14: INTRODUCTION

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1 Chapter 14: Noise INTRODUCTION This Chapter analyzes the noise levels that would be produced by the Proposed Project and their potential to result in significant adverse noise impacts on the surrounding area. The noise impact assessment examines noise generated by traffic traveling to and from the Site, and the operation of mechanical equipment associated with 900 King Street. As such, these analyses address the potential for the Proposed Action to have one or more significant adverse environmental impacts that were identified in the Lead Agency s Positive Declaration (see Appendix A-5). With respect to mobile sources of noise, the maximum increase in noise levels at the sensitive receptors closest to the Project Site would be 1.6 A-weighted decibels or dba. Increases of this magnitude would be imperceptible and below the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) threshold for a significant noise level increase of 6.0 dba. Noise levels at The Arbors townhouses are dominated by traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway. Since vehicular traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway is not expected to change significantly as a result of the Proposed Project, noise levels in the Build condition would not result in a significant noise level increase. Future noise levels at this location are expected to remain below NYSDEC s recommended maximum level for residential uses of 65 dba. With respect to stationary sources of noise, the proposed buildings mechanical systems and emergency generators would be designed to avoid producing a 6.0 dba or more increase at nearby receptors and consequently would not result in a significant adverse impact METHODOLOGY Impact Criteria In this analysis, all measured noise levels are reported in dba or A-weighted decibels, as described in Appendix G. In addition, the maximum 1-hour equivalent sound level (L eq(1) ) has been selected as the noise descriptor to be used in the noise impact evaluation. The L eq(1) is the noise descriptor recommended by the NYSDEC for noise impact evaluation, and is used to provide an indication of highest expected sound levels (see Appendix G). For purposes of this impact assessment, consistent with NYSDEC guidance, operations that would result in an increase of more than 6.0 dba in ambient L eq(1) noise levels at receptor sites and produce ambient noise levels of more than 65 dba at residences or 79 dba at an industrial or commercial area would be considered to be a significant adverse noise impact resulting from the Proposed Project. These criteria are consistent with the NYSDEC guidance document (see Appendix G). The Village of Rye Brook (the Village ) Noise Control Law, Chapter 158 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook includes restrictions on certain DEIS /12/2018

2 900 King Street Redevelopment specific noise-producing activities and specifies acceptable hours of construction within the Village. There are no specific provisions of the law that would apply to noise sources associated with the operation of the Proposed Project (i.e., vehicular traffic or mechanical equipment), and the Proposed Project is not anticipated to result in any violations of the law (see Chapter 16, Construction, for an assessment of the potential environmental impacts during the construction of the Proposed Project) Mobile Source Noise Methodology Mobile sources consist of vehicles arriving at and departing from the Site. Proportional modeling was used to determine locations that had the potential for having significant noise impacts and to quantify the magnitude of those potential impacts. Using this technique, the prediction of future noise levels, where traffic is the dominant noise source, is based on a calculation using measured existing noise levels and predicted changes in traffic volumes to determine Future with the Proposed Project (the Build condition) levels. Vehicular traffic volumes are converted into Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) values, for which one medium-duty truck (with a gross weight between 9,900 and 26,400 pounds) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 13 cars, and one heavy-duty truck (with a gross weight of more than 26,400 pounds) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 47 cars, and one bus (vehicles designed to carry more than nine passengers) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 18 cars. Future noise levels are calculated using the following equation: FB NL - EX NL = 10 * log10 (FB PCE / EX PCE) where: FB NL = Future Build Noise Level EX NL = Existing Noise Level FB PCE = Future Build PCEs EX PCE = Existing PCEs Sound levels are measured in decibels. They increase logarithmically with sound source strength. In this case, the sound source is traffic volumes measured in PCEs. For example, assume that traffic is the dominant noise source at a particular location. If the existing traffic volume on a street is 100 PCE, and the future traffic volume increased by 50 PCE to a total of 150 PCE, the noise level would increase by 1.8 dba. Similarly, if the future traffic were increased by 100 PCE, or doubled to a total of 200 PCE, the noise level would increase by 3.0 dba EXISTING CONDITIONS SELECTION OF NOISE RECEPTORS LOCATIONS Noise was analyzed at the six locations near the Site that were required by the approved Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Scoping Outline (see Appendix A-1). 9/12/ DEIS

