27244
STATE ECHO
PROGRAM GUIDANCE
PACKAGE
NOVEMBER 1979
MATERIAL PRESENTED EVOLVED FROM ERA'S ECHO PROGRAM USING FEDERAL CONTRACT
PROCEDURES, AND IS PRESENTED FOR GENERAL GUIDANCE PURPOSES. UNDER A FEDERAL
GRANT OR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT, STATES MAY USE THEIR OWN CONTRACTING/SUB-
CONTRACTING PROCEDURES TO THE EXTENT THAT'THEY DO NOT CONFLICT WITH MINIMUM
REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY APPROPRIATE FEDERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS.
-------
UNITED STAT?ESC®IVIPB>N MENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
- D-c- 2046°
ll55»H'73
OFFICE OF
AIR, NOISE. AND RADIATION
MEMO
SUBJECT:
FROM:
TO:
State ECHO Guidance, Package
John M. Ropes,
State and Local
Louise Gierschl Drirector
s Division
aterials Division
The enclosed package was developed by my staff to assist the Regional
Office in providing guidance to State programs operating under FY '79
cooperative agreements for establishment of state-wide ECHO programs.
The material presented is a combination of procedures and promotional
tools used in the National ECHO program and staff experience in the
management and operation of the program.
We suggest that this package be made available to State ECHO program
as soon as possible. While it is unlikely that all of the information
will be useful to the State program managers, we hope that some problems
can be averted or ameliorated through the use of this package.
If you have any questions on this package, please feel free to contact
me.
-------
The concept of State ECHO programs is based upon the realization
that there is great utility and effectiveness in creating a broad base
of talent and expertise which can be mobilized for the purpose of
developing strong local noise control activities. The ECHO idea is
one that espouses a multiplicity of operations and operatives in this
effort,'through the use of part-time volunteer personnel at the 1-eetri
level with coordination-andirjftnibiir'sement for out-of-pocket expenses,,
_a.s-t-he-D^i-nc-i-pa-l-r-espons-i-b-i-Ut-i"&s-of the State ECHO program spo-sor.
, OA/**&*
The effective implementation of the State ECHO program depends on
the ability of the State program sponsor to mobilize the eomman-rty/noise
adviYorT~aT^:;tH-vers-TtyTTvn-He
^rr-aT the 1-eea*-level "provide -greater 1—-1- ~* --«-
d-di'lJTr ..
1-pKave-pTOvTd'ed-for-
/ a^Bor-e-e-f-f-ect-i-ve-us-e-o-f—1-im-i-t-ed-f-i-nanc-ial-r-esources. The reimburse-
•( ments for ^o*=®*=peGke*-expenses and travel costs'will amount to
\ a more effective expenditure than the payment of one or two regular
x^ full-time salariesA^s- -frfzr -#2>ti/£a_ ^Je^e^^y.--^
* \Since'ithe ECHO\ program requires somXtlegree of public *&*"":•/£••..
Itaxpay-ers are more likely to support a\ prog ram/which dpes|no^ heavily
contribute^o t)he rising costs.of govennment./ Thii)* especially
lattracbve to Sta-ti'legislatures in thi^_era of fiscal _^ ^
By recruiting and coordinating T^a-1-eommtnwty noise advisors^ the
Staters, in effect, creating a network of advocates who can be
"^Joreeffective in local affairs which might bear on the reduction
of local noise,levels er^fcne-e^flri-iwfc-i-on-of—1-oea-l-no-i-se-proo-l-emsr
w iv - •• >r—a/ . . ..A... . ^...u. **£ £**.** 4- * MA a nH
-
The k^a-l^c-un^fey noise advisor represents a more effective and
desirable group within a State3wM-Gh-e-an^wf-luenc-er-t-he--de-Viberations
-- -
Aero! tTies pop-
70
-------
* Community noise advisors are generally more acceptable in terms
of establishing and maintaining relationships with local and- <*rrt-«=.
rS£a*e organizations andagencies^ including the business communi
The support of many- inoWrabi^rand business is essential for the
effective development and growth of a local noise control effort.
"Thi's booklet provides information based on the~Federal EPA-Office of-
Noise Abatement and Control's (OMAC) experience in managing and operating
an ECHO program at the national level. This nationally operated program
utilized local community noise advisors by matching them with recipient
communities other than their own. This relatively low-cost program has
been quite successful in assisting communities with their noise problems.
We are commending this type of activity to State officials as a cost
effective means to supplement State technical assistance efforts. While
this program certainly will not preclude the absolute need for State
delivered technical assistance, it offers a very acceptable and suitable
supplement and alternative to State operated programs.
The materials enclosed herein should be found to be quite useful in
any endeavor by a State government to establish the ECHO capability, thereby
backstopping their own noise control efforts with local, qualified volunteers.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
THE STATE PROGRAM MANAGER 9
THE COMMUNITY NOISE ADVISOR - , n
THE RECIPIENT COMMUNITY f"J
POSSIBLE ECHO PROGRAM ACTIVITIES R
PROCEDURES 6
START UP
ECHO PROGRAM MANAGER I
RESOLUTION OF PROBLEMS '-,
ADVISORY TEAM '
DURATION ;
TERM I NAT-ION 7Q
AGREEMENT FOR COSTS REIMBURSEMENT o
ALLOWABLE COSTS o
ATTACHMENTS FORM A: EXAMPLE AGREEMENT q i?
FORM B: TELEPHONE REPORT \?
PROCEDURES (CF0°NR?)C: ™VEL C°MPLETI°N F°RH '3
REPORTING ...
ACTIVITY REPORT ]J
EXCHANGE REPORT ]J
ATTACHMENTS FORM B: ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY '
EXAMPLE lfi
DESCRIPTION 17 Jo
BLANK FORM b
FORM E: EXCHANGE ACTIVITY
EXAMPLE ,Q
BLANK FORM
FORM F: TRIP STATUS REPORT on 79
ECHO PROGRAM VITALITY & SUCCESS „£?
ATTACHMENTS (1) STATIONERY Z3"24
(2) BUSINESS CARD
(3) NEWSLETTER
(4) CERTIFICATE CNA
(5) CERTIFICATE RC
(6) CERTIFICATE APPRECIATION
(7) ECHO BROCHURE
(8) SELF-ADHESIVE LOGO
(9) LOGO FOR NEWSPAPERS
APPENDIX TYPICAL REPORTS OF ECHO ACTIVITY
-------
INTRODUCTION
The ECHO Program
In 1976, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency implemented a program to
increase the capability of State and local government's to help each other and
themselves called ECHO for "Each Community Helps Others". By means of the ECHO
program, communities which are committed to establish or improve a noise control
program receive technical assistance from a group of independent advisors. Mem-
bers of this group are called Community Noise Advisors (CNA) and are experts
who have developed effective noise control programs in their own communities.
CNAs have provided assistance in a wide range of activities, including:
o Designing and overseeing the conduct of community attitudinal and acousti-
cal surveys,
o Analyzing noise problems and developing appropriate control strategies,
o Helping to turn strategy into draft legislation,
o Developing and conducting enforcement training programs, and
o Providing general guidance in noise control as it affects transportation
issues, land use planning, health and welfare programs, and others.
The ECHO program has been extraordinarily successful. Several communities, includ-
ing Fort Dodge, Iowa and Anchorage, Alaska, have developed and adopted noise con-
trol ordinances with the assistance of an ECHO advisor. Enforcement personnel
in Detroit Lakes,' Minnesota, and Brighton, Colorado and several other communities
have been trained by CNAs. Other activities have taken place in these and other
communities across the Nation as a result of the ECHO program.
ECHO is now entering its third year of operation. EPA forsees the delivery of
technical assistance through ECHO to reach over 100 communities by mid-1980.
Since the concept has worked so well, EPA believes that it can be extended in a
very natural progression to States. Operating with limited financial assistance
from EPA, several States will develop State ECHO programs where communities can
receive technical assistance from advisors in their own State.
This not only extends the ability of the State to provide for the delivery of
technical assistance in noise, but also increases the number of communities that
have trained personnel and developing noise control programs at no additional
cost to the State. The benefit to the State, and to EPA, is that more citizens
will have access to noise control techniques and noise control solutions. In
the long run, EPA hopes that fewer people will be impacted by excessive environ-
mental noise. ECHO is one way to reach that goal.
