Analysis Studies

Champion International Corporation; Bucksport, Maine. Sound level monitoring and analysis of a wood handling and storage facility.

R. J. Chipping Enterprises; Wood-chipping Plant; Shelburne, New Hampshire. Sound level monitoring and design recommendations for existing wood-chipping plant.

Town of Scarborough; Mass Gathering Ordinance; Scarborough, Maine. Peer review of noise control section of mass gathering ordinance.

Main-Land Development/Boise Cascade/Mead Corporation; Wood-chipping Plant; Farmington, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring sound level prediction model, noise barrier design and analysis, written report for MDEP approval for proposed wood-chipping plant, development of noise control plan to achieve compliance.

Mohlin & Company/Saco Steel Company; Saco, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, and sound level performance specification for a 1,850-hp steel shredder installation.

Stratton Lumber, Inc.; Stratton, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, diagnostic and acoustical engineering, and sound level compliance demonstration for a lumber mill. The facility includes a wood chip boiler used to power two kilns and provide space heat for the mill buildings. Findings led to noise reduction projects, including the vent fans and building lagging.

City of Lewiston; WGP/LFC Power Plant; Lewiston, Maine. Twenty-four-hour vibration and sound level monitoring and comparison to city standards at a wood-fired electric power generating facility.

Squaw Bay Corporation/Hannaford Brothers; South Portland, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring and sound level estimates of truck parking area for a food distribution facility. Findings were presented to the local planning board.

P. H. Chadbourne & Company; Bethel, Maine. Acoustic engineering and interior noise monitoring for a sawmill modernization project. RSE prepared performance specifications, product research, and cost analysis for interior surfaces of the sawmill building and prioritized noise reduction alternatives.

Woodard & Curran Consulting Engineers; Mid-Maine Waste Action Committee; Auburn, Maine. Environmental monitoring, noise impact analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for waste-to-energy incinerator.

Dragon Products Company; Thomaston and Lewiston, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed quarry expansion in Thomaston, Maine. This expansion consisted of drilling, blasting, loading, transporting, and crushing of rock. Compliance with local, state, and federal noise regulations was evaluated. RSE conducted a similar study of a proposed quarry in Lewiston, Maine. For the Lewiston project, RSE prepared a revision to the local noise ordinance for approval by the Lewiston City Council. Site design consultations, environmental and equipment measurements, noise impact analyses, and barrier designs for existing and planned operations, and a rewrite of the ordinance in Lewiston.

Dragon Products Company; Wiscasset, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, noise reduction measures, and written report for local planning board approval of proposed rail-to-barge aggregate transfer facility.

Tilcon-Maine, Inc.; Belgrade, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level prediction model, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel excavation and screening operation.

R. W. Gillespie & Associates/Welch & Sons; Lyman, Maine. Environmental monitoring, noise impact analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel excavation and screening operation.

Bridge Construction Corporation; Augusta, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed clay borrow pit operation.

Kasprzak Land Bank/Ossipee Woods Gravel Pit; North Waterboro, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel pit operation.

P. H. Chadbourne & Company; Newry, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel pit operation.

William S. Williams Company; North Whitefield, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level estimates, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel excavation and crushing operation. Subsequent consultation regarding sound levels from crushing asphalt.

R. W. Gillespie & Associates/Acton Sand & Gravel; Acton, Maine. Environmental monitoring, sound level estimates, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel pit operation.

Technical Services, Inc./Pike Industries, Inc.; Poland, Maine. Environmental monitoring, barrier analyses, sound level prediction model, and sound level performance specifications for expansion of gravel operation into ledge mining. RSE evaluated sound levels from drilling, crushing, loading, and asphalt batch plant operations. This was an internal diagnostic project to resolve discrepancies between competing sound level regulations and to ensure compliance with local and state noise controls.

Portland Sand & Gravel; Gray, Maine. Noise impact analysis and public testimony for existing gravel excavation and processing operation. Environmental monitoring, sound level prediction model, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel pit expansions at different times. These projects spanned a change in state regulations controlling noise.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection; Cummings Concrete, Inc.; Alton, Maine. Peer review of noise impact study for a gravel excavation and processing facility and a concrete batch plant operation.

