chapter 17: noise a. introduction - new york...sources: cowan, james p. handbook of environmental...

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Chapter 17: Noise

A. INTRODUCTION This chapter assesses the potential for the Proposed Actions to result in significant adverse noise impacts. The analysis determines whether the Proposed Actions would result in increases in noise levels that could have a significant adverse impact on nearby noise receptors (i.e., areas where human activity may be adversely affected when noise levels exceed predefined thresholds1), and also considers the effect of existing noise levels on the uses that are anticipated to be developed on the Proposed Downtown Far Rockaway Urban Renewal Area (DFRURA), the Disposition Sites, and the Projected and Potential Development Sites (collectively, the “development sites”).

The analysis presented in Chapter 12, “Transportation,” found that the Proposed Actions would not generate traffic volumes that have the potential to cause a significant noise impact (i.e., it would not result in a doubling of noise passenger car equivalents [Noise PCEs], which is necessary to cause a perceptible increase in noise levels (see Appendix MN). However, ambient noise levels adjacent to the development sites also must be examined to address any noise attenuation requirements, as found in the 2014 City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Technical Manual, for interior noise levels.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

The analysis finds that the Proposed Actions would not result in any significant adverse noise increases at nearby noise receptors. Additionally, the building attenuation analysis determined that the buildings to be constructed at the Proposed DFRURA and the Projected and Potential Development Sites included in the Proposed Actions would require between 23 and 33 dBA window/wall attenuation to meet CEQR Technical Manual interior noise level requirements. For the Disposition Sites, these attenuation requirements would be included in a Land Disposition Agreement (LDA) between the City and the sites’ developer(s). For Projected and Potential Development Sites as well as sites within the Proposed DFRURA that are currently privately owned, the attenuation requirements would be included in Noise (E) Designations (E-415) mapped on the sites. With these measures, the Proposed Actions would not have the potential to result in any significant adverse noise impacts.

B. ACOUSTICAL FUNDAMENTALS Sound is a fluctuation in air pressure. Sound pressure levels are measured in units called “decibels” (“dB”). The particular character of the sound that we hear (a whistle compared with a French horn, for example) is determined by the speed, or “frequency,” at which the air pressure fluctuates, or “oscillates.” Frequency defines the oscillation of sound pressure in terms of cycles 1 Per the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Technical Manual, Section 124.

Downtown Far Rockaway Redevelopment Project

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per second. One cycle per second is known as 1 Hertz (“Hz”). People can hear over a relatively limited range of sound frequencies, generally between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, and the human ear does not perceive all frequencies equally well. High frequencies (e.g., a whistle) are more easily discernible and therefore more intrusive than many of the lower frequencies (e.g., the lower notes on the French horn).

“A”-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL (DBA)

In order to establish a uniform noise measurement that simulates people’s perception of loudness and annoyance, the decibel measurement is weighted to account for those frequencies most audible to the human ear. This is known as the A-weighted sound level, or “dBA,” and it is the descriptor of noise levels most often used for community noise. As shown in Table 17-1, the threshold of human hearing is defined as 0 dBA; very quiet conditions (as in a library, for example) are approximately 40 dBA; levels between 50 dBA and 70 dBA define the range of noise levels generated by normal daily activity; levels above 70 dBA would be considered noisy, and then loud, intrusive, and deafening as the scale approaches 130 dBA.

Table 17-1 Common Noise Levels

Sound Source (dBA) Military jet, air raid siren 130 Amplified rock music 110 Jet takeoff at 500 meters 100 Freight train at 30 meters 95 Train horn at 30 meters 90 Heavy truck at 15 meters 80–90 Busy city street, loud shout 80 Busy traffic intersection 70–80 Highway traffic at 15 meters, train 70 Predominantly industrial area 60 Light car traffic at 15 meters, city or commercial areas, or residential areas close to industry 50–60 Background noise in an office 50 Suburban areas with medium-density transportation 40–50 Public library 40 Soft whisper at 5 meters 30 Threshold of hearing 0 Note: A 10 dBA increase in level appears to double the loudness, and a 10 dBA decrease halves the apparent

loudness. Sources: Cowan, James P. Handbook of Environmental Acoustics, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1994. Egan, M.

David, Architectural Acoustics. McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1988.

In considering these values, it is important to note that the dBA scale is logarithmic, meaning that each increase of 10 dBA describes a doubling of perceived loudness. Thus, the background noise in an office, at 50 dBA, is perceived as twice as loud as a library at 40 dBA. For most people to perceive an increase in noise, it must be at least 3 dBA. At 5 dBA, the change will be readily noticeable.

NOISE DESCRIPTORS USED IN IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Because the sound pressure level unit of dBA describes a noise level at just one moment and very few noises are constant, other ways of describing noise over extended periods have been developed. One way of describing fluctuating sound is to describe the fluctuating noise heard

Chapter 17: Noise

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over a specific time period as if it had been a steady, unchanging sound. For this condition, a descriptor called the “equivalent sound level,” Leq, can be computed. Leq is the constant sound level that, in a given situation and time period (e.g., 1 hour, denoted by Leq(1), or 24 hours, denoted as Leq(24)), conveys the same sound energy as the actual time-varying sound. Statistical sound level descriptors such as L1, L10, L50, L90, and Lx, are used to indicate noise levels that are exceeded 1, 10, 50, 90 and x percent of the time, respectively.

