United States Region 8
Environmental Protection 1860 Lincoln Street
Agency Denver, CO 80295
February 1980
EPA 908/1-79-002 B
An Aerial Noise
Monitoring Study
Vol. 2
Operations Handbook
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EPA-908/1-79-002B
AERIAL NOISE MONITORING STUDY
VOLUME II
OPERATIONS HANDBOOK
by
R. C. Ghanaud
H. N. McGregor
Engineering Dynamics, Inc.
Denver, Colorado 80211
68-01-3500
Project Officer
Robert A. Simmons
Noise Control Section
S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Region VIII
Denver, Colorado 80295
Air and Hazardous Materials Division
Region VIII
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Denver, Colorado 80295
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Air and Hazardous
Materials Division, Region VIII, of the U. S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does not
signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and pol-
icies of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does
mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorse-
ment or recommendation for use.
DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
This document is available to the public through the
National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia
22161.
ii
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Projects involving the interfacing of technology, regulations,
and community support are successful because of the efforts of
many individuals. Credits are given to: J. V. Adams, Environ-
mental Protection Officer for the City of Boulder, Colorado for
his support of flight operations and evaluation of the field
equipment; E.E. McKenna of the University of Colorado for the fab-
rication and testing of the early prototype aerial system; W.
Bryan of the U. S. EPA, Region VIII, for his technical review of
the electronic designs and assistance in the preparation of this
report; S. Rossi of Engineering Dynamics, Inc., for the construc-
tion and testing of the final flight system; J. Ruth of Engineer-
ing Dynamics, Inc., for site selection and data analysis.
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SECTION 1
AERIAL NOISE MONITORING SITE SELECTION
SITE SELECTION
In order to implement an aerial noise monitoring program
the noise monitoring sites in the potential monitoring area
must be selected such that the aerial monitoring will yield an
accurate noise profile of the community, that is, the sites
must be representative of the diverse characteristics of the
community* In addition to adequate representation, the sites
must also meet certain physical requirements for the safe oper-
ation of the monitoring equipment.
SITE REQUIREMENTS
Once the potential monitoring sites have been chosen they
should be inspected to make sure that they meet the following
minimum requirements for safe operations
1. There should be a. clear area for ground operations
approximately 30 x 30 m. in diameter so that the operations
can be conducted without unnecessary hazard.
2. Buildings in the general vicinity of the operations
site should bei not more than 30 meters in height.
3. The operations area must be well clear of any aerial
high tension power lines or aerial telephone lines which could
interfere with the balloon.
4. The operations must, be removed from any low altitude
aircraft traffic patterns. Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) regu-
lations provide that no person may operate a moored balloon
within five (5) miles of the boundary of any airport.
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FAA REGULATIONS
The FAA regulations which govern the operation of moored
balloons are found in the Federal Air Regulations, Sections 101.1
through 101.19. Applicable regulations which were in effect 4-17-
79 are reproduced in their entirety below. Regulations are .subject
to change at any time, and current regulations should be consulted.
101.1 Applicability
(a) This part prescribes rules governing the operation in
the United States of the following:
(1) Except as provided for in S. 101.7, any balloon that
is moored to the surface of the earth or an object thereon and
that has a diameter of more than 6 feet or a gas capacity of more
than 115 cubic? feet.
(2) Except as provided for in S. 101.7, any kite that
weighs more than 5 pounds and is intended to be flown at the
end of a rope or cable.
(3) Any unmanned rocket exceptr
(i) Aerial fireworks displays; and
(ii) Model rockets:
(a) using not more than four ounces of propellant:
(b) using a slow-burning propellant:
(c) made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic, containing
no substantial metal parts and weighing not more than 16 ounces,
including the propellantr and
(d) operated in a manner that does not create a hazard to
persons, property or other aircraft.
(4) Except as provided for in S.101.7, any unmanned free
balloon that:
(i) Carries a payload package that weighs more than four
pounds and has a weight/size ratio of more than three ounces per
square inch on any surface of the package, determined by dividing
the total weight in ounces of the payload package by the area in
square inches of its smallest surface;
(ii) Carries a payload package that weighs more than six
poundsr
(iii) Carries a payload of two or more packages, that weighs
more than 12 pounds; or
(iv) Uses a rope or other device for suspension of the
payload that requires an impact force of more than 50 pounds to
separate the suspended payload from the balloon.
