Erich Thalheimer has developed a niche specialty performing noise assessments for existing and proposed gun ranges. This is due to the fact that Mr. Thalheimer is an accomplished competitive shooter (www.USPSA.org) with over 35 years of experience with firearms use, safety training, sportsmens clubs management and custom reloading. He is proficient in the use of handguns, rifles and shotguns. The combination of Mr. Thalheimer’s professional vocation in acoustics with his personal avocation in the shooting sports makes for a gun range acoustical consultant second to none.
Example acoustical studies done for gun ranges include the following:
- Willow Wood Trap Shooting Club Expansion, Mahopac, NY – Performed a community noise study for a private shooting club that wished to expand its facilities from just trap and 5-stand shooting to include a sporting clays circuit as well. Performed ambient noise measurements at five community receptors surrounding the club and performed controlled shotgun noise level measurements from the club’s various shooting positions. Established applicable community noise criteria limits based on existing shooting noise levels, modeled the shooting noise levels in the community using the Cadna-A model, and evaluated optional noise mitigation methods including redirecting certain shooting positions and erecting a large earthen berm.
- Mercer County Police Shooting Range Community Noise Study, Hopewell Township, NJ – Performed a community noise study surrounding a police training shooting range to address noise complaints. Performed source sound emission tests in close proximity to the firearms used on the range, and performed ambient noise measurements in the affected communities. Predicted gunshot sound levels at eight receptors in the area of New Hope, PA using the Cadna-A noise model and evaluated the results in accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code 7-29: Noise Control and the Mercer County Noise Ordinance. Evaluated several noise control options with the Cadna-A noise model including sound barriers and firearm sound suppressors.
- New York State Parks Department Police Shooting Range Noise Study, Rensselaerville, NY – Performed a community noise study for receptors surroundings an outdoor police shooting range that had been built without a proper Environmental Assessment beforehand. Performed ambient noise measurements at five locations and shooting noise levels were predicted using the Cadna-A model at thirteen receptor locations. Shooting noise mitigation measures were assessed including noise barriers, overhead baffles and a complete enclosure.
- Gun Silencers dB Peak Comparison Tests, Discreet Ballistics, Plainfield, NH – Performed a series of controlled acoustical tests to evaluate several dozen large bore (300BLK) and small bore (22LR) caliber rifle silencers (suppressors) in accordance with MIL-STD 1474D. Performed dB Peak sound level measurements with six different sound level meters to evaluate the noise reduction performance of the silencers. Sound level meters included a Svantek Model 971, CEL Model 593, Larson Davis Model LxT, Larson Davis Model 720, and two Bruel & Kjaer Model 2209 sound meters. The best-performing silencers were able to reduce gunshot sound levels by 35 decibels.
- Dingwall-Horan Shooting Range Community Noise Study, Middletown, CT – Performed a comprehensive noise study to assess shooting noise levels in the community surrounding a police/FBI training range in Middletown, Connecticut. Long-term community ambient noise levels were measured, and controlled shooting noise tests were performed using 9 mm, 40 S&W, 12 ga, .223 Remington and .308 Winchester firearms. The Cadna-A noise model was used to predict shooting noise levels in the community and the results were evaluated in accordance with the noise limits contained in Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Title 22a-69: Control of Noise, and City of Middletown Ordinance, Chapter 206: Noise. Shooting noise mitigation measures were recommended consisting of range direction reorientation and use of noise barriers. Presented the results to the community in a public presentation.
- Private Shooting Shed Design, Plymouth, VT – Provided acoustical recommendations to a land owner who wanted to build a shooting shed to reduce noise from a private range in Plymouth, Vermont.
- AR-15 Assault Rifle Tutorial, Bank of America, New York City, NY – Participated with a team of marketing specialists to advise Bank of America about the pros and cons of possibly divesting itself from assault rifle-related customers. Provided definitions, explanation, comparison, history and relevant opinion of how assault rifles are used and viewed by American law enforcement and civilian markets.
- Delano
Sportsmens Club Trap Shooting Expansion, Delano, MN – Performed a community noise assessment for
a proposed expansion of a shotgun trap range to an existing gun range that has
been in operation since 1898. Modeled
potential shotgun shooting noise levels in the surrounding community using the
Cadna-A model, and evaluated the results in accordance with Minnesota Statute
CH 87A and Rule 7030.0040 Noise Criteria.
- St. Cloud Trap Range, St. Cloud, MN – Performed a community noise assessment for a proposed shotgun trap range. Modeled potential shotgun shooting noise levels in the surrounding community using the Cadna-A model, and evaluated the results in accordance with Minnesota Statute CH 87A and Rule 7030.0040 Noise Criteria.
- Park
Rapids Clay Dusters Trap Range, Park Rapids, MN – Performed a community noise assessment for a
proposed shotgun trap range. Modeled
potential shotgun shooting noise levels in the surrounding community using the
Cadna-A model, and evaluated the results in accordance with Minnesota Statute
CH 87A and Rule 7030.0040 Noise Criteria.
