Ur.it.ed States Region 9 Noise Program October 1980
Environmental Protection 215 Fremont Street
Agency san Francisco, CA 94105
&EPA A
Partnership
in
Noise Control
EPA Assistance
to
Local Noise Programs
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Controlling noise is a difficult task that requires a
comprehensivef coordinated effort by all segments of
society and at all levels of government. Only through
such an effort will we finally be able to tackle the
worthwhile objective of reducing excessive noise
levels...
In the end, perhaps the real job of noise abatement
should rest with the State and "Local governments, with
the support and involvement of citizens...
-Senator John Culver
Chairman, D. S. Senate Subcom-
mittee on Resource Protection
J believe that EPA 's efforts will positively demonstrate
that an equal partnership between cities and the Federal
Government can succeed in the Eighties...
-John P. Rousakis
Mayor of Savannah, Georgia
Former President, National
League of Cities
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Partnership in Noise Control 1
Equipment and Training Aids
General .Information 3
Education/Training Aids 4
Monitoring and Measuring Equipment 5
Public Awareness Materials
General Information6
General Interest Publications
The Noise Problem 7
Controlling Noise 8
Quiet Living: Noise and the Home 8
Aviation Noise 9
Creating Awareness 9
Publications for the Classroom 10
Publications for Government Officials
Assistance Programs . 12
Creating Awareness 12
Legal Tools 12
Federal Programs 13
Audiovisual Materials 14
Other Awareness Materials - - - 16 -
Technical Assistance Sources
State Noise Officials and County Noise Advisors 17
EPA Regional Noise Program Staff 18
Center for a Quiet Environment 19
Public Awareness Materials Order Form Attachment
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A PARTNERSHIP IN NOISE CONTROL
EPA Assistance to Local Noise Programs
A partnership is emerging in the Nation's effort to control
noise pollution. It is a partnership between EPA and the
many State and local governments confronting the problem of
noise, "the invisible pollutant." It is a partnership which
EPA is supporting with resources, not regulations; with
assistance, not requirements.
EPA's goal in the partnership is to encourage 400
communities to develop active noise control programs. An
active community program will have a local noise ordinance,
designated noise personnel, monitoring instrumentation,
enforcement capability, and a public information program.
To achieve this goal, the EPA Regional Noise Program is
working in cooperation with State Noise Officials and County
Noise Advisors to provide technical assistance and services
to interested communities throughout Region 9. The
assistance of technical experts is available through:
- The County Noise Advisor, who coordinates technical
support activities at the local level and can directly
assist communities in the development of effective
noise control programs;
- The Center for a Quiet Environment, Region 9's
Technical Assistance Center affiliated with the
University of California, which provides training,
communication and technical assistance in community
noise control;
- State Noise Control Officials; and
- The EPA Regional Noise Program, which is staffed by
specialists in aviation noise, acoustics,
instrumentation, noise control program development, and
public awareness.
The EPA can provide direct assistance through:
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- The Regional Equipment Loan Program for monitoring
equipment and training aids;
- Access to technical reference materials;
- Participation in State and Regional workshops on
community noise control;
- Distribution of public awareness materials; and
- Matching of community noise experts with communities in
need of specific technical assistance, informally or
through the ECHO (Each Community Helps Others) Program.
The following .pages present additional information on the
Equipment Loan Program, EPA Public Awareness Materials, and
the sources of technical assistance. For further
information, please contact your County Noise Advisor, State
Noise Coordinator or the EPA Regional Noise Program.
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EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING AIDS
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EQUIPMENT AND TRAINING AIDS
AVAILABLE FROM EPA REGION IX
The EPA Region 9 Noise Program has a variety of noise
monitoring systems and education/training aids available for
loan to state and local governments, federal agencies,
s chools , and univers ities.
Loans are usually made for a period of two or three months.
Requests, specifying time and purpose, should be made well
in advance. A standard lease agreement will be sent for
signature to the requesting agency. There is no charge
other than for transportation.
