May 3, 2001
Albert Carnesale
Chancellor
University of California, Los Angeles
2147 Murphy Hall
Los Angeles, California 90095
Dear Chancellor Carnesale,
We are very concerned about the level of noise at UCLA
and its impact on the quality of life for students. We hope to
work with you to make UCLA a quieter campus.
There are numerous sources of unnecessary noise at UCLA.
We have compiled a list of noise violations in the attached
appendix, along with possible solutions. We have also enclosed
a petition about noise at UCLA signed by students, faculty,
and staff members.
Noise is a very significant problem in American life.
The Census Bureau reports that noise is Americans' top
neighborhood complaint. The Environmental Protection Agency
states that "noise can produce serious physical and
psychological stress." Excessive noise is associated with
hearing loss, increased blood pressure, low frustration
tolerance, sleep loss, lessened sexual activity, and decreased
learning.
We look forward to working with you and the entire UCLA
community to transform the UCLA campus into a peaceful, prolearning aural environment.
Shant Apekian
David Choi
Anita Matta
Rhonda Arastoozad Vartan Djhanian
Ted Rueter
Aren Balabanian
Josiane Henen
Kristin Sciarra
Charles Brown
Brock Houghton
Mike Torres
Ben Chadorchian
Elliot Lenz
Belen Torres-Gil
APPENDIX
Sources of Noise Pollution at UCLA
LANDSCAPING
1. Leaf blowers
Teams of Facilities Management personnel regularly attack
the campus with leaf blowers. These gas-powered machines make
an enormous amount of noise. Also, since January 1, 1998, they
have been illegal in Los Angeles.
Facilities Management personnel use masks and large ear
protectors while using leaf blowers. This is a clear
indication that the machines are much too loud.
In order for UCLA Facilities Management to both comply with
the law and create a quieter campus, we suggest that (1)
Facilities Management use electric leaf blowers, which are
much less expensive than gas-powered leaf blowers; and (2)
that the use of leaf blowers be greatly reduced.
2. Edge trimmers
Although we understand that the goal of Facilities
Management is to make the scenery look nice, the tools they
use are highly offensive to UCLA's soundscape.
Edge trimmers make a great deal
little benefit. Examine the cost/
aesthetically pleasing geometrical
increased blood pressure, and loss
of noise, and they produce
benefit analysis: an
line compared to headaches,
of hearing.
Facilities Management personnel wear masks and large ear
protectors while using hedge trimmers. Once again, this is an
indication that the noise levels are unhealthy.
We suggest that edge trimmers not be used.
not necessary.
They are simply
3. Lawn mowers
The primary purpose of UCLA is to conduct classes.
However, Facilities Management often mows the lawns during the
day, while classes are conducted. Numerous classes have been
disrupted because of this noise, and many students and
professors have complained.
In order to reduce the possibility of further classroom
interruptions, we suggest that Facilities Management adjust
their lawn-mowing schedule. One option is that they mow the
lawns in the evenings or on weekends.
We also
Facilities
about 1/16
often. It
suggest that the lawns be mowed less frequently.
Management often mows the lawns when the grass is
inch high. Lawns do not need to be mowed this
is a wasteful and polluting practice.
4. Sidewalk sweepers
Facilities Management regularly dispatches sidewalk
sweepers to collect dirt and dust, to beautify the campus.
There are three problems with this practice: (1) sidewalk
sweepers simply blow the dirt and dust around; (2) no garbage
is ever picked up using this method; and (3) sidewalk sweepers
are extremely noisy.
We understand the concern for how UCLA looks; however, we
should also be concerned with how UCLA sounds.
We suggest that sidewalk sweepers be replaced with a
cheaper, noise-free, and easier-to-use method: a broom and a
dustpan.
5. Water hoses
On April 26, 2001, Facilities Management decided to clean
the sidewalk in front of Bunche Hall. They used high-powered
machinery to do so--as if they were battling a massive blaze!
The generator used to power the water hoses created an
incredible amount of noise. It was completely unnecessary.
