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Topics covered in the course include: fundamentals of sound; operation of sound level meters; sound measurement calculations; sound measurement reporting; performance and nuisance codes; model noise codes; development of a prima facie court case; courtroom tactics; management of agitated complainants; octave band analysis; highway noise barriers; physiology of hearing and hearing loss; the physiological, biochemical and psychological impacts of noise, etc. An optional section on occupational noise may be requested.

The course includes hands-on experience with several simulated enforcement actions. A written and practical exam insure the student`s preparedness to take legally valid noise measurements.

It is our goal to make sure that every one of our students is comfortable with the technology, techniques and strategies of sound level measurement for enforcement purposes.

Certification Course

The Community Noise Enforcement Certification course, as taught at Rutgers University, is geared towards the state and local codes of New Jersey. While that is true, the basics of sound level measurement for enforcement purposes does not vary greatly from state-to-state, and many enforcement officers from outside of New Jersey have attended the course at Rutgers University. If your agency desires to train more than 3 or 4 officers, it is probably best to inquire about our on-site courses which can be customized to the codes in your jurisdiction.

DAY 1

The Fundamentals of Sound

Intensity
Units of Measurement and Reporting-
Sound Level Meter Calculations of Sound Pressure Levels
Range of Human Hearing

Frequency
Units of Measurement and Reporting
Range of Human Hearing
Most Annoying Frequencies
Relative Response to Frequencies, and Weighting Systems

Operation of Sound Level Meters
Field Calibration
Timing
Manufacturer`s Requirements

Proper Technique
Use of Meter
Acceptable Weather Conditions
Parameters for Valid Readings
Measuring and Recording
Field Exercise to Familiarize Students with Use of Sound Level Meter

Measurement of Neighborhood Residual Sound Levels

Neighborhood Residual vs. Extraneous Noise
Strategies for Measurement of Background in Various Situations

Noise Measurement Report Form
Line-by-Line Review of Proper Completion

DAY 2

The Mathematics of Sound Level Measurement

Determination of Optimal Measurement Time Intervals
Impact of Interval Choice on Final Calculated Levels

Calculation of Source Sound Level from Measured Total and Neighborhood Residual Sound Levels

Meter/Reader Tolerances

Field Exercise
Isolating Source Sound from Neighborhood Residual Sound

New Jersey Codes

State of New Jersey Noise Control Act of 1971. N.J.S.A. 13:1G-1 et. seq. Brief Overview

New Jersey Administrative Code - Title 7, Chapter 29, Subchapter 1 - Noise Control ("NJAC 7:29") -AND- NJAC 7:29 Subchapter 2 - Procedures for the Determination of Noise from Stationary Sources

Review of Definitions
Word-by-Word Review of Codes
Specific Notation of Reporting Requirements Generated by Codes
Areas of Potential Courtroom Challenge
Readoption with Amendments. New Jersey Register, June 19, 1995. Review Changes: Definitions, Exceptions, Enforcement

Model Ordinance for the State of New Jersey
Major Departures from NJAC 7:29

Enforcement
N.J.A.C. 7:29-1.6
Fines, injunctive relief, major vs. minor violations
Grace Period (CEHA agencies and their subcontractors.)
Performance Violation vs. Nuisance Violation
Talking to the Facility Manager - or- The Art of the Bluff, and the Satisfied Complainant

Consent Orders

NJDEP Guideline to Conduct a Noise Control Program for Municipalities and CEHA Agencies.

Enforcement Options
Performance Violation vs. Nuisance Violation
Fine vs. Consent Order
The Art of the Bluff

DAY 3

Review of Mathematics of Sound

Field Exercise

Development of a Solid Court Case (includes some review)

Meter/Calibrator
Reader Certification
Code Requirements
Procedure

Video Presentation
"Sound and Fury"

Physical and Psychological Impacts of Noise Exposure
Non-Auditory Impacts
Psychological Impacts
Strategies for Managing Agitated Complainants

Hearing, Hearing Loss
Physiology of Hearing
Mechanics of Hearing
Impacts of Noise Exposure
Hearing Loss
Conductive
Sensory-Neural
Practical Field Exam

Written Exam

Public Health Planner
Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS)
Law Enforcement