Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, June 9, 1990 TAG: 9006090315
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PETER MATHEWS NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Short
Montgomery County Attorney Roy Thorpe informed club members that virtually all of the weapons fired during the test Sunday exceeded 57 decibels, the level in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The nighttime maximum is 52 decibels for areas zoned for agricultural use, such as the firing range.
The tests were taken at the property line of Samuel Roop, a neighbor who has complained about the noise from the range.
Tests from a variety of weapons showed levels up to 82 decibels.
Club members said they have taken steps to make the range, in western Montgomery County, quieter and would be willing to do more.
"That's all well and good, but I think they ought to shut them down until they do their renovations and retest it," said Doug McCart, another firing range opponent.
Club secretary Kirk Fessler, who received the letter Friday from Thorpe, said he did not think there would be any more shooting until club members meet to decide what to do next. The county Board of Supervisors will discuss the issue Monday night.
Tim McCoy, whose family owns the land where the firing range is located, said the noise standard is too severe.
"With an ordinance like that, you're essentially prohibiting hunting," McCoy said.
Strict enforcement of the ordinance could have other unintended effects, McCoy suggested, citing the noise levels created when the Radford Army Ammunition Plant burns excess powder.
"Are they going to shut down Hercules as well?" he asked.
by CNB