The noise from the generator caused many individuals to have
massive headaches.
Once again, the Facilities Management employee operating
the generator was wearing large ear protectors. We suggest a
rule: if equipment is so noisy that the operator must wear ear
protectors, the equipment should not be used.
To clean the sidewalks, Facilities Management can use two
simple, inexpensive, noise-free methods: brooms and dustpans,
or mops and buckets.
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SOCIAL AREAS
1.
Ackerman Union game room
The video arcade at Ackerman Union is extraordinarily
noisy. It is unsafe and unhealthy for individuals to be
exposed to such high levels of noise.
Many other people are also affected. Whenever someone
walks to The Cooperage to purchase food, they must pass these
rooms. The people who work at the post office, the bookstore,
and the credit union hear this noise all day long.
Individuals sometimes shut the game room doors to reduce
the noise levels; however, a student employee immediately reopens the doors.
We suggest that the doors be closed in order to maintain a
quiet environment for everyone.
2. Ackerman: record store
The record store on the second floor of Ackerman (Moby
Discs) often blasts music. This can be heard from several
hundred feet away.
We ask that store management be advised of the importance
of maintaining a peaceful and healthy aural environment. The
volume of the music should be greatly reduced.
3. Ackerman: TVs in bookstore
There is a television on the first floor of the Ackerman
bookstore. It is usually on, and it is usually very loud.
We ask bookstore management to either turn off the
television or greatly reduce the volume.
4. Northern Lights television room
In the past, the television room at Northern Lights was
extremely loud. There are four TVs in the lounge. They were
almost always on, and they were usually turned up above
necessary levels. Many students found it difficult to study
at Northern Lights.
Over the past few weeks, though, we have found that these
televisions have been kept at a very low volume for most of
the day. This is a positive step toward creating a quieter,
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more comfortable campus for everyone.
We thank the Northern Lights staff and hope that this is a
permanent change.
5. Kerckhoff Hall coffee shop
Many students go to the Kerchhoff Hall coffee shop to
study. The problem is that the blaring "background" music
makes it difficult not only to study, but to have a
conversation.
Again, our simple suggestion is that the volume be reduced
to a level that does not hinder a student's ability to study.
6. Libraries: cell phone use
While there are signs posted at Powell Library banning the
use of cell phones, the policy is rarely enforced. Library
staff and Community Service Officers often walk around the
library looking for other violations; however, they usually
say nothing when cell phones interrupt study time.
We suggest that library staff and Community Service
Officers strictly enforce the rules that we all tacitly agree
to when entering Powell Library.
7. Libraries: public phones in common areas
There is a phone in the second floor study room at Powell
Library. Also, there is a public phone near the computer
terminals on the first floor of the Young Research Library.
When these phones are in use, students in the immediate
area are interrupted by the conversation. We suggest that
these phones be moved away from the study areas.
8. Young Research Library exit
The exit alarm at the Young Research Library goes off very
frequently. It is often a false alarm. It goes off very
loudly, for about five seconds. This is very disruptive and
annoying for the library patrons using the first floor
computers.
We believe that the alarm should go off less often, more
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quietly, and for a shorter duration.
9. Lu Valle Commons: intercom
The intercom at Lu Valle Commons plays very loud music.
Many students are looking for a quiet place to study on
campus.
A student once asked Lu Valle personnel to turn down the
music. The response was "no."
We ask that the intercom music at Lu Valle Commons be
turned down considerably.
10. Lu Valle Commons: clanging chairs
The chairs at Lu Valle Commons are old and metal. That's
bad enough. What's worse: the management has instructed the
bus person to constantly rearrange the chairs, to make the
place seem "neat."
This is the sequence of events: (1) a patron sits at a
table and unavoidably creates a great deal of noise by moving
a chair; (2) the patron leaves--again, unavoidably creating
the clatter of metal on concrete; (3) a Lu Valle Commons bus
person comes to push the chairs into the table; and (4) a new
patron soon comes--which starts the process all over again.
