3.7 NOISE Environmental Setting

Transcription

1 3.7 NOISE Environmental Setting Area of Influence The Proposed Project site is located within the Harbor District s heavy industrial use area, is zoned IP (Industrial Port), and is surrounded by other Port industrial uses. It is not located directly adjacent to noisesensitive receptors, such as residential areas or schools. For the purposes of noise impact analysis, the area of influence includes sensitive receptors closest to the Project site as well as those that might potentially be affected by indirect effects, such as noise associated with truck transport of Project-related aggregate material Fundamentals of Noise Noise Characteristics Noise can be defined as unwanted sound that is usually objectionable because it is disturbing or annoying. The objectionable nature of sound can be caused by its pitch or loudness. Pitch is the height or depth of a tone or sound, depending on the relative rapidity (frequency) of the vibrations by which it is produced. Higher pitched signals sound louder to humans than sounds with a lower pitch. Loudness is the amplitude of sound waves combined with the reception characteristics of the ear. Amplitude may be compared to the height of an ocean wave. Technical acoustical terms commonly used in this section are defined in Table Sound Level and Frequency To describe environmental noise and to assess impacts on areas sensitive to community noise, a frequency weighting measure that simulates human perception is customarily used. The frequency weighting scale known as A-weighting best reflects the human ear s reduced sensitivity to low frequencies and correlates well with human perceptions of the annoying aspects of noise. The A-weighted decibel scale (dba) is cited in most noise criteria. Table shows typical A-weighted noise levels for common indoor and outdoor sounds. TABLE DEFINITION OF TECHNICAL TERMS RELATED TO NOISE Term A-Weighted Sound Level, dba Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) Day/Night Average Sound Level (Ldn) Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) Ambient Noise Level Definitions The sound level obtained by using the A-weighting filter of a sound level meter, expressed in decibels (db). A-weighting de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequencies of sound in a manner similar to the human ear. Most community noise standards utilize A-weighting, as it provides a high degree of correlation with human annoyance and health effects. The equivalent energy (or energy average) sound level during a 24 hour day, obtained after the addition of approximately five decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and ten decibels to sound levels in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. The equivalent energy (or energy average) sound level during a 24 hour day, obtained after the addition of ten decibels to sound levels in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. The sound level containing the same total energy as a time varying signal over a given sample period. Thus, the Leq is a single-valued level that expresses the time averaged total energy of a fluctuating sound level. For example, if 64 db is measured for 10 minutes, 68 db is measured for 20 minutes and 73 db is measured for 30 minutes, the 1-hour Leq is about 71 db. The Leq is typically computed over 1, 8, and 24-hour sample periods. The composite of noise from all sources, near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location (often used for an existing or pre-project noise conditions for comparison study). EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

2 TABLE TYPICAL NOISE LEVELS IN THE ENVIRONMENT Common Outdoor Noise Source Noise Level (dba) Common Indoor Noise Source Rock band Jet fly-over at 1,000 feet Gas lawn mower at 3 feet Diesel truck at 50 feet at 50 mph Food blender at 3 feet Garbage disposal at 3 feet Noisy urban area, daytime Gas lawn mower at 100 feet Vacuum cleaner at 10 feet Commercial area Normal speech at 3 feet Heavy traffic at 300 feet Large business office Quiet urban daytime Dishwasher in next room Quiet urban nighttime Theater, large conference room (background) Quiet suburban nighttime Library Quiet rural nighttime Bedroom at night, concert hall (background) Broadcast/recording studio 10 Threshold of human hearing Threshold of human hearing Source: ICF Jones & Stokes, A decibel is a unit describing the amplitude of sound. Specifically, one decibel is equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure. The reference pressure for sound in air is 20 micro Pascals. Decibels are logarithmic units that conveniently compare the wide range of sound intensities to which the human ear is sensitive. Therefore, the cumulative noise level from two or more sources will combine logarithmically, rather than linearly (i.e., simple addition). For example, if two identical noise sources produce a noise level of 50 dba each, the combined noise level would be 53 dba, not 100 dba. Noise Descriptors The community noise environment and the consequences of human activities cause noise levels to be widely variable over time. As noted in Table 3.7-1, sound levels are usually best represented by a specified level over a given time period. Human Response to Noise Community noise levels are closely related to the intensity of human activity and land use. Noise levels are generally considered low when ambient levels are below 45 dba, moderate in the 45 to 60 dba range, and high above 60 dba. In wilderness areas, the Ldn noise levels can be below 35 dba. In small towns or wooded and lightly used residential areas, the Ldn is more likely to be around 50 EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