The relationship between Leq and levels of exceedance is worth noting. Because Leq is defined in energy rather than straight numerical terms, it is not simply related to the levels of exceedance. If the noise fluctuates very little, Leq will approximate L50 or the median level. If the noise fluctuates broadly, the Leq will be approximately equal to the L10 value. If extreme fluctuations are present, the Leq will exceed L90 or the background level by 10 or more decibels. Thus the relationship between Leq and the levels of exceedance will depend on the character of the noise. In community noise measurements, it has been observed that the Leq is generally between L10 and L50. For purposes of the Proposed Actions, the L10 descriptor has been selected as the noise descriptor to be used in this noise impact evaluation. The 1-hour L10 is the noise descriptor used in the CEQR Technical Manual noise exposure guidelines for city environmental impact review classification.

C. NOISE STANDARDS AND CRITERIA

NEW YORK CEQR TECHNICAL MANUAL NOISE STANDARDS

The CEQR Technical Manual sets external noise exposure standards; these standards are shown in Table 17-2. Noise exposure is classified into four categories: acceptable, marginally acceptable, marginally unacceptable, and clearly unacceptable.

The CEQR Technical Manual defines attenuation requirements for buildings based on exterior noise level (see Table 17-3). Recommended noise attenuation values for buildings are designed to maintain interior noise levels of 45 dBA or lower for residential or community facility uses and 50 dBA or lower for retail or office uses, and are determined based on exterior L10(1) noise levels.


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Table 17-2 Noise Exposure Guidelines For Use in City Environmental Impact Review

Receptor Type Time

Period

Acceptable General External

Exposure

Airp

ort3

Expo

sure

Marginally Acceptable

General External

Exposure

Airp

ort3

Expo

sure

Marginally Unacceptable

General External

Exposure

Airp

ort3

Expo

sure

Clearly Unacceptable

General External

Exposure

Airp

ort3

Expo

sure

Outdoor area requiring serenity and quiet2

L10 ≤ 55 dBA

------

---- L

dn ≤

60

dBA

------

----

NA NA NA NA NA NA

Hospital, nursing home L10 ≤ 55 dBA 55 < L10 ≤ 65 dBA

------

---- 6

0 <

Ldn ≤

65 d

BA --

------

--

65 < L10 ≤ 80 dBA

(i) 6

5 <

Ldn ≤

70 d

BA, (

II) 7

0 ≤

Ldn

L10 > 80 dBA

------

---- L

dn ≤

75

dBA

------

---- Residence, residential hotel, or

motel 7 AM to 10 PM

L10 ≤ 65 dBA 65 < L10 ≤ 70 dBA

70 < L10 ≤ 80 dBA

L10 > 80 dBA

10 PM to 7 AM

L10 ≤ 55 dBA 55 < L10 ≤ 70 dBA

70 < L10 ≤ 80 dBA

L10 > 80 dBA

School, museum, library, court, house of worship, transient hotel or motel, public meeting room, auditorium, outpatient public health facility

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Commercial or office Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Same as Residential

Day (7 AM-10 PM)

Industrial, public areas only4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Note 4 Notes: (i) In addition, any new activity shall not increase the ambient noise level by 3 dBA or more; (ii) CEQR Technical Manual noise criteria for

train noise are similar to the above aircraft noise standards: the noise category for train noise is found by taking the Ldn value for such train noise to be an Ly

dn (Ldn contour) value. Table Notes: 1 Measurements and projections of noise exposures are to be made at appropriate heights above site boundaries as given by American

National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards; all values are for the worst hour in the time period. 2 Tracts of land where serenity and quiet are extraordinarily important and serve an important public need, and where the preservation of

these qualities is essential for the area to serve its intended purpose. Such areas could include amphitheaters, particular parks or portions of parks, or open spaces dedicated or recognized by appropriate local officials for activities requiring special qualities of serenity and quiet. Examples are grounds for ambulatory hospital patients and patients and residents of sanitariums and nursing homes.

3 One may use FAA-approved Ldn contours supplied by the Port Authority, or the noise contours may be computed from the federally approved INM Computer Model using flight data supplied by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

4 External Noise Exposure standards for industrial areas of sounds produced by industrial operations other than operating motor vehicles or other transportation facilities are spelled out in the New York City Zoning Resolution, Sections 42-20 and 42-21. The referenced standards apply to M1, M2, and M3 manufacturing districts and to adjoining residence districts (performance standards are octave band standards).

Source: New York City Department of Environmental Protection (adopted policy 1983).

Table 17-3 Required Attenuation Values to Achieve Acceptable Interior Noise Levels

Marginally Unacceptable Clearly Unacceptable Noise Level With Proposed Actions

70 < L10 ≤ 73 73 < L10 ≤ 76 76 < L10 ≤ 78 78 < L10 ≤ 80 80 < L10

AttenuationA (I)

28 dB(A) (II)

31 dB(A) (III)

33 dB(A) (IV)

35 dB(A) 36 + (L10 – 80 )B dB(A) Notes: A The above composite window-wall attenuation values are for residential dwellings. Retail and office spaces

would be 5 dB(A) less in each category. All the above categories require a closed window situation and hence an alternate means of ventilation.

