Would you want your neighbor to have a dirt bike track in their backyard?

The U.S. Clean Air Act, Subchapter IV-A, includes noise pollution and defines it as “sound [that] becomes unwanted when it either interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation, or disrupts or diminishes one’s quality of life.” See, https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-title-iv-noise-pollution

Unfortunately, this Federal Clean Air Act ( five decades old) relegates enforcement to state and local municipalities. Big problem. So, in essence, the act is nothing more than a toothless tiger roaring, because, if state or local authorities choose to ignore it within their ordinances, they can, and they do. That’s how it is, where I live.

Bottom line: I live in Conewago Township. This Township is impotent and backward regarding their noise ordinances--a dog-barking one, they have, but that’s it. Even with that, the enforcement ends with a letter. The rest is up to me. The Township washes its hands of it. In other words, if neighbors say “pound sand,” they can get away with it. I need to get a lawyer.

This information came from the zoning officer for this township, with whom I’ve spoken several times regarding persistent noise pollution generated by my neighbors. This was due to their dog barking (which was tentatively rectified), and their backyard dirt track that is 10 feet away from my house. This has gone on for nearly 2 years.

Would you be cool with a neighbor having a noisy dirt track right next to your house? Cool with sitting on your deck with noise and dust, knowing that your township literally doesn’t give a hoot?

William Snyder, Conewago Township, Pa.

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