The community impact of rogue transportation sources

Abstract

This study investigates the contributions of atypical transportation noise sources to community noise and relates these contributions to policymaking and resource allocation. Small percentages of aircraft and surface transportation vehicles make a significant contribution to noise levels as measured by day-night sound level and other descriptors. Rogue sources are loosely defined in this study as anomalous sources that have a large impact on community noise. Included are sources that do not comply with regulatory standards due to intentional modifications or due to failure of noise suppression components. Also included are sources that produce noise levels well above reasonably attainable levels despite attainment of regulatory standards. Rogue source identification and assessment can be a component in policymaking and resource allocation. Cost savings can be realized by reducing noise at the source vice by the path. For instance, surface transportation noise standards based on best-available technology and vigorous enforcement can be more cost-effective than erection of noise barriers. In this case, the cost is borne by the offender rather than by the community at-large. The authors analyze and quantify the noise contribution of rogue sources and suggest appropriate noise mitigation.