barimage

Home
Information for Propane Cannon
Victims in the United States
barimage
About The Group Our Goals Actions to Date Types of Devices Impacts of Noise What's the Problem Cannon Solutions Links Contacts Who to Complain To

PROPANE CANNONS IN THE U.S.
My name is Barb.

I have been independently fighting the use of propane cannons in Illinois. In a rural farming area. He (the farmer) has made my life miserable. And I think he is enjoying it.

Unfortunately farmers, produce growers, any agricultural people think they are protected by the infamous "Right to Farm Act". This is true, but only to a certain extent. Citizens are also protected to the "Right to Enjoyment of Their Property." Illinois Noise Statute Chapter 415.

Each state has different rules and regulations when it comes to noise. Illinois, Minn, and New Jersey probably have the strictest noise laws in the U.S. As time goes on more and more people are jumping on the "ban wagon", and saying no to this type of unneccessary noise.

If you live in an unicorporated area, you are in for a tough fight. You have to in most cases contact the States Attorney Office, the Lane Use Department, or the Zoning department of your designated area. Still some people may take an interest and most others will just say " Well he's not exceeding the recommended decibles of noise, there is nothing I can do."....... WRONG.

Propane cannons give out the most damaging and offense type of noise, call "Impulse Noise." It's a short shot of high decibles lasting less than a second, but repeats itself over and over and over all day long. It can cause hearing loss, loss of sleep, irritability, high blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. This is a well documented fact from some of the best renown audiologist and hearing specialist.

There are things in the U.S. which can be done. Only you cannot waste time complaining about your distress, you must do something about it. It's a lot of work, maybe you'll win, maybe you won't. But this much I will tell you the cannons are being banned and used a lot less due to people like you and I complaining.

For Starters:
1. Talk to you State Representative.
2. Get neighbors involved. Ones who are willing to join your campaign.
3. Check and see what the noise ordinances are. You may think Mr. Farmer is within the decible level. But again impulse noise is like no other. What annoys one person will not necessarily bother another.
4. Go to a board meeting and complain. Ask to have a resolution drawn up through you county board.
5. If you are lucky enough to have a Pollution Control Board in your State then file a Formal Complaint. That is where you will be the most successful. The Pollution Control Board has the authority to overrule any ordinance in the county if they feel a citizen is losing their right to property regulations.
6. Research everything you can about noise, the harmful effects of it. Be prepared to fill out your complaint form so it draws attention. Be brief and to the point.
7. Try and find a noise specialist who has the proper equipment to take noise measurements. It is very tricky to try and record the big bang on a cam corder. They have the right equipment. And besides that the board will only listen to a certified expert. In my case I am using a retired Illinois Environmental Protection Association noise specialist.
8. Do not let years go by without making a complaint. If more than a year passes, the farmer has free reign.
9. The more people who complain the stronger your case is. Try and meet with others who are fed up with the noise.
10. Something a lot of people don't realize is the IDNR and the Wildlife Services divisions have many protective laws for the wildlife. Sometimes if you have protected and endanged species of birds or animals in the area. A farmer is not permitted to use these devices. So look around see what little creatures live near you. Document it. And check with the Conservation District in your area.

If you need more information feel free to contact me. I may be able to help. I have seen people win these cases. And again more and more the cannons are disappearing because of complaints. To me there is nothing more irritating than a "shotgun" sound going off every minute for 14 hours out of the day for four months of the year. If I wanted to hear this sound then I would have moved next to a firing range.

Above all don't give up, be persistent, you don't deserve to live like this. Being outdoors in the summer is supposed to be a time of enjoyment, not a time of stress or loss of the enjoyment of your home or property.

Good Luck,
Barbara Stuart


Sound off about pro “pain” cannons

barimage
Back to the Top
About the Group | Our Goals | Actions to Date | Upcoming Events | The Problem
Solutions | Types of Devices | Impacts of Noise | Links | Contacts | Who to Complain to
Home