24 CFR Part 51 Noise Abatement and Control as part of a Part 58 HUD Environmental Review. November 19, 2013

Transcription

1 24 CFR Part 51 Noise Abatement and Control as part of a Part 58 HUD Environmental Review November 19,

2 Noise Control HUD Noise Standards Noise Evaluation Process Conducting a Noise Analysis Responsibilities 2

3 Background Noise is detrimental for many reasons Noise affects people s ability to: Talk to one another Hear threats around them Enjoy recreational pursuits Learn and concentrate Noise causes physical harm - hearing loss, stress, and threats to mental and social well being Noise reduces property value and resale potential 3

4 Common Audible Sounds Rustle of leaves in the wind Average whisper Soft radio music in a house Range of speech Noisy urban street Loud auto horn at 10 ft. 10dB 20dB 40dB 48-72dB 90dB 100dB 4

5 HUD s Noise Standards New construction versus existing construction New Construction - Noise must be considered for new construction or land development (including acquisition, 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 Project cannot be rejected solely for noise - However, noise is a marketability factor which may influence underwriting and other assistance 5

6 HUD s Noise Standards Major versus Minor rehabilitation of 1-4 unit housing Noise can t be taken into consideration without knowing if it s an issue and if it is an issue, attenuate noise commensurate with the extent of effort, resources, and level of exterior noise For major or substantial rehab, HUD/Responsible Entity actively shall seek noise attenuation [ (a)(5)] No explicit definition (in noise regulation or HUD policy) distinguishes major vs minor rehab of single-family housing Reasonable to establish a threshold at 50% of the pre-rehab value whereby noise will be evaluated if project falls within threshold distance of major noise source Thus: For major rehab, attenuate noise given the extent of rehab and level of exterior noise For minor rehab, perform energy audit and include weatherization in scope of work to extent practicable 6

7 HUD s Noise Standards Outdoor 24 CFR (Noise Guidebook pg 50) Decibel Ranges Acceptable: <65 db Normally Unacceptable: 65 db <75 db Unacceptable: >75 db Threshold of Audibility Threshold of Feeling 0 Leaves Rustling Threshold of Hearing Damage Average Office Threshold of Pain Noisy Urban Street Near Jet Engine 7

8 HUD s Noise Standards Management options for addressing noise Typical construction provides 20 db of noise attenuation So, if outdoor noise level is 65 db (or less), indoor noise will be 45 db (acceptable) [24CFR51.103(c)(2)] Four Noise Management Options REDUCE: Reduce the Noise Emitted from a Sound Generator (HUD has No Authority to regulate equipment manufacturers or operators) MITIGATE BUILDING: Use Sound-Attenuating Building Construction and Materials in the Building Construction. (Least Desirable: Subjects Outdoor Areas to Excessive Noise) Best Choices SEPARATE: Move Building Further from the Sound Generator MITIGATE PROPERTY: Construct Noise Barriers Near Property Lines 8

9 HUD s Noise Standards How is noise evaluated? HUD uses Day-Night Level (DNL) noise descriptor accumulates noise data from all sources airports roadways railroads military and industrial facilities averaged over a 24 hour period weighted 10 decibels for nighttime estimates noise level for 10-years in future 9

10 Overview of noise evaluation process 1. Determine whether project is noise sensitive use 2. Determine if project is within proximity to major noise source(s) 3. Gather data needed for analysis 4. Calculate noise level 5. Based on noise level, make finding: approve project as proposed require noise attenuation or mitigation reject project / seek alternative site(s) 10

11 1. Determine project noise sensitivity Any activity easily disturbed by high noise levels Housing Hospitals Quiet outdoor space that is ancillary to the principal use (e.g. for recreation/sitting) Day Care Facility Nursing Homes Libraries Community Center 11

12 1. Determine project noise sensitivity. Noise Sensitivity Continuum Least Sensitive Most Sensitive Land Uses Industrial Commercial Office Retail Performance Venues Recreation Residential Interior Spaces Storage/ Garage Bath/ Utility Kitchen Living/Family Room Bedroom / Den 12

13 2. Determine proximity of project to a major noise source or sources. Project located within: 1,000 feet of major/ busy road 3,000 feet of railway 15 miles of civil airport or military airfield Near industrial facility 13

14 Does this project trigger further investigation? 14

15 This section of the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) Statewide Planning Map shows the Railroad Layer 15

16 TXDoT Statewide Planning Map section showing a railroad track 16

17 Does this airport measurement trigger a noise study? 17

18 3. Gather data needed for analysis Information about the project and area: Maps of the site and surroundings Site plan and Vicinity map Aerial photograph e.g. Google Earth Planimetric map shows roads, building footprints, railroads 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, if possible 18

19 Site Example: 2401 Del Curto, Austin 19

20 Overview Map of Property 20

21 Conducting Noise Analysis 3. Gather data needed for analysis TYPICAL VEHICLE USE BY ROAD CLASSIFICATION Roadway Class Vehicle Use Local 1,500/day Collector 2,000-3,000/day (up to 8,000/day) Arterial 20,000-25,000/day or 2,400/hr. (at peak hours) Freeway +70,000/day Source: Local Planning Administration Book, International City Manager s Association.,

22 Conducting Noise Analysis 3. Gather data needed for analysis Collect raw data and information about noise sources: Roadways - Contact TX DOT, city/county transportation agency or regional planning agency or better yet check their websites! Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Percentage Breakdown of automobiles and medium and heavy trucks Traffic projections needed for minimum 10 years into future Percentage Nighttime Use 22

23 Does this major roadway trigger a noise study? 23

24 TxDOT Statewide Planning Map 24

25 Sample TX Dot Map for Austin, Texas showing area of example property 25

26 Traffic Volume Calculator that projects 10 years in future assuming 4% growth rate and 5 and 10 percent rate for truck traffic based on truck size 26

27 Do We Count Del Curto? (example) 27

28 Our Sample Project is Within 3,000 feet of a Railroad 28

29 Conducting Noise Analysis 3. Gather data needed for analysis Collect raw data and information about noise sources: Railroads - Contact railroad operator or State DOT Who is Operator? Check Federal Railroad Administration s crossing inventory database or site visit to at-grade crossing How many Trains per day? Number of Cars per train? Number of Engines per train? Diesel or electric? Rails welded or bolted? Speed of train? Percent of night operations? 29

30 Conducting Noise Analysis 3. Gather data needed for analysis Collect raw data and information about Noise Sources: Railroads Obtaining data: try Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) at-grade crossing inventory database: Take crossing # from bungalow or signal mast, e.g., X or J 30

31 Statewide Planning Map (segment showing example site) with Railroad Overlay 31

32 Federal Railroad Administration Office of Safety Analysis 32

33 Federal Railroad Administratio n, Crossing Inventory Information (sample report) 33

34 Part III: Traffic Control Device Information Bells and Whistles? 34

35 Conducting Noise Analysis 3. Gather data needed for analysis Assumptions are allowed where better data not obtainable Roadways roadway speed = actual, observed speed for cars and trucks night time traffic = 15% of ADT Trains 50 cars per diesel train 8 cars per electric train 30 mph train speed whistles used at grade crossings 35

36 Airport proximity. Does this distance trigger a noise study? 36

37 Airport proximity 3. Gather data needed for analysis Collect raw data and information about Noise Sources: Airports Contact airport manager or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Obtain noise contour plan or data on # flights per day, both daytime and at night 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 It is intended to be shared with local planners and developers 37

38 3. Gather data needed for analysis Collect raw data and information about Noise Sources: Airports Civil airports subject to Part 51-B (Noise) are those designated in the FAA s National Plan of Integrated Airport System (NPIAS) generally, 9,000 enplanements or higher: All military air installations are subject to Part 51-B. Sample source for military installations: 38

39 Which airports are considered when performing a noise assessment? 39

40 National Plan of Integrated Airports 40

41 Airport locations: Texas is Broken into Four Maps 41

42 NPIAS South/Southwest map of Texas airports 42

43 Austin Bergstrom International Airport Noise Contour Map 43

44 Globemaster Air Bases Search Engine: Search Results (sample screen shot) 44

45 Noise Contour map for Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX 45

46 Conducting Noise Analysis 4. Calculate noise level: 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) Impact noises are handled separately such as, sonic booms, stamping mills, metal fabrication, artillery and explosives training or testing 46