3 or 60 dba. Levels around 75 dba are more common in busy urban areas (e.g., downtown Los Angeles), and levels up to 85 dba occur near major freeways and airports. Although people often accept the higher levels associated with very noisy urban residential and residential-commercial zones, they nevertheless are considered to be adverse to public health. The surrounding land uses dictate what noise levels would be considered acceptable or unacceptable. Lower levels are expected in rural or suburban areas than what would be expected for commercial or industrial zones. Nighttime ambient levels in urban environments are about seven decibels lower than the corresponding daytime levels. In rural areas away from roads and other human activity, the day-to-night difference can be considerably less. Areas with full-time human occupation that are subject to nighttime noise are often considered objectionable because of the likelihood of disrupting sleep. Noise levels above 45 dba at night can result in the onset of sleep interference effects. At 70 dba, sleep interference effects become considerable (USEPA, 1974). It is widely accepted that a difference of more than 3 dba is a perceptible change in environmental noise, while a 5 dba difference is readily perceptible (Caltrans, 2009). An increase of 10 dba is perceived as being twice as loud and a decrease of 10 dba is perceived as being half as loud. Geometric Spreading Sound from a single source (i.e., a point source) radiates uniformly outward as it travels away from the source in a spherical pattern. The sound level attenuates (or drops off) at a rate of 6 dba for each doubling of distance (Caltrans, 2009). Highway noise is not a single stationary point source of sound. The movement of vehicles on a highway makes the source of the sound appear to emanate from a line (i.e., a line source) rather than from a point. This results in cylindrical spreading rather than the spherical spreading resulting from a point source. The attenuation from a line source is 3 dba per doubling of distance (Caltrans, 2009). Existing Noise Environment in the Project Region The Proposed Project site is located in an industrialized area within the POLB, where typical noise levels are estimated to range from 60 to 75 dba (normally acceptable range) and up to 80 dba (conditionally acceptable range) (OPR, 2003). A noise survey was conducted on January 11, 2012 to quantify ambient noise levels at the Proposed Project site and Alternative 2 site, as well as at some of the closest sensitive receptors to these sites, as described in Table and illustrated in Figure These short-term noise measurements were taken with a Quest Technologies Model 2088 Impulse Integrating Sound Level Meter. The meter was calibrated immediately prior to conducting the noise survey and between the second and third measurement to ensure the calibration had not changed. For the purposes of this document, the January 2012 characterization of the existing noise environment is assumed to be equivalent to conditions during the 2011 baseline year Regulatory Setting No federal or State regulations for the analysis of noise apply; all applicable regulations occur at a local level. Local Regulations Long Beach Municipal Code Title 8 (Health and Safety), Chapter 8.80 (Noise) of the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) prescribes exterior noise level limits by land use district, as shown in Table These limits apply to noise sources that persist for a cumulative total of more than 30 minutes in any hour. The Proposed Project (Alternative 1) and all action alternatives (Alternatives 2 and 3) would be located in Land Use District Four. In the event that the noise source contains a steady audible tone such as a whine, screech, or hum, or is a repetitive noise such as hammering or riveting, Chapter of the LBMC requires that the exterior noise limits presented in Table be EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

4 TABLE NOISE SURVEY RESULTS FOR SHORT-TERM MONITORING SITES Site Location Pier D 1925 Pier D Street. On existing metal stairs next to site of old scales Pier B Alt Site 1710 Pier B Street. Middle of site on concrete padded area. Hilton Long Beach 701 W. Ocean Blvd. 3rd Floor Terrance southeast corner facing POLB Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School 730 W. 3rd Street at gate to park Edison Elementary School 625 Maine Ave. school playground area Time & Duration 10:52 am to 11:08 am (15 min.) 11:26 am to 11:41 am (15 min.) 1:08 pm to 1:23 pm (15 min.) 1:37 pm to 1:52 pm (15 min.) 2:01 pm to 2:16 pm (15 min.) Leq dba Lmax dba Lmin dba Noted Sources Maximum: Helicopter passing immediately overhead. Dominant: Air coolers from G-P Gypsum Corp. Dry Bulk Terminal. Others: Loading of containers (Matson) on Pier C (Terminal C62); Beeping of machinery at L. G. Everist; Traffic along Ocean Blvd. (a raised roadway). Dominant: Constant noise from equipment (possibly blowers) at National Gypsum Co. property. Others: Traffic along Pier B St., train whistles, passing of helicopter overhead (distant). Traffic along Ocean Blvd.; helicopter overhead (distant); waterfall at hotel entrance. Children playing, birds chirping, traffic along W. 3rd St. (entrance to I-710 freeway), large delivery truck pulling into school. Short-term noise measurements performed by Lisa Blewitt of Aspen Environmental Group on January 11, Traffic along W. 7th St (entrance to I-710 freeway), children/parents gathering for pick-up, household construction activity on W. 6th St., birds chirping, dog barking, helicopter overhead (distant), cars honking, train whistle. TABLE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE EXTERIOR NOISE LIMITS Receiving Land Use District Time Period Noise Level (dba) 1, 2 District One Predominately residential with other land use types also present District Two Predominately commercial with other land use types also present District Three Predominately industrial with other land use types also present District Four Predominately industrial with other land use types also present District Five Airport, freeways and waterways regulated by other agencies 10:00 pm 7:00 am 45 7:00 am 10:00 pm 50 10:00 pm 7:00 am 55 7:00 am 10:00 pm 60 Anytime 65 Anytime 70 Regulated by other agencies and laws Notes: 1 Districts Three and Four limits are intended primarily for use at their boundaries rather than for noise control within those districts. 2 - In the event that alleged offensive noise contains a steady audible tone such as a whine, screech, or hum, or is a repetitive noise such as hammering or riveting or contains music or speech conveying informational content, the standard limits set forth shall be reduced by five decibels. Source: LBMC, 2010 Chapter EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

