The Minnesota Department of Transportation is taking public comments on its updated noise policy. The 30-day public review and comment period is open until Jan. 7.

The policy update is in response to recommendations last year from the Office of the Legislative Auditor regarding MnDOT’s noise barrier activities.

The policy describes MnDOT’s implementation of the Federal Highway Administration’s requirements and Minnesota State Noise Standards on how highway traffic and construction noise impacts are defined, how noise abatement is evaluated and how noise mitigation decisions are made.

A technical advisory committee and a policy advisory committee provided guidance for the policy update. The two committees include statewide representation from elected officials, citizens, county representatives, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Federal Highway Administration, MnDOT and other technical experts.

The policy is available for review on MnDOT’s website at www.dot.state.mn.us/environment/noise/index.html and on its public involvement page at www.mndot.gov/publicinvolvement/hearings.html. The policy notice is posted on the Environmental Quality Board’s website and the State Register.

To request this document in an alternative format, contact the Affirmative Action Office at 651-366-4718 or 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). You may also send an email to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us.

To provide feedback or for more information about the policy, contact Marilyn Jordahl Larson, MnDOT Office of Environmental Stewardship, at 651-366-5801 or Marilyn.jordahl@state.mn.us.