B Required attenuation values increase by 1 dB(A) increments for L10 values greater than 80 dBA. Source: New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Chapter 17: Noise

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D. EXISTING NOISE LEVELS

SELECTION OF NOISE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS

A total of 15 receptor locations within the Project Area were selected for evaluation of noise attenuation requirements. These locations are detailed below in Table 17-4 and shown in Figure 17-1. The receptor locations were selected based on the following criteria: (1) locations near development sites; and (2) to provide comprehensive geographic coverage throughout the study area to get an accurate picture of the ambient noise environment.

Table 17-4 Noise Receptor Locations

Noise Receptor Location Duration Development Sites

1 Central Avenue between Bayport and Foam Place 20-minute

Proposed DFRURA (along Central Avenue); Projected Development Sites 13, 14, 15 (east and south façades), 16 (east façade); Potential Development Sites G, H (east façade)

2 Brunswick Avenue, north of Nameoke Avenue 20-minute Projected Development Site 17 (north and east façades)

3 On Nameoke Avenue next to LIRR station 24-hour

Proposed DFRURA (along Nameoke Avenue); DSNY Disposition Site; Projected Development Sites 15 (north façade), 17 (south and west façades); Potential Development Site H (north, west, and south façades)

4 Redfern Avenue and Hassock Street 20-minute Proposed DFRURA (along Redfern Avenue)

5 Beach Channel Drive between Dix and Mott Avenues 20-minute

Projected Development Sites 1, 2 (north, south, and west façades); Potential Development Sites A, B (south and west façades), D (north, south and west façades)

6 Redfern Avenue between Dix and Mott Avenues 20-minute

Proposed DFRURA (along Redfern Avenue); Projected Development Site 2 (north, east, and south façades); Potential Development Site D (north, east, and south façades)

7 Mott Avenue between Beach 22nd and Beach 21st Streets 20-minute

Proposed DFRURA (along Mott Avenue); Projected Development Site 10 (east, south and west façades); Potential Development Sites B (north and east façades), C (north and west façade), F (north façade), I (south façade)

8 Elevated location on Beach 22nd Street by MTA Far Rockaway – Mott Ave Subway Station 60-minute

Projected Development Site 3; Potential Development Site C (east and south façades)

9 Beach 21st Street between Mott and Cornaga Avenues 20-minute Projected Development Sites 4, 5; DOT/MTA Disposition Site

10 Beach 20th Street between Mott and Cornaga Avenues 20-minute Projected Development Site 6 (west façade)

11 Beach 19th Street Between Mott and Cornaga Avenues 20-minute

Projected Development Sites 6 (north and east façades), 7; Potential Development Site F (east, south, and west façades)

12 Southwest corner of intersection of Cornaga Avenue and Beach 19th Street 20-minute

Projected Development Sites 6 (south façade), 8; Potential Development Site E

13 Mott Avenue between Cornaga Avenue and Gateway Boulevard 20-minute Projected Development Site 9

14 Intersection of Foam Place and Smith Place 20-minute

Projected Development Sites 10 (north façade), 11, 12; Potential Development Site I (north, east, and west façades)

15 Augustina Avenue and Bayport Place 20-minute

Projected Development Sites 15 (west façade), 16 (north, west, and south façades), Proposed DFRURA (interior façades and along Augustina Avenue)

NOISE MONITORING

At each receptor location, existing noise levels were determined by field measurements. Noise monitoring was performed on June 15, June 16, and June 21, 2016. At receptor location 8, located adjacent to the elevated New York City Transit (NYCT) A train, a 1-hour duration measurement was conducted during each time period. At receptor location 3, located adjacent to

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Figure 17-1

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Note: Projected/potential site boundaries illustrate the extent of the enitre tax lot/s that would contribute to total development area.

Actual projected/potnetial development footprints may be differently shaped.

This figure has been revised for the FEIS


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the at-grade LIRR station, a 24-hour continuous noise measurement was conducted. At all other receptor locations, 20-minute duration measurements were conducted. All measurements were performed during the weekday peak periods—AM (7:00 to 9:00 AM), midday (MD) (12:00 to 2:00 PM), and PM (4:30 to 6:30 PM).

EQUIPMENT USED DURING NOISE MONITORING

Measurements were performed using three Brüel & Kjær Type 2260 Sound Level Meters (SLMs), two Brüel & Kjær Type 2250 SLMs, five Brüel & Kjær Type 4189 ½-inch microphones, and four Brüel & Kjær Type 4231 Sound Level Calibrators. The Brüel & Kjær SLMs are Type 1 instruments according to ANSI Standard S1.4-1983 (R2006). The SLMs have a laboratory calibration date within the past one year at the time of use. At receptor location 8, the microphone was mounted on a pole approximately 12 feet above grade. At all other locations, the microphones were mounted at a height of approximately five feet above the ground surface on a tripod and approximately six feet or more away from any large sound-reflecting surface to avoid major interference with sound propagation. The SLM was calibrated before and after readings with a Brüel & Kjær Type 4231 Sound Level Calibrator using the appropriate adaptor. The data were digitally recorded by the SLMs and displayed at the end of the measurement period in units of dBA. Measured quantities included the Leq, L1, L10, L50, and L90. Windscreens were used during all sound measurements except for calibration. All mea-surement procedures were based on the guidelines outlined in ANSI Standard S1.13-2005.

