Four Oaks Pavilion
818 Oak Lane, Hartville NC 00000
Tickets: 000-555-6666
Dale Crompton, Facilities Manager
000-555-6644
February 15, 2005
City Council
444 East Town Street
Hartville, NC 00000
Subject: Recommendation report for the Four Oaks Pavilion
Summary:
Recent concern over noise problems in the neighbourhood surrounding the Four Oaks Pavilion led to the study performed SMZ Engineering firm. From this study it has been ascertained that several actions can be taken to alleviate the noise problem. These include using monitors to aid sound level regulation (inside the pavilion and key areas in the surrounding areas) and limiting the sound levels to less than 105 decibels (db). With regards to the residents, efforts should be taken to assure them with these inexpensive additions that the noise problem will be handled.
Introduction:
Despite the monetary success of the newly built Oaks Pavilion, several residents in the surrounding neighbourhood have expressed concerns primarily about noise. Prior to building the pavilion several precautions were taken to minimize sound leakage into the neighbourhood. These precautions include building the pavilion close to an interstate, constructing an earthen berm around the perimeter of Four Oaks, and planting a screen of pine trees atop the berm. However, none of these precautions adequately dampened the sound leaving the pavilion. Consequently, the residents immediately began to complain about the apparent noise problem - even up to three miles away.
It was decided to conduct technical acoustic study to determine what could be done to solve the problem. Furthermore, it was decided to contract SMZ engineering to perform the study. SMZ submitted the lowest bid; are experienced in acoustical measurement, willing to meet the requirements in terms of measurement times, places, etc; committed to present a report three weeks after the last measurements; and located in Greensboro.
Results of Research:
First we discuss the completed work. Then we discuss our recommendations.
Completed Work:
SMZ engineers setup measuring equipment in two spots inside the Four Oaks Pavilion, the lawn facing the pavilion, and within the residences of people who had complained about their sleep being interrupted. Measurements were made thirty minutes prior to and thirty minutes after all concerts for four consecutive weeks. In addition, sound levels were measured on nights when no concerts were held.
It was found that within the pavilion sound levels exceeded 105 db often. 105 db is a standard limit for entertainment facilities like Four Oaks. The air in Hartville is humid all year round - humid air does not absorb sound as well as dry air. The pine trees are too spindly to be an effective barrier. The houses in the surrounding area are of lightweight construction. Lastly, they are primarily frame houses with no extra insulation or siding.
With regards to the residents, SMZ found that a portion of them had given up complaining about the noise problem - citing that it seem to do no good. A small minority actually expressed a desire to continue "getting a free concert". Some were more bothered by the traffic and the rowdies than the noise from the concert. Also, the persons who lived in rural sections experienced no noticeable increase in sound levels on concert nights but, felt negatively about the changes taking place "their quiet neighborhood".
Recommendations:
To solve the noise problems in a manner that will not prohibit bands from coming to the Four Oaks Pavilion, will be cost efficient, and satisfy the residents of the surrounding neighborhood the following recommendations should be strongly considered:
v Establish 105 db as the sound threshold.
v Install monitors at the mixing location to regulate the sound to a level below the 105 db threshold.
v Plant less spindly trees in a staggered orientation further away from the pavilion.
v Install monitors at fixed distances from pavilion throughout the surrounding community.
v Setup an automated hotline for residents to call to address any further noise concerns.
Conclusion:
To address the actual noise problem monitors need to be installed in the pavilion to ensure the sound level does not exceed 105db and less spindly trees should be planted further away from the pavilion. To ease the minds of the local residents inexpensive monitors should be installed in visible spots at various distances from the pavilion. Furthermore, an automated hotline should be setup to allow them an avenue to express their concerns about the noise.
Respectfully,
______
Dale Crompton / EANC
Facilities Manager
Enclosures 6