IV. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES E. NOISE

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1 The following discussion describes the general characteristics of sound and the categories of audible noise. The regulatory framework related to noise issues at the City, State and federal levels is then described. Lastly, potential sources of noise are discussed and mitigation measures are recommended where appropriate. 1. Setting This section describes the characteristics of sound, the regulations related to noise, and the existing noise sources in and adjacent to the Plan area. a. Characteristics of Sound. To the human ear, sound has two significant characteristics: pitch and loudness. A specific pitch can be an annoyance, while loudness can affect our ability to hear. Pitch is the number of complete vibrations or cycles per second of a wave that results in the range of tone from high to low. Loudness is the strength of a sound that describes a noisy or quiet environment, and it is measured by the amplitude of the sound wave. Loudness is determined by the intensity of the sound waves combined with the reception characteristics of the human ear. Sound intensity refers to how hard the sound wave strikes an object, which in turn produces the sound s effect. This characteristic of sound can be precisely measured with instruments. Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound. Noise consists of any sound that may produce physiological or psychological damage and/or interfere with communication, work, rest, recreation and sleep. Several noise measurement scales exist which are used to describe noise in a particular location. A decibel (db) is a unit of measurement which indicates the relative intensity of a sound. The 0 point on the db scale is based on the lowest sound level that the healthy, unimpaired human ear can detect. Changes of 3.0 db or less are only perceptible in laboratory environments. Audible increases in noise levels generally refer to a change of 3.0 db or more, as this level has been found to be barely perceptible to the human ear in outdoor environments. Sound levels in db are calculated on a logarithmic basis. An increase of 10 db represents a 10-fold increase in acoustic energy, while 20 db is 100 times more intense, 30 db is 1,000 times more intense. Each 10-dB increase in sound level is perceived as approximately a doubling of loudness. Sound intensity is normally measured through the A-weighted sound level (dba). This scale gives greater weight to the frequencies of sound to which the human ear is most sensitive. Table IV.E-1 shows representative outdoor and indoor noise levels in units of dba. As noise spreads from a source, it loses energy so that the farther away the noise receiver is from the noise source, the lower the perceived noise level would be. Geometric spreading causes the sound level to attenuate or be reduced, resulting in a 6-dB reduction in the noise level for each doubling of distance from a single point source of noise to the noise sensitive receptor of concern. b. Noise Regulatory Framework. The following section provides brief discussions of the regulatory framework related to noise. (1) Local Regulations. The City of Martinez has a Noise Element and a Noise Ordinance (Chapter 8.34 of the City s Municipal Code) which both regulate noise in the City. The Noise Ordinance identifies the following as acceptable standards for noise levels: P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 109

2 Table IV.E-1: Typical A-Weighted Sound Levels Noise Source A-Weighted Sound Level in Decibels Noise Environments Subjective Evaluations Near Jet Engine 140 Deafening 128 times as loud Civil Defense Siren 130 Threshold of Pain 64 times as loud Hard Rock Band 120 Threshold of Feeling 32 times as loud Accelerating Motorcycle at a few feet away 110 Very Loud 16 time as loud Pile Driver; Noisy Urban Street/Heavy City 100 Very Loud 8 times as loud Traffic Ambulance Siren; Food Blender 95 Very Loud Garbage Disposal 90 Very Loud 4 times as loud Freight Cars; Living Room Music 85 Loud Pneumatic Drill; Vacuum Cleaner 80 Loud 2 times as loud Busy Restaurant 75 Moderately Loud Near Freeway Auto Traffic 70 Moderately Loud Reference Level Average Office 60 Moderate 1/2 as loud Suburban Street 55 Moderate Light Traffic; Soft Radio Music in Apartment 50 Quiet 1/4 as loud Large Transformer 45 Quiet Average Residence Without Stereo Playing 40 Faint 1/8 as loud Soft Whisper 30 Faint Rustling Leaves 20 Very Faint Human Breathing 10 Very Faint Threshold of Hearing Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc., A day-night noise level (L dn ) of 45 db is the standard for interior noise levels. A day-night level (L dn ) of 60 db is the standard for exterior noise. The Noise Ordinance also provides methods for addressing noise problems, such as regulating hours of machinery/equipment operation or distance