Washougal Motocross Park in Washington ordered to reduce noise
Nov. 14, 2003 – Owners of the Washougal Motocross Park in Washington state say they will appeal an order by a Clark County hearings officer to reduce sound levels at the park.
The park is the site of an American Motorcyclist Association professional race, and hosts an estimated 100,000 racers and spectators a year.
The 31-year-old motocross park operates under a conditional use permit issued by the county, which requires that the track be the subject of continual review.
Hearings Officer Larry Epstein took a look at noise at the facility at the urging of the Clark County commissioners, who were reacting to complaints about noise from neighbors of the track. In early November, the officer issued some rules for the park to follow, including: No racing between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., Loudspeaker system sound must not exceed 35 decibels at nearby homes from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. except during the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship Series event, and if noise from racing vehicles exceeds state law sound limits, then a public hearing will be held to consider further restrictions.
The motocross park owners say they will appeal because there is a good chance the park can't meet the restrictions.