SAFEWAY FUEL CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE ASSESSMENT PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA April 14, 2014 Prepared for: Mary Davi Safeway Incorporated 5918 Stoneridge Mall Road Pleasanton, CA 94588 Prepared by: Fred M. Svinth, INCE, Assoc. AIA ILLINGWORTH & RODKIN, INC. Acoustics Air Quality 1 Willowbrook Court, Suite 120 Petaluma, CA 94954 (707) 794-0400 Job No.: 13-205
INTRODUCTION This report presents the results of the noise assessment completed for a Safeway Fuel Center to be located on the southeast corner of Washingtonn Square Shopping Center at 335 South McDowell Boulevard in the City of Petaluma (see Figure 1) ). The Fuel Center will provide multi-product fuel categories at each of 16 fuel positions (8 pumps two fuel positions per fuel pump) and will replace the current single story commercial land uses at the project site. The Setting section of this report presents the fundamentals of environmental noise, provides a discussion of policies and standards Figure 1: Project Site and Vicinity applicable to the project and presents the results of the ambient noise monitoring survey. The Assessment of Potential Noise Impacts section of the report providess an evaluation of the potential significance of project-related noise. SETTING FUNDAMENTALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE Noise may be definedd as unwanted sound. Noise is usually objectionable because it is disturbing or annoying. The objectionable nature of sound could bee caused by its pitch or its loudness. Pitch is the height or depth of a tone or sound, dependingg 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 intensity of sound waves combined with the reception characteristics of the ear. Intensity may be compared with the heightt of an ocean wave in that it is a measure of the amplitude of the sound wave. In addition to the concepts of pitch and loudness, there are several noise measurement scaless which are used to describe noise in a particular location. A decibel (db) is a unit of measurement which indicates the relative amplitude of a sound. The zero on the decibel scale is based on the lowest sound level that the healthy, unimpaired human ear can detect. Sound levels in decibels are calculated on a logarithmic basis. An increase of 10 decibels represents a ten-fold increase in acoustic energy, while 20 decibels is 100 times more intense, 30 decibels is 1,0000 times more intense, etc. There is a relationship between the subjective noisinesss or loudnesss of a sound and its intensity. Each 10 decibel increase in sound level is perceived as approximately a doubling of loudnesss over a fairly wide range of intensities. Technical terms are defined in Table 1. 1
TABLE 1 Term Decibel, db Sound Pressure Level Frequency, Hz A-Weighted Sound Level, dba Equivalent Noise Level, L eq L max, L min L 01, L 10, L 50, L 90 Day/Night Noise Level, L dn or DNL Community Noise Equivalent Level, CNEL Ambient Noise Level Intrusive Definition of Acoustical Terms Used in this Report Definition A unit describing, the amplitude of sound, 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 air is 20. Sound pressure is the sound force per unit area, usually expressed in micro Pascals (or 20 micro Newtons per square meter), where 1 Pascal is the pressure resulting from a force of 1 Newton exerted over an area of 1 square meter. The sound pressure level is expressed in decibels as 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio between the pressures exerted by the sound to a reference sound pressure (e.g., 20 micro Pascals). Sound pressure level is the quantity that is directly measured by a sound level meter. The number of complete pressure fluctuations per second above and below atmospheric pressure. Normal human hearing is between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Infrasonic sound are below 20 Hz and Ultrasonic sounds are above 20,000 Hz. The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. The A-weighting filter deemphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. The average A-weighted noise level during the measurement period. The maximum and minimum A-weighted noise level during the measurement period. The A-weighted noise levels that are exceeded 1%, 10%, 50%, and 90% of the time during the measurement period. The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 10 decibels to levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 5 decibels in the evening from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location. That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or informational content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level. Source: Handbook of Acoustical Measurements and Noise Control, Harris, 1998. There are several methods of characterizing sound. The most common in California is the A- weighted sound level or dba. This scale gives greater weight to the frequencies of sound to which the human ear is most sensitive. Representative outdoor and indoor noise levels in units of dba are shown in Table 2. Because sound levels can vary markedly over a short period of time, a method for describing either the average character of the sound or the statistical behavior of the variations must be utilized. 2