Acheron Engineering Services, Inc.; Lane Construction Company; Stockton Springs, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level prediction model, noise barrier design and analysis, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed gravel excavation and processing facility. RSE worked with Acheron and Lane to incorporate required noise controls into the civil site design to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Harry C. Crooker & Sons, Inc.; Whitefield Gravel Pit; Whitefield, Maine. Sound level study for MDEP and local planning board approval. RSE revised a previous study to demonstrate compliance with new state regulations for control of noise. Work included barrier analyses, operating plan revisions, and a workshop to explain results to nearby residents concerned about the pit and noise.

Pinkham & Greer Consulting Engineers/Cohen Gravel Pit; Dayton, Maine. Environmental monitoring and written report for 1,800-acre, multi-use site including a gravel pit in the towns of Dayton, Lyman, and Hollis, Maine.

Woodard & Curran Consulting Engineers; Secure Sanitary Landfill; Porter, Maine. Environmental measurements, noise impact analysis, and barrier design for proposed landfill.

Waste Management of North America; Consolidated Waste Services, Inc.; Norridgewock, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, sound level prediction model, Federal Highway Administration highway traffic prediction model, and written report for MDEP approval for proposed major special waste landfill expansion and recycling facilities. Analyses led to changes in proposed designs and operating plans to ensure compliance with state regulations. This is Maine’s largest, privately owned, special waste landfill.

Robert G. Gerber/City of Old Town; James River Company (Industrial Landfill); Old Town, Maine. Peer review of noise impact study prepared as part of solid waste disposal facility licensing process at the state level. RSE’s analysis included response to specific local concerns.

Town of Old Orchard Beach; Seashore Performing Arts Center; Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Community noise survey, noise ordinance review, compliance investigation, and public testimony related to controversial rock concert productions. Analytical results led to a better understanding of noise issues and control options, including revision of the local noise ordinance by the Town Council.

T. Y. Lin International/Windy Point Pump Station; Saco, Maine. Environmental and equipment monitoring, noise impact analysis, and design of noise reduction measures for emergency diesel-powered pumping station generator located in a residential area.

Preti, Flaherty, Beliveau & Pachios/Maine Turnpike Expansion; Cumberland and York Counties, Maine. Peer review of a noise impact study prepared by the Maine Turnpike Authority and submitted to the MDEP.

Thomas Point Beach; Brunswick, Maine. Community sound survey and noise impact analysis of annual bluegrass festival. This study was used to resolve noise complaints and to schedule the festival music to minimize complaints from off-site residents. This is the largest Bluegrass Festival in the northeast United States.

Carrier Chipping; Farmington, Maine. In addition to the original MDEP noise study, RSE completed sound level monitoring to determine compliance with state of Maine noise regulations and site permit conditions. Provided recommendations for acoustical building treatment and barrier design concepts.

Town of Kennebunk, Maine. Sound level monitoring of an experimental, coal-fired industrial facility found to be the subject of numerous noise complaints. Follow up review of proposed solution that resulted in the addition of a more efficient muffler to the primary exhaust stack.

Harold MacQuinn, Inc./Hancock Quarry; Hancock, Maine. Sound level analysis of production blasting and noise study peer review for a proposed rock quarry. Results were intended for use with local and state permit applications and noise control regulations.

P&K Sand & Gravel, Inc.; Naples, Maine. Sound level analysis of a proposed concrete batch plant. Results were used as part of state permit applications demonstrating compliance with noise control regulations.

Highland Lumber Company/United Timber; Dixfield, Maine. Sound level analysis of a major sawmill expansion consisting of 16 kilns, three boilers, finger-joint mill, sawmill, and debarking area; subsequent quarterly monitoring to determine MDEP compliance. Analysis led to site redesign, barrier insertion, and successful demonstration of compliance with Maine’s site location regulations controlling noise. Assisted with subsequent noise controls associated with an additional site permit modification.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection; Augusta, Maine. Professional seminars on environmental noise control and noise control regulations. The program consisted of a one-day session for project analysts and a three-day session for technical services personnel. The three-day session included field training on sound level instrumentation and monitoring.