of noise sources to adjacent uses, etc. Table IV.E-2 describes accepted noise levels, based on State guidelines which are included in the Noise Element, for certain land uses and defines noise sensitive areas. These standards will help to reduce noise associated with development. (2) State of California. The State of California has established regulations that help prevent adverse impacts to occupants of buildings located near noise sources. Referred to as the State Noise Insulation Standard, it requires buildings to meet performance standards through design or building materials that would offset any noise source in the vicinity of the receptor. (3) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 1972 Congress enacted the Noise Control Act. This act authorized the EPA to publish descriptive data on the effects of noise and establish levels of sound requisite to protect the public welfare with an adequate margin of safety. These levels are separated into health (hearing loss levels) and welfare (annoyance levels) as shown P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 110

3 Table IV.E-2: Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments in Terms of Day Night Average Sound Level (Ldn) (dba) Normally Conditionally Normally Clearly Land Use Acceptable Acceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable Residential Low Density < >75 Residential Multi-family < >75 Transient Lodging < >80 School, Library, Church < >80 Auditorium, Concert Hall <70 >65 Sports Arena, Outdoor Sports <75 >70 Playground, Park < >73 Golf Course, Water Recreation < >80 Office Building < >75 Industrial, Manufacturing, Agricultural < >75 Source: California Department of Health, Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of Noise Elements of the General Plan, February, in Table IV.E-3. The EPA cautions that their identified levels are not standards because they do not take into account the cost or feasibility of the levels. For protection against hearing loss, 96 percent of the population would be protected if sound levels are less than or equal to a L eq (24) of 70 dba. The (24) signifies a L eq duration of 24 hours. The EPA activity and interference guidelines are designed to ensure reliable speech communication at about 5 feet in the outdoor environment. For outdoor and indoor environments, interference with activity and annoyance should not occur if levels do not exceed 55 dba and 45 dba, respectively. The noise effects associated with an outdoor L dn of 55 dba are summarized in Table IV.E-4. At 55 db L dn, 95 percent sentence clarity (intelligibility) may be expected at 3.5 meters, and no community reaction. However, 1 percent of the population may complain about noise at this level and 17 percent may indicate annoyance. Table IV.E-3: Summary of EPA Noise Levels Identified as Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety Effect Level Area Hearing Loss L eq (24) < 70 dba All areas. Outdoor activity L dn < 55 dba Outdoors in residential interference and areas and farms and other annoyance outdoor areas where people spend widely varying amounts of time and other places in which quiet is a basis for use. L eq (24) < 55 dba Outdoor areas where people spend limited amounts of time, such as school yards, playgrounds, etc. Indoor activity interference and annoyance L eq (24) < 45 dba L eq (24) < 45 dba Indoor residential areas. Other indoor areas with human activities such as schools, etc. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. March P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 111

4 c. Existing Noise Sources. Noise levels in Martinez and their effect on the City s quality of life will revolve around at least five key sources as described below. (1) Construction Activity. Construction-period noise levels are higher than existing noise levels, but eventually cease once construction is complete. Construction is performed in discrete steps, each of which has its own mix of equipment and, consequently, its own noise characteristics. These various sequential phases would change the character of the noise generated on each construction site and, therefore, the noise levels surrounding the site as construction progresses. Despite the variety in the type and size of construction equipment, similarities in the dominant noise sources and patterns of operation allow construction-related noise ranges to be categorized by work phase. Table IV.E-5 lists typical construction equipment noise levels recommended for noise impact assessments, based on a distance of 50 feet between the equipment and a noise receptor. Typical noise levels range up to 91 dba L max at 50 feet during the noisiest construction phases. The site preparation phase, which includes excavation and grading of the site, tends to generate the highest noise levels because the noisiest construction equipment is earth-moving equipment. Earth moving equipment includes excavating machinery such as backhoes, bulldozers, draglines and front loaders, and earth moving and compacting equipment, which includes compactors, scrapers and graders. Typical operating cycles for these types of construction equipment may involve 1 or 2 minutes of full power operation followed by 3 to 4 minutes at lower power settings. Table IV.E-4: Summary of Human Effects in Areas Exposed to 55 dba CNEL Type of Effects Speech Indoors Speech Outdoors Average Community Reaction Complaints Annoyance Attitude Towards Area Magnitude of Effect 100 percent sentence intelligibility (average) with a 5 db margin of safety. 