Engineer in safety gear using a laptop outside an industrial power plant at dusk.
Energy & Environmental

An Integrated Systems Approach to Environmental Noise Control

Community complaints, compliance risk, and operational constraints all begin with unmanaged sound. We deliver comprehensive, legally admissible noise studies, and engineered barrier solutions that minimize risks associated with community noise concerns.
Nighttime environmental noise monitoring setup with sound level meter on a tripod in a gravel lot near an industrial building, with a worker in a reflective vest standing by an open vehicle

Protect Your Business. Preserve Community Trust.

Many noise control efforts oversimplify complex facilities, treating entire plants as a single noise source or addressing issues one machine at a time. This fragmented approach often leads to reactive, high-cost measures such as perimeter noise walls or extensive enclosure systems that deliver limited performance relative to their expense.

Memtech Acoustics applies a systems engineering approach to environmental noise control. We model facilities as interconnected networks of individual noise contributors, accounting for source interactions, site geometry, and local and distant boundary conditions.

This enables accurate predictive modeling of multiple control strategies and a clear cost-to-performance (“dollars per decibel”) analysis, ensuring the most effective solution is selected, not the most aggressive one.

Our work is grounded in data-driven analysis, including comprehensive sound level measurements, community impact assessments, and advanced noise modeling. Each study is tailored to the site conditions, regulatory requirements, and project objectives, producing results that are technically defensible, legally admissible, and directly actionable—supporting engineered noise and vibration control across complex industrial and environmental environments.

Common Challenges We Solve.

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Community disturbance and local or state noise ordinance violations

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Outdoor Equipment Exceeding Local Ordinance Limits

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Construction Noise Near Residential or Public Zones

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Uncertainty About Acoustic Impact During Planning or Expansion

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Continuous Noise From Power Systems, Compressors, or Chillers

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Noise Reflecting From Nearby Buildings or Walls

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Low-frequency or tonal noise issues

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Disruption of on-site communication and safety signals

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Harmful vibration from rotating or reciprocating machinery

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Ineffective legacy noise barriers

Industrial refinery complex illuminated at night, with multiple towers, pipes, and structural frameworks.
Energy & Environmental

Noise Control and Noise Management for Energy Production Facilities

Energy production environments are inherently noisy, but unmanaged noise and vibration can lead to serious consequences, from regulatory violations and community complaints to equipment fatigue and worker exposure risks.

Memtech specializes in acoustic and vibration control solutions for renewable natural gas (RNG), biogas, shale gas, nuclear power, geothermal, hydro, and conventional oil and coal facilities.
We work with:
  • Compressor stations
  • Power generation units (turbine, reciprocating, or engine-based)
  • Blowers, chillers, and fans
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Nuclear and alternative energy providers
  • Piping systems and structural vibration sources
  • Pump houses and auxiliary equipment pads
  • Site perimeter barriers for community noise control
Flowchart illustrating a systems engineering approach for modeling machines to predict noise levels, showing inputs of external noise sources, machine designation, summing gates, parallel and alternate functions, boundaries, and final predicted sound power and noise levels.Aerial map showing predicted noise levels around a plant with concentric colored lines indicating dBA levels of 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60.
Energy & Environmental

Our Approach

One of the major issues confronting energy-producing operations is assuring compliance with state and/or local noise ordinances. Noise criteria in some communities are quite stringent, and can be difficult to achieve.

At Memtech, we determine optimum environmental noise solutions by considering the contributions of individual elements (machines) inside and outside the plant, as well as the effects of physical location, nearby buildings and the surrounding terrain. When this information is integrated into a predictive systems-based computer model, we can determine areas of potential risk.

We utilize advanced software packages for this purpose, such as ‘Vensim’, ‘Simantics’, ‘Noise Modelling’, and our own proprietary software to provide local and distant sound level predictions. These models provide an accurate estimation of noise levels at virtually any location around the plant prior to construction of the facility. Predictions can be made based on sound pressure levels at different locations, or probabilities of annoyance for local residents in any nearby area.

