To: Citizens concerned about excessive boat noise
From: Jim Simon
Subject:Update on the Boat Noise Issue
Last April when I asked for interested people to sign a petition urging the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to address the problem of excessive noise from “go fast” boats, I received 189 signed petitions within a matter of a few weeks! Clearly this is an important issue to many people who live and boat in the upper Chesapeake Bay. Thank you for signing a petition and circulating it to your family, friends and neighbors.
The petitions were sent to DNR, and the problem is now being studied by the Boating Services Division. It is now time to follow up!
At this time, written comments on this issue are being accepted by DNR. If excessive engine noise from boats is a problem for you, please use this opportunity to communicate your concerns and request that you want the Maryland DNR to control boat noise. Also, if you signed the boat noise petition in April 2008, please indicate that in your correspondence.
The information printed below is from the DNR website, www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/ under Proposed Boating Regulations SAE J 1970.
Feel free to forward electronically or copy and distribute this notice to other people who are interested in this issue.
NOTICE TO BOATERS
SAE J 1970
The Department of Natural Resources has received a petition requesting that sound measurement testing procedure SAE J 1970 be adopted as part of our regulations. SAE J 1970 is a test whereby the vessel must pass by the sound recording meter. Further, the petition requests that a maximum level of 75dB(a) be allowed at the shoreline when using this test method and that "engine muffler systems be in good working order and in constant use."
This action is being requested to lower noise levels at shoreline locations.
The Department is seeking comments on this requested regulatory addition. Interested parties are encouraged to provide comments. You may enter comments on our website at http://dnr.state.md.us/boating/regscomments.asp or send them directly to blunsford@dnr.state.md.us or they may be mailed to:
Bob Lunsford
Boat Act Advisory Committee
580 Taylor Ave E-4
Annapolis, MD 21401
Or to: Enter Your Comments Here
Additional boating information may be found at: www.dnr.state.md/boating/regs.