Further detailed information on the loan program and a.full
description of each' piece of equipment is contained in the
Catalogue Of Noise Monitoring Equipment, Systems And
Training Aids For Loan, available from the EPA Region 9
Noise Program. Contact Richard Procunier, Regional Noise
Program Chief, at (415) 556-6333.
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EDUCATION/TRAINING AIDS
The following equipment can be used for training sessions,
conferences and workshops, exhibits, speeches, school or
college classes, or any aspect of a public awareness program.
Conference Display Sound Level Meter
A hand-held digital sound level meter (SLM) and
separate display unit. The SLM measures instantaneous
maximum and average sound levels in decibels which are
transmitted to the display unit, whose digital display
can. be easily read from up to sixty feet away. Excellent
tool for a one-person demonstration before a moderate size
audience, or as an attraction in an exhibit booth. Sound
level meter can be used separately to read dBA.
Large Display Sound Level Meter
SLM readings (dBA) appear in a two-foot digital display
visible to audiences, passers-by at sidewalk monitoring
sites, etc. Heavy, weatherproof construction for continuous
outdoor operation.
Noise Control Demonstration Kit
Can be used to present the general principles of noise and
to give a practical demonstration of noise control
procedures involving source, path and receiver. Includes a
9-step demonstration procedure to utilize the kit, containing
bells, steel and fiberglass cylinders with covers, rubber
tubing, damping felt, rubber bands, switches and wooden base
with bell terminals. Especially good for classroom demonstrations
demonstrations.
"Sound-On-Slide" Training Aid
Can be used to create and run your own slide show, or to -
show an existing one such as EPA's "Aviation
Noise" presentation. Regular 35mm slides fit into frames
with individual sound discs. Projector contains sound
recorder. Slides can be re-arranged to fit your own needs.
To make your own show, EPA supplies the projector (on loan),
sound-on-slide frames (for user-supplied slides),
microphone, blank sound discs, storyboard pads, and
instructions for producing an effective presentation.
%
Stereo Cassette Recorder
Contains a recorder, two loudspeakers, microphone and
connection cord. Can be used to record talks or audiovisual
presentations. (Cannot be used to. record noise samples with
retention of original dynamic range.)
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MONITORING AND MEASURING EQUIPMENT
Hand-held Sound Level Meter (Type 1)
Useful for measurement of short background ambient levels,
maximum levels, and energy-weighted average levels. Two
models are available for different measurement situations.
Hand-held Sound Level Meter (Type 2)
Measures average and maximum sound levels of individual
events .
Environmental Noise Classifier
Measures the statistical distribution of noise levels
and provides data for calculating L$nf LeQf
CNEL values, and statistical parameters such as L^Q, L90.
Automatic Noise Monitoring System
A multiple-function monitoring system for long-term
unattended use in measuring community or airport noise.
Calculator — Data Analysis System
A programmable hand calculator, available with.
pre-programed magnetic cards for running Leq,
Ldn' anc^ SEL calculations.
Graphic Level Recorder
Produces a time-history record of sound levels from a
sound level meter.
Community Noise Analyzer
A statistical unit that computes and stores various
noise exceedance levels
L10, and averages Leq,
Octave and Third-Octave Band Noise Analyzers
Determines the spectrum of a noise event.
Electronic Air Traffic Monitor
Can electronically identify a specific aircraft noise
violator.
Miscellaneous Equipment
Wind Meter; Fluorescent Tube Lantern.
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PUBLIC AWARENESS MATERIALS
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NOISE AWARENESS MATERIALS
AVAILABLE FROM EPA REGION 9
The EPA Region 9 Noise Program maintains a wide selection of
public information materials available to government officials,
citizens groups, service organizations, schools, and the general
public. These materials — pamphlets, booklets, films, slide
shows, posters, buttons, and stickers — can be a valuable part
of your noise awareness program.
How To Order
You may order materials by phone at (415)556-9741, or by
returning the attached order form to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Regional Noise Program (A-3)
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Delivery of a large order may take up to six weeks. Please
place your orders as far in advance as possible.
Available Quantities
Supplies of publications and other materials are limited.