100 percent sentence intelligibility (average) at 0.35 meters. 99 percent sentence intelligibility (average) at 1.0 meters. 95 percent sentence intelligibility (average) at 3.5 meters. None evident; 7 db below level of significant complaints and threats of legal action and at least 16 db below vigorous action (attitudes and other non-level related factors may affect this result). 1 percent dependent on attitude and other non-level related factors. 17 percent dependent on attitude and other non-level related factors. Noise essentially the least important of various factors. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. March Table IV.E-5: Typical Construction Equipment Maximum Noise Level Range of Sound Levels Measured Type of Equipment (dba at 50 feet) Pile Drivers 81 to 96 Rock Drills 83 to 99 Jack Hammers 75 to 85 Pneumatic Tools 78 to 88 Pumps 68 to 80 Dozers 85 to 90 Tractors 77 to 82 Front-End Loaders 86 to 90 Hydraulic Backhoe 81 to 90 Hydraulic Excavators 81 to 90 Graders 79 to 89 Air Compressors 76 to 86 Trucks 81 to 87 Source: Bolt, Beranek & Newman, Noise Control for Buildings and Manufacturing Plants. Construction vehicles or equipment, fixed or mobile, are required to be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers. All operations must minimize noise effects on adjacent sensitive uses, and stockpiling and/or vehicle staging areas are located as far as practicable from dwellings. The hours of operation for noise-producing construction equipment are also restricted through the Noise Ordinance. The operation of pile drivers, steam shovels, and pneumatic hammers used in P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 112

5 construction, demolition, or other repair work, should be prohibited before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and State, federal, or local holidays. 1 (2) Stationary Sources. A wide variety of stationary sources also contribute to noise throughout the Downtown area. These sources include machinery or equipment that emit noise during operation (e.g., air conditioners, generators, and restaurant loudspeakers). Noise associated with certain land uses (industrial and commercial) could be considered stationary sources if the point for noise generation was stationary and not mobile (e.g., a forklift). Noise associated with stationary sources is regulated the City of Martinez Municipal Code Section (3) Vehicular Traffic. Present in growing numbers in Martinez are motor vehicles with their distinctive noise characteristics. The amount of noise varies according to many factors, such as volume of traffic, vehicle mix (percentage of cars and trucks), average traffic speed, and distance from the observer. Major contributing roadway noise sources include Interstate 680 (I-680), Highway 4, Pacheco Boulevard, Alhambra Avenue, Pine Street, and other arterial and collector roadways throughout the City. Existing traffic noise levels were calculated using the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model. Traffic data used in the model were obtained from the traffic impact analysis prepared for the Specific Plan by Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants (February 2004). Table V.D-6 lists the calculated traffic noise levels in the project study area under the existing (2004) baseline conditions. Traffic noise in the project vicinity is generally quiet with the 70 and 65 dba L dn contours contained within the roadway right-of-way. The traffic noise model printouts are included in Appendix D. (4) Rail Operations. Rail operations are a source for noise within cities with existing rail networks. The City of Martinez contains a functioning rail line that produces noise and groundborne vibration. Activity on the Amtrak rail lines represents a significant source of noise and groundborne vibration in the City. Residential neighborhoods are located north and south of the railroad tracks within the Plan area. Factors that influence the overall impact of railroad noise on adjacent uses include the distance of the uses from the tracks, surrounding land topography, the intermittent nature of train events, and the lack of sound walls or other barriers between the tracks and adjacent uses. Noise level measurements were conducted in the vicinity of the railroad tracks to establish the existing noise levels generated by the rail operations. Noise level measurements were performed on October 17, 2003 at three locations within 30 to 50 feet of the railroad tracks. Table IV.E-7 lists the results of the noise monitoring. As shown, the rail activities currently generate noise levels of 65 to 76 dba L eq. 1 Martinez Municipal Code, Chapter P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 113

6 Table IV.E-6: Existing Year (2004) Baseline No Project Traffic Noise Levels Marina Vista Avenue Roadway Segment ADT Centerline to 70 L dn (feet) Centerline to 65 L dn (feet) Centerline to 60 L dn (feet) L dn (dba) 50 Feet From Outermost Lane West of Berrellesa Street 300 < 50 a < 50 < Between Berrellesa Street and Ferry Street 2,685 < 50 < Between Ferry Street and Court Street 2,715 < 50 < East of Court Street 3,090 < 50 < Escobar Street West of Alhambra Avenue 1,720 < 50 < 50 < East of Alhambra Avenue 1,850 < 50 < 50 < Ward Street West of Court Street 2,830 < 50 < East of Court Street 1,890 < 50 < 50 < Berrellesa Street North of Marina Vista Avenue 890 < 50 < 50 < South of Marina Vista Avenue 2,740 < 50 < Alhambra Avenue North of Escobar Street 990 < 50 < 50 < South of Escobar Street 2,720 < 50 < Ferry Street North of Marina Vista Avenue 210 < 50 < 50 < South of Marina Vista Avenue 1,970 < 50 < 50 < Court Street North of Marina Vista Avenue 4,090 < 50 < Between Marina Vista Avenue and Ward Street 4,175 < 50 < South of Ward Street 6,330 < 50 < a Traffic noise within 50 feet of roadway centerline requires site specific analysis. Source: LSA Associates, Inc., August Table IV.E-7: Rail Activity Noise Monitoring Location Time L eq L max Source 1. Martinez Amtrak Station 30 feet from rail line 1:09 p.m Two trains (one Amtrak one freight) 1. Martinez Amtrak Station 30 feet from rail line 1:50 p.m Freight train 2. Bocce Ball Parking Lot 35 feet from rail line 2:06 p.m Amtrak train, Union Pacific train, train whistle. 3. Martinez Pumping Station 40 feet from rail line 2:25 p.m Freight train and train whistle 3. Martinez Pumping Station 40 feet from rail line 2:59 p.m Amtrak train Source: LSA Associates, Inc., October P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 114

7 Two long-term 24-hour noise measurements were conducted on August and August 26-27, 2004 by Rosen, Goldberg, & Der, Inc. These measurements were performed at a location 92 feet north of the railroad track centerline, 190 feet west of Berrellese Street, and 12 feet above the ground. The average day night noise level at this location is 82 dba L dn. (5) Aircraft Operations. Aircraft overflights contribute little to the ambient noise levels in Martinez. However, the Buchanan Field in Concord, which is located approximately 4 miles southeast of Martinez, does provide a variety of services to small and large non-commercial aircraft. Increased airport operations would be expected to increase the zone within which noise from aircraft would be noticeable. 2. Draft Specific Plan The Draft Specific Plan does not include noise policies that would be applicable to the Plan area. 3. Impacts and Mitigation Measures a. Criteria of Significance. A significant impact would occur with if implementation of the Specific Plan would: Expose persons to or generate noise levels in excess of normally acceptable standards within the City Noise Ordinance (Noise Criterion A). Expose persons to or generate noise levels in excessive levels of groundborne vibration and noise (Noise Criterion B). Permanently increase ambient noise levels (Noise Criterion C). Temporarily increase ambient noise levels (Noise Criterion D). b. Construction-Period Impacts (Criterion A). Construction-period impacts that could result from construction associated with buildout of the Draft Specific Plan are discussed below. As noted above, daytime noise associated with construction is exempt from the City s noise ordinance standards, and the ordinance limits construction activities to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal, State, and local holidays. These regulations would minimize nighttime construction-related noise. However, while daytime construction is exempted from noise ordinance standards, it could still exceed the fourth threshold of significance which deals with excessive groundborne vibration or noise levels. The following impact and two-part mitigation measure address this possibility. Impact NOISE-1: Buildout of the Specific Plan could result in demolition, construction, and remodeling activities which could generate excessive noise or groundborne vibrations at neighboring land uses. (S) Construction activities associated with buildout of the Specific Plan would involve building demolition, building construction, and utility and roadway reconstruction, which would create noise and vibration. Noise from construction activities would be intermittent during construction and would gradually occur over an extended period of time, driven by market conditions. P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 115