(b) For the purposes of this part, a "gyroglider" attached
to a vehicle on the surface of the earth is considered to be a
kite.
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101.3 Waivers
No person may conduct operations that require a deviation
from this part except under a certificate of waiver issued by the
Administrator.
101.5 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas
No person may operatena moored balloon, kite, unmanned
rocket, or unmanned free balloon in a prohibited or restricted
area unless he has permission from the using or controlling
agency, as appropriate.
101.7 Hazardous Operations
(a) No person may operate any moored balloon, kite, un-
manned rocket, or unmanned free balloon in a manner that creates
a hazard to other persons, or their property.
(b) No person operating any moored balloon, kite, unmanned
rocket, or unmanned free balloon may allow an object to be drop-
ped from it, if such action creates a hazard to other persons
or their property.
101.11 Applicability
This subpart applies to the operation of moored balloons
and kites. However,, a person operating a moored balloon or kite
within a restricted area must comply only with S.101.19 and with
additional limitations imposed by the using or controlling agency
as appropriate.
101.13 Operating Limitations
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section,
no person may operate a moored balloon or kite —
(1) Less than 500 feet from the base of any cloud;
(2) More than 500 feet above the surface of the earth;
(3) Prom an area where the ground visibility is less than
three miles; or
(4) Within 5 miles of the boundary of any airport.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to the
operation of a balloon or kite below the top of any structure and
within 250 feet of it, if that shielded operation does not obscure
any lighting on the structure.
101.15 Notice Requirements
No person may operate an unshielded moored balloon or
kite more than 150 feet above the surface of the earth unless,
at least 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the
following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to
the place of intended operation:
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(a) The names and addresses of the owners and operators.
(b) The size of the balloon or the size and weight of the
kite.
(c) The location of the operation.
(d) The height above the surface of the earth at which
the balloon or kite is to be operated.
(e) The date, time, and duration of the operation.
101.17 Lighting and Marking Requirements
(a) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite, be
tween sunset and sunrise unless the balloon or kite, and its
mooring lines, are lighted so as to give a visual warning equal
to that required for obstructions to air navigation in the FAA
publication "Obstruction Marking and Lighting".
(b) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite between
sunrise and sunset unless its mooring lines have colored pennants
or streamers attached at not more than 50 foot intervals begin-
ning at 150 feet above the surface of the earth and visible for
at least one mile.
101.19 Rapid Deflation Device
No person may operate a moored balloon unless it has a
device that will automatically and rapidly deflate the balloon if
it escapes from its moorings. If the device does not function
properly, the operator shall immediately notify the nearest ATC
facility of the location and time of the escape and the estimated
flight path of the balloon.
FCC APPROVAL
Applicable regulations regarding use of the radio spectrum
for telemetering purposes must be complied with. The user should
determine that appropriate arrangements have been made with the
Federal Communications Commission.
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FAA AUTHORITIES
Before commencing aerial noise monitoring operations on
any particular day, it is required that the operators contact
the FAA ATC (Flight Service Station, FSS) facility that is closest
to the operations and advise them of their planned activities.
In addition^ the nearest airport Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower
should be apprised of the operations, and. any local airports
should be contacted~ Notifying these three authorities is man-
datory because there is no regular interchange of information
between them.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES
Local authorities whose activities may be affected by
the aerial noise monitoring operations should also be contacted
before commencing operations, as a courtesy, if nothing else.
During the Boulder operations affected agencies included the
City of Boulder police department and the City of Boulder parks
and recreation department, since one of the monitoring sites
was a city park.
POWER SUPPLY
The operations site must be within 61 meters of a source
of 120 V AC electrical power. Usually the most convenient and
practical source is a. nearby house, if permission from the home-
owner can be obtained.
