2023-09-26-SLC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Sustainable Lexington Committee Minutes of September 26, 2023 unacceptable levels of noise at construction sites in town. If these limited revisions to the current bylaw (i.e., the ledge work definition and holiday schedule) cannot be completed in time for Special Town Meeting, SLC agrees the article should be indefinitely postponed/removed from the warrant. SLC believes that other proposed changes to the bylaw create new and serious problems. By defining "Excessive or Unwarranted Noise" as "Any noise that results in noise pollution or noise injury", the proposed bylaw sets a standard of 80 dBA for residential and 85 dBA for other zones, ignoring the fact that these are badly outdated standards. Using these standards will cause harm to public health. They need to be lower. These standards are drawn from occupational health but we need environmental noise standards. In 1974, when EPA had an Office of Noise Abatement and Control, (ONAC), ONAC found that 70 decibels was the exposure below which it assumed measurable hearing loss would not occur, and levels of 55 and lower were necessary to prevent #activity interference and annoyance”. Sleep, work, education, concentration, health in general, and property values are all impacted - and sometimes severely - by a lack of clarity concerning harmful levels. The proposed definition would not prevent excessively high levels. Other neighboring towns have limits that are significantly lower. We also strongly encourage the Select Board to take affirmative steps to reconstitute the Noise Advisory Committee. Outreach and solicitation of citizen engagement is necessary. The Noise Advisory Committee plays an important role in the development and evaluation of these types of rules because, as residents, they have a vested interest in the results. The committee should be composed of individuals with technical experience and individuals with a strong desire to establish a noise bylaw for Lexington that addresses our particular needs. With support from expert consultants, as needed, the Noise Advisory Committee should provide the Select Board with recommended updates to the noise bylaw in 2024. Excessive or unwarranted noise can have a serious impact on individuals' mental and physical health. Improving the noise bylaw will help to resolve the problems that have affected residents over the past few years, make the rules clear for all parties, and support Lexington's ongoing efforts to improve the town's environment. Approval of minutes. The draft minutes of August 22 were approved unanimously as written. Next Meeting: A special meeting is planned to review an update of Solar Gap presentation before October 16, 2023. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Sustainable Lexington Committee will be held at 6 pm on October 24, 2023. The committee voted to adjourn at approximately 9:30 pm. .7