TABLE 2 Typical Noise Levels in the Environment 110 dba Rock band Jet fly-over at 1,000 feet 100 dba Gas lawn mower at 3 feet Diesel truck at 50 feet at 50 mph 90 dba Food blender at 3 feet 80 dba Garbage disposal at 3 feet Noisy urban area, daytime Gas lawn mower, 100 feet 70 dba Vacuum cleaner at 10 feet Commercial area Normal speech at 3 feet Heavy traffic at 300 feet 60 dba Large business office Quiet urban daytime 50 dba Dishwasher in next room Quiet urban nighttime 40 dba Theater, large conference room Quiet suburban nighttime 30 dba Library Quiet rural nighttime Bedroom at night, concert hall 20 dba Broadcast/recording studio 10 dba 0 dba Source: Technical Noise Supplement (TeNS), Caltrans, November 2009. Most commonly, environmental sounds are described in terms of an average level that has the same acoustical energy as the summation of all the time-varying events. This energy-equivalent sound/noise descriptor is called L eq. The most common averaging period is hourly, but L eq can describe any series of noise events of arbitrary duration. The scientific instrument used to measure noise is the sound level meter. Sound level meters can accurately measure environmental noise levels to within about plus or minus 1 dba. Various computer models are used to predict environmental noise levels from sources, such as roadways and airports. The accuracy of the predicted models depends upon the distance the receptor is from the noise source. Close to the noise source, the models are accurate to within about plus or minus 1 to 2 dba. 3
Since the sensitivity to noise increases during the evening and at night - because excessive noise interferes with the ability to sleep - 24-hour descriptors have been developed that incorporate artificial noise penalties added to quiet-time noise events. The Community Noise Equivalent Level, CNEL, is a measure of the cumulative noise exposure in a community, with a 5 db penalty added to evening (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm) and a 10 db addition to nocturnal (10:00 pm - 7:00 am) noise levels. The Day/Night Average Sound Level, L dn, is essentially the same as CNEL, with the exception that the evening time period is dropped and all occurrences during this three-hour period are grouped into the daytime period. REGULATORY CRITERIA The State of California and the City of Petaluma have established plans and policies designed to limit noise exposure at noise sensitive land uses. These plans and policies are contained in the following documents: (1) the City of Petaluma Noise Element of the General Plan, (2) the City of Petaluma Municipal Code, and (3) the State CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G. City of Petaluma General Plan 2025 Section 10.2 of the City of Petaluma s Health and Safety Element includes objectives and policies applicable to the project, which are applicable to noise and land use concerns within the City. The City s objective is to, Protect public health and welfare by eliminating or minimizing the effects of existing noise problems, and by minimizing the increase of noise levels in the future. Adjacent single-family residential land uses are considered normally acceptable up to 60 dba L dn and conditionally unacceptable up to 70 dba L dn. Adjacent school land uses are considered normally acceptable up to 70 dba L dn and normally unacceptable between 70 and 80 dba dba L dn. The following policies support the City s goal. Policy A: Continue efforts to incorporate noise considerations into land use planning decisions, and guide the locations and design of transportation facilities to minimize the effects of noise on adjacent land uses. Policy C: Ensure that the City s Noise Ordinance and other regulations: Require that applicants for new noise sensitive development in areas subject to noise levels greater than 65 db CNEL obtain the services of a professional acoustical engineer to provide a technical analysis and design of mitigation measures. Require placement of fixed equipment, such as air conditioning units and condensers, inside or in the walls of new buildings or on roof-tops of central units in order to reduce noise impacts on any nearby sensitive receptors. Policy D: Continue to require control of noise or mitigation measures for any noise-emitting construction equipment or activity. The City s Noise Ordinance establishes controls on construction-related noise. Policy G: In making a determination of impact under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), consider an increase of four or more dba to be significant if the resulting noise level would exceed that described as normally acceptable for the affected land use in Figure 10-3: Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments. 4
City Petaluma s Zoning Ordinance Section 21.040 A of the City of Petaluma Zoning Ordinance performance standards contains the following Noise Regulations which are generally applicable to operational (non-traffic) related noise in the City: 3. Noise Regulations Generally. a. The following specific acts, subject to the exemptions provided in Section 21.040(A)(5), are declared to be public nuisances and are prohibited: 1) The operation or use of any of the following before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. daily (except Saturday, Sunday and State, Federal or Local Holidays, when the prohibited time shall be before 9:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m.): 2) A hammer or any other device or implement used to repeatedly pound or strike an object. 3) An impact wrench, or other tool or equipment powered by compressed air. 4) Any tool or piece of equipment powered by an internal-combustion engine such as, but not limited to, chain saw, backpack blower, and lawn mower. Except as specifically included in this Ordinance, motor vehicles, powered by an internal combustion engine and subject to the State of California vehicle code, are excluded from this prohibition. 5) Any electrically or battery powered tool or piece of equipment used for cutting, drilling, or shaping wood, plastic, metal, or other materials or objects, such as but not limited to a saw, drill, lathe or router. 6) Any of the following: the operation and/or loading or unloading of heavy equipment (such as but not limited to bulldozer, road grader, back hoe), ground drilling and boring equipment, hydraulic crane and boom equipment, portable power generator or pump, pavement equipment (such as but not limited to pneumatic hammer, pavement breaker, tamper, compacting equipment), piledriving equipment, vibrating roller, sand blaster, gunite machine, trencher, concrete truck, and hot kettle pump and the like. 7) Construction, demolition, excavation, erection, alteration or repair activity. 