Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Industrial Noise Source Limits Statewide
Key Facts
- Industrial to residential day
- 60 dBA
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dBA
- Tonal penalty
- Minus 5 dBA
- Statute
- WAC 173-60-040
Summary
Industrial sources in Washington must comply with EDNA limits set by WAC 173-60, with the receiving residential zone limited to 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime.
No person shall cause or permit noise to intrude into the property of another person which noise exceeds the maximum permissible noise levels set forth below in this section. (2)(a) The noise limitations established are as set forth in the following table after any applicable adjustments provided for herein are applied. edna of noise source edna of receiving property Class A Class B Class C class a 55 dBA 57 dBA 60 dBA class b 57 60 65 class c 60 65 70 (b) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the noise limitations of the foregoing table shall be reduced by 10 dBA for receiving property within Class A EDNAs.
Full Breakdown
Under WAC 173-60-040, Class C (industrial) sources radiating to Class A (residential) receivers cannot exceed 60 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. or 50 dBA at night. Impulse, periodic, or pure-tone sounds reduce limits by 5 dBA. The statute and rule apply to factories, ports, and other industrial users statewide and are not waivable by local ordinance.
Violations & Penalties
Civil penalties up to $100 per day per violation under RCW 70.107.060, plus injunctive relief, variances, or abatement orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an industrial facility get a variance?
Are these limits stricter than federal OSHA?
Sources
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