3.11 NOISE INTRODUCTION

Transcription

1 . NOISE INTRODUCTION This section addresses the noise impacts associated with construction and ongoing use of the proposed Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Project. Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound that is heard by people or wildlife and that interferes with normal activities or otherwise diminishes the quality of the environment.... Noise Fundamentals Sound is mechanical energy transmitted by pressure waves in a compressible medium such as air. Sound is characterized by various parameters that include the rate of oscillation of sound waves (frequency), the speed of propagation, and the pressure level or energy content (amplitude). In particular, the sound pressure level is the most common descriptor used to characterize the loudness of an ambient sound level. The decibel (db) scale is used to quantify sound intensity. Because sound pressure can vary enormously within the range of human hearing, a logarithmic loudness scale is used to keep sound intensity numbers at a convenient and manageable level. The human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies in the entire spectrum, so noise measurements are weighted more heavily for frequencies to which humans are sensitive in a process called A-weighting. Written db(a), the A-weighted sound level is measured on a logarithmic scale such that a doubling of sound energy results in a.0 db(a) increase in noise level. In general, changes in a community noise level of less than.0 db(a) are not typically noticed by the human ear. Changes from.0 to.0 db(a) may be noticed by some individuals who are extremely sensitive to changes in noise. A greater than.0 db(a) increase is readily noticeable, while the human ear perceives a 0.0 db(a) change in sound level to be a doubling or halving sound. Common noise levels associated with certain activities are shown on Figure.-, Common Noise Levels. US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, (00) -. US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Fundamentals, (0). Ibid. Ibid. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

2 . Noise 0 When assessing community reaction to noise, there is a need for a scale that averages sound pressure levels over time and quantifies the result in terms of a single numerical descriptor. Different types of scales are used to characterize the time-varying nature of sound. Scales that are applicable to this analysis are the Maximum Noise Level (Lmax) Equivalent Noise Level (Leq) and the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL). The Lmax is the maximum noise level measured during a specified period. The Leq is the average A-weighted sound level measured over a given time interval. Leq can be measured over any period, but is typically measured for -minute, -minute, -hour, or -hour periods. CNEL is an average A-weighted sound level measured over a -hour period. However, this noise scale is adjusted to account for some individuals increased sensitivity to noise levels during the evening and nighttime hours. A CNEL noise measurement is obtained by adding db to sound levels occurring during the evening from :00 PM to 0:00 PM, and 0 db to sound levels occurring during the nighttime from 0:00 PM to :00 AM. The db and 0 db penalties are applied to account for increased noise sensitivity during the evening and nighttime hours. The logarithmic effect of adding these penalties to the -hour Leq measurements typically results in a CNEL measurement that is within approximately db(a) of the peak-hour Leq. Below are brief definitions of these scales and other terminology commonly used in noise assessments: 0 0 Decibel (db): A unitless measure of sound on a logarithmic scale, which indicates the squared ratio of sound pressure amplitude to reference sound pressure amplitude. The reference pressure is 0 micro-pascals. A-Weighted Decibel (db(a)): An overall frequency-weighted sound level in decibels that approximates the frequency response of the human ear. Equivalent Sound Level (Leq): The steady state sound level that in a stated period of time would contain the same acoustical energy. Maximum Sound Level (Lmax): The maximum sound level measured during the measurement period. Minimum Sound Level (Lmin): The minimum sound level measured during the measurement period. California Department of Transportation, Technical Noise Supplement; A Technical Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol, () N-N. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

3 SOURCE: Egan, David M., Concepts in Architectural Acoustics, McGraw Hill, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development, The Noise Guidebook 00 FIGURE.- Common Noise Levels -00 /

4 . Noise 0 0 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL): The average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring during a -hour period with.0 db added to the A-weighted sound levels occurring during the period from :00 PM to 0:00 PM and 0.0 db added to the A-weighted sound levels occurring during the period from 0:00 PM to :00 AM. Day-Night Level (Ldn): The energy average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring during a -hour period, with 0.0 db added to the A-weighted sound levels occurring during the period from 0:00 PM to :00 AM. Day Level (Ld): The energy average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring during a -hour period, during the period from :00 AM to 0:00 PM. Night Level (Ln): The energy average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring during an -hour period, during the period from 0:00 PM to :00 AM. This is not adjusted by adding 0.0 db to the A-weighted sound levels during this nighttime period. Barrier: A solid wall or earth berm located between the roadway and receiver location, which breaks the line-of-sight between the receiver and the roadway noise sources. Barrier Attenuation: The change in noise level at a receiver location caused by diffraction (or bending) of sound waves over the top of around the sides of a barrier. It represents only a portion of the total barrier performance. Berm: A mound of earth, generally of triangular (or trapezoidal) cross-section, that parallels a roadway and serves as a noise barrier. Line of Sight: A straight line between the observer location and a specific noise source. Line Source of Noise (Line Source): A source of noise spread out into a line, such as the combined traffic on a roadway. Point Source of Noise (Point Source): A source of noise essentially concentrated at a single point, such as noise from a single vehicle observed at some considerable distance, or an HVAC system on the roof of a building. 0 The Ldn and CNEL values differ by less than decibel (db). As discussed above, a db difference in noise level is not noticed by the human ear. Therefore, as a matter of Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

