REDLANDS AVENUE AND PERRY STREET PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ANALYSIS. November 23, 2016

Transcription

1 REDLANDS AVENUE AND PERRY STREET PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ANALYSIS November 23, 2016

2 REDLANDS AVENUE AND PERRY STREET PROJECT NOISE IMPACT ANALYSIS November 23, 2016 Prepared by: Roma Stromberg, INCE/M.S. Catherine Howe, M.S. Carl Ballard, LEED GA William Kunzman, P.E. Kunzman Associates, Inc Town & Country Road, Suite 34 Orange, California La Mart Drive, Suite 201 Riverside, California (714) engineer.com JN 6641

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING... 1 A. Purpose and Objectives... 1 B. Project Location... 1 C. Project Description... 1 II. NOISE AND VIBRATION FUNDAMENTALS... 4 A. Noise Fundamentals... 4 B. Vibration Fundamentals... 5 III. EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT... 9 A. Existing Land Uses and Sensitive Receptors... 9 B. Ambient Noise Measurements... 9 IV. REGULATORY SETTING A. Federal Regulations B. State Regulations C. Local Regulations V. ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY AND MODEL PARAMETERS A. Noise Modeling and Input VI. IMPACT ANALYSIS A. Noise Impacts B. Vibration Impacts VII. MEASURES TO REDUCE IMPACTS A. Construction Mitigation Measures B. Operational Mitigation Measures VIII. REFERENCES APPENDICES Appendix A List of Acronyms Appendix B Definitions of Acoustical Terms Appendix C Noise Monitoring Field Worksheets Appendix D RCNM Noise Modeling Output Appendix E Project Generated Traffic FHWA Worksheets

4 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Construction Equipment Vibration Source Levels... 6 Table 2. Typical Human Reaction and Effect on Buildings Due to Groundborne Vibration... 7 Table 3. Short Term Noise Measurement Summary (dba) Table 4. Land Use Compatability Guidelines for Noise Table 5. Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels Table 6. Change in Existing Noise Levels Along Roadways as a Result of Project (dba CNEL)... 25

5 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Project Location Map... 2 Figure 2. Site Plan... 3 Figure 3. Common Noise Sources and Noise Levels... 8 Figure 4. Noise Measurement Location Map Figure 5. Operational Noise Levels (dba CNEL)... 26

6 I. INTRODUCTION AND SETTING A. Purpose and Objectives The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the noise impacts resulting from development of the proposed Redlands Avenue and Perry Street project and to identify mitigation measures that may be necessary to reduce those impacts. The noise issues related to the proposed land use and development have been evaluated in the context of the California Environmental Quality Act. Although this is a technical report, every effort has been made to write the report clearly and concisely. To assist the reader with those terms unique to noise analysis, a list of acronyms and a glossary of terms have been provided in Appendix A and Appendix B of this report, respectively. B. Project Location The project is located west of Redlands Avenue and south of Perry Street in the City of Perris. A vicinity map showing the project location is provided on Figure 1. C. Project Description The proposed project consists of 240,911 square feet of warehousing on an approximately acre project site. The project will provide 199 parking spaces (154 standard spaces and 45 trailer spaces). Figure 2 illustrates the project s site plan. The project is anticipated to generate approximately 531 daily passenger car equivalent trip ends per day.

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9 II. NOISE AND VIBRATION FUNDAMENTALS A. Noise Fundamentals Sound is a pressure wave created by a moving or vibrating source that travels through an elastic medium such as air. Noise is defined as unwanted or objectionable sound. The effects of noise on people can include general annoyance, interference with speech communication, sleep disturbance, and in extreme circumstances, hearing impairment. Commonly used noise terms are presented in Appendix B. The unit of measurement used to describe a noise level is the decibel (db). The human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies within the sound spectrum. Therefore, the A weighted noise scale, which weights the frequencies to which humans are sensitive, is used for measurements. Noise levels using A weighted measurements are written db(a) or dba. From the noise source to the receiver, noise changes both in level and frequency spectrum. The most obvious is the decrease in noise as the distance from the source increases. The manner in which noise reduces with distance depends on whether the source is a point or line source as well as ground absorption, atmospheric effects and refraction, and shielding by natural and manmade features. Sound from point sources, such as air conditioning condensers, radiates uniformly outward as it travels away from the source in a spherical pattern. The noise drop off rate associated with this geometric spreading is 6 dba per each doubling of the distance (dba/dd). Transportation noise sources such as roadways are typically analyzed as line sources, since at any given moment the receiver may be impacted by noise from multiple vehicles at various locations along the roadway. Because of the geometry of a line source, the noise drop off rate associated with the geometric spreading of a line source is 3 dba/dd. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, which quantifies sound intensity in a manner similar to the Richter scale used for earthquake magnitudes. Thus, a doubling of the energy of a noise source, such as a doubled traffic volume, would increase the noise levels by 3 dba; halving of the energy would result in a 3 dba decrease. Figure 3 shows the relationship of various noise levels to commonly experienced noise events. Average noise levels over a period of minutes or hours are usually expressed as dba Leq, or the equivalent noise level for that period of time. For example, L eq(3) would represent a 3 hour average. When no period is specified, a one hour average is assumed. Noise standards for land use compatibility are stated in terms of the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and the Day Night Average Noise Level (L dn ). CNEL is a 24 hour weighted average measure of community noise. CNEL is obtained by adding five decibels to sound levels in the evening (7:00 PM to 10:00 PM), and by adding ten decibels to sound levels at night (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM). This weighting accounts for the increased human sensitivity to noise during the evening and nighttime hours. L dn is a very similar 24 hour average measure that weights only the nighttime hours. 4

