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Title: Environmental overview of geothermal development: the Geysers-Calistoga KGRA. Volume 3. Noise

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6562699· OSTI ID:6562699

Noise from geothermal resource development at The Geysers-Calistoga Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) will cause community annoyance unless noise-level standards are set and adhered to. Venting of steam is the loudest source of noise and can reach 100 to 125 dBA at 20 to 100 ft; most of the other noise sources fall below 100 dBA and are those usually associated with construction and industrial projects. Enough data exist for assessment and decision making, but it is scattered and must be compiled. In addition, communities must decide on their criteria for noise levels. Residential areas in the Geysers-Calistoga KGRA will require more stringent controls on noise than will the open space of which KGRA is primarily composed. Existing tecnnology can reduce noise levels somewhat, but more effective silencing devices are needed, particularly on steam venting systems.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
6562699
Report Number(s):
UCRL-52496
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English