Noise represents one of the most prominent and contentious environmental issues associated with aviation, launch vehicle, and military training operations. Although other sources of noise are present in today's communities, these noises are unique and readily identifiable. Assessing these unique noises requires a general understanding of how noise is generated and propagated, how the noise affects people and the natural environment, and how it is modelled and assessed.

Featured Projects

Featured
Sonic Boom Impact Analysis at Fort Jefferson
Sonic Boom Impact Analysis at Fort Jefferson

BRRC analyzed the potential for damage from sonic boom impacts to Fort Jefferson at Dry Tortuga National Park. Sonic booms are generated by normal training activities within the Key West Range Complex. The assessment involved modeling the current range of sonic booms impacting the area from training operations, measuring the structural response of Fort Jefferson (in coordination with Applied Physical Sciences), and evaluating operational variations that may help to reduce the sonic boom impacts. 

OLF Noise Simulation

BRRC provided noise measurement and modeling to support efforts on the EIS for the construction and operation of an Outlying Landing Field on the US East Coast. BRRC characterized ambient soundscapes, developed DNL contours and conducted supplemental noise modeling for each proposed site, developed NMSim presentations for internal and public demonstrations, and documented the noise modeling methods and results in a technical noise report. BRRC also assisted in writing the Draft and Final EIS, and participated in public meetings.

NASA Wallops Flight Facility Site Wide Programmatic EIS
NASA Wallops Flight Facility Site Wide Programmatic EIS

BRRC completed an analysis of the noise from firings of various rocket systems at the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). This analysis included long-term soundscape monitoring, a traffic noise study, and an assessment of the noise generated from rocket launches. BRRC’s analysis evaluated the potential impacts from rocket launches and demonstrated the contributions of traffic, weather, insects, and human activity on the existing soundscape. 

EA for the Transition of E-2C Hawkeye to E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
EA for the Transition of E-2C Hawkeye to E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

BRRC conducted noise modeling for the transition of the E-2C Hawkeye to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Naval Station Norfolk, VA (Chambers Field) and Naval Base Ventura County, CA (Pt. Mugu). BRRC reviewed and verified the operational data, and documented the noise impact analysis of these proposed E-2D operations in a technical report. In addition, BRRC assisted in the development of the acoustical sections of the Environmental Assessment (EA).

EIS for Proposed White Elk MOA Extension and Supersonic Airspace
EIS for Proposed White Elk MOA Extension and Supersonic Airspace

BRRC conducted noise and sonic boom modeling for proposed flight training operations in the proposed extension of White Elk Military Operating Area (MOA) in UT and NV. This analysis involved a review and verification of the operational data for the current and proposed training operations. BRRC documented the analysis in a technical note and assisted in the writing of the noise and sonic boom impact section of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Descriptions for SUAs & MTRs at Townsend Bombing Range
Descriptions for SUAs & MTRs at Townsend Bombing Range

BRRC developed operational descriptions for Special Use Airspace (SUA) and Military Training Routes (MTR) above and surrounding TBR, and BRRC analyzed aircraft and aerial weaponry noise for a range of potential operational scenarios. This analysis supported the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed modernization and expansion of TBR. The aircraft noise modeled included operations within the entire Coastal MOA complex that surrounds TBR.