10 It is widely accepted that the average healthy ear can barely perceive changes of 3 dba; that a change of 5 dba is readily perceptible, and that an increase (decrease) of 10 dba sounds twice (half) as loud. This definition is recommended by the California Department of Transportation s Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol for New Highway and Reconstruction Projects (2009). B. Vibration Fundamentals The way in which vibration is transmitted through the earth is called propagation. Propagation of earthborn vibrations is complicated and difficult to predict because of the endless variations in the soil through which waves travel. There are three main types of vibration propagation: surface, compression and shear waves. Surface waves, or Raleigh waves, travel along the ground s surface. These waves carry most of their energy along an expanding circular wave front, similar to ripples produced by throwing a rock into a pool of water. Compression waves, or P waves, are body waves that carry their energy along an expanding spherical wave front. The particle motion in these waves is longitudinal (i.e., in a push pull fashion). P waves are analogous to airborne sound waves. Shear waves, or S waves, are also body waves that carry energy along an expanding spherical wave front. However, unlike P waves, the particle motion is transverse or side to side and perpendicular to the direction of propagation. As vibration waves propagate from a source, the energy is spread over an ever increasing area such that the energy level striking a given point is reduced with the distance from the energy source. This geometric spreading loss is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Wave energy is also reduced with distance as a result of material damping in the form of internal friction, soil layering, and void spaces. The amount of attenuation provided by material damping varies with soil type and condition as well as the frequency of the wave. Construction operations generally include a wide range of activities that can generate groundborne vibration. Vibratory compactors or rollers, pile drivers, and pavement breakers can generate perceptible amounts of vibration at up to 200 feet. Heavy trucks can also generate groundborne vibrations, which can vary depending on vehicle type, weight, and pavement conditions. Potholes, pavement joints, discontinuities, or the differential settlement of pavement all increase the vibration levels from vehicles passing over a road surface. Construction vibration is normally of greater concern than vibration from normal traffic flows on streets and freeways with smooth pavement conditions. Typically, particle velocity or acceleration (measured in gravities) is used to describe vibration. Table 1 shows the peak particle velocities (PPV) of some common construction equipment and Table 2 shows typical human reactions to various levels of PPV as well as the effect of PPV on buildings. 5

11 Table 1 Construction Equipment Vibration Source Levels 1 Peak Partical Velocity in inches per second 2 Equipment at 25 feet at 50 feet at 100 feet Clam Shovel Drop (slurry wall) Vibratory Roller Hoe Ram Large Bulldozer Caisson Drilling Loaded Trucks Jackhammer Small Bulldozer Source: Federal Transit Administration: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, Bold values are considered annoying to people. 6

12 Table 2 Typical Human Reaction and Effect on Buildings Due to Groundborne Vibration 1 Vibration Level Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) in/sec Threshold of perception, possibility of intrusion 0.08 in/sec Vibrations readily perceptible 0.10 in/sec 0.20 in/sec Human Reaction Level at which continuous vibration begins to annoy people Vibrations annoying to people in buildings Effect on Buildings Vibrations unlikely to cause damage of any type Recommended upper level of vibration to which ruins and ancient monuments should be subjected Virtually no risk of architectural (i.e., not structural) damage to normal buildings Threshold at which there is a risk to architectural damage to normal dwelling houses with plastered walls and ceilings in/sec Vibrations considered unpleasant by people subjected to continuous vibrations and unacceptable to some people walking on bridges Vibrations at a greater level than normally expected from traffic, but would cause architectural damage and possibly minor structural damage 1 Source: California Department of Transportation,

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14 III. EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT A. Existing Land Uses and Sensitive Receptors The project site is bordered by Perry Street to the north and Redlands Avenue to the east. Vacant land is located to the south, west, and east. Land uses surrounding the site consist of industrial uses to the north and northeast. There are no sensitive noise receptors adjacent to the project site. The State of California defines sensitive receptors as those land uses that require serenity or are otherwise adversely affected by noise events or conditions. Schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, single and multiple family residential, including transient lodging, motels and hotel uses make up the majority of these areas. Sensitive receptors that may be affected by project generated noise include an RV Park located approximately 815 feet south, a mobile home park located approximately 1,254 feet southwest, and the single family detached residential dwelling units located approximately 1,778 feet southeast of the project site. In addition, single family detached residential dwelling units are also located approximately 2,420 feet west of and 2,765 feet northeast of the project site. B. Ambient Noise Measurements An American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section SI4 1979, Type 1) Larson Davis model LxT sound level meter was used to document existing ambient noise levels. In order to document existing ambient noise levels in the project area, four (4) 10 minute daytime noise measurements were taken between 8:50 AM and 11:50 AM on November 21, Field worksheets and measurement output data is included in Appendix C. As shown on Figure 4, the noise measurements were taken along the project site s northern property line and in close proximity to the nearest sensitive receptors. Table 3 provides a summary of the short term ambient noise data. Ambient noise levels ranged between 48.3 and 68.7 dba Leq. The dominant noise source was from vehicles traveling along Ramona Expressway and Redlands Avenue. Overhead aircrafts, residential noise, and bird song were also audible, but not dominant. 9

15 Table 3 Short Term Noise Measurement Summary (dba) 1, 2 Daytime Site Location Time Started Leq Lmax Lmin L(2) L(8) L(25) L(50) NM1 8:50 AM NM2 9:27 AM NM3 10:18 AM NM4 11:40 AM See Figure 4 for noise measurement locations. Each noise measurement was performed over a 10 minute duration. 2 Noise measurements were performed on November 21,

