ENV125. Basics of Noise and Policy. Date. Date. Footer Text

ENV125 Basics of Noise and Policy

Agenda Introduction and Overview Traffic Noise Toolkit Fundamentals of Noise Traffic Noise Analysis Process Regulations and Guidance The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis 2

Traffic Noise Toolkit All current noise guidance and information in one place! http://www.txdot.gov/insidetxdot/division/environmental/co mpliance-toolkits/trafficnoise.html 2011 TxDOT Noise Guidelines Federal Rule: 23 CFR 772 Traffic Noise Handbook Document Template Text Letters to Local Officials Template 3

Traffic Noise Guidance and Policy TxDOT s Guidelines for the Analysis and Abatement of Roadway Traffic Noise (2011) 4

O Sound/Noise Noise Analyses V E R V I E W

Highway Traffic Sound Source < Propagation Medium > Receiver

Decibel A-weighting Equivalent Level

SOURCES Rock Band Pneumatic Hammer Food Blender Downtown Vacuum Cleaner Air Conditioning Unit Dishwasher Library PRESSURE micro Pascals 6,324,555 2,000,000 632,456 200,000 63,246 20,000 6,325 2,000 LEVEL decibels 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 L 10log (P 2 ) 2 (P ) ref 10log 2 (P o ) 2 (P ) ref D 2 Do (St) 2 2

SOURCES Rock Band Pneumatic Hammer Food Blender Downtown Vacuum Cleaner Air Conditioning Unit Dishwasher Library LEVEL decibels 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 120 63 x2

Decibel A-weighting Equivalent Level

MIKEE-LECTRONICS 85 75 70 65 6,300 1,000 -weighting 7 8 9 > 4 5 6 < 1 2 3 / 0 + - % DIS PRO OUT SEC ENT NEX CLR SFT SOUND ANALYZER

Decibel A-weighting Equivalent Level

sound level time L = 10log eq 10 1 T N 10 Lt 10 t=1

SOUND LEVEL Change Loudness Subjective -1 dba Not perceptible -3 dba Barely perceptible -5 dba Readily perceptible

O Sound/Noise Noise Analyses V E R V I E W

Traffic Noise Guidance and Policy TxDOT guidelines conform to federal rule (regardless of funding) 23 CFR 772 TxDOT s Guidelines for the Analysis and Abatement of Roadway Traffic Noise (2011) 16

Determine if a Type I project The construction of a highway on new location; or, The physical alteration of an existing highway where there is either: Substantial Horizontal Alteration Substantial Vertical Alteration The addition of a through-traffic lane(s) The addition of an auxiliary lane, except for when the auxiliary lane is a turn lane; or, The addition or relocation of interchange lanes or ramps added to a quadrant to complete an existing partial interchange; or, Restriping existing pavement for the purpose of adding a throughtraffic lane or an auxiliary lane; or, The addition of a new or substantial alteration of a weigh station, rest stop, ride-share facility, or toll plaza. 17

TRAFFIC DATA!!!! First thing to do when you know you have a Type I analysis GET TRAFFIC DATA!!!! Traffic Information Collect Data Existing Predicted Speed Limits 18

TRAFFIC DATA!!!! Traffic Data - Existing Traffic - Future Traffic - Worse-Case - Future -- 20 years - Predicted dba Source < Propagation - Full Medium Speed> Receiver 19

Traffic Data Request When requesting Traffic Data use TPP Form 2124 Make sure to check Box 1 (Basic Highway Traffic Data), 2 (Vehicle Classification for Environmental Studies), 3 (Line Diagram Analysis) ALL TRAFFIC MUST BE FROM TPP OR APPROVED BY TPP 20

Traffic Data 21

Traffic Data: Line Diagram with Turning Movements 4700 3000 800 400 AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT) VOLUMES 1000 500 4900 3200 LEGEND 1000-2015 ADT 1000-2035 ADT 6200 4100 1300 900 31800 21700 35200 23500 SH 123 Projects that involve more than mainlanes and frontage roads typically with require a depiction of turning movements - - from TPP. 31800 21700 33900 22600 3600 1600 1000 500 800 400 3400 1500 Mainlanes 65 SPEED LIMIT % of ADT % of DHV 40 SPEED LIMIT Frontage Roads and Streets % of ADT % of DHV Light Duty Vehicles Medium Duty Vehicles 91.0 92.8 6.0 4.2 97.0 98.3 2.0 1.7 K-factor: 10.5% Heavy Duty Vehicles 3.0 3.0 1.0 0.0 DHV = ADT (x) K-factor 22

Determine Need for Traffic Noise Analysis of a Highway Project IF Collect Data Traffic Information - New Location, or - Substantial Realignment, or - Addition of Through-Traffic Lane Existing Levels Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC Consider/Evaluate Abatement Measures Traffic Management Alteration of Alignment YES Measure/Model Noise Levels Acquisition of Buffer Zone NO YES Design Information Collect Data Roadways Design Information Predicted Levels Source of Sound Determine Impact Insulation of Public Buildings Analysis not required IF Receivers Predicted levels exceed OR existing by more than 10 dba Receiver of Sound Abatement not NO required Site Characteristics Propagation Path Construction of Noise Barriers Additional Topics Construction Noise Information for Local Officials Project Reevaluation

