Dixmont, ME Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Section IX of the Dixmont Mining Ordinance, adopted at a special town meeting on September 26, 2023, lists the performance standards every permitted Mining Operation must meet. Subsection H covers noise in three parts. Noise cannot be objectionable beyond the parcel because of intermittence, beat frequency, shrillness, or volume. Readings are taken on a sound level meter at all boundary lines of the parcel where the pit sits, which puts the test point at the property line and not at the neighbor's house. The numeric cap is 70 dB at any Parcel boundary line.

The ordinance reaches any exploration, excavation, extraction, processing, storage or transportation of sand, gravel, crushed stone, rock or borrow that exceeds five hundred (500) cubic yards. The Planning Board issues the permit, for a period not to exceed three (3) years, and the application must describe the type, size and location of any equipment, plans for blasting, or other procedures that are likely to generate noise levels exceeding 70db at the lot lines. Subsection G sets regular hours of operation at 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with no Mining Operations or Pit Reclamation work on Sunday and none on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. In an emergency involving public health or safety, operations need notice to and permission from the CEO, followed by a written report within 24 hours.

Outside mining, the posted ordinances use softer standards. The Site Plan Review Ordinance (Section 9.21) requires a reviewed development to control noise so it will not create a nuisance for neighboring parties and bars construction on a site abutting a residential use between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The Solar Ordinance bars noise from a solar energy system that is 10 decibels (dB) greater than the preconstruction or existing background level.