The results from the summer sound study are in.

At the beginning of the Waterfront Concerts series audio consultant, Acentech, set up three audio monitoring stations in the area. The goal was to obtain data on sound levels from the concerts. One monitoring station was inside the venue at the audio mix station, another on the roof of a Barker Street building and one in Brewer outside the public library along North Main Street.

The two loudest shows of the summer where Rise Above Fest and Brad Paisley. Both shows exceeded sound level limits approved by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

The award for most sound complaints goes to Rise Above Fest! The all day event prompted more than 120 noise complaints. In second place is Tim McGraw! He gathered more than 40 complaints, even though it was quieter than Brad Paisley’s gig.

Acentech said there's a number of factors that come into play when it comes to the sound levels that prompt complaints. Weather conditions, cloud cover and how much ambient noise people are used to or their music preferences.

Possible solutions include a sound wall, a permanent roof structure over the stage and pit area or 'directive sound amplification technologies.' Acentech says a sound wall would be 'marginally effective.' The wall would have to be more than two stories tall on some areas, blocking waterfront views.

Directive sound amplification systems aim sound at the audience. Most acts already bring these systems on their tour. If Waterfront Concerts where to purchase one these systems and demand all acts to use it (rather than their own), they might just skip over Bangor.

A permanent roof structure would be costly, but probably the best option. In the report Acentech said it would 'significantly alter the appearance and character of the waterfront area, and it could be very expensive to build.'

The Bangor City Council will begin working to address the issue after the November elections.

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