Single noise event threshold standards adopted by TRPA are based on the numerical value associated with the maximum measured level in acoustical energy during an event. High noise levels can reduce the public's enjoyment of the natural environment, impact the quality of life for residents, and disturb native wildlife. Single noise events are caused by a variety of sources in the Tahoe Region including motorized vehicles and watercraft, snowmobiles, and aircraft. Regional programs such as prohibiting noisy boat engines and limiting certain aircraft flights into the South Lake Tahoe airport aim to reduce single noise events in the Region. 

Prior peer reviews of TRPA’s 2011 and 2015 Threshold Evaluations suggested that TRPA’s noise program is “too complex and resource intensive,” and recommended that TRPA review and evaluate the noise threshold standards, particularly the single noise event evaluation criteria, which was deemed “unrealistic.” Based on these reviews, limited noise monitoring resources were prioritized to noise sources that are more responsive to management actions.