-1-
-------
The State Program Manager
The responsibilities of the State in the ECHO program are: to select the
CM s and the Recipient Communities (RC's); to provide funds for the out-of
pocket expenses which will enable the CNA's direct interaction with the RC-
to furnish technical tools (in the form of manuals, implementation strategies
survey methodologies, etc.); and to publicize the availability of assistance '
through the ECHO program. In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the State
could carry out the following activities:
1. Manage the start-up activities of the ECHO assistance projects,
2. Identify and select candidate RC's and CNA's for the program,
3. Provide peer-matching services between recipient community and community
noise advisor. J
4. Provide travel funding for all approved ECHO activities,
5. Provide technical guidance to CNA's and RC's on an as-requested
basis, ^
6. Handle the day-to-day administration of the program,
7. Monitor the ECHO projects which are ongoing in the State, with primary
responsibility for program decisions regarding those projects,
8. Publicize the availability of the ECHO program by means of State wide dis-
tribution of press releases and articles about the projects,
9. Execute and manage agreements with CNA's and RC's concerning reimbursable
expenses,
10. Review the monthly activities and evaluate the progress of each proiect
in the program, and
11. Develop procedures and documentation to assist in the management of the
program.
The Community Noise Advisor
A community sponsors a community noise advisor. The advisor is a regular local '
employee who has developed a level of expertise in noise control that enables him/
her to transfer that community noise knowledge to other communities.
The benefits to the sponsoring community an numerous. The community (and the ad-
visor) becomes recognized or acknowledged across the State as one where an effec-
tive program is in operation. Other communities recognize the leadership of this
community in the field and the community becomes a model for others Re?iproca
assistance can be requested if a recipient community has a special expertise of
nSln tn°cth* sP°nJ°rin9 community. Avenues of professional development become
?hP%J?tP n r^r5 a!!d addltlonal assistance is likely to be available from
the State or EPA through equipment loan and other areas. A positive sharing
-2-
-------
Shll n?hy 1S eoc°Vra9ecl and fostered. And, the sponsoring community benefits
when other communities control their noise problems thereby reducing excl ive
??in or iSU9hT 6 a^a' ThG com'nunity '1oi*e advisor may also receive informa-
cZunity °m an°ther C0m"lun1t* which m^ ^ad to improvements in the home
The first consideration is how a CNA can most effectively serve the needs of
Jhejecipient communities. To best assure this, a set of crUeria hasbeen
>*
level in °ne °r more of the
- motor vehicle noise abatement
- construction site noise abatement
- land use management and zoning procedures
- noise source reduction through product regulation
- abatement of specialized noise source problems (racetracks, motor
boats, grain elevator drying fans, etc.)
- personnel training for enforcement and measurement
- legislation development and passage
- health/welfare effects of noise
- legal considerations for noise control.
° nn^1!-1"1^ W1'th the 9eneral steps ^volved in the design, implementation
operate, assessment, and improvement of local noise control programs
o Familiarity with the methods and procedures for noise level measurement.
o Ability to communicate with local political officials, departmental staff
t?r a
-------
The CNA must obtain clearance for these technical assistance activities from
his employer/agency. Finally, he may be expected to execute an agreement with
the State to cover his reimbursable expenses related to ECHO activities. This
agreement can extend over the term of this project budget period or for shorter
increments of time at the State's discretion.
The program manager must remember that the available time of the community noise
advisor is limited. The sponsoring community is "volunteering" one of its staff
member's time to work in the ECHO program. Not only should the time be spent to
best advantage, but it may be necessary to state the maximum number of hours per
month to be spent in ECHO within the terms of the ECHO agreement (Form A). This
also requires the State program manager to prioritize technical assistance needs
of communities and, sometimes, group recipients with similar needs in one place
for a visit by an advisor, thereby limiting the hours spent by that "volunteer"
advisor.
The Recipient Communities
The benefits of participating in the ECHO program are obvious. The recipient
community receives technical assistance in noise control program development and
implementation from skilled local advisors without making a large capital invest-
ment. Personnel are trained in enforcement, the state-of -the-art in technology
is discussed, considerable experience is brought to discussions on ordinance
drafting and the recipient community becomes part of a State-wide network of con-
cerned communities committed to improving or expanding the delivery of noise con-
trol services to their residents. In addition to these benefits, some recipient
communities may arrange with the State for reimbursement of travel expenses
for training or visits to workshops or the CNA community.
The State may ask the recipient community to become a sponsoring community in the
future, to extend the service to another community. This will multiply the bene-
fit and provide for increased professional development and continuing exchange of
information and advice.
A variety of program reports from EPA's ECHO program are included in the Appen-.
dix to give you examples of typical activities which occur in ECHO exchanges.
The recipient communities will be selected by the State. Candidate RC's will be
identified on the basis of their direct requests for assistance to the State or
EPA Regional Offices or in response to journal articles and workshops. The can-
didates will be asked to submit applications for assistance. The information
which the candidate community provides will be reviewed and evaluated with res-
pect to the criteria such as those listed below. Final selection will be based
on such criteria plus demographic factors such as population size and location.
The criteria for selection of the RC's could be as follows:
o Noise problems which adversely affect health and environmental quality
must exist in the community.
o The recipient community must be the responsible county or municipal
noise control agency.
-4-
-------
o There should be adequate commitment in the community to consider the
passage legislation and to allocate personnel and budgetary resources for
the kind of strategy that may be required.
o Preference should be given to communities in the following order-
communities with enabling legislation; communities where such '
legislation has been introduced and is expected to pass; and com-
munities where the legislative body appears clearly committed
to passage of such legislation.
o Where enabling legislation does not currently exist, the recipient
" 9overni"ent
o It is expected that through the ECHO program, key staff of the re-
cipient comnumties will reach a level of expertise which will (1)
enhance the continued effectiveness of their own noise abatement
future"' 6nable them t0 aSSUme CNA resP°nsibilities in the
*Note: Please refer to Page 6 "Possible ECHO Program Activities" for more detail
-5-
-------
POSSIBLE ECHO PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Attitudinal Survey Work
Design Survey
Recruit and Train Manpower to Conduct Survey
Review Survey Locally
Conduct Survey
Analyze Survey Results
Review Survey Results Locally
Physical Survey Work
Design Survey
Recruit and Train Manpower to Conduct Survey
Review Survey Locally
Conduct Survey
Analyze Survey Results
Review Survey Results Locally
Develop Programmatic and Legislative Strategy
Work with City Officials to Revise Strategy
Develop Legislative Package
Develop Detailed Public Relations Program
Develop Legislative Plans and Participate in Public Hearings
Undertake Public Information Program
Design Noise Control Programs Based on Enacted Legislation
Develop Program
Develop Related Enforcement Program
Train Responsible Personnel in Various Agencies
Train Program Personnel
Train Enforcement Personnel
-6-
-------
PROCEDURES
General Terms
Start Up
Some States may require the signing of an Agreement between the CNA and the
State to allow for payment of travel and out-of-pocket expenses. If so, a
CNA should sign and return the Agreement for the reimbursement of costs.
In cases where some travel activities are required on the part of a Recip-
ient Community, the RC must also sign an Agreement for the reimbursement of
costs. An example of an Agreement is presented in Form A. Soon after start-
up, a meeting should be set up between the CNA and the RC to discuss the noise
problem, the technical assistance needs of the RC and to develop a project and
plan for accomplishment of a planned goal.
ECHO Program Manager
The program manager for any ECHO project will be the State employee so design-
ated. The EPA Regional Noise Chief is the EPA Project Officer and will monitor
the project, receive periodic reports on the progress of the project, and be
available, upon State request, to provide guidance and assistance during the
project. 3
Resolution of Problems:
If the CNA or the RC encounters problems which are difficult to resolve in
the normal course of their activities, they should consult the State program
manager for advice and/or resolution of problem.
Advisory Team:
After consulting with the RC and State program manager, the CNA may decide
that it is beneficial to the project to supplement his or her own skills
with those of a colleague (co-worker) from his own community. If this occurs, '
the Agreement should indicate the names of all personnel who will serve in an
advisory capacity to the RC. The actual procedure for the advancement and/
or reimbursement of funds under the Agreement will remain the same.
Duration
Although there is no fixed term for an ECHO project, the Agreement for the
reimbursement of cost is effective for a period of up to one year or any
shorter period determined by the State program manager. (See Section V. of the
Agreement for details.
-7-
-------
Termination
If either the CNA or the RC decides to terminate their involvement in the ECHO
program, this may be done by giving notice in writing to the State program
manager.