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17 IV. REGULATORY SETTING A. Federal Regulations 1. Federal Noise Control Act of 1972 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Noise Abatement and Control was originally established to coordinate federal noise control activities. After its inception, EPA s Office of Noise Abatement and Control issued the Federal Noise Control Act of 1972, establishing programs and guidelines to identify and address the effects of noise on public health, welfare, and the environment. In response, the EPA published Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety (Levels of Environmental Noise). The Levels of Environmental Noise recommended that the Ldn should not exceed 55 dba outdoors or 45 dba indoors to prevent significant activity interference and annoyance in noise sensitive areas. In addition, the Levels of Environmental Noise identified five (5) dba as an adequate margin of safety for a noise level increase relative to a baseline noise exposure level of 55 dba Ldn (i.e., there would not be a noticeable increase in adverse community reaction with an increase of five dba or less from this baseline level). The EPA did not promote these findings as universal standards or regulatory goals with mandatory applicability to all communities, but rather as advisory exposure levels below which there would be no risk to a community from any health or welfare effect of noise. In 1981, EPA administrators determined that subjective issues such as noise would be better addressed at lower levels of government. Consequently, in 1982 responsibilities for regulating noise control policies were transferred to State and local governments. However, noise control guidelines and regulations contained in EPA rulings in prior years remain in place by designated Federal agencies, allowing more individualized control for specific issues by designated Federal, State, and local government agencies. B. State Regulations 1. State of California General Plan Guidelines 2003 Though not adopted by law, the State of California General Plan Guidelines 2003, published by the California Governor s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) (OPR Guidelines), provide guidance for the compatibility of projects within areas of specific noise exposure. The OPR Guidelines identify the suitability of various types of construction relative to a range of outdoor noise levels and provide each local community some flexibility in setting local noise standards that allow for the variability in community preferences. Findings presented in the Levels of Environmental Noise Document (EPA 1974) influenced the recommendations of the OPR Guidelines, most importantly in the choice of noise exposure metrics (i.e., Ldn or CNEL) and in the upper limits for the Normally Acceptable outdoor exposure of noise sensitive uses. The OPR Guidelines include a Noise and Land Use Compatibility Matrix (see Table 4) identifies 12

18 acceptable and unacceptable community noise exposure limits for various land use categories. The City of Perris utilizes the compatibility matrix. 2. California Environmental Quality Act The California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (Appendix G) establishes thresholds for noise impact analysis. Two of these standards apply to what is referred to as a "substantial increase" in ambient noise levels. The County does not have a definition of a substantial increase, nor does CEQA establish a numerical value for this threshold. Noise generated by transportation sources propagates differently than noise generated by point sources. Therefore, for purposes of this analysis, the following two thresholds were utilized to evaluate the project's potential to result in substantial increases in ambient noise levels. Traffic Noise Roadway noise impacts would be considered significant if the project increases noise levels at a noise sensitive land use by 3 dba CNEL and if: (1) the existing noise levels already exceed the residential land use compatibility standard for "normally acceptable" (65 dba CNEL), or (2) the project increases noise levels from below the 65 dba CNEL standard to above 65 dba CNEL. Stationary Noise Project operations, including noise from car wash equipment and trucks, may produce an increase in noise levels which disturbs the peace and quiet of adjacent residential areas or cause discomfort/annoyance to area residents. A 5 dba increase is considered to be "readily audible", which seems to correlate most closely to "substantial increase." For the purposes of this report, a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels due to stationary noise sources shall be considered 5 dba L eq. C. Local Regulations 1. City of Perris General Plan The City of Perris adopted their General Plan in Applicable policies and standards governing environmental noise in the City of Perris are set forth in the General Plan Noise Element. Those applicable to the proposed project are presented below: Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures The City of Perris utilizes the following General Plan Noise Element goal, policies and implementation measures to assess evaluate the project s suitability in light of noise impacts. Goal 1: Land Use Siting: Protect those living, working, and visiting the community from exposure to excessive noise. 13

19 Policy I.A: The State of California Noise/Land Use Compatibility Criteria shall be used in determining land use compatibility for new development. Implementation Measures I.A.1 All new development proposals will be evaluated with respect to the State Noise/ Land Use Compatibility Criteria. Placement of noise sensitive uses will be discouraged within any area exposed to exterior noise levels that fall into the Normally Unacceptable range and prohibited within areas exposed to Clearly Unacceptable noise ranges. I.A.2 Site plans for new residential development near roadway and train noise sources shall incorporate increased building setbacks and/or provide for sufficient noise barriers for useable exterior yard areas so that noise exposure in those areas does not exceed the levels considered Normally Acceptable in the State of California Noise/Land Use Compatibility Criteria. Goal V: Stationary Source Noise Future non residential land uses compatible with noise sensitive land uses. Policy V.A: New large scale commercial or industrial facilities located within 160 feet of sensitive land uses shall mitigate noise impacts to attain an acceptable level as required by the State of California Noise/Land Use Compatibility Criteria. Implementation Measures V.A.1 An acoustical impact analysis shall be prepared for new industrial and large scale commercial facilities to be constructed within 160 feet of the property line of any existing noise sensitive land use. This analysis shall document the nature of the commercial or industrial facility as well as all interior or exterior facility operations that would generate exterior noise. The analysis shall document the placement of any existing or proposed noise sensitive land uses situated within the 160 foot distance. The analysis shall determine the potential noise levels that could be received at these sensitive land uses and specify specific measures to be employed by the large scale commercial or industrial facility to ensure that these levels do not exceed 60 dba CNEL at the property line of the adjoining sensitive land use. No development permits or approval of land use applications shall be issued until the acoustic analysis is received and approved by the City of Perris Staff. 2. City of Perris Municipal Ordinance General Prohibition It is unlawful for any person to willfully make, cause, or suffer, or permit to be made or caused, any loud excessive or offensive noises or sounds which unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet of any residential neighborhood or which are physically annoying 14

20 to persons of ordinary sensitivity or which are so harsh, prolonged or unnatural or unusual in their use, time or place as to occasion physical discomfort to the inhabitants of the City of Perris, or any section thereof Hours of Construction It is unlawful for any person between the hours of 7:00 PM of any day and 7:00 AM of the following day, or on a legal holiday, with the exception of Columbus Day and Washington's birthday, or on Sundays to erect, construct, demolish, excavate, alter or repair any building or structure in such a manner as to create disturbing, excessive or offensive noise. Construction activity shall not exceed 80 dba in residential zones in the City of Perris. 15

