Ocean Shores is a quiet ocean environment.  However, since June 8th, 2025 many homeowners in our neighborhood have been experiencing intrusive, pointless noise pollution emanating from a sound device located on the south jetty, near Westport.

This situation negatively impacts the quality of life for hundreds of folks in this area.

The good news is the problem can be fixed.

This petition will bring the issue to the attention of the responsible parties.

If you would simply like to sign the petition now, you may do so by simply clicking "Sign the Petition" - with our sincere thanks.

For more information about this issue, please see below:

Last summer and again this summer I walked out on the south jetty to physically identify the sound device.  I have many made audio and video recordings of the device in a variety of weather conditions.  I have made the recordings from the north jetty (1 mile from the device’s location) and from our residence (2 miles from the device’s location).

As many of us know, the device operates erratically.  It emits noise for a few days and nights, and then goes silent - at no point is there a correlation with weather conditions. It generates noise at odd intervals; its sporadic operation makes it undependable for boaters and irritating for everyone else.

The Coast Guard's own regulation states that this maritime device should not be audible beyond a maximum distance of 1/2 mile. This intended maximum audible distance is stated in several documents which they have supplied (such as in the document below from Commander Harris/Coast Guard, District 13 Waterways Management Branch Chief).  
 
"Regarding the sound level, the equipment has the capability to create a signal at two levels: one that creates an audible signal that can be heard for an estimated ¼ mile in heavy fog conditions, and a second signal estimated to be heard for ½ mile.

How far a sound may travel is dependent upon environmental factors, one of which is moisture levels. The ¼ and ½ mile distances are based on heavy fog conditions. On days where there is less moisture in the air, sound carries farther. When the moisture level is high, sound carries a shorter distance. Page xxviii of the Light List Volume VI and section 62.47(a)(2)(b) of the United States Aids to Navigation System (33 CFR Part 62) both warn mariners that “Distance cannot be accurately determined by sound intensity. Occasionally, sound signals may not be heard in areas close to their location.” Based on the length of the jetty and the need to ensure the signal is heard by mariners before they hazard their vessel on the jetty, the louder setting is necessary during periods of heavy fog." 
 
Despite that statement, the sound device obviously breaches their own regulation, being heard over 2 miles from its location (our residence is indicated on the attached Coast Guard illustration).  Even if the noise travels one full mile from the device's location it wouldn't be a problem.
Noise pollution is more than an annoyance; it leads to difficulty sleeping, difficulty reading, and difficulty enjoying the environment.  The malfunctioning device causes folks to close their windows and use earplugs at night.  People do not live or visit this area to hear electronic noise every 15 seconds, night and day - for the entire summer.

Over the last year I have spoken with: personnel at Grays Harbor Coast Guard station, members of the Coast Guard crew which installed the device, the West Haven Marina manager, Commander Brendan Harris/Coast Guard District 13 Waterways Management Branch Chief, Coast Guard representatives in Washington DC, caseworkers at the offices of Congresswoman Emily Randall, Senator Maria Cantwell, Senator Patty Murray, Representative Steve Tharinger, state Senator Jeff Wilson…and many others. 

On Aug. 11,  2025,  I received a call from a field representative with Congresswoman Emily Randall's office - she said the noise was clearly audible while we spoke on the phone.  On Aug. 12 she came to our house to listen to the noise in person.  After hearing it on our deck for a while we went inside.  We closed our double-pane windows and the noise was still annoying.  When she asked us if we would have bought here knowing that sound would be present we realized she appreciated the issue.  We reviewed all the documents, emails, and illustrations I have received from the Coast Guard.  She agreed the device was clearly malfunctioning and would address the issue with Congresswoman Randall and Senator Cantwell at their meeting the week of Aug. 18th.

On Aug. 14th she notified me that a letter to the Coast Guard was being prepared to address the malfunctioning device.

It is crucial for the Coast Guard to comply with their own regulations to ensure this noise does not continue to infringe upon the peace and quality of life we value in Ocean Shores.  Correctly adjusting the sound device to comply with the half-mile audibility limit is a feasible and necessary solution that respects both safety and community living standards.

I would be happy to share any information I have received from relevant individuals or agencies.  

I call upon the members of our community, federal, state, and local authorities to join me in holding the Coast Guard accountable to uphold their own regulations and mitigate this intrusive noise pollution. 
Signing this petition will protect the serenity of our homes, the welfare of our residents, and the well-being of our environment.

Thank you kindly for your attention.
Jonathan Cannon/425-945-6578