5 . Noise practice, Ldn and CNEL values are considered to be equivalent and are treated as such in this assessment.... Noise Barriers and Attenuation Introduction of a barrier between a noise source and sensitive receptor redistributes the sound energy into several paths, including a diffracted path over the top of the barrier, a transmitted path through the barrier, and a reflected path directed away from the sensitive receptor. Diffraction is the bending of sound waves over the top of a barrier. The area behind the barrier in which diffraction occurs is known as a shadow zone, and sensitive receptors located in this area will experience some sound attenuation. The amount of attenuation is related to the magnitude of the diffraction angle. The diffraction angle will increase if the barrier height increases or if the sensitive receptors are place closes to the barrier. In addition to diffraction with the use of barriers, sound can travel through the barrier itself. The level of sound transmission through the barrier depends upon factors relating to the composition of the barrier (such as its weight and stiffness), the angle of incidence of the sound, and the frequency spectrum of the sound. The rating of a material s ability to transmit noise is called transmission loss. Transmission loss is related to the ratio of the incident noise energy to the transmitted noise energy, and it is normally expressed in decibels, which represents the amount noise levels will be reduced when the sound waves pass through the material of the barrier. Sound energy can also be reflected by a barrier wall. The reflected sound energy thus would not affect the sensitive receptor but may affect sensitive receptors to the left and right of the developed barrier. Man-made or natural barriers can also attenuate sound levels, as illustrated in Figure.-, Noise Attenuation by Barriers. A solid wall or berm may reduce noise levels by to 0 db(a). Contemporary wood frame construction techniques in California typically provide about db(a) reduction in exterior to interior noise levels. This is due to structural means used to comply with California regulations, such as the Title energy conservation standards. The minimum attenuation of exterior to interior noise provided by typical structures in California is provided in Table.-, Outside to Inside Noise Attenuation. US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development, The Noise Guidebook, n.d. -. US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Fundamentals, (0). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

6 Source ' Deflected Noise Roadway Barrier Line-of-Sight Receptor "Barrier Effect" Resulting from Differences in Elevation. Source Deflected Noise Line-of-Sight Receptor ' Roadway Barrier "Barrier Effect" Resulting from Typical Soundwall. SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. November 0 FIGURE.- Noise Attenuation by Barriers.00 0/

7 . Noise 0 0 Table.- Outside to Inside Noise Attenuation Building Type Open Windows (db(a)) Closed Windows (db(a)) Residences.0.0 Schools.0.0 Churches Hospitals/Convalescent Homes.0.0 Offices.0.0 Theaters Hotels/Motels.0.0 Source: Bolt Beranek and Newman, Inc., Highway Noise: A Design Guide for Highway Engineers, NCHRP Report No., (). Prepared for Highway Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C. As shown, structures with closed windows can attenuate exterior noise by a minimum of.0 to 0.0 db(a).... Vibration Fundamentals Vibration consists of waves transmitted through solid material. Ground-borne vibration propagates from the source through the ground to adjacent buildings by surface waves. Vibration may be a single pulse, a series of pulses, or a continuous oscillatory motion. The frequency of a vibrating object describes how rapidly it is oscillating, measured in Hertz (Hz). Most environmental vibrations consist of a composite, or spectrum, of many frequencies, and are generally classified as broadband or random vibrations. The normal frequency range of most ground-borne vibration that can be felt generally starts from a low frequency of less than Hz to a high of about 00 Hz. Vibration is often measured in terms of the peak particle velocity (PPV) in inches per second (in/sec), because it is related to the stresses that are experienced by buildings. Vibration is also measured in vibration decibels (VdB). The human threshold of perception is around VdB; the dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible is around VdB; and vibration levels are acceptable at VdB if there are an infrequent number of events per day. US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, (00), -. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