21 Table 4 City of Perris Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise 1 Land Use Category Low Density Single Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes Multi-Family Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) Hotels/Motels, Transient Lodging Schools, Libraries, Churches, Hospitals, Nursing Homes Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheatres, Meeting Halls Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks Golf Courses, Riding Stables, Water Recreation, Cemeteries Office Buildings, Business Commercial and Professional, and Mixed-Use Developments Industrial, Manufacturing Utilities, Agriculture Normally Acceptable: Conditionally Acceptable: Normally Unacceptable: Clearly Unacceptable: Specified land use is satisfactory, based up the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements. New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made and needed insulation features included in the design. Conventional constuction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air conditioning will normally suffice. 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. New construction or development should generally not be undertaken. 1 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, February 1976 and City of Perris General Plan,

22 V. ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY AND MODEL PARAMETERS A. Noise Modeling and Input 1. Road Construction Model A worst case construction noise scenario was modeled using a version of the Federal Highway Administration s Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM). RCNM utilizes standard noise emission levels for many different types of equipment and includes utilization percentage, impact, and shielding parameters. Modeling input parameters and output are provided in Appendix D. 2. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Noise Prediction Model Existing and Existing Plus Project and Future buildout noise levels along Redlands Avenue, Perry Street, and other affected roadways were modeled utilizing the FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model FHWA RD , as modified for CNEL and the Calveno energy curves. This model arrives at a predicted noise level through a series of adjustments to the Reference Energy Mean Emission Level (REMEL). Adjustments are then made to the REMEL to account for total average daily trips (ADT), roadway classification, width, speed, and truck mix, roadway grade and site conditions (hard or soft surface). Hard site, such as pavement, is highly reflective and does not attenuate noise as quickly as grass or vegetation. Possible reduction in noise levels due to intervening topography and vegetation were not accounted for in the analysis. Project traffic volumes and vehicle mix were obtained from the projects traffic study (Albert A. WEBB Associates, 2016). As two of the roadway segments did not have existing traffic data, existing ambient noise measurements were used. The vehicle mix and split data from the County of Riverside s Industrial Hygiene traffic noise modeling requirements was utilized. Vehicle speeds were based on roadway classification, per County protocol. FHWA worksheets are included in Appendix E. 3. SoundPLAN SoundPLAN s software utilizes algorithms (based on the inverse square law) to calculate noise level projections. The software allows the user to input specific noise sources, spectral content, sound barriers, building placement, topography, and sensitive receptor locations. The SoundPLAN model was used to calculate future operational noise levels of the proposed warehouse building. The model was utilized to calculate future noise levels using reference sound level data for the various stationary on site sources. Loading/unloading was modeled as an area source and includes activities such as trucks diesel engines, exhaust systems, braking, and forklifts. Noise levels associated with loading/unloading can range between 65 to 80 dba. The parking lot was modeled with 199 parking spaces (154 standard spaces and 45 trailer spaces). Noise levels 17

23 associated with parking lots can reach peak levels of 80 dba. Parking lot noise sources may include but are not limited to idling cars, doors closing, and starting engine noise. 18

24 VI. IMPACT ANALYSIS A. Noise Impacts This impact discussion analyzes the potential for noise impacts to cause an exposure of person to or generation of noise levels in excess of established City of Perris noise standards related to construction noise, transportation and railroad related noise impacts to or from the proposed project. 1. Construction Noise An existing RV Park located south, residential dwelling units located southeast, and a mobile home park located southwest of the project site may be affected by short term noise impacts associated with the transport of workers, the movement of construction materials to and from the project site, ground clearing, excavation, grading, and building activities. Construction noise is considered a short term impact and would be considered significant if construction activities are undertaken outside the allowable times as described by the City s Municipal ordinances and/or if they cause noise levels to exceed 80 dba at residential properties. Project generated construction noise will vary depending on the construction process, type of equipment involved, location of the construction site with respect to sensitive receptors, the schedule proposed to carry out each task (e.g., hours and days of the week) and the duration of the construction work. Site grading is expected to produce the highest sustained construction noise levels. Typical noise sources and noise levels associated with the site grading phase of construction are shown in Table 5. Typical operating cycles for these types of construction equipment may involve one or two minutes of full power operation followed by three to four minutes at lower power settings. A likely worst case construction noise scenario during grading assumes the use of a grader, a dozer, an excavator, a backhoe and a water truck (modeled as a dump truck) operating between 815 and 1,015 feet from the RV Park s northern property line (closest sensitive receptor). Assuming a usage factor of 40 percent for each piece of equipment, unmitigated noise levels have the potential to reach 59.5 dba L eq and 60.8 dba Lmax at the northern property line of the RV Park during grading. Consistency with Applicable Standards City of Perris Municipal Code Construction is anticipated to occur during the permissible hours according to the City s Municipal Code. Construction noise will have a temporary or periodic increase in the ambient noise levels above existing within the project vicinity. The construction noise levels are anticipated to be 59.5 dba L eq at the nearest sensitive receptor. As stated earlier, any construction activities that occur outside the allowable time or exceed 80 dba would be considered significant. Therefore, the impact is considered less than 19