8 Construction associated with buildout of the Specific Plan may require the use of pile drivers and earthmovers (e.g., dozers, scrapers, loaders and graders). As illustrated in Table IV.E-5, noise within the Plan area is assumed to be 88 dba L max at 50 feet from the operating earthmover. In addition, water trucks and a variety of pickup trucks will be used. The average maximum noise level generated by water and pickup trucks is approximately 86 dba L max at 50 feet from these vehicles. Each doubling of the sound sources with equal strength would increase the noise level by 3 dba. Noise sensitive uses within the Plan area vicinity include residential and recreational uses located adjacent to and within the Plan area. Construction noise and vibration could impact neighboring residential and recreation and open space uses in Downtown Martinez and along the Martinez shoreline. Assuming each piece of construction equipment operates at some distance apart, the worst case combined noise level at the nearest residences during this phase of construction would be 91 dba L max at a distance of 50 feet from a typical active construction area. Groundborne vibration from project construction could result from truck traffic to and from the active construction site, but would primarily result from pile driving where needed. The location of the potential pile driving would probably be sufficiently distant from nearby receptors that any perceived groundborne vibration would not constitute a significant impact. Vibration due to pile driving would also be constrained to established time-of-day limits. Nevertheless, in order to ensure that demolition construction and remodeling activities do not create excessive noise or vibrations, the following mitigation measure is recommended. Mitigation Measure NOISE-1: Developers and/or contractors shall create and implement development-specific noise reduction plans, which shall be enforced via contract specifications. Each developer and/or contractor shall be contractually required to demonstrate knowledge of the Martinez Municipal Code, and to perform construction activities in a manner such that noise levels do not exceed Martinez Municipal Code criteria. Contractors may elect any combination of legal, non-polluting methods to maintain or reduce noise to thresholds levels or lower, as long as those methods do not result in other significant environmental impacts or create a substantial public nuisance. The plan for attenuating construction-related noises shall be implemented prior to the initiation of any work that triggers the need for such a plan. By adhering to the construction hours listed in Section of the City s Municipal Code the potential impacts from construction of the Draft Specific Plan would be reduced to below a level of significance. (LTS) c. Operation-Period Impacts. Implementation of the Draft Specific Plan could result in both stationary and non-stationary noise impacts as discussed below. (1) Non-Stationary Noise. Implementation of the Draft Specific Plan would result in two noise related operation-period impacts as discussed below. Traffic Related Noise Impacts (Criterion B, C and D). Impacts associated with noise from increased traffic that would result from buildout of the Draft Specific Plan are discussed below. The FHWA highway traffic noise prediction model (FHWA RD ) was used to evaluate trafficrelated noise conditions in the vicinity of the project site. The resultant noise levels were weighted P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 116

9 and summed over a 24-hour period in order to determine the L dn values. L dn contours are derived through a series of computerized iterations to isolate the 60, 65, and 70 dba L dn contour for traffic noise levels in the project area. Table IV.E-8 lists the existing plus project traffic noise levels. Table IV.E-8 shows that there would be very little change in the traffic noise levels associated with the implementation of the Specific Plan. With the exception of along Berrellesa Street north of Marina Vista Avenue, the largest increase in traffic related noise as a result of the project would be on Alhambra Avenue, which has a 2.9 dba increase over the existing scenario. This range of noise level increase is considered small and not perceptible by the human ear in an outdoor environment. The 5.3 dba traffic noise increase along Berrellesa Street exceeds the 3 dba threshold that is normally perceptible to the human ear in an outdoor environment. However, as shown in Table IV.E-8, the traffic noise levels along this roadway segment will remain low with the traffic noise level remaining below the 60 dba L dn standard. Therefore, the project would not create a significant increase in traffic noise, no mitigation is required to address off-site traffic