- Orvis Shooting School Noise, The Orvis Company, Manchester, VT – As part of a court-ordered agreement, an extensive series of controlled shotgun shooting noise measurements were performed at locations surrounding the Orvis Shooting School in order to quantify the noise levels affecting neighboring properties. Tests were conducted from six shooting stations using both 12 ga and 20 ga shotguns. The results were used to calibrate a Cadna-A noise model developed to allow consideration of various shotgun noise mitigation measures, particularly with respect to two residential receptors towards the north of the shooting school.
- MadgeTech Shooting Noise Concerns, Alfano Law Offices, Warner, NH – Performed a noise assessment of a proposed new indoor shooting range, called Dragonfly Ranges, to predict how shooting noise escaping from the range might adversely affect and detract from the enjoyment of outdoor activities on the adjacent property owned by MadgeTech. Used the INSUL and Cadna-A noise models to estimate the extent of gunfire noise potentially escaping the range through its walls and roof and propagating to MadgeTech’s property.
- Midway
Rod and Gun Club, Falmouth, MA – Performed a community noise assessment of a
long-established gun club receiving noise complaints from encroaching
neighbors. Developed a Cadna-A noise
model to assess how shooting noise propagates to the surrounding
community. Provided recommendations and
modeled the potential noise reduction benefits of various noise mitigation
measures such as shooting shed enclosures, increase berm height and erection of
noise barriers.
- Wayne’s
Weaponry, Wayne Almstrom, West Boylston, MA – Performed a series of controlled gunfire
noise measurement tests in support of Wayne’s Weaponry’s efforts to defend against
community members attempting to shut down his outdoor range. Evaluated the severity of shooting noise
levels in the community against noise criteria promulgated by Mass DEP, the
City of Boston, and the Federal Highway Administration amongst others. Concluded
that, albeit somewhat audible, noise levels generated by shooting activities at
the range were within acceptable community noise criteria guidelines.
- Wayland
Rod and Gun Club, Wayland, MA – Reviewed and made recommendations to improve
a proposed portable trailer enclosure to reduce shooting noise from disturbing
the club’s neighbors.
- Hunter
Sports Range Noise Compliance, Brookhaven, NY – Supported the Town of Brookhaven in
reviewing and assessing shotgun shooting noise levels generated by the Hunter
Sports Range. Performed ambient noise and
shooting noise measurements in the community near the range; predicted shotgun
noise levels throughout the community using the Cadna-A model; and determined
if the noise levels exceeded Brookhaven Ordinance CH 50 noise limits or
not. Developed reasonable and feasible
noise control options for the town to demonstrate to Hunter Sports that
additional noise mitigation was possible. Performed as expert witness in court
to defend findings.
- Cape
Gun Works, Hyannis, MA – Performed existing conditions noise
measurements and predicted future noise levels associated with a new building
in which Cape Gun Works will relocate their firearms store, training center,
and indoor shooting range. Measured the
noise reduction through the range’s exterior wall using a Mackie 300 W
loudspeaker with pink noise. Also
measured the existing reverberation time (RT60) inside the new facility space.
Predicted potential gunshot noise levels at nearby buildings using the Cadna-A
model, and determined if the noise levels could be annoying or not. Recommended methods to improve the range
ceiling’s transmission loss properties and to reduce reverberant noise.
- Purgatory
Falls Fish & Game Club, Mont Vernon, NH – Acted as an unbiased arbitrator for a proposed
land-swap between an existing gun club and a proposed new residential
development. Performed a shooting noise
and mitigation options assessment for the Purgatory Falls gun club as it would
affect a proposed nearby residential development called Orchard Hill. Used the Cadna-A model to predict gunshot
noise levels affecting residents of Orchard Hill and within a 300 foot buffer
zone surrounding the range, and evaluated the potential effectiveness of trees
and noise barriers to reduce gunshot noise levels. The goal was to find a means of mitigating
shooting noise levels by 10 decibels.
- Nantucket Hunting Association, Nantucket, MA – Performed a comprehensive noise study for a proposed gun range on Nantucket Island. The study involved live firing of multiple rifles, pistols and shotguns from the proposed range location, and measuring and evaluating the noise levels in neighborhoods surrounding the range. Empirical gunfire noise propagation models and contour maps were developed, which were followed by hypothetical gun noise modeling using Cadna-A. The results indicated compliance with the Nantucket Noise Bylaw and questioned the applicability of Mass DEP Policy 90-001 (310 CMR 7.10). Rebuttals were prepared to refute the opposition’s acoustical experts. The results of the study were presented at the Nantucket Zoning Board of Appeals. Requested by NHA’s lawyers to perform an updated live gunfire noise test focusing on Wigwam Road in preparation for Land Court trial.
