Oil and Gas at Your Door? (2005 Edition) - Earthworks

IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH OIL AND GAS
• Combustion turbines are capable of producing high levels of low frequency noise. This
noise is generated by the exhaust gas. 232
• Burners (and flares) can emit broadband low frequency flame roar.
Low frequency noise creates a potential for
. It is well established, however, that the annoyance due to a given noise source is perceived
very differently from person to person. For many humans, their ears are not very sensitive to
low levels of low frequency sound. At low frequencies, however, noise may not be perceived as
sound but rather may be “felt” as a vibration or pressure sensation. 233
For those who are sensitive to low frequency sound the effects can be dramatic. 234
Complainants often describe the noise as:
• Humming or rumbling
• Constant and unpleasant
• Pressure in ears
• Affects whole body
• Sounds like large, idling engine
• Coming from far away
Researchers have conducted field measurements and laboratory studies of people who have
complained of low frequency noise in their homes. Studies have found that: 235
• Problems tend to arise in quiet rural or suburban environments
• The noise is often close to inaudibility, and is heard by a minority of people
• The noise is typically audible indoors and not outdoors
• The noise is more audible at night than day
• The noise has a throbbing and rumbly characteristic
• The complainants have normal hearing
Despite the fact that the World Health Organization has stated that, “The evidence
on low frequency noise is sufficiently strong to warrant immediate concern,”
few noise regulations in the United States address low frequency noise.
Some counties in northern Michigan have developed ordinances that reference
low frequency noise as a separate than other noise issues. 236 Most of the research
and regulation related to low frequency noise has taken place in European countries
and Japan. See Chapter V for resources related to Low Frequency Noise.
Health Effects of Noise
There are adverse physical and mental effects from noise. For example, prolonged
periods of exposure to 65 dBA can cause mental and bodily fatigue.
Furthermore, noise can affect the quantity and quality of sleep; cause permanent
hearing damage; contribute to the development or aggravation of heart and circulatory diseases;
and transform a person’s initial annoyance into more extreme emotional responses and
behavior. 237
According to the World Health Organization: 238
Noise annoyance is a global phenomenon. A definition of annoyance is “a feeling of
displeasure associated with any agent or condition, known or believed by an individual
or group to adversely affect them.”
FIGURE I-29. VENTING OF GAS WELL
CAN BE PIERCINGLY LOUD.
I-47