[dsn_klr650] re: environmentalists

[billmonahan]

Since I have to hire acoustical consultants frequently to evaluate "Community Noise Equivalent Levels" (CNEL) for proposed housing developments and have learned how to read their reports, and since they measure noise levels at given distances using a decibel meter, from experience I would guess that at a distance of 60 feet from the freeway the noise level generated by a regular car (trucks will be much higher due to the tire noise they generate) is in the realm of 70 to 80 decibels at freeway speeds (very conservative estimate).  Current California land use restrictions in force by CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) specify a maximum CNEL for ambient noise to be 61 Db.  That's why you see the sound walls being built everywhere along the California freeways.  It allows for development of land within areas where the CNEL is too high.  What the consultants don't take into account are the tire-burners, and the loud boom-boxes which are so evident in the areas frequented by the idiots who employ them (the noise makers, not the consultants!).

Does anyone know the decibel level of the noise made by a car at 60 mph?  It's quite loud (from outside the car).  Stop on a freeway someday and listen.  I'd be willing to bet there are a few folks whizzing by who would protest such a noise yet are unaware that they are often equally guilty. I'd like to know the number if anyone has it. Tom