Under no circumstances should extension cords from the
power source be stretched across a street with traffic on. it, or
exposed to any other conditions that might jeopardize the integ-
rity of the power cord, since even a momentary loss of power will
result in the loss of the statistical measurements during that
period of monitoring.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
For the protection of all parties involved in the aerial
monitoring project adequate insurance coverage should be obtained
prior to commencing aerial monitoring operations. This insurance
coverage should protect the project operators from liability for
any persons or property on the ground, and from liability for
any airborne property and persons, that is, airplanes. In addition,
any employees involved in conducting the aerial noise monitoring
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operations should be covered by •workman's compensation insurance.
Individual coverage requirements should be based on the prevail-
ing local conditions and regulations.
BALLOON PROCUREMENT
Because of the altitude restrictions imposed on aerial
monitoring projects by the FAA, any balloon capable of carrying
the 2 kg. payload and Which coincides with all other applicable
FAA rules may be used as the aerial monitoring balloon. EDI used
a thin plastic balloon which was 4.9 m. in length, 1.4 m. in
diameter, weighed 1.7 kg., and had a nominal volume of 3.25 m3.
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SECTION 2
OPERATIONS PROCEDURES
PREFLIGHT PREPARATIONS
Following the selection of monitoring sites which are ade-
quate insofar as the safety of the aerial noise monitoring oper-
ations are concerned, and representative of the diverse acoustic
environments of the sampling area to be monitored, a complete
inspection of the equipment necessary to perform the aerial noise
monitoring should be conducted.
The balloon operators should make sure they have all the
equipment they need for the monitoring operations before they
drive to the monitoring site, since having to make extra trips
for forgotten equipment will seriously disrupt the continuous
acquisition of data during the monitoring day.
PREFLIGHT EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
An extensive list of tools and equipment is necessary to
perform the aerial noise monitoring operations. It is important
to have duplicates of many items on hand in case the first set
of the item, such as batteries, fails.
The following is a checklist of the equipment necessary to
conduct aerial noise monitoring operations. The operators should
go through the checklist carefully in preparation for the monitor-
ing activities.
Equipment Checklist
1 Microdyne Receiver )
1 EDI Receiver/Filter )
1 Audio Amplifier ) Ground Station
1 Speaker (8 ohm) )
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1 Statistical noise analyzer
1 Graphic level recorder
1 Tape recorder
1 Antenna cable
1 BNC to XLR cable
1 DIN to BNC cable
1 %" phone plug (two conductor) to phono plug (1 meter)
2 BNC TEE connectors
1 A.C. power buss (4 outlets)
2 328 meter #10 AWG A.C. power extension cords
1 roll of patching tape (Borden Mystik tape or equivalent)
2 Bottles helium
1 winch
1 wind screen
1 balloon
1 drop tarp
1 spool 130 kg. test monofilament line (spare)
1 Acoustical calibrator
1 Telemetry package
- Batteries required for battery powered equipment
- TR431 Mallory Mercury Duracell batteries (or equivalent) as
required for telemetry package
- data sheets as required
- miscellaneous tools as required for above equipment
- binoculars (optional)
- headphone, 8 ohm (optional)
MONITORING EQUXMPENT SETTINGS
The equipment used for the aerial noise monitoring is highly
sensitive and must be handled with care to avoid damaging it or
interfering with accurate readings during actual noise monitoring.
Prior to arrival at the noise monitoring site the system components
should be connected together as in Figure 1 and all connections
double-checked. Then the equipment to be used during noise monitor-
ing operations should be set to the correct operational settings;
these should be rechecked at the site. Correct settings for each
equipment item follow:
Statistical analyzer
See manufacturer's manual for information concerning duration of
runs.
Weighting - A
Fast or Slow Response, depending on the applicable requirements
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Microdvne Receiver
Operation mode - Rec
Audio gain - full counter clockwise
Video bandwidth - 100 KHz
Gain - see calibration and measurement procedure
Video coupling - AC
Video source - FM/PM
Deviation Range - 50 KHz
IF bandwidth -0.5 MHz
Fine tune - Mid position (12rOO)
Search range— Mid position (12;00)
2nd Lo Mode - VFO
Irst Lo Mode - VFO
AGC time constant - 1.0 MSEC
Main gain - Mid position (12tOO)
Tuning — see calibration and measurement procedure
EDI Rec/Filter
Front Panel Settings
Operation Mode - ON
Tape Recorder
Volume — set as required
Record level - see calibration and measurement procedure
Speed - at least 9.5 cm/sec.
