Muffling fan noise

Pollution comes in many forms, and in recent weeks, some Dormont residents have been subjected to recurring doses of noise pollution caused by industrial fans inside the Port Authority’s Mt. Lebanon transit tunnel. There has to be a better way to address the condensation issue in the tunnel so that nearby residents don’t have to endure endless noise from the fans.

An inspection last year found that condensation in the tunnel was corroding metal parts. So in late December, the authority began operating the fans on weekdays, initially 12 hours a day then four hours a day, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday on the Dormont end of the tunnel and on Tuesday and Thursday on the Mt. Lebanon end.

The authority is attempting to dry the tunnel with the fans, but these are heavy-duty one-speed exhaust fans normally used only during emergencies, such as if there was a need to blow smoke from the tunnel. The Post-Gazette’s Ed Blazina noted that on a recent trip to the tunnel area, the noise from the fans was so loud it was impossible to have a normal conversation a half-block away.

Imagine living on a nearby street and having the roar of exhaust fans filling the air. The authority is not expected to finish its $5.1 million project until July 2022.

The work is necessary, but the impact on health and quality of life for those living in the area is equally important. It is widely accepted that noise pollution can increase stress levels, cause hearing damage and create sleeping problems. In sum, noise can have a detrimental effect on both physical and mental health.

Authority officials said they are looking for better alternatives to the loud noisy fans, including the possibility of muffling the noise from them. Expeditious purchase of fans with settings that could allow for reduced noise pollution is in order. A year of frequent roaring from nearby exhaust fans is asking too much of residents who want a little peace and quiet.