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6 reduced (made more stringent) by 5 db. This 5 db penalty for tonal/impulsive noise would apply to many construction activities, such as pile-driving. In receptor locations where the existing ambient noise level exceeds the permissible noise limit within any of the first four Land Use categories, the LBMC allows the noise exposure standard to be increased in five db increments as necessary to encompass or reflect the ambient noise level. The LBMC imposes additional regulations on construction activity noise in Section These additional regulations do not strictly apply to construction activities within the Long Beach Harbor District; however, it is assumed that the construction of the Project, with the exception of Alternative 2 which involves some nighttime construction (during concrete capping activities), would generally observe the hours of operation defined in Section , which limit construction hours to 7:00 am to 7:00 pm weekdays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturdays, and no work on Sundays except for emergency work or with a Sunday work permit Significance Criteria Considering the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist and Port-specific and Project-specific impact issues, the following thresholds are used in this EIS/EIR to determine the significance of Project noise impacts. The Proposed Project or an alternative would have a significant noise impact under the following circumstances: NS-1: Increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more from Project construction at any noise-sensitive receptor. NS-2: Result in construction noise levels exceeding the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. NS-3: Permanently increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more from Project operations at any noise-sensitive receptor. NS-4: Exceed the maximum noise levels allowed by the LBMC from operations. The IS/NOP prepared for the Proposed Project (published October 13, 2011) determined that there would be no impact from groundborne vibration as a result of construction or operation. Therefore, these issues are not evaluated further in this EIS/EIR. Please refer to the IS/NOP for a detailed discussion of this issue Assessment Methodology Assessment of the significance of noise impacts resulting from the construction and operation of the Project consisted of the following four main tasks: (1) Sensitive receiver locations were selected to represent residential and other sensitive uses in the study area; (2) Noise measurements were made at the selected receiver sites to establish existing baseline noise conditions; (3) Noise data for the proposed construction activities were assembled from published sources and used to calculate estimates of the net construction noise impacts during each phase of the Project. Calculations were based on worst-case estimates of the numbers of pieces of equipment to be utilized and assumptions about the likely phasing of the various activities involved in this work; and (4) Operational noise impacts were estimated based on the proposed equipment and activities during operations utilizing data from published sources. The assessment of construction noise assumed implementation of the following ECs: a. Construction Equipment. Properly muffle and maintain all construction equipment powered by internal combustion engines. b. Idling Prohibitions. Prohibit unnecessary idling of internal combustion engines near noise sensitive areas. c. Equipment Location. Locate all stationary noise-generating construction equipment, such as air compressors and portable power generators, as far as practical from existing noise sensitive land uses. EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

7 d. Quiet Equipment Selection. Select quiet construction equipment whenever possible. e. Notification. The Applicant would publish notices in the Press Telegram and all property managers adjacent to the Project site would be notified in advance of the construction schedule Impacts and Mitigation Measures Alternative 1 Proposed Project Construction Impacts Noise associated with the Proposed Project would occur during construction, which is estimated to last five months for Phase 1 (wharf improvements and installation of semiportable conveyor system) and three months for Phase 2 (installation of fixed conveyor system). Activities occurring during construction of Phase 1 would include site preparation and wharf improvements, including the: dredging of approximately 6,000 cy of material; installation of 28 steel pilings; installation of eight pairs of steel legs for the semi-portable conveyor system and the wharf s two stiff legs and onshore erection of the semi-portable conveyor system; and, installation of an electrical system. Phase 2 would be limited to onshore activities, including erection of the fixed conveyor system and installation of an electrical system for operation of the fixed conveyor system. Equipment utilized during construction would vary by construction phase and would include the following: excavator; haul truck; track dozer; crane; backhoe with vibratory pile driver; concrete trucks; generator; and man lift, among others. As shown in Table 3.7-5, typical maximum noise levels (Lmax) generated by the types of construction equipment that would be expected to be utilized range from approximately 75 to 101 dba (e.g., flatbed truck, drill rig) at a distance of 50 feet. These represent actual measured instantaneous maximum noise levels. Based on the equipment needed for the various phases of construction, on-site construction noise levels would range from approximately 79 to 94 dba (maximum reached during pile driving activities in Phase 1, which would occur over a one-month period) at 50 feet from the construction site. TABLE NOISE LEVELS AND USAGE FACTORS FOR CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Equipment List Equivalent Federal Highway Administration Classification Acoustical Usage Factor (Percent) Measured Lmax (at 50 feet) Backhoe Backhoe Concrete Truck Concrete Mixer Truck Crane Crane Track Dozer Dozer Dump Truck Dump Truck Excavator Excavator Haul Truck Flat Bed Truck (Note 1) Front End Loader Front End Loader Generator Generator Man Lift Man Lift Pickup Truck Pickup Truck Vibratory Pile Driver Vibratory Pile Driver Notes: 1 Due to the limited number of actual data samples, the Spec Lmax at 50 feet is used. Source: FHWA, 2006 EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

