Annapolis, MD (July 25, 2007) Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold and Maryland Secretary of the Environment Shari T. Wilson announced jointly today in a press conference that Anne Arundel County police will have the authority, under Maryland environmental law, to enforce sound level limits and noise control rules and regulations.

This is yet another step taken by the County Executive toward noise abatement after an announcement earlier this month to make a decibel meter available to the Police Department.

"Noise is not only an environmental issue, but also a concern of health, safety, and the quality of life of the residents of Anne Arundel County," said County Executive Leopold. "County officers will have the authority of state law, as local enforcement is the appropriate level to address this concern. While egregious violations of daytime noise will be pursued, the priority focus of noise enforcement will be nighttime noise in residential communities."

"The State commends Anne Arundel County for taking the initiative to provide residents with active enforcement of sound level limits and noise control rules," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson.

With the agreement, noise control rules and regulations adopted under Title 3 of the Environmental Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland will take effect.

Current County law is intended to protect residential districts by prohibiting, at all times, the use or operation of amplified musical instruments, radios, tape players and similar sound devices at an unreasonably loud volume. County law also prohibits the use of a musical instrument, machine, tool or other similar device at an unreasonable volume between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to report a potential noise violation can call the appropriate local police district or (410) 222-8610.