3 Chapter 14: Noise The locations were identified as representative of the noise-sensitive land uses that would be most likely to experience noise level increases due to the Proposed Project (see Table 14-1 and Figure 14-1). Other sensitive land uses in the area would be expected to experience less noise resulting from the Proposed Project than these sites. Site 1 is located on King Street near Shady Lane. Vehicular traffic on King Street is the dominant noise source with some audible noise from the Hutchinson River Parkway/Merritt Parkway. This location is representative of noise levels north of the Site. Site 2 is located King Street at the intersection with Arbor Drive. Vehicular traffic on King Street is the dominant noise source. This location is representative of noise levels directly east of the Site. Site 3 is located on King Street at Glenville Street. Vehicular traffic on King Street is the dominant noise source. This location is representative of noise levels at residential uses south of Blind Brook High School. Site 4 is located on Arbor Drive at the driveway to the Site. Vehicular traffic on Arbor Drive is the dominant noise source. This location is representative of noise levels at the Blind Brook High School sports facilities. Site 5 is located near the boundary line between the Project Site and the Hutchinson River Parkway. Vehicular traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway is the dominant noise source. This location is representative of noise levels at the Project Site. Site 6 is located near the boundary line between the Project Site and The Arbors townhouse development. Vehicular traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway is the dominant noise source. This location is representative of noise levels at The Arbors townhouse development. Table 14-1 Noise Monitoring Sites Receptor Location Land Use 1 King Street at Hutchinson River Parkway northbound Residential 2 King Street at Arbor Drive Residential 3 King Street at Glenville Street Residential 4 Arbor Drive and Site Entrance Residential, open space, and educational 5 Border of 900 King Street and Hutchinson River Parkway Proposed Residential 6 Border of 900 King Street and Arbor Drive Townhouses Residential EXISTING NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS At all six sites, 20-minute measurements were taken on September 8, 2017 during the weekday AM peak hour (7:30 AM to 9:30 AM) and weekday PM peak hour (4:30 PM to 6:30 PM). The selected time periods represent when the Proposed Project would have the maximum traffic generation and/or the maximum potential for significant adverse noise impacts based on the traffic studies presented in the Traffic Impact Study (TIS) (see Appendix F) EQUIPMENT USED FOR NOISE MONITORING Measurements were performed using Brüel & Kjær Sound Level Meters (SLM) Type 2260, a Brüel & Kjær ½-inch microphone Type 4189, and a Brüel & Kjær Sound Level Calibrator Type The SLMs had a laboratory calibration date within 1 year of the time DEIS /12/2018

4 900 King Street Redevelopment of use, as is standard practice. The Brüel & Kjær SLMs are Type 1 instruments according to ANSI Standard S (R2006). For all receptor sites the instrument/microphone was mounted on a tripod at a height of approximately 5 feet above ground. Microphones were mounted at least approximately 5 feet away from any large reflecting surfaces. The SLMs were calibrated before and after readings with a Brüel & Kjær Type 4231 Sound Level Calibrator using the appropriate adaptor. Measurements at each location were made on the A-scale (dba). The data were digitally recorded by the sound level meters and displayed at the end of the measurement period in units of dba. Measured quantities included L eq, L 1, L 10, L 50, L 90, and ⅓ octave band levels. A windscreen was used during all sound measurements except for calibration. All measurement procedures were based on the guidelines outlined in ANSI Standard S RESULTS OF MEASUREMENTS The existing noise levels are summarized in Table At all receptor sites, vehicular traffic noise on adjacent roadways was the dominant noise source. Measured noise levels were relatively low to moderately high and reflect the level of vehicular activity on the adjacent roadways. Table 14-2 Existing Noise Levels at Noise Receptor Sites (dba) Site Location Time L eq L 1 L 10 L 50 L 90 1 King Street and Hutchinson River Parkway northbound AM on/off ramp PM King Street and Arbor Drive AM PM King Street and Glenville Street AM PM Arbor Drive and Site Entrance AM PM Border of 900 King Street and Hutchinson River Parkway AM PM Border of 900 King Street and Arbor Drive Townhouses AM PM Note: Field measurements were performed by AKRF, Inc. on September 8, FUTURE WITHOUT THE PROPOSED PROJECT Using the methodology previously described, future noise levels for the Future without the Proposed Project (the No Build condition) were calculated for each of the receptor sites in each of the analysis periods (see Table 14-3). 9/12/ DEIS

