Moab resident highlights OHV noise crisis at city hearing

Concerns over escalating off-highway vehicle (OHV) noise levels took center stage at the Moab City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations about the impact on their quality of life. Bill Agee, a local resident, highlighted the dramatic increase in OHV-related noise, describing it as a public nuisance and a potential public health crisis.

Agee, who has lived in Moab for a decade, pointed out that the introduction of side-by-sides and ATVs has transformed the landscape of off-road vehicle use in the area. With seven to eight rental agencies operating over 100 OHVs, the streets are now flooded with vehicles that lack proper noise suppression. Agee emphasized that these vehicles frequently use residential roads to access public lands, subjecting residents to unbearable noise levels throughout the day.

He detailed the staggering frequency of OHV tours, noting that groups operate from 8 AM to 10 PM, with multiple tours each day. This results in hundreds of OHV pass-bys, creating a relentless barrage of noise that disrupts daily life. Agee's analysis revealed that 78% of the vehicles he sampled exceeded Moab's noise ordinances, raising serious concerns about the health implications of such exposure.

The discussion reflects a growing tension in Moab as the popularity of off-road recreation continues to rise, prompting calls for action from city officials to address the noise issue and its effects on the community. As residents seek solutions, the council faces the challenge of balancing tourism and local quality of life.