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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20251243.tiffMay 6, 2025 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH Si ENVRIONMENT (970) 400-6410 1555 North 17th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631 Holden Kleinman 2410 35th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80634 RE: Noise Pollution to Local Wildlife Mr. Kleinman, I appreciate you reaching out with suggestions related to noise and wildlife. Noise standards are set in state statute (CRS 25-12-103) along with our county code (they minor each other). Note that noise is enforced by the county in unincorporated areas and not within municipalities. Most of the general construction (homes) that you see are in municipalities rather than in the unincorporated areas. In addition, certain activities such as noise from aircraft, are specifically exempted from noise standards. The current noise standard for our commercial/residential areas within the county are 55 dB (A) during the day and 50 at night. This is equivalent to a regular conversation with another person. In industrial areas, the level is 80dB (A) during the day with 75 at night. Around a level of a noisy restaurant. Although industrial areas are approved to be louder, the county has specific zones where that activity is allowed to occur, to help lessen the impact to surrounding areas. Our Department of Public Health and Environment investigates noise complaints within the unincorporated portions of the county if you have specific area where you think noise might be exceeding the current standard. We are also happy to get you in touch with our counterparts within the municipalities that would have greater impact on some of the concerns that you brought up, especially around housing. Sincerely, Dan Joseph Environmental Health Director Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment Desk: 970-400-2206 1555 North 17. Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631 Co►AMvn;ca1/4-F;anS °5/12/25 2025-1243 Holden Kleinman 2401 35th Avenue Greeley, CO 80634 April 23rd, 2025 Weld County Department of Public Health & Environment Attn: Commissioner Scott James PO Box 758 Greeley, CO 80632 Dear Mr. Scott James, RECEIVED MAY 0 5 2025 WELD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I am writing to urge the Department of Public Health & Environment to take more decisive action and raise public awareness about the growing threat of noise pollution to local wildlife. As towns like Greeley expand rapidly, noise pollution becomes a serious ecological issue. Weld County has taken positive steps to manage environmental noise. However, new housing, commercial developments, and increased air traffic near the Greeley -Weld County Airport have introduced harmful noise levels --over 90 dBA, according to a 2020 National Transportation Map. Just 10 minutes of exposure at this level can harm people and wildlife. To reduce these effects, I recommend measures such as: • Construction curfews during breeding and migration seasons • Buffer zones around sensitive habitats • Quieter equipment and sound -dampening barriers like dense shrubs or trees • Public education campaigns and clear developer guidelines Protecting wildlife from noise pollution is essential to maintaining ecosystem health. Wildlife supports agriculture through pollination, pest control, and seed dispersal, which is especially important in agricultural communities like Greeley. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. Please consider adopting these measures in future county planning guidelines, and would welcome an opportunity to discuss this further or provide supporting resources. I would appreciate a response from you by May 7th, 2025, I would really appreciate this! Best Regards, Holden Kleinman Hello