Directorate of Public Works (DPW)
Noise Management, Environmental Division
The Environmental Division deals with noise generated on USAG Baden-Württemberg installations that affects the local Host Nation communities. The management of noise issues is reviewed by this program which includes planning and mitigating of noise issues.
The substantial noise-producing sources in Heidelberg Community footprint are no longer active. The Heidelberg Airfield was converted into a heliport. The helicopter pad at Nachrichten Kaserne is used very infrequently for medevac flights. Since the significant noise-producing sources are no longer in existence, the Garrison disbanded its Environmental Noise Commission for Heidelberg. A Noise Commission for the Mannheim footprint has been established including the local communities as a platform to discuss noise related issues. The main noise source in Mannheim is the airfield at Coleman Barracks which is used for helicopter flight operations. Any noise issues that arise are addressed in the Garrison’s quarterly Environmental Quality Control Committee meetings.
A garrison-wide noise complaint program was established as part of the Environmental Noise Management Program. The purpose of this noise complaint program is to manage complaints in an efficient and timely manner and to provide the USAG Baden-Württemberg and the Host Nation community a system to document and resolve noise complaints.
Any noise complaints that arise are handled on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the Garrison’s Public Affairs Office. The latest noise abatement project, installation of noise barriers at Nachrichten Kaserne has decreased noise in the surrounding residential neighborhood.
German Quiet Hours are set aside for quiet. During quiet hours the following activities are prohibited: mowing the lawn, playing loud music, using power tools, and loud pet/animal noises.
Quiet Hours Monday – Saturday: 10 p.m.- 6 a.m.
Quiet Hours on Sunday and Public Holidays: 8 p.m. - 9 a.m.