New York City residents can download the NYC Noise app, a free application released by the New York Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on 24/11. The app aims to address the persistent nuisance of noise pollution in the city.
"Noise is one of the most common quality-of-life issues in New York City," stated DEP head Rohit Aggarwala. "This new tool helps us better understand where and when noise occurs."
The application allows users to record sound levels for 5 seconds, then declare the time, location, and noise category, such as loud music, alarms, construction sites, animal sounds, car horns, or powerful fans.
Noise from construction sites can reach 110 decibels, comparable to a jet taking off. Loud music from speakers can also reach 110-120 decibels. In contrast, New York City's noise control law limits sound entering residences to no more than 42 decibels.
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Jacob Ford, an East Village resident in New York, expressed annoyance with a nearby construction site in 2023. Photo: NY Post |
Jacob Ford, an East Village resident in New York, expressed annoyance with a nearby construction site in 2023. Photo: NY Post
The data collected will be compiled into a city-wide noise map. This will help officials identify noise pollution hotspots based on time, day of the week, season, and common noise types. Measurement results will be displayed on the map, showing maximum and average sound levels, along with user notes.
Officials will combine data from NYC Noise with the city's "noise cameras" to maintain monitoring and enforcement of sound pollution. The camera system has helped the New York administration collect over 1,7 million USD in fines in recent years.
In 2024 alone, New York City received over 700,000 noise complaints via its hotline, representing the highest proportion of all complaint types. DEP reported over 20,000 complaints related to construction noise outside regulated hours.
Since October, DEP has required large construction projects to install additional noise meters if they operate outside regular business hours, especially at sites near residential areas. Emergency projects and 100% affordable housing developments are exempt from this requirement.
Thanh Danh (According to NY Post)
