michelle simmons lafo environmental review division · 4/5/2016 1 michelle simmons environmental...
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4/5/2016
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Michelle SimmonsEnvironmental Officer
LAFO Environmental Review Division
Background
HUD Noise Standards
Conducting Noise Assessments
Case Study
Compliance Documentation
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Implemented for HUD projects through regulation 24 CFR Part 51, Subpart B
Congress passed the Noise Control Act of 1972, as amended by the Quiet Communities Act of 1978
HUD regulation established standards for maximum interior and exterior noise [24CFR51.101(a)(9)]
Included in 24 CFR Part 58.5, Related Federal Laws and Authorities
Indoor Standard (24CFR51.101(a)(9)): 45 DNL Max.
Outdoor Standards (24CFR51.103):
Acceptable Range: < 65 DNL
Normally Unacceptable Range: > 65 DNL < 75 DNL
Unacceptable Range: > 75 DNL
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Outdoor Standard (24 CFR51.103:Acceptable less than 65 DNLNormally Unacceptable 65-75 DNLUnacceptable Greater than 75 DNL
Indoor Standard(24 CFR51.101(a)(9)):45 DNL
0 7565 140
Threshold of PainThreshold of Hearing Damage
Threshold of Feeling
Noisy Urban Street
Average Office
Leaves Rustling
Threshold of Audibility
Near Jet Engine
Physiological Milestones
Relational Examples
New Construction - Prohibit (generally) HUD support for new construction of noise sensitive uses on sites having unacceptable noise exposure [24 CFR 51.101(a)(3)]
Rehabilitation – Encourage, or strongly encourage, noise attenuation features or convert to a land use compatible with high noise levels [24 CFR 51.101(a)(5)]
Land Use - Encourage land use patterns for housing and other noise sensitive urban needs that provide a suitable separation between them and major noise sources [24 CFR 51.100(a)(3)]
Projects with noise sensitive uses…
HUD’s Noise Standards
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New Construction - Noise must be considered for new construction or land development (including acquisition, insurance, conversion from non-residential uses) for residential or noise sensitive uses
Existing Construction Rehabilitation projects are encouraged to
provide noise attenuation If noise is in Unacceptable range, conversion to
more suitable land use is strongly encouraged
New construction versus Existing construction
…
HUD’s Noise Standards
HUD’s Noise Standards
Four Management Options:
• REDUCE: Reduce the Noise Emitted.
• SEPARATE: Move Building Further from the Sound.
• MITIGATE PROPERTY: Construct Noise Barrier.
• MITIGATE BUILDING: Use Sound-Attenuating Building Construction and Materials.
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Determine whether project is noise sensitive use
Determine if project is within proximity to major
noise source(s) – Distance is the threshold
Gather data needed for Assessment
Calculate noise level
Based on noise level make finding:
Approve project as proposed
Require noise attenuation or mitigation Reject project / Seek alternative site(s)
Overview of noise evaluation process…
Conducting Noise Assessment
Housing
Hospitals
Quiet outdoor space that is ancillary to the principal use (e.g. for recreation
Nursing Homes
Community Center
Day Care Facility
1. Determine whether project is noise sensitive use
Conducting Noise Assessment
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Is project located within….
1,000 feet of major/busy road
3,000 feet of railway
15 miles of civil airport or military airfield
If project is not within threshold distances, a noise assessment is not required.
2. Determine if project is within proximity to a major noise source or sources
Conducting Noise Assessment
Information about the project and area:
Maps of the site and surroundings
Site plan and Vicinity map
Aerial photograph – e.g. Google Earth
Topographic map – shows elevation contours
Local land use plans (future, proposed) and zoning
Is outdoor use a component of the project? (balconies, patios, decks)
Visit site
3. Gather data needed for Assessment
Conducting Noise Assessment
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The Day/Night Noise Level Assessment tool is a web-based application of the existing Noise Assessment Guidelines (NAG).
The resulting calculations automate the paper process by “filling in the blanks” and negating the need for the graphed curves and charts.
Airports obtain contour map Roadways use Day/Night NLAT Railroads use Day/Night NLAT Loud Impulsive
Sounds Add 8 dBNLAT =
https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/Day-Night-Noise-Level-Assessment-Tool-User-Guide.pdf
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Roadways◦ Contact State DOT, City or County transportation agency or
Regional Planning Agency
10 Year Traffic Projections
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) http//www.
Percentage Breakdown of Automobiles and Medium and Heavy Trucks (Cars and Trucks combined.
Percentage Night time Use (Used 15% Worksheet Assumption.)
Collect information about noise sources:
Airports – Contact airport manager or FAA
Most airports have noise plan that includes Noise Contours - Nearly all installations that make noise have a plan for managing it
At Military Installations - ask for their “Air Installation Compatible Use Zone” Plan –shared with local planners and developers
3. Gather Data Needed for
Assessment
Conducting Noise Assessment
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Collect information about noise sources:
Railroads – Obtaining data: Federal Highway Administration
(FRA) at-grade crossing inventory database:
www.safetydata.fra.dod.gov/officeofsafety/publicsite/crossing/xingqryloc.aspx
Take crossing number from bungalow or signal mast
Obtain street name at crossing
3. Gather data for Assessment
Conducting Noise Assessment
Assumptions are allowable when better data is not obtainable
RoadwaysAverage speed = actual observed speed for
cars and trucks Or maximum allowable speed for cars and trucks.Night time traffic= 15% of ADT
Railroads 50 cars per diesel train 8 cars per electric trainNight time traffic = 15% of ADT
3. Gather data for Assessment
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Collect raw data and information aboutnoise sources:
Industrial Facilities
Identify factories, warehouses, heavy industrial uses within proximity of site
Hours of operation
If facilities may generate loud, impulsive sounds
3. Gather data needed for analysis
Conducting Noise Analysis
Impulse Noises have Enormous Effect
Add 8 decibels to the Total if Found (24CFR51.103(b))
The Criteria: 24CFR51.106(a)(3)◦ Loud (Explosions, Sonic
Booms, Artillery Firing, Industrial, etc.)
◦ Unpredictable
Definition: (24CFR51 Appendix I(3)(i))
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4. Calculate noise level
Conducting Noise Assessment
Overview:
Noise exposure is calculated for major noise sources typically encountered - aircraft, vehicles and trains
Sound levels are combined for a total projected noise environment – (Sound levels are not added together, rather mathematical factors combine levels based on the difference between two levels being compared)
4. Calculate noise level…the process
Conducting Noise Assessment
Select Noise Assessment Location – “NAL”
Measure distance from NAL to noise source
Input noise source data (variables) into on-line calculator
Calculate combined DNL
Re-calculate DNL accounting for barriers & mitigation, as appropriate
https://www.hudexchange.info/environmental-review/dnl-calculator /
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Conducting Noise AssessmentNAL: Noise Assessment Location
NAL is located 6.5 feet (2 meters) in front of the façade of the proposed building at the point that is closest to the noise source
If more than one building, use building nearest to noise source
May have more than one NAL for a large site or site with more than one major noise source
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First Phase of three phase transit oriented development
Provide 190 units for expanded permanent housing and social services
4. Calculate noise level…tools
Conducting Noise Assessment
Use HUD on-line calculating tool
https://www.hudexchange.info/environmental-review/dnl-calculator
https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/Day-Night-Noise-Level-Assessment-Tool-User-Guide.pdf
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Aircraft: 64dB
Roadway: 76.63 dB
Projected for 2023
Railway: 64.4 dB
Impulse: 0
Site: 76.63 DNL
Unacceptable the predicted noise level is above 75 DNL, “
In accordance with 24 CFR Section 51.104(b)(2), project can qualify to receive HOME funds if the standard EIS requirement is waived by the RE’s Certifying Officer
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Recommended ERR Documentation to Support an EIS Waiver for Projects
in Unacceptable Noise Conditions
HUD Noise Waiver Requirements
Waiver request must state:
Noise is the only environmental issue
There are no sensitive outdoor uses such as patios, picnic area or balconies
Letter from Certifying Official stating criteria has been met & requesting a waiver of the EIS
Noise Assessment using HUD methodology
Compliance required for Satisfactory NoiseAttenuation
Requirements for Interior Mitigation
The use of wall materials meeting STC levels of at least 50 and double-paned windows with a minimum STC level of 35.
