AN American power provider has installed acoustic barriers around one of its largest electrical plants to cut down on noise pollution. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) serves around 144,000 customers across counties of southern Maryland.

It also owns a 77 megawatt combustion turbine, on a coastal spot a short distance from Hollywood in California. In recent years people living close to the plot have complained about excessive noise from the site, prompting the owners to look at ways to reduce the sound emissions.
And now, thanks to company Acoustical Services Inc, they have discovered Echo Barriers, a type of acoustic fencing which muffles noise.

Peter Wilson, Technical Director at Echo Barrier, said 350 of the barriers have now been installed around a large section of the electrical plant, which faces a residential neighbourhood. He said: “Acoustic barriers are ideal for protecting people from the disruption of noise which is having a devastating impact on the health of the population.” “The number of people suffering from noise-induced hearing damage - including hearing loss, hearing impairment and conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ear) – is on the rise.” “And on top of that tens of thousands are suffering other ill-effects of noise pollution, including stress, sleep disturbance and anxiety. ” “More life-threatening conditions such as coronary and cardiovascular disease or stroke have also been linked to exposure to excessive sound.”
Recent research of more than six million Americans over the age of 65 living around 89 US airports found that, on average, their risk of getting one of the more life-threatening medical conditions linked to noise pollution went up 3.5% for every extra 10 decibels of noise.

Mr Wilson said: “SMECO have been very sensible to listen to the complaints from local residents and do something proactive to reduce sound emissions.” Acoustical Surfaces, Inc are a partner and distributor of Echo Barrier in America and Canada.

For more information about echo barrier visit www.echobarrier.com