Air Quality & Noise. Air Quality. Categorical Exclusion Training Class. Categorical Exclusion Training Class

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Homer Osborne
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1 Air Quality & Noise Air Quality 2 1

2 Air Quality Regulations Why do we do what we do? Clean Air Act (CAA) of 1970 Protects and improves the nation s air quality Requires a State Implementation Plan (SIP) where Federal actions must conform to SIP s purpose SIP defines how states will comply with CAA and improve air quality and requires demonstration of conformity 3 Air Quality Regulations Conformity means a project must not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations, or delay timely attainment Attainment = meets or is cleaner than NAAQS 4 2

3 What Air Quality Events Led to CAA? A. Donora, PA B. Poza Rica, Mexico C. London D. New York & 1963 E. All of the above 5 Transportation Conformity 6 3

All of the above 7 Air Quality Pollutants Required to be Addressed in CE Document Ozone (O3)

4 The primary responsibility for enforcing the NAAQS belongs to who? A. States B. USEPA C. Congress D. FHWA E. All of the above 7 Air Quality Pollutants Required to be Addressed in CE Document Ozone (O3) Particulate Matter (PM) o PM 2.5 (micrometer or micron) Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) O3 and PM apply to certain areas MSAT applies statewide O3 and PM2.5 are NAAQS pollutants 8 4

html#airdata021212 Check out USEPA and NHI AQ Web Courses ODOT 2015 Air Quality Manual and link to webcast 9 Non-Attainment and

5 Air Quality Guidance USEPA and FHWA policies and guidance documents for PM 2.5, MSAT Follow flowcharts for PM 2.5, MSATs, and O3 USEPA AQ Webinars: Check out USEPA and NHI AQ Web Courses ODOT 2015 Air Quality Manual and link to webcast 9 Non-Attainment and Maintenance Geographic areas that require specific air pollution controls, analysis, programs, etc o Non-Attainment - Not meeting the NAAQS o Maintenance - Formerly in non-attainment and under a maintenance plan 10 5

project is in the STIP/TIP o NEPA document can not be approved unless in STIP/TIP

6 Ozone 11 Ozone Confirmation No requirement to perform project level analysis for ozone at this time Verify project scope has not significantly changed Verify project is in the STIP/TIP o NEPA document can not be approved unless in STIP/TIP Include discussion in NEPA document o Project in Non-Attainment, Maintenance, or attainment 12 6

7 13 Particulate Matter (PM) 7

PM 2.5 Emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating and in vehicle engines; Vehicle and truck emissions for DOTs PM2.

8 PM 2.5 Emitted during the combustion of solid and liquid fuels, such as for power generation, domestic heating and in vehicle engines; Vehicle and truck emissions for DOTs PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter; About 3% the diameter of a human hair) can penetrate deeply into the lung and impair lung function Triggered by nonattainment & maintenance areas Follow December 2010 USEPA Guidance and ODOT PM 2.5 process flowchart 15 PM2.5 Before and now 16 8

9 17 PM 2.5 Nonattainment Counties If you have a nonexempt project in any of the following counties, PM2.5 coordination with the agencies (FHWA, EPA, OEPA) is required prior to NEPA approval LOR, CUY, LAK, MED, SUM, POR, STA, JEF 18 9

Projects Exempt From PM 2.5 Analysis Projects exempt (listed in 40 CFR 93.

10 Projects Exempt From PM 2.5 Analysis Projects exempt (listed in 40 CFR ) o Intersection improvements, bridge replacements w/no added capacity, pavement resurfacing and rehabilitation, etc. 19 Projects Not Exempt From PM 2.5 But Do Not Require Hotspot Analysis These projects require coordination with agencies prior to NEPA Document approval o Must be coordinated and approved by OEPA, USEPA, and FHWA o Adding capacity, new interchange, new auxiliary lane <1 mile, new road, major realignment o OES coordinates appropriate project info o This is a Frequent Requirement 20 10