Roadway Design and Site Characteristics Electronic CAD files with Roadway Design Striping Edge of Pavement Any other relevant design information Adjacent Topography if available Other sources would be GIS, Google Earth, Surveys ELEVATIONS ARE CRITICAL TO BARRIER DESIGN 24

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to: Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project alternative. Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts. Propose implementation of feasible and reasonable abatement measures. Communicate the results to the public and local officials. Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement 25

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process Identify adjacent land uses for noise sensitive areas (residences, schools, churches, parks, etc) INCLUDES PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT 26

Noise Receiver Selection Criteria 27

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process FHWA s Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is used to model all impacts 28

Activity Category Table 6: NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA FHWA (db(a) Leq) A 57 (exterior) B 67 (exterior) TxDOT (db(a) Leq) 56 (exterior) 66 (exterior) Description of Land Use Activity Areas Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. Residential C 67 (exterior) 66 (exterior) Active sport areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums, campgrounds, cemeteries, day care centers, hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, parks, picnic areas, places of worship, playgrounds, public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, recreation areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools, television studios, trails, and trail crossings D 52 (interior) E 72 (exterior) 51 (interior) 71 (exterior) Auditoriums, day care centers, hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, places of worship, public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, schools, and television studios Hotels, motels, offices, restaurants/bars, and other developed lands, properties, or activities not included in A-D or F. F -- -- Agricultural, airports, bus yards, emergency services, industrial, logging, maintenance facilities, manufacturing, mining, rail yards, retail facilities, shipyards, utilities (water resources, water treatment, electrical), and warehousing. G -- -- Undeveloped lands that are not permitted.

Traffic Information Determine Need for Traffic Noise Analysis of a Highway Project IF Determine Impact - New Location, or - Substantial Realignment, or - Addition of Through-Traffic Lane YES IF Collect Data NO Design Information Analysis not required Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC Existing Levels Measure/Model Noise Levels OR Determine Impact Predicted Levels levels exceed existing by more than 10 dba ABSOLUTE CRITERION Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC IF OR RELATIVE CRITERION Predicted levels exceed existing by more than 10 dba Consider/Evaluate Abatement Measures YES NO Abatement not required Traffic Management Alteration of Alignment Acquisition of Buffer Zone Insulation of Public Buildings Construction of Noise Barriers Additional Topics Construction Noise Information for Local Officials Project Reevaluation

Activity Category FHWA Noise Abatement Criteria Table 6: NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA FHWA (db(a) Leq) A 57 (exterior) B 67 (exterior) TxDOT (db(a) Leq) 56 (exterior) 66 (exterior) Description of Land Use Activity Areas Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary significance and serve an important public need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose. Residential approach, equal or exceed C 67 66 Active sport areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums, campgrounds, cemeteries, day care centers, (exterior) (exterior) hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, parks, picnic 1 dba below areas, places of worship, playgrounds, public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, recreation areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools, television studios, trails, and trail crossings ABSOLUTE RELATIVE CRITERION D 52 51 Auditoriums, day care centers, hospitals, libraries, I M(interior) PA (interior) medical Cfacilities, places T of worship,? public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, schools, and television studios E 72 71 Hotels, motels, offices, restaurants/bars, and other developed lands, properties, or activities not included (exterior) (exterior) in A-D or F. F -- -- Agricultural, airports, bus yards, emergency services, industrial, logging, maintenance facilities, manufacturing, mining, rail yards, retail facilities, shipyards, utilities (water resources, water treatment, electrical), and warehousing. G -- -- Undeveloped lands that are not permitted. OR, if predicted levels exceed existing by more than 10 dba

Determine Need for Traffic Noise Analysis of a Highway Project IF Traffic Information - New Location, or - Substantial Realignment, or - Addition of Through-Traffic Lane Determine YES Noise Levels Collect Data Measure/Model Noise Levels NO Design Information Analysis not required Existing Levels Existing Levels Determine Impact Predicted Levels Predicted Levels Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC Consider/Evaluate Measured by Abatement Measures Sound Meter Traffic Management Alteration of Alignment YES IF OR Acquisition of Buffer Zone Predicted levels exceed existing by more than 10 dba NO Abatement not Modeled by required Modeled Computer Insulation of Public Buildings Construction of Noise Barriers Additional Topics Construction Noise Information for Local Officials Project Reevaluation

Noise Noise Abatement Barrier Source - Propagation Path - Receiver

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process 35

Determine Need for Traffic Noise Analysis of a Highway Project IF - New Location, or - Substantial Realignment, or - Addition of Through-Traffic Lane Evaluate YES Traffic Abatement Collect Data MeasuresDesign Information Information Measure/Model Noise Levels NO Analysis not required Feasible Existing Levels AND Determine Impact Predicted Levels Reasonable Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC Consider/Evaluate Abatement Measures YES IF Predicted levels exceed OR Proposexisting by more than 10 dba Abatement NO Abatement not required Traffic Management Alteration of Alignment Acquisition of Buffer Zone Insulation of Public Buildings Construction of Noise Barriers Additional Topics Construction Noise Information for Local Officials Project Reevaluation