Agreement for the Reimbursement of Costs Under the ECHO Program
The CNA and the project staff of the RC are entitled to reimbursement for cer-
tain costs resulting from their travel. Reimbursement of all costs will be on
the basis of actual subsistence under a fixed ceiling; in other words, the
traveler will be asked to account for the costs which he/she incurs. In ad-
dition to the cost of the travel, the CNA and the RC project staff will be
reimbursed for the cost of all project-related telephone calls. Form A pre-
sents an example of the Agreement form.
Allowable Costs
A. Telephone calls:
The cost of project-related telephone calls should be assumed by the ECHO
program. CNA's may be issued credit cards by the State to cover the cost
of project related phone calls. The State will be bill el directly for their
usage. The CNA's and RC's will be required to keep a record of project phone
calls which will be sent to the State on a monthly basis. For this purpose,
each CNA and RC will be sent telephone report forms and a set of envelopes
addressed to the State. Use of Form B requires the following information
for each phone call: date, origin phone number, telephone number called,
person called, and nature of the call (see Form B).
B. Travel:
It is suggested that the State outline travel and reimbursement procedures
as required by State regulations for Community Noise Advisors and Recipient
Community representatives to prevent misunderstandings as to allowable costs
and rates. Costs which are not allowable under State regulations should
also be clearly outlined for ready reference by program and community parti-
cipants. In addition, there may be some costs which require prior approval
by the program manager; these should be stated as well.
Attachments
Form A: Copy of CNA Agreement
Form B: Telephone Report
Form C: Travel Completion Form
-8-
-------
FORM A EXAMPLE ONLY
AGREEMENT BETWEEN
State of
AND
CNA John Doe
-FOR THE RETMBURSBOT OF COSTS INCURRED IN THE
"EACH COMNiUNITY HELPS OTHERS" (ECHO) PROGRAM
Agreement No.
Effective Date of Agreement
I. GENERAL TERMS
The State of has Delected to be a Community Noise
Advisor in the "Each Community Helps Others" (ECHO) program. The purpose of
this program is to help local governments to implement effective noise abate-
ment and control programs. To accomplish this, the State is enlisting the
services of persons '-/ho are experts in the implementation of community noise
control programs, called community noise advisors (CNA). Through the ECHO
program, they will be available to advise cities, called recipient communi-
ties (RC), that are in the process of instituting or upgrading noise abate-
ment and control programs.
Soon after the execution of this agreement, the Community Noise Advisor will
meet with representatives of the Recipient Community and a representative of
the State to develop an implementation plan for the Recipient Community. This
plan will be promptly submitted to the State.
Once the project has begun, the Community Noise Advisor will submit progress
reports by telephone or in writing to the State by the tenth day following
the end of each month.
The Community Noise Advisor, within the limits of the implementation plan, will
function independently and without restraint by the State, except with respect
to the reimbursement of expenses as provided for in this agreement. It is the
intent of this agreement that the Community Noise Advisor have an independent
contractor status and not that of an employee of State, or the Federal govern-
ment.
This agreement may not be altered except in writing.
-9-
-------
II. REIMBURSABLE COSTS
The Community Noise Advisor will be reimbursed only for the cost of travel and
subsistence which is incurred directly in the performance of the ECHO program.
Reimbursable costs are limited to those allowable costs which are listed on
Attachment hereto, which is incorporated as though set forth in full. The
total reimbursable costs during the performance period-of 'the agreement will
not exceed $ . No reimbursement in excess of that amount will be made
without the written authorization of the State of •
III. METHOD OF REIMBURSEMENT
Community Noise Advisors may receive travel advances for anticipated travel
expenses by contacting the State by telephone or in writing at least two
weeks prior to the planned trip. A check for the estimated travel costs will
be sent by the State to the Community Noise Advisor prior to the trip.
Within one month after the trip, the Community Noise Advisor will submit to
the State a Travel Completion Form (appended to this agreement as Attachment
If any portion of the travel advance remains unspent, the Community Noise
Advisor will remit to the State the upspent balance of the travel advance for
that trip, unless instructed by the State to apply that unspent balance to
planned future travel. If the costs of the trip exceed the travel advance (if
any), the State will remit to the Community Noise Advisor all additional reim-
bursable costs for each trip within one month after receiving a properly exe-
cuted Travel Completion Form from the Community Noise Advisor for that trip.
This procedure will also be used where the Community Noise Advisor did not
request a travel advance.
IV. REQUIRED CLAUSES
The following provisions of the contract between the State and the CNA are
attached hereto, are required by law to be in subcontract agreements. They
are hereby incorporated as though set forth in full. (Examples from Federal
contract requirements):
1. Clause 16 - contract work hours and safety standards act - overtime com-
pensation.
2. Clause 18 - Equal Employment
3. Clause 25 - Audit
4. Clause 30 - Employment of the Handicapped
5. Clause 36 - Rights-in-Data
Any reference in these clauses to "Contractor", or the like, would mean t.he
Community Noise Advisor, and any reference to "Government", "Contracting
Officer", or the like, would mean the State of .
*Note: The above clauses are illustrative. Under a Federal grant or cooperative
agreement, States may use their own contracting/sub-contracting procedures to
the extent that they do not conflict with minimum requirements established by
appropriate Federal rules and regulations.
-10-
-------
V. TERM OP AGREEMENT
Tliis agreement will be effective for a period of from the date of
execution, or until I:PA Grant Number expires, whichever date is soon-
er. This agreement may be extended by mutual agreement for an additional period
not to exceed . Either party may terminate this agreement or any renewal
thereof by giving the other party written notice of its intention to do so. The
present expiration date is and the CNA's will be notified in writing
10 working days of the amendment of that date by the State of .
By: - By:
Date: Date:
-11-
-------
ORM B
Maine:
Credit Card No.
Month of
TELEPHONE REPORT ECHO PROGRAM
TO BE SUBMITTED MONTHLY
Date of
Call
Origin
Phcnc No,
Telephone
No. Called
Person Called
-
.
Nature of Call
•
-12-
-------
Agreement :\'o.
FORM C
TRAVEL COMPLETION FORM
Subcontractor Name:
Date of Submittal:
A. Destination:
B. Period of Travel:
C. Mode of Travel:
Privately owned auto. If checked, please indicate the total mileage.
C ) Common carrier. If checked, please itemize any additional fares for
airlines, bus, train or limousine below.
D. Other Expenses: Please itemize, e.g., meals, lodging, taxi, telephone, etc.
E. Total Cost of Trip: $
F. Travel Advance: $
G. Amount of refund $ or Claim $
Authorized Signature
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL RECEIPTS FROM YOUR TRIP WITH THIS TRIP EXPENSE REPORT. SEND
THIS REPORT TO THE PROGRAM MANAGER, STATE OF _______
-13-
-------
Reporting
Both the CNA and-the RC will make monthly reports to the State program manager
concerning the progress of their project. These reports nuy be collected by
telephone by the State program manager. Copies of these reports will be sub-
mitted by the State to the appropriate EPA Regional Project Officer as an attach-
ment to the Cooperative Agreement quarterly report.
Purpose
The purpose of the reporting system is to (1) assist the State to monitor the ECHO
projects in his/her State, and (2) enable the State to maintain an ongoing record
of the progress of all ECHO projects. The State will maintain records of all ECHO
projects in order to provide EPA with an overview of the entire program when re-
quested and to evaluate the effectiveness of the State ECHO program.
Procedure
A. General: All reports should be made to the State on or before the 10th day of
each month.
In order to reduce time and effort, all reporting can be made by telephone.
The CNA's and the RC's will receive short telephone report forms to help
them organize the information required by the State program manager prior to
their telephone calls (See Form F). The State program manager may decide to
supplement the information which is requested on these sheets for their own
purposes.
B. CNA Reports: The CNA is asked to report on the progress of the project after
each trip to the recipient community. Two report formats are filed on the
activities undertaken by the CNA. Whenever the CNA travels to meet the RC
(or vice-versa) an ECHO Project Activity Report must be completed. On oc-
casions where the CNA travel does not involve contact with an RC, such as in
directing or attending general workshop discussions or in lecturing to related
groups, an ECHO Exchange Activities Report must be completed. These reports
are discussed next.
ECHO Project Activity Report:
This report format shown in Form D is completed whenever the CNA and the RC
get together in the course of the technical assistance. The report consists
of:
i) outline of tasks and events to be performed and their schedule
ii) the current and cumulative effort in work-hours of the CNA activities,
iii) the current and cumulative effort in work-hours contributed by the RC,
iv) a narrative on the accomplishments of each trip, including problems
encountered and targets met, and
v) costs of the technical assistance evaluated at appropriate direct labor
rates for the personnel involved.
