Update July 8, 2025 - Urge EPA & MoDOT to Construct Sound Walls Along I-270 for Noise Reduction

This update is about my communications and actions since June 23, 2025. The petition, "Urge EPA & MoDOT to Construct Sound Walls Along Highway 270 for Noise Reduction," has 591 supporters. I continue to work towards accumulating 1000 supporters by mailing flyers to homes bordering I-270. The campaign to “Urge EPA & MoDOT to Construct Sound Walls Along Highway 270 for Noise Reduction” is progressing. Reaching out to local, state, and federal agencies, I am proceeding by using best practice standards and referencing laws (and regulations) to encourage government officials to mitigate noise pollution from I-270. In preparation for a lack of and/or unfavorable responses from government officials, I am exploring the possibility of securing legal representation.

June 2025:
Agencies/Officials Contacted:

I emailed the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). The OECA is a department at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I have not received a reply. See the email on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bf19YxKdBc-ZQkpAK72HWmjxx9B8bLru/view?usp=sharing

I emailed the Missouri Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Within seven days, I received a response from the AGO stating they cannot handle this type of complaint. The AGO suggested I hire a private attorney.

I emailed the St. Louis County Department of Public Health; see the email on Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bBDQ1Cg4gBh5E3wV58B0svjrVYnufgcI/view?usp=drivesdk I have not received a response from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

Professional Services/Communication Tools:

I spoke with an attorney affiliated with the Great Rivers Environmental Law Center (GRELC) about scheduling an appointment to discuss a formal 60-day Notice of Intent to Sue under the Noise Control Act with the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. The GRELC representative informed me that they lacked sufficient knowledge of noise pollution laws and governmental regulations to provide me with legal representation.

I have created a Messenger (Facebook) community to help anyone interested in connecting with me and the public concerning the petition, “Urge EPA & MoDOT to Construct a Sound Wall Along Highway 270 for Noise Reduction.” Facebook community link: https://m.me/cm/AbZSoujmtaMZiI7r/?send_source=cm:copy_invite_link

This Facebook community is a way to reach out and share information within a public forum with others interested in the sound wall issue.

July 2025:
Sound Study:

MoDOT found and provided a copy of the sound study for the Dawn Valley Subdivision in Maryland Heights, MO. This sound study is a part of project number J6U1045B. The analysis of noise was restricted to 19 homes on Dawn Valley Drive. An analysis of the sound study report provided by MoDOT shows that no sound study for the Orchard Lakes Subdivision (in the area of I-270 between Olive Boulevard and Page Avenue) was conducted.

Officials Contacted:

I emailed Councilwoman Gretchen Bangert with an appeal for help solving the I-270 noise pollution problem. I have not received a reply.

I emailed Representative Wagner for a second time, requesting assistance in resolving the I-270 noise pollution issue. I have not received a reply.

I emailed Senator Hawley asking for help solving the I-270 noise pollution problem. I received an automated email receipt.

I emailed Senator Schmitt requesting help solving the I-270 noise pollution problem. I have not received a reply.

Orchard Lakes Sound Meter Readings:

On July 2, 2025, I recorded the noise level for four hours, seven minutes, and six seconds while sitting on my backyard patio at 1149 Orchard Lakes Drive. Using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Sound Meter application, 138.3 was the highest instantaneous sound pressure reading measured with a "C" frequency weighting filter (LCpeak). The highest sound pressure level measured for the measurement duration (Max. level)was 115.9. The recorded equivalent (averaged every second) continuous sound level in A-weighted decibels (LAeq) was 96.5 during this recording session. Refer to the Noise Report - 1149 ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/16urG_xDTBR9zj8l9k-02a0Ws1JEfUPo8/view?usp=drivesdk 

Noise level recording on July 1, 2025 (for 6 minutes and 39 seconds) from the front porch of 1138 Orchard Lakes Dr. (across the street from 1149 Orchard Lakes Dr.) shows the LCpeak reading of 115, measured maximum level 89.7, and LAeq measurement 66.7; see Noise Report - 1138(https://drive.google.com/file/d/11AbGvjmCNvjtWf_YHHqRlb5wj0J3Fdhj/view?usp=drivesdk

Future updates:
As recommended by the MO AGO, I will seek legal representation. My future updates will be brief until I receive legal advice. I am aware that some of you may be discouraged by infrequent updates. However, we are entering the phase where I will dedicate my time to preparing to engage in a mediator and/or preparing a legal complaint. 

How you can help:
The issue explained in this petition is a local issue because of the partnership between the EPA and MoDOT. This issue becomes a national concern if the denial by Director Hassinger is upheld. I need everyone willing to support this petition and who has ever paid taxes to sign and share this petition. Petition link: https://www.change.org/Orchard_Lakes_Sound_Wall

Thank you!