25 significant; however, noise reduction measures have been provided in Section VII to further reduce construction noise. 2. Noise Impacts to Off Site Receptors Due to Project Generated Traffic Existing and Existing Plus Project noise levels were modeled for each roadway segment included in the traffic study (Albert A. WEBB Associates, 2016) in order to calculate project generated increases in ambient noise levels, as well as noise levels overall with operation of the project. The noise level was found at the nearest sensitive receptor for each roadway segment. Noise levels were modeled using the FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model FHWA RD , Modeling output is included in this report as Appendix C. The Existing traffic noise model resulted in noise levels of dba CNEL at nearby sensitive receptors along area roadways. The Existing Plus Project traffic noise model resulted in noise levels of dba CNEL at nearby sensitive receptors and increases in ambient noise levels of 0.1 to 8.8 dba CNEL. The results of the Existing and Existing Plus Project traffic noise models are shown in Table 8. It is widely accepted that the average healthy ear can barely perceive changes of 3 dba; that a change of 5 dba is readily perceptible, and that an increase or decrease of 10 dba sounds twice or half as loud. For example, doubling the traffic on a highway would result in an increase of 3 db. Conversely, reducing traffic by one half would reduce the noise level by 3 db (Caltrans 2009). For purposes of this study, roadway noise impacts would be considered significant if the project increases noise levels for a noise sensitive land use by 3 dba CNEL and if: (1) the existing noise levels already exceed the standard appropriate for the receiving land use (65 dba CNEL for residential), or (2) the project increases noise levels from below the standard appropriate for the receiving land use to above that standard. Consistency with Applicable Standards The City of Perris has identified noise levels of up to 60 dba CNEL as normally acceptable and of up to 65 dba CNEL as conditionally acceptable for residential land uses. Further, noise levels of up to 70 dba CNEL are identified as normally acceptable and of up to 80 dba CNEL as conditionally acceptable for industrial land uses (see Table 4). Unmitigated noise levels along project area roadways are projected to increase from 0.1 to 8.8 dba with the completion of the proposed project. Although two of the three project segments have an increase above 3 dba CNEL, even with the addition of the proposed project noise levels associated with these two roadway segments would still not exceed the noise standard of 60 dba CNEL for residential uses. Further, these two segments are located along the northern property line of the proposed project far from any nearby residential uses. Because there are no road segments which will exceed 65 dba CNEL and experience an increase of 3 dba CNEL or greater, project generated traffic noise will not result in a significant impact. 20

26 3. Noise Impacts to the Proposed Project The City of Perris has identified noise levels of up to 70 dba CNEL as normally acceptable and of up to 80 dba CNEL as conditionally acceptable for industrial land uses (see Table 4). Roadways that may generate enough traffic noise under buildout conditions to effect the proposed warehouse include Redlands Avenue. Redlands Avenue is classified as Secondary Arterial (94 ROW) in the City of Perris General Plan Circulation Element. Per County of Riverside Industrial Hygiene Guidelines for Determining and Mitigating Traffic Noise Impacts to Residential Structures and County of Riverside General Plan, Chapter 4, Figure C 3 "Link Volume Capacities/Level of Service for Riverside County Roadways" revised March 2001, future buildout noise levels associated with these roadways were modeled using Average Daily Trip (ADT) Level of Service "C" design capacities (also known as future build out daily traffic volumes). Redlands Avenue is expected to accommodate up to approximately 20,700 vehicles per day at Level of Service C. FHWA modeling was conducted to calculate noise levels associated with buildout vehicle traffic noise from each of these roadways. These spreadsheets are presented in Appendix E. It was determined that buildout noise levels at the portion of the proposed building that lies closest to Redlands Avenue are expected to reach up to dba CNEL. Consistency with Applicable Standards The proposed warehousing use would not exceed the City of Perris Land Use Compatibility Criteria for industrial uses, which considers industrial uses in areas with noise levels of up to 70 dba CNEL as normally acceptable and of up to 80 dba CNEL as conditionally acceptable. Therefore, noise levels at the proposed warehouse building would comply with the City of Perris General Plan and no mitigation is required. 4. Operational Noise Impacts Land uses surrounding the site consist of vacant land to the north, east, south, and west. There are no sensitive noise receptors adjacent to the project site. The nearest sensitive receptors are a RV Park located approximately 815 feet south, a mobile home park located approximately 1,254 feet southwest, and the single family detached residential dwelling units located approximately 1,778 feet southeast of the project site. The City of Perris has identified noise levels of up to 60 dba CNEL as normally acceptable and of up to 65 dba CNEL as conditionally acceptable for single family residential dwelling units and mobile home land uses. Noise levels of up to 60 dba CNEL are considered normally acceptable and of up to 70 dba CNEL are considered conditionally acceptable for transient lodging. Noise levels of up to 70 dba CNEL are 21

27 considered normally acceptable and of up to 80 dba CNEL are considered conditionally acceptable for industrial uses (see Table 4). The worst case stationary noise was modeled utilizing the SoundPLAN model. Noise sources associated with the proposed parking areas, loading and unloading activities, and rooftop HVAC were included in the model. Noise associated with parking lots include, but are not limited to idling cars/trucks, trucks diesel engines, exhaust systems, trailer coupling, air brakes, warning signal, doors closing, and starting engine noise. Noise levels associated with the parking lots were determined based on the project trip generation rate of 531 daily passenger car equivalent trip ends per day and the anticipated parking lot movements per hour during the day, evening, and night. The parking lot was modeled with 199 parking spaces (154 standard spaces and 45 truck trailer spaces). Loading/unloading areas were modeled as area sources and include activities such as trucks diesel engines, exhaust systems, braking, and forklifts. For modeling purposes, loading areas were assumed to generate a 70 db sound power level per square meter. The rooftop HVAC equipment was modeled as point sources and were placed on top of the structure s roof. SoundPLAN s reference sound power level of 85 db was utilized for modeling purposes. As shown on Figure 5, the proposed project is not expected to exceed 55 dba CNEL at the nearest sensitive receptors. Consistency with Applicable Standards Policy V.A of the City of Perris General Plan states that noise levels are not to exceed 60 dba CNEL at sensitive land uses within 160 feet of an industrial facility. The nearest sensitive receptor is approximately 815 feet south of the project site and, as shown on Figure 5, the modeled operational noise level at this sensitive receptor as well as all other nearby sensitive receptors is well below 60 dba CNEL. Therefore, the project is consistent with applicable General Plan standards and municipal code and impacts are considered less than significant. No additional mitigation measures are required. B. Vibration Impacts This impact discussion analyzes the potential for the proposed project to cause an exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels. Vibration levels in the project area may be influenced by construction. A vibration impact would generally be considered significant if it involves any construction related or operations related impacts in excess of 0.2 +inches per second (in/sec) PPV. 1. Construction Vibration Construction activity can result in varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the equipment used on the site. Operation of construction equipment causes ground vibrations that spread through the ground and diminish in strength with distance. 22

