Torna Small, Şile Municipality, Istanbul
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Noise Pollution Investigation to be undertaken by Isolating Sound Agency into Torna Small, Kızılca, 34980 Şile, İstanbul, Turkey during the period of 03.08 - 17.08.2024
Şile Municipality, Istanbul
Unidentified noise pollution, first registered in February 2024, has over the last six months increased with levels now categorised as ‘severe’ throughout Şile Municipality, Istanbul. With several instances of sonic interference having disrupted residents, ecosystems and communication networks, neither the local council nor the authorities in Istanbul have located a clearly identifiable source. Türk Telekom has reported frequent disruptions to their networks, and multiple fishermen operating in and around the north of the Bosphorus have reported both radar failures and an unprecedented reduction in catches. Accounts from several fishermen suggested potential sonar interference as a cause for the partial disappearance of marine life during the previous six months, although none of these reports have been verified.
Above ground In Şile, multiple reports have contained references to sustained, drone-like sounds of a low frequency, which many reported being able to feel as well as hear. With local doctors having registered a notable spike in the number of patients exhibiting symptoms of nausea, increased stress levels and headaches, the Şile Municipal Council has advised residents to avoid being outside during peak hours of heat when such conditions can become exacerbated.
The case brought against Torna Small
During the period of 02.03 - 29.07.2024, the Şile Municipality Council registered 14 formal complaints made against Torna Small (previously Torna Gallery) located at Kızılca, 34980, Şile. Situated on the coast, reports pointed to the company’s use of lathe machines, citing these as one of the potential sources of noise pollution experienced in the surrounding area. Many reports also cited Torna’s history of noise pollution, noting that the company had been forced to leave their previous location in Istanbul on the same grounds, although these accusations were never verified.
Having already significantly reduced their operations in Şile, with the capacity of Torna Small’s workspace reduced by ⅚ from the previous model they operated in Istanbul between 2011-2017, company CEO Merve Kaptan, in agreement with Şile Municipality Council, has agreed to contract Isolating Sound Agency GmbH to undertake:
1.) a two-week extensive investigation into the premises of Torna Small, consisting of a series of audio readings (interior and exterior) of the building's architecture and equipment, together with decibel measurements in the surrounding areas.
2.) the construction and installation of a soundproofing unit for Torna Small, followed by an additional audio examination to demonstrate that their operations do not cause exterior noise pollution above the legal limit of 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA).
In addition to their investigations at Torna Small, the Şile Municipal Council permits Isolating Sound Agency to undertake audio investigations throughout Şile, with right of passage being permitted to their designated investigator without the need for additional authorisation.
Following the two-week investigation, Isolating Sound Agency agrees to publish their findings by 17.08.2024, and to make available the full report by 15.10.2024 to the Şile Municipal Council. For further inquiries, please contact Isolating Sound Agency on reports.isa@gmx.com with the case number TS-03170824.
Isolating Sound Agency GmbH, Berlin
01.08.2024