Sound Off About Noise

East Hampton Independent - August 20, 2003

BY KITTY MERRIL

A new Montauk group is making noise about noise. Last week, members of the Montauk Anti Pollution Coalition demanded that the MTA cease what they call "the single largest source of industrial noise pollution" in Montauk - the continuous idling of the Long Island Railroad's diesel engines. A law firm hired by MAP may even pursue litigation if the noise doesn't stop.

A hefty report prepared by MAP includes a CD of the noise, pictures of trains stored at the Montauk station, and a petition boasting 1000 signatures. "The noise levels created by long term idling engines pierce the air and invade closed windows and door dwellings up to miles from the station," the petition states.

Letters of complaint about the noise from the Concerned Citizens of Montauk and the Montauk Citizens Advisory Committee are also included, as is a letter from the general manager of the Montauk Manor, Janice Nessel. Noise has contributed to the loss of thousands of dollars for the Manor, as guests who come to enjoy Montauk's beautiful sunset views and fresh air "are outraged at the sound levels that go on throughout the night." They usually demand a room change or a refund, Nessel's letter reports. At the outdoor area of the Manor's restaurants, "First and only time customers complain of an excellent meal ruined by the nerve wracking noise level."

The LIRR stores as many as seven trains at one time in Montauk, according to MAP documents. They are permitted to idle indefinitely, and a number of them don't even provide service to Montauk.

MAP also takes issue with the condition of the LIRR site. "The area is garbage strewn, with a variety of overflowing dumpsters, various old, rusted equipment, and a general run down shanty-like appearance," the report states. Fifty five-gallon drums, which appear to contain chemical or petroleum products, are stacked haphazardly along the tracks, unfenced and open to access.

MAP provided the MTA with research, demonstrating that idling engines is both unnecessary and inefficient. It also pointed out that the utility has ceased the practice when confronted with complaints.

On Monday LIRR spokesman Sam Zambuto issued a statement in response to MAP's contention. It reads:

"The Long Island Rail Road makes every effort to reduce the sound coming from trains that are at Montauk Station awaiting their return trip. The LIRR has implemented procedures, and has supervision monitoring the trains at Montauk, to help limit the length of time that trains idle at the station. We will continue to look for ways to reduce the sound coming from trains while they wait to leave the station."

They better look hard. According MAP's chair Tom Bogdan, "There's been a tremendous groundswell of public support for (the group's efforts)." While the problem has been around for a long time, complaints to the LIRR and MTA came from "individual people who aimed too low and took `No' for an answer," Bogdan explained, adding, "We're not going to do it."