Grand Prairie, TX Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)

Section 13-515(d)(1)c. bars an operator from drilling or redrilling a well, or running any equipment, in a way that pushes outdoor low-frequency noise above 65 dB in the 16 hertz, 32 hertz and 64 hertz octave bands. Those are the deep bass bands that rattle windows and walls, and all three share the same 65 dB ceiling. The companion pure-tone rule in (d)(1)b. targets a single droning note: the one-third octave band holding the tone cannot exceed the average of its two contiguous bands by 5 dB at 500 hertz and above, 8 dB between 160 and 400 hertz, or 15 dB at 125 hertz and below.

The measuring point is the nearest protected use receiver's property line, or 100 feet from the nearest protected use structure, whichever is closer. The code defines a protected use as a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital or medical building, nursing home, school or public park. Under (d)(1)a. the overall noise level at that point cannot exceed ambient by more than 5 decibels in daytime or 3 at night. Fracing is held to 10 decibels over ambient, and flowback to 5 by day and 3 by night.

Before a gas well permit issues, the operator must establish and report the predrilling ambient level through a 72-hour study that includes at least one 24-hour reading on a Saturday or Sunday and avoids wind interference. The environmental services director approves the study plan and decides, at the director's sole discretion, whether later studies are needed. Under (d)(3), no noise can exceed the maximum sound level standard plus 20 dB(A), monitored continuously for at least 15 minutes with the A-weighting network and recorded as Leq.

When the proposed well sits within 1,000 feet of a protected use, (d)(7) adds continuous monitoring that captures pure tone and low frequency data with audio recording, wireless real-time access for the director and the gas inspector, and weekly reports at the operator's cost. Boundary noise reduction blankets must be at least 30 feet high, with a Class 1 site meeting STC 30 or greater, and engine exhaust needs a hospital grade muffler. Every drilling permit application must include a noise abatement study by a consultant the director approves in advance, and abatement must be installed before drilling starts. Workover operations are restricted to daytime hours.