8) Operating or permitting the operation of powered model vehicles including but not limited to cars, aircraft and boats. 9) Using or operating for any purpose any loudspeaker, loudspeaker system or similar device in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance. Any permit issued pursuant to PMC Section 13.28.050 (amplified sound permit within a public park) is exempt from this section. 10) The use of truck/tractor trailer Jake Brakes on any public street under the jurisdiction of the City of Petaluma Police Department. b. In the case of urgent necessity and in the interest of public health and safety, the Noise Control Officer may issue a permit for exemption from the requirements with subsection 21.040(A)(3). Such period shall not exceed ten (10) working days in length but may be renewed for successive periods of thirty (30) days or less, not to exceed a total of 90 days while the emergency continues. Requests for exemptions beyond 90 days shall require public hearing approval. The Noise Control Officer may limit such 5
permit as to time of use and/or permitted action, depending upon the nature of the emergency and the type of action requested. c. The operation of any licensed motor vehicle in violation of the State Vehicle Code or the operation of stereo, public address or other such amplified equipment on or within a motor vehicle in violation of the State Vehicle Code. d. Continued or repeated operation of a Public Address System between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily shall not exceed a decibel level of 5 dba above the measured ambient of the area in which this activity is occurring. Unless specifically approved by the City of Petaluma (i.e. Use Permit, Parks Director, Exception or Exemption from this Code Sec.) no Public Address System shall be permitted during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. 4. Noise Measurement: Utilizing the A weighting scale of a sound level meter and the slow meter response (use fast response for impulsive type sounds), the ambient noise level shall first be measured at a position or positions at any point on the receiver s property which can include private and public property. In general, the microphone shall be located four to five feet above the ground; ten feet or more from the nearest reflective surface where possible. If possible, the ambient noise shall be measured with the alleged offending noise source inoperative. If for any reason the alleged offending noise source cannot be shut down, the ambient noise must be estimated by performing a measurement in the same general area of the source but at a sufficient distance such that the noise from the source is at least 10dB below the ambient in order that only the ambient level be measured. a. If the measured ambient level is greater than 60dB, the Maximum Noise Exposure standard shall be adjusted in 5dB increments for each time period as appropriate to encompass or reflect the measured ambient noise level. In no case shall the maximum allowed threshold exceed 75dB after adjustments are made. b. In the event the measured ambient noise level is 70dB or greater, the maximum allowable noise level shall be increased to reflect the maximum ambient noise level. In this case, adjustments for loudness and time as contained in Table 21.1 shall not be permitted. c. No person shall cause or allow to cause, any source of sound at any location within the incorporated City or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person, which when measured on the property where the noise disturbance is being experienced within public or private open/outdoor spaces, exceeds the noise level of Table 21.1. 5. Exemptions. a. Aerial warning devices which are required by law to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter. b. Emergency vehicle responses and all necessary equipment utilized for the purpose of responding to a declared state of emergency are exempt from this chapter. c. Airport, river operations that significantly contribute to commercial and industrial tonnage figures on the Petaluma River, and railroad operations. d. The operation of garbage collection and other municipal or utility vehicles. e. Uses established through the discretionary review process containing specific noise conditions of approval and/or mitigation measures. 6
TABLE 21.1: Maximum Exterior Noise Exposure (dba) Nighttime Hours Noise Category Description Metric 1 (10:00 pm to 7:00 am M-F, 10:00 pm to 8:00 am S, S and Holidays) General Plan Ambient L eq 60 dba 60 dba Cumulative period of 15 min. or more in one hour L 25 65 dba 70 dba Cumulative period of 5 min. or more in one hour L 08 70 dba 75 dba Cumulative period of 1 min. or more in one hour Daytime Hours (7:00 am to 10:00 pm M-F, 8:00 am to 10:00 pm S, S and Holidays) L 02 75 dba 80 dba 6. Exceptions. a. Authorities. The Noise Control Officer is authorized to grant exceptions from any provision of this chapter, subject to limitations of proximity to noise sensitive uses, noise levels, time limits and other terms and conditions as the Noise Control Officer determines are appropriate to protect the public health, safety and welfare from the noise emanating therefrom. This section shall in no way affect the duty to obtain any permit or license required by law for such activities. b. Application. Any person seeking an exception pursuant to this section shall file an application with the Noise Control Officer consistent with the provisions and requirements of Section 24.030(M) (Minor Conditional Permits). The application shall contain information which demonstrates that bringing the source of sound or activity for which the exception is sought into compliance with this chapter would constitute an unreasonable hardship on the applicant, on the community, or on other persons. The application shall be accompanied by a fee as