8 Off-site noise associated with the barging of dredged material option would be generated from construction vehicle trips (e.g., employees, concrete trucks, pumper trucks, water trucks), which would result in an estimated maximum of 84 truck trips and 44 worker trips per day during Phase 1. Off-site noise associated with the trucking of dredged material option during Phase I would result in a two-day maximum of 250 round-trip truck trips between the Project site and the Middle Harbor Slip No. 1 Fill Site plus the abovereferenced on-site worker trips. Please refer to Appendix C (Traffic Impact Study) and the Proposed Project's construction equipment lists and associated noise calculations that are provided in Appendix D for supporting information regarding the analysis provided below. Overview of Project Operations Operation of the Proposed Project would result in 35 vessel calls per year, which would require the use of tugboats to maneuver vessels to Berth D-44. Off-loading of aggregate materials to the land-based automated conveyance and distribution system would occur via vesselmounted booms. Off-loading would take approximately 16 to 27 hours, during which time the vessel would utilize its auxiliary electric generating systems for power. Once the aggregate has been conveyed and distributed onto the site, trucks would be loaded using two large front-end loaders at a rate of approximately three minutes per truck. The Proposed Project at full throughput capacity would process 2.75 million tons of aggregate material requiring 110,000 trucks per year (round-trips). At peak operation, the facility would operate with two eight-hour shifts (6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm) during the week (Monday through Friday) and one eight-hour shift on Saturday (6:00 am to 2:00 pm). Under this scenario, the Proposed Project would thus be operational 88 hours per week, and result in up to 770 one-way truck trips per day (385 inbound and 385 outbound) with approximately 16 one-way trips resulting from employee vehicles. There would be four full-time employees, two for equipment operations, one weigh master, and one site manager. Additionally, when a vessel is at berth, four to six longshoremen would be on site. Noise associated with Project operations would include noise generated during vessel transport by the tug boats, by the vessel auxiliary generators, vessel-mounted booms, the conveyor and distribution system, front-end loaders, trucks transporting aggregate. Operational Impacts NEPA Impacts Impact NS-1: Project construction noise levels would not increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noisesensitive receptor. The Proposed Project site is located in an industrialized area within the POLB, where typical noise levels are estimated to range from 60 to 75 dba (normally acceptable range) and up to 80 dba (conditionally acceptable range) Ldn or CNEL (OPR, 2003). A 15-minute sample ambient noise measurement taken on January 11, 2012 at the Proposed Project site showed that ambient noise levels are 67 dba Leq (average), 75 dba Lmax (maximum), and 65 dba Lmin (minimum), which is consistent with the typical noise level range for an industrial area. The closest sensitive receptors, such as schools, churches, hospitals and nursing homes, include Cesar Chavez Elementary School (730 West 3rd Street), which is located approximately 0.66 mile (3,500 feet) east of the Proposed Project site, and Edison Elementary School (625 Maine Avenue), which is located approximately 0.84 mile (4,450 feet) east of the Proposed Project site. Other receptors would include residences; however, no permanent residences are located in the immediate Port vicinity. The closest permanent residences are located along North Golden Avenue north of West 3rd Street, approximately 0.75 mile (3,940 feet) east of the Project site. The closest hotel to the Proposed Project site is the Hilton Long Beach and Executive Meeting Center (701 West Ocean Boulevard), which is located approximately 0.72 mile (3,800 feet) away. In addition, the Playhouse Daycare Center (1301 West 12th Street), which also operates as a homeless shelter, is located approximately 0.93 mile EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

9 (4,885 feet) north-northeast of the Project site. On-Site Construction Activities Assuming a maximum construction noise level of 94 dba at 50 feet (maximum reached during pile driving activities in Phase 1), the noise level generated by the Proposed Project at 0.66 mile (3,500 feet) away, where the closest sensitive receptor (Cesar Chavez Elementary School) is located, would be approximately 47 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When combining the Proposed Project s maximum construction noise level with the existing background or ambient noise level, which has been estimated at 61 dba Leq (15-minutes) during daytime hours (see Table 3.7-3), the result is an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.2 dba (at Cesar Chavez Elementary School), which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba). Similarly, at Edison Elementary School (0.84 mile, or 4,450 feet away), where ambient noise levels of 58 dba Leq (15-minute) during daytime hours are expected (see Table 3.7-3), the addition of the Proposed Project s noise levels would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.2 dba (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings), which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels, which is considered barely perceptible). The noise level generated by the Proposed Project at 0.75 mile (3,940 feet) away from the Project site, where the closest permanent residences are located would be approximately 46 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). Again, when added to the existing ambient noise level which is estimated at 61 dba Leq (15-minute) during daytime hours (see Table 3.7-3; assumed to be equivalent to measurement at Cesar Chavez Elementary School), the result is an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.1 dba (at closest permanent residence), which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). The noise level generated by the Proposed Project at 0.72 mile (3,800 feet), where the closest hotel is located, would be approximately 47 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings); a maximum increase in ambient noise levels of approximately 0.1 dba would occur, which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba). An additional receptor considered is the Playhouse Daycare Center. The noise level generated by the Proposed Project at 0.93 mile (4,885 feet) would be approximately 44 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings) resulting in a maximum increase in ambient noise levels (see Table 3.7-3; assumed to be equivalent to measurement at Cesar Chavez Elementary School) of approximately 0.1 dba, which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). Impacts would be less than significant. Construction Traffic Construction would also cause noise off-site from commuting construction workers and from haul trucks bringing materials and equipment to and from the Proposed Project site. Flat-bed trucks, dump trucks and pickup trucks result in a maximum pass-by noise level of 75 to 84 dba Lmax at 50 feet (FHWA, 2006). Materials and heavy equipment would typically be transported to and from the site between the construction hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Roadways to access the Proposed Project site include the I-710, and then locally, Pico Avenue and Pier D Street. Under the barging option for the disposal of dredge material, off-site construction vehicles would result in an estimated maximum of 84 truck trips and 44 worker trips per day during Phase 1 (see Appendix C, Traffic Impact Study). Along the I-710 freeway, this additional traffic would not result in an appreciable difference in noise levels as this would represent a minimal increase (less than 1 percent) considering annual average daily traffic (AADT) volumes on the I-710 south of Anaheim Street of approximately 116,000 (Caltrans, 2011). Within the immediate Port vicinity, the use of major roadways and Portspecific roadways, which do not pass through residential neighborhoods or near sensitive receptors, would minimize the potential for offsite Project-related construction traffic to affect sensitive receptors. Furthermore, construction would occur between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, such that no additional traffic would occur EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