5 Chapter 14: Noise Table 14-3 Build Condition Noise Levels (dba) Site Location Time Existing Leq No Action Leq Change 1 King Street and Hutchinson River Parkway AM northbound on/off ramp PM King Street and Arbor Drive AM PM King Street and Glenville Street AM PM Arbor Drive and Site Entrance AM PM Comparing future noise levels in the No Build condition to existing noise levels, the maximum increase in L eq(1) noise levels at Sites 1, 2, and 3 would be up to 2.0 dba. Increases of this magnitude would be barely perceptible and would be below NYSDEC s threshold for a significant noise level increase of 6.0 dba. Future noise levels at Sites 1, 2, and 3 would continue to exceed NYSDEC s recommended level for residential uses of 65 dba. The maximum increase in L eq(1) noise levels at Site 4 would be up to 4.2 dba. Increases of this magnitude would be barely to readily noticeable and would be below the NYSDEC s threshold for a significant noise level increase of 6.0 dba. Future noise levels at Site 4 would remain below NYSDEC s recommended level for residential uses of 65 dba POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT The noise associated with the Proposed Project was calculated according to the methodology described above, and used to determine a total future noise level and increment at each of the receptor sites. Based on the TIS traffic data, the weekday AM and PM peak hours were selected for analysis to represent when receptors would experience maximum Project-generated noise levels. A description of potential noise impacts during construction is included in Chapter 16, Construction MOBILE SOURCES Using the methodology described earlier, total future noise levels associated with the Proposed Project were calculated for each of the noise receptor sites. At receptor sites 5 and 6, where the Hutchinson River Parkway is the dominant source of noise, existing noise levels are assumed to be representative of noise levels in the Build condition because vehicular traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway would not change appreciably with the implementation of the Proposed Project; therefore, future noise levels would remain comparable to the measured existing noise levels. The projected future noise levels with the Proposed Project are shown in Table DEIS /12/2018

6 900 King Street Redevelopment Table 14-4 Build Condition Noise Levels (dba) Site Location Time Existing Leq With Action Leq Change 1 King Street and Hutchinson River Parkway AM northbound on/off ramp PM King Street and Arbor Drive AM PM King Street and Glenville Street AM PM Arbor Drive and Site Entrance AM PM Comparing future noise levels with existing noise levels, the maximum increase in L eq(1) noise levels at Sites 1, 2, and 3 would be up to 0.5 dba. Increases of this magnitude would be imperceptible and would be below NYSDEC s threshold for a significant noise level increase of 6.0 dba. Future noise levels at Sites 1, 2, and 3 would continue to exceed NYSDEC s recommended level for residential uses of 65 dba. While future noise levels at Sites 1, 2, and 3 would continue to exceed the recommended level of 65 dba, the increases in noise levels as a result of the Proposed Project would be small and existing noise levels at these locations already exceed the recommended level of 65 dba. Consequently, noise resulting from the Proposed Project would not constitute a significant noise impact at existing receptors represented by Sites 1, 2, and 3. The maximum increase in L eq(1) noise levels at Site 4 would be up to 1.6 dba. Increases of this magnitude would be imperceptible and would be below NYSDEC s threshold for a significant noise level increase of 6.0 dba. Future noise levels at Site 4 would remain below the NYSDEC s recommended level for residential uses of 65 dba. Since future noise levels at Site 4 would remain below the recommended level of 65 dba and the increases in noise levels would be small, noise resulting from the Proposed Project would not constitute a significant adverse impact at existing receptors represented by Site NOISE LEVELS AT THE ARBORS TOWNHOUSES Noise levels at The Arbors townhouses i.e., Site 6 are dominated by traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway. Since vehicular traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway is not expected to change significantly as a result of the Proposed Project, noise levels in the Build condition would not result in a significant noise level increase. Future noise levels at this location are expected to remain below NYSDEC s recommended maximum level for residential uses of 65 dba. Since future noise levels at Site 6 would remain below the recommended level of 65 dba and the noise levels at Site 6 are not expected to increase appreciably as a result of the Proposed Project, noise resulting from the Proposed Project would not constitute a significant adverse impact at The Arbors townhouses, as represented by Site NOISE LEVELS AT THE 900 KING STREET RESIDENCES Maximum noise levels at the proposed Assisted Living (AL) community, as represented by Sites 5 and 6, are predicted to be in the low to mid-60s dba during peak hours depending on distance from the Hutchinson River Parkway. Traffic on the Hutchinson River Parkway is not expected to increase substantially as a result of the Proposed Project. Therefore the noise 9/12/ DEIS