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TAPE
RECORDER
STAT.
ANALYZER
"C" WEIGHTED
SPEAKER
AUDIO OUT
l>
GRAPHIC LEVEL
RECORDER I opt I on all
VWEIQHTED
ICAU,
OSCILLOSCOPEIoptlonall
CARRIER
EDI FILTER/RECEIVER
ANTENNA
VIDEO OUTU1SI
RFINIJ2I
TO AMP INPUT
I FROM AMP
MICRCODYNE RECEIVER
WINCH
3ATTERY
Figure 1
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ACOUSTICAL CALIBRATION
To ensure complete system accuracy during aerial noise moni-
toring operations each piece of equipment must be checked for
accuracy. During the winter these operations should be performed
indoors, since the power output of the batteries used in the system
declines with cold, and calibration may be off as a result. However,
calibration must be repeated at the site to correct for temper-
ature effects and for any changes due to transportation. It is
important to record the exact calibration levels on the tape recor-
dings and on the field data sheets for later reference. The fol-
lowing checklist gives the exact procedure to follow for preflight
calibration.
Calibration and Measurement Procedure
1. Connect the equipment as in Figure 1 and set controls as per
monitoring equipment settings. Use a. single point ground to
avoid ground loop.
2. Connect the batteries in the telemetry package.
3. Place the telemetry package in a position so that there is
an unobstructed path from it to the receiving antenna.
4. Apply 120 V AC (200 watts) power to the ground station.
5. Tune in the carrier by turning the tuning knob on the Microdyne
Receiver until the carrier indicator (CARR. IND.) light comes
on and the tuning meter is centered.
6. Once the carrier is tuned in, switch the 2nd LO MOD to AFC.
7. Adjust video gain until video output meter reads 0 dB.
8. Turn on the statistical analyzer.
9. Prepare the tape recorder for taping.
10. Set the dB range switch on the telemetry package to the appro-
priate range for the calibrator used.
11. Turn on calibrator and place it over the microphone.
12. Adjust calibration control on the statistical analyzer for
proper reading.
13. Start the tape recorder and adjust the recording level accord-
ing to manufacturer's recommendations.
14. Shut off tape recorder after approximately 30 seconds.
15. If used, adjust graphic level recorder for proper level.
16. Remove and shut off the calibrator.
17. Shut off the statistical analyzer.
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^SUPPORT LINES
•-ADAPTER BASE PLATE
.TELEMETRY PACKAGE
-WINDSCREEN
TETHER LINE
Figure 2
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BALLOON PREPARATION
The following instructions cover the preflight preparation
and operation of the balloont
1. Lay out a ground cloth for the balloon.
2. Tether the balloon to the winch line.
3. Place the filler hose on the helium bottle.
4. Place the other end of the filler hose into the filler tube
of the balloon.
5. Slowly fill the balloon with heliumr prevent the balloon from
touching any sharp objects.
6. Fill the balloon to the manufacturer' s recommendations.
7. Seal the balloon filler tube.
8. Adjust the support lines as in Figure 2..
9. Af ix the telemetry package to the adapter base plate on the
support lines as in Figure 2.
10. Raise the balloon by turning the winch on.
11. If inflation is satisfactory, lower the balloon.
Once the above check-out has been satisfactorily performed
tiie system is ready to be transported to the site to conduct the
aerial monitoring. It is recommended that a vehicle such as a
step van be used for transportation of the aerial monitoring sys-
tem from site to site. The cargo space of the van should be large
enough to transport the balloon just slightly deflated so that
helium can be conserved from day to day.
Upon arrival at the monitoring site, unpack the equipment
and proceed as follows;
1. Repeat the calibration and measurement procedure.
2. Repeat the balloon preparation procedure.
3. Ascend the balloon to the monitoring altitude.
4. Orient the receiving antenna towards the telemetry package.
5. Repeat tuning if necessary*
6. Enable the statistical analyzer, tape recorder, and graphic
level recorder.