28 Buildings respond to these vibrations with varying results ranging from no perceptible effects at the low levels to slight damage at the highest levels. Table 2 gives approximate vibration levels for particular construction activities. This data provides a reasonable estimate for a wide range of soil conditions. The City of Perris allows vibration from temporary construction however this analysis provides the potential vibration impact for quantitative purposes. The nearest existing structure to the project site is located approximately 1,054 feet to the south of the project site. As shown in Table 2, the threshold at which there may be a risk of architectural damage to normal houses with plastered walls and ceilings is 0.20 PPV in/second. Primary sources of vibration during construction would be from bulldozers and vibratory rollers. As shown in Table 1, a large bulldozer could produce up to PPV at 25 feet and a vibratory roller could produce up to at 25 feet. At a distance of 1,054 feet, a bulldozer would yield a worst case PPV (in/sec) which is well below the threshold of perception and below any risk or architectural damage. Consistency with Applicable Standards Construction equipment is anticipated to be located at least 1,054 feet or more from any existing sensitive receptor. Temporary vibration levels associated with project construction would be less than significant. Mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts are presented in Section VII of this report. Annoyance related impacts would be short term and would only occur during site grading and construction activities. 23

29 Table 5 Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels 1 Type of Equipment Range of Maximum Sound Levels Measured (dba at 50 feet) Suggested Maximum Sound Levels for Analysis (dba at 50 feet) Rock Drills Jack Hammers Pneumatic Tools Pumps Dozers Scrappers Haul Trucks Cranes Portable Generators Rollers Tractors Front End Loaders Hydraulic Excavators Graders Air Compressors Trucks Source: Bolt, Beranek & Newman; Noise Control for Buildings and Manufacturing Plants,

30 Table 6 Change in Existing Noise Levels Along Roadways as a Result of Project (dba CNEL) 1 Modeled Noise Levels 50 feet from centerline Roadway Segment Existing Existing Plus Project Increase Substantial Increase Exceeds Standard Potential Significant Impact Redlands Avenue Perry Street to Driveway No Yes No Perry Street Driveway 1 to Driveway Yes No No Driveway 2 to Redlands Avenue Yes No No 1 Exterior noise levels calculated 5 feet above pad elevation, perpendicular to subject roadway. 25

31 Figure 5. Operational Noise Levels (CNEL) Signs and symbols Proposed Building Receiver Point source Loading Area Parking lot noise Levels 1st & 2nd Floors 1 : feet 26

32 VII. MEASURES TO REDUCE IMPACTS A. Construction Mitigation Measures In addition to adherence to the City of Perris policies found in the Noise Element and Municipal Code limiting the construction hours of operation, the following measures are recommended to reduce construction noise and vibrations, emanating from the proposed project: 1. During all project site excavation and grading on site, construction contractors shall equip all construction equipment, fixed or mobile, with properly operating and maintained mufflers, consistent with manufacturer standards. 2. The contractor shall place all stationary construction equipment so that emitted noise is directed away from the noise sensitive receptors nearest the project site. 3. Equipment shall be shut off and not left to idle when not in use. 4. The contractor shall locate equipment staging in areas that will create the greatest distance between construction related noise/vibration sources and sensitive receptors nearest the project site during all project construction. 5. The project proponent shall mandate that the construction contractor prohibit the use of music or sound amplification on the project site during construction. 6. The construction contractor shall limit haul truck deliveries to the same hours specified for construction equipment. B. Operational Mitigation Measures No operational mitigation measures are required. 27

33 VIII. REFERENCES Bolt, Beranek & Newman 1987 Noise Control for Buildings and Manufacturing Plants. California Department of Transportation 2002 Transportation Related Earthborne Vibrations (Caltrans Experiences), Technical Advisory, Vibration TAV R9601. February 20. Environmental Protection Agency 1974 "Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health And Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety," EPA/ONAC 550/ , March, Harris, Cyril M Handbook of Acoustical Measurement and Noise Control. Acoustical Society of America. Woodbury, N.Y. Perris, City of 2016 Municipal Ordinance. April General Plan Albert A. WEBB Associates 2016 Traffic Impact Analysis PLN Industrial Building. September. Office of Planning and Research 2003 State of California General Plan Guidelines U.S. Department of Transportation FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User s Guide. January. 28

34 APPENDICES Appendix A List of Acronyms Appendix B Definitions of Acoustical Terms Appendix C Noise Monitoring Field Worksheets Appendix D RCNM Noise Modeling Output Appendix E Project Generated Traffic FHWA Worksheets

35 APPENDIX A List of Acronyms

36 Term ADT ANSI CEQA CNEL D/E/N db dba or db(a) dba/dd dba L eq EPA FHWA L 02,L 08,L 50,L 90 L dn L eq(x) L eq L max L min LOS C OPR PPV RCNM REMEL RMS Definition Average Daily Traffic American National Standard Institute California Environmental Quality Act Community Noise Equivalent Level Day / Evening / Night Decibel Decibel "A Weighted" Decibel per Double Distance Average Noise Level over a Period of Time Environmental Protection Agency Federal Highway Administration A weighted Noise Levels at 2 percent, 8 percent, 50 percent, and 90 percent, respectively, of the time period Day Night Average Noise Level Equivalent Noise Level for '"x" period of time Equivalent Noise Level Maximum Level of Noise (measured using a sound level meter) Minimum Level of Noise (measured using a sound level meter) Level of Service C California Governor's Office of Planning and Research Peak Particle Velocities Road Construction Noise Model Reference Energy Mean Emission Level Root Mean Square