8 . Noise Vibration energy attenuates as it travels through the ground, causing the vibration amplitude to decrease with distance away from the source. High frequency vibrations reduce much more rapidly than low frequencies, so that in the far-field from a source, the low frequencies tend to dominate. Soil properties also affect the propagation of vibration. When ground-borne vibration interacts with a building, there is usually a ground-to-foundation coupling loss, but the vibration can also be amplified by the structural resonances of the walls and floors. 0 Vibration in buildings is typically perceived as rattling of windows or of items on shelves, or the motion of building surfaces. Ground-borne vibration is generally limited to areas within a few hundred feet of certain types of construction activities, especially pile driving. Road vehicles rarely create enough ground-borne vibration to be perceptible to humans unless the road surface is poorly maintained and there are potholes or bumps. If traffic, typically heavy trucks, induces perceptible vibration in buildings, such as window rattling or shaking of small loose items, then it is most likely an effect of low-frequency airborne noise or ground characteristics. Human annoyance by vibration is related to the vibration energy and the number and duration of events, as well as the setting in which the person experiences the vibration. As discussed in the paragraph above, vibration can be amplified by the structural resonances of the walls and floors of buildings. The more events or the greater the duration, the more annoying it will be to humans. Figure.-, Typical Levels of Groundborne Vibration, identifies typical groundborne vibration levels... EXISTING CONDITIONS The project site is undeveloped. The principal contributors to the ambient noise environment at the project site are the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) line which bisects the site and US Highway 0 just to the north. In addition, aircraft noise associated with the Santa Barbara Airport can occasionally be heard at the project site; however, the western limit of the Airport s 00 0 db(a) CNEL contour is located approximately. miles to the east of the project site and aircraft noise should only be considered a minor contributor to existing ambient noise levels. California Department of Transportation, Earthborne Vibrations, (0) VII-. 0 US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, (00), -, -. US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, (00), -. Santa Barbara Airport, F.A.R Part 0 Noise Compatibility Study, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

9 HUMAN/STRUCTURAL RESPONSE PPV AMPLITUDE IN INCHES PER SECOND VELOCITY LEVEL IN VdB RMS VELOCITY AMPLITUDE IN INCHES/SECOND TYPICAL SOURCES 0 FEET FROM SOURCE THRESHOLD, MINOR COSMETIC DAMAGE TO FRAGILE BUILDINGS. 00. BLASTING FROM CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 0 DIFFICULTY WITH TASKS SUCH AS READING A VDT SCREEN. 0.0 BULLDOZER AND OTHER HEAVY-TRACKED CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT RESIDENTIAL ANNOYANCE, INFREQUENT EVENTS (E.G., COMMUTER RAIL) COMMUTER RAIL, UPPER RANGE RAPID TRANSIT, UPPER RANGE RESIDENTIAL ANNOYANCE, FREQUENT EVENTS (E.G., RAPID TRANSIT) COMMUTER RAIL, TYPICAL BUS OR TRUCK OVER BUMP RAPID TRANSIT, TYPICAL LIMIT FOR VIBRATION-SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT APPROXIMATE THRESHOLD FOR HUMAN PERCEPTION OF VIBRATION BUS OR TRUCK, TYPICAL AVERAGE RESIDENCE WITHOUT STEREO PLAYING AVERAGE WHISPER TYPICAL GROUND VIBRATION PPV is typically a factor. to times greater than RMS vibration velocity. A factor of was used to calculate noise levels. Vibration levels in terms of velocity levels are defined as: V=0 x log 0 (a/r) V=velocity levels in decibels a=rms velocity amplitude r=reference amplitude (accepted reference quantities for vibration velocity are x 0 - inches/second in the United States) SOURCE: Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment May 00 FIGURE.- Typical Levels of Groundborne Vibration -00 0/

10 . Noise 0 0 In order to determine existing noise levels at the project site, an Environmental Noise Study was conducted by Dudek in 00 that included noise level measurements taken at the project site in 00 (see Appendix.). CNEL exposure at various locations within the project site was modeled using the Federal Highway Administration s (FHWA) Vehicle Noise Prediction Model, based upon calibration from noise measurements taken near US Highway 0 on June, 00 and a highway traffic volume of,000 average daily trips (ADT) (see Appendix. for a full list of input assumptions). The traffic volume is consistent with 00 traffic volume data on US Highway 0 from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Traffic Data Branch, which indicates an annual ADT of,000 between the Hollister Avenue and El Capitan Beach State Park mileposts. The noise levels were adjusted from the values shown in the Environmental Noise Study to account for revised distances between the project site structures and US Highway 0 based on a sound attenuation rate of db(a) with each doubling of distance from a linear noise source. In addition, noise levels were measured at the project site at a distance of 0 feet from the UPRR line for a continuous -hour period on May and June, 00. Because railroad traffic has not increased substantially and is not expected to increase measurably in the future, these measurements were assumed to be representative of existing conditions on the project site. Table.-, Existing -hour Noise Levels from Transportation Noise Sources, presents the noise levels on the project site. Dudek, Environmental Noise Study, Dos Pueblos Ranch Estates- Santa Barbara County, CA, (00). The study is provided in Appendix.. California Department of Transportation, Traffic Data Branch, Traffic Volumes, 00, 0. County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00). County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Ranch Project Final EIR, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..-0 Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

11 . Noise 0 0 Table.- Existing -hour Noise Levels from Transportation Noise Sources Transportation Noise Source Distance from Source CNEL US Highway 0 feet. db(a) US Highway 0,0 feet. db(a) Union Pacific Railroad 0 feet db(a) Source: Dudek, Environmental Noise Study, Dos Pueblos Ranch Estates- Santa Barbara County, CA, (00). The study is provided in Appendix.. The noise levels were adjusted from the values shown in the Environmental Noise Study to account for revised distances between the project site structures and US Highway 0 based on a sound attenuation rate of db(a) with each doubling of distance from a linear noise source (County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00)). Table of the Environmental Noise Study calculates the CNEL at 0 feet from the railroad as db(a); however, this calculation does not include the db(a) penalty for evening hours (:00 PM to 0:00 PM) or the 0 db(a) penalty for nighttime hours (0:00 PM :00 AM). After including evening and nighttime penalties to the hourly measurements, the resulting CNEL is db(a)... REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Regulations that are relevant to the analysis of noise impacts are based on state and local policies and other regulations that place requirements on acceptable noise levels. Applicable policies are listed below.... State Regulations California Department of Health Services The State of California Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has published recommended guidelines for noise and land use compatibility, referred to as the State Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise (State Noise Guidelines). The State Noise Guidelines, illustrated in Figure.-, State Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise, indicate that residential land uses and other noise-sensitive receptors generally should locate in areas where outdoor ambient noise levels do not exceed to 0 db(a) (CNEL or Ldn). The Department of Health Services does not mandate application of this compatibility matrix to development projects; however, each jurisdiction is required to consider the State Noise Guidelines when developing its General Plan Noise Element or determining acceptable noise levels within its community. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

12 LAND USE CATEGORY COMMUNITY NOISE EXPOSURE Ldn or CNEL, db Residential - Low Density Single Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes Residential - Multi Family Transient Lodging - Motels, Hotels Schools, Libraries Churches, Hospitals, Nursing Homes Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheatres Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks Golf Courses, Riding Stables, Water Recreation, Cemeteries Office Buildings, Business Commercial and Professional Industrial, Manufacturing Utilities, Agriculture NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements. CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air conditioning will normally suffice. NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise reduction features included in the design. CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE New construction or development should generally not be undertaken. SOURCE: California Governor s Office of Planning and Research, State of California General Plan Guidelines Appendix C: Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of Noise Elements of the General Plan October 00 FIGURE.- State Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise -00 0/

13 . Noise According to the State Noise Guidelines, an exterior noise level of 0 db(a) CNEL is considered to be normally acceptable for single-family, duplex, and mobile homes involving normal, conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements. Exterior noise levels up to db(a) CNEL are typically considered normally acceptable for multi-family units and transient lodging without any special noise insulation requirements. Between these values and 0 db(a) CNEL, exterior noise levels are typically considered conditionally acceptable, and residential construction should only occur after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements and needed noise attenuation features have been included in the project design. Exterior noise attenuation features include, but are not limited to, setbacks to place structures outside the conditionally acceptable noise contour, orienting structures so no windows open to the noise source, and/or installing noise barriers such as berms and/or solid walls. Within a db(a) CNEL exterior noise environment, interior noise levels will typically be reduced to acceptable levels (to at least db(a) CNEL) with closed windows through conventional construction, but include fresh air supply systems or air conditioning in order to maintain a comfortable living environment. The minimum attenuation of exterior to interior noise provided by typical structures in California is shown above in Table.-. Under the State Noise Guidelines, an exterior noise level of 0.0 db(a) CNEL is typically the dividing line between an acceptable and unacceptable exterior noise environment for all noise-sensitive uses, including schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, day care centers, and nursing homes of conventional construction. Noise levels below.0 db(a) CNEL are typically acceptable for office and commercial buildings, while levels up to.0 db(a) CNEL are typically acceptable for industrial uses.... Local Regulations Santa Barbara County Local Coastal Program The County of Santa Barbara s Local Coastal Program (LCP) contains both the Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) the principle set of land use policies for development within Santa Barbara County s Coastal Zone and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance (CZO), zoning regulations that implement the policies. Santa Barbara County has incorporated numerous goals and policies into the CLUP in order to ensure conformance with California Coastal Act policies. These policies require new development adjacent to Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