related noise. No proposed developments will be exposed to traffic noise levels exceeding those listed in Table IV.E-2. Therefore, no mitigation measures are required. (LTS) Train Noise and Vibration (Criterion B, C and D). The non-residential uses that are proposed under the Draft Specific Plan are not expected to be significantly impacted by noise. Noise in the Plan area is generally associated with traffic, trains, and established uses in the downtown area. LSA conducted noise monitoring of the downtown area in October Rosen, Goldberg, & Der, Inc. conducted two 24-hour noise measurements of the train activities in August The existing train noise contours are shown in Figure IV.E-1. Impact NOISE-2. Train related noise would impact future residential development located near the Union Pacific rail line. (S) The Union Pacific rail line runs along the northern portion of the Specific Plan area. The daily noise level generated by the rail activities was calculated using the noise levels measured by Rosen, Goldberg, & Der, Inc.. The rail activities would generate a daily noise level of 84 dba L dn at a distance of 50 feet. Therefore, the distances to the 80, 75, 70, 65, and 60 dba L dn contours are 92 ft, 199 feet, 429 feet, 924 feet, and 1990 feet, respectively. New residential uses proposed in areas that are exposed to train noise levels in excess of 60 dba L dn would be potentially impacted by noise if proper mitigation measures are not imposed; both exterior and interior noise levels need to be considered for residential uses as described below. The interior standard for residential is 45 dba L dn. Standard residential construction in northern California provides 25 dba exterior-to-interior noise reduction with windows closed and 15 dba noise reduction with windows open. Buildings that could be exposed to noise levels in excess of 70 dba L dn (e.g., any buildings located closer than 429 feet to the train tracks) would require building façade upgrades to meet the 45 dba L dn interior noise standard. However, to ensure that windows can remain closed for prolonged periods of time, an air-conditioning system is required. All proposed residential buildings that would potentially be impacted by the 60 dba L dn (e.g., any buildings located closer than 1,990 feet to the train tracks) noise would require the implementation of an airconditioning system. P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 117

10 Proposed Ferry Station C A R Q U I N E Z S T R A I T Martinez Marina Martinez Regional Shoreline NORTH COURT ST. $ SHELL OIL COMPANY Amphitheater Dredge Spoils Basin Proposed Pond Ferry Parking Martinez Regional Martinez Regional Shoreline $# Soccer Field Martinez Waterfront Park Ballfields Horse Arena SHELL OIL COMPANY MARINA VISTA Shoreline Catholic Cemetery Pumping Station Alhambra Cemetery CARQUINEZ SCENIC Rankin Park FOSTER ST. Recycling Center City Pool BUCKLEY ST. MARINA VISTA ESCOBAR ST. MAIN ST. Amtrak Station Proposed County Bldg WARD ST. GREEN ST. ALHAMBRA AVE. JOE DIMAGGIO DR. L&L Shopping Center MASONIC ST. BERRELLESA AVE. Southern Pacific Depot Old City Hall Apartments CASTRO ST. MELLUS ST. Bocce Ball Community College City Hall Martinez Museum $# Library Veteran's Bldg Proposed Theater Site Old State Bldg ESTUDILLO ST. Masonic Temple St. Catherine School HENRIETTA ST. FERRY Ignacio Plaza SUSANA ST. ST. County Finance Fire Station JONES ST. Senior Center Court House ESCOBAR ST. Post Office LAS JUNTAS ST. HAVEN ST. MARINA VISTA Susana Park County Admin N ST. Family Law Center COURT $ Criminal Court ST. County Jail GRANDVIEW School District Corp Yard WILLOW ST. School District LAFAYETTE ST. PINE ST. HIGHLAND AVE Martinez Junior High School Highland Park City of Martinez Contra Costa County SHELL OIL COMPANY PACHECO BLVD Contra C City of M Ricks Park FIGURE IV.E-1-65 Dba CNEL - 65 Dba CNEL - Project Area Downtown Martinez Specific Plan Train Noise Distances " & BAAJ SOURCE: CALTHORPE ASSOCIATES, I:\ASO330 martinez\figures\fig_ive1.ai (12/01/04)

11 Table IV.E-8: Existing Year (2004) with Project Traffic Noise Levels Roadway Segment ADT Centerline to 70 L dn (feet) Centerline to 65 L dn (feet) Centerline to 60 L dn (feet) L dn (dba) 50 feet from Outermost Lane Change From No Project Level (dba) Marina Vista Avenue West of Berrellesa Street 430 < 50 a < 50 < Between Berrellesa Street and Ferry 4,400 < 50 < Street Between Ferry Street and Court Street 4,030 < 50 < East of Court Street 3,830 < 50 < Escobar Street West of Alhambra Avenue 1,850 < 50 < 50 < East of Alhambra Avenue 2,870 < 50 < Ward Street West of Court Street 3,180 < 50 < East of Court Street 1,890 < 50 < 50 < Berrellesa Street North of Marina Vista Avenue 3,050 < 50 < South of Marina Vista Avenue 3,570 < 50 < Alhambra Avenue North of Escobar Street 1,910 < 50 < 50 < South of Escobar Street 3,980 < 50 < Ferry Street North of Marina Vista Avenue 220 < 50 < 50 < South of Marina Vista Avenue 