-14-
-------
ECHO Exchange Activities Report:
There are some activities that take place in the ECHO program which do not re-
quire specific contact between the CNA and the RC under contract. For example,
the CNA may be asked to lecture in a workshop of interested possible RC parti-
cipants, or he may attend a conference meeting with State officials and/or
other CNAs. In these cases an ECHO Exchange Activities Report, shown in Form
E must be completed.
The ECHO- Exchange Activities Report presents information on:
i) the activity performed and the duties of performance,
ii) the work-hours that were spent in that activity, and
111) the costs of the activities evaluated at appropriate direct labor rates
for the personnel involved.
C. RC Reports: Recipient Communities under contract must complete an ECHO
Exchange Report, whenever the RC travels on an ECHO project to receive train-
ing, or attend workshops or similar travel not involving contact with its
CNA. Otherwise, the RC is not required to submit any reports.
Attachments:
Form D: ECHO Project Activity
Form E: ECHO Exchange Activity
Form F: Trip Status Report
-15-
-------
EXAMPLE ONLY
FORM D
MONTH SUBMITTED: JULY
Region VII
CNA: James Cornelia
Ft. Dodge. Iowa
Contract; Yes
No
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
OUTLINE OF TASKS
DATE OF COMPLETION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
- To explain the
advisability of a noise ordinance.
To develop a noise ordinance
To train police
techniques
officers in the use of noise monitoring
Estimated
3/79
6/79
7/79
Actual
3/79
7/79
7/79
SUMMARY OF RC EFFORT
SUMMARY OF CNA EFFORT
THIS MONTH
HOURS
COST
16
*
CUMULATIVE
23
*
HOURS
ESTIMATED
COS!
REIMBURSABLE
COST
THIS MONTH
192
*
$7/hr.aver.
CUMULATIVE
351
*
*
NOT REIMBURSABLE; IN-KIND
SERVICE AND COMMITTMENT
Note: * denotes cost information
deleted from this example
for reasons of confidentiality
of CNA responses.
JULY
COMMENT
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITIES BY MONTH
Through the efforts of Sgt. Jin Cornelia the city council of Ft. Dodge, Iowa
has passed a vehicular noise ordinance as of July 10, 1979. On July 12 and
13 Sgt. Cornelia held an enforcement workshop for twelve police officers in
Ft. Dodge. This workshop was also open to the public. This course included
a trip to a motorcycle repair shop to show what equipment is legally requir-
ed and how it can be modified after sale. There was also in-field monitoring
at which time volunteers had their cars tested.
CNA Cornelia has worked steadily with the city officials and members of the
police department to have this noise ordinance passed. He deserves a great
deal of credit for his efforts. Also present at the enforcement workshop
was the former mayor of Mason City, Iowa. Mason City is interested in getting
ECHO assistance in the future and his presence will undoubtedly prove bene-
ficial. The workshop being open to the public is very good public relations
too as well as being very educational for those attending.
-16-
-------
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY FORM
This form was designed to allow for the rapid review of each ECHO exchange. A
brief description of the form and its uses may be helpful to the reader and furth-
er detail aspects of EPA's operation of ECHO. There is no requirement that this
form be adopted by any State in its management of a State ECHO program.
A. The form is designed to be up-dated as activity occurs and is a cumulative
record of the ECHO project. By noting month submitted, the program manager
can remove previous reports for replacement by the most recent while still
keeping an on-going record and capsule summary of each.
B. EPA files the reports by recipient community as the progress of the recip-
ient community is our main concern.
C. It has been the policy of EPA that recipient communities do not always need
a contractual arrangement to participate in the program. Contracts are only
used if there is a need for the recipient community to use travel funds.
D. The identification of the Community Noise Advisor(s) who has been assigned
to the specific community being discussed.
E. It is hoped that at an early stage, the CiNA and Recipient Community representa-
tive will agree on reasonable achievements or increments of progress during
the period of ECHO assistance. Target dates are agreed upon. Actual dates
are included to monitor progress and highlight potential future needs.
F. This section outlines costs associated with the specific community project.
Section (1) provides data on the number of hours, monthly and cumulatively,
for the CNA and the hours of staff time provided by the Recipient during
the project. Section (2) details cost figures for the CNA in terms of actual
travel costs, and the recipient community in terms of staff time committed
to participation in the project. An average per hour figure can be calculated
to get an index of the "in-service" or "in-kind" contribution by the recipient
community. Section (3) provides actual travel costs incurred by the recipient
community if it is under contract.
G. This section details the activity undertaken on a monthly basis during the
ECHO project. It provides brief summary of the entire project.
-17-
-------
M3NIH SUBMITTED:
Recipient Community
cm:
Contract; Yes
No
feL) OUTLINE OF TASKS
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
DATE OF COMPLETION
Estimated
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Actual
©
- SUMMARY OF RC EFFORT
SIP-MARY OF CNA EFFORT
HOURS Q
COST££)
THIS MONTH
CUMULATIVE
HOURS
ESTIMATED
COST
RELMBURSABLE
COST
THIS MONTH
CUMULATIVE
ECHO PKDJECT ACTIVITIES BY I-DNTH
-------
M3NTII SUBMITTED:
CNA:
Recipient Community
Contract; Yes
No
OUTLINE OF TASKS
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
SUMMARY OF CNA EFFORT
HOURS
COST
THIS MONTH
CUMULATIVE
DATE OF COMPLETION
"Estimated
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Actual
- SENARY OF RC EFFORT
HOURS
ESTIMATED
COST
REIMBURSABLE
COST
THIS MONTH
CUMULATIVE
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITIES BY MONTH
-------
EXAMPLE:
MONTH SUBMITTED: September 1979
ECHO EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES
REGION I
CNA/RC: Paul Willis
Month
March 1979:
April 1979:
May 1979:
June 1979:
July 1979:
September 1979:
Activity
Discussions continued with the International
Brotherhood of Police Officers.
Willis again spoke to the IBPO to survey
the possibility of developing a manual for
utilization in police training.
Further discussions on the police training
manual were held with the IBPO; this manual
would assist local governments in coordinating
police training programs.
Paul Willis attended the CNA Conference in
San Antonio, Texas on May 23-24.
On June 4-5, Willis attended a noise conference
in Concord, New Hampshire to promote Regional
interest in noise "abatement and work to get
people involved in active noise control efforts.
Willis ran a conference on June 22 for the
Massachusetts Association of Conservation
Commissions where he spoke about the ECHO
program.
Willis attended the CNA meeting in Annapolis.
On a recent trip to the Halifax/Dartmouth area
of Nova Scotia, Paul Willis discussed noise
pcoblems with community officials. Paul has
sent noise abatement information as a follow-
up to those discussions. Noise problems in the
area are similar to those in Portland, Willis
reports.
Cost
25
25
12
16
3
-19-
-------
MONTH SUEMITTED:
ECHO EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES
CNA/RC:
Month Activity Hours Cost
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED:
ECHO EXCHANGE ACTIVITIES
tonth
Activity
Hours Cost
-------
FORM F
TRIP STATUS REPORT
(Information to be Collected by Telephone
Interview with CNA's and RC's)
ECHO Program Number:
Recipient Community (RC):
Community Noise Advisor (CNA):
Dates of Trip: to
I. TRIP PURPOSE
A. Statement of progress since previous trip (targets met, targets not met)
B. Statement of principal purpose of CNA Site Visit:
C. Statement of secondary purpose of CNA Site Visit:
-20-
-------
II. SERVICES RENDERED
A. Nature of CNA. consultation:
B. Time spent by CNA in consultation:
(man-hours)
C. Time spent by RC staff in support of CNA:
Staff Title Kan-Hours
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
TOTAL
D. Site Visit expenses (to be coinpleted by the contractor from Travel Completion
Forms):
1. CNA Per Diem • $
2. Travel Expenses $
3. Miscellaneous Support Expenses $ m
III. OUTPUTS OF CNA SITE VISIT
A. GNA. outputs or products:
B. RC support staff outputs or products;
1. During CNA Site Visit:
2. After CNA Site Vist:
-21-
-------
IV. SITE VISIT APPRAISAL
A. Level of effort for Site Visit:
Man-Hours Estiiratcd Cost/Hr. Estimated Cost
• •»
CNA: None None
RC Support Staff: $ $
SUBTOTAL $
Required Support Services
(travel, per diem, etc.) $
TOTAL LEVEL OF EFFORT $
B. Attainment of purpose of Site'Visit:
Problems encountered during- Site Visit:
D. Evaluation of quality of CNA Site Visit:
E. Recommended direction of RC project:
-22-
-------
ECHO PROGRAM VITALITY and SUCCESS
Whether people get paid for their work or volunteer their time, they will frequently
mention that the two most important aspects to job satisfaction are a sense of
achievement and recognition. To keep the ECHO program healthy and the Community
Noise Advisors enthusiastic, the program manger must provide direct and tangible
recognition of a job well done and promote a strong sense of achievement.