established by Council Resolution. A separate application shall be filed for each noise source; provided, however, that several mobile sources under common ownership, or several fixed sources on a single property may be combined into one application. Any individual who claims to be adversely affected by allowance of the exception may file a statement with the Noise Control Officer containing any information to support his/her claim. If at any time the Noise Control Officer finds that a sufficient controversy exists regarding an application, a public hearing before the Planning Commission may be held. c. Decision Criteria. In determining whether to grant or deny the exception application, the Noise Control Officer shall balance denial as a hardship on the applicant against: 1) The adverse impact on the health, safety and welfare of other persons affected; 2) The reasonableness of compliance with this code given the existing conditions and scope of the necessary improvements to comply; 3) The adverse impact on property affected; 4) Any other adverse impacts of granting the exception; and, 5) Consistency with the General Plan. Applicants for exceptions and persons contesting exceptions shall be required to submit such information as the Noise Control Officer may reasonably require to adequately address the above five areas of consideration. 1 Note: These noise metrics were added by Illingworth& Rodkin, Inc. to provide a measurable hourly noise level to concur with the Table 21.1 noise categories. These levels equate to the sound level exceeded n% of the time in any hour. For example, the L 25 is the value exceeded 25% of the time or 15 minutes in any hour. These levels, which are used to evaluate noise events which occur during a given daytime or nighttime hour, differ from the L dn metric used for the General Plan Noise and Land Use Compatibility standards, which is used to evaluate noise events over a 24 hour period. 7
d. Approval/Findings. Exceptions shall be granted by notice to the applicant containing all necessary conditions. The exception shall not become effective until all conditions (if any) are agreed to in writing by the applicant. Noncompliance with any condition of the exception shall terminate the exception and subject the person holding it to those provisions of this chapter for which the exception was granted. e. Term of Exception. The term of the exception shall run continuously with the associated use and shall terminate upon cessation of the use for a period of six (6) months or more. An exception shall only be transferred to a similar use at the same location upon the Noise Control Officer receiving sufficient information to find that: the new use is of the same or lesser intensity; and, the new use will not substantially alter the pattern of noise generation established by the previous use (i.e., increase evening or morning noise over the previous use). State CEQA Guidelines. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) contains guidelines to evaluate the significance of effects of environmental noise attributable to a proposed project. Appendix G to the CEQA guidelines asks the following applicable questions. Would the project result in: (a) 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? (b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? (c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? (d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? (e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, exposure of people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? (f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, exposure of people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? CEQA does not define what noise level increase would be considered substantial. Policy G of the City s General Plan makes a specific determination that an increase of four (4) or more dba would be considered significant where the resulting noise level would exceed normally acceptable noise for the affected land use. Therefore, where the resulting L dn levels would exceed normally acceptable levels for the affected land use, an increase of four (4) or more dba would be considered significant. The City s General Plan does not set a noise level increase threshold where noise levels would remain at or below the normally acceptable noise level standard. Therefore, in these conditions, this analysis will use a noise level increase of five (5) dba L dn or greater to judge significance in accordance with the typically accepted CEQA significance threshold for this condition. METHODOLOGY To determine the existing noise exposure of noise sensitive uses in the project vicinity, continuous five (5) day duration long-term measurement survey of noise at residential uses along South McDowell Blvd opposite the project site and at school uses on Maria Drive opposite the project site was undertaken between Friday November 8 th, 2013 and Wednesday November 13 th, 2013. Continuous measurements during this period captured peak hour morning and evening traffic noise levels, along with non-peak hour daytime, evening and nighttime levels for both 8
