City of Los Angeles 1020 S. Figueroa Street Project SCH No. 2016021013 4.G‐1 4. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS G. NOISE AND VIBRATION 1. INTRODUCTION This section analyzes potential noise and vibration impacts that would result from the Project. The analysis describes the existing noise environment in the Project area, estimates future noise and vibration levels at surrounding land uses resulting from construction and operation of the Project, and identifies the potential for significant impacts. An evaluation of the Project’s contribution to potential cumulative noise impacts is also provided. Noise worksheets and technical data used in this analysis are provided in Appendix G Noise and Vibration Technical Report, of this Draft EIR. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING a. Noise and Vibration Basics (1) Noise Noise is most often defined as unwanted sound. Although sound can be easily measured, the perceptibility of sound is subjective and the physical response to sound complicates the analysis of its impact on people. People judge the relative magnitude of sound sensation in subjective terms such as “noisiness” or “loudness.” Sound pressure magnitude is measured and quantified using a logarithmic ratio of pressures, the scale of which gives the level of sound in decibels (dB). The human hearing system is not equally sensitive to sound at all frequencies. Therefore, to approximate the human, frequency‐dependent response, the A‐weighted filter system is used to adjust measured sound levels. The A‐weighted sound level (dBA) de‐emphasizes low frequencies to which human hearing is less sensitive and focuses on mid‐ to high‐range frequencies. The range of human hearing is approximately 3 to 140 dBA, with 110 dBA considered intolerable or painful to the human ear. Another commonly used scale is the C‐weighted sound level (dBC), which includes low‐ frequency noise. In a non‐controlled environment, a change in sound level of 3 dB is considered “just perceptible,” a change in sound level of 5 dB is considered “clearly noticeable,” and a change in 10 dB is perceived as a doubling of sound volume. 1 A comparison of types of commonly experienced environmental noise is provided in Figure 4.G‐1, Common Noise Levels. Although the A‐weighted scale accounts for the range of people’s response, and is therefore commonly used to quantify individual event or general community sound levels, the degree of annoyance or other response effects also depends on several other factors. These factors include: Ambient (background) sound level; Magnitude of sound event with respect to the background noise level; Duration of the sound event; Number of event occurrences and their repetitiveness; and Time of day that the event occurs. 1 Engineering Noise Control, Bies & Hansen, 1988.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS G. NOISE AND VIBRATION
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Noiseismostoftendefinedasunwantedsound.Althoughsoundcanbeeasilymeasured,theperceptibilityofsound is subjective and the physical response to sound complicates the analysis of its impact on people.Peoplejudgetherelativemagnitudeofsoundsensationinsubjectivetermssuchas“noisiness”or“loudness.”Soundpressuremagnitude ismeasuredandquantifiedusinga logarithmic ratioofpressures, the scaleofwhichgivesthelevelofsoundindecibels(dB).Thehumanhearingsystemisnotequallysensitivetosoundat all frequencies. Therefore, to approximate the human, frequency‐dependent response, the A‐weightedfiltersystemisusedtoadjustmeasuredsoundlevels.TheA‐weightedsoundlevel(dBA)de‐emphasizeslowfrequencies towhichhumanhearing is less sensitive and focusesonmid‐ tohigh‐range frequencies. Therangeofhumanhearingisapproximately3to140dBA,with110dBAconsideredintolerableorpainful tothe human ear. Another commonly used scale is the C‐weighted sound level (dBC),which includes low‐frequency noise. In a non‐controlled environment, a change in sound level of 3 dB is considered “justperceptible,” a change in sound level of 5 dB is considered “clearly noticeable,” and a change in 10dB isperceivedas adoublingof soundvolume.1A comparisonof typesof commonlyexperiencedenvironmentalnoiseisprovidedinFigure4.G‐1,CommonNoiseLevels.
Inanoutdoorenvironment,soundlevelsattenuatewithdistance.Suchattenuationiscalled“distanceloss”or “geometric spreading” and is influenced by the noise source configuration (i.e., point source or linesource).Forapointsource,suchasstationaryequipment,therateofsoundattenuationisusually6dBperdoublingofdistancefromthenoisesourceaturban,acoustically“hard”sites,orhighlyacousticallyreflectivesettingsthatpreservesoundenergy(water,asphalt,andconcrete).Withinsuchenvironments,asoundlevelof50dBAatadistanceof25feetfromthenoisesourcewouldattenuateto44dBAatadistanceof50feet.Foralinesourcewithinanacousticallyhardenvironment,suchasaroadwaywithaconstantflowoftraffic,therateofsoundattenuation is3dBperdoublingofdistance.2 Inaddition,structures(e.g.,buildingsandsolidwalls)andnaturaltopography(e.g.,hills)thatobstructtheline‐of‐sightbetweenanoisesourceandareceptorfurtherreducethenoiselevelifthereceptorislocatedwithinthe“shadow”oftheobstruction,suchasbehindasoundwall.Thistypeofsoundattenuationisknownas“barrierinsertionloss.”Ifareceptorislocatedbehindthewallbutstillhasaviewofthesource(i.e., line‐of‐sightnotfullyblocked),somebarrierinsertionlosswouldstilloccur,buttoalesserextent. Areceptorlocatedonthesