West Haven Allocates $16,000 for Acoustic Investigation to Identify Source of Persistent Low-Frequency Hum

In mid-January 2026, the West Haven City Council in Connecticut took a definitive step toward resolving a long-standing community grievance by approving a $16,000 expenditure for an independent acoustic investigation. This funding is dedicated to pinpointing the origin of a persistent, low-frequency hum that has plagued the region for several years. The decision follows a grassroots movement led by local residents, which included a formal petition signed by more than 140 individuals, highlighting the significant impact the noise has had on the community's sleep and general well-being.

The issue gained significant momentum and national attention in January 2026 after being featured on NBC’s "Today" show. Residents across West Haven, as well as the neighboring towns of Orange and Milford, have described enduring either constant or intermittent low-frequency sounds and physical vibrations for upwards of four years. These disturbances are often described as agonizing, leading to chronic sleep deprivation and heightened anxiety. Some individuals have reported physical sensations such as chest vibrations, which experts suggest may be linked to infrasound occurring in the 1 to 100 Hz range. Kimberly Nunes, who spearheaded the petition, has been a vocal advocate for official intervention, citing a drastic decline in the quality of life for those affected.

Mayor Dorinda Borer, currently serving her second term, has emphasized the city's commitment to finding a definitive resolution to the mystery. She noted that while certain industrial entities have been scrutinized, the city cannot take formal action or issue citations without the "smoking gun" evidence that this professional study is expected to provide. Personnel Commissioner John Carrano echoed the need for specialized expertise, revealing that his own preliminary decibel readings failed to capture levels exceeding existing legal limits. This discrepancy underscores the necessity of hiring certified acoustic professionals to detect frequencies that standard equipment might miss. While the investigation remains open, many residents have pointed toward the industrial sector, specifically identifying Glanbia Nutritionals on Heffernan Drive as a potential culprit.

In response to the allegations, representatives from Glanbia Nutritionals—a company specializing in nutritional ingredients—expressed their willingness to collaborate with city officials to assess any noise impact their facility might be generating. The upcoming acoustic campaign will be financed through the city’s contingency fund and involves a sophisticated technical setup. Experts plan to deploy ten specialized microphones to gather continuous data over a seven-day period. To ensure the highest level of accuracy and minimize environmental interference, the testing requires specific weather conditions, ideally with no precipitation and wind speeds remaining below 10 miles per hour.

Once the field data collection is finished, a comprehensive final report is expected to be delivered within 30 days. This initiative by the West Haven City Council represents a landmark move for the region, especially considering the current lack of specific legislative regulations in Connecticut regarding low-frequency noise pollution. By taking this proactive approach, the city aims to provide its citizens with the answers and relief they have sought for nearly half a decade, potentially setting a precedent for how municipalities handle complex acoustic issues in the future.