Feasible effective reduction -? in noise

Feasible -? -5 (or more)

Feasible Reasonable -? -5 (or more) Cost-effectiveness Criterion Cost for each Benefited Receiver $25,000 (or less)

Feasible -? -5 (or more) AND Reasonable $25,000 (or less) -4-5 -5-5 -5-5 -5-4???????????????? NOISE BARRIER??????????????? For Example

Feasible -? -5 (or more) AND Reasonable $25,000 (or less) Cost for each Benefited Receiver -4-5 -5-5 -5-5 -5-4???????????????? NOISE BARRIER??????????????? = Total Cost #Benefited Total $120,000 Cost 6 = $20,000

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process Noise Barrier AKA Sound Walls 43

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process Why not pavement or vegetation? 44

Vegetation 100 feet = perceptible reduction 15 feet

Vegetation - dense enough that it cannot be seen through - coverage: floor to canopy - evergreen

Vegetation... provides only psychological benefits... may be provided for visual, privacy or aesthetic treatment... not a noise abatement measure

Pavement

* * PRIORITIES SAFETY NOISE DURABILITY *FHWA: should never be jeopardized

FHWA Traffic Noise Policy The use of specific pavement types or surface textures must not be considered as a noise abatement measure. FHWA Concern.. can quiet pavement continue to effectively reduce noise levels over the life of the pavement?

FHWA Traffic Noise Policy The use of specific pavement types or surface textures must not be considered as a noise abatement measure. Additional FHWA Concern research.. is can needed quiet to determine pavement to continue what extent to effectively different types reduce of noise pavements levels contribute over the life to traffic of the noise. pavement?

Documentation Templates http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pu b/txdot- info/env/toolkit/730-01- ds.pdf 55

Noise Workshop Consent of a Majority of Adjacent Property Owners??????????????????????? SOUND WALL?????????????????????? 56

Noise Workshop Purpose: to provide sufficient information to owners of property adjacent to a proposed noise barrier(s) that will allow these owners to make an informed vote for or against the proposed noise barrier(s). Timing: after the public hearing has occurred INFORMAL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME IN THE PROJECT S DEVELOPMENT. 57

Noise Workshop: Sample Ballot NOISE BARRIER BALLOT SH 286 EXPANSION and SH 358 INTERCHANGE PROJECT NOISE WORKSHOP, May 23, 2000 In conjunction with the SH 286 expansion and SH 358 interchange project, the Texas Department of Transportation proposes to construct a noise barrier within the right-ofway west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive. However, the proposed noise barrier cannot be constructed without the approval, by majority vote, of adjacent property owners. 1. Do you own property adjacent to the right-of-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive? YES NO 2. FULL NAME (please print) ADDRESS TELEPHONE NO. 3. Are you for or against the construction of the proposed noise barrier within the rightof-way west of SH 286 between Gollihar Road and Mansheim Drive? Only one vote is allowed for each property. FOR AGAINST This vote is final. 4. Comments (use reverse if necessary): SIGNATURE (required) DATE The ballot must be completed and signed by the property owner of record. If possible, please bring your completed and signed ballot to the Noise Workshop. If you are not able to attend the Noise Workshop, please send your completed and signed ballot (must be postmarked no later than ) to: Texas Department of Transportation, Attention:..P.O. Box 9907, Corpus Christi, TX, 78469-9907. 1) Adjacent property owners will be notified of the results of the vote for or against the proposed noise barrier after all ballots have been received and counted. 58

Noise Workshop: Mailing Mailing preferably by prestamped/preaddressed return envelope include a description of the noise barrier and the noise effects with and without the barrier. Include a description of the decision making process that TxDOT will follow to assess the survey/ballot results and make a decision on whether to build the barrier. Include an invitation to the meeting with the location and time 59

Letters to Local Officials Used to inform local officials regarding the department s responsibilities regarding noise abatement for new development once an environmental decision has been made. Required for all projects adjacent to undeveloped lands Cannot occur before document has been signed Minimal notification: Urban area is the Mayor s Office Rural or suburban area, the County Judge s Office. Template letter found in Traffic Noise Toolkit Notice of Availability Template found in Public Involvement Toolkit 60

ECOS Documentation Noise Workshop Summary Documentation of the completed traffic noise workshops shall include: a summary of the materials presented comments from the public and associated responses, and the results of the ballots for each proposed barrier. Noise Analysis Technical Reports Super 2 correspondence 61

ECOS Documentation TNM model TNM model 62

Future Guidance (NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 2018) NOT FHWA APPROVED YET! 2017 TxDOT Guidelines for the Abatement of Roadway Traffic Noise New costs Barriers averaging $34-$37 per square foot Current guidelines provide 1,388 square feet per benefiting receiver Will this number go up? Feasible The minimum number of receivers that must benefit will go up 63

Noise Workshop Questions??? 64