Idaho Milk Products
Location: Jerome, Idaho
Owner/Operator: Idaho Milk Products
Owned by local Idaho dairy farmers, Idaho Milk Products is a global leader in milk proteins and sustainable milk processing. Idaho Milk Products retained HGC to investigate noise complaints raised by residents living nearby the company’s Jerome, Idaho plant. The residents had concerns about elevated sound levels emanating from an unidentified noise source. Based on discussions with these residents, the noise was described as “mid-frequency” and were occurring intermittently throughout the day and night during random hours and the issue had been ongoing for some time. The Idaho Milk facility is the nearest industrial facility to these residences.
Noise Complaint Investigation
The purpose of the noise investigation was to determine the nature of the offending sound and, if possible, identify if the source of the noise originated from somewhere within the Idaho Milk Products’ facility.
Acoustical Measurements of the Facility
Detailed acoustical measurements were conducted at the facility by HGC to create an inventory of noise producing equipment. Automated, unattended sound level monitoring was conducted for approximately two weeks, recording sound levels on a continuous basis throughout the investigation period. Additional measurements were conducted at the facility, capturing both the overall, facility-total sound levels at the property line, and the near-field sound levels of acoustically dominant noise sources on the rooftops. A predictive acoustic computer model was developed to support the investigation.
Noise Investigation Findings
The results of the acoustical investigation indicated that, although sound from rooftop equipment at the Idaho Milk Plant is at times audible at dwellings located at the concerned residences when background sound levels are low, the Idaho Milk facility was not the source of the offending noise described by the residents.
Acoustical Consulting Service Solutions Delivered:
- Noise complaint investigation
- Attended sound level measurements around the facility
- Attended sound level measurements at a representative residential dwelling
- Development of a predictive acoustic computer model
