DoD Noise Management
DoD strives to be a good neighbor by understanding concerns about noise and disclosing information about noise exposure to surrounding communities. DoD minimizes noise impacts where possible. While noise impacts can be minimized through noise reduction or abatement methods, DoD also uses land use planning solutions for noise management. Different management tools and strategies DoD uses to manage noise include:
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- Operational Strategies: National security depends on realistic military training and testing capability. Warfighters need the ability to train as they fight, which necessitates round the clock activities with real weapon systems. To mitigate the effects of DoD noise on surrounding communities whenever possible, DoD maximizes the use of “quiet” training and testing techniques (e.g., computer simulations, blank rounds, raised flight altitudes), develops plans that avoid noise-sensitive areas, and places limits on the occurrence of noise-producing operations. In addition, DoD limits night activities to those that are essential for effective training and testing.
- Land Use Strategies: DoD supports compatible land uses near military installations, ranges, and training areas. DoD and each of the Military Services have created policies enabling DoD to work directly with local governments on comprehensive planning efforts to ensure surrounding development is compatible with operational requirements. Local governments and communities are working with DoD to protect the public and the military mission by creating buffers between installations and noise-sensitive communities. These buffers create areas between DoD controlled lands and noise-sensitive communities that are zoned for compatible use, such as agriculture, forestry, or for certain recreational activities. DoD also limits future incompatible land uses by securing easements that benefit land and wildlife conservation efforts through partnerships with other federal agencies, states, communities, and conservation organizations. These buffers and conservation projects have been very effective at mitigating community annoyance levels.
More information on operational noise mitigation efforts can be found in DoD’s Noise Primer and on the Resources page.
Are you regularly exposed to noise as part of your active duty? Visit the Defense Health Agency’s website for more information on Hearing Conservation and Readiness, or learn about DHA’s Hearing Center of Excellence.