Maine Waste Management Agency/Carpenter Ridge Landfill; T2R8, Maine. Sound level analysis of proposed special waste landfill. Included an analysis of noise from landfill operations and access road traffic. Results presented to the Facility Siting Board and at a public hearings of the Board of Environmental Protection and LURC.

Town of Waterford, Maine. Technical consultations and public presentations regarding the physics of sound and issues related to the control of noise by local regulation.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline/Earth Tech; Lexington, MA. Sound level study of proposed and final compressor station sites and additional monitoring for compliance and startup tests.

Bath Iron Works/Clark Builders of Maine/Woodard & Curran: Bath, Maine. Sound level study of pre-construction and construction sound levels at site of a Land Level Transfer Facility; assistance in obtaining necessary permits to continue with construction; assistance in maintaining construction related sound levels within compliance standards during all nighttime construction.

Westbrook Power, LLC ; Westbrook, Maine. Sound level study of existing sound levels and assistance in development of a model to predict future sound levels for proposed natural gas power plant; preparation of a draft report for submittal with state and local permit applications.

ATC; Portland, Maine. Sound level study and further ordinance analysis for communications tower site in Wells, Maine; sound level study and assistance with planning board meeting for proposed telecommunications facility in Amherst, New Hampshire.

ATC/Nashua Police Department; Nashua, New Hampshire. Sound level study for proposed emergency telecommunications facility in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Mead Publishing Paper Division; Rumford, Maine. Sound level study for a proposed chipping facility; noise mitigation measures; assistance with planning board meeting.

Mead Publishing Paper Division/Town of Mexico; Rumford, Maine. Sound level study and noise mitigation design for proposed chip plant in Mexico, Maine.

Mead Publishing Paper Division/West Paris; Rumford, Maine. Sound level study of proposed wood chip plant; also included review and critique of construction plans for potential pre-construction changes that would reduce sound levels.

Etheridge Foundry; Portland, Maine. Sound level study and noise mitigation.

Kennebec Lumber Company; Solon, Maine. Sound level study and noise mitigation/barrier design for proposed chip plant and sawmill.

Squaw Bay Corporation/Seven Islands Sawmill; Portage, Maine. Sound level study and noise mitigation for a proposed chip plant.

Salvation Army/David R. Ordway & Associates, P.A.; Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Sound level study of the Salvation Army’s amphitheater/pavilion; expert witness testimony.

Masonite Corporation; Lisbon Falls, Maine. Sound level study of a sawmill including reverberation testing.

Maine Rubber International; Westbrook, Maine. Sound level studies of proposed facility sites in Portland, Maine and in Gorham, Maine; provided site-specific noise mitigation recommendations.

J.G. Vamvakias; Falmouth, Maine. Sound level study of The Villas at the Woodlands including traffic analysis.

Wal-Mart; Ticonderoga, New York. Sound level study to demonstrate compliance of a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Wal-Mart; Shelton, Connecticut. Sound level study to demonstrate compliance of a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Eastern Maine Technical College; Bangor, Maine. Sound level study to determine the impact of DOT proposed highway interchange between Interstate 95 and Stillwater Avenue on Rangely Hall; included traffic noise modeling and analysis.

Sprowl Brothers; Searsmont, Maine. Sound level study including reverberation testing and noise mitigation recommendations.

Bill Browne; Fort Kent, Maine. Sound level study of a proposed rifle range; included assistance at planning board meeting resulting in an approval.

International Paper; Livermore Falls, Maine. Sound level study for proposed expansion of a Farmington Woodyard; included recommendations, for the current site and the proposed expansion, to minimize impact on noise sensitive areas and assistance at planning board meeting.

Irving Forest Products; Dixfield, Maine. Sound level study for a sawmill; included monitoring at DEP Site Location Order compliance points and consultations with the DEP.

Perrier/Poland Spring Bottling Company; Poland Spring, Maine. Sound level study for a new bottling plant opening in Hollis, Maine; included obtaining measurements at a fully operational Poland Spring bottling plant to project sound levels for proposed equipment in Hollis, Maine plant.