Project design and proper mitigation will guarantee that no noise-sensitive, outdoor uses will be included as part of the in the residential element
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Three Options for Attenuating Noise
Site Design – Moving noise-sensitive
uses away from the noise source – Best option
Barriers or Berms – Constructing physical barricades to stop noise
Structural Design & Acoustical
Construction – Changes to the building including special acoustical construction
Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction
Noise Mitigation & Attenuation
Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction
Options for Exterior Mitigation
Revise the site design
Construct a barrier
Remove balconies from noise-exposed facades
Options for Interior Mitigation
Move noise-sensitive uses to interior portions of the building
Use wall sections with appropriate Sound Transmission Classifications
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Responsibility of NEPA Preparer
What Do You Do?
Make developer aware of the attenuation requirements
Make decision-makers aware of the mitigation options available
What Don’t You Do?
It Is Not your responsibility to Design barriers
However…
Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction
Responsibility of NEPA Preparer
Provide site planning options that will achieve the desired result 45 dnl without huge additional cost
Remember that an alternative site may be the best solution
Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction
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Option 1: Site Planning & Design
Distance
Doubling distance from sound source can reduce intensity by 6 dB
Noise-compatible land uses as buffers
Parking, maintenance facilities, utility structures and landscaped open space
Buildings as Shields
Structures with noise-tolerant uses (Office, Retail) can block the sound energy from more sensitive uses behind them
Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction
Examples – No Impact
1) The project involves the construction of nine affordable apartments for senior citizens.
◦ A site visit confirmed the Project Area is fully surrounded by existing residential uses and not in line-of-sight of a major or arterial roadway, railroad or within the noise contour lines of a commercial or military airport (City of Los Angeles General Plan,
◦ 2) The project does not involve new construction and therefore does not involve noise sensitive land use. Therefore, project is compliance with 24 CFR 51B.
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Example-3 – Property involves noise sensitive land uses and is located within 1000 feet of a major highway
The project is located 1000 feet of Whittier Boulevard,
The ambient noise level is documented as 73 DNL
REQUIRED MITIGATION:
the project must implement all noise mitigation measures according to the StraCAT study
Example-3 – Property involves noise sensitive land uses and is located within 1000 feet of a major highway
REQUIRED MITIGATION: In order to comply
with 24 CFR 51B Continued:
Dual Pane windows for remaining units.
Mechanical ventilation systems for units in Zones A and B
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Example-4 – Property involves noise sensitive land uses and is located within 500 feet of a major highway and the community noise level is above 75 DNL.
The project is located within 500 feet of Broadway Boulevard with commercial property to the north and south and residential property to the east and west.
Enclosed documentation required for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Noise Waiver includes
Example-4 – Property within 500 feet of a major highway
EIS Waiver approval letter signed by Certifying Officer is attached.
REQUIRED MITIGATION: In order to comply with 24 CFR 51B, and satisfy the EIS Noise Waiver requirements, as described in section 2, of the attached Noise Analysis Report Exhibit 3, the project design is required to include the following noise mitigation measures
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Example-4 – Property within 500 feet of a major highway
Dual Pane windows for remaining units.
Mechanical ventilation systems for units in Zones A and B
All picnic tables will be located behind the proposed building, not in the yard facing Broadway Blvd.
Pick Another Site
Consider Exterior Mitigation
Revise the Site Design
◦ Construct a Barrier
Consider Interior Mitigation
Remove Outdoor, Noise-sensitive Uses
◦ Use Wall Sections with Appropriate Sound Transmission Classifications
◦ Move Interior, Noise-sensitive spaces to Protected Portions of the Building
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24 CFR 51B
Michelle Simmons, MS, CSP, R.E.H.S.Environmental OfficerLos Angeles Field Office213 [email protected]