The State ECUO program manager should develop several promotional tools to assist
him/her to foster enthusiasm by program participants. State-wide meetings of
CNAs and RCs can be sponsored to provide face-to-face communication with collea-
gues. Certificates and newsletters can also help. Some specific tools developed
by EPA are discussed later. In addition, the State program manager will want to
let communities know of the availability of ECHO assistance. Attending meetings
and making presentations to State-wide organizations such as the State League
of Cities, associations of health directors or county officials, groups of conser-
vation commissions, will be helpful. The EPA Regional Noise Program Chief will be
able to assist you in planning this aspect of your program.
To further'assist you, EPA has attached materials developed for the national ECHO
program. Some of the ideas may be useful to you in planning your program and you
are free to use them.
EPA developed several tools to provide for program identification, including (1)
stationary with ECHO logo, (2) business cards identifying participation in ECHO
program and (3) an ECHO newsletter which was sent to all participants on a bi-
monthly basis. The newsletter served several functions. It not only promoted
identification with a unique program; it provided for an information exchange and
a forum for discussion (however brief) of the achievements of the CNAs and RCs.
Three certificates were designed, silk screened and framed for presentation: (4)
on selection as a Community Noise Advisor, (5) on selection as a recipient community,
and (6) in appreciation for a job well done. A side benefit occured when a certi-
ficate was presented to a recipient community which has exhibited a leveling off
or decrease of interest in the program; presentation of the certification, with
attendant publicity renewed interest in pursuing the goals of the ECHO exchange.
A program brochure was developed to introduce new communities to the program (7);
a second booklet provides more information on program participation and includes
photos and paragraphs about specific activities (booklet is in printing stages at
present). Reply cards in each are available and Regional Noise Program personnel
follow-up with those communities requesting assistance. Many become ECHO recip-
ient communities. These tools are especially useful for distribution at major con-
ferences that are not solely devoted to noise control and subsequently reach more
communities.
EPA also .)3ld national meetings which brought together participants from all over
the country to discuss the program, problems encountered in the course of the ECHO
exchange or difficulties in program management, solutions/suggestions for improve-
ments, and national program development. This type of conference allows partici-
pants to enlarge their frame of reference, gain insight to other community programs
and develop contacts with other participants.
-23-
-------
Attendance at formal training conferences in different parts of the country was
promoted to provide both CNAs and RCs with wider knowledge and experience.
On as many instances as EPA could, letters of congratulations and applause were
sent to both the CNAs and their bosses to recognize their achievement in getting
a program started or an ordinance passes in the recipient community. At appro-
priate times and with concurrence by the CNA or RC, nev/s releases discussing the
efforts were submitted to hometown newspapers.
There are more avenues that a program manager can use to promote a positive and
memorable experience for the volunteers involved in the ECHO program. EPA's ex-
perience is that the time and effort expended in this aspect of the program brings
many rewards, both to the participants and the the success of the program.
Attachments
(1) Stationery with Logo
(2) Business cards
(3) Newsletter
(4) Certificate-CNA
(5) Certificate-RC
(6) Certificate-In appreciation
(7) ECHO Brochure
(8) Copy of ECHO Logo-self adhesive
(r) Copy of ECHO Logo for newspaper reporduction
-24-
-------
APPENDIX
TYPICAL REPORTS OF
ECHO ACTIVITY
(CHOSEN TO REPRESENT VARYING PROGRAMS AND PROGRAM INTENSITY)
-------
M3NTH SUBMITTED: February 1979
Shclton. Connect lent
Region i
CNA: Paul Willis
Contract: Yes No x
ECHO PROJECT ALTIVI'IY
OUTLINE OF TASKS
DATE OF COMPLETION
Estimated
Discussion of noise problems
2.
3.
4.
5.
Actual
October 1978
Hours
Cost
COMMUNITY NC
This Month
3
-
)ISE ADVISOR
Cumulative
6
-
Contracted Costs
RECIPIENT
This Month
12
COMMUNITY
Cumulative
22
.
October 1978:
February 1979:
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY BY MDNTH
Paul Willis discussed sound barriers and land use tools as
potential solutions in the abatement and control of industry noise.
Willis continued discussions of Shelton's specific noise problems
and possible solutions.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: -September J979
Region I
CNA: Paul Willis
.Foreland, M.-iJno
Contract: Yes X NQ
OUTLINE OF TASKS
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
DATE OF COMPLETION
1.
2.
3.
4.
Estimated
ECHO Briefing
Ordinance review
ECHO Contract signed
Planning, data collection, training
5.
Actual
July 1979
Hours
Cost
CE^MLJNITY NC
This Month
12
-
)ISE ADVISOR
Cumulative
68
—
Contracted Costs
RECIPIENT
This Month
30
-
COMMUNITY
Cumulative
146
January 1979:
February 1979:
March 1979:
April 1979:
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY BY MONTH
Paul Willis visited Portland to outline the ECHO program, to review
Portland s existing noise ordinance, and to discuss the possibility
of developing a new ordinance and implementing a noise program.
Willis followed up on earlier discussions, and scheduled a March
meeting at which he is hopeful Portland will sign an ECHO contract.
Discussions continued with Portland Planning Staff members on
a str.-itegy for development of a noise program.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: September 1979
Portland, Maine
Page 2
May 1979:
June 1979:
July 1979:
August 1979:
September 1979:
Willis continued to map strategies for program development.
Planning efforts continued, and a meeting was scheduled for
July in Portland, at which time Willis will assist with a
noise survey.
Paul Willis visited Portland to discuss developing dB limits
for the current noise ordinance. Portland authorities are
continuing work on an extensive survey of noise levels in the
community.
On Tuesday, August 7, Paul Willis traveled to Portland to as-
sist local officials in determining 80 test sites for a compre-
hensive noise survey which Portland has been planning. EPA
officials also assisted in the selection process and brought
equipment with them to monitor noise levels. Five CETA persons
were on hand too.
Preliminary results from Portland's noise survey indicate that
noise levels in industrial areas are in the mid-80s, in commercial
areas the mid-70s, and in residential areas the level ranges
from the 50s — 60s. In a visit to Portland, Paul Willis reports
that the community is very enthusiastic about the noise program.
Computer time has been donated by the police department to track
noise complaints in the city. Two to three calls are recorded
each day.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: May 1979
Newport News. Virginia
Region III
Qvi: Donna Dicknan
Contract: Yes
No x
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
OUTLINE OF TASKS
DATE OF COM?L!?riCN
1.
2.
Estimated
Briefing on noise control
Actual
May 1979
3.
4.
5.
Hours
Cost
COMMUNITY NC
Tn is. Month
6
-
)ISE ADVISOR
Cumulative
6
-
Contracted Costs
RECIPIENT
This Month
3
-
COMMUNITY
Cumulative
3
-
May 1979:
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY BY MONTH
Dr. Dickman developed an information package on planning
and noise control for a planner in Newport News.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: August 1979
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
Region y
CNA: Lon Loken
Contract: Yes No x
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
OUTLINE OF TASKS
DATE OF CCMPm'ICN
Estimated
Motor vehicle noise enforcement training June 1979
Enforcement training of police officers July 1979
3.
4.
5.
Actual
June 1979
Hours
Cost
COMMUNITY NC
This Month
7
-
)ISE ADVISOR
Cumulative
13
-
Contracted Costs
RECIPIENT
This Month
12
-
COMMUNITY
Cumulative
38
-
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY BY MONTH
June 1979: On June 14, Loken trained Brooklyn Park's Environmental Specialist,
in Bloomington, in motor vehicle enforcement. Brooklyn Park has
a meter and they are interested in training for their police officers.
July 1979: The Environmental Specialist in Brooklyn is coordinating a program to
issue warning tickets to excessively noisy motor vehicles. About five
hours per week was spent on this task.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: August 1979
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Page 2
August 1979: Brooklyn Park has hired a new environmental specialist, as the former
specialist left in late August. Lon Loken spent about four hours
training the new individual in noise abatement techniques. Loken
also spent time assisting Brooklyn Park select a site for testing the
Motor Vehicle Enforcement Procedure.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: September 1979
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Region VIII
CNA: Jim Adams
Contract: Yes X NO
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY
OUTLINE OF TASKS
DATE OF COMPLETION
1.
2.
3.
4.
On-site training for Aasen, police & nearbv communities
Review of program implementation
Arrange for equipment loan
Launch public relations drive, including mini-courses
Estimated
Feb. 1979
Summer '79
April '79
5.
Actual
January 1979
Hours
Cost
COMMUNITY NC
This-Month
2
-
)ISE ADVISOR
Cumulative
10
-
Contracted Costs
RECIPIENT
This Month
2
COMMUNITY
Cumulative
51
ECHO PROJECT ACTIVITY BY M3NTH
October 1978:
January 1979:
Jim Adams spoke with Gordon Aasen, Sioux Falls, concerning
problems and approaches in Sioux Falls. October was the first
month of enforcement and the vehicular program is experiencing
success.
Adams got an update from Gordon Aasen, arranged for Sioux Falls
to borrow a sound level meter from EPA, and helped with
arrangements for the inclusion of an Older American on the noise
staff. April 23 has been set for training in Sioux Falls; Blooraington
and Madison, South Dakota will be represented.
-------
MONTH SUBMITTED: September 1979
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Page 2
February 1979: Gordon Aasen addressed drivers' education classes in the high
schools, discussing noise abatement, the Sioux Falls ordinance,
and the reasons for hearing loss.
May 1979: Adams'scheduled trip to Sioux Falls was delayed due to a court
case in Boulder.
September 1979: Gordon Assen and Jim Adams discussed developing a static noise
test for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
*each community helps others
-------
A NOISE
ABATEMENT PROGRAM
Few things in life are more irritating and
annoying than excessive noise. Even worse than
the irritation and annoyance is the damage to
human health caused by noise — such as cardio-
vascular problems and high blood pressure.
Noise is a real threat to the quality of human life,
especially in urban areas, and the problem is
rapidly getting worse.
Noise is a local problem demanding local solu-
tions. The responsibility for doing something
about the din that pollutes our environment lies
with local government officials.
For any community with noise problems, an
effective noise control program is a must. For
the community with limited resources, expert
noise assistance can be obtained through the
ECHO program.
WHAT IS ECHO ?
ECHO means Each Community Helps Others!
It is a program of the Environmental Protection
Agency's Office of Noise Abatement and Con-
trol. Its purpose is to enable local communities
to obtain assistance from other local communi-
ties that are already dealing effectively with
noise problems.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
ECHO arranges for a noise expert from one
local community to provide advice and assis-
tance to another local community. The Federal
Government does not become involved beyond
providing for this exchange. The expert will be a
public official from another local community who
understands your problem from your point of
view.
-------
WHAT WILL IT COST ?
Time and effort — but not money. The EPA
will pay the out-of-pocket expenses of the expert
advisor, but the advisor will not be paid for
working. This is one of the most refreshing as-
pects of the ECHO program — citizens helping
each other because they wish to do so and
because they care.
WHO ARE THESE ADVISORS ?
The advisors have experience and expertise
in such potential noise problem areas as: motor
'vehicle noise; land use management and zoning
procedures; development and passage of ordi-
nances and legislation; construction site noise;
abatement of specialized noise source problems
such as racetracks and motor boats; assessing
the exact nature and scope of local noise prob-
lems; and training enforcement officers.
Each advisor is operating an effective noise
abatement and control program in a local com-
munity and is a recognized expert in the field.
These advisors are currently working with other
cities and States to develop new noise ordi-
nances, strengthen existing ordinances, create
effective enforcement programs, and solve com-
plex noise problems.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
There are four critical elements necessary for
effective noise control:
• Community involvement. People must be
made aware that noise is a threat and that
they can do something about it.
• Responsive and effective ordinances. An
appropriate ordinance will address the spe-
cific problems of the community and can be
-------
enforced. An ordinance can look good on
paper but be impossible to enforce.
Goals. A community should set realistic
goals for its noise control program.
Enforcement. Community support is essen-
tial to effective enforcement. To ensure
success, enforcement officers should be
trained and equipped with easy-to-operate
noise monitoring equipment.
AN EXAMPLE OF ECHO
A story on the editorial page of the Des Moines
Tribune provides a good example of how the
ECHO program works. Recently in Des Moines,
Iowa, a proposed comprehensive noise control
ordinance for the 'city was voted down by the
city council. The ordinance was tough and would
have been difficult to enforce. Those who were
affected claimed the ordinance would interfere
with their ability to earn a living. To the dismay of
noise control advocates, the measure was sent
back to the legal staff for revision.
A new ordinance was drafted and approved
by the City Council in August 1978. What hap-
pened? A noise specialist from the community
of Lincoln, Nebraska, went to Des Moines
through the ECHO program to assist in revising
the ordinance. The new version is still tough, but
is tailored to the political realities of the city. For
example, the revised ordinance gives realistic
treatment to the city earsore — the stock car-
races at the fairgrounds — by regulating the
times for organized "recreational vehicle" racing
events so races will not be banned. The new
ordinance's standards and methods are the pro-
duct of careful thought, research, and planning.
-------
EPA-ONAC
AW 471
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Noise Office-AW471
Washington, D.C. 20460
-------
D Yes, we are interested in learning more about the ECHO program.
Our noise problems are:
Name Title
Agency Address
City State Zip.
-------
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Cities, counties, and States can participate in
ECHO if they have a serious noise problem, and
if there is sufficient public awareness and com-
mitment in the affected community to encourage
passage and enforcement of effective noise
control rules.
To find out more about ECHO, contact the
EPA Regional Noise Representative nearest
you or mail the reply card provided with this
publication.
EPA
Region
1
2
States
Maine. N H .
Vermont. Mass .
R 1 . Conn
NY.NJ.PR
Virgin Islands
Address
JFK Building
Room 21 13
Boston, Mass 02203
26 Federal Plaza
Room 907G
New York. NY 10007
Noise
Representative
Al Hicks
(617)223-5708
Tom O'Hare
(212)264-2109
fern. Md. Del
W Va.Va.DC
Curtis BUg
Room 225
6th A Walnut
Philadelphia.,Pa 19106
fttnck Ancterson
(215)597-9118
NC.SC.Tenn.Ky.
Miss Ga.Fla.Ala
345 Courtland SI. N E Kent Williams
Atlanta. Ga 30308 (404)881-4861
Wis III. Mich. Ohio
Ind Minn
230 S Dearborn
Chicago. Ill 60604
Horst Witschonke
(312)353-2202
6 N Mex.Okb.Ark.
La. Texas
1202 Elm St
Dallas Texas 75270
Mike Mendias
(214) 767-2742
7 Neb. Kan. Iowa.
Mo
1735 Baltimore St
Kansas City. Mo 64tO8
Vincent Smith
(816)374-3307
8
Mont.NO.SO.Wy.
Utah. Colo
1860 Lincoln St
Suite 900
Denver. Colo 80295
Robert Simmons
(303)337-2221
g
CaM .New. Am.
Hawaii
215 Fremont St
San Francisco, Calif
94105
Richard Procunier
(415)556-4606
10
Wash i Ore Idaho,
Alaska
IZOOSixthAve
Room11C
Seattle. Wash 96101
Deborah Yamarnoto
(206)442-1253
-------
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"The ECHO program is outstanding! It has
been one of the most unique Federal programs I
have seen in a long time. It brings expertise
close to the community and the community's
problems. Working with an expert from another
town who shares our problems is very effective.
The expert also shares his experience on other
problems related to noise and the benefits of the
exchange were innumerable."
"Director of "Public Health
Council Bluffs, Iowa
"We started out three years ago searching for
a good noise ordinance, but we had no expertise
in noise problems and the ordinance we patched
together was destroyed by business groups pro-
testing its provisions. Then ECHO came along
and turned it all around. We got sound advice
and assistance in taking noise readings. The
ECHO expert was also invaluable in helping us
negotiate with affected business groups. We
rewrote the ordinance and ECHO assisted us in
educating the community. I am very impressed
with the ECHO program."
