MINOT – The results of a noise amplitude study, given to the Planning Board Tuesday night, indicate the Hemond’s Moto-cross track is in compliance with noise limits set in the town’s ordinance.

The study, conducted by Thomas Loveitt of Canfield Systems during an organized practice session held at the track on May 1, sampled noise levels at eight locations ranging from just off the track itself to surrounding points a mile away.

Greg Cunningham, Donald and Serae Hemond’s representative, explained the results to the board noting that they were well within Maine Department of Environmental Protection regulations that stipulate that noise levels can be no higher than 75 decibels at the property line and 60 decibels inside neighboring homes and were comfortably lower than the town’s 55 decibel limit at neighboring properties.

Loveitt’s conclusion stated that noise levels at properties abutting Hemond’s land were below 55 decibels and, in fact, sound levels at two points near the Hemond’s own home ranged from 47 to 53 decibels.

Board Chairman John Geismar told Serae Hemond that he wished the study had been conducted during a regular weekend racing session rather than at a practice.

Hemond noted that, while the study was conducted during a practice session, they were running the same number of bikes that enter competitive races (30 bikes) and they were the largest class of bikes.

Code Enforcement Officer Ken Pratt said that he was satisfied that the study indicated the track met town regulations.

The Hemonds undertook the study in response to complaints about noise emanating from the race track that surfaced in March when petitions, signed by about 50 area residents, asked the board to make sure the track met noise regulations or be shut down.

In other business, the board accepted an application for subdivision approval of Larry and Bill Slattery’s Pottle Hill Estates subdivision. The Slattery’s are seeking to sell two lots, measuring 2.8 and 2.6 acres, from their land located on Pottle Hill Road. The fact that they have recently sold a third lot requires a formal subdivision approval.

In accepting the application, the board scheduled a site walk for 6 p.m. next Thursday and agreed to hold a public hearing at the board’s regular July meeting.