This approach also allows us to simulate and validate the effectiveness of noise barriers, walls, diffusers and other solutions prior to the purchase and construction of these structures. A ‘ Monte-Carlo’ analysis can then be performed by modeling various noise control elements to derive the best solution at lowest cost.

This approach can also be used in reducing noise from existing plants prior to spending money for corrective actions via a ‘trial and error’ approach. These models will determine the effectiveness of adding noise barriers at various locations around the facility, or via the addition of noise enclosures or curtains.
Energy & Environmental

Reporting You Can Trust

Our documentation is legally compliant, structured for municipal boards, state regulators, and community stakeholders so you can demonstrate due diligence with confidence.
All assessments and recommendations are developed in alignment with:
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 (occupational noise exposure)
  • EPA and state environmental noise regulations
  • ISO 1996 (acoustic description and measurement of environmental noise)
  • ASTM E90 / E413 (STC) and ASTM C423 (NRC)
  • FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (23 CFR Part 772)
  • Local municipal noise ordinances and permitting requirements
Aerial map showing six surrounding community zones labeled 1 through 6 near a marked plant location, used for environmental impact or sound propagation analysis
Engineer in safety gear using a laptop outside an industrial power plant at dusk.
Energy & Environmental

Our Capabilities

Our capabilities include comprehensive on-site acoustic measurements, combining targeted spot measurements with extended logging to capture both daytime and nighttime operating conditions.

Using advanced predictive modeling, we simulate sound propagation across the site and surrounding community, allowing control strategies to be evaluated and optimized even before construction begins.

Beyond airborne noise, we conduct structural vibration analysis and design isolation strategies for equipment and building foundations, addressing vibration at its source and preventing downstream impacts to structures, occupants, and adjacent properties.
Our services range from:
  • Baseline noise surveys using certified instrumentation
  • Daytime/nighttime SPL logging for long-term monitoring
  • Octave-band and tonal analysis to pinpoint problematic frequencies
  • Predictive modeling to forecast noise impacts under various operating scenarios
  • Recommendations that include custom barrier design, equipment shielding, and layout optimization
  • Where required, legally defensible documentation, complete with testing and calibration records
Energy & Environmental

Machinery & Process Equipment Noise Control

Individual pieces of machinery can generate very high noise levels in ‘stand-alone’ operation; in some cases, one or two machines can dominate the overall noise within a plant. Memtech Acoustics frequently works with equipment OEMs (ABB, Kuka, Reinhart Industries and many others) to reduce noise from machinery via the implementation of design enhancements and the targeted application of noise control materials, such as resonators.

Fix the Root Causes: Don’t "Cover Them Up"

Attacking noise mechanisms at the source has many benefits, including improved life-cycle costs and higher operating efficiency. A significant reduction in noise can often be realized by implementing design enhancements to the equipment itself.
This includes:
  • Structural stiffening of machine frames or tanks
  • Mechanical isolation of high-vibration components
  • Balancing or aligning rotating equipment
  • Improving laminar flow through ducts or pipes
  • Damping resonant modes in large structures
Tall sound barrier wall with textured concrete panels surrounding industrial equipment at a facility, designed for noise mitigation
Tall outdoor acoustic barrier wall with a textured finish, surrounded by landscaped greenery for visual and environmental integration.
Energy & Environmental

Community Noise & Vibration Solutions

Fully integrated solutions that deliver superior acoustic performance.
  • Acoustic Enclosures & Equipment Housings
  • Sound Barrier Walls
  • Vent Silencers & Exhaust Silencers
  • Intake Silencers & Filter Housings
  • Acoustic Louvers & Air Intake Panels
  • Vibration Isolation Systems
  • Acoustic Doors & Windows
  • Environmental Noise Monitoring Systems
  • Mufflers & Expansion Chambers
NOTE: We do not stock custom products in our U.S. warehouse.
Ask us about lead times for your project.
Person working on a laptop displaying a 3D noise barrier on screen.

