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Environmental
Current dBA Levels by DEQ
Noise Pollution - the Moving Limit
Noise Pollution - the Moving Limit
Working with the local community on sound issues in the dunes, the Dunes Plan established an OHV noise emission goal of 95 decibels (dB) by 1997 and 90 by 1999.
The plan established a goal of no greater than 5% of all sampled OHVs would exceed noise standards by 1997. This goal has never been met.
At the time, new OHVs typically operated at 86 dB and OHV users were advocating for a limit of 95, so the decision was made to split the difference at 90.
After the plan was developed, it became obvious that it was going to be difficult to reach 90 in a five year period, so the Forest Supervisor negotiated and agreed to a working limit of 93 instead as the final limit.
The Dunes Plan standard still remains at 90, but the US Forest Service enforces 93 (with a 2 decibel leeway).
In March 2021, ODRMC met with Coos County Commissioners, Law Enforcement, US Forest Service, OHV vendors, and OHV enthusiasts to once and for all, standardize the decibel level at 97 for all vehicles, regardless of year, model or vehicle type. As of May 7, 2021, that ordinance is still outstanding.
Impact on Wildlife
Impact on Wildlife
On March 5, 1993 the western snowy plover was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As of June 19, 2012, the habitat along the California, Oregon, and Washington Coasts have been listed as critical. The Oregon Dunes is part of that habitat.
In October 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife listed the coastal population of Pacific marten as a threatened species as a result of habitat loss. There are four pockets of martens along the Pacific Coast in groups fewer than 100 across Oregon and California, with diminishing populations in the northern and southern ends of the mammal’s historical range.
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