EXISTING NOISE LEVELS AT NOISE RECEPTOR LOCATIONS

MEASURED NOISE LEVELS

The results of the measurements of existing noise levels are summarized in Table 17-5 and Table 17-6. Roadway traffic was the dominant noise source for all receptor locations, with contribution from overhead aircraft. Noise levels are moderate to relatively high, and reflect the level of vehicular activity present on the adjacent roadways and the amount of air traffic overhead.

In terms of CEQR Technical Manual criteria, receptor locations 2, 4, 8, 11, 13, 14, and 15 are in the “marginally acceptable” category and receptor locations 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 12 are in the “marginally unacceptable” category.

Chapter 17: Noise

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Table 17-5 Existing Noise Levels (in dBA)

Receptor Measurement Location Time Leq L1 L10 L50 L90

1 Central Avenue between Bayport and Foam Place

AM 68.0 77.7 71.2 64.8 58.8 MD 68.2 79.2 71.0 63.6 58.0 PM 69.7 81.7 72.2 65.1 59.2

2 Brunswick Avenue, north of Nameoke Avenue

AM 60.0 70.9 62.9 55.5 51.9 MD 66.3 80.0 68.4 52.5 49.2 PM 63.2 75.3 66.4 57.0 53.0

4 Redfern Avenue and Hassock Street

AM 67.3 77.0 68.5 61.4 56.1 MD 65.4 78.0 68.0 58.0 52.0 PM 67.9 77.2 69.5 61.7 54.9

5 Beach Channel Drive between Dix and Mott Avenues

AM 71.9 82.0 74.5 67.9 62.5 MD 72.4 82.1 74.4 70.0 64.4 PM 71.9 82.3 74.4 68.3 62.8

6 Redfern Avenue between Dix and Mott Avenues

AM 66.5 77.6 68.2 60.7 57.3 MD 67.1 78.6 70.4 60.1 56.9 PM 66.3 76.7 68.7 62.0 58.1

7 Mott Avenue between Beach 22nd and Beach 21st Streets

AM 69.8 79.9 73.2 66.3 63.6 MD 69.6 79.9 72.0 66.2 63.9 PM 72.2 82.4 75.1 66.8 62.8

8 Elevated location on Beach 22nd Street by MTA Far Rockaway – Mott Ave Subway Station

AM 63.4 70.4 66.4 61.6 55.9 MD 67.1 77.6 69.1 64.6 57.0 PM 66.1 77.5 67.8 61.5 56.7

9 Beach 21st Street between Mott and Cornaga Avenues

AM 68.2 78.7 71.1 63.2 58.0 MD 66.9 78.5 70.3 59.6 54.3 PM 68.1 79.2 71.0 61.5 55.5

10 Beach 20th Street between Mott and Cornaga Avenues

AM 68.1 79.7 71.1 62.4 55.7 MD 72.7 83.2 70.4 62.4 56.4 PM 71.1 80.8 71.1 65.1 58.6

11 Beach 19th Street Between Mott and Cornaga Avenues

AM 63.9 74.2 66.0 58.5 54.0 MD 60.6 73.2 62.9 54.8 51.0 PM 67.4 81.5 67.0 57.3 53.2

12 Southwest corner of intersection of Cornaga Avenue and Beach 19th Street

AM 71.3 82.4 75.9 65.0 59.5 MD 73.9 82.6 75.3 65.0 58.3 PM 71.2 82.1 74.4 64.4 59.5

13 Mott Avenue between Cornaga Avenue and Gateway Boulevard

AM 63.3 72.1 65.6 59.6 56.3 MD 61.5 70.1 64.1 59.7 55.9 PM 64.7 75.7 67.1 61.1 58.1

14 Intersection of Foam Place and Smith Place

AM 59.6 69.5 61.6 55.3 52.4 MD 64.4 76.6 66.2 55.0 50.8 PM 64.1 77.9 64.9 55.3 53.0

15 Augustina Avenue and Bayport Place

AM 60.5 72.0 59.5 55.7 54.3 MD 67.8 78.6 69.8 55.4 53.4 PM 63.1 77.5 64.2 56.5 53.9

Notes: (1) Field measurements were performed by AKRF, Inc. on June 15, June 16, and June 21, 2016.


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Table 17-6 Existing Noise Levels at Receptor 3 - Nameoke Ave next to LIRR (in dBA)

Start Time Leq L1 L10 L50 L90 10:00 AM 64.6 76.5 66.3 58.8 53.8 11:00 AM 62.7 72.8 65.9 58.2 53.2

12:00 PM(1) 62.7 73.5 65.7 57.8 52.8 1:00 PM 66.7 78.4 68.8 58.9 52.5 2:00 PM 68.6 79.4 71.0 61.4 54.4 3:00 PM 67.5 78.2 71.0 62.5 55.7 4:00 PM 68.7 79.9 71.3 62.8 55.7

5:00 PM(2) 69.6 80.1 73.7 64.0 56.2 6:00 PM 69.2 80.5 72.8 62.3 54.5 7:00 PM 68.5 81.4 69.3 61.4 54.8 8:00 PM 69.0 80.7 71.6 60.9 55.2 9:00 PM 69.3 81.7 68.1 57.9 54.6 10:00 PM 59.5 68.2 62.8 56.0 53.5 11:00 PM 59.4 70.4 61.5 55.0 51.5 12:00 AM 57.6 67.0 59.2 55.9 51.4 1:00 AM 58.6 66.2 59.9 57.8 54.6 2:00 AM 58.5 64.9 58.8 58.1 56.8 3:00 AM 59.6 66.2 61.9 58.3 57.4 4:00 AM 58.3 65.8 59.1 57.1 56.5 5:00 AM 58.1 67.7 60.2 56.4 49.9 6:00 AM 62.1 72.5 65.1 57.0 53.5

7:00 AM(3) 66.8 76.5 69.0 63.4 55.1 8:00 AM 62.6 71.6 65.6 58.7 53.9 9:00 AM 67.9 79.5 70.0 61.7 54.3

Notes: Field measurements were performed by AKRF, Inc. June 15 and 16, 2016. 1. Hourly values used to represent midday (MD) peak time period 2. Hourly values used to represent PM peak time period 3. Hourly values used to represent AM peak time period

E. NOISE PREDICTION METHODOLOGY

GENERAL METHODOLOGY

Future noise levels (including in the future without the Proposed Actions and the future with the Proposed Actions) were calculated using a proportional modeling technique, which was used as a screening tool to estimate changes in noise levels. The proportional modeling technique is an analysis methodology recommended for analysis purposes in the CEQR Technical Manual. The noise analysis examined the weekday AM, midday (MD), and PM peak hours at all receptor locations. The selected time periods are when the Proposed Project would be expected to produce the maximum traffic generation (based on the traffic studies presented in Chapter 14, “Transportation”) and therefore result in the maximum potential for significant adverse noise impacts. The proportional modeling used for the noise analysis is described below.

PROPORTIONAL MODELING

Proportional modeling was used to determine locations with the potential for having significant noise impacts. Proportional modeling is one of the techniques recommended in the CEQR Technical Manual for mobile source analysis.

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Using this technique, the prediction of future noise levels where traffic is the dominant noise source is based on a calculation using measured existing noise levels and predicted changes in traffic volumes to determine No Action condition and With Action condition noise levels. Vehicular traffic volumes are converted into Noise Passenger Car Equivalent (Noise PCE) values, for which one medium-duty truck (having a gross weight between 9,900 and 26,400 pounds) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 13 cars, and one heavy-duty truck (having a gross weight of more than 26,400 pounds) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 47 cars, and one bus (vehicles designed to carry more than nine passengers) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 18 cars. Future noise levels are calculated using the following equation:

F NL - E NL = 10 * log10 (F PCE / E PCE)

where:

F NL = Future Noise Level

E NL = Existing Noise Level

F PCE = Future Noise PCEs

E PCE = Existing Noise PCEs

Sound levels are measured in decibels and therefore increase logarithmically with sound source strength. In this case, the sound source is traffic volumes measured in Noise PCEs. For example, assume that traffic is the dominant noise source at a particular location. If the existing traffic volume on a street is 100 PCE and if the future traffic volume were increased by 50 PCE to a total of 150 PCE, the noise level would increase by 1.8 dBA. Similarly, if the future traffic were increased by 100 PCE, or doubled to a total of 200 PCE, the noise level would increase by 3.0 dBA.

F. THE FUTURE WITHOUT THE PROPOSED ACTIONS Using the methodology previously described, No Action condition noise levels were calculated at the 15 mobile source noise analysis receptors for the 2032 analysis year. These No Action values are shown in Table 17-7.

By 2032, the maximum increase in Leq(1) noise levels for the No Action condition would be 0.9 dBA or less at the mobile source noise analysis receptors. Changes of this magnitude would be imperceptible. In terms of CEQR noise exposure guidelines, noise levels at receptor locations 2, 4, 8, 11, 13, and 14, and 15 are in the “marginally acceptable” category, and noise levels at receptor locations 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12, and 15 are in the “marginally unacceptable” category.


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Table 17-7 2032 No Action Condition Noise Levels (in dBA)

Receptor Location Time Existing

Leq(1) No Action

Leq(1) Leq(1)

Change No Action

L10(1)


AM 68.0 68.368.3 0.30.3 71.571.5 MD 68.2 68.768.8 0.50.6 71.571.6 PM 69.7 70.070.1 0.30.4 72.572.6

2 Brunswick Avenue, north of Nameoke Avenue

AM 60.0 60.260.2 0.20.2 63.163.1 MD 66.3 66.966.9 0.60.6 69.069.0 PM 63.2 63.463.4 0.20.2 66.666.6

3 On Nameoke Avenue next to LIRR station AM 66.8 67.067.0 0.20.2 69.269.2 MD 62.7 63.663.6 0.90.9 66.666.6 PM 69.6 69.869.8 0.20.2 73.973.9