10 along the I-710 during nighttime hours when receptors are most sensitive. Impacts with the barging option for dredge disposal would be less than significant. Under the trucking option for the disposal of dredge material, in addition to the noise generation described above, an additional 250 round-trip truck trips would occur over a twoday period along Pier D Street during Phase 1. That segment of Pier D Street used for this activity is located entirely within the Port and does not pass through any residential neighborhoods, or have any sensitive receptors adjacent to it. Additionally, the number of trucks associated with this option would be approximately 35 percent or less than those associated with peak operation of the Project. As addressed under the discussion for Impact NS-3, the noise levels associated with these truck trips would be less than significant. As such impacts associated with the truck disposal option would also be less than significant. Impact NS-2: Construction noise levels would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. According to Section 8 of the LBMC, and as shown in Table 3.7-4, the exterior noise level limit for predominantly industrial areas (Land Use District Four), such as the POLB, is 70 dba Leq at any time or 65 dba Leq when the alleged offensive noise contains a repetitive noise such as hammering or riveting or in this case pile driving, where these limits are intended primarily for use at the District boundary rather than for noise control within the District. As shown in Appendix D, noise levels of 65 dba Leq or less would occur at distances of 1,425 feet or greater from the Proposed Project site during the noisiest phase of construction (i.e., pile driving) which would result in exterior noise levels well below the LBMC exterior noise limit of 65 dba Leq at the District Four boundary. As such, impacts would be less than significant. The closest noise-sensitive receptor (Cesar Chavez Elementary School) is located in Land Use District One, for which the maximum noise level allowed by the LBMC is 50 dba Leq (Table 3.7-4). However, pile-driving activities would invoke the five dba penalty for impulsive/tonal noise character, which would reduce the maximum allowable noise level in this location to 45 dba Leq. Existing ambient noise levels were determined to be 61 dba Leq (Table 3.7-3) in this location, which is higher than the permissible noise limit; therefore the LBMC allows the noise exposure standard to be increased in five db increments as necessary to encompass or reflect the ambient noise level. Taking existing ambient noise levels into account, as well as the impulsive/tonal noise penalty, the maximum daytime noise level allowed in this location under the LBMC would be 60 dba Leq. Calculated hourly average construction noise levels at Cesar Chavez Elementary School of 47 dba Leq during the noisiest period of construction would not exceed the LBMC limits. As such, impacts would be less than significant. Impact NS-3: Project operational noise levels would not permanently increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noise-sensitive receptor. On-Site Operational Activities Noise associated with Proposed Project operations would include noise generated during vessel transport by the tug boats, by the vessel auxiliary generators, vessel-mounted booms, the conveyor and distribution system, front-end loaders, trucks and personnel vehicles. Maximum noise levels generated by the proposed sand, gravel, and granite aggregate receiving, storage, and distribution terminal are estimated to be approximately 84 dba Leq at 50 feet (assumes both front-end loaders and two haul trucks operating). The noise level generated by the Proposed Project at 0.66 mile (3,500 feet) away, where the closest sensitive receptor is located (Cesar Chavez Elementary School), would be approximately 37 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When combining the Proposed Project s maximum operational noise level with the existing background or ambient noise level, which has been estimated at 61 dba Leq (15-minutes) during daytime hours (see Table 3.7-3), the Proposed Project would not result in an increase in ambient noise levels. Assuming nighttime noise levels would be approximately 10 db lower or 51 dba Leq EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