weekday and weekend conditions. These measurements also allowed for the calculation of four full day day/night average (L dn ) noise levels (midnight too midnight Saturday 11/9, Sunday 11/10, Monday 11/11, and Tuesday 11/ 12) and an overall five day L dn levell at each location. All noise measurements were conducted with a Larson Davis Laboratories (LDL) Type I Model 820 Sound Level Meter fitted with a ½-inch pre-polarized condenserr microphone and windscreen. The meters were calibrated with a Larson Davis Modell CA250 precision acoustic calibratorr prior to and following the measurement survey. The internal clocks of the long-term meters were set to less than one second of each other to ensure both identical sound level response and simultaneous operation. The monitors were placed at elevated positions (10 to 12 feet above grade) to allow for secure undisturbed measurements overr the 5 day period. Considering the relatively close proximity of the monitoring positions to the traffic noise sources and the hard (i.e. paved) surface conditions which result in a generall lack of ground absorption, the levels measured at 10 to 12 feet above ground are within 0.5 dba of those at ear height (5 feet) above ground level. EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONME MENT The project site is located at the southeast corner of Washington Square Shopping Center at the northwest corner of the South McDowell Blvd/Maria Drive intersection. Surrounding land uses include a retail shopping center to the west and north, single family residential uses to the south across South McDowell Boulevard, and school and recreation uses to the east across Maria Drive. The noise monitoring survey includedd long-term noise measurements at two locations (LT-1 and LT-2) as indicated in Figure 2. The noise environment at the site and in surrounding areas results primarily from roadway traffic noise, and school and shopping center activities. LT-1 LT-2 Figure 2: Project Site, Measurement Locations and Surrounding Uses 9
Long-term noise measurement LT-1 was made on a lightt standard in front of the residential uses at a height of about 12 feet above grade at approximatelyy 45 feet from the centerline of S. McDowell Blvd. between 1pm on Friday November 8 th, 2013 and 1pm on Wednesday November 13 th, 2013. The measured noise levels at thiss location, ncluding the energy equivalent noise level (L eq ), maximum (L max ), minimum (L min ), and the noise levels exceeded 10, 50 and 90 percent of the time (indicated as L 10, L 50 and L 90 ) are shown on Chart 1, following. A review of Chart 1 indicates that the noise levels at site LT-1 follow a diurnal pattern characteristic of traffic noise, with the average daytime noise levels ranging from 64 to 74 dba L eq and the average hourly noise levels ranging from 54 to 69 dba L eq. The overall averagee daytime L eq was 69 dba, and the overall average nighttime L eq was 62 dba. Maximum hourly daytime noise levels at this location ranged from 78 to 103 dba and the maximum hourly nighttime noise levels ranged from 73 to 90 dba. The average Day/Night noise Level (L dn ) ranged from 69 to 71 dba, with an overall average of 700 dba. Because the average daytime ambient L eq level exceeds the General Plan Ambient level of 60 dba, by more than 5 dba the daytime Ambient Level has been adjusted upward by 5 db to a level of 65 dba, in keeping with section 21.040 A.4.a off the City s Zoning Ordinance. While the average nighttime ambient Leq level exceeds the General Plan Ambient level of 60 dba, this exceedance is less than 5 dba, therefore the Nighttime Ambient Level would remain at 60 dba. 10
Long-term noise measurement LT-2 was made in a tree on the Mariaa Drive frontage of McDowell Elementary School at a height of about 10 feet above grade at approximately 30 feet from the centerline of Maria Drive between 1pm on Friday November 8 th, 2013 and 1pm on Wednesday November 13 th, 2013. The measured noise levels at thiss location, ncluding the energy equivalent noise level (Leq), e maximumm (L max ), minimum (L mi in), and the noise levels exceededd 10, 50 and 90 percent of the time (indicated as L 10, L 50 and L 90 ) are shown on Chart 2, following. A review of Chart 2 indicates that the noise levels at site LT-2 also follow a diurnal pattern characteristic of traffic noise. The average daytime noisee levels at this location ranged from 60 to 66 dba L eq and the average hourly noise levels rangedd from 50 to 64 dba L eq q. The overall average daytime L eq was 64 dba, and the overall average nighttime L eq was 58 dba. Maximum hourly daytime noise levels at this location ranged from 75 to 94 dba and the maximum hourly nighttime noise levels ranged from 71 to 91 dba. The average Day/Night noise Level (L dn ) over the measurement period at LT-2 ranged from 65 to 66 dba, with an overall average of 66 dba. Because the average ambient L eq levels exceed the General Plan Ambient level of 60 dba, in keeping with section 21.040 A.4..a of the City s Zoning Ordinance the daytime Ambient Level has been adjusted upward by 5 db to a level of 65 dba, while the Nighttime Ambient Level would remain at 60 dba. 11
ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL NOISE IMPACTS Significance Criteria Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines states that a project would normally be considered to result in a significant noise impact if noise levels generated by the project conflict with adopted environmental standards or plans, or if noise generated by the project would substantially increase existing noise levels at sensitive receivers on a permanent or temporary basis. The project would result in a significant noise impact if; 1. Activities occurring on-site would generate noise levels exceeding the daytime and nighttime levels in Table 21.1 in the City of Petaluma Zoning Ordinance at the School uses along Maria Drive, or noise levels exceeding the nighttime levels in Table 21.1 or the daytime levels increased by 5 dba in Table 21.1 in the City of Petaluma Zoning Ordinance at the Residential uses across S. McDowell Blvd.; 2. If traffic generated by the project would: a. Increase ambient noise levels by 4 dba L dn or more in areas where noise levels exceed the normally acceptable L dn noise level standard, or b. Increase ambient noise levels by 5 dba L dn or more in areas where noise levels do not exceed the normally acceptable L dn noise level standard, or 3. Noise from construction activities would exceed 60 dba L eq and the ambient noise environment by 5 dba L eq or more for a period greater than one construction season. Noise levels at the nearby noise sensitive land uses resulting from the project have been calculated based on data collected by Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc. during studies of other gas stations and convenience stores and the use of traffic data provided by TJKM Transportation Consultants in their 3-14-14 Final Report. Noise generated by typical activities were calculated at the nearest noise sensitive land uses. Distances from the noise sensitive uses to typical activities on-site were based on the preliminary site plan and fuel truck delivery traffic flow diagram of the proposed fueling station, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3: Proposed Site Plan with Truck Movements 12
