The Quiet Site

In Quantico, VA, a JLUS study compiled by Quantico as well as Stafford County has both military and local officials working to create better sound control measures.

Of particular interest is the noise created by the Quantico Marine Corps Base. The demolition range, in particular, produces noises and booms loud enough to shake homes, if not just windows. The studies are looking to protect homes both in and around the base, especially in areas where residents have been complaining.

The plan specifically focuses on the areas around VA 610. It would focus on residential homes but hospitals, daycares, sports centers, and other commercial structures would not be included.

The Joint Land Use Study estimates that it would cost approximately $10,000 to soundproof each home. This cost is not too much different, in comparison, to soundproofing a new home while it is still under construction. The study also suggests making a noise disclosure mandatory for any home sold in the Military Influence Area.

The impact Quantico has on the local economy is huge, so keeping the base and local residents happy is paramount.

Have you ever had the opportunity to see a rescue helicopter in action? The specialized crew searches for an open field, they quickly wisk away accident victims, and they land on the roof of the nearest trauma center. There, more trained professionals scurry to the rescue.

The process is a good one – unless you happen to be one of the hospital patients who happens to have a room directly beneath the helicopter landing pad. In that case, the process seems counterproductive, especially considering all of the studies that show how disruptive and counterproductive hospital noise can be.

According to news.com.au, the Royal Adelaide Hospital is participating in a test program run by CSIRO. They’re opening a new hospital in two years, and they want to make sure the “rock concert”-like sound from rescue helicopters doesn’t become too much of an issue.

They’ve literally been building walls, testing sound levels, knocking the walls down, and building them again. It’s a serious process designed to make sure the project can be expanded to larger areas of the hospital with success.

Soundproofing is serious business, especially when it comes to outrageously loud noises. We can’t wait to see how this project ultimately turns out.

Fifteen years ago, the folks at Volkswagen set a challenge for themselves. They wanted to build a car that can travel 235 miles per gallon. Today, they’re tinkering with the most futuristic car – probably in the world – and it gets a whopping 261 miles per gallon so far.

The prototype of the VW XL1 was first driven back in 2002 when Dr. Ferdinand Piech drove it on down to the shareholders meeting. Granted, that ride was likely less than pleasant thanks to the nose the prototype was probably making.

Regardless, 13 years later, the hybrid that focuses on diesel and electric is preparing to hit production lines for a limited run.

To be honest, the concept scares me a little bit. The miles per gallon is stellar, despite being actually unrealistic for a car undergoing normal use. Despite that, you’ll still end up getting far more miles per gallon than you would in any other car.

The car only seats two people and it has very limited storage space. In other words, you’re not taking it on a long road trip and you’re probably not picking anyone up from the airport.

Part of the reason the MPG number is so good is the vehicle’s weight. Made of carbon fiber materials, the entire car weighs in at only 1,753 pounds.

And the part that makes us sad? When the car switches from electric to diesel, you hear a really loud grinding noise. I guess you can’t properly soundproof a car you want to be as light as humanly possible.

I don’t think I’ll be taking a ride in one anytime soon. Will you?