Methods for state and local governments to use to control noise from construction sites

Abstract

State and local noise control officials, citizens' groups, construction equipment manufacturers, construction contractors, and unions that represent construction workers were consulted nationally. The investigation was undertaken after it was reasonably clear that in the near future the Federal government is unlikely to issue new regulations controlling the noise levels from construction equipment. The manufacturers reported that the primary impetus for noise reductions came from the need to reduce exposure to occupational noise and from the need for quiet equipment to compete successfully in Europe. The most effective noise control measures are in-use controls. These include hours of operation, operation of equipment with all noise control components in place, location of equipment on the construction site, use of alternate equipment, rerouting of vehicles, property line standards, and operator concern. The marginal cost of adding a construction component to an existing municipal noise control program was calculated. [Work supported in part by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.]