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How loud is too loud?

Exploring Noise Levels and Safeguarding Health

DID YOU KNOW?
  • Sound is measured in a logarithmic decibel (dB) scale. Normal conversation is about 60dB.
  • Every 10dB increase increases the power of the sound by 100 times. More power = higher sound!
  •  The higher the decibel level, the shorter the period a person can be exposed before risking hearing loss, as well as developing or worsening cognitive and mental health issues.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has issued three directives instructing ALL military bases to be ‘Good Neighbors’ and reduce sound and noise levels to surrounding civilian communities.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • OSHA, NIOSH, the CDC, and the WHO all warn hearing protection is needed for sound levels greater than 85dB. Each also warn that constant noise levels above 70dB over time can cause harm and 120dB can cause immediate hearing damage.
  • HAFB provides safeguards and hearing protection for base personnel.
  • Sound and noise levels from F35 aircraft do not stop at the HAFB fence line.
  •  Children, elderly, and those with conditions such as PTSD are especially susceptible.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • F35 aircraft routinely reach 120dB and higher depending on location for sound and noise levels over Layton and area communities.
  •  F35 aircraft produce 40,000 pounds of thrust compared to the previously HAFB deployed F16 aircraft that produced 23,700 pounds of thrust: More Thrust = More Noise.
  • F35 aircraft engines are being upgraded to provide 20% more power.
Graph showing dangerous sound levels from HAFB. They data was collected August 28, 2023. Noise levels were typical.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • Layton City sponsored a Compatible Use Program (CUP) report (completed December 2021 and issued January 2022) as an operational plan between HAFB, Layton and surrounding communities to address ‘Good Neighbor’ needs and objectives.
    • 20 recommendations to mitigate incompatible noise concerns were provided.
    • NO action has been taken in 18+ months by Layton City as of August 2023.
    • Congressman Blake Moore’s office suggested in July 2022 that F35 pilots are just ‘hot dogs’ and has provided no further assistance with sound mitigation.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • The HAFB 2018 Air Installations Compatible Use Zones study (AICUZ) designates areas as being incompatible for residential use for locations anything over 65dB? AICUZ completed prior to full F35 deployment to HAFB.

DID YOU KNOW?
  • AICUZ is an internal report created by the Air Force as a guide to operational management between an air base and surrounding communities.
  • These noise contour graphs are ‘calculated’ Day-NightAverage sound Levels (DNL).
  • AICUZ sound levels reporting does not consider F35 instantaneous high sound levels while flying over residential areas.
  • Short duration high sound levels can harm hearing, cognitive and mental health – especially in children and susceptible adults.
Map showing Layton's incompatible future land use and the impace of HAFB and F-35 military jets dangerous noise levels.
DID YOU KNOW?

The HAFB 2018 Air Installations Compatible Use Zones study (AICUZ) designates areas as being incompatible for residential use for locations anything over 65dB? AICUZ completed prior to full F35 deployment to HAFB.
• These noise contour graphs are ‘calculated’ Day-Night Average sound Levels (DNL).
• AICUZ sound levels reporting does not consider F35 instantaneous high sound levels while flying over residential areas.
• Short duration high sound levels can harm hearing, cognitive and mental health – especially in children and susceptible adults.