Impact 1: On-site Operational Noise. The on-site operation of the project would not substantially increase ambient noise levels at nearby noise-sensitive land uses. This is a less than significant noise impact. The proposed project would generate noise and introduce new noise sources into the existing noise environment. Operational noise sources would include: 1. Parking lot activity (including engine starts, door slams, and patron noise in the gas fueling area and parking area north of the convenience store kiosk), 2. Truck deliveries, and 3. Fuel center Kiosk building mechanical equipment. The front facades of residences across South McDowell Blvd. would be approximately 150 feet from the center of the southern drive aisle around the fueling station, 175 feet from the southernmost fueling stations, 200 feet from the southern edge of the fuel center kiosk, and 125 from the southernmost designated parking space. The closest (westernmost) School buildings across Maria Drive would be approximately 125 feet from the center of the western drive aisle around the fueling station, 150 feet from vehicles at the easternmost fueling stations, 90 feet from the eastern edge of the fuel center kiosk, and 100 feet from the designated parking spaces. Parking Lot Activity The primary parking lot noise at the site would be from patrons at the gas pumps and those in the parking lot north of the fuel center kiosk building. Noise generated by vehicles within the fueling area would include engine starts, door slams, and the sound of human voices. The sound of a passing car at 15 mph typically ranges from 55 dba to 65 dba at 25 feet. The noise of an engine start is similar. Door slams and patron voices create noise levels lower than engine starts. Based on these levels and the distances to the parking area, and closest drive aisle and fueling stations, sound levels produced by parking lot activity would range from 35 dba to 57 dba at the front facades of residences across South McDowell Blvd, and from 39 dba to 58 dba at the closest (westernmost) school buildings. These sound levels would be below the Ambient (L eq ) exterior noise exposure limits allowed by the City of Petaluma Zoning Ordinance noise performance standards (refer to Table 21.1). A review of the noise measurement results and a consideration of the sound losses between the measurement position and the facades of the receiving uses indicates that the current daytime and nighttime L eq noise levels at the front facades of residences across South McDowell Blvd range, respectively, from 62 to 72 dba and 47 to 61 dba, and that the current daytime (L eq ) noise levels at the closest (westernmost) school building range from 57 to 64 dba. Therefore it may be seen that parking lot activity levels would be either below or within the range of current daytime and nighttime noise levels at the adjacent noise sensitive uses. Truck Deliveries Noise generated by delivery trucks depends primarily on the truck. Heavy-duty trucks would be expected to deliver fuel to the underground storage tanks. There will be no direct deliveries to the fuel center kiosk building as these deliveries will be brought over manually from the main store. A-weighted maximum noise levels generated by heavy trucks typically reach 70 to 75 dba at a distance of 50 feet. Based on these levels and the distances to the closest drive aisle on-site sound levels produced by fuel deliveries would be 62 dba to 67 dba at the front facades of residences across South 13
McDowell Blvd, and from 63 dba to 68 dba at the closest (westernmost) School buildings for fuel deliveries. Two fuel deliveries are expected daily one morning delivery between approximately 6am and 8am and a second delivery after 5pm. Each fuel delivery will take 30 to 45 minutes, however because truck engines will be shut off during the entire delivery process, the total period of elevated on-site noise during fuel delivery is expected to be less than 5 minutes during each delivery. Considering this usage, elevated noise levels from fuel deliveries are expected to occur for less than 5 minutes per hour, and therefore the 5 minute/hour (L 08 ) exterior noise exposure limits for this noise is used to conduct a conservative analysis. This is conservative because this noise standard applies to activities lasting from 5 minutes to 15 minutes per hour. These operational sound levels would be below the 5 minute/hour (L 08 ) Zoning Ordinance exterior noise exposure limits at the facades the South McDowell residences daytime (80 dba) and nighttime (70 dba) and daytime (75 dba) and nighttime (70 dba) at the closest (westernmost) School building. A review of the noise measurement results and a consideration of the sound losses between the measurement position and the facades of the receiving uses indicates that the current daytime and nighttime L 08 noise levels at the front facades of residences across South McDowell Blvd range, respectively, from 67 to 74 dba and 56 to 72 dba, and that the current daytime (L eq ) noise levels at the closest (westernmost) School buildings range from 62 to 69 dba. Therefore, it may be seen that fuel delivery activity levels would be either below or within the range of current daytime and nighttime noise levels at the adjacent noise sensitive uses. Mechanical Equipment Noise Mechanical equipment associated with the kiosk will likely include Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment. This