Noise pollution isn't just annoying, it can have real impacts on our mental and physical health. The EPA has called EPA noise pollution “a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation’s population.” Exposure to loud and noisy environments long-term can worsen or lead to:
Hearing issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypersensitivity to sound
Cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep disturbances
Stress
Mental health and cognition problems, including memory impairment and attention deficits
Childhood learning delays and low birth weight.
Noise pollution also has connections to climate change. Many industry actors contributing to negative climate impacts generate excessive noise. Urban development and deforestation get rid of natural carbon sinks while also removing natural sound buffers.
Developers/construction crews must comply to the city noise ordinance.
An unreasonable level of noise is:
anything louder than 50 decibels from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
OR
anything louder than 70 decibels at any time, except for permitted construction.
Construction is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays.
CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NOISH) developed a Sound Level Meter (SLM) app which measures noise to determine if people are exposed to hazardous noise levels. The free app combines the best features of professional sound levels meters and noise dosimeters into one simple tool.
You can download the app here.
Please note that the app is currently available for Apple IOS.
During construction hours, please contact Inspectional Services:
Phone: 617-466-4130
Roadwork is permitted by the Transportation Department and the Public Works Department. Please note that some roadwork may be permitted to occur at nighttime for emergency purposes. For complaints about roadwork construction:
For utility roadwork, contact Public Works at 617-466-4200.
For concerns about noise related to HVAC systems, you make a report by call Chelsea 311 or contact the Chelsea Board of Health at 617-466-4090.
If you do not see your issue listed above, please check the City of Chelsea Board of Health at 617-466-4090.