Integrated Design & Build Solutions We Deliver

From diagnosis to installation — one responsive and accountable partner.

Acoustic challenges don’t end with recommendations. Memtech’s Design & Build services combine acoustic consulting, engineering, material procurement, and installation coordination to manage every aspect of noise and vibration control across all your projects.

By integrating each phase, we ensure solutions perform exactly as designed. The result is a smoother project experience, predictable outcomes, and acoustic environments that support clarity, safety, and long-term reliability.

This integrated delivery model eliminates uncertainty, maintains consistent quality, and gives you confidence that your space will perform as intended.
"Industrial gas processing equipment with vertical scrubber unit and yellow piping, enclosed in a fenced area at a landfill facility

Why Memtech for Environmental Noise?

  • In-House Engineering Expertise
    Root-cause mitigation for compressors, chillers, and rotating equipment.
  • Acoustic Modeling Services
    Predictive tools validated by field measurements.
  • Vibration Control That Protects Equipment
    Isolation and damping to safeguard infrastructure.
  • Legally Compliant Reports
    Documentation built for permitting, compliance, and public review.
  • Cost-Effective Barrier and Enclosure Designs
    System-wide acoustic solutions custom-designed and installed.
  • Built to Withstand the Environment
    All materials are weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, and industrial-grade.
  • Fast Response, Trusted Regionally
    Based in Michigan, with service coverage across the Midwest and Great Lakes region.
  • Solutions That Scale
    Whether you operate a single site or multiple facilities, we apply consistent methodology across your operations.
  • We Work Proactively, Not Just Reactively
    We can help before environmental noise becomes a community issue.
  • Tiered Assessments
    From baseline surveys to full legal-grade analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of energy and environmental noise issues do you address?
We mitigate noise from compressors, turbines, pumps, blowers, cooling towers, and other processing equipment, as well as toxic waste management. We also solve annoying hums, tonal noise, and vibration that affect both employees and surrounding communities.
How do you measure and assess community noise impact?
We use professional, certified instrumentation and analysis equipment for all environmental measurements, which is compliant with all legal requirements, including workplace noise exposure mandates. This allows us to validate results to ensure alignment with local ordinances, EPA, FHWA, and OSHA standards.
Can you help with regulatory compliance and permitting?
Yes. We provide legally compliant reports suitable for OSHA, state environmental agencies, municipal hearings, and permitting processes. Our documentation includes mapped noise contours, predictive modeling, and mitigation recommendations to validate and support compliance.
What mitigation strategies do you use for energy facilities?
Typical strategies include engineered noise barrier walls, equipment enclosures, silenced ventilation systems, vibration isolation, and sound-absorptive treatments. We design solutions to handle heat, weather, vibration, and 24/7 operation.
How quickly can barriers or enclosures be implemented?
Most barriers and modular enclosures are fabricated in 8–12 weeks, depending on materials and finishes. We coordinate closely with vendors and manage installation or shipping logistics to align with project schedules.
How do you handle community noise complaints?
We provide independent noise monitoring, documentation, and expert testimony when needed. By logging data during both daytime and nighttime hours and utilizing directional measurement techniques, we can separate plant-related contributions from external noise sources.
What makes Memtech different from other firms?
We are vertically integrated, including measurement, design, build, installation, and validation. Unlike firms that provide only monitoring or only materials, we cover the full scope: identifying the issue, designing the fix, and validating performance with comprehensive testing.
Do your solutions stand up to industrial conditions?
Yes. We select materials that are fire-rated, UV-stable, weather-resistant, and vibration-tolerant. Our systems are designed to endure continuous operation and outdoor exposure with lifespans of 20–40+ years.

Let’s Engineer the Right Solution, Together.

Modern open office with blue acoustic ceiling baffles designed to absorb sound and reduce workplace noise.

Let's Get Started. Contact Us.

Talk to our experts. We’ll assess your needs and recommend a solution that works for your project.