Laserfiche WebLink
Minnesota Noise Pollution Statute and Rule <br />Minn. Stat. § 116.07 Powers and duties. <br />Subd. 2. Adoption of standards <br />The MPCA shall ... also adopt standards describing the maximum levels of noise in terms of sound pressure <br />level which may occur in the outdoor atmosphere, recognizing that due to variable factors no single standard of <br />sound pressure is applicable to all areas of the state. Such standards shall give due consideration to such factors <br />as the intensity of noises, the types of noises, the frequency with which noises recur, the time period for which <br />noises continue, the times of day during which noises occur, and such other factors as could affect the extent to <br />which noises may be injurious to human health or welfare, animal or plant life, or property, or could interfere <br />unreasonably with the enjoyment of life or property. <br />In adopting standards, the MPCA shall give due recognition to the fact that the quantity or characteristics of <br />noise or the duration of its presence in the outdoor atmosphere, which may cause noise pollution in one area of <br />the state, may cause less or not cause any noise pollution in another area of the state, and it shall take into <br />consideration in this connection such factors, including others which it may deem proper, as existing physical <br />conditions, zoning classifications, topography, meteorological conditions and the fact that a standard which <br />may be proper in an essentially residential area of the state, may not be proper as to a highly developed <br />industrial area of the state. Such noise standards shall be premised upon scientific knowledge as well as effects <br />based on technically substantiated criteria and commonly accepted practices. <br />No local governing unit shall set standards describing the maximum levels of sound pressure which are more <br />stringent than those set by the MPCA. <br />Subd. 2a. Exemptions from standards <br />No standards adopted by any state agency for limiting levels of noise in terms of sound pressure which may <br />occur in the outdoor atmosphere shall apply to: <br />A. segments of trunk highways constructed with federal interstate substitution money, provided that all <br />reasonably available noise mitigation measures are employed to abate noise, <br />B. an existing or newly constructed segment of a highway, provided that all reasonably <br />available noise mitigation measures, as approved by the commissioners of the Depaitiuent of <br />Transportation and MPCA, are employed to abate noise, <br />C. except for the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, an existing or newly constructed segment of a road, <br />street, or highway under the jurisdiction of a road authority of a town, statutory or home rule charter <br />city, or county, except for roadways for which full control of access has been acquired, <br />D. skeet, trap or shooting sports clubs, or <br />E. motor vehicle race events conducted at a facility specifically designed for that purpose that was in <br />operation on or before July 1, 1996. <br />Nothing herein shall prohibit a local unit of government or a public corporation with the power to make rules <br />for the government of its real property from regulating the location and operation of skeet, trap or shooting <br />sports clubs, or motor vehicle race events conducted at a facility specifically designed for that purpose that was <br />in operation on or before July 1, 1996. <br />A Guide to Noise Control in <br />Minnesota • October 2008 Minnesota Pollution Control Agency <br />14 <br />