- The Range at Austin, Clayton & Little Architects, Austin, TX – Performed interior noise calculations and recommended appropriate acoustical treatments for a new gun range in Austin, Texas. Calculated and evaluated wall STC values and room RT60 values for use and comfort of patrons in quieter spaces adjacent to the ranges.
- L.L.Bean Discovery School Noise Control, L.L.Bean, Freeport, ME – Performed a noise assessment for a new L.L.Bean Discovery School park area to determine if noise from a nearby 5-stand shotgun field may cause annoyance for patrons at the new park where a quieter background condition is desirable. Ambient noise and shotgun noise levels were measured in the new park area, and shotgun noise emission levels were measured under controlled conditions at the 5-stand area. Future noise levels in the new park area were predicted using the Cadna-A model, and various forms of shotgun noise control were evaluated. It was determined that a large noise barrier built in close proximity to the 5-stand area would be the optimal solution. Developed noise barrier performance specification to seek bids to build noise wall.
- Lone Pine Gun Range Noise Control, Hollis, NH – Performed acoustical modeling and calculations in support of a proposed indoor gun range in Hollis, NH. A neighbor was willing to pay for the range’s construction providing the noise level escaping from the range could be limited to 35 dBA at 50 feet. The Cadna-A noise model was used to evaluate various range wall and roof construction methods and materials in order to sufficiently contain the gun noise. Interior reverberation time calculations were also performed and absorptive treatments were recommended to reduce interior noise and provide for better speech communication.
- Crucible Firearms and Training Facility, Team-Crucible Inc., Fredericksburg, VA - Supported Crucible's efforts to obtain an unconditional use permit for their property to continue to serve as training grounds for advanced private security firearms use, SWAT training, defensive driving techniques and IED usage. Critically reviewed and critiqued opposing noise study from an encroaching residential development called Westlake.
- St. Paul Police Department Gun Range, Maplewood, MN - measured noise emissions from a police training gun range during live fire exercises and modeled potential noise abatement measures using the Cadna-A model. Evaluated results against Minnesota Statue Chapter 87A: Shooting Range Protection with a limit of 63 dBA Leq at residential receptor locations. Was able to demonstrate compliance with Chapter 87A limits, but recommended various firearms noise control options such as noise barriers, shooting shed enclosures, and residential soundproofing for consideration.
- Waite Park Gun Range, St. Cloud, MN - measured noise emissions during live fire exercises from a private gun range and evaluated results against Minnesota Statue Chapter 87A: Shooting Range Protection with a limit of 63 dBA Leq at residential receptor locations. Was able to demonstrate compliance with Chapter 87A limits, but recommended various firearms noise control options for future consideration if needed such as noise barriers, shooting shed enclosures, and residential soundproofing.
- Waterford Gun Range, Waterford, ME – Performed an evaluation of noise generated by an existing range as a potential noise trespass impact at a residence approximately one mile away. Ambient and gun noise levels were measured and recorded at the residence location. Current conditions were then simulated in the Cadna-A model in order to develop candidate mitigation options and evaluate their noise reduction effectiveness. Partial enclosures (shooting sheds) were recommended for the pistol and rifle ranges as well time restrictions for shotgun activities.
- Headwaters Gun Range, Bemidji, MN – Performed a gun noise evaluation of a proposed combination rifle, pistol and shotgun range in Bemidji, MN. Firearm noise emission levels were taken from measurements performed on previous projects, and noise levels were predicted at property lines and nearby residential receptors using the Cadna-A environmental noise model. Noise levels were evaluated against the Minnesota Shooting Range Protection Act and Minnesota Administrative Rule 7030 for compliance.
- ConnDOC Cheshire Facility Gun Range, Cheshire, CT – Performed an acoustical analysis and recommended mitigation measures to control gunfire noise emanating from the Connecticut Dept. of Correction’s Maloney Training Center. Noise measurements were performed inside the range as well as at several residential receptors surrounding the range. Empirical noise propagation models were developed based on the measurements, and the subjective reaction of the community was evaluated in a series of survey questionnaires.
- City of Stamford Police Department Gun
Range Noise Control, Stamford, CT – Performed a study of the
propagation of gunfire noise throughout the building resulting from the use of
officers training with handguns, rifles and shotguns in the basement gun range
of the Stamford Police Department building. Gun noise levels were
measured to determine loudness and transmissibility through walls and
ceilings/floors, and reverberation times were measured inside the range and
adjacent ready room. A comparison of available interior acoustical
absorption treatments was conducted, and recommendations were provided to
reduce the gun noise both inside the range as well as throughout the rest of
the building. Follow-up noise measurements were performed after the City
renovated the range.
- Moon Island Firearms Range Noise Study, Seaside Alliance, Boston Harbor, MA (1994) - Reviewed and commented on previously performed noise impact regarding the proposed expansion of a Boston Police/DEA firearms training facility.
Shooter Ready? Stand By..........BEEEEEEP!