Environmental Impact - Sound

Harrison, R. T. (1975). Impact of off-road vehicle noise on a national forest. San Dimas, California: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Equipment Development Center.

Abstract

This report presents the results of acoustical tests conducted on the Wayne-Hoosier national forest, eastern Region, the weekend of August 24 and 25, 1974, and the weekend of August 31 and September l and 2, 1974. This measurement program had two Purposes. First, to determine how the ambient noise distribution in the immediate vicinity of proposed ORV tracks is affected by the operation of jeeps and motorcycles along those roads. Second, to determine how far, these vehicles would be audible.

Sets up test sites for motorcycles and Jeeps to measure the physical sound pressure levels, and evaluate listener response. Applies the principles of ambient noise distribution, detectability distance, and sound attenuation to ORV noise. Concludes that for practical purposes, the maximum distance at which a vehicle may be heard ranges from approximately 4,500 feet (for vehicles on level ground) to 7,500 feet (for a motorcycle climbing a hill).

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