Navigating Noise Pollution

By Rae Goldman, INCE, Sr. Noise Control & Acoustics Specialist, and Andrew Schad, INCE Bd. Cert., Noise Control & Acoustics Engineer 

The world is a noisy place. As the need continues for more energy, homes, and other infrastructure, the potential for noise pollution and other noise-related issues increases. That’s where acoustical engineering comes in – assisting across the planning, construction, and operating phases to provide a path for new infrastructure and surrounding communities to live in harmony. 

Noise Control Engineering & Acoustical Consulting 

Noise can be a complex issue at any stage of project development. From determining land use compatibility at project onset to thoughtfully planning noise reduction tactics for existing infrastructure, our team incorporates noise control as an integral part of the project development process. We work to consider not only regulatory limits, but also the varied individual perceptions of noise, client goals, and industry best practices. This allows our team to provide clients with defensible acoustical analyses for a wide range of noise issues over the entire life span of their project. Our in-house Noise Control & Acoustics team is made up of skilled acoustical consultants, Rae Goldman, INCE, Noise Control & Acoustics Specialist, and Andrew Schad, INCE Bd. Cert., Noise Control Engineer who are ready to explore all aspects of noise on your next project. 

Westwood's Noise Control & Acoustics Team

Our Noise Control & Acoustics team works closely with clients to provide guidance on noise-related issues in the built environment at all phases of the design process, from site selection to post-construction. They have experience across a diverse range of sectors nationwide, conducting noise impact assessments to support the siting and permitting processes for projects in renewable energy, power delivery, transportation, mixed-use development, and industrial installations. Our team prioritizes consideration of project-specific needs and industry best practices to provide practical design solutions that ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines for noise. 

Our team believes clear and consistent communication is the foundation of project success and prides itself on delivering concise, organized technical narratives to help our clients make informed decisions and ensure project success. Our team is uniquely qualified in public outreach, strategic communication, and relationship building, and presented their work, Effective communication in high opposition project environments, at the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE) national conference, NOISE-CON, in 2023.  

Project Sectors & Experience

Renewable Energy

Our team has conducted noise impact assessments for renewable energy projects in 20+ states, including utility-scale solar, community solar, wind, and energy storage (BESS). Our Noise Control & Acoustics team uses its vast knowledge of 3D noise modeling to predict how noise will propagate from a proposed project and determine potential community impacts and regulatory compliance. 

We are an industry leader in energy storage mitigation design and often work closely with project engineers to develop mitigation measures integrating multidisciplinary design criteria. Our team is experienced in multiple avenues of mitigation, from noise barrier design to equipment silencer criteria and testing to site-specific grading adjustments. 

Power Delivery

In addition to renewable energy, our team is experienced in power delivery and distribution projects, analyzing noise impacts from substations and transmission lines across the country. 

Commercial 

Working closely with developers, our team assesses potential noise issues from data centers, production facilities, and industrial installations. Our team works to design effective mitigation strategies to protect residents in nearby communities. 

Residential

Our team has worked with single family, multi-family, and mixed-use residential developers to ensure regulatory compliance and resident satisfaction. This work has included building façade and partition construction analysis, HVAC noise assessment, and HUD studies. 

Transportation

Our team’s experience continues into transportation projects of all types, in multiple states, including highway (DOT), rail, and aviation. Our team is extremely knowledgeable regarding Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) noise guidelines and regulations, including highway noise modeling and mitigation design.  

Government

We pride ourselves on our experience with regulatory review at all levels (local planning commissions, state boards, and federal). We combine our strong practical knowledge of regulations in multiple jurisdictions with our ability to interpret defined noise level limits and associated measurement or modeling protocol accurately. We work with both developers and regulators to determine the correct understanding of applicable regulations and ensure project compliance. Additionally, our team provides public agency support and peer review when needed.   

Our Noise Control & Acoustics team is skilled in providing expert testimony and public meeting support, prioritizing clarity, integrity, and professionalism. 

Fieldwork

Our team is experienced in coordinating and performing fieldwork to conduct noise monitoring, both long-term and short-term deployments. This includes pre-construction ambient noise monitoring, post-construction compliance monitoring, and construction noise monitoring. Our team has completed field efforts in 18 states and counting. 

Is your project making too much noise?

At Westwood, our Noise Control & Acoustics team provides comprehensive solutions tailored to each project’s unique needs, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering community harmony. If you anticipate noise-related challenges in your project, contact our team. We are ready to help you navigate the complexities of noise control. 

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About the Authors 

Rae Goldman, Sr. Noise Control & Acoustics Specialist, INCE 

Rae is an acoustician with experience in varied project sectors across the contiguous US as well as internationally located projects in Asia, South America, and Australia. Her experience in environmental acoustics includes work pertaining to renewable energy, power delivery, mechanical/electrical systems, transportation, and regulatory analysis. Additional areas of expertise include architectural acoustic design (residential, educational, and corporate), vibration isolation, and LEED/WELL certification. Rae is skilled in multiple noise modeling programs including CadnaA, windPRO, CATT-Acoustic, and INSUL. In concert with her technical prowess, she prioritizes fostering strong relationships with both clients and regulators by embracing clear communication and planning.  

Andrew Schad, Noise Control & Acoustics Engineer, INCE Bd. Cert. 

Andrew is an acoustical engineer specializing in noise control, with experience in environmental, renewable energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects. He has worked on projects in the energy sector in over 22 US states, including wind, solar, BESS, and transmission lines. Additionally, Andrew is experienced in working with developers and regulators at all stages of project development to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines for noise. He has experience with multiple noise modeling programs, including CadnaA, TNM 2.5, TNM 3.1, INSUL, and FAA AEM. Andrew plays an active role in providing noise analysis and regulatory review that is accurate, practical, and meets Westwood’s high standard of quality.