2,000 < 50 < 50 < Court Street North of Marina Vista Avenue 4,090 < 50 < Between Marina Vista Avenue and 5,030 < 50 < Ward Street South of Ward Street 7,450 < a Traffic noise within 50 feet of roadway centerline requires site specific analysis. b No traffic exists under the existing baseline conditions. Source: LSA Associates, Inc., May The State's Land Use Compatibility Guidelines are used as the basis for determining acceptable noise levels for exterior uses (Table IV.E-2). Noise levels below 60 dba L dn are considered Normally Acceptable for single-family residential uses, levels below 65 dba L dn are considered Normally Acceptable for multi-family residential uses, and levels below 70 dba L dn are considered Normally Acceptable for commercial and playgrounds or neighborhood parks. The outdoor use areas (e.g., backyard, balconies, private yard areas) located between the railroad tracks and the 65dBA L dn for multi-residential buildings and the 60 dba L dn for single-family residential uses that are not buffered by any buildings or walls/fences could be exposed to noise levels that exceed the Normally Acceptable range for residential exterior uses. P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 119

12 Mitigation Measure NOISE-2: To meet the City s exterior and interior noise standards the following mitigation measures shall be incorporated: No buildings shall be located within the 80 dba L dn noise contour. Therefore, no buildings will be located within 92 feet of the centerline of the railroad tracks. Buildings located between the 75 dba and 80 dba L dn noise contours (92 to 199 feet from the railroad centerline) will require the following mitigation measures to meet the interior and exterior noise standards. No sensitive exterior land uses, such as balconies, patios, parks, playgrounds, or backyards, will be permitted within the 75 dba and 80 dba L dn noise contours. Building façade upgrades will be required to meet the 45 dba L dn interior noise standard. These façade upgrades will consist of exterior walls with a minimum sound transmission class (STC) of 40 dba and windows with a minimum STC of 33 dba. By limiting the window area to less than 20% of the total wall area, exposed to train noise, the exterior to interior noise reduction will be 35 dba. These façade upgrades will reduce the interior noise level to 45 dba L dn or less (80 dba 35 dba = 45 dba). To achieve the indoor fresh-air ventilation requirements specified in Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code, all units will require mechanical ventilation to ensure that windows can remain closed for a prolonged period of time. Buildings located between the 70 dba and 75 dba L dn noise contours (199 to 429 feet from the railroad centerline) will require the following mitigation measures to meet the interior and exterior noise standards. All exterior multi-family residential uses shall be protected by a sound barrier with an effective height of 10 feet. This barrier will provide approximately dba in noise reduction for ground floor receptors, when the direct line of sight to the railroad is blocked. This will reduce the exterior noise level to at or below the exterior noise standard (75 dba 10 dba = 65 dba). Single-family exterior land uses are not recommended within the 70 dba and 75 dba L dn noise contours. Sound walls (Plexiglass with a minimum height of 6 feet) would be required for any balconies directly exposed to train noise. Building façade upgrades will be required to meet the 45 dba L dn interior noise standard. These façade upgrades will consist of exterior walls with a minimum STC of 38 dba and windows with a minimum STC of 29 dba. By limiting the window area to less than 40 percent of the total wall area, exposed to train noise, the exterior to interior noise reduction will be 30 dba. These façade upgrades will reduce the interior noise level to 45 dba L dn or less (75 dba 30 dba = 45 dba). To achieve the indoor fresh-air ventilation requirements specified in Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code, all units will require mechanical ventilation to ensure that windows can remain closed for a prolonged period of time. Buildings located between the 65 dba and 70 dba L dn noise contours (429 to 924 feet from the railroad centerline) will require the following mitigation measures to meet the interior and exterior noise standards. P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 120

