Merritt Island residents say noise from neighboring plant disturbing their peace, making homes 'unlivable'

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Published  January 15, 2025 9:29pm EST
FOX 35 Orlando
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Merritt Island residents say neighboring plant is noisy

Residents near Kennedy Space Center say it’s not rocket launches keeping them up at night, but the loud noise from a nearby plant that partners with NASA.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. - Residents near Kennedy Space Center say it’s not rocket launches keeping them up at night, but the loud noise from a nearby plant that partners with NASA.

Neighbors along D'Albora Road in Merritt Island are frustrated with the persistent noise from the Air Liquide plant facility, which works with gases and technology used in space missions. 

'They don't want to be good neighbors'

What they're saying:

Scott Dunlinger, who lives nearby, said the noise, sometimes starting as early as midnight, is unbearable. 

"You can’t escape it. You can’t sit outside. Can’t have company over," he said. "It's unbearable."

Dunlinger claims the plant has been racking up code violations, adding, "They've decided they don't want to be good neighbors."

Brevard County Sheriff's Commander Alex Herrera noted deputies had responded to the area more than 40 times in the last three months due to noise levels far exceeding county codes.

"I've heard it," Herrera said. "[It] ranges in tone and tenor from a loud lawn mower to a scary scene at a graveyard."

Neighbors simply want the plant to be in compliance with noise levels. 

"Don't want to shut them down and don't want people to lose their jobs. We've spent money to move into forever homes that are unlivable," Dunlinger explained.

What we know:

A special magistrate had already ruled months ago for the plant to reduce noise, but violations continue. 

A plant manager told FOX 35 News that Air Liquide has hired an engineering firm to explore sound reduction measures, but did not provide a timeline for resolution. 

Local law enforcement and residents are urging the company to comply with noise regulations to restore peace in the neighborhood.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by neighbors of the Air Liquide plant and a plant manager.

Brevard County