Examination of valued attributes of low sound level environments

Abstract

The introduction of new noise sources into rural environments presents a number of unique community response challenges not typically encountered in urban and suburban environments. Low ambient sound levels combined with intermittently (rather than continuously) audible anthropogenic ambient contributors create unique soundscapes. Residents appear to value many attributes of these soundscapes and wish to preserve and protect them. Application of existing standards and guidelines (quantitative or nuisance-based) often does not meet resident expectations of protection. This paper examines a number of the valued attributes. It then asks questions about noise policy, resident expectations, adequacy of existing standards, source and ambient noise quantification, and the masking of valued attributes by a new noise source. It concludes with a list of issues that bear close examination in order to set future noise impact guidelines for low-ambient environments.