4 Redfern Avenue and Hassock Street AM 67.3 67.567.5 0.20.2 68.768.7 MD 65.4 65.665.6 0.20.2 68.268.2 PM 67.9 68.168.1 0.20.2 69.769.7


AM 71.9 72.172.1 0.20.2 74.774.7 MD 72.4 72.672.6 0.20.2 74.674.6 PM 71.9 72.172.1 0.20.2 74.674.6

6 Redfern Avenue between Dix and Mott Avenues

AM 66.5 66.566.5 0.00.0 68.268.2 MD 67.1 67.367.3 0.20.2 70.670.6 PM 66.3 66.566.5 0.20.2 68.968.9


AM 69.8 69.870.0 0.00.2 73.273.4 MD 69.6 70.170.2 0.50.6 72.572.6 PM 72.2 72.272.5 0.00.3 75.175.4


AM 63.4 63.363.6 -0.10.2 66.366.6 MD 67.1 66.967.3 -0.20.2 68.969.3 PM 66.1 65.866.3 -0.30.2 67.568.0


AM 68.2 68.768.7 0.50.5 71.671.6 MD 66.9 67.267.2 0.30.3 70.670.6 PM 68.1 68.468.4 0.30.3 71.371.3


AM 68.1 68.468.4 0.30.3 71.471.4 MD 72.7 73.073.0 0.30.3 70.770.7 PM 71.1 71.571.5 0.40.4 71.571.5


AM 63.9 64.164.1 0.20.2 66.266.2 MD 60.6 60.860.8 0.20.2 63.163.1 PM 67.4 67.667.6 0.20.2 67.267.2


AM 71.3 71.571.5 0.20.2 76.176.1 MD 73.9 74.574.5 0.60.6 75.975.9 PM 71.2 71.471.4 0.20.2 74.674.6


AM 63.3 63.563.5 0.20.2 65.865.8 MD 61.5 61.761.7 0.20.2 64.364.3 PM 64.7 64.964.9 0.20.2 67.367.3

14 Intersection of Foam Place and Smith Place AM 59.6 60.159.9 0.50.3 62.161.9 MD 64.4 64.664.6 0.20.2 66.466.4 PM 64.1 64.364.3 0.20.2 65.165.1

15 Augustina Avenue and Bayport Place AM 60.5 60.760.7 0.20.2 59.759.7 MD 67.8 68.768.7 0.90.9 70.770.7 PM 63.1 63.363.3 0.20.2 64.464.4

Note: Noise levels at all receptor locations were calculated by using proportional modeling.

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G. THE FUTURE WITH THE PROPOSED ACTIONS Using the methodology previously described, With Action condition noise levels were calculated at the 15 mobile source noise analysis receptors for the 2032 analysis year. These With Action values are shown in Table 17-8.

Table 17-8 2032 With Action Condition Noise Levels (in dBA)

Receptor Location Time No Action

Leq(1) With Action

Leq(1) Leq(1)

Change With Action

L10(1)


AM 71.568.3 68.768.7 0.40.4 71.971.9 MD 71.568.8 69.269.3 0.50.5 72.072.1 PM 72.570.1 70.670.7 0.60.6 73.173.2

2 Brunswick Avenue, north of Nameoke Avenue AM 63.160.2 61.061.1 0.80.9 63.964.0 MD 69.066.9 67.868.0 0.91.1 69.970.1 PM 66.663.4 64.564.7 1.11.3 67.767.9

3 On Nameoke Avenue next to LIRR station AM 69.267.0 66.766.7 -0.3-0.3 68.968.9 MD 66.663.6 63.463.3 -0.2-0.3 66.466.3 PM 73.969.8 69.869.6 0.0-0.2 73.973.7

4 Redfern Avenue and Hassock Street AM 68.767.5 68.168.1 0.60.6 69.369.3 MD 68.265.6 66.266.1 0.60.5 68.868.7 PM 69.768.1 69.068.9 0.90.8 70.670.5


AM 74.772.1 72.372.3 0.20.2 74.974.9 MD 74.672.6 72.972.9 0.30.3 74.974.9 PM 74.672.1 72.572.5 0.40.4 75.075.0

6 Redfern Avenue between Dix and Mott Avenues AM 68.266.5 67.867.8 1.31.3 69.569.5 MD 70.667.3 68.868.7 1.51.4 72.172.0 PM 68.966.5 68.268.2 1.71.7 70.670.6


AM 73.270.0 70.170.2 0.30.2 73.573.6 MD 72.570.2 70.870.9 0.70.7 73.273.3 PM 75.172.5 72.872.9 0.60.4 75.775.8


AM 66.363.6 63.663.8 0.30.2 66.666.8 MD 68.967.3 67.767.9 0.80.6 69.769.9 PM 67.566.3 66.666.7 0.80.4 68.368.4


AM 71.668.7 69.269.2 0.50.5 72.172.1 MD 70.667.2 67.867.8 0.60.6 71.271.2 PM 71.368.4 69.069.0 0.60.6 71.971.9


AM 71.468.4 68.668.6 0.20.2 71.671.6 MD 70.773.0 73.373.3 0.30.3 71.071.0 PM 71.571.5 72.172.1 0.60.6 72.172.1


AM 66.264.1 64.664.6 0.50.5 66.766.7 MD 63.160.8 61.461.4 0.60.6 63.763.7 PM 67.267.6 68.268.2 0.60.6 67.867.8


AM 76.171.5 71.671.6 0.10.1 76.276.2 MD 75.974.5 74.774.7 0.20.2 76.176.1 PM 74.671.4 71.671.6 0.20.2 74.874.8


AM 65.863.5 63.763.6 0.20.1 66.065.9 MD 64.361.7 62.462.3 0.70.6 65.064.9 PM 67.364.9 65.765.6 0.80.7 68.168.0

14 Intersection of Foam Place and Smith Place AM 62.159.9 60.460.2 0.30.3 62.462.2 MD 66.464.6 64.964.9 0.30.3 66.766.7 PM 65.164.3 64.664.6 0.30.3 65.465.4

15 Augustina Avenue and Bayport Place AM 59.760.7 62.162.2 1.41.5 61.161.2 MD 70.768.7 69.969.9 1.21.2 71.971.9 PM 64.463.3 65.765.7 2.42.4 66.866.8

Note: Noise levels at all receptor locations were calculated using proportional modeling.

By 2032, the maximum increase in Leq(1) noise levels for the With Action condition would be 2.4 dBA or less at all 20 mobile source noise analysis receptors. Changes of this magnitude would be considered imperceptible to “just noticeable” according to CEQR Technical Manual guidance and


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would fall below the CEQR threshold for a significant adverse noise impact. In terms of CEQR noise exposure guidelines, noise levels at receptor locations 2, 8, 11, 13, and 14 would remain in the “marginally acceptable” category, noise levels at receptor locations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 15 would remainare in the “marginally unacceptable” category. At receptor location 3, the predicted With Action condition noise levels are lower than the predicted No Action condition noise levels for the AM and MD time periods because Nameoke Avenue would become a one-way road between Redfern Avenue and Central Avenue in the With Action condition, resulting in a smaller volume of vehicular traffic on this roadway.

H. NOISE ATTENUATION MEASURES The CEQR Technical Manual has set noise attenuation requirements for buildings based on exterior L10(1) noise levels. Recommended noise attenuation values for buildings are designed to maintain interior noise levels of 45 dBA or lower for residential or community facility uses and 50 dBA or lower for retail and office uses.

Table 17-9 shows the minimum window/wall attenuation necessary to meet CEQR Technical Manual requirements for internal noise levels at each of the noise measurement locations. The With Action condition L10(1) noise levels were determined by adjusting the existing noise measurements to account for future increases in traffic with the Proposed Project based on the Noise PCE screening analysis results. The projected future L10(1) noise levels include the noise contribution from vehicular traffic as well as aircraft overflights. The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) published noise contour maps for nearby JFK and LaGuardia airports were also consulted in the consideration of aircraft noise and were found to be consistent with the measured noise levels. See Appendix MN for details.

Table 17-9 Required Attenuation at Noise Measurement Locations (in dBA)

Receptor Location

Highest With Action L10(1)

Value

Minimum Required

Attenuation 1 Central Avenue between Bayport and Foam Place 73.12 31 2 Brunswick Avenue, north of Nameoke Avenue 69.970.1 N/A28 3 On Nameoke Avenue next to LIRR station 73.97 31 4 Redfern Avenue and Hassock Street 70.65 28 5 Beach Channel Drive between Dix and Mott Avenues 75.0 31 6 Redfern Avenue between Dix and Mott Avenues 72.10 28 7 Mott Avenue between Beach 22nd and Beach 21st Streets 75.78 31

8 Elevated location on Beach 22nd Street by MTA Far Rockaway – Mott Ave Subway Station 69.79 N/A(1)

9 Beach 21st Street between Mott and Cornaga Avenues 72.1 28 10 Beach 20th Street between Mott and Cornaga Avenues 72.1 28 11 Beach 19th Street Between Mott and Cornaga Avenues 67.8 N/A(1)

12 Southwest corner of intersection of Cornaga Avenue and Beach 19th Street 76.2 33

13 Mott Avenue between Cornaga Avenue and Gateway Boulevard 68.10 N/A(1) 14 Intersection of Foam Place and Smith Place 66.7 N/A(1) 15 Augustina Avenue and Bayport Place 71.9 28

Note: Attenuation values are shown for residential or community facility uses; retail and office uses would require 5 dBA less attenuation.

1 “N/A” indicates that the highest calculated L10 is below 70 dBA. The CEQR Technical Manual does not specify minimum attenuation guidance for exterior L10 values below this level.

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Based on the values shown in Table 17-9, required attenuation levels were determined for all development sites. These values are shown in Table 17-10.

