State Standards, Regulations, and Responsibilities in Noise Pollution Control

Abstract

In the near future the State of Minnesota will adopt noise pollution standards and regulations based on the findings presented in this paper. Comprehensive noise standards are presented for all sources of noise, including airports, highways, and industrial sources. Two of the three dimensions of noise—intensity and frequency—are measured by the use of the unit dBA, whereas the third dimension—duration—is measured by use of the temporal distribution, expressed as L_x, where x is the sound pressure level in dBA exceeded x% of the time. Standards are established for five zones: 1. residential—single family, 2. residential— apartments, public buildings, 3. commercial, 4. manufacturing, and 5 industrial. The L_x standards apply to most noises including industrial and highway noises. Aircraft noise and impulse noise standards are also discussed. The six phase implementation plan for noise abatement is discussed.