The residents of Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville, TN are asking for relief from the excessive noise produced by the exhaust manifolds of Speed/Cigarette Boats; bored-out straight pipes and obnoxiously loud exhaust that is defiant to the serene family environment once enjoyed here around the lake.
*** This is NOT an attack on boating activities on the lake, we welcome and participate in respectful and responsible use of the lake. ***
Our concerns are NOT directed towards fishing boats, deck boats, pontoon boats, personal craft, jets skis etc., typically they fall within acceptable and tolerable guidelines of the environment for which they operate.
However, when the WINDOWS RATTLE, people clasp their ears and people can't have a conversation within a few feet of each other due to “racing” boat traffic, we have no other choice but to turn to our Representatives and protective agencies asking them for help.
We respectfully petition our Representatives and Law Enforcement Agencies to enforce the laws already in the books.
-----
RULES OF TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
CHAPTER 1660-2-9 RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS
States: No person shall operate any vessel in or upon the waters of Tennessee in such a manner so that the total noise produced by the watercraft exceeds 86 dBA at a distance of 50 feet or more, whether or not said vessel is in motion.
-----
TENNESSEE BOATING SAFETY ACT
States: Engines of all motorized vessels must have an effective muffling system. The noise level of any motorized vessel may not exceed 86 decibels at 50 feet or more. Manufacturers may not sell vessels which do not meet the noise level requirements.
-----
FEDERAL EPA STANDARDS
Quiet Communities Act of 1978
States: Recommended noise levels for residential areas should not exceed 60 decibels.
-----
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PART 3--BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES, 3.7 NOISE ABATEMENT.
States: Operating a vessel in or upon inland waters so as to exceed a noise level of 82 decibels measured at a distance of 82 feet (25 meters) from the vessel is prohibited.
The feedback I have received from residents confirms that the current level of noise disruption on Old Hickory Lake is hindering the quality of life for many families. I am currently compiling your accounts to present a clear case to the relevant law enforcement agencies regarding the necessity of enforcing existing noise standards. Your contributions continue to provide the focus required to address this problem effectively.
August 2, 2020
The momentum behind this petition highlights the growing frustration regarding the noise levels on Old Hickory Lake. It is clear that many members of our community share the desire for a return to a peaceful environment. We are now preparing to present these concerns to the appropriate authorities for their formal review.
13 Comments
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Featured
I can't nap my children or rest myself. At least 2 of my neighbors have these loud obnoxious sounding boats. They just sit out in our cove letting them idle for long periods of time. Our windows rattle. There is no longer any serenity here. My dad and I have been out fishing, and they have come dangerously close to us. It has become unsafe to do much of anything out there anymore due to these large loud boats. The ocean liners aren't any better. The waves they produce could rock a regular fishing boat over. They are causing extra damage on resident's boat docks. I can't understand how all of this is permitted when it is all such a disturbance and so clearly unsafe.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Featured
Just moved into a retirement condo complex in Old Hickory in February. Quiet up until mid-April. I will definitely be considering other living options due to the noise levels. Too bad. It seemed like such a nice place...
R
Robin K. Young
11 years ago
Featured
I'm not in Hendersonville but these boaters have been racing in front of my home for 8 continous hours today (Friday, July 31, 2015). Please tell me what I can do to stop this torture. There appear to be between 7-8 of them. I've been living here for 23 years in Brandywine Point (Old Hickory, across from the Park in Hendersonville.
G
Gary Timlin
5 years ago
I am taking this to the mayor, TWRA and the coast guard.
S
Summer Breeze
5 years ago
Rednecks plain and simple.
T
Thomas Christensen
6 years ago
they are called off shore race bost for a reason. they are too noisy to run that loud through a residential lake like Old Hickory. Please Enforce the rules!
L
Latour Paul
8 years ago
Any ideas regarding how to enforce these auditory rules? Must be reasons why this process is not gaining traction over years.
R
Richard Sanders
8 years ago
I agree with the petition and hope it is successful in motivating the authorities to enforce current noise regulations.
The residents of Old Hickory Lake, Hendersonville, TN are asking for relief from the excessive noise produced by the exhaust manifolds of Speed/Cigarette Boats; bored-out straight pipes and obnoxiously loud exhaust that is defiant to the serene family environment once enjoyed here around the lake.
