Noise Pollution from Highway Systems
Hear about the disruptive noise pollution from the perspective of Todd and Cindy Brown. These long-time South Omaha residents live less than 65 yards from Interstate 480 and the I-480 Interchange in Omaha, NE.
Written & Edited by Mary Mitzlaff | Voiced by Pablo Perez
Transcript
Reporter:
Noise pollution from highway systems is a pressing issue in historically redlined communities in Omaha, Nebraska. A study published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution, found that neighborhoods with a history of redlining have noise levels up to 17% higher than non-redlined areas in the U.S.
According to the World Health Organization, the normal decibel level for a home in a rural or quiet urban neighborhood can be as low as 30 decibels during the day. For residents living within 50-100 feet from major highways, noise levels within their homes can climb as high as 90 decibels during peak times.
Todd and Cindy Brown, are long-time South Omaha residents living less than 65 yards from Interstate 480 and the I-480 interchange in Omaha, Nebraska. Todd says living so close to one of the busiest highway systems in the United States, disrupts his family’s daily life.
Todd Brown:
“Well you definitely can't, like, open the windows whenever you want, because it's just going to be too loud.”
Reporter:
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, studies have shown direct links between noise and health, indicating that living near an area with noise pollution can lead to stress related illnesses, including high blood pressure, disrupted sleep, hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, and speech interference.
Cindy Brown says the noise from the interstate has certainly added stress and worry to her daily life.
Cindy Brown:
“When it sounds like gunfire, which Todd always says that cars are backfiring but it sounds to me like a gun is being fired you know like shooting. It just makes me nervous, is that what it could be? It's scary. Everyday pretty much we hear that.”
Reporter:
Communities in North and South Omaha have historically experienced higher levels of environmental stressors like noise pollution. The Nebraska Department of Transportation is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of highways, including implementing noise mitigation measures such as sound barriers.
Radio Script