11 (equivalent to penalty applied to nighttime hours when calculating Ldn [see Table 3.7-1]), the Proposed Project would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of 1.5 dba, which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba). Impacts would be less than significant. Operational Traffic Operations would also cause noise off-site mainly from haul trucks transporting sand, gravel, and granite aggregate off-site. Haul trucks result in a maximum pass-by noise level of 84 dba Lmax at 50 feet (FHWA, 2006). At peak operation, trucks would typically transport materials from the site during two eight-hour shifts during weekdays and one eight-hour shift on Saturdays, generating up to 770 one-way truck trips per day with approximately 16 oneway trips resulting from employee vehicles. Roadways to access the Proposed Project site include the I-710, and then locally, Pico Avenue and Pier D Street. For sensitive receptors located near the I-710 freeway, this additional traffic would not result in an appreciable difference in noise levels as this would represent a minimal increase (less than 1 percent) considering AADT volumes on the I-710 south of Anaheim Street of approximately 116,000 (Caltrans, 2011). As noted in the Traffic Impact Study (Appendix C), the Proposed Project would generate a maximum of 128 trips during the am and pm peak hours and 136 trips in the midday peak hour (trips are passenger car equivalents (PCE), not actual truck trips). Along the I-710 south of Anaheim Street, 9,700 trips would occur during the peak hour (Caltrans, 2011). As such the Proposed Project would represent an increase of up to 1.4 percent, which would not result in a noticeable increase in ambient noise levels. Within the immediate Port vicinity, the use of Port-specific roadways, which do not pass through residential neighborhoods or near sensitive receptors, would minimize the potential for off-site Project-related operational traffic to affect sensitive receptors. Furthermore, operations would occur between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm, such that little to no additional traffic would occur along the I-710 during the late night and early morning hours when receptors are most sensitive. Impacts would be less than significant. Impact NS-4: Operation noise levels would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. According to Section 8 of the LBMC, and as shown in Table 3.7-6, the exterior noise level limit for predominantly industrial areas (Land Use District Four), such as the POLB, is 70 dba Leq at any time, where these limits are intended primarily for use at the District boundary rather than for noise control within the District. As shown in Appendix D, Project noise levels of 70 dba Leq or less would occur at distances of 185 feet or greater from the Proposed Project site during the operations, which would result in exterior noise levels well below the LBMC exterior noise limit of 70 dba Leq at the District Four boundary. As such, no adverse noise impacts would occur. Impacts would be less than significant. The closest noise-sensitive receptor (Cesar Chavez Elementary School) is located in Land Use District One, for which the maximum noise level allowed by the LBMC is 50 dba Leq daytime and 45 dba Leq nighttime (Table 3.7-4). Existing ambient noise levels were determined to be 61 dba Leq daytime (Table 3.7-3) and 51 dba nighttime (assumed to be 10 db lower, which is equivalent to penalty applied to nighttime hours when calculating Ldn [see Table 3.7-1]) in this location. These noise levels are higher than the permissible noise limit; therefore the LBMC allows the noise exposure standard to be increased in five db increments as necessary to encompass or reflect the ambient noise level. Taking existing ambient noise levels into account, the maximum noise level allowed in this location under the LBMC would be 65 dba Leq daytime and 55 dba Leq nighttime. Calculated hourly average operational noise levels at Cesar Chavez Elementary School of 37 dba Leq would not exceed the LBMC daytime or nighttime limits. As such, impacts would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures Impacts on noise levels would be less than significant; consequently, no mitigation measures are required. EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

12 Significance of Impacts after Mitigation Impacts on noise levels would be less than significant under NEPA. CEQA Impacts Impact NS-1: Project construction noise levels would not increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noisesensitive receptor. As discussed above under NEPA Impacts for Impact NS-1, construction of the Proposed Project would not increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noise-sensitive receptor. Both on-site and offsite construction noise would result in less than significant impacts and no mitigation is required. Impact NS-2: Construction noise levels would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. As discussed above under NEPA Impacts for Impact NS-2, construction of the Proposed Project would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noisesensitive receptor. Both on-site and off-site construction noise would result in less than significant impacts and no mitigation is required. Impact NS-3: Project operational noise levels would not permanently increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noise-sensitive receptor. As discussed above under NEPA Impacts for Impact NS-3, operation of the Proposed Project would not increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noise-sensitive receptor. Both on-site and off-site operational noise would result in less than significant impacts and no mitigation is required. Impact NS-4: Operation noise levels would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. As discussed above under NEPA Impacts for Impact NS-4, operation of the Proposed Project would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. Both on-site and off-site operational noise would result in less than significant impacts and no mitigation is required. Mitigation Measures Impacts on noise levels would be less than significant; no mitigation measures are required. Significance of Impacts after Mitigation Construction and operation of the Proposed Project would result in less than significant impacts under CEQA Alternative 2 Pier B Street Alternative Under Alternative 2 construction and operational noise impacts would occur on a privately-owned parcel located at 1710 Pier B Street within the POLB. No dredging, dredge disposal, or wharf improvements would be required under this alternative (i.e., no vibratory pile driving); however, an existing remnant concrete pad would be removed as part of Project construction and the entire site would be capped with concrete requiring 2,100 roundtrip concrete truck trips (52 roundtrip truck trips per day for two months). Construction of Phase 1 would occur over a 21 month period, as compared to five months under the Proposed Project (Alternative 1). Phase 2 construction would be identical for both Alternatives 1 and 2. Operations of Alternative 2 would have 35 vessel calls and up to 110,000 annual roundtrip truck trips, as with the Proposed Project (Alternative 1). However, under this alternative maximum operations would be reached in 2021 instead of NEPA Impacts Impact NS-1: Project construction noise levels would not increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noisesensitive receptor. The Pier B Street Alternative site is located in an industrialized area within the POLB, where typical noise levels are estimated to range from 60 to 75 dba (normally acceptable range) and up to 80 dba (conditionally acceptable range) Ldn or CNEL (OPR, 2003). A 15-minute sample ambient noise measurement taken on January 11, 2012 at the Alternative 2 site showed that noise levels are 65 dba Leq (average), 67 dba Lmax (maximum), and 63 EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