37 APPENDIX B Definitions of Acoustical Terms

38 Term Decibel, db Frequency, Hertz A Weighted Sound Level, dba Root Mean Square (RMS) Fast/Slow Meter Response L 02, L 08, L 50, L 90 Equivalent Continuous Noise Level, L eq L max, L min Ambient Noise Level Offensive/ Offending/ Intrusive Noise Definition A logarithmic unit of noise level measurement that relates the energy of a noise source to that of a constant reference level; the number of decibels is 10 times the logarithm (to the base 10) of this ratio. In a function periodic in time, the number of times that the quantity repeats itself in one second (i.e., the number of cycles per second). The sound level obtained by use of A weighting. The A weighting filter de emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear. A measure of the magnitude of a varying noise source quantity. The name derives from the calculation of the square root of the mean of the squares of the values. It can be calculated from either a series of lone values or a continuous varying function. The fast and slow meter responses are different settings on a sound level meter. The fast response setting takes a measurement every 100 milliseconds, while a slow setting takes one every second. The A weighted noise levels that are equaled or exceeded by a fluctuating sound level, 2 percent, 8 percent, 50 percent, and 90 percent of a stated time period, respectively. A level of steady state sound that in a stated time period, and a stated location, has the same A weighted sound energy as the time varying sound. L max is the RMS (root mean squared) maximum level of a noise source or environment measured on a sound level meter, during a designated time interval, using fast meter response. L min is the minimum level. The all encompassing noise environment associated with a given environment, at a specified time, usually a composite of sound from many sources, at many directions, near and far, in which usually no particular sound is dominant. The noise that intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of sound depends on its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence, and tonal information content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.

39 APPENDIX C Noise Monitoring Field Worksheets

40 Noise Measurement Field Data Project Name: Redlands Ave & Perry Street Project Date: 21-Nov-16 Project #: 6641 Noise Measurement #: NM LxT_Data.102.xlsx Technician: Ian Edward Gallagher Nearest Address or Cross Street: Site Description (Type of Existing Land Use and any other notable features) Akina Avenue & Ramona Expressway Mostlty empty, shrub/grass land, residential mixed in with commercial Weather: Partly cloudy/ clear skies, occasional light rain. Settings: SLOW FAST (Circle one) Temperature: 55 deg F Wind: 3 to 5 mph Humidity: 94% Terrain: FLAT Start Time: 8:50 AM End Time: 9:00 AM Run Time: 10 MIN Leq: 62 db Primary Noise Source: Traffic travelling up and down Ramona Expressway Lmax 77.4 db L db Secondary Noise Sources: Occasional street traffic along Akina Avenue. L db Wind causing leaves on trees to rustle. L db Bird song. Occasional overhead commercial aircraft. L db NOISE METER: SoundTrack LxT Class 1 CALIBRATOR: Larson Davis CAL250 Acoustic Calibrator MAKE: Larson Davis MAKE: Larson Davis MODEL: LxT1 MODEL: Cal250 SERIAL NUMBER: 3099 SERIAL NUMBER: 2723 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/4/2014 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/3/2014 FIELD CALIBRATION DATE: 11/21/2016

41 Noise Measurement Field Data Additional Notes/Sketch Looking North towards Ramona Expressway Looking South down Akina Avenue

42 Summary File Name LxT_Data.102 Serial Number Model SoundTrack LxT Firmware Version User Ian Edward Gallagher Location JN6641 NM1 Akina Ave & Ramona Expwy Job Description 10 Minute Sound Sample Start :50:39 Stop :00:39 Duration 00:10:00.0 Run Time 00:10:00.0 Pause 00:00:00.0 Pre Calibration :49:30 Post Calibration None Calibration Deviation --- Overall Settings RMS Weight A Weighting Peak Weight Z Weighting Detector Slow Preamp PRMLxT1L Microphone Correction Off Integration Method Linear OBA Range Low OBA Bandwidth 1/1 and 1/3 OBA Freq. Weighting Z Weighting OBA Max Spectrum Bin Max Overload db Results LAeq 62.0 db LAE 89.8 db EA µpa²h EA mpa²h EA mpa²h LZpeak (max) :59: db LASmax :59: db LASmin :51: db SEA db Statistics LCeq 68.6 db LAS db LAeq 62.0 db LAS db LCeq - LAeq 6.6 db LAS db LAIeq 64.4 db LAS db LAeq 62.0 db LAS db LAIeq - LAeq 2.4 db LAS db

43 Noise Measurement Field Data Project Name: Redlands Ave & Perry street Project Date: 21-Nov-16 Project #: 6641 Noise Measurement #: NM LxT_Data.103.xlsx Technician: Ian Edward Gallagher Nearest Address or Cross Street: Site Description (Type of Existing Land Use and any other notable features) Redlands Avenue & Ramona Expressway Mostlty empty, shrub/grass land, residential mixed in with commercial Weather: Partly cloudy/ clear skies, occasional light rain. Settings: SLOW FAST (Circle one) Temperature: 56 deg F Wind: 3 to 5 mph Humidity: 92% Terrain: FLAT Start Time: 9:27 AM End Time: 9:37 AM Run Time: 10 MIN Leq: 68.7 db Primary Noise Source: Traffic travelling up and down Ramona Expressway Lmax 77.5 db L db Secondary Noise Sources: Residential ambiance from trailer park, occasional vehicle moving through park. L db Wind causing leaves on trees to rustle. L db Bird song. Occasional overhead commercial aircraft. L db NOISE METER: SoundTrack LxT Class 1 CALIBRATOR: Larson Davis CAL250 Acoustic Calibrator MAKE: Larson Davis MAKE: Larson Davis MODEL: LxT1 MODEL: Cal250 SERIAL NUMBER: 3099 SERIAL NUMBER: 2723 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/4/2014 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/3/2014 FIELD CALIBRATION DATE: 11/21/2016