It may be necessary to bring the balloon down during the
course of the day to refill it with helium. It is recommended that
the calibration procedure be repeated while the balloon is down.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Whenever the aerial noise monitoring is in progress the
weather conditions should be closely monitored for adverse
developments such as thunder storms, gusting winds, etc. If ad-
verse conditions seem imminent the balloon should be lowered and
if necessary put into the back of the van until the weather clears,
Blow-down Conditions
Occasionally during aerial noise monitoring operations the
weather will change very suddenly with the approach of a storm
and the wind velocity will pick up dramatically. Under these con-
ditions the tension on the tether line increases so much that the
winch may wind in the line too- slowly to save the balloon in time.
If this happens the tether line should be pulled in manually, ie.
hand over hand, as quickly as possible and the other operator
should make certain that the tether line is then neatly reeled
onto the winch.
Balloon Escape
If the tether line breaks and the balloon escapes the follow-
ing procedure should be followed immediately:
1. One person should remain at the site and try to visually
track the balloon or at least estimate its escape path.
2. The closest Flight Service Center should be notified immed-
iately of the escape. Supply them with the time of escape and
the approximate direction of. flight.
3. Notify the local airport control tower.
4. if the balloon cannot be tracked visually and recovered immed-
iately, notify the sheriff's offices in the surrounding
counties by telephone and give them the pertinent information
regarding the balloon's escape. When the EDI balloon escaped
it was recovered the next day from a farmer's field after the
landing was reported to the county sheriff.
5. The telemetry package should have the identification of the
persons doing the aerial noise monitoring attached to it.
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MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
The equipment used for aerial noise monitoring should be per-
iodically inspected for wear and maintained as necessary. All
moving mechanical parts should be lubricated with a good quality
grease and the electronic equipment should be serviced by a qua-
lified repairman as indicated in the manufacturer's instruction
manuals. Unexpected breakdowns of the equipment will only frus-
trate the aerial noise monitoring efforts, or result in the ac-
quisition of unaccurate or unreliable data.
The operating instructions contained in this aerial noise
monitoring handbook should be supplemented by the operation manuals
for each individual equipment component, which provide detailed
operating instructions and technical information
The operators of the aerial noise monitoring system should
have a proficient familiarity with acoustical measurement tech-
niques as well as good mechanical aptitude and a basic under-
standing of electronics. EDI has demonstrated that well-skilled
individuals may be taught to operate the aerial noise monitoring
system reliably in a short period of time.
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
tfad Imtnicnrua on ihe reverse ocfort comrletinff
R£»ORT NO.
EPA-908/1-79-002B
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITUS AND SUBTITLE
An Aerial Noise Monitoring Study, Vol. II.,
Operations Handbook
S. REPORT DATE
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION COOE
AL/THOfllSJ
Howard N. McGregor, P.E.
R. C. Ghanaud, Ph.D.
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Engineering Dynamic, Inc.
2709 W. 27th Avenue
Denver, CO 80211
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-01-3500
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region VIII
1360 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80295
13. TYP6 pF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY COOE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
An aerial noise monitoring system was developed to measure
the noise produced in communities. The system consists of a tethered
helium filled balloon which lifts an P.M. telemetry sound measuring
system to altitudes of 300 m. A ground station receiving the telemetry
signal demodulates it so that the noise at the microphone can be heard
and analyzed on the ground. Volume II is a handbook which presents
operational procedures for the aerial monitoring system.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lOENT|Fl£flS/OPEN SNOEO TSRMS C. COSATI Field/CtOUp
Acoustic Measurements
Tethered Balloons
Telemetry Equipment
Environments
Sound Transmission
Community Noise
Aerial Monitoring
Telemetry acoustic
systems
Boulder, CO, noise
levels
is. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Unlimited distribution
19. SECURITY CLASS (H-.U Report)
iC. OF PAG55
CLASS i
22. PRICE
E?A f»rm 2220—1 (R«r. 4-77) "nevious COITION is
•A U.S. GOVCKMMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I98O-O-678-1 45/351
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