Brian, a manager at Lu Valle Commons, said the purpose of
this constant chair rearranging was to "make the place look
nice." When challenged that noise was a major concern, too,
he said, "We don't care about noise."
We have three suggestions for dealing with this problem:
(1) tell Lu Valle Commons management to tell the bus person to
stop constantly moving the chairs around: (2) buy new (nonmetal) chairs; or (3) put a quieting device on the legs of the
chairs--like old tennis balls or rubber foam.
Fortunately, this last suggestion has been adopted--for
some of the chairs. We thank Lu Valle Commons management for
this change. We hope that they will do the same for all of
the chairs.
11. Northern Lights: clanging chairs
Northern Lights has the same problem as Lu Valle Commons:
metal, clanging chairs. Unfortunately, all of the chairs at
Northern Lights are metal, and they all clang.
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We ask the management of Northern Lights to purchase new
(non-metal) chairs, or put a quieting device on the legs of
the chairs.
12. Public address system at Jackie Robinson stadium
The PA system at UCLA's baseball stadium is incredibly
loud. Baseball stadiums should be a place to relax, eat some
popcorn, and stretch out.
Unfortunately, the Jackie Robinson stadium is much louder
than any professional sports stadium we have been to. At UCLA
home games, the public address system is cranked up.
During batting practice, they blast music. During games,
the announcer blasts his thoughts at every turn. Every Bruin
batter has his own theme song, which is blasted to the crowd.
Between innings, more music is blasted. It is a very
uncomfortable environment.
We ask that the public address system at Jackie Robinson
stadium be turned down considerably.
13. Wooden Center: televisions
There are more than a dozen televisions at the Wooden
Center, which are often turned up full volume. Most of the
time, students on nearby Stairmasters or treadmills wear their
own headphones and do not even listen to the TVs.
The noise from the televisions can be heard several hundred
feet away--in the lounge and in the racquetball courts. This
is unnecessary, and it is unfair. It reduces the ability of
other people to enjoy themselves at the Wooden Center.
We suggest that the volume on the televisions be turned
down to an acceptable level for everyone who uses this
facility. Better yet: if no one is actually watching a
television, it should be turned off.
14. Wooden Center: piped-in music
On the second floor of the Wooden Center, by the
racquetball and squash courts, loud music is piped in through
the ceiling. This is not necessary, and this is not
desirable. It serves no purpose. It is aggravating to
patrons.
We ask that this piped-in music be turned off.
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15. Wooden Center: aerobics classes
The music during aerobics classes at the Wooden Center is
incredibly loud, and instructors leave the doors open. The
music can be heard throughout the building.
We understand that aerobics is a high-energy activity, and
that the loud music is intended to inspire the participants.
Our only request is that the doors at the aerobics studio be
closed during classes.
16. Wooden Center: walkie-talkies
Personnel at the Wooden Center constantly walk around with
walkie-talkies. This hardly seems necessary for such a
relatively small building. Further, the walkie-talkies always
seem to be on full blast.
Exposure to loud walkie-talkies causes irritation,
increased blood pressure, and headaches. Talking on a loud
walkie-talkie is akin to blowing smoke in someone's face.
We ask that Wooden Center personnel exhibit greater
consideration for their patrons, by limiting use of walkietalkies, and by turning the volume to the lowest level
possible.
17. Radio usage: Facilities Management personnel
Facilities Management personnel frequently listen to the
radio while they work. This is understandable. However, they
often use boom boxes, and they often have them turned up full
blast. This is extremely rude and aggravating.
We have witnessed Facilities Management personnel do this
in front of Bunche Hall, inside Bunche Hall, in front of Young
Research Library, in front of Powell Library, and in front of
Northern Lights.
Facilities Management personnel should not subject other
people to their loud music. They should use headphones.
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CAMPUS FACILITIES
1. Elevators
The elevators in Bunche Hall (and many other campus
buildings) make a pinging noise when they depart and arrive at
a floor.