44 Additional Notes/Sketch Noise Measurement Field Data

45 Summary File Name LxT_Data.103 Serial Number Model SoundTrack LxT Firmware Version User Ian Edward Gallagher Location JN6641 NM2 Redlands Ave & Ramona Expwy Job Description 10 minute Sound Sample Start :27:04 Stop :37:04 Duration 00:10:00.0 Run Time 00:10:00.0 Pause 00:00:00.0 Pre Calibration :26:41 Post Calibration None Calibration Deviation --- Overall Settings RMS Weight A Weighting Peak Weight Z Weighting Detector Slow Preamp PRMLxT1L Microphone Correction Off Integration Method Linear OBA Range Low OBA Bandwidth 1/1 and 1/3 OBA Freq. Weighting Z Weighting OBA Max Spectrum Bin Max Overload db Results LAeq 68.7 db LAE 96.5 db EA µpa²h EA mpa²h EA mpa²h LZpeak (max) :28: db LASmax :36: db LASmin :35: db SEA db Statistics LCeq 73.7 db LAS db LAeq 68.7 db LAS db LCeq - LAeq 4.9 db LAS db LAIeq 69.8 db LAS db LAeq 68.7 db LAS db LAIeq - LAeq 1.1 db LAS db

46 Noise Measurement Field Data Project Name: Redlands Ave & Perry street Project Date: 21-Nov-16 Project #: 6641 Noise Measurement #: NM LxT_Data.104.xlsx Technician: Ian Edward Gallagher Nearest Address or Cross Street: Site Description (Type of Existing Land Use and any other notable features) Painted Canyon Street & Polaris street Mostlty empty, shrub/grass land, residential mixed in with commercial Weather: Partly cloudy/ clear skies, patchy sunshine, occasional light rain. Settings: SLOW FAST (Circle one) Temperature: 57 deg F Wind: 3 to 5 mph Humidity: 89% Terrain: FLAT Start Time: 10:18 AM End Time: 10:28 AM Run Time: 10 MIN Leq: 56.8 db Primary Noise Source: Traffic ambiance from Ramona Expressway Lmax 71.3 db L db Secondary Noise Sources: Residential ambiance, occasional vehicle moving through Polaris & Painted L db Canyon Street. L db Car mechanic shop immediately North of NM3, pneumatic wrench in operation. L db Bird song. Occasional overhead commercial aircraft. NOISE METER: SoundTrack LxT Class 1 CALIBRATOR: Larson Davis CAL250 Acoustic Calibrator MAKE: Larson Davis MAKE: Larson Davis MODEL: LxT1 MODEL: Cal250 SERIAL NUMBER: 3099 SERIAL NUMBER: 2723 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/4/2014 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/3/2014 FIELD CALIBRATION DATE: 11/21/2016

47 Additional Notes/Sketch Noise Measurement Field Data

48 Summary File Name LxT_Data.104 Serial Number Model SoundTrack LxT Firmware Version User Ian Edward Gallagher Location JN6641 NM3 Painted Canyon St & Polaris St Job Description 10 Minute Sound Sample Start :18:20 Stop :28:20 Duration 00:10:00.0 Run Time 00:10:00.0 Pause 00:00:00.0 Pre Calibration :17:40 Post Calibration None Calibration Deviation --- Overall Settings RMS Weight A Weighting Peak Weight Z Weighting Detector Slow Preamp PRMLxT1L Microphone Correction Off Integration Method Linear OBA Range Low OBA Bandwidth 1/1 and 1/3 OBA Freq. Weighting Z Weighting OBA Max Spectrum Bin Max Overload db Results LAeq 56.8 db LAE 84.6 db EA µpa²h EA mpa²h EA mpa²h LZpeak (max) :23: db LASmax :23: db LASmin :22: db SEA db Statistics LCeq 65.4 db LAS db LAeq 56.8 db LAS db LCeq - LAeq 8.6 db LAS db LAIeq 63.5 db LAS db LAeq 56.8 db LAS db LAIeq - LAeq 6.7 db LAS db

49 Noise Measurement Field Data Project Name: Redlands Ave & Perry street Project Date: 21-Nov-16 Project #: 6641 Noise Measurement #: NM LxT_Data.105.xlsx Technician: Ian Edward Gallagher Nearest Address or Cross Street: Site Description (Type of Existing Land Use and any other notable features) Redland Ave & W Perry Street Mostlty empty, shrub/grass land, residential mixed in with commercial Weather: Partly cloudy/ clear skies, patchy sunshine, occasional light rain. Settings: SLOW FAST (Circle one) Temperature: 58 deg F Wind: 3 to 5 mph Humidity: 84% Terrain: FLAT Start Time: 11:40 AM End Time: 11:50 AM Run Time: 10 MIN Leq: 48.3 db Primary Noise Source: Traffic ambiance from Ramona Expressway and Redlands Avenue. Lmax 55.2 db L db Secondary Noise Sources: Bird song. Occasional overhead commercial aircraft. L8 L25 L db 49.1 db 47.4 db NOISE METER: SoundTrack LxT Class 1 CALIBRATOR: Larson Davis CAL250 Acoustic Calibrator MAKE: Larson Davis MAKE: Larson Davis MODEL: LxT1 MODEL: Cal250 SERIAL NUMBER: 3099 SERIAL NUMBER: 2723 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/4/2014 FACTORY CALIBRATION DATE: 11/3/2014 FIELD CALIBRATION DATE: 11/21/2016

50 Noise Measurement Field Data Additional Notes/Sketch Looking East towards Redlands Avenue Looking North along Redlands Avenue