Noise control to solve the problem of neighbor’s complaints to our company

Compliance with the noise emission standards set by the Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente (SMA) is clear for companies that generate environmental noise. By law, this gives the affected neighbors the right to complain about the situation. If your company suffers from these complaints, we can tell you how to proceed with noise control.

Environmental acoustics problems in your business

Complaints from neighbors about problems related to noise control may be rooted in a lack of knowledge of the regulations or failures in the acoustic engineering of their facilities. In order to verify your situation, you require a detailed diagnosis that will allow you to resolve the situation and comply with the established statute.

As a basic guide to the limits established for environmental acoustics, there is a table indicating the values, which can be summarized as follows:

• Zone 1. Located within the urban boundaries and for residential use. Decibels from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. should be 55 and between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. should be 45.
• Zone 2. Also within the confines of the city, with public space and permission for equipment. The dB should not exceed 60 (7 to 21) or 45 (21 to 7).
• Zone 3. Located on the edge of the urban area, with green spaces, license for equipment at any scale and infrastructure or productive activities. From 7 to 21, the tolerable decibels are 65 and from 21 to 7 they are reduced to 50.
• Zone 4. Within the urban perimeter and exclusively for productive or infrastructure activities. During daytime (7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and nighttime (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.) the dB should not exceed 70.

Noise control to solve your situation

When you are not sure what the fundamental problem is for which you are receiving complaints from neighbors and residents, you need to evaluate your options. In order to implement the corresponding measures before the intervention of the SMA, it has several alternatives. In areas such as Concepción, Osorno, Puerto Montt, Punta Arenas and Coyhaique there are specialists to help you.

By making use of modern technologies supported by state-of-the-art equipment, you can avoid possible penalties for occupational noise, disturbance of environmental acoustics and other types of noise pollution. Our main recommendation is that you take advantage of professional evaluations, such as:

• Noise maps. Using state-of-the-art software, you get a detailed mapping of the fronts and sources causing the acoustic disturbance.

• Vibration and noise measurement. Based on national and international standards, this service makes it easy for you to find the causes of sounds that exceed regulations.

• Environmental acoustics. To verify compliance, your company should seek the advice of environmental acoustics experts to conduct comprehensive assessments of problems in your environment.

Relying on these resources, you have the tools to solve neighborhood complaints and prevent an inspection by the SMA. Remember that in the event that your business implements corrective measures and complaints still persist, you could face possible sanctions or even the stoppage of your work activities.