*** This is NOT an attack on boating activities on the lake, we welcome and participate in respectful and responsible use of the lake. ***
Our concerns are NOT directed towards fishing boats, deck boats, pontoon boats, personal craft, jets skis etc., typically they fall within acceptable and tolerable guidelines of the environment for which they operate.
However, when the WINDOWS RATTLE, people clasp their ears and people can't have a conversation within a few feet of each other due to “racing” boat traffic, we have no other choice but to turn to our Representatives and protective agencies asking them for help.
We respectfully petition our Representatives and Law Enforcement Agencies to enforce the laws already in the books.
-----
RULES OF TENNESSEE WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION
CHAPTER 1660-2-9 RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS
States: No person shall operate any vessel in or upon the waters of Tennessee in such a manner so that the total noise produced by the watercraft exceeds 86 dBA at a distance of 50 feet or more, whether or not said vessel is in motion.
-----
TENNESSEE BOATING SAFETY ACT
States: Engines of all motorized vessels must have an effective muffling system. The noise level of any motorized vessel may not exceed 86 decibels at 50 feet or more. Manufacturers may not sell vessels which do not meet the noise level requirements.
-----
FEDERAL EPA STANDARDS
Quiet Communities Act of 1978
States: Recommended noise levels for residential areas should not exceed 60 decibels.
-----
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PART 3--BOATING AND WATER USE ACTIVITIES, 3.7 NOISE ABATEMENT.
States: Operating a vessel in or upon inland waters so as to exceed a noise level of 82 decibels measured at a distance of 82 feet (25 meters) from the vessel is prohibited.
The feedback I have received from residents confirms that the current level of noise disruption on Old Hickory Lake is hindering the quality of life for many families. I am currently compiling your accounts to present a clear case to the relevant law enforcement agencies regarding the necessity of enforcing existing noise standards. Your contributions continue to provide the focus required to address this problem effectively.
August 2, 2020
The momentum behind this petition highlights the growing frustration regarding the noise levels on Old Hickory Lake. It is clear that many members of our community share the desire for a return to a peaceful environment. We are now preparing to present these concerns to the appropriate authorities for their formal review.
13 Comments
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Featured
I can't nap my children or rest myself. At least 2 of my neighbors have these loud obnoxious sounding boats. They just sit out in our cove letting them idle for long periods of time. Our windows rattle. There is no longer any serenity here. My dad and I have been out fishing, and they have come dangerously close to us. It has become unsafe to do much of anything out there anymore due to these large loud boats. The ocean liners aren't any better. The waves they produce could rock a regular fishing boat over. They are causing extra damage on resident's boat docks. I can't understand how all of this is permitted when it is all such a disturbance and so clearly unsafe.
A
Anonymous
10 years ago
Featured
Just moved into a retirement condo complex in Old Hickory in February. Quiet up until mid-April. I will definitely be considering other living options due to the noise levels. Too bad. It seemed like such a nice place...
R
Robin K. Young
11 years ago
Featured
I'm not in Hendersonville but these boaters have been racing in front of my home for 8 continous hours today (Friday, July 31, 2015). Please tell me what I can do to stop this torture. There appear to be between 7-8 of them. I've been living here for 23 years in Brandywine Point (Old Hickory, across from the Park in Hendersonville.
G
Gary Timlin
5 years ago
I am taking this to the mayor, TWRA and the coast guard.
S
Summer Breeze
5 years ago
Rednecks plain and simple.
T
Thomas Christensen
6 years ago
they are called off shore race bost for a reason. they are too noisy to run that loud through a residential lake like Old Hickory. Please Enforce the rules!
L
Latour Paul
8 years ago
Any ideas regarding how to enforce these auditory rules? Must be reasons why this process is not gaining traction over years.
R
Richard Sanders
8 years ago
I agree with the petition and hope it is successful in motivating the authorities to enforce current noise regulations.
I can't nap my children or rest myself. At least 2 of my neighbors have these loud obnoxious sounding boats. They just sit out in our cove letting them idle for long periods of time. Our windows rattle. There is no longer any serenity here. My dad and I have been out fishing, and they have come dangerously close to us. It has become unsafe to do much of anything out there anymore due to these large loud boats. The ocean liners aren't any better. The waves they produce could rock a regular fishing boat over. They are causing extra damage on resident's boat docks. I can't understand how all of this is permitted when it is all such a disturbance and so clearly unsafe.