Some publications are available only as single copies;
others may be ordered in quantities of up to one hundred.
In the descriptions that follow, we have noted the limit for
each order.
If you need quantities greater than the limits given, please
call us. We may be able to arrange a special order.
NOTE: All EPA publications are public documents and may be
freely reproduced with no copyright infringement.
For Further Information
The Regional Noise Program can assist you in locating noise
awareness materials other than those listed here. If you
have a special awareness need, please contact Chuck Flippo
at (415)556-9741.
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GENERAL INTEREST PUBLICATIONS
THE NOISE PROBLEM
Noise and Its Measurement. 1977. One-page pamphlet.
A brief explanation of the nature of sound and noise.
and how sound is measured. Multiple copies available
(limit: 100).
Noise: A Health Problem. 1978. 24 pages.
A general discussion of the many ways noise affects our
health. Multiple copies available (limit: 50).
Noise and the Environment (EPA Journal). 1979. 40 pages.
The October, 1979 issue of EPA's monthly magazine, EPA
Journal, containing 17 articles on different aspects of
the noise problem and efforts to control it in the
U.S. and abroad. Multiple copies available (limit:
50) .
4
Noise at Work. 1977. One-page pamphlet.
Facts about the magnitude of the workplace noise
problem, with some noise reduction suggestions and tips
on protection against hearing loss. Multiple copies
available (limit: 100).
Noise and Recreational Vehicles. 1976. 11 pages.
Looks at noise levels and the causes of noise from
common recreational vehicles: snowmobiles, motorboats,
dunebuggies, mini-bikes, motorcycles, and race cars.
Suggests ways an individual can reduce the impact of
recreational noise. Multiple, copies available (limit:
10).
Environmental Quality — Annual CEQ Report. 1979. 816
pages.
Tenth Annual "State of the Environment" Report from the
President's Council on Environmenal Quality. Contains
a 44-page chapter on noise pollution trends and
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government noise control activities. Multiple copies
available (limit: 25).
CONTROLLING NOISE
Noise Directory for Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.
1979. One-page pamphlet..
A citizen's guide for reporting noise problems to
local, State, or Federal officials within the states in
Region 9. Multiple copies available (limit: 100).
Noise Control Programs — Progress to Date. 1979. 43
pages.
EPA's Annual Report on Federal Programs implementing
the Noise Control Act and the Quiet Communities Act.
Includes a list of available EPA technical documents on
noise. Multiple copies available (limit: 50).
Quieting a City — A Brief History of Noise Control in
Minneapolis. 1980. One-page pamphlet.
Outlines the efforts of the citizens and government of
Minneapolis to control local noise pollution through a
noise ordinance and public awareness activities.
Suggests actions that citizens in other communities can
take to initiate a local noise program or correct a
noise problem. Single copies available.
- San Diego, California — Case History of Municipal Noise
Program. 1978. 181 pages.
A comprehensive study of San Diego's successful noise
control program. Includes, examples of complaints
handled through the city's formal complaint procedure.
Single copies available.
QUIET LIVING: NOISE AND THE HOME
Noise Around Our Homes. 1977. One-page pamphlet.
A look at sources of noise in and around the home and
ways to make a home quieter. Multiple copies available
(limit: 100).
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Is Quiet Possible at the Dudley Home? 1978. Fold-out
poster.
A 13 1/2" x 17" color poster illustrating simple
self-help suggestions for a quieter home. Single
copies available.
Quieting in the Home. 1978. 115 pages.
A comprehensive handbook of practical techniques to
control noise throughout the home. A reprint of the
National Bureau of Standards' publication, "Quieting:
A Practical Guide to Noise Control." Multiple copies
available (limit: 25).
Quiet — Man's Best Friend (Barking Dogs Brochure). One-
page pamphlet.
Discusses the problem of barking dogs and describes the
"water-training" method to control excessive barking.
Multiple copies available (limit: 50).
AVIATION NOISE
Aircraft Noise and the Community. 1978. 181 pages.