47 Conducting Noise Analysis 4. Calculate noise level the process Select Noise Assessment Location NAL Measure distance from NAL to noise source Input noise source data (variables) into on-line calculator Apply adjustment factors done automatically if using on-line calculator Calculate combined DNL done automatically if using on-line calculator Re-calculate DNL accounting for barriers & mitigation, as appropriate 47

48 Conducting Noise Assessment 4. Calculate noise level NAL 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 48

49 Conducting Noise Analysis 4. Calculate noise level Measure the distance from NAL to centerline of noise source use scaled site plan or map Roadways Measure to near edge of nearest lane Far edge of farthest lane Add and divide by 2 If symmetrical roadways, simply measure to centerline Railroads Measure to center of single track Multiple tracks measure to middle of set Non-adjacent tracks calculate each track as separate source 49

50 Conducting Noise Analysis 4. Calculate noise level Loud Impulsive Sounds Impulse Noises have enormous effect Add 8 decibels to the total if present [24 CFR (b)] Criteria for including: [24 CFR (a)(3)] Loud (explosions, sonic booms, artillery firing, etc) Unpredictable Definition: [24 CFR 51 Appendix I(3)(i)] Definable as a Discreet Event Approximately 1 Second Duration or Less Slow-Averaging meter reading at least 6 decibels greater than ambient level Fast-Averaging meter reading at least 4 decibels greater than slow-averaging meter reading 50

51 Conducting Noise Analysis 4. Calculate noise level using Tools Use HUD on-line calculating tool tor.cfm 51

52 Noise Calculation: Can you Find the Mistakes? 52

53 Noise DNL for the Road, first part of study Always use the numbers projected for 10 years in the future, the calculator does not add that in for you. 53

54 Railroad portion of the HUD noise calculator 54

55 Total calculation for road and railroad DNL Total DNL 55

56 Conducting Noise Analysis 4. Calculate noise level, A Word on Noise Meters May use when: Insufficient/inadequate data Noise source is not impulsive, but is point source e.g., large air vents from underground transit line; noisy adjacent industrial use May not use to refute NAG or airport contours. See pp of Noise Guidebook as to when and when not to use measurements Should be professionally prepared (acoustical engineer) 56

57 Conducting Noise Analysis 5. Based on calculated noise level, make Finding Finding: Acceptable Range: <65 db Normally Unacceptable Range: 65 db <75 db Unacceptable Range: >75 db If Normally Unacceptable: Select another site (alternative location) Consider exterior mitigation Consider interior mitigation If Unacceptable: Select another site (alternative location) Conduct EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) 57

58 Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction Noise Mitigation & Attenuation Options for Exterior Mitigation Revise the site design Construct a barrier Remove balconies & windows 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 58

59 Site Design, Barriers, Acoustical Construction 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 (Protects outside areas) Structural Design & Acoustical Construction Changes to the building itself, including special acoustical construction (Least preferred, because does nothing to mitigate exterior noise) 59

60 ERR Required Documentation (24 CFR 58.38) Document whether proposed action is: noise sensitive land use, and within 1,000 feet of a major roadway, 3,000 feet of railroad, or 15 miles of an airport If site is within any of the above noted distances, a noise analysis is required and documentation should include raw data and DNL calculation. If noise level is found to be: Acceptable no further action or documentation is required OR If Normally Unacceptable, document specific mitigation (site design, noise barrier, acoustical construction, etc) sufficient to make it Acceptable OR If Unacceptable, document that alternative site has been selected or project is preparing Environmental Impact Statement Noise attenuation conditions must (if required) be included in Environmental Review as a Project Condition 60

61 Website Resources for Noise: Noise Abatement and Control HUD Noise Guidebook ning/guidebooks/noise HUD Day/Night Noise Level Electronic Assessment Tool page -- calculator HUD's Day/Night Noise Level (DNL) Assessment Tool Users Guide (PDF document under "Tools and Guidance") Noise Calculator - (select Use Calculator at end of page) Railroad Safety Information - TXDOT mapper - (select I accept ) Airport Mapper - part5.pdf Military Airports 61

62 Contact Environmental Compliance Cynthia Zbranak Senior Environmental Specialist Jaclyn Pryll Environmental Specialist For a copy of this webinar go to: 62

63 Agency Contact Information TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 221 E. 11th Street, Austin, TX P.O. Box 13941, Austin, TX Phone: Toll Free: Web: