Document text
2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Enrollment numbers slightly up at SOU ... Standing Stone event supports Sanctuary One ... Ashland watershed project draws national praise ... Enrollment numbers slightly up at SOU ... Standing Stone event supports Sanctuary One ... Ashland watershed project draws national praise ... OUR VIEW Our View: Venting frustration Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Nov. 3, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Nov. 3, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Neighbors of Southern Oregon University's Science Building have reason for concern over the new laboratory ventilation equipment on the building's roof. SOU officials have reason to want to comply with health and environmental regulations while addressing neighbors' complaints about noise and odors. SOU officials will discuss mitigation measures they plan to take in a public information meeting tonight, which should help clear the air. At issue are new fume hoods installed as part of a $21 million renovation. Code requirements for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units and fume hoods have changed dramatically since the building was built in 1957. A complaint filed by 26 neighbors in July cited 24-hour noise from the fans and the unsightly appearance of the exhaust stacks on the building's roof. Many neighbors live uphill from the building. The university hired acoustic engineers, who took measurements and made recommendations to limit the noise, including reducing stack motors to half power and installing acoustic dampening material. As for the appearance, the city noted during the approval process for the project in 2014 that a screen was required for rooftop installations. The architect was able to secure an exception to that requirement, arguing that the previous equipment was not screened and the existence of large trees would be sufficient. Judging by the neighbors' comments, granting that exception may have been a mistake. SOU should consider restoring the screening requirement, and neighbors should attend tonight's meeting with an open mind, and give the mitigation measures a chance. DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Nov. 3, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501