The Lake Tahoe Basin is admired for its beauty and tranquility.
Most of the tranquility is nestled in the forests and
mountains where views of the Lake either inspire thought
and relaxation or energy and invigoration to explore.
The Basin is a place visitors can come to get away from
the stresses of daily life, and tranquility is a key factor
of Lake Tahoe´s ability to create such an environment.
The murmur of breezes and songs of birds are sometimes
disrupted by excess noise. There are many sources of noise
pollution in the Basin that not only affect visitors but
also disturb residents and wildlife.
Five sources of noise pollution in the Lake Tahoe Basin
come from modes of transportation for either recreation
or every day use. The sources are off-road vehicles, snowmobiles,
motorboats, airplanes and vehicles. In the winter, vehicles
with tire chains enhance the noise generated by vehicles.
Also, traffic generates “noise corridors”
along highways. Other noise pollution sources include
stereo systems, construction activities, timber cutting,
disruptive human gatherings and barking domestic dogs.
Consequences of noise pollution include human health
effects and disturbance to wildlife in their natural habitats.
There is evidence that prolonged exposure of humans to
noise of 80 decibels or higher can cause hearing loss.
Also, noise can cause aggravation and result in elevated
stress and blood pressure levels, and interrupt sleep,
which can lead to fatigue and loss of productivity. Although
these studies relate to humans it is possible that wildlife
react to noise in many of the same ways. Wildlife can
experience hearing loss, habitat loss, stress and disrupted
sleep due to noise pollution; however, the level of noise
that causes disturbance can vary between humans and wildlife.
The goals for noise regulation in the Basin are to reduce
or eliminate activities that produce distressing or damaging
noise levels, and attempt to provide for community and
neighborhood tranquility. Environmental thresholds for
noise are difficult to calculate since individuals react
differently to noise sources. Noise is measured by decibels
that quantify acoustical energy, and regulated by determined
levels of disturbance. Duration is another factor in noise
regulation with short-term, loud bursts of noise energy
having a different impact than long-term, less energetic
noise.
Sources:
Draft
TRPA 2001 Threshold Evaluation Report - Noise
New South Wales
Environment Protection Authority
