Noise

Program Manager

858-307-4419

Marine Corps operations have the potential to cause adverse noise impacts on surrounding communities. State, local, and host nation laws may also prescribe maximum noise levels to control these impacts.

The Noise Control Act of 1972 (42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq.). The act requires that Federal performance standards be incorporated into the design of certain new vehicles, railroad equipment, and products in order to reduce noise emissions. The Noise Control Act does not prescribe retrofit modifications for existing noise sources. Military aircraft, combat equipment, and weapon systems are exempt from new product design standards. The Act provides only for the prescription and amendment of standards for nonmilitary aircraft noise and sonic boom.

E.O. 12088, “Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards,” October 13, 1978. E.O. 12088 directs Federal facilities to comply with all requirements applicable to environmental noise management. Federal facilities must also comply with boundary noise limits established by state and local laws subject to specific exemption.

Even in the absence of state and/or local environmental noise regulations, the Marine Corps must be aware of adverse noise impacts in the surrounding community. The Marine Corps can minimize adverse public response to its programs by initiating a coordinated cooperative approach with the community and by emphasizing mutual problem-solving with state and local government authorities and community organizations.

Unless specifically exempted, Marine Corps commands engaged in any activity resulting in noise emissions must comply with Federal, state, interstate, and local requirements for the control and management of environmental noise.

42 U.S.C. 4901 et seq.
OPNAVINST 11010.36C
32 CFR 256
DOD Instruction 4165.57, “Air Installations Compatible Use Zones,” 
OPNAVINST 3550.1B
MCO 5090.2 (JUN 2018)
StaO 3710.1D Airfield Operations

Marine Corps installations are required to:

1. Establish a base or station order implementing the specifications set forth in this chapter.
2. Initiate procurement procedures to ensure that products and equipment not designed for combat use meet Federal or host nation noise standards.
3. Implement procedures for limiting on-base noise generating operations and for complying with property-line noise levels consistent with applicable state and local laws or host nation standards.
4. Ensure that coordination occurs as appropriate with the safety office in matters relating to environmental noise exposure.
5. Identify and submit to the CMC (LF) project documentation and funding requests for noise pollution management that are required to maintain
   compliance with applicable existing and emerging regulations and permits. Program and budget for personnel, equipment, materials, training, and monitoring required to comply with environmental noise management requirements. Pay appropriate Federal, state, and local fees. Ensure that the EMH is employed, P2 alternatives evaluated, and life-cycle cost impacts assessed in evaluating and selecting projects that address compliance requirements.
6. Periodically verify and record that environmental noise levels are consistent with any Marine Corps noise control and abatement programs.

Marine Corps personnel engaged in processes that result in environmental noise must receive training on noise pollution reduction.

NAVFAC and Installation base development, environmental engineers, and environmental planners must receive training on noise P2 programs.

Aircraft noise is a concern at MCAS Miramar because of the density of populated areas in close proximity to the airfield. Neighboring communities have expanded toward the airfield ahd under the flight paths. This inevitable growth process can lead to reduction or curtailment of flight operations if airfield operators are insensitive to surrounding communities. Noise impacts must be reduced to the maximum extent possible while successfully executing operational and training missions, and maintaining necessary operational flexibility. b. In the interest of both protecting this multi-billion dollar public investment and also ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the local citizens, strict compliance with noise abatement and ATC procedures are mandatory to reduce any negative impact on our neighborhoods.

Aircraft high-power turn-ups (over >80%) shall be performed in the airstation hush house. If a hush house is not available, high power turn-ups may be conducted on a runway and at a time assigned by Airfield Operations, but are not authorized between the hours of 2200 and 0730 due td the noise impact on the surrounding communities. Exception to these restricted hours due to operational necessity must be coordinated and approved through Airfield Operations. d. High power turn-ups are not authorized on squadron flight lines. e. Jet aircraft low power turn-ups are authorized in designated areas on squadron flight lines. Low power turn-ups are not restricted by airfield operating hours.