Local governmental strategies for noise control.

Since the demise of the EPA Noise Control Program in 1982, local and state noise programs have had a difficult time developing the expertise to control noise. In California, state and local support for community noise control programs have been reduced while the public demand for noise control has increased. In an effort to provide support to cities that need to develop noise control programs several acoustical consultants and local governmental noise officials have sponsored statewide training programs. Local noise control training is required if local government is to have an effective and enforceable noise control program. Furthermore, local noise ordinances must be easily understood, use a simplified monitoring metric such as a Leq standard, and use equipment which can be properly operated by staff.