equipment is expected to be located in the attic space and vented to the rooftop of the fuel center kiosk. The kiosk s refrigeration equipment would likely be located inside the building and would not be expected to increase noise levels at adjacent receivers. Noise generated by rooftop/attic mounted mechanical equipment varies significantly depending upon the equipment type and size. Therefore, the precise noise impacts of project mechanical equipment cannot be determined without detailed system design specifications regarding location, type, size, capacity, etc. These details are typically provided along with other more detailed project engineering specifications during later phases of the project design and development review. However, based on noise measurements made at other commercial uses, the mechanical systems are expected to produce sound levels of 70 to 80 dba at 3 feet in the open environment. Considering these sound levels and distances from the kiosk building, sound levels produced by mechanical equipment is expected to range from 34 dba to 44 dba at the front facades of residences across South McDowell Blvd and from 40 dba to 50 dba at the closest (westernmost) School buildings. These sound levels would be below the unadjusted Ambient (L eq ) exterior noise exposure limits allowed by the City of Petaluma Zoning Ordinance noise performance standards (refer to Table 21.1). Additionally, these levels would be below the average hourly daytime and nighttime noise levels measured at both long term monitoring positions. As discussed previously, a review of the noise measurement results and a consideration of the sound losses between the measurement position and the facades of the receiving uses indicates that the current daytime and nighttime L eq noise levels at the front facades of residences across 14
South McDowell Blvd range, respectively, from 62 to 72 dba and 47 to 61 dba, and that the current daytime (L eq ) noise levels at the closest (westernmost) school building range from 57 to 64 dba. Therefore, it may be seen that mechanical equipment noise would be below the current daytime and nighttime noise levels at the adjacent noise sensitive uses. Mitigation Measure 1: None Required. Impact 2: Project-Generated Traffic Noise. The proposed project is not expected to substantially increase traffic noise levels on roadways serving the project at noise sensitive uses in the vicinity. This is a less-than-significant impact. The increase in traffic noise is calculated by comparing existing and (non-project related) cumulative traffic volumes on the street network to a combination of existing project traffic volumes that are predicted under project implementation. Traffic noise increases were calculated for roadways within and leading to the project area using the A.M. and P.M. peak hour traffic volumes contained in the final traffic report (dated 3/14/14) provided by TJKM Transportation Consultants 2. Based on this analysis, under existing traffic conditions, project generated traffic would result in noise levels along McDowell Blvd west and east of Maria Drive increasing by less than 1 dba L dn, and noise levels on Maria north and south of the project entry increasing by between 1 to 2 dba L dn. Under cumulative traffic conditions, project generated traffic would also result in noise levels along McDowell Blvd west and east of Maria Drive increasing by less than 1 dba L dn, and noise levels on Maria north and south of the project entry increasing by between 1 to 2 dba L dn. Project generated traffic along all other area roadways would result in a less than 1 dba L dn increase under existing and cumulative conditions. Because existing traffic noise levels at the surrounding noise sensitive residential uses on McDowell Blvd. currently exceed the respective normally acceptable noise levels of 60 dba as defined in Section 10.2 of the City of Petaluma s Health and Safety Element, a significant impact would be identified if traffic generated by the project at these residences would increase noise levels on the roadways serving the project by 4 or more decibels, per Policy G of the General Plan Health and Safety Element. Existing traffic noise levels at the school uses along Maria Drive do not exceed the normally acceptable noise levels of 70 dba L dn for Schools as defined in the Health and Safety Element, therefore, per the application of typical CEQA significance criteria, a significant impact would be identified if traffic generated by the project would increase noise levels on Maria Drive by 5 dba L dn or greater. Based on these considerations, the expected traffic noise level increases of less than 1 dba L dn along McDowell Blvd and up to 2 dba L dn along Maria Drive are considered less than significant. Mitigation 2: None Required. 2 The relationship between peak hour L eq levels and associated L dn levels from traffic depends on the distribution of traffic over the entire day. In areas where traffic is the primary noise source, changes in the peak hour L eq levels are typically equal to the changes in L dn values. Increases peak hour L eq traffic noise levels due to project (over existing) conditions is computed using the following algorithm; db increase = 10 x log (project traffic/existing traffic) 15