11 Projects Not Exempt AND Require PM 2.5 Qualitative Hot Spot Analysis Typically required for urban interstate capacity adding projects When ADT >125,000 and diesels >8% and DYB AND significant in diesels between DYB and DYNB Follow ODOT flowchart and December 2010 USEPA Guidance Coordinate/consult with agencies Public Involvement requirements Hotspot Analysis is a Rare ODOT Requirement 21 Mobile Source Air Toxics 11

MSAT Required under FHWA Interim Guidance on Air Toxics Analysis in NEPA Documents o 12/6/12 and 10/8/16

projects and counties Three levels of potential MSAT effects o No, Low, & Higher Follow MSAT process flowchart 23

Homes, hospitals, churches, etc. o Identify in Project Initiation Package (PIP) What is exempt from analysis?

12 MSAT Required under FHWA Interim Guidance on Air Toxics Analysis in NEPA Documents o 12/6/12 and 10/8/16 Memorandums Priority Transportation Toxics o Suspected cancer-causing pollutants Statewide implementation for all projects and counties Three levels of potential MSAT effects o No, Low, & Higher Follow MSAT process flowchart 23 MSAT Projects with No Potential Effects - no analysis required No sensitive land uses within ~500 of the project o Homes, hospitals, churches, etc. o Identify in Project Initiation Package (PIP) What is exempt from analysis? o C1 projects or meets 40 CFR Not exempt and no analysis required? o Include prototype language from FHWA/USEPA Guidance 24 12

MSAT Projects with Low Potential Effects Requires Qualitative (desktop) Analysis Capacity adding projects with < 140,000 DYADT, new interchange, new road, expansion of intermodal centers Provide

13 MSAT Projects with Low Potential Effects Requires Qualitative (desktop) Analysis Capacity adding projects with < 140,000 DYADT, new interchange, new road, expansion of intermodal centers Provide project & traffic info o Vehicles miles travelled (VMT), % difference between Ex and DYB Requires OEPA review and consultation Discuss results in NEPA document Frequent ODOT Requirement 25 MSAT Projects with Higher Potential MSAT Effects Requires Quantitative Analysis o Determine meaningful differences in MSAT emissions between a base case, OYB, OYNB, DYB, DYNB Capacity adding projects with DYADT > 140,000 Requires AQ modeling by AQ consultant with guidance from ODOT-OTS-MFS Requires OEPA review and concurrence Discuss results in NEPA document Rare ODOT Requirement 26 13

Air Quality Process 1. Project in Franklin County with 145,000 Design Year ADT is resurfacing and widening narrow pavements o What is required for PM2.5 & MSAT? 2.

14 Air Quality Process 1. Project in Franklin County with 145,000 Design Year ADT is resurfacing and widening narrow pavements o What is required for PM2.5 & MSAT? 2. Project in Lucas County is widening from 2-4 lanes. Design Year ADT is 130,000 and truck % is 35%. o What is required for PM2.5 & MSAT? 3. Project in SUM County is adding 1 mi aux lane, Design Year ADT is 200,000. o What is required for PM2.5 & MSAT? 4. Project in CUY County is adding capacity on IR ADT is 150, DYADT is 180, DYB diesels 30% DYNB diesels 28%. o What is required for PM2.5 & MSAT? 27 Air Tab - EnviroNet 28 14

15 Air Tab - EnviroNet Answer drop downs appropriately Discuss results of agency coordination and mitigation needed, if any, in remarks 29 Air Tab - EnviroNet Answer drop downs appropriately Discuss results of agency coordination and mitigation needed, if any, in remarks 30 15

Air Tab - EnviroNet Answer drop downs appropriately Discuss results of agency coordination and mitigation needed, if any, in remarks Use provided AQ clearance language 31

16 Air Tab - EnviroNet Answer drop downs appropriately Discuss results of agency coordination and mitigation needed, if any, in remarks Use provided AQ clearance language 31 What YOU and WE Can Do To Improve Air Quality Consolidate trips Telework/Telecommute Carpool Public transit Walking or biking Avoid long idles Minimize stop-and-go driving 32 16

How Can We Minimize Particulate Emissions During Construction, If Ever Required To?

soil and other materials o TBD Reduce speed on unpaved roads o ITEM 616 CMS

adjacent sensitive areas o AREAS NEED DELINEATED ON PLANS Shut down truck engines

17 How Can We Minimize Particulate Emissions During Construction, If Ever Required To? Stabilize and cover stockpiles and disturbed areas o SS832 Cover trucks hauling soil and other materials o TBD Reduce speed on unpaved roads o ITEM 616 CMS Establish truck staging areas in locations that will have a minor impact on adjacent sensitive areas o AREAS NEED DELINEATED ON PLANS Shut down truck engines if queued up more than 15 minutes Minimize diesel engine impact on nearby EPA AQ monitor 33 Noise 34 17

18 Noise Regulations Why do we do what we do? NEPA 1969 FHWA Highway Act of 1970 Noise Control Act by USEPA CFR 772 (Procedure for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise) o Effective July 13, 2011 FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Policy and Guidance o January 2011 ODOT s updated 2015 Traffic Noise Manual o Visit OES Noise Website

19 37 Noise Levels 101 < 3 decibels (dba) is not discernable to the average human ear 5 dba is considered a substantial or noticeable change to the human ear 10 dba = halving or doubling the noise level Doubling the traffic= +3 dba Doubling the speed ~doubling the noise level 38 19

20 2000 cars per hour sound twice as loud as A. 100 cars per hour B. 200 cars per hour C. 400 cars per hour D. 500 cars per hour E cars per hour 39 Traffic at 60 mph sounds twice as loud as A. Traffic at 5 mph B. Traffic at 15 mph C. Traffic at 30 mph D. Traffic at 45 mph E. Traffic at 50 mph 40 20

Noise abatement should be designed to achieve a substantial noise reduction-not the noise abatement criteria.

21 Table 1 FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria (NAC) Hourly A-Weighted Sound Level in Decibels (dba) NOTE: These sound levels are only to be used to determine impact. These are the absolute levels where abatement must be considered. Noise abatement should be designed to achieve a substantial noise reduction-not the noise abatement criteria. 47 Table 1 of FHWA NAC Categories B & C are 99% of our noise analysis projects Category D - Interior analysis required Category E Exterior Analysis required 42 21

Table 1 of FHWA NAC Added exterior use for campgrounds, cemeteries, golf courses, daycares, medical facilities, public or non-profit institutional structures, 4(f) properties,

Are NSAs within approximately 500 of project area? 2. Does the project construct a highway on new location? 3. Does the project add capacity? 4.

22 Table 1 of FHWA NAC Added exterior use for campgrounds, cemeteries, golf courses, daycares, medical facilities, public or non-profit institutional structures, 4(f) properties, trails, trail crossings, offices, restaurants/bars 43 Noise Analysis Determination Questions to Help Determine if a Noise Analysis Is Needed (Follow Flowchart - Type I projects) 1. Are NSAs within approximately 500 of project area? 2. Does the project construct a highway on new location? 3. Does the project add capacity? 4. Does the project involve significant change to the horizontal or vertical alignment of the existing roadway? 5. Will the project restripe existing pavement for added thru or auxiliary lanes? 6. Type II project? 44 22

generally does not require analysis If a project moves thru travel lanes significantly

23 Noise Analysis Determination Widening of < 1 traffic lane width = no analysis Intersection improvements or widening from 2 to 3 lanes to include a center turn lane, generally does not require analysis If a project moves thru travel lanes significantly closer (50%) to homes or adds thru lanes, an analysis is required 45 Noise Analysis Required? 46 23

24 Noise Analysis Required? 47 Noise Analysis Required? 48 24

25 Noise Analysis Required? 49 Noise Analysis Required? 50 25

26 Noise Analysis Required? 51 Noise Analysis Required? 52 26

27 Noise Analysis Required? 53 Noise Analysis Required? 54 27

28 Noise Analysis Required? 55 Noise Analysis Required? 56 28

29 Noise Analysis Required? 57 Noise Analysis Required? 58 29

Noise Analysis Required? 59 Noise Analysis Required? 1. Project in Franklin County with 145,000 Design Year ADT is resurfacing and widening narrow pavements 2.

30 Noise Analysis Required? 59 Noise Analysis Required? 1. Project in Franklin County with 145,000 Design Year ADT is resurfacing and widening narrow pavements 2. Project in Lucas County is widening from 2-4 lanes. Design Year ADT is 130,000 and truck % is 35%. 3. Project in SUM County is adding a 1 mi aux lane, Design Year ADT is 200, Project in CUY County is adding capacity on IR ADT is 150, DYADT is 180, DYB diesels 30% DYNB diesels 28%

Noise Analysis Process and PDP Noise analysis (follow flowchart) o Identify Noise Sensitive Areas (NSAs) in PIP o Noise Analysis (TNM modeling) and Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) 61 Acceptable

31 Noise Analysis Process and PDP Noise analysis (follow flowchart) o Identify Noise Sensitive Areas (NSAs) in PIP o Noise Analysis (TNM modeling) and Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) 61 Acceptable Noise Models Noise modeling determines if impacts will occur, if a noise wall works, etc. FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM 2.5) o Only acceptable noise model for ODOT projects o Formal TNM training required for ODOT prequalification (Bowlby) NHI 3-day noise course FTA noise model/program for transit projects FRA noise model for freight rail 62 31

Noise Analysis Process Project Initiation Package Identify all Noise Sensitive Land uses within project study area o Homes o Schools, Churches, Libraries, Hospitals o

32 Noise Analysis Process Project Initiation Package Identify all Noise Sensitive Land uses within project study area o Homes o Schools, Churches, Libraries, Hospitals o Permitted land for development of NSA o Parks, Campgrounds, Cemeteries 63 Noise Analysis Noise Measurement Plan (NMP) Must be approved by OES before beginning field work 64 32

greater for Category B and C o >= 10 db increase Includes detailed abatement design Tests for feasibility o

33 Noise Analysis Noise Measurement Plan 65 Noise Analysis Determine existing noise levels Predict future design year build noise levels (modeling) and compare DYB with Existing Determine if noise impacts occur or not o 66 db or greater for Category B and C o >= 10 db increase Includes detailed abatement design Tests for feasibility o Acoustically feasible? o 40% of impacted receptors must receive >5 dba reduction (was >3 dba) o Conceptually feasible to construct 66 33

34 Noise Analysis Test for reasonableness o At least one benefited receptor (>5 db) must receive >7 dba reduction o Estimate noise abatement costs ($25/SF) o Reasonable abatement costs less than $35,000 per benefiting residence (>5 decibel reduction) o If > $35,000, noise process ends 67 When and Where Do We Model Noise Walls? 68 34

Noise Analysis Process To determine the effectiveness of a noise wall for a

using the following formula: Equivalent #residences = #Occupants

Hours of Sunlight 24 Hours Per Day) = 17 Equivalent Receptors 69 Noise Analysis

15(c) Traffic management measures o Traffic control devices o Prohibition of

35 Noise Analysis Process To determine the effectiveness of a noise wall for a Category C, D or E land use, an equivalent number of residents is determined by using the following formula: Equivalent #residences = #Occupants (#People/Residence) x Usage Park Example: 100 people 3 x ([12] Average Daily Hours of Sunlight 24 Hours Per Day) = 17 Equivalent Receptors 69 Noise Analysis Alternative Noise Abatement Measures 23 CFR (c) Traffic management measures o Traffic control devices o Prohibition of certain vehicle types o Time-use restrictions for certain vehicle types o Modified speed limits Alteration of horizontal and vertical alignments 70 35

