Violations of the city’s noise ordinance were discussed again at this week’s council meeting.

The city is taking steps to implement an environmental court, which will hear complaints of noise violations, as well as cases of property neglect and other sources of community irritation.

This is not a problem unique to Selma. The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse is a national nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about noise pollution and increase activism against it.

According to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouses’ Web site, “Noise is among the most pervasive pollutants today. Noise from road traffic, jet planes, jet skis, garbage trucks, construction equipment, manufacturing processes, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and boom boxes, to name a few, are among the audible litter that are routinely broadcast into the air.”

It’s not just a matter of causing an annoyance, according to the Web site. There can be health issues related to noise pollution as well, including hearing loss, stress, high blood pressure, sleep loss, distraction and lost productivity, and a general reduction in the quality of life.

Most of the complaints that have been brought to the city council involve loud car stereos.

All of the problems with noise pollution could be reduced, or eliminated altogether, if residents would be courtesy.

Keep the noise down, especially when you are asked by a neighbor to do so.

For those who cannot be courteous, the city of Selma has laws – that can result in hefty fines – for those who continue to violate the noise ordinance. The city’s law enforcement officers should follow cite violators accordingly.