Corporation Counsel — City Hall
Des Moines, Iowa
"The ECHO program provides assistance for
financially depressed communities which could
not otherwise afford such a program. It also helps
neighboring communities which are able to learn
from us. Overall, it is a very worthwhile project."
Director — Environmental Health
Norfolk, Virginia
"ECHO will be a valuable tool to the city. We
are now in the data collection stage, and expect
the program will go a long way toward helping us
deal with our noise problems."
Director
Department of Planning
and Urban Development
Charleston, South Carolina
-------
r\
Q
IICT
UET
-------
,'iflr
?
James B. Cornelia
Community Noise Advisor
Police Oepaitmeni. 115 Sixth Stieet
Sioux Cily, IA 51102 (712) 279-6734
-------
ECHO EXCHANGE
REPORTER
A Bimonthly Publication of the ECHO Program
July 1979
Remember the Alamo!
For many of the community noise advis-
ors and recipient community representatives
who attended the May ECHO conference in San
Antonio, Texas, this trip conjured memories
of elementary history classes and was a
brief glimpse into the by-gone days of a
Texas past.
Around every corner in this city lurked
the shadows of the raucous Judge Roy Bean,
the elegant Lillie Langtry or the thunder-
ing hoofs of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough
Riders. And next door to the Menger Hotel,
which housed the conference participants,
stood the Alamo where the immortal battle
for Texas was fought.
For CNA Bob Jones of Tampa, Florida,
however, this trip was a rememberance of
World War II, when as an Air Force officer
stationed in San Antonio, he had stayed at
the Menger Hotel more than 30 years ago.
The highlight of this year's confer-
ence was a provocative presentation by
Robert Alex Baron, of Citizens for a
Quieter City Inc. Mr. Baron's incisive
comments on' noise problems seemed to have
struck a mutual agreement with everyone
who attended. The participants often met
with Mr. Baron, a pioneer in noise abate-
Robert Alex Baron addresses ECHO
members in San Antonio
ment, after work sessions to exchange
ideas and experiences. There developed
a mutual admiration between Mr. Baron and
ECHO members, who actively volunteer their
time in communities all over the country.
The informal nature of the meetings
encouraged participation by a large number
of CNAs with different perspectives and
problems. Essential to this conference's
success was the sharing of noise problems
from different parts of the Nation. From
Washington, B.C. to Washington State, it
became apparent that noise abatement was
a common goal, (continued on page 4)
-------
Speaking Engagements For CNA
On June 5th, CNA Mel Schneidermeyer
was invited by EPA Region I to speak at
the New Hampshire State Noice Control
Workshop in Concord, New Hampshire. The
topic of his speech was "Connecticut's
State and Local Noise Programs." The
presentation was followed by questions
from the audience. Attending the work-
shop were State and local officials in-
terested in establishing or improving
their noise programs.
Appearances of this nature serve to
introduce the EPA-ECHO Program to those
in key positions in states which pres-
ently do not have State ECHO Programs
or noise experts for professional advice.
Noise Pollution: A Children's Approach to
Quiet
CNA Donna Dickman of Washington,
B.C. has developed two elementary and
secondary educational modules for the
Environmental Protection Agency. Public
awareness of the serious nature of
noise pollution is the first step in
combatting the problem. The school
system is the prime place to begin de-
veloping this type of awareness.
"Sounds Alive" is a noise workbook
which explains the problem to children
from the kindergarten level through
sixth grade. The student's interest
is developed through participation in
projects and field trips suggested in
the teachers manual. For the older
student, a module entitled, "Preparing
for a Quieter Tomorrow" will be used.
The student learns how sound is measured,
its effects on our health, noise control
and how planning can be used to alleviate
the problem.
Donna expects that copies will be
available in the fall for distribution.
Several school systems have already express-
ed interest in using the modules and are
scheduling seminars for the teachers in how
to use the materials. The modules have
been published through exhibits at the
National PTA Convention and the National
Education Association Convention.
Speak Softly and Carry a Big Mac
Lon Loken, CNA from Bloomington,
Minnesota, has received a unique complaint
about a fast food restaurant in his region.
A drive-in restaurant takes orders from the
parking lot via an intercom system. When
the attendant repeats the order to confirm
its accuracy, neighbors in the adjacent
residential neighborhood also get the mess-
age loud and clear: "Was that two cokes and
an order of fries to go?" Loken has agreed
to update this culinary complication in the
next issue.
The ECHO Exchange Reporter is distri-
buted to ECHO participants as forum for
the exchange of information on current
ECHO activities. The Reporter is publish-
ed bimonthly by Ecosometrics, Inc., under
an EPA contract. Inquiries and sugges-
tions for future articles should be
addressed to:
Diana D. Coyner
Ecosometrics, Inc.
4715 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20014
-------
Proposed Noise Ordinance for Ft. Dodge
Oil March 26, 1979 Sgt. Cornelia made
a visit to Ft. Dodge, Iowa. His assist-
ance had been requested by officials in
Ft. Dodge interested in discussing the
advantages of a noise ordinance, Sgt.
Cornelia was accompanied by Joe Calbraith
of EPA Region VII. They met with the
mayor, Chief of Police Lamb, Commission-
er of Public Safety Campbell and 17
police officers. The meeting lasted
more than three hours at which time
the feasibility of a noise ordinance was
discussed. The town officials decided
that a vehicular noise ordinance would
be advisable. After this meeting an
ordinance was drafted. The town for-
warded a copy to Joe Galbraith and
Sgt. Cornelia for their suggestions.
Presently they are reviewing the docu-
ment.
AND HOW TO ENFORCE IT
In May, Sgt. Cornelia was requested
to return to Ft. Dodge to demonstrate
the sound level meter. The instruction
session was attended by the mayor, chief
of police, 13 command officers, the com-
missioner of public safety and 17 police
officers. Sgt. Cornelia held a classroom
session to explain the techniques of
monitoring noise and conducted a field
trip to simulate actual circumstances.
Sgt. Cornelia took his own motorcycle to
Ft. Dodge to demonstrate.
Lon Loken, CXA from Bloomington, MX and
Carl Dornbush of Pomona, NY talk over
ECHO experiences at the Hotel Menger
Rookie CNA Shows How Its Done
CNA Bob Laws of Eugene, Oregon and
Dave Saunders of the State of Washington,
Department of Environmental Quality in-
structed 11 Bellingham Washington police
officers in noise enforcement. Instruction
included operation of equipment, enforce-
ment techniques, and court testimony.
Debbie Yamamoto of EPA Region X re-
ported that the Bellingham police officers
had previously been unreceptive to plans
to enforce noise standards. However,
having a fellow policeofficer speak to
them has changed this attitude.
(continued on page 4)
-------
(continued from page 1)
As in the past, this national meet-
ing seemed to unite ECHO members making
them all partners in the noise control
effort. We hope that the close coopera-
tion between CNAs, RCs and Regional
Noise Officers that was begun in San
Antonio will continue to benefit the
ECHO Program.
PLAN AHEAD
EPA Region IV is sponsoring a Work-
shop on Sept. 12-14 in Fayetteville,
North Carolina. Co-sponsors are the
Environmental Health Section of the
Cumberland County Health Department
and The Cumberland County Hospital
Rehabilitation Center. Cumberland
County is an ECHO Recipient Commun-
ity. A field trip to Ft. Bragg and
Pope AFB is planned. CNA Frank
Habelka of Daytona Beach, Florida
will speak on Code Enforcement, A
Local Program Approach. For more
information, please call Dennis
Wile, EPA Region IV, Atlanta, GA.
(continued from page 3)
Bob Laws joined the ECHO program in
May and has been quite active in the past
two months. La\vs was requested to visit
Anchorage, Alaska to instruct members of
the Anchorage Police Department and mem-
bers of the Department of Environmental
Quality in measurement and testing pro-
cedures for motor vehicle noise. There he
used the one-half meter stationary motor
vehicle exhaust test.
Anchorage might require a follow-up
training session to include local judges
and city attorneys who would be involved
in prosecuting cases in which this
technique might be used.
The ECHO Program
c/o Ecosometrics, Inc
4715 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20014
-------
ECHO EXCHANGE
REPORTER
A Bimonthly Publication of the ECHO Program
September 1979
EECH
First Inning: Ingenuity 1, Airport Noise 0
As cities rapidly expand and begin to en-
circle existing airports, noise becomes an in-
creasingly complex issue for planners and en-
vironmentalists. As many ECHO members
know, residents living near airports desire a
community that is relatively free from the
constant roar of jet aircraft taking off and
landing. On the other hand, the cost of mov-
ing an airport may be prohibitive. Thus con-
tinues the argument about whether airports
should be relocated or whether economic con-
siderations should be allowed to override en-
vironmental concerns. However, engineering
technology may provide the most amenable
solution.