36 Noise Analysis Alternative Noise Abatement Measures 23 CFR (c) Acquisition of property to serve as a buffer zone to preempt development which would be adversely impacted by traffic noise Noise insulation of Category D land use facilities Required to explain why alternative measures above will or will not work for your project 71 Noise Analysis Reporting (See Checklist) Identify NSAs Determine existing noise levels (field noise readings and modeling) and predict future design year build traffic noise levels (modeling) Is there Noise impacts on the preferred alternative? If so, evaluate alternative noise abatement measures for reducing or eliminating noise Is a noise wall feasible and reasonable? (Consider small height berms) Address Construction Noise Conclusions and Recommendations 72 36

37 Noise Analysis Process Noise Wall Preliminary Placement Plan (NWPP) Noise Barrier Design Table (NBDT) Uses roadway design info o Includes abatement design i.e. TOW and BOW elevations and offsets from centerline, barrier heights, wall STA (NBDT) 73 Noise Barrier Public Involvement Process (Follow Post-Noise Analysis Flowchart) If abatement is found to be feasible and cost-reasonable: Notify benefited residents and property owners o Determine if noise barriers are desired by each neighborhood, through noise PI meeting, mail survey, canvassing, , etc o Majority (>=51%) of benefited receptors must desire or resurvey o Vegetative screening offered as option (if feasible to construct) o Determine aesthetics of resident s side of the barrier by survey 74 37

38 Noise Barrier Public Involvement Process (Follow Post-Noise Analysis Flowchart) Notify Local Officials o Input on aesthetics of roadway side of the barrier Document noise PI comments and results (NPIS) 75 Noise PI Results 76 38

39 Noise PI Results 77 Noise PI Results 78 39

40 Noise PI Results 79 Basic Aesthetic Choices 80 40

41 Earthen Berm Noise Barriers (first choice is feasible to construct) 81 Small Height Earthen Berms (3-6 in height) 82 41

42 Small Height Earthen Berms (3-6 in height) 83 Overall Noise Process 1. Noise Scope 2. NMP 3. NWPPP 4. Noise Analysis 5. NBDT 6. Noise Re-analysis as needed 7. Noise PI 8. NPIS 9. Noise PI Follow Up Letter (NPIFUL) 10. Noise Wall Construction Plans (NWCP) 11. Noise Wall Construction 84 42

43 Noise Tab - EnviroNet Answer all drop-downs appropriately 85 Noise Tab - EnviroNet Answer drop-downs appropriately List all impacted NSAs in table 86 43

Noise Tab - EnviroNet Who prepared Noise Analysis and date prepared Discuss NSAs impacted Discuss Noise Abatement evaluated and recommended Include commitments in appropriate section 87 Environmental

44 Noise Tab - EnviroNet Who prepared Noise Analysis and date prepared Discuss NSAs impacted Discuss Noise Abatement evaluated and recommended Include commitments in appropriate section 87 Environmental Commitments Noise Examples Noise PI required to be conducted to determine desirability and Noise wall texture and color preference Vegetation screening will be provided Noise insulation provided to a church/school Noise wall construction plans must be reviewed and approved by OES Notify benefited receptors of the noise wall construction schedule 88 44

Latest Noise/Air CE Comments MSAT Analysis Needs Coordinated With OEPA ASAP A Noise Public Involvement Summary Report Must Be Reviewed And Approved By OES And District If Noise Walls Are Desired By

45 Latest Noise/Air CE Comments MSAT Analysis Needs Coordinated With OEPA ASAP A Noise Public Involvement Summary Report Must Be Reviewed And Approved By OES And District If Noise Walls Are Desired By The Public, A Conference Call Must Be Held Between OES, District And The Noise Wall Designer To Discuss Expectations Of The Design All Noise Wall Construction Plans Must Be Reviewed And Approved By OES And District Box 29 Should Be Checked "No". Change Remarks First Paragraph To Joe County Is In Attainment For Ozone." 89 Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid Noise walls designed into plans with low noise PI response rate MSAT and/or Noise Analysis missed during CE review NSAs missed during Noise Analysis Significant vertical alignment change missed in Noise Analysis Insufficient time allotted for Quantitative MSAT Analysis process 90 45

Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid Traffic counts not taken during field readings Overhead utilities

Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid NWCP compliance reviews not occurring Receptors modeled way beyond 500 Air

46 Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid Traffic counts not taken during field readings Overhead utilities missed in noise wall design Topo missed in noise wall analysis First Noise or AQ analysis? Noise study limits vs. eco study limits vs. NEPA study limits DB project not accurately scoped Discovered a missed NSA in the design phase 91 Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid NWCP compliance reviews not occurring Receptors modeled way beyond 500 Air scoped 1 month before ECD Stage 2 plans completed before noise/air scoped Utility issues not investigated in the analysis phase Floodplain in noise wall alignment Little to no attendees at noise PI meeting 92 46

Distinct work areas; same NEPA study area

47 Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid Noise reading was above the NAC but modeled level was below. Inaccurate traffic data in the noise analysis Locals not involved in icon drawing approval; disapproved casted icon. Dissatisfied benefited receptor; newly constructed wall of insufficient length Distinct work areas; same NEPA study area Comment disposition not provided 93 Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid 94 47

If the document is more than three years old

48 Air & Noise Lessons Learned - Mistakes to Avoid 95 When is a Air Quality/Noise Re-Evaluation Required? Major design changes that affect previous analysis results After 5 years have regulations changed? If the document is more than three years old and it has been more than three years since the last major federal action (EA/EIS) OES Re-Evaluation Guidance (July 2015) 96 48

Review Questions 1. If we are adding capacity, is an MSAT analysis required? Noise analysis? 2.

Is a Noise Analysis required for a lane widening project (10 feet to 12 feet) adjacent to apartments with patios? 4.

If a project is widening from 2 to 5 lanes in a PM2.5 attainment area, is a PM 2.5 coordination with the agencies required? 6.

49 Review Questions 1. If we are adding capacity, is an MSAT analysis required? Noise analysis? 2. If a noise wall costs $500,000 and protects 10 homes, is it cost reasonable? 3. Is a Noise Analysis required for a lane widening project (10 feet to 12 feet) adjacent to apartments with patios? 4. Are parks or cemeteries considered an Air Quality and Noise Sensitive Area? 97 Review Questions 5. If a project is widening from 2 to 5 lanes in a PM2.5 attainment area, is a PM 2.5 coordination with the agencies required? 6. If 2 out of 10 benefited homes desire a noise wall, will ODOT construct it? 7. Is an MSAT Analysis is required for a new interchange project? 8. If an apt complex changes their mind about a noise wall, will ODOT accept the change? 9. FHWA reviews and approves the MSAT analysis. (T/F) 98 49

Which deliverable takes the longest time to prepare and approve? A. NMP B. NWPPP C. Noise and Air Quality Determination/scope D. Qualitative MSAT Analysis E. Noise and Air Quality Price Proposal F.

50 Which deliverable takes the longest time to prepare and approve? A. NMP B. NWPPP C. Noise and Air Quality Determination/scope D. Qualitative MSAT Analysis E. Noise and Air Quality Price Proposal F. NBDT G. NPIS H. Noise Analysis I. Quantitative MSAT Analysis J. PM2.5 Hotspot Analysis K. Noise Wall Construction Plans 99 Arrange the items in the order of when they occur (steps 1-7) NMP NWPPP NPIS Noise Wall Maintenance NWCP Noise PI Noise Wall Construction and Inspection Noise Analysis submission Noise Scope

51 OES Noise Webpage

gov Erica Schneider, AEA of Policy and Cultural 614-387-0134 or Erica.

52 103 Contact Info Noel Alcala, P.E., Air Quality/Noise Coordinator or Erica Schneider, AEA of Policy and Cultural or Thank you for your attention/feedback/questions and good luck with your CE projects!