Table 17-10 Required Attenuation at Development Sites (in dBA)

Site Descriptor Block Lot(s) Façade(s) Representative Receptor Site

Minimum Required

Attenuation2 Projected Development Sites

Projected Site 1 15661 80 All 5 31

Projected Site 2 15528 9 North, South, West 5 31 East 6 28

Projected Site 3 15705 140 All 8 N/A1 Projected Site 4 15705 6, 78, 81, 84 All 9 28 Projected Site 5 15705 1, 88 All 9 28

Projected Site 6 15561 8, 10, 58 North and East 11 N/A1

West 10 28 South 12 33

Projected Site 7 15560 8 All 11 N/A1 Projected Site 8 15564 40, 42 All 12 33 Projected Site 9 15563 31, 40, 43 All 13 N/A1

Projected Site 10 15559 8 North 14 N/A1 East, South, West 7 31

Projected Site 11 15559 58 All 14 N/A1 Projected Site 12 15559 62 All 14 N/A1 Projected Site 13 15544 34 All 1 31 Projected Site 14 15543 43 All 1 31

Projected Site 15 15536 12, 15, 18, 22, 28

North 3 31 East, South 1 31

West 15 28

Projected Site 16 15536 6, 31 East 1 31 North, South, West 15 28

Projected Site 17 15529 161 North and East 2 N/A128 South and West 3 31

Projected Site 18 15574 36 All 13 N/A1

Projected Site 19 15535 11, 58, 59, 60, 61

East, North, South 1 31 West 2 N/A1

Potential Development Sites Potential Site A 15661 1 All 5 31

Potential Site B 15709 101 South and West 5 31 North and East 7 31

Potential Site C 15709 109 North and West 7 31 East and South 8 N/A1

Potential Site D 15528 5 North, South, West 5 31 South 6 28

Potential Site E 15564 45 All 12 33

Potential Site F 15561 34 North 7 31 East, South, West 11 N/A1

Potential Site G 15544 40 All 1 31

Potential Site H 15535 1 East 1 31 North, West, South 3 31

Potential Site I 15559 12, 54 South 7 31 North, East, West 14 N/A1

Disposition Sites DOT/MTA Disposition Site 15705 59, 69 All 9 28

DSNY Disposition Site 15534 70 All 3 31


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Table 17-10 (cont’d) Required Attenuation at Development Sites (in dBA)

Site Descriptor Block Lot(s) Façade(s) Representative Receptor Site

Minimum Required

Attenuation2 Proposed DFRURA

Proposed DFRURA

15529 9, 10 Along Nameoke Avenue, Central

Avenue, or Mott Avenue 1, 3, 7 31

All other façades 4, 6, 15 28

15537

1, 5, 40, 46, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 63, 65, 71, 79, 89, 92, 94, 99, 100, 112,

128, 130

Along Nameoke Avenue, Central Avenue, or Mott Avenue 1, 3, 7 31

All other façades 4, 6, 15 28

Notes: Projected Development Sites 3, 7, 9, 11, and 12 would have no minimum required facade attenuation. 1 “NA” indicates that the highest calculated L10 is below 70 dBA. The CEQR Technical Manual does not specify minimum attenuation

guidance for exterior L10 values below this level. 2. Attenuation values are shown for residential or community facility uses; retail and office uses would require 5 dBA less attenuation.

The attenuation requirements shown in Table 17-10 for the Disposition Sites would be included in LDAs for those Sites.

To implement the attenuation requirements at Projected and Potential Development Sites, as well as sites within the Proposed DFRURA that are currently privately owned, an (E) designation for noise would be applied specifying the appropriate amount of window/wall attenuation. The text of the (E) designation would be as follows:

To ensure an acceptable interior noise environment, the building façade(s) of future development on the Blocks and Lots shown in Table 17-10 must provide minimum composite building façade attenuation as shown in Table 17-10, in order to maintain an interior L10 noise level not greater than 45 dBA for residential and community facility uses or not greater than 50 dBA for commercial uses. To maintain a closed-window condition in these areas, an alternate means of ventilation that brings outside air into the building without degrading the acoustical performance of the building façade(s) must also be provided.

The attenuation of a composite structure is a function of the attenuation provided by each of its component parts and how much of the area is made up of each part. Normally, a building façade is composed of the wall, glazing, and any vents or louvers for HVAC systems in various ratios of area. Buildings proposed to be located on the (E) designated sites would be designed to provide a composite Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating greater than or equal to the attenuation requirements listed in Table 17-10. The OITC classification is defined by ASTM International (ASTM E1332-10) and provides a single-number rating that is used for designing a building façade including walls, doors, glazing, and combinations thereof. The OITC rating is designed to evaluate building elements by their ability to reduce the overall loudness of ground and air transportation noise.

By adhering to the design guidelines specified in LDAs and Noise (E) Designations described above, buildings to be developed as a result of the Proposed Actions would provide sufficient attenuation to achieve the CEQR Technical Manual interior noise level guidelines of 45 dBA L10 for residential or community facility uses and 50 dBA L10 for commercial uses.

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I. MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT It is assumed that the building mechanical systems (i.e., HVAC systems) would be designed to meet all applicable noise regulations (i.e., Subchapter 5, §24-227 of the New York City Noise Control Code, the New York City Department of Buildings Code) and to avoid producing levels that would result in any significant increase in ambient noise levels. Therefore, the Proposed Actions would not result in any significant adverse noise impacts related to building mechanical equipment.

chapter 17: noise a. introduction - new york...sources: cowan, james p. handbook of environmental...

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