We wonder if this is really necessary. It appears to
accomplish nothing. The pinging sound can be irritating.
suggest that it be turned off.
We
2. Swimsuit drying machines
The locker room at the Men's Gym has a machine to dry
swimsuits. It is a very noisy machine, and it is constantly
in use.
We understand the need for people to dry their swimsuits.
However, the swimsuit drying machine is extremely noisy and
very disturbing.
The simplest method for people to dry their swimsuits
without creating noise pollution is to squeeze the water out
themselves, with their bare hands.
Another approach: Facilities Management could purchase a
squeegee--a non-electric, inexpensive machine with a rolling
pin.
Both of these methods would be far preferable to the
current drying machine. We asked that it be removed from the
Men's Gym locker room.
3. Office doors
The office doors on the northeast wing of the seventh floor
of Bunche Hall are remarkably noisy.
The door lock mechanisms are metal. When the door closes,
metal clashes onto metal. Also, the doors are not properly
aligned, which makes things even worse.
At present, it is completely impossible to close these
office doors without creating a great deal of racket.
Professors open and close their doors frequently. This results
in a constant sound of "bam" throughout the hallway.
We understand that these doors were constructed to bring
the building into compliance with the Americans with
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Disabilities Act. These doors are meant to provide easier
access to offices for students bound to wheelchairs.
Unfortunately, we see a few flaws in this logic:
-If a wheelchair-bound student came to a professor's
office
and the door was open: the student could come in
easily.
-If a wheelchair-bound student came to a professor's
office
and the door was closed: the student would knock on
the door, and the professor would let them in.
In neither case is it necessary to have an extremely loud
door latch in order for a wheelchair-bound student to enter a
professor's office.
These doors make an amazing amount of noise for no reason
whatsoever.
We suggest two measures to make Bunche Hall quieter: (1)
place a rubber- or foam-covering material on the metal
portions of the latch; or (2) replace the metal plates with a
smaller, quieter door latch.
4. Walkie-talkies
Although we understand the importance of maintaining
constant communication, Facilities Management personnel very
often have their walkie-talkies turned up to full volume.
In hallways, in elevators, even in professors' offices,
Facilities Management personnel talk on their extremely loud
walkie-talkies. We believe that this is extremely rude.
We suggest that the volume be set at a very low volume, and
that Facilities Management personnel refrain from speaking on
their radio devices when they are around others.
CONSTRUCTION
1. Beeping construction machinery
At the hospital construction site along Westwood Boulevard,
the earth movers constantly go beep! beep! beep! This is
completely unnecessary for public safety, because the entire
construction area is closed off. The noise generated from
these machines can be heard from blocks around.
We suggest that these devices be turned off--or at least
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turned down considerably--in order to make the UCLA campus a
more peaceful place.
2. Jack hammers
Numerous classes have been disrupted because of jack
hammers outside of classrooms. Facilities Management
personnel frequently do not consider the effect of their
actions on the classroom learning environment.
Last quarter, one of us had a discussion section on the
first floor of Moore Hall. Every week, we faced the dilemma
of how to deal with the noise from the nearby jack hammers.
If we kept the windows closed, it was very hot. If we opened
the windows, the noise was overwhelming. We chose the heat.
We suggest that the use of jack hammers be greatly
restricted. They should not be used when classes are in
session.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Beeping delivery vans
Many campus vans and trucks have been fitted with "beeping"
devices. These devices produce a great deal of noise. These
sounds are incessant, piercing, and intrusive. Some of these
vans can be heard from two blocks away. Sometimes, there are
instances of "beeping" sounds on campus virtually every
minute. The beauty of the Sculpture Garden is constantly
marred by these sounds.
We know that there is a federal regulation that certain
vehicles be equipped with these devices. However: (1) it
applies only to large trucks; (2) it does not apply to
delivery vans; and (3) it only applies to construction areas.
In short, UCLA can greatly reduce noise from this source
and stay within federal regulations by simply turning off
these devices. Drivers should be trained to thoroughly look
around while backing up.