13 dba Lmin (minimum), which is consistent with the typical noise level range for an industrial area. The closest sensitive receptors, such as schools, churches, hospitals and nursing homes, include Edison Elementary School (625 Maine Avenue), which is approximately 0.84 mile (4,410 feet) east of the Alternative 2 site, and Cesar Chavez Elementary School (730 West 3rd Street), which is approximately 0.85 mile (4,500 feet) east of the Alternative 2 site. Other receptors would include residences; however, no permanent residences are located in the immediate Port vicinity. The closest permanent residences are located along Loma Vista Drive/West Chester Place, approximately 0.70 mile (3,670 feet) east of the Alternative 2 site. The closest hotel is the Hilton Long Beach and Executive Meeting Center (701 West Ocean Boulevard), which is located approximately 0.98 mile (5,175 feet) from the Alternative 2 site. In addition, the Playhouse Daycare Center (1301 West 12th Street), which also operates as a homeless shelter, is located approximately 0.41 mile (2,165 feet) northeast of the Alternative 2 site. On-Site Construction Activities Assuming a maximum construction noise level of 89 dba at 50 feet (maximum reached during concrete capping activities in Phase 1, which would occur over a two-month period), which would likely occur at night, the noise level generated by Alternative 2 at 0.84 mile (4,410 feet) away, where the closest sensitive receptor (Edison Elementary School) is located, would be approximately 40 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). Existing daytime ambient noise levels were measured at 58 dba Leq (15-minutes) (see Table 3.7-3). Assuming nighttime noise levels would be approximately 10 db lower or 48 dba Leq (equivalent to penalty applied to nighttime hours when calculating Ldn [see Table 3.7-1]), the addition of Alternative 2 s maximum construction noise levels to the existing ambient noise levels would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.6 dba (at Edison Elementary School) which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). At 0.85 mile (4,500 feet) away, where the next closest sensitive receptor (Cesar Chavez Elementary School) is located, would be approximately 40 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). Existing daytime ambient noise levels were measured at 61 dba Leq (15-minutes) (see Table 3.7-3). Again, assuming nighttime noise levels would be approximately 10 db lower or 51 dba Leq, the addition of Alternative 2 s maximum construction noise levels would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.3 dba (at Cesar Chavez Elementary School), which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). The noise level generated by Alternative 2 at 0.70 mile (3,670 feet), where the closest permanent residences are located, would be approximately 42 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When combining Alternative 2 s maximum construction noise level with the existing ambient noise level, which was estimated to be 48 dba Leq (15-minutes) during nighttime hours (see Table 3.7-3; assumed to be equivalent to daytime measurement at Edison Elementary School and subtracting 10 db for reduction in nighttime noise conditions), the result is an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.8 dba, which again would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). The noise level generated by Alternative 2 at 0.98 mile (5,175 feet), where the closest hotel is located, would be approximately 38 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When added with the existing ambient noise level, which was estimated to be as low as 55 dba Leq (15-minutes) during nighttime hours (Table daytime noise level subtracting 10 db for reduction in nighttime noise conditions), Alternative 2 would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of 0.1 dba, which again would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba). An additional receptor considered is the Playhouse Daycare Center. The noise level generated by Alternative 2 at 0.41 mile (2,165 feet) would be approximately 46 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When added with the existing ambient noise level, which was estimated to be 51 dba Leq (15-minutes) during nighttime hours (see Table 3.7-3; EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

14 assumed to be equivalent to daytime measurement at Cesar Chavez Elementary School and subtracting 10 db for reduction in nighttime noise conditions), Alternative 2 would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of 1.2 dba, which again would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba). Impacts would be less than significant. Construction Traffic Construction would also cause noise off-site from commuting construction workers and from haul trucks bringing materials and equipment to and from the Alternative 2 site, which would be increased under Alternative 2 compared to the Proposed Project due to the number of concrete trips required to cap the site. Flat-bed trucks, dump trucks and pickup trucks result in a maximum pass-by noise level of 75 to 84 dba Lmax at 50 feet (FHWA, 2006). Materials and heavy equipment would typically be transported to and from the site between the construction hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday; however, during concrete capping material deliveries (i.e., concrete) would likely occur during nighttime hours. Roadways to access the Alternative 2 site include the I-710 and Pier B Street. Off-site construction vehicles would result in an estimated maximum of 204 truck trips and 120 worker trips per day during Phase 1 (see Appendix C, Traffic Impact Study). Along the I-710 freeway, this additional traffic would not result in an appreciable difference in noise levels as this would represent a minimal increase (less than 1 percent) considering AADT volumes on the I-710 south of Anaheim Street of approximately 116,000 (Caltrans, 2011). Within the immediate Port vicinity, the use of a Port-specific roadway, which does not pass through residential neighborhoods or near sensitive receptors, would minimize the potential for off-site Project-related construction traffic to affect sensitive receptors. Impacts would be less than significant. Impact NS-2: Construction noise levels would not exceed the limits established by the LBMC at any noise-sensitive receptor. According to Section 8 of the LBMC, and as shown in Table 3.7-4, the exterior noise level limit for predominantly industrial areas (Land Use District Four), such as the POLB, is 70 dba Leq at any time, where these limits are intended primarily for use at the District boundary rather than for noise control within the District. The northern boundary of Land Use District Four is the Pacific Coast Highway, which is approximately 0.72 mile (3,800 feet) north of the Alternative 2 site. As shown in Appendix D, noise levels of 70 dba Leq or less would occur at distances of 425 feet or greater from the Alternative 2 site during the noisiest phase of construction (i.e., concrete capping) which would result in exterior noise levels well below the LBMC exterior noise limit of 70 dba Leq at the District Four boundary. As such, no adverse noise impacts would occur; impacts would be less than significant. The closest noise-sensitive receptor (Edison Elementary School) is located in Land Use District One, for which the maximum noise level allowed by the LBMC is 50 dba Leq daytime and 45 dba Leq nighttime (Table 3.7-4). Existing ambient noise levels were determined to be 58 dba Leq daytime (Table 3.7-3) and 48 dba Leq nighttime (assumed to be 10 db lower, which is equivalent to penalty applied to nighttime hours when calculating Ldn [see Table 3.7-1]) in this location, which are higher than the permissible noise limits; therefore the LBMC allows the noise exposure standards to be increased in five db increments as necessary to encompass or reflect the ambient noise level. Taking existing ambient noise levels into account, the maximum noise levels allowed in this location under the LBMC would be 60 dba Leq daytime and 50 dba Leq nighttime. Calculated hourly average construction noise levels at Edison Elementary School of 40 dba Leq during the noisiest period of construction would not exceed the LBMC limits. As such, impacts would be less than significant. Impact NS-3: Project operational noise levels would not permanently increase ambient noise levels by 3 dba or more at any noise-sensitive receptor. Operations of Alternative 2 would be identical to the Proposed Project (Alternative 1), except that the maximum throughput of the facility would be reached in 2021 rather than EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013

