WSMR RANGE-WIDE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Table 3-56

1 Description of noise zones (land use)

=L
Percentage
Population
'
N9ise
Zone lzliehhtAntroxed Lqnlaieizhtedl L w

I Acceptable < 15 percent < 65 dB < 62 dB

11 Normally Unacceptable 15 to 39 percent 65 to 75 dB 62 to 70 dB
111 Unacceptable > 39 percent >75 dB > 70 dB

Source: U.S. Army 1990c.

Notes: Ldn = day-night average sound level

dB = decibel

The threshold for annoyance generally is considered to be greater than 50 L4,, (Schomer et a1.
1988). The U.S. Army, following the recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences
(1981), has dened in AR 200-1 three land use zones for noise (Table 3-56). The 45-Ldn
contour measurement (beyond WSMR airspace) falls within the acceptable "Noise Zone I"
(U.S. Army 1990c).

During large- and small-scale exercises, military helicopters operate in most areas of the
range airspace. The primary WSMR mission helicopter is the Huey UH-l that is used
throughout the range for operational, logistics, and administrative support. The UH-l general
ight prole, while supporting exercises, is at 152 m (500 ft) AGL producing an overight
SEL of 96.0 dBA. Military helicopters that participate in an exercise generally operate at or
below 61 m (200 ft) AGL and produce the following SEL noise levels; UH-lH (103.3 dBA),
UH-60 (97.4 dBA), HH-60 (93.0 dBA), CH47D (104.6 dBA), AH-64 (95.6 dBA), OH-58
(96.5 dBA), and UH-l (101.8 dBA) (U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency 1993). The
average SEL for the above helicopters is 98.6 dBA and is expected to be representative of all
helicopter exercise noise levels. Helicopter exercise tactics normally require a rapid approach
and departure phase with minimum ground times. This results in short exposure times to
SELs, minimizing potential helicopter noise impact.

Ordnance detonation and small arms ring is conducted on pre-established gunnery ranges
(Red Rio and Oscura), weapon impact targets (e.g., Denver WIT), and cleared weapon ring
areas (e.g., Richardson Ranch Training Complex). These areas are extremely remote,
averaging no less than 16 km (10 mi) from range boundaries or 8 km (5 mi) from range
personnel centers. Exercise ordnance detonations and small arms firing noise levels are
similar to other ongoing range operations and are not anticipated to change SELs currently
being experienced. Noise produced by ordnance or small arms would be short duration
(tenths of a second) but may occur on a daily basis (e.g., at Red Rio and Oscura Ranges).

3.12.1.7 Missile/Rocket Weapon Systems. The primary weapon systems under

development at WSMR are air-to-air, air-to-ground, ground-to-ground, and ground-to-air
missiles and rockets. Each system produces a noise source that may affect humans,
domestic animals, and wildlife. A representative air-to-air missile under testing at WSMR
is the U.S. Air Force AMRAAM. The supersonic AMRAAM is aircraft launched at 1,524 m
(5,000 ft) AGL or above, and follows a downward trajectory to target drone impact at

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