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Timestamp: 2019-09-22 10:52:13
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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 19-1364
[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 119 ]
Motorboat Noise Control
[49 Pa.B. 5215]
The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) proposes to amend Chapter 119 (relating to motorboat noise control) to read as set forth in Annex A. The Commission is publishing this proposed rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. (relating to Fish and Boat Code) (code). The proposed amendments update the Commission's methods for enforcement of motorboat noise control.
The proposed amendments to §§ 119.3, 119.6 and 119.8 (relating to prohibited acts; pass-by test; and enforcement) are published under the statutory authority of section 5123 of the code (relating to general boating regulations).
Over the last several boating seasons the Commission has received multiple complaints about motorboat noise levels and a request for more enforcement. Under 58 Pa. Code Chapter 119, regulations requiring mufflers and various noise levels for motorboats were established in June 1994. This proposed rulemaking package was based on a model act provided by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Even though the Commission adopted most of the recommendations from NASBLA, determining if a boat is in violation of the regulation is very subjective. Additionally, standards adopted have never truly been enforceable due to the lack of training and device guidelines.
Starting in 2018, the Commission staff began exploring the standards used and regulations in place in other states. It is believed with a few minor language adjustments the Commission will be able to establish a training program utilizing recognized devices and be able to better address the complaints from around the waterways in this Commonwealth. This amendment was vetted and approved by the Boating Advisory Board on June 27, 2019.
The Commission proposes that §§ 119.3, 119.6 and 119.8 be amended to read as set forth in Annex A.
Fiscal Note: 48A-291. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Subpart C. BOATING
CHAPTER 119. MOTORBOAT NOISE CONTROL
§ 119.3. Prohibited acts—5123(a)3 and 5.
(a) A person may not operate and an owner may not give permission for the operation of a motorboat upon the waters of this Commonwealth that is equipped with an altered muffler or a muffler cutout, bypass or other device designed or so installed so that it can be used continually or intermittently to bypass or otherwise reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of a muffler or muffler system installed under this chapter.
§ 119.6. Pass-by test—5123(a)3.
A person may not operate a motorboat on the waters of this Commonwealth that exceeds a noise level of 82dB(a) measured as specified in SAE [J34] J1970. The measurement may not preclude a stationary sound level test as prescribed in § 119.5 (relating to stationary test) if an officer has reason to believe that the motorboat is being operated in excess of the noise levels established in § 119.5.
§ 119.8. Enforcement.
(a.) An officer authorized to enforce this chapter who has reason to believe that a [vessel] motorboat is being operated in excess of the noise levels established in this chapter may direct the operator of the [vessel] motorboat to submit the [vessel] motorboat to an onsite test to measure noise levels. If the [vessel] motorboat exceeds the decibel levels established by this chapter, the officer may direct the operator to take immediate and reasonable measures to correct the violation, including returning the [vessel] motorboat to a mooring and keeping the [vessel] motorboat at the mooring until the violation is corrected or ceases.
(b.) Any law enforcement officer who conducts motorboat noise level tests as provided in this chapter shall be qualified in motorboat noise testing by the Commission. These qualifications shall include but are not limited to the selection of the measurement site, and the calibration and use of noise testing equipment.
(c.) Measurements for either a Stationary or Pass-by Test will be made by a sound level meter which satisfies ANSI-S 1.4-1983, Type 2 or equivalent.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 19-1364. Filed for public inspection September 6, 2019, 9:00 a.m.]