So, you say you want to build a motocross track!

(An on-going saga, trust me!)

Introduction

We have learned a lot in the brief months since the neighbors first noticed that ominous “Notice of Proposed Land Use” sign suddenly posted along the Mountain Loop Highway, about 6 miles from Granite Falls. The awareness of what could happen to our otherwise quiet and beautiful part of Snohomish County created a passionate, galvanized group of people determined to do everything possible to prevent the 180-degee change.

In the grueling process of understanding the project and the host of government regulations that govern its development, construction and operation we have become much more aware of the complexity involved and the important role that local government plays in protecting its citizenry while encouraging healthy economic development. Snohomish County has done a reasonable, albeit hasty job of writing the local Code that applies. In the counties defense, there are a large number of motocross riders in their jurisdiction and no commercial track facility to serve the riders needs. The argument we most often hear from the track supporters is the value they see in providing activities that keep kids away from much less desirable alternatives, and we can all agree on that. Regardless where you stand on the issue, we do live in a democratic society and the needs of the motocross community have to be considered.

What follows is a genuine attempt to identify a location somewhere within our County where the development of a motocross track complex would meet local code, respect the wildlife and environment, be economically feasible and be relatively close in proximity to an urgent care facility. When that has been accomplished, we shall move on to World Hunger. If the reader has a specific site in mind, and that site meets the requirements described below, send the details to: Info@NoMotocrossOnMtLoop.com and we’ll put it on a “Top Ten” list for all to view and consider.

Chapter 1

Enter the Dragon, or shall we say Decibel?

As a person studies the wide variety of factors involved in selecting an appropriate site to build such a facility, one thing becomes painfully obvious- it is extremely difficult. The noise considerations alone are nearly insurmountable. Consider, for instance the “decibel factor”. The expected level of noise from a group of motocross bikes as they race is somewhere in the 100-110 dBA range when measured near the track. There are, of course a number of factors that can effect that range, but let’s not go there yet. County Code requires that the level of noise people in the areas surrounding your track experience are below a certain amount, depending on what the surrounding property is used for. In rural residential areas, that level is around 50 dBA during daylight hours (it’s much less during the night hours for obvious reasons). So here’s your mission, should you decide to accept it: figure out a reasonable, effective way to reduce noise levels from 105 dBA to 50 dBA (as measured at your property boundary) and gain the warm blessings of the county and your neighbors for your plan.

Sound is not rocket science. Well, maybe it can be rocket science (what can’t be made complicated these days?). For our purposes, we can use some relatively simple rules used by “the experts” to solve our sound dilemma. Generally speaking, sound levels decrease by 6 dBA every time you double the distance. In our case, let’s assume the 95 dBA was measured at 100 ft. from the source. So, at 200 ft., the level would be 89 dBA and so on. If our sound wave continues on without anything but air in its path, it would need to travel over 3 miles before its strength was reduced to 50 dBA. Many track promoters have suggested the use of certain types of sound “obstructions”, earthen berms for example. Unfortunately, the experts have concluded such means only reduces the sound levels immediately behind the berm. When sound levels are measured 500 ft. beyond a 20 ft. berm, for example, the levels are the same regardless of whether or not the berm is there.

Now, let’s think about that in terms of where to put our motocross park. Based on this rather simple analysis, the property you chose would need to be roughly circular in shape and at least 6 miles in diameter! Try and find a patch of usable land in western Snohomish County with that geometry with a price tag that's palatable. Like I said, this is Mission Impossible all over again, and we’re just getting started!

Next up: Blessings of an Industrial Zone….Stay tuned for more…….