Gene Klodzen
08-01-2001, 04:58 PM
Chapters, Committees and Members: Here is an update on the suit filed against us regarding the noise from our chiller exhaust fans. The suit did not go to court at the end of July and is in attorney negotiation. Cannot say much more about this, but will report further as things develop.
We recently authorized a $14, 965 expenditure to install silencers on the exhaust fans, work to be completed by Oct. 1, 2001. These baffles are expected by the contracter to reduce noise by 10 db, which will place us in the 40's or low 50's decibel range. That's not very different from the area' s industrial and highway traffic background noise by one earlier measurement. It will also demonstrate that we do intend to be good neighbors and to repair the goodwill damaged by this incident. Unlike some earlier proposals, the baffles will not inhibit airflow to the chiller.
As a reminder, the dispute has revolved around noise measurements at the neighbor's property line. Our consultant noise measurements showed us to meet the
local noise ordinance, although not by much. The complainant's readings were taken by non-expert police officials and showed us to be higher than allowed.
Interestingly, the limits have been relaxed since the original complaint, from 52-57 decibels depending upon time of day, to the current 61-67 decibels. For the record, our own readings have variously been in the low 50's max. to 60 max. The neighbors are sueing under the old limits of 52-57 decibels.
I'll report further as things mature-- not yet sure when this will be. Sincerely, Doug Cowan, Dojec@cs.com
[This message has been edited by Gene Klodzen (edited 08-09-2001).]
We recently authorized a $14, 965 expenditure to install silencers on the exhaust fans, work to be completed by Oct. 1, 2001. These baffles are expected by the contracter to reduce noise by 10 db, which will place us in the 40's or low 50's decibel range. That's not very different from the area' s industrial and highway traffic background noise by one earlier measurement. It will also demonstrate that we do intend to be good neighbors and to repair the goodwill damaged by this incident. Unlike some earlier proposals, the baffles will not inhibit airflow to the chiller.
As a reminder, the dispute has revolved around noise measurements at the neighbor's property line. Our consultant noise measurements showed us to meet the
local noise ordinance, although not by much. The complainant's readings were taken by non-expert police officials and showed us to be higher than allowed.
Interestingly, the limits have been relaxed since the original complaint, from 52-57 decibels depending upon time of day, to the current 61-67 decibels. For the record, our own readings have variously been in the low 50's max. to 60 max. The neighbors are sueing under the old limits of 52-57 decibels.
I'll report further as things mature-- not yet sure when this will be. Sincerely, Doug Cowan, Dojec@cs.com
[This message has been edited by Gene Klodzen (edited 08-09-2001).]