City of South Portland; South Portland, Maine. Assisted local Planning Committee in drafting a Noise Ordinance for the City of South Portland. During this project RSE conducted relevant workshops and meetings for Planning Committee members, provided advice based on 25 years experience reviewing and interpreting numerous local Noise Ordinances, took spot measurements around the city and provided a model ordinance to serve as a starting point for the Planning Committee.

City of Lewiston; Lewiston, Maine. Sound level analysis to determine whether a local restaurant/bar was in compliance with the City of Lewiston’s noise standard. This project involved analyzing sound level measurements of a live band and comparing that to the allowable noise level set by the City of Lewiston.

Pleasant River Lumber; Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. Sound level study of saw mill; included submitting a Compliance Order to operate a slasher in a newly expanded area.

Waste Management Disposal Services of Maine; Norridgewock, Maine. Performed OSHA required Hearing Conservation Program tests to determine employee noise exposure data. Working with a Certified Industrial Hygienist, RSE monitored employee exposure to workplace noise levels and presented the results as well as recommendations for updating WMDS’ current Hearing Conservation Program.

Waste Management Disposal Services of Maine; Norridgewock, Maine. Sound level analysis for a landfill expansion. RSE performed a sound level analysis to assist WMDS in demonstrating DEP compliance. In addition to monitoring existing levels, RSE measured operating sound levels of equipment and estimated future sound levels at key receiver positions.

Brickyard Kennels; North Yarmouth, Maine. Sound level study of a dog kennel in Yarmouth, Maine. RSE measured sound levels in the kennel and at neighboring properties to develop a noise mitigation plan. This plan was presented to the town at a public meeting. Recommendations in RSE’s noise mitigation plan resolved sound issues and satisfied the town officials, the kennel owner and the owners of the neighboring properties.

Maietta Construction; South Portland, Maine. Performed OSHA required Hearing Conservation Program tests to determine employee noise exposure data. Working with a Certified Industrial Hygienist, RSE monitored employee exposure to workplace noise levels and presented the results as well as recommendations for updating Maietta Construction’s current Hearing Conservation Program.

Spring Hill Suites/PROCON; Manchester, New Hampshire. Performed a sound level analysis to determine pre-construction sound levels for to assist architects in the design process. The proposed site was less than one mile from Manchester Airport.

EM Solutions; Gray, Maine. Sound level analysis of a proposed manufacturing facility; included modeling data collected at an existing facility to project future sound levels at the proposed site and recommending pre-construction noise mitigation techniques related to the layout and location of the proposed facility.

Gorrill Palmer/Town of Yarmouth; Yarmouth, Maine. Traffic noise analysis of proposed access road to local high school. Measured existing sound levels, estimated future sound levels with access road and used Cadna/A modeling software to predict the effect of noise control measures (berms and barriers) on future sound levels.

C.B.J. Properties; Naples, Maine. Sound level analysis of proposed Riverside Speedway. Included measuring ambient data at site of proposed Go-Kart track, reviewing local ordinances, predicting future noise sources and levels during operation, and recommending noise control measures. Final analysis was presented to the Naples Planning Board.

Carol Adams/Lipman & Katz; Dresden, Maine. Preliminary analyses of Motocross Race Track; structure of noise study; peer review of work by others; Cadna/A modeling; presentation at planning Board; prepared attorney for court.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline/Earth Tech; Lexington, MA. Sound level study of proposed and final compressor station sites and additional monitoring for compliance and startup tests.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Natural Gas Transmission Facilities; Maine and Massachusetts. Sound level analysis of compressor stations and other facilities associated with an underground pipeline that delivers natural gas to New England from the Sable Offshore Energy Project approximately 100 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia. Services included monitoring ambient sound levels, diagnostic sound level measurements at compressor and meter stations and horizontal directional drilling sites, development of noise mitigation plans, estimating sound levels of proposed facilities, providing testimony at state and local hearings on the project and compliance testing in accordance with federal, state and local noise standards.