7 Chapter 14: Noise levels in the Build condition would not exceed the NYSDEC recommended noise level threshold for residential use. Furthermore, the proposed residential units would be constructed using standard façade construction, including insulated glass windows and air conditioning allowing for the maintenance of a closed-window condition. With these measures, interior noise levels are expected to be less than 45 dba, which is typically considered acceptable for residential use. Consequently, the level of noise exposure at the proposed residences would not constitute a significant adverse impact. As described in Chapter 2, Project Description, the Applicant estimates that three to four deliveries by large box trucks are anticipated each day during the week, with one to two deliveries possible during the weekend. These deliveries would occur during the daytime hours. In addition, private sanitation services would be contracted by the operator to remove solid waste from the Project Site. It is anticipated that this would occur two to three times per week, during the daytime hours. This anticipated minor level of delivery activity, which would be expected to be limited to daytime hours, would not be anticipated to result in a significant adverse noise impact to proximate receptors. In addition to the relatively low-frequency of expected truck activity, the internal roadway network is substantially removed from the townhouses to the west. With respect to the houses to the northeast of the Project Site, only a small portion of the internal roadway is proposed to be constructed outside the footprint of the existing parking lot. Finally, the loading area, including the area for solid waste removal, would be shielded by buildings on the east and west side, which would significantly reduce the potential for loading activities to create an adverse sound impact on proximate residential receptors STATIONARY SOURCE ANALYSIS While the Village Administrative Code Chapter 158 Noise does not specify a maximum allowable sound level for mechanical equipment or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sources, the proposed buildings mechanical systems would be designed to avoid producing a 6.0 dba or more increase at nearby receptors and consequently would not result in a significant adverse impact. The Independent Living (IL) and AL building may utilize an emergency backup generator or generators. While the Village Administrative Code Chapter 158 Noise does not specify a maximum allowable sound level for emergency generators, emergency power systems installed exterior to the building would be designed to avoid producing a 6.0 dba or more increase at nearby receptors using a combination of generator enclosures, noise barriers, and generator site selection. Consequently, these systems would not result in a significant adverse impact MITIGATION MEASURES The predicted noise levels associated with the Proposed Project would not exceed NYSDEC s threshold for a significant noise level increase of 6.0 dba at any receptor site, and the maximum future noise level associated with the Proposed Project would not exceed the threshold established by the Village Code. In fact, the maximum increase in L eq(1) noise levels would be 1.6 dba, which would be imperceptible. Therefore, the Proposed Project is not anticipated to result in any significant adverse noise impacts. DEIS /12/2018

8 900 King Street Redevelopment In addition, the Proposed Project s mechanical equipment would be designed to avoid a 6.0 dba increase at nearby receptors and would therefore not result in a significant adverse impact. With these design parameters in place, no further mitigation is required. 9/12/ DEIS

9 5/2/2018 Exit 30S Hutchinson River Pkwy HUTCHINSON RIVER PKWY LANDS 5 1 King St Shady Ln Brush Hollow Cres Hill Cres Ivy 6 Ivy Hill Ln 4 NEW YORK CONNECTICUT Arbor Dr AREA OF DETAIL VT NH Treetop Ln Rye Brook HARKNESS PARK 2 Walker Ct Greenway Close NY Greenway Ln MA Greenwich GreenwayCir PA CT Bayberry Ln RI Walker Ct Ettl Ln NJ Glenville St 3 1 Project Site Noise Measurement Location FEET 900 KING STREET Noise Measurement Locations Figure 14-1