14 . Noise environmentally sensitive habitat areas avoid adverse impacts on habitat resources including noise restrictions (CLUP Policy -). Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan The Santa Barbara County Comprehensive Plan includes the CLUP and also contains the principal noise policies for the physical development within the Noise Element. The following policies in the Noise Element are relevant to the proposed project: 0 0 Policy No. : Policy No. : Policy No. : In the planning of land use, db Day-Night Average Sound Level should be regarded as the maximum exterior noise exposure compatible with noise-sensitive uses unless noise mitigation features are included in project designs. Noise-sensitive uses proposed in areas where the Day-Night Average Sound Level is db or more should be designed so that interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources do not exceed db LDN when doors and windows are closed. An analysis of the noise insulation effectiveness of proposed construction should be required, showing that the building design and construction specifications are adequate to meet the prescribed interior noise standard. Residential uses proposed in areas where the Day-Night Average Sound Level is db or more should be designed so that noise levels in exterior living spaces will be less than db LDN. An analysis of proposed projects should be required, indicating the feasibility of noise barriers, site design, building orientation, etc., to meet the prescribed exterior noise standard. County of Santa Barbara Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual The County of Santa Barbara Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual provides significance thresholds for noise impacts. In general, a project would have a significant impact if it results in long-term exposure of noise-sensitive receptors to exterior noise levels greater than db(a) CNEL. Noise associated with construction activity County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

15 . Noise 0 0 generally has a potentially significant effect on noise-sensitive receptors located within,00 feet of a proposed project, including schools, residential development, hotels, hospitals, and care facilities. This is based on the assumption that average peak construction noise levels of db(a) measured at 0 feet from the source would require a distance of,00 feet to be reduced to levels below db(a) (a decrease of db occurs with every doubling of distance from the noise source). In order to reduce noise impacts within,00 feet of sensitive receptors, construction activities are limited to weekdays between the hours of :00 AM and :00 PM and noise attenuation barriers and muffling of grading equipment may also be required. According to the guidelines, construction equipment generating noise levels above db(a) may require additional mitigation. The thresholds also state that a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project may create a significant impact... ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS... Thresholds of Significance Santa Barbara County Thresholds of significance are defined by the County of Santa Barbara Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in, and most recently revised in 00. Sound levels for the proposed project must also comply with relevant noise policies, standards, and ordinances. If project-generated sound levels exceed land use compatibility guidelines and thresholds summarized earlier, they would comprise a significant impact. California Environmental Quality Act Based on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the project would be considered to result in a significant noise impact if it would: result in exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies; or County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

16 . Noise 0 result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels; or result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project; or result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project; or for a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within miles of a public airport or public use airport, result in exposure of persons residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels; or for a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, result in exposures of persons residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels Impact Assessment Methodology Impacts were identified from project construction noise, from noise generated by ongoing project use, and noise impacts to the project residents from baseline conditions. Anticipated construction sound levels were estimated and analyzed based on projected construction vehicle requirements, distance between sensitive receptors and construction activities, and equipment usage levels. Standard noise generation levels for typical construction equipment were used to estimate construction sound levels, and appropriate noise-control mitigation measures are recommended below. There are no residential or commercial uses on the project site. The nearest noise sensitive receptor is the Bacara Resort rooms located approximately 0 yards from grading activities associated with the construction of the utility corridor. Long-term impacts were analyzed for the existing and future noise environment. In addition to existing CNEL exposure modeled in the Environmental Noise Study (see Table.- and Appendix.), future CNEL exposure at the project site was also analyzed using the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Vehicle Noise Prediction Model using a future highway traffic volume of,00 ADT in the year 00. These Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

