SLS 13RS-1701 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2013
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 82
BY SENATOR GARY SMITH
WILDLIFE/FISHERIES DEPT. To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries to perform a study determining how local governing authorities can regulate
air boat noise pollution.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To urge and request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) to perform2
a study determining how local governing authorities can regulate air boat noise.3
WHEREAS, it is estimated that many Americans are being affected with hearing loss4
and impairment, that is partially attributed to damage from exposure to air boat noise; and5
WHEREAS, studies have determined that air boat noise can lead to sleep loss,6
physiological and psychological harm, and disruption of normal living activities; and7
WHEREAS, air boat noise exposure can be linked to increased risk of cardiovascular8
disorders, learning deficits in children, stress, and diminished quality of life; and9
WHEREAS, air boat noise is a constant source of torment for some that presents a10
growing imperilment to the health and welfare of human and animal populations; and11
WHEREAS, the LDWF should study and review the dangers of air boat noise,12
abatement, approaches, and varied implementation techniques; and13
WHEREAS, the study should provide validations and proposed rules that can be14
sponsored, implemented and enforced by local government entities; and15
WHEREAS, one difference between air boats and other boats is that air boats are16
powered by an elevated, virtually unmuffled, high horsepower motors with large air17
propellers; and18 SCR NO. 82
SLS 13RS-1701 ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, University of Florida researchers have reviewed the clash between the1
rights of those who enjoy natural water resources, and a conflict exemplified by the concern2
of air boat volume increases; and3
WHEREAS, some state statutes allow for air boat motor noise to be up to4
approximately ninety decibels, that is the same amount of noise produced by a pneumatic5
concrete breaker; and6
WHEREAS, regulation of air boat noise has been examined in order to reduce7
residential irritants, and preserve lakes and rivers where fishermen work and live; and8
WHEREAS, the study on air boat noise by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and9
Fisheries should include time and area restrictions, no-wake zones, sanctuaries, and scenic10
waterways.11
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby12
request the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to study and determine ways that13
local governing authorities can regulate air boat noise.14
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the15
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.16
The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument, were prepared by Michelle Broussard-Johnson.
DIGEST
Gary Smith SCR No. 82
Requests Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to perform a study determining how local
governing authorities can regulate air boat noise.