15 On-Site Operational Activities Noise associated with Alternative 2 operations would be identical to the Proposed Project (Alternative 1), and would include noise generated during vessel transport by the tug boats, by the vessel auxiliary generators, vessel-mounted booms, the conveyor and distribution system, front-end loaders, trucks and personnel vehicles. Maximum noise levels generated by the proposed sand, gravel, and granite aggregate receiving, storage, and distribution terminal are estimated to be approximately 84 dba Leq at 50 feet (assumes both front-end loaders and two haul trucks operating). The noise level generated by the Alternative 2 at 0.84 mile (4,410 feet) away, where the closest sensitive receptor (Edison Elementary School) is located, would be approximately 35 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When combining Alternative 2 s maximum operational noise level with the existing background or ambient noise level, measured at 58 dba Leq (15-minutes) during daytime hours (see Table 3.7-3), Alternative 2 would not result in an increase in ambient noise levels (at Edison Elementary School). Assuming nighttime noise levels would be approximately 10 db lower or 48 dba Leq (equivalent to penalty applied to nighttime hours when calculating Ldn [see Table 3.7-1]), Alternative 2 would result in an increase of 0.2 db, which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). Other nearby receptors include the Playhouse Daycare Center and permanent residences along Loma Vista Drive and West Chester Place. The noise level generated by Alternative 2 at the Playhouse Daycare Center (0.41 mile; 2,165 feet away) would be approximately 42 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When combining Alternative 2 s maximum operational noise level with the existing ambient noise level (see Table 3.7-3; assumed to be equivalent to measurement at Cesar Chavez Elementary School), Alternative 2 would not result in an increase in ambient noise levels during daytime hours (at Playhouse Daycare Center). During nighttime hours, Alternative 2 operations would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of up to 0.5 db, which would not be noticeable (less than 3 dba increase in ambient noise levels). The noise level generated by Alternative 2 at the closest permanent residences (0.70 mile; 3,670 feet away) would be approximately 37 dba Leq (accounts for a 10 db insertion loss for intervening buildings). When combined with the existing ambient noise level (see Table 3.7-3; assumed to be equivalent to measurement at Edison Elementary School), Alternative 2 would not result in an increase in ambient noise levels during daytime hours (at permanent residences). During nighttime hours, operations would result in an increase in ambient noise levels of up to 0.3 db, which would not be noticeable. Impacts would be less than significant. Operational Traffic As with the Proposed Project (Alternative 1), operation of Alternative 2 would cause noise off-site mainly from haul trucks transporting sand, gravel, and granite aggregate off-site. Haul trucks result in a maximum pass-by noise level of 84 dba Lmax at 50 feet (FHWA, 2006). During peak operations, up to 770 one-way truck trips and approximately 16 one-way employee trips would be generated by the Pier B Street Alternative per day within a 16-hour timeframe (6:00 am to 10:00 pm). Roadways to access the Alternative 2 site include the I-710 and Pier B Street. For sensitive receptors located near the I-710 freeway, this additional traffic would not result in an appreciable difference in noise levels as this would represent a minimal increase (less than 1 percent) considering AADT volumes on the I-710 south of Anaheim Street of approximately 116,000 (Caltrans, 2011). As noted in the Traffic Impact Study (Appendix C), Alternative 2 would generate a maximum of 128 trips during the AM and PM peak hours and 136 trips in the midday peak hour (trips are PCE, not actual truck trips), same as the Proposed Project. Along the I-710 south of Anaheim Street, 9,700 trips would occur during the peak hour (Caltrans, 2011). As such the Proposed Project would represent an increase of up to 1.4 percent, which would not result in a noticeable increase in ambient noise levels. Furthermore, operations would occur between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm, such that little to no EAGLE ROCK AGGREGATE TERMINAL PROJECT APRIL 2013