise Environments of
Enclosed Transportation Systems
June 1975
Background Document for Railroad Noise
Emission Standards December 1975
Background Documents for Medium and
Heavy Truck Noise Emission Regulations
March 1976
NPRM on Special Local Determinations
(Sec. 17 & 18) and Guidelines for State and
Local Governments on the Filing and
Processing of Applications for Preemption
Waiver Determinations November 1976
A Manual for the Review of Highway
Noise Impact - June 1977
Comparison of Highway Noise Prediction
Models - June 1977
Background Document for Proposed
Regulation of Truck Mounted Solid
Waste Compactor - August 1977
Background Document for Proposed
Bus Noise Regulation September 1977
Foreign Noise Research in Surface
Transportation - December 1977
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
PB-241887/LK
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-245409/AS
PB-251713
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
Being Processed by NTIS
Being Processed by NTIS
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
35
-------
TITLE NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Background Document for Proposed AVAILABLE AT EPA
Motorcycle Regulation - March 1978
Department of Transportation Federal AVAILABLE AT EPA
Highway Administration: Noise Policy
and Related Environmental Procedures
July 1978
Aviation
The Effects of Sonic Boom and Similar PB-206725
Impulsive Noise on Structures
December 1971
Legal and Institutional Analysis of Aircraft PB-225149/4AS
and Airport Noise and Apportionment of
Authority Between Federal, State, and
Local Government - July 1973
Report on Operations Analysis Including PB-225150/2AS
Monitoring, Enforcement, Safety, and
Cost-July 1973
Noise Source Abatement Technology PB-224422/AS
and Cost Analysis Including Retrofitting
July 1973
Review and Analysis of Present and Planned PB-224405/AS
FAA Noise Regulatory Actions and Their
Consequences Regarding Aircraft and Air-
port Operations July 1973
Military Aircraft and Airport Noise and PB-223637/AS
Opportunities for Reduction Without
Inhibition of Military Missions
July 1973
Noise Measurement of Concorde 02 PB-245156/ AS
Approach and Takeoff at Dallas, Ft. Worth
and Dulles International Airports
August 1974
36
-------
TITLE
Civil Aviation Studies and Interagency
Coordinating Organizations (Vol. I)
December 1974
Civil Aviation Studies and Interagency
Coordinating Organizations (Vol. II)
Appendices December 1974
Noise Certification Rule for Propeller
Driven Small Airplanes, EPA Project Report
November 1974
Minimum Altitudes for Noise Abatement,
EPA Project Report - November 1974
Civil Subsonic Turbojet Engine-Powered
Airplanes (Retrofit and Fleet Noise
Level) EPA Project Report
December 1974
Aircraft Noise Certification Rule for
Supersonic Civil Aircraft, EPA Project
Report January 1975
Airport Noise Regulatory Process
November 1976
Federal Aircraft Noise Research,
Development, and Demonstration
Programs: FY73-FY75
Federal Research, Technology and
Demonstration Programs in Aviation Noise
March 1978
Information on FAA Certification of
Aircraft January 1975
National Measure of Aircraft Noise
Impact Through the Year 2000
June 1975
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
PB-239344/AS
PB-239345/AS
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-244904/LK
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-242583/AS
PB-243522/AS
37
-------
TITLE
Noise Standards for Aircraft Type
Certification (Modification to FAR
Part 36) - August 1976
Department of Defense: Air Installation
Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program
April 1977
Calculation of Day-Night Levels (L(jn)
Resulting from Civil Aircraft Operations
January 1977
Airport Noise Abatement Planning
June 1977
Foreign Noise Research in Aviation
December 1977
Sound Exposure Levels (SEL) Chart for
Civil Jet Transport Aircraft Takeoff
Using ATA Procedures
(adopted December 1976)
Construction
Noise from Construction Equipment
and Operations, Building Equipment, and
Home Appliances December 1971
Construction Noise Atlanta, Georgia
July 8-9, 1971, Vol. I*
Noise Emission Standards for Construction
Equipment Background Document for
Portable Air Compressors - December 1975
Inflationary Impact Statement for Portable
Air Compressors - December 1975
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
PB-262401/AS
PB-27144 I/AS
PB-266165/AS
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-206717
PB-230064
PB-250430
AVAILABLE AT EPA
*EPA Public Hearings
38
-------
TITLE NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Foreign Noise Research in Machinery/ AVAILABLE AT EPA
Construction Equipment December 1977
Federal Machinery Noise Research, PB-243523/LK
Development, and Demonstration Programs:
FY73-FY75
Federal Research, Development and AVAILABLE AT EPA
Demonstration Programs in Machinery
and Construction Noise February 1978
Background Document for Proposed Wheel AVAILABLE AT EPA
and Crawler Tractor Regulation
July 1977
State and Local Noise Control
Laws and Regulatory Schemes for PB-206719
Noise Abatement December 1971
State and Municipal Non-Occupational PB-208659
Programs - December 1971
Urban Planning, Architectural Design, and PB-230065
Noise in the Home Dallas, Texas
August 18-19, 1971, Vol. Ill*
Technology and Economics of Noise Control; AVAILABLE AT GPO
National Problems and Their Relation with
State and Local Programs, Washington, D.C.