Impact 3: Construction Noise. Noise levels generated by project construction activities would temporarily elevate ambient noise levels at sensitive land uses in the vicinity. Major noise generating construction activities would be limited to less than one construction season. This impact would be less-than-significant. The construction of the project is anticipated to take a maximum of 120 days, during which time it would generate noise and would temporarily increase noise levels at adjacent residential receivers. Noise impacts resulting from construction depend on the noise generated by various pieces of construction equipment operating on site, the timing and duration of noise generating activities, and the distance between construction noise sources and noise sensitive receptors. Construction of the project would involve site improvements, such as the removal of existing structures and pavement, establishment of utility connections, excavation for fuel tanks and foundations, building erection, paving, and landscaping. The hauling of excavated material and construction materials would also generate truck trips on local roadways. Construction activities are typically carried out in stages. During each stage of construction, there would be a different mix of equipment operating. Construction noise levels would vary by stage and vary within stages based on the amount of equipment in operation and location where the equipment is operating. Typical construction noise levels at a distance of 50 feet are shown in Table 3, which gives the average noise level ranges by construction phase. Most demolition and construction noise is in the range of 80 to 90 dba at a distance of 50 feet from the source. TABLE 3: Typical Ranges of L eq Construction Noise Levels at 50 Feet, dba Construction Domestic Housing Office Building, Hotel, Hospital, School, Public Works Public Works Roads & Highways, Sewers, and Trenches Stage I II I II I II Ground Clearing 83 83 84 84 84 84 Excavation 88 75 89 79 88 78 Foundations 81 81 78 78 88 88 Erection 81 65 87 75 79 78 Finishing 88 72 89 75 84 84 I - All pertinent equipment present at site, II - Minimum required equipment present at site. Source: U.S.E.P.A., Legal Compilation on Noise, Vol. 1, p. 2-104, 1973. The nearest noise sensitive uses will be between 90 and 110 feet from the closest project construction activities. Average noise levels at this distance for typical construction activity would range from 70 to 85 dba during busy construction periods. These noise levels drop off at a rate of about 6 dba per doubling for distance between the noise source and receptor. Intervening structures or terrain would result in lower noise levels, especially for activities below grade. Existing residences and the nearby School would, therefore, be intermittently exposed to high levels of noise (70 to 85 dba) throughout the construction period. However because the construction period is expected to be 120 days, noise generated by major construction activities would not result in noise levels exceeding 60 dba L eq or the ambient noise environment by 5 dba L eq for a period greater than one year. As such the noise associated with construction activities would be less than significant. Nevertheless, the implementation of the following standard controls is recommended at the project: Pursuant to the Municipal Code, restrict noise-generating activities at the construction site or in areas adjacent to the construction site to the hours between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 16
p.m., Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and State, Federal or Local Holidays. Equip all internal combustion engine driven equipment with intake and exhaust mufflers that are in good condition and appropriate for the equipment. Locate stationary noise generating equipment (e.g., compressors) as far as possible from adjacent noise-sensitive receivers. Acoustically shield stationary equipment located near noise-sensitive receivers with temporary noise barriers. Utilize "quiet" air compressors and other stationary noise sources where technology exists. The contractor shall prepare a detailed construction plan identifying the schedule for major noise-generating construction activities. The construction plan shall identify a procedure for coordination with the owner/occupants of nearby noise-sensitive land uses so that construction activities can be scheduled to minimize noise disturbance. Designate a "disturbance coordinator" responsible for responding to any complaints about construction noise. The disturbance coordinator will determine the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., bad muffler, etc.) and require that reasonable measures be implemented to correct the problem. While construction activities would be less-than-significant, implementation of the standard controls outlined above would reduce construction noise levels emanating from the site, thereby minimizing disruption and annoyance. Mitigation Measure 3: No additional measures required CONCLUSIONS This noise assessment analyzed noise resulting from on-site operations, project generated traffic on area roadways, and project construction. Following is a summary of the conclusions reached for each of these noise concerns: Sound levels produced by on-site operations were found to be below or within the range of current noise levels at the adjacent noise-sensitive uses and below the noise exposure limits allowed by the City of Petaluma Zoning Ordinance noise performance standards. Noises from these sources were found to be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are needed. Sound levels produced by project generated traffic on area roadways were found to result in noise level increases along McDowell Blvd of less than 1 dba L dn, and noise levels on Maria Drive of between 1 to 2 dba L dn under existing and cumulative conditions. Based on significance thresholds from the City s General Plan Health and Safety Element and typical CEQA significance criteria, increases in traffic noise on area roadways were found to be less than significant and no mitigation measures are needed. Sound levels produced during the construction of the project were considered to temporarily increase noise levels at adjacent residential receivers. With the implementation of standard controls of construction operations, and the limited duration of the noise generating construction period, the substantial temporary increase in noise levels associated with construction activities was found to be less than significant and no mitigation measures are needed. 17