Page County discusses annual DNL noise budget for Shenandoah Speedway; implementation concerns cited

Commissioners revisited whether to implement an annual DNL noise budget for Shenandoah Speedway, an approach mentioned in the track's 2006 and 2011 special-use permits but not previously enforced.

Ken Johnson summarized how DNL differs from instantaneous decibel readings, describing it as "an annual budget that relates to human health" and proposing independent acoustical monitoring, routine reporting, calibration standards, and a process to notify operators if they approach their annual budget. Track representative Mr. Vaughn told the commission the proposal is technically and administratively burdensome: "Before you can comprehend and understand it, you have to define the parameters... This is a complicated document. I don't know that they can afford to even think about what is being asked here."

Why it matters: the DNL approach would require an independent qualified acoustician to design the monitoring plan and report to the county, with a compliance mechanism if the track exceeded the annual budget. Track representatives and others emphasized enforcement difficulties and potential costs, and the commission agreed more work is needed before adopting a monitoring regime. Ms. Davis moved and Mr. Johnson seconded tabling the discussion; the motion passed 4-0.