November 9-12, 1971, Vol. Ill*
Case History of a Municipal Noise Control AVAILABLE AT EPA
Program San Diego, California
November 1978
Noise Source Regulation in State and PB-245158/AS
Local Noise Ordinances February 1975
Model Community Noise Control AVAILABLE AT EPA
Ordinance - September 1975
*EPA Public Hearings.
39
-------
TITLE
State and Municipal Noise Control
Activities, 1973-1974 - January 1986
San Diego, California Case History of a
Municipal Noise Control Program -
November 1978
ECHO Brochure
Federal Programs
Summary of Noise Programs in the Federal
Government December 1971
First Report on Status and Progress of Noise
Research and Control Programs in the
Federal Government June 1975
Federal Noise Effects Research: FY73-FY75
March 1975
Federal Surface Vehicle Noise Research,
Development, and Demonstration Programs:
FY73-FY75
Federal Research, Development and
Demonstration Programs in Surface
Transportation Noise February 1978
Federal Aircraft Noise Research,
Development, and Demonstration Programs:
FY73-FY75
Federal Research, Technology, and
Demonstration Programs in Aviation Noise
March 1978
Federal Machinery Noise Research,
Development, and Demonstration Programs:
FY73-FY75
Federal Research, Development, and
Demonstration Programs in Machinery
and Construction Noise February 1978
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
PB-251999
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT GPO
ONLY
PB-243447/AS, Vol. I
PB-243448/AS, Vol. II
PB-241751/LK
PB-241887/LK
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-244904/LK
AVAILABLE AT EPA
PB-243523/LK
AVAILABLE AT EPA
40
-------
TITLE
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Plan for Development of Voluntary
Standards on Environmental Sound
In Response to Federal Agencies'
Needs (In preparation)
An Assessment of the Federal Noise Research,
Development and Demonstration Activities:
FY73-FY75
EPA Guidance for Inspection of Federal
Facilities for Compliance with Noise
Abatement Standards December 1976
Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment: Noise Abatement and Control
Policy - April 1977
Department of Defense: Air Installation
Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Program
April 1977
Department of Transportation Federal
Highway Administration: Noise Policy
and Related Environmental Procedures
July 1978
Federal Noise Research - EPA Summary
and Assessment June 1978
Potential Effectiveness and Barriers Toward
Reducing Highway Noise Exposure on a
National Scale - July 1978
Who's Who in Federal Noise Programs
December 1977
Construction Site Noise Impact
February 1978
Directory of Federal Laboratories and
Research Facilities with Noise Capabilities
(in preparation)
PB-269298/AS
PB-269298/AS
PB-271655/AS
PB-271441/AS
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
AVAILABLE AT EPA
41
-------
TITLE
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Household and Consumer Products
Noise from Construction Equipment and
Operations, Building Equipment, and
Home Appliances December 1971
Noise Around Our Homes*
Quieting in the Home*
Regional
Environmental Noise Assessment
Waco, Texas Metropolitan Area
Aprils, 1974 (Region VI)
Environmental Noise Monitoring at
Three Sites in Irving, Texas
February 1975 (Region VI)
Environmental Noise Assessment City
of Grand Prairie, Texas, 1973
(Region VI - Dallas)
Environmental Noise Assessment
Lawton, Oklahoma - April 1976
Environmental Noise Assessment
Mountain View, Georgia July 1977
Techniques for Controlling Noise
from Residential Heat Pumps
December 1977
Environmental Noise Assessment
Hartsfield International Airport,
Atlanta, Georgia - September 1978
PB-206717
AVAILABLE AT NICQ
AVAILABLE AT NICQ
AVAILABLE AT EPA
REGION VI - DALLAS
PB-242567
AVAILABLE AT EPA
REGION VI - DALLAS
AVAILABLE AT EPA
REGION VI - DALLAS
PB-271537
AVAILABLE AT EPA
REGION X
AVAILABLE AT EPA
REGION IV
*Written especially for the general public.
42
-------
TITLE
NTIS DOCUMENT NO.
Other
An Assessment of Noise Concern in
Other Nations - December 1971
Noise Programs of Professional/
Industrial Organizational, Universities
and Colleges December 1971
Soviet Noise Research Literature from
the F. F. Erisman Scientific Research
Institute for Hygiene, Moscow, USSR
April 1974
1976 Reassessment of Noise Concerns
of Other Nations (Vol. I Summary of
Selected Topics)
1976 Reassessment of Noise Concerns
of Other Nations (Vol. II Country by
Country Reviews)
University Noise Research Proceedings
of EPA University Noise Seminar
October 18-20, 1976
Noise Research Technology Symposium
Proceedings
PB-206721 (Vol. I)
PB-206722 (Vol. II)
PB-207125
PB-235086/T
PB-259923
PB-259924
PB-265114
To Be Published
43
U S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1979 O - 293-520
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United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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