17 . Noise 0 0 vehicle volumes are based on a yearly traffic escalation factor of. percent as provided in the Environmental Noise Study.... Project Impact Analysis N- The proposed project would not result in exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies (Class III). Impact Analysis: Temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise levels would result from construction activity. As discussed later under impact N-, peak sound levels associated with heavy equipment typically range between and db(a) at 0 feet from the source. 0 Typical major sources of noise during the project s grading and earthwork period and their estimated sound levels at 0 feet are: excavators ( to db(a)), tractors ( to db(a)), loaders ( to db(a)), compactors ( db(a)), trucks ( to db(a)), and backhoes ( to db(a)). However, these impacts would be short-term, restricted to normal construction hours by standard County conditions and would not be expected to significantly increase noise exposure to sensitive receptors due to the distance of these activities. The Bacara Resort rooms are 0 yards from trenching activities that will necessary to extend the utility corridor to the project site. Noise levels at this distance would be less than db(a), given that point source noises decrease by db(a) every doubling of distance. The County s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual generally considers construction noise impacts to be potentially significant to any residence or sensitive receiver located within,00 feet. As discussed later under impact threshold N-, long-term exterior sound levels at the proposed Ocean and Inland Estates would be less than db(a) CNEL. Transportationrelated noise from US Highway 0 and the UPRR would generate noise levels at the Estates that are less than db(a) under existing and existing plus project conditions. Once constructed, the proposed Ocean and Inland Estates would not comprise a significant noise source. It is anticipated that long-term project trip generation would be Dudek, Environmental Noise Study, Dos Pueblos Ranch Estates- Santa Barbara County, CA, (00). The study is provided in Appendix.. 0 US Environmental Protection Agency, Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment and Home Appliances, NTID00-, (). Ibid. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

18 . Noise 0 approximately ADT (refer to Section., Transportation and Traffic); this small increase would not result in any measurable change in noise levels from vehicular traffic. Potential noise generating activities at the project site would include landscaping and maintenance activities; however, these activities would be temporary and intermittent in nature. The County s Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual generally considers noise impacts to be potentially significant to any residence or sensitive receiver if exterior noise levels are greater than db(a). Noise levels at the Estates would be less than db(a) and the project would not cause noise levels to exceed db(a) at off-site locations. Therefore, operational impacts would be less than significant (Class III). Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impact: Class III Impact. 0 0 N- The proposed project would not result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels (Class III). Impact Analysis: Construction activities can generate varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the construction procedures and the construction equipment. The primary vibration source associated with the development of the proposed project would be associated with the use of haul trucks and dozers during construction. Onroad haul trucks carrying demolition debris, soil, and building materials to and from the site would be the largest generator of ground-borne vibration since they would travel over off-site roadways. Vibration impacts associated with on-road trucks generally only occur during one-half of a round trip, since trucks usually arrive or depart a construction site in an unloaded state. The operation of loaded trucks would result in a vibration level of VdB measured at feet. Dozers would result in a vibration level of VdB measured at feet. According to the Federal Transit Administration, a vibration level of VdB is considered to be the threshold for human annoyance for infrequent ground-borne vibration. On-road trucks would access the project site using the Bacara Resort access road. Occupants of rooms on the northern and western edge of the Bacara Resort could be exposed to vibration from on-road trucks and dozers. However, these impacts would be short-term, restricted to normal construction hours and would not be significantly Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

19 . Noise 0 increase noise exposure to sensitive receptors due to the distance of these activities, which is approximately 0 yards from nearest resort rooms. At this distance, vibration levels would be reduced to levels well below the threshold for human annoyance. Therefore, construction vibration impacts would be less than significant. The proposed project would not include any stationary equipment that would generate groundborne vibration or groundborne noise that would cause an annoyance to humans or any structural damage to buildings. During operation, the project would be served by trash trucks that would collect municipal solid waste. However, these trash trucks would be similar to trash trucks that already serve the existing surrounding residential land uses. Therefore, operational vibration impacts would be less than significant. Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impact: Class III Impact. 0 0 N- The proposed project would not result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project (Class III). Impact Analysis: The proposed project would contribute approximately average daily trips (ADT) from the estate units and trips from the parking lots for a total of ADT (refer to Section., Transportation and Traffic). This would not substantially add to the existing traffic levels on US Highway 0; therefore, the existing levels were used to determine ambient sound levels from the highway at the proposed Ocean and Inland Estates. In addition, the proposed project would not contribute to any increase in use of the UPRR line, and railroad traffic is not expected to increase measurably in the future. Therefore, noise levels provided in the Environmental Noise Study (as recalculated in this section to include CNEL penalties) were used to determine ambient noise levels from the railroad at the proposed Ocean and Inland Estates. Ambient sound levels at both Estates, from both US Highway 0 and the UPRR, are presented in Table.-, Noise Exposure from Transportation Noise Sources at Proposed Estates. The noise levels from US Highway 0 and the UPRR are combined to determine the overall CNEL at each proposed Inland and Ocean Estates. The combined noise levels are shown in Table.-, Overall Noise Exposure at Proposed Estates. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

