CWU professor studying noise at proposed shooting range

A Central Washington University physics professor is conducting an acoustic study to find out how much noise will be produced by a proposed target shooting range in the Wenas Wildlife Area near Selah.

Andy Piacsek, a noted expert in physical acoustics—the study of mechanical waves and related phenomena—recently received an $11,130 research grant from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for the study.

“We are trying to determine the actual noise levels in the vicinity of residences that are closest to the proposed firing range from guns that would typically be used,” Piacsek said. “We’re also using a computer model to predict the mitigating effects of berms and other structures that could be part of the proposed facility.”

Following recent on-site measurements made by Piacsek, state-of-the-art software will be used to aid in the assessments and to develop possible mitigation techniques.

“The loudness of a sound is usually given in decibels, but calculating that value for gunshots is a bit different than it is for highway noise, a neighbor’s loud music, or other steady sounds,” Piacsek noted. “Someone trying to measure sound levels of a neighbor shooting a gun using a phone, or inexpensive sound level meter, will likely get a misleading number. Our project report will explain how to interpret the sound level measurements we’ve made and the predictions we’re making.”

As proposed, the facility would include 25-yard pistol, 100-yard rifle, and shotgun/trapshooting ranges, along with target stands, and gravel parking facilities. It, and a companion location near Ellensburg that is not part of the CWU research, are being considered in response to unregulated shooting, fires, and litter problems associated with informal ranges now located within the wildlife area.

The study is similar to one Piacsek conducted for Ellensburg’s Cascade Field and Stream Club several years ago. Some of his other recent projects have included on of sonic booms from maneuvering aircraft, which was funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and measuring and modeling nose generated by wind turbines.

“I’m interested in waves of all kinds, from trumpets to tsunamis,” Piacsek acknowledges. “I’m very excited about developing an experimental acoustics laboratory including an anechoic [echo-free] chamber in the new Science II building.”

Piacsek will hold his first classes in new CWU facility this fall.

Media contact: Robert Lowery, director of radio services and integrated communications, 509-963-1487, loweryr@cwu.edu

August 4, 2016

Photo: CWU professor Andy Piacsek takes acoustic measurements at the site of a proposed target shooting range in the Wenas Wildlife Area near Selah.