Proceedings of an EPA/UCLA conference held in Los
Angeles on September 21-22, 1978; covers health
effects, airport planning, measurement, political and
legal aspects, and citizen perspectives on the aviation
noise problem. Single copies available.
Airport Noise Abatement Planning. 1977. 11 pages.
A general introduction to the issue of airport noise,
the process of evaluating the problem and options for
reducing airport noise. Single copies available.
CREATING AWARENESS
Activity Kit for Service Organizations. 1980.
A collection of materials suggesting activities a
service organization can undertake to promote community
awareness of noise and hearing problems. Single copies
available.
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PUBLICATIONS FOR THE CLASSROOM
"Quiet Schools" Information Packet
A collection of EPA noise brochures, articles on noise
problems in schools and the effects of noise on
learning, and information on EPA's noise education
materials ("Sounds Alive," "Preparing for a Quieter
"Tomorrow," "School Hearing Test Program"). Multiple
copies available (limit: 50).
Teachers may order the following materials as separate items.
School officials who want to develop a full noise education
program may order the entire set as the "Quiet Schools Curriculum
Kit". Single copies available.
Preparing for a Quieter Tomorrow. 1980. 109 pages.
Secondary school educational module containing teacher
notes and outlines for classroom coverage of noise as
an environmental pollutant. Covers sound and its
measurement, noise as a- health problem, and control of
noise pollution. Can be adapted for grades 7-12.
Sounds Alive. 1977. 33 pages.
A noise workbook for elementary school classes,
adaptable for grades K-6. Explains the harmful effects
of noise, identifies major noise sources, and describes
noise control techniques. Comes with a 12-page
teachers' guide.
School Hearing Test Program. 16 pages.
Outlines a hearing test/noise education program,
including suggestions for school officials and
background materials for teachers. Can be used in
conjunction with the three hearing conservation/noise
reduction brochures listed below.
Hearing Conservation/Noise Reduction Brochures.
Three fold-out brochures for students, designed to
create an awareness of the problems of noise pollution
and to give self-help methods to reduce noise exposure.
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Can be used as handouts prior to a hearing test
program.
Noise and Your Hearing (grades K-4)
Hear Here (grades 5-8)
Think Quietly About Noise (grades 9 and up)
Noise; A Primary Teaching Pack. 1979. 112 pages.
An outline of teaching activities developed in
Darlington, England, during its "Quiet Town
Experiment." Designed for use in elementary classes,
but has projects which can be adapted for all grade
levels.
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PUBLICATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Buy Quiet Program; Quiet Lawnmowers. One-page pamphlet.
Briefly describes the "Buy Quiet" program, which
encourages the development of quieter products through
government purchasing policies. The example of a
"quiet lawnmower" is given. Multiple copies available
(limit: 25 copies).
ECHO (Each Community Helps Others). One-page brochure.
Briefly describes the "Each Community Helps Others"
(ECHO) program, through which local communities can
obtain expert assistance from other communities that
are effectively dealing with noise problems. Single
copies available.
Noise; A Community Problem — A Community Solution. 11
pages.
Describes the ECHO program in more detail than the ECHO
brochure (see above). Discusses several types of
assistance available through the program and
illustrates its successful use of ECHO advisors.
Multiple copies available (limit: 25).
CREATING AWARENESS
Public Education and Information Manual for Noise. 1980.
94 pages.
Outlines a full public awareness program for local
noise control officials. Suggests ways to work with
community organizations, local government, schools, and
the media. Also discusses the planning and
coordination of special events. Single copies
available.
LEGAL TOOLS
Model Noise Control Ordinance. 24 pages.
A basic tool for communities to use in developing a
noise control ordinance suited to local needs and
conditions. Single copies available.
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Noise Control Act as Amended. 1978. 19 pages.
The Federal Noise Control Act of 1972 as amended by the
Quiet Communities Act of 1978. Establishes EPA's noise
control authority and programs. Single copies
available.
FEDERAL PROGRAMS
Catalogue of Noise Monitoring Equipment/ Systems, and
Training Aids for Loan. 1979. 30 pages.