20 . Noise 0 Table.- Noise Exposure from Transportation Noise Sources at Proposed Estates Transportation Noise Distance from CNEL Source Location Source US Highway 0 Inland Estate feet. db(a) US Highway 0 Ocean Estate,0 feet. db(a) Union Pacific Railroad Inland Estate feet. db(a) Union Pacific Railroad Ocean Estate feet 0. db(a) Source: Dudek, Environmental Noise Study, Dos Pueblos Ranch Estates- Santa Barbara County, CA, (00). The study is provided in Appendix... The noise levels were adjusted from the values shown in the Environmental Noise Study to account for revised distances between the project site structures and US Highway 0 based on a sound attenuation rate of db(a) with each doubling of distance from a linear noise source (County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00)). Using a CNEL of db(a) at 0 feet from the railroad line, exposure levels at the proposed Estates associated with railway noise were determined based on a sound attenuation rate of db(a) with each doubling of distance from a linear noise source (i.e., at 00 feet from the railroad line, CNEL would be approximately db(a) and at 00 feet it would be db(a)) (County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00)). The combined and ongoing noise levels are shown in Table.-, Overall Noise Exposure at Proposed Estates. Table.- noise levels include those noise impacts from residential usage, highway, train, and parking lot recreational users. Source: Impact Sciences, Inc. Table.- Overall Noise Exposure at Proposed Estates Location Inland Estate Ocean Estate CNEL. db(a). db(a) Because decibels are logarithmic ratios, they cannot be manipulated in the same way as arithmetic numbers. The addition of two equal ambient sound levels produce results approximately db(a) higher than the sound level of a single source (i.e., 0 db(a) + 0 db(a) = db(a)) (County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00)). For the Inland Estate, combining sound levels of. db(a) and. db(a) results in a sound level of approximately. db(a). For the Ocean Estate, combining sound levels of. db(a) and 0. db(a) results in a sound level of approximately. db(a) (FHWA 00). Impact Sciences, Inc..-0 Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

21 . Noise 0 As indicated in Table.-, long-term exterior sound levels at the proposed Ocean and Inland Estates would be less than db(a) CNEL. Therefore, the proposed Estates would not be sited in areas that exceed the County s established threshold for residential uses and noise impacts would be less than significant (Class III). Once constructed, the proposed Ocean and Inland Estates would not comprise a significant noise source. It is anticipated that long-term project trip generation would be approximately ADT (refer to Section., Transportation and Traffic); this small increase would not result in any measurable change in noise levels from vehicular traffic. Potential noise generating activities at the project site would include landscaping and maintenance activities; however, these activities would be temporary and intermittent in nature and would comprise a less than significant impact to noisesensitive receptors (Class III). Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impact: Class III Impact. 0 N- The proposed project would not result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project (Class III). Impact Analysis: The project site is not located within,00 feet of any residence or other noise-sensitive receptors. However the Bacara Resort, is located 0 yards from trenching activities associated with the extension of utilities to the project site. According to the County of Santa Barbara Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, [n]oise from grading and construction activity proposed within,00 feet of sensitive receptors, including schools, residential development, commercial lodging facilities, hospitals, or care facilities, would generally result in a potentially significant impact. The grading and site preparation phase of the project would generate the highest construction sound levels because of the operation of heavy equipment. Peak sound levels associated with heavy equipment typically range between and db(a) at County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

