Article found January 1, 2012
International noise pollution a growing concern
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31/01/2012 8:30:00 AM
by Monica Bugajski
Residents in Windsor, Ont. want an end to the persistent rumbling noises coming from across the border. Should the federal government step in over this issue of international noise pollution?
In February of 2011, residents of Windsor, Ontario heard a noise that sounded like an idling semi-trailer or train. To their dismay and annoyance, the sound didn't go away. In fact, it continued rumbling at intervals throughout the entire year, and this past weekend proved to be no exception. The low-frequency vibrations were so bad that many people thought there was an earthquake.
City Councilor Al Maghnieh has been at the forefront of the effort to halt the noise. He says that people in Windsor are both frustrated and "demoralized," but he refuses to give up and urges residents not to as well. Gary Grosse heads a Facebook group called the Windsor-Essex County Hum and together with his 800 members won't let the issue fall on deaf ears.
Natural Resources Canada was able to narrow down the source of the low-frequency hum, pinpointing its location to a one-square kilometer area of Zug Island in River Rouge, Michigan. However, the city of River Rouge is now refusing to spend any more money tracking down the actual source of the noise, and unfortunately, this news doesn't really come as a surprise.
Zug Island is an industrialized island close to Detroit. Not much is known about it except that it is home to a
cluster of steel mills and is generally off limits to the public. I would imagine that it's going to cost someone a fair sum of money to put an end to whatever is making the noise, and it seems that whoever is responsible is making it as difficult as possible to be found. In the past, surrounding neighborhoods have taken issue with free-floating rust colored dust and putrid odours that emanate from the island, but little was done in response. That said, I doubt that someone from the island will step forward and willingly put an end to the noise.
The fact remains that the noise is affecting the quality of life in Windsor, Ontario and something must be done. I can only imagine how infuriating and debilitating that kind of persistent sound is. Noise pollution isn't just a nuisance; it's a real problem. It can cause sleep disruption, hypertension, and tinnitus (the perception of sound in the ear when there is no actual corresponding external sound). It's also a major cause of stress, which can result in other problems like aggression, depression, and the inability to focus in work or school.
Because the city of River Rouge is refusing to cooperate any further and because the residents of Windsor and its local government have exhausted their options, it's up to the Canadian government to step in and put an end to the international discord.
What would you do if you were an affected resident of Windsor?
Would you remain silent, or would you speak up?
