The City of West Haven has determined the cause of a persistent hum that had been plaguing several neighborhoods for years. In January, the city hired a sound engineering company to conduct a study and analyze data to identify the source of the noise.

Investigation and Solution

The company took readings at more than 10 locations and found that at least five of the locations had decibel levels exceeding applicable standards, primarily near the industrial zone boundary. Readings taken in residential areas did not cross the decibel threshold, according to the mayor’s office.

After analyzing the results, the sound engineering company determined that the hum was coming from the Glanbia facility on Heffernan Drive. Glanbia, a health and nutrition manufacturer, worked with the city and conducted its own sound analysis. They found that the existing roof-mounted silencers, or mufflers, were insufficient for the particular tone generated by its equipment.

Glanbia has begun the process of replacing the silencers and hopes to complete the work by September. In the meantime, the company has installed temporary muffler blankets to help mitigate the noise. During a two-week testing period, the noise levels have remained within the allowable range, according to the mayor.

Mayor Dorinda Borer stated, “Once presented with the official sound study results, Glanbia has been cooperative and has worked to put a temporary resolution in place that brings the levels down, and has pledged to permanently correct the problem.” The city will continue to monitor the temporary solution to ensure that readings remain below ordinance levels and to ensure full compliance with the permanent solution. Glanbia has also agreed to reimburse the city for the noise study.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.