For example, the growth occurring in
Sarasota, Florida, has pitted an aging airstrip
against a large luxury trailer park and a resi-
dential neighborhood. Mounting complaints
urge moving the airport, but in light of recent
developments, the immediate answer may be
to lengthen the airstrips.
Bob Anderson of the Sarasota, Florida,
Pollution Control Department recently per-
formed a noise-meter test at the trailer park
in Sarasota. As a television crew, news re-
porters, and interested community members
watched, Anderson measured the entry and
take-off noise of five aircraft. A DC-9 jet,
registering 90 dB(a) for more than 18 seconds,
was judged the noisiest. The lowest noise lev-
el was recorded for an Eastern Airlines twin-
engine, wide-body jet called the A300. Con-
sidered a jumbojet, the Airbus A300 measured
84 dB(a) for eight seconds.
The A300 has been flying in Europe and
the Far East for five years. Assembled by the
French firm Airbus Industry, its components
are manufactured by various companies in other
countries, including General Electric (which
makes the engines) in the United States. East-
ern Airlines has purchased seven of the ASOO's
from Airbus Industry of New York and plans to
expand that number to 12 in 1980. Regularly
scheduled Eastern A300 flights now serve New
York, Miami, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Charlotte,
and San Francisco.
The jet is "designed for quiet," with a
faster climb ratio than similar aircraft. In
addition to the advantages of less noise, it is
the most fuel-efficient plane flown by Eastern.
The only drawback of the Airbus A300 is that
it requires a longer landing strip than conven-
tional jets, which explains why longer air-
strips may be the answer to quieter airports.
New RCs Bring Total to 18
A welcome is extended to two new recipi-
ent communities that have recently joined the
ECHO program: Salina, Kansas, and Macon,
Georgia. They bring the number of RCs under
contract to 18. EPA Regions IV and VII ap-
pear to have a monopoly on RCs, with five in
each area.
-------
Boulder Noise Control Institute: If s a Date
The dates to remember are November 11
through 16, when the Third Annual Noise Con-
trol Institute will be held at the University of
Colorado in Boulder. This informative college-
level program is co-sponsored by the Com-
munity Industrial Noise Control Association
(CINCA), EPA Region VIE, and the University
of Colorado.
The institute will cover all aspects of
noise pollution and will offer valuable training
for the newcomer as well as the expert. Many
professionals attend each year, and this will
be no exception. Among the speakers will be
CNA Dick Ranck from Salt Lake City, Utah,
who will discuss conducting a survey on noise
attitudes. Program brochures will be sent to
ECHO members; however, more information
can be obtained from ECHO member Joe
Zunich, this year's CINCA president. His
address is:
City of Colorado Springs
Noise Abatement Department
P.O. Box 1575
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
Advanced Noise Workshop Held
EPA Region IV sponsored an advanced
workshop entitled "Planning for Quiet" on
July 10 ^through 12. The session was aimed at
people already familiar with the basics of noise
pollution. CNAs Dick Ranck from Salt Lake
City, Utah, and Frank Habelka of Daytona
Beach, Florida, were among the many speak-
ers. Also present were ECHO recipient com-
munity representatives Erie Downing, Savan-
nah, Georgia; Roger Campbell, Kingsport,
Tennessee; Lacy Williams and Smoot Canady,
Cumberland County, North Carolina.
Planning for interstate highways and other
surface transportation, zoning, and land-use
planning were featured topics. There were
panels and group discussions in addition to for-
mal presentations.
Newspaper Helps Officials with Noise Survey
Officials in Kingsport, Tennessee, and the
EPA are trying to do something about noise by
asking readers of the Kingsport Times-News to
help. In an effort to determine the extent of
the city's noise problem, the paper published
a questionnaire on two consecutive days for
readers to answer. The officials believe that
a significant response will encourage local law
enforcement officers to crack down on noise
offenders and will show the need for a noise
ordinance.
The newspaper poll is in addition to the
official Community Attitudinal Survey for Noise
Perception now being conducted by the city.
At this time, the survey is 70 percent complete.
Preliminary results show that 70 percent of
the respondents are in favor of adopting a noise
ordinance. Asked if they had ever complained
to anyone about neighborhood noise, 61 percent
answered that they had griped only to their
neighbors.
Kingsport has been an ECHO recipient com-
munity for some time and has received assis-
tance from CNA Newton Vaughan of Huntsville,
Alabama. Vaughan and Denis Wile of EPA
Region IV have met with Roger Campbell,
ECHO representative; Betsy Dale, transporta-
tion coordinator; and command officers of the
city police force to ask their assistance in the
survey. Vaughan and Wile were interviewed
by the newspaper and gave the ECHO program
some deserved publicity.
-------
Firing Range Within Earshot
On June 8, 1979, CNA John Spell traveled
to Sioux City, Iowa, at the request of the
town's officials. A problem had developed in-
volving Spell's area of expertise: property-
line measurement. A Sioux City technical
school offering a class in security guard train-
ing had planned to open a gun range. The
school asked the city to measure the noise lev-
el that could be heard off range. Spell per-
formed the testing at the site. He found no
significant noise off the property. Sgt. Jim
Cornelia, a community noise advisor living in
Sioux City, assisted his colleague, giving Jim
the opportunity to learn the testing procedures
so he could use them in similar situations.
Colorado Springs, Colorado; Case
History of a Municipal Noise Control Pro-
gram is now available from the United
States Environmental Protection Agency,
Office of Noise Abatement and Control
(ANR-471), Washington, B.C. 20460. Its
publication date is February 1979.
Also in Region VII
A community noise control workshop will
be held in Johnson County, Kansas (Kansas
City and environs) on September 18. John
Spell, CNA from St. Louis County, Missouri,
will speak on property-line noise problems and
the St. Louis County experience. Approxi-
mately 100 representatives from Missouri,
Kansas, and Iowa are expected. John Frank,
chairman of the county board of commissioners,
will give the opening address. Two or three
other board members are expected to attend.
The ECHO Exchange Reporter is dis-
tributed to ECHO participants as a forum
for the exchange of information on current
ECHO activities. The Reporter is pub-
lished bimonthly by Ecosometrics, Inc.,
under an EPA contract.
CNA Makes Television Appearance
CNA Bob Laws recently spoke about noise
on a television spot in his hometown of Eugene,
Oregon. Since then, he has been asked to ap-
pear on a future segment of "Looking Glass,"
a local public interest program viewing every
Sunday. During the half-hour show, he will
discuss noise problems with the program mod-
erator.
Sgt. Laws will soon begin testing a new
Type 1 noise meter for the Pulsar Company of
England. The model, CS193A with memory
hold, is now being modified for use on Ameri-
can cars. This early modification resulted
from a meeting between Laws and a Pulsar
Company representative who had flown in from
England to discuss how the meter could be
adapted to American conditions.
-------
The ECHO Program
c/o Ecosometrics, Inc.
4715 Cordell Avenue
Bethesda, Maryland 20014
-------
For demonstrated ability to solve
community noise problems and
for commitment to the Advancement
of the National Noise Control Effort
has been selected
as a Community Noise Advisor
Date.
Deputy Assist3.nl Administrator for
Nojso Control Programs
U S Environmental Protection Agency
EACH COMMUNITY HtLPS OTHEUS
-------
D
fWP^"^^
• f "
V'\ : ;
LJ
u
For recognizing the importance
of local efforts in noise abatement
and (or assuming a Icndorship position
in community noise control
has boon selected as a recipient
community in EPA'b ECHO Piogram
Dale.
Deputy Assistant Adniinis'rntor (or
Noise Control Programs
U S Environmental Protection Agency
EACH COMMUNITY HELPS OTHFKS
-------
A
r ;
D
OU3
v
Presented to
in appreciation (or participation In
EPA's ECHO Program and for
recognizing tlio importance of local
efforts in noise abatement.
Deputy Assistant Administrator (or
Noise Contiol Progr.ims
U S Environmental I'roSecnon Ayuncy
EACH COMMUNITY HELPS OTI ItKS
-------
ECHO
-------
•—*r*m "X"X
lY^ur^
ECHO
------- |