Gasoline-powered motor vehicles are prohibited in Zone 1 as their spark-ignition engines generate significant radio interference, resulting in the requirement that all vehicles and equipment be diesel-powered.
All unintentional radiators must be operated within the ITU-RRA.769 recommendations on protection criteria used for radio astronomical measurements. Zone 1, also called Radio Astronomy Instrument Zone, restricts intentional radiators to only those are deemed essential. The entire property is designed as Zone 1 except small portions (such as housing, visitor, and laboratory areas) that are designed as Zone 2. Zone 1 and Zone 2 are located within the property of the Green Bank Observatory. The Green Bank Interference Protection Group maintains policies to manage radio-frequency interference (RFI) by dividing into five zones based on available legal instruments. Directional cellphone service areas are very limited, such as in Snowshoe Mountain Resort in nearby Snowshoe, West Virginia, one of the state's major ski areas." Zones of protection "In Green Bank, though, the rules are even stronger, so much that some residents who are in direct sight of the radio telescope receivers, can't use Wi-Fi devices and even microwave ovens in all Green Bank Radio Astronomy housing units. Ĭellular telephone use in the core of the zone is also highly restricted. They possess no legal powers of enforcement (although the FCC can still impose a fine of $50 on violators ), but will work with residents to find solutions. The Observatory actively polices the area for devices emitting noticeably high amounts of electromagnetic radiation such as microwave ovens, Wi-Fi routers and faulty electrical equipment and request citizens discontinue their usage. The most severe restrictions imposed on the general public are only in place within the 20-mile (32 km) radius of the Green Bank Observatory. Exceptions to restrictions are usually determined on a case-by-case basis, with preference given to public safety concerns, such as remote alarm systems, repeaters for emergency services, and NOAA Weather Radio. The only broadcast radio stations are part of the Allegheny Mountain Radio network, with just one station in the AM band, and several low-power FM broadcast translator stations. However, large transmitter owners must typically coordinate their operations with the Green Bank Observatory. For example, emergency service (police, fire, and ambulance) radios and CB radios are permitted. Not all radio transmissions are prohibited in the core of the Quiet Zone. Restrictions on transmissions are tightest within ten miles (16 km) of the Green Bank and Sugar Grove facilities, where most omnidirectional and high-power transmissions are prohibited. This makes cable and satellite all but essential for acceptable television in much of the region. Most broadcast transmitters in the core of the Quiet Zone are forced to operate at reduced power and use highly directional antennas. A modern patrol truck equipped with detectors