Noise control engineering

Noise is all around us. A growing and industrializing global population means our world is louder than ever. An increase in noise can result in consequences for our environment and create or exacerbate tensions between existing land uses and proposed projects.

What is Noise Control Engineering?

Noise control engineering deals with the growing issue of noise pollution by controlling the sound emitted by the source as well as the path it might take. It is often employed as part of the project development process.

Our acoustical engineering specialists work with our clients to help them evaluate noise exposure in all kinds of environments, whether it’s on the ground, in the air, in a building, or underwater. By modeling how sound propagates within and from project sites, we can also test various noise reduction methods to determine its impacts. That way, clients can understand which noise control solution will work best for them and make an informed decision.

The Impacts of Unwanted Sound

The modern world is filled with a symphony of sounds. Children playing in a playground, the wind blowing through the trees, birds chirping, outdoor music performances, construction sites, transportation infrastructure, and energy sources all comprise our soundscape. In many cases, sounds that are desirable to one group of people may be undesirable to others. Attendees of an outdoor performance may enjoy the music, but the nearby community members who are exposed to this music on a daily basis may find these sounds undesirable.

Why Noise Control Engineering is Essential

Quality listening environments and quiet spaces are becoming more difficult to find and create without thoughtful, well-planned developments, policies, and programs around noise reduction and vibration control. This is where RSG comes in.

RSG is the industry leader in delivering advanced noise control engineering services that help our clients gauge compatibility between projects and existing land uses. Using advanced monitoring systems and following applicable standards, we can quantify sound in any environment.

With noise data and advanced modeling methods, we can estimate how unwanted sound will propagate from proposed projects in the context of each unique land use and then use our findings to predict potential noise impacts.

Noise Control Engineering From RSG

At RSG, we work with both public- and private-sector clients to measure, analyze, and address the growing noise issue in our built environments. RSG approaches each noise control engineering project with the professionalism and careful diligence that is necessary to withstand legal challenges. Our staff are experts in their field and all our team leaders are Board Certified through the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. We have strong experience providing expert testimony in judicial and quasi-judicial settings—from state boards and environmental and land courts to local planning commissions.

Our acoustical consultants are unique in their ability to integrate relevant capabilities outside of traditional acoustical analysis. These capabilities include:

• Advanced statistical approaches.
• Digital communication tools.
• Survey research.
• Analytical modeling.

Our portfolio of research for federal and state governments sets us apart as leading industry experts in sound from renewable energy and transportation. We have expertise in noise measurement and analysis related to wind power, power transmission, energy storage, solar power generation, drones (UAS), transportation, mining and industry, institutions, underwater acoustics, and architectural acoustics.

Solar and Wind Power

Renewable energy and energy storage are reshaping how our world runs and how it sounds. Sounds from wind turbines, inverters, and substation equipment associated with solar and wind farms may generate sound levels that are uncharacteristic of the rural environments in which they are sited. RSG has worked on renewable energy projects to assess their noise impacts and identify future-focused engineering solutions.

Transportation

Transportation can connect people and places. But its sound can include motorized vehicles and the roads and highways that carry them. Sounds from these vehicles can travel great distances but are also affected by the presence of highway barriers and even meteorological conditions. RSG helps clients understand the complexity of these sounds and how they are affected by and affect the surrounding land uses.

Underwater Acoustics

Sources such as marine vessels and pile driving for the construction of wind turbines and bridges can generate underwater sound levels that impact marine life. RSG specializes in applying our expertise and acoustical tools to understand not just how sound propagates through this complex environment, but also how to reduce it.

Mining & Industry

Mining and other industrial processes typically involve the operation of large, high-power equipment such as rock crushers, hydraulic and pneumatic drills and hammers, burners, exhaust stacks and vents, construction and forestry equipment, and other industrial equipment that can cause noise impacts on surrounding areas. RSG works with developers of mining and industrial operations and the communities in which they are located to assess potential noise impacts over the life of a project, and we work to provide mitigation solutions to reduce noise and the likelihood of complaints.

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) Aircraft

UAS, or drones, are an increasingly cost-effective and simple solution for everything from delivering goods to surveying areas. However, the buzzing noise they emit can cause annoyance. Similarly, eVTOL aircraft require consideration of land-use planning when it comes to vertiports. At RSG, we can help municipalities and commercial drone operators avoid complaints by using our modeling framework to evaluate drone noise and mitigate potential concerns.

A quieter soundscape? RSG’s noise control engineering experts can help.

Don’t let noise hinder your project’s success. Work with RSG’s noise control engineering experts to understand and address potential noise impacts. Our team uses advanced monitoring systems and analytical modeling to determine the most effective noise reduction solutions for your project. We also have extensive experience in expert testimony. From renewable energy to transportation, underwater acoustics, mining, and industry, our acoustical consultants have the expertise needed to tackle noise-related issues.