At the very least, these devices should be turned down
considerably.
2. Beeping UCLA recycling vans
UCLA uses small, lightweight vans to pick up recycled
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materials on campus.
This is very good!
However, there is an irony: the vans go beep!
when they back up.
This noise is completely unnecessary.
lightweight, and they move very slowly.
beep!
beep!
The vans are
Also, the annoying beeping violates UCLA's stated policy of
being concerned with the environment. UCLA's environment
includes unwanted sound as well as trash.
We ask that these beeping devices be removed.
3. Beeping UCLA electric vans
On the side of UCLA's electric vans, there are
proclamations about UCLA's commitment to the environment. But
these small, lightweight vehicles also go beep! beep! beep!
when they back up. This worsens UCLA's aural environment.
We ask that these beeping devices be removed.
4. Beeping UCLA buses
UCLA buses make this aggravating noise under two
circumstances: (1) when they stand still; and (2) when they
turn right.
We see no reason for the buses to do this. If there are
pedestrians or cars in the way, the horn is a great
alternative to a constant "beeping."
We suggest that these devices be turned off or turned down
considerably.
5. Electric vehicle charging stations
UCLA has installed two generators for electric vehicles in
Parking Structure 3. The problem? Very often, the machines
aren't working--and they play a recording that says they're
not working. The recording plays over and over.
We suggest two approaches to eliminating this noise: (1)
have Facilities Management constantly monitor these machines
to make certain they are in good working order; and (2) if
this proves ineffective, simply dismantle the recording.
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6. Car alarms
Car alarms go off repeatedly in UCLA parking structures.
Car alarm noise pollution is occurring in greater frequency
and volume levels.
While this form of noise pollution is not UCLA's fault, the
university has not acted to address the problem.
In February 1999, the Board of Trustees of Pasadena City
College voted unanimously to enable the campus police
department to fine owners of car alarms that activate in the
parking structure. Police started issuing citations on April
1, 1999. Each citation carries a fine of $25. The police
department erected signs detailing the new policy, and
distributed informational flyers at the parking structure
entrance.
The police chief at Pasadena City College, Phillip
Mullendore, notes that car owners can reduce the chance of a
break-in by simply concealing personal items and by using an
anti-theft device like The Club.
We encourage UCLA to adopt Pasadena City College's policy
on car alarms.
DORMITORIES
1. Early-morning garbage pickups
Garbage is often collected at the dormitories at 7:00 am.
Most students do not get up until 8:00 or 9:00 am. These
noisy trucks constantly awaken students who live in the dorms.
Students need proper rest to function effectively.
We suggest that the garbage be picked up at a more
reasonable hour, such as 9:00 or 10:00 am.
2. Early-morning leaf blowers
Facilities Management personnel use leaf blowers virtually
every day around Sunset Village--sometimes as early as 8:00
am. This wakes many students up. These gas-powered leaf
blowers are extremely noisy, and their use is prohibited in
Los Angeles.
We suggest three courses of action: (1) equip Facilities
Management personnel with electric-powered leaf blowers, which
are significantly less expensive, and practically noise-free;
(2) use leaf blowers later in the day, when students are not
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asleep; and (3) greatly reduce or eliminate the use of leaf
blowers on campus.
3. Early-morning vacuum cleaning
University maintenance personnel frequently vacuum the
hallways of the dormitories at 7:00 or 8:00 am, again
disrupting students' sleep.
We suggest that dormitory hallways be vacuumed later in the
day, when all students are awake.
4. Early-morning Saturday tennis matches
The management of Sunset Canyon Recreation Center allows
members of the public to use the tennis courts on weekend
mornings--as early as 6 o'clock! At 6 o'clock on Saturday and
Sunday mornings, students in nearby dormitories are subjected
to the thumps of tennis racquets, the yelling of players, and
the cheers of their fans. Once again, the sleep of many UCLA
students is disrupted.
We suggest that Sunset Canyon not rent out the tennis
courts until a more reasonable hour.