Noise Abatement at FMC Hollister Site
Abstract
FMC Corporation conducts extensive outdoor explosives testing at a test site near Hollister, California. There are two, well-separated firing areas on the site, plus a number of explosives storage magazines. Maximum amount of high explosive detonated in any test is about 25 pounds. The nearest property line to a test arena is 1,440 feet, while the nearest inhabited building is the site owner's ranch house, about 3,300 feet NNE of one test arena. However, new housing construction is taking place closer to the site and the problem of noise disturbances is increasing. FMC would like to preserve good community relations. Thus, a feasibility study for noise mitigation at the site was conducted. This paper gives a review of the site visit and presents a number of options for noise abatement and control including use of suppressive shields, complete containment, variation on munition test structures, aqueous foam, computer-based meteorological focusing predictions and portable sound level measuring systems. It evaluates the options, gives approximate costs, and confidence levels of each option, and gives our conclusions and recommendations. It also includes pertinent references.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA527411
Entities
People
- Kathy H. Spivey
- Wilfred E. Baker