13 All exterior multi-family residential uses shall be protected by a sound barrier with an effective height of 6 feet. This barrier will provide approximately 5 to 6 dba in noise reduction for ground floor receptors, when the direct line of sight to the railroad is blocked. This will reduce the exterior noise level to at or below the exterior noise standard (70 dba 5 dba = 65 dba). Single-family exterior land uses shall be protected by a sound barrier with an effective height of 10 feet. This barrier will provide approximately 10 to 11 dba in noise reduction for ground floor receptors, when the direct line of sight to the railroad is blocked. This will reduce the exterior noise level to at or below the exterior noise standard (70 dba 10 dba = 60 dba). Sound walls (Plexiglass with a minimum height of 6 feet) would be required for any balconies directly exposed to train noise. To achieve the indoor fresh-air ventilation requirements specified in Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code, all units will require mechanical ventilation to ensure that windows can remain closed for a prolonged period of time. Buildings located between the 60 dba and 65 dba L dn noise contours (924 to 1,990 feet from the railroad centerline) will require the following mitigation measures to meet the interior and exterior noise standards. Single-family exterior land uses shall be protected by a sound barrier with an effective height of 6 feet. This barrier will provide approximately 5 to 6 dba in noise reduction for ground floor receptors, when the direct line of sight to the railroad is blocked. This will reduce the exterior noise level to at or below the exterior noise standard (65 dba 5 dba = 60 dba). To achieve the indoor fresh-air ventilation requirements specified in Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code, all units will require mechanical ventilation to ensure that windows can remain closed for a prolonged period of time. Implementation of the above mitigation measure would reduce the impact to a less-thansignificant level. (LTS) Impact NOISE-3. Train related groundborne vibration would impact future residential development located near the Union Pacific rail line. (S) Implementation of the Draft Specific Plan has the potential to result in disturbance to new residences from groundborne vibration associated with development near the Union Pacific railroad tracks. Typical sources of groundborne vibration are construction activities (e.g., blasting, pile-driving, and operating heavy-duty earth-moving equipment) and steel-wheeled. Problems, such as disturbance, due to groundborne vibration and noise from these sources are usually contained to areas within about 100 feet of the vibration source. 2 Typically, the main effect of groundborne vibration and noise is to cause annoyances for occupants of nearby buildings. The Draft Specific Plan would allow new development, including housing, near the Union Pacific railroad tracks, creating the potential for occupants of new buildings to be disturbed by groundborne vibration and noise from trains. 2 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. April. P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 121

14 Mitigation Measure NOISE-3: The City shall seek to reduce impacts from ground borne vibrations associated with rail operations by requiring that habitable buildings are sited at least 100 feet from the centerline of the tracks. (LTS) Stationary Noise Source Impacts. Noise from stationary sources is usually localized, and is frequently located away from noise-sensitive land uses; however, noise from stationary sources could also affect new development. Impact NOISE-4: New development associated with implementation of the Draft Specific Plan could expose existing and/or new residences to noise from stationary noise sources, but this noise exposure would not be excessive, and would not be considered significant. (LTS) New commercial and or other non-residential development could produce stationary-source noise that could affect existing residences or noise-sensitive land uses. In addition, new office and residential uses may establish themselves in areas where the land use designation is proposed to prohibit new industrial uses, but will allow existing industrial uses to remain until the use terminates or the site is redeveloped. New projects developed under the Draft Specific Plan would be subject to the City s noise ordinance Mitigation Measure NOISE-4: To ensure adequate standards are included in the Specific Plan, the Specific Plan shall be revised to include: A 60 dba L dn exterior noise standard and a 45 dba L dn interior noise standard for residential uses from stationary sources that must be achieved to permit new development of residential and noise-sensitive land uses (Municipal Code Section ). A requirement that acoustical studies, describing how the exterior and interior noise standards will be met, be prepared for all new residential developments with a noise exposure greater than 60 dba L dn. The studies shall also satisfy the requirements set forth in Title 24, part 2, of the California Administrative Code, Noise Insulation Standards, for multiple-family attached, hotels, motels, etc., regulated by Title 24. (LTS) P:\ASO330\Products\Draft EIR\Public\4E-Noise.doc (12/2/2004) PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 122