Game-day announcements at Heinz Field could be
drowned out by passing planes or traffic under a proposed noise ordinance. Pittsburgh City Council will cast preliminary votes on that matter during the week of Oct. 21.
The city council hired sound consultant Steve Roth to study what
the noise ordinance would sound like. He measured sound throughout
the city during special events and quiet times.
Roth found the ordinance, which would apply to residential
areas, would quiet ballparks, stadiums and amphitheaters.
"No doubt, some of the people making noise now will have to
rethink their noise levels," Roth said. "It's very possible they
will have to reduce the noise levels."
Now, noise is limited to 68 decibels between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
in residential areas. The ordinance would restrict noise to 65
decibels during the day and 60 at night.
Some venues -- such as Heinz Field and IC Light Amphitheater -- get
special permits to use amplified noise. Under the ordinance, noise
would be restricted to 75 decibels there.
Crowd noise would be exempt from the ordinance.
City Councilman Alan Hertberg proposed the noise ordinance in
2000 after residents started complaining about the noise from
outdoor concerts.
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published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