22 . Noise 0 0 feet from the source. Typical major sources of noise during the project s grading and earthwork period and their estimated sound levels at 0 feet are: excavators ( to db(a)), tractors ( to db(a)), loaders ( to db(a)), compactors ( db(a)), trucks ( to db(a)), and backhoes ( to db(a)). Demolition and site preparation would take place over a period of approximately eight months. While construction would occur during normal workday hours, not all construction equipment would be operated simultaneously. Peak sound levels associated with construction equipment would occur sporadically throughout the workday. The placement of the fill cap associated with the utilities installation also has the potential to expose sensitive receptors to construction noise. On-road trucks would access the project site using the Bacara Resort access road. Occupants of rooms on the northern and western edge of the Bacara Resort could be exposed to periodic high noise levels noise during construction due to the additional operations of dump trucks and loaders and other heavy equipment. However, these impacts would be short-term, restricted to normal construction hours, and would not be expected to significantly increase noise exposure to sensitive receptors due to the distance of these activities. At 0 yards from the grading source, noise impacts would be reduced to db(a) given that point source noises decrease by db(a) every doubling of distance. Therefore, impacts are anticipated to be less than significant (Class III). 0 Residual Impact: Class III Impact. N- The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within miles of a public airport or public use airport, and would not result in exposure of persons residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels (Class III). Impact Analysis: The proposed project is not located within an airport land use plan and the nearest public airport or public use airport is greater than miles from the project site. As discussed in Subsection.., Existing Conditions, aircraft noise associated with the Santa Barbara Airport can occasionally be heard at the project site. US Environmental Protection Agency, Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment and Home Appliances, NTID00-, (). Ibid. Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

23 . Noise The western limit of the 00 Santa Barbara Airport 0 db(a) CNEL contour is located approximately. miles to the east of the project site and aircraft noise should only be considered a minor contributor to existing ambient noise levels. Therefore, impacts are less than significant. Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impact: Class III Impact. 0 N- The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip, and would not result in exposures of persons residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels (Class III). Impact Analysis: The proposed project is not located within the vicinity of a private airstrip. As discussed in Subsection.., Existing Conditions, aircraft noise associated with the Santa Barbara Airport can occasionally be heard at the project site. The western limit of the 00 Santa Barbara Airport 0 db(a) CNEL contour is located approximately. miles to the east of the project site and aircraft noise should only be considered a minor contributor to existing ambient noise levels. Therefore, impacts are less than significant. Mitigation Measures: No mitigation measures are required. Residual Impact: Class III Impact Cumulative Impact Analysis N- The proposed project would not result in exposure of persons to or generation of cumulative noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies (Class III). Impact Analysis: Cumulative CNEL exposure at the project site was also analyzed using the FHWA Vehicle Noise Prediction Model using a future highway traffic volume of,00 ADT in the year 00. This vehicle volume is based on existing traffic volumes Santa Barbara Airport, F.A.R Part 0 Noise Compatibility Study, (00). Santa Barbara Airport, F.A.R Part 0 Noise Compatibility Study, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0

24 . Noise 0 of,000 ADT, consistent with traffic data from Caltrans, and an annual traffic escalation factor of. percent as provided in the Environmental Noise Study. As stated previously, traffic on the UPRR line is not expected to increase measurably in the future, and current UPRR sound levels were used in this cumulative noise analysis. The cumulative noise levels at both Estates, from both US Highway 0 and the UPRR, are presented in Table.-, Cumulative Noise Exposure from Transportation Noise Sources at Proposed Estates. The cumulative noise levels from US Highway 0 and the UPRR are combined to determine the overall CNEL at each proposed Inland and Ocean Estates. The combined noise levels are shown in Table.-, Cumulative Overall Noise Exposure at Proposed Estates. Table.- Cumulative Noise Exposure from Transportation Noise Sources at Proposed Estates Transportation Noise Source Location Distance from Source CNEL US Highway 0 Inland Estate feet 0. db(a) US Highway 0 Ocean Estate,0 feet. db(a) Union Pacific Railroad Inland Estate feet. db(a) Union Pacific Railroad Ocean Estate feet 0. db(a) Source: Dudek, Environmental Noise Study, Dos Pueblos Ranch Estates- Santa Barbara County, CA, (00). The study is provided in Appendix.. The noise levels were adjusted from the values shown in the Environmental Noise Study to account for revised distances between the project site structures and US Highway 0 based on a sound attenuation rate of db(a) with each doubling of distance from a linear noise source (County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, 00). Using a CNEL of db(a) at 0 feet from the railroad line, exposure levels at the proposed Estates associated with railway noise were determined based on a sound attenuation rate of db(a) with each doubling of distance from a linear noise source (i.e., at 00 feet from the railroad line, CNEL would be approximately db(a) and at 00 feet it would be db(a)) (County of Santa Barbara, Environmental Thresholds and Guidelines Manual, 00). California Department of Transportation, Traffic Data Branch, Traffic Volumes, 00, 0. Dudek, Environmental Noise Study, Dos Pueblos Ranch Estates- Santa Barbara County, CA, (00). The study is provided in Appendix.. County of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Ranch Project Final EIR, (00). Impact Sciences, Inc..- Paradiso del Mare Ocean and Inland Estates Draft EIR.00 September 0