Contains ordering information and a description of the
noise monitoring equipment and training aids available
for loan to government agencies from the EPA Region 9
Noise Program. Includes equipment that can be used in
public awareness programs. Single copies available.
Toward a National Strategy for Noise Control. 1977.
53 pages. Addendum: 15 pages.
Discusses the nature and scope of the noise problem in
the U.S., goals of the Federal noise control effort,
and specific Federal noise control programs. Addendum
presents EPA's response to questions and comments on
the National Strategy document. Single copies
available.
Protective Noise Levels. 1978. 25 pages.
Condensed, less technical version of the EPA "Levels
Document," which describes the nature of sound, sound
measurement, noise exposure levels in the U.S., and the
health and welfare effects of noise. Clarifies the
meaning of EPA's noise reduction goals: noise exposure
levels that will protect public health and safety with
an adequate margin of safety. Single copies available.
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AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS
The following films are available for free loan to the general
public from:
Audience Planners
6290 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: (213) 463-7888
A Quiet World; It's Up to Us, Eight minutes.
A mime film on the effects of noise on man. Bill
George shows us the world as we see and hear it today.
After experiencing the effects of common noise, he
presents us with a view of a quieter world. Can be
used as a starter for noise discussions.
Who Stole the Quiet Day? 15 1/2 minutes.
An evaluation of the noise pollution problem which
shows how loud noises and high frequencies destroy
nerve cells within the ear. Points out that hearing
loss is often not the result of aging; young people may
begin the deterioration process through thoughtless
exposure to loud noises. Suggests ways to protect our
hearing and prolong enjoyment of one of our most
valuable senses.
The following films and slide shows are available for free loan
to government agencies from:
Environmental Protection Agency
Regional Noise Program (A-3)
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 556-9741
Jet Roar. 16 minutes.
A color film on aircraft noi^e and its effect on
residential neighborhoods around airports. Discusses
various solutions to .this noise problem: changes in
14
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take-off and landing procedures, aircraft modifications
and design changes, and purchase or insulation of
affected homes.
Demonstration of Urban Noise Control. Three minutes.
A Bureau of National Standards film which looks at one
urban noise problem: freeway truck traffic. Shows how
the noise impact on residents can be reduced through
truck modification, use of constructed or natural noise
barriers, and improvements in home construction.
Graphically illustrates the effect of combined noise
control modifications by comparing the noise from a
passing truck before and after the modifications have
been made.
The George Show. 15 minutes.
A color cartoon slide show which takes George through a
typical day, showing the various kinds of noise he and
his family encounter and the decibel levels they're
exposed to. Discusses the effects of noise on the
quality of life and on health, the extent of the noise
problem in the U.S., and what citizens can do about the
noise problem in their community.
Aircraft Noise. 1976. 10 minutes.
A "sound-on-slide" presentation which focuses on the
aircraft noise abatement requirements of the Noise
Control Act and the methods for reducing aircraft noise
problems. Discusses aviation noise control techniques
in more detail than Jet Roar (see above). Requires a
sound-on-slide projector (available through the EPA
Regional Equipment Loan Program: see "Catalogue of
Noise Monitoring Equipment, Systems and Training Aids,"
page 13 ).
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OTHER AWARENESS MATERIALS
"No Noise" Button
A 1 3/4" diameter pin-on button; shows the "No Noise1
emblem (see below). Available in quantity (limit:
25).
"No Noise" Stickers
Gummed stickers showing the "No Noise" emblem (see
below); come in two sizes: 1" diameter and 4"
diameter. Available in quantity (limit: 25)
"No Noise" Emblem
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SOURCES
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STATE COUNTIES
AZ
CA
HI
NV
4
14
58
4
17
91
REGION IX
STATE NOISE PROGRAMS
INCORPORATED
COMMUNITIES
74
422
1
17
5TT
POPULATION
2,411,800
22,435,100
916,500
665,300
26,428,700
COORDINATOR
A.J. Battistone 602/255-1156
Ed Lowe 415/540-2657
Tom Anamizu 808/548-3076
Hugh Ricci 702/885-4670
COUNTY NOISE ADVISORS
STATE COUNTY
INCORPORATED
COMMUNITIES
POPULATION
NOISE ADVISOR
AZ
AZ
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
. CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
.CA
HI
NV
NV
4
Maricopa
Pima
Alameda
Butte
Contra Costa
Fresno
Kern
Los Angeles
Marin
Merced
Monterey
Orange
Riverside
Sacramento
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Tulare
Ventura
. Honolulu (Oahu)
Clark
Washoe
31
19
4
13
5
15
15
11
81
11
6
12
26
17
4
16
14
1
6
7
19
5
15
4
7
8
9
8
9
1
4
2
374
1,321,000
473,000
1,110,500
134,200
622,700
480,900
371,200
7,122,500
227,600
125,800
273,800
1,847,300
614,600
740,100
789,400
1,742,300
657,000
316,300
143,700
588,200
290,800
1,240,600
176,500
210,600
277,000
248,500
223,900
490,500
740,600
376,300
163,500
24,140,900
Michael Sparkes 602/258-6381
Bailey Battiste 602/624-8338
John Vollmer 415/874-6434
Howard Snyder 916/534-4281
Rafat Shahid 415/372-2521
Larry Dwoskin 209/488-3757
Bill Thiessen 805/861-3618
Frank Gomez 213/974-7837
Tim Underwood 415/499-6907
Keith Isozaki 209/726-7391
Donald Wheeler 408/757-1061 .
Ellwyn Brickson 714/834-6798
Harry Koontz 714/784-1860
Harry Sen 916/366-2091
Ken Jeske 714/383-2743
Ray Sacco 714/236-4717
Eugene Lau 415/558-4731
Lee McLaughlin 209/466-6781
Steve Games 805/549-5500
Michael Robinson 415/877-546:
Diane Kobayashi 805/964-8848
Gerald Starkey 408/279-5842
Joseph McCann 408/425-2341
Larry Ohnstad 707/553-5251
Richard Holmer 707/527-2597
Duncan Wilson 209/526-6892
Tony Maniscalco 209/73.3-6441
Terry Gilday^ 805/654-2818
Tom Anamrzu 808/548-3076
Rufus Howell 702/385-1291
Carl Cahill 702/785-4290
-•
September 1980
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION IX
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, Ca. 941 05
Regional Noise Program Staff
Richard Procunier (415) 556-6333
Noise Program Chief
Chuck Flippo • (415) 556-9741
General assistance;
Public awareness
Jim Hahne (415) 556-5309
Technical assistance:
Aviation Noise
Equipment Loan Program
Vince Salmon (415) 556-5309
Technical assistance:
Workshops
Quality Assurance
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Center for a Quiet Environment
University of California
Richmond Field Station
1301 S. 46th Street, Bldg. 167
Richmond, CA 94804
(415) 231-9463
Jim Buntin, Director
The Center for a Quiet Environment was founded to serve .as a
University Regional Noise Technical Advisory Center persuant
to the Quiet Communities Act of 1978. It is funded by the
Environmental Protection Agency to. provide training,
communication and technical assistance to State and local
agencies in Region IX. The Center perceives its role as
expanding to embrace the disciplines of public health,
engineering and psychology, serving as a resource center and
research facility in the field of community noise evaluation,
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PUBLIC AWARENESS MATERIALS
ORDER FORM
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ORDER FORM for NOISE AWARENESS MATERIALS
Return completed form to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Regional Noise Program (A-3)
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Publications/Other Materials
Title Quantity Date Needed
(Continue on reverse side)
Audiovisual Materials
Title Date(s) Needed
(Note: Please order "Who Stole the Quiet Day" and "A Quieter World:
It's Up to Us" from: Audience Planners, 6290 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood,
CA 90028; (213) 463-7888)
SEND MATERIALS TO:
NAME
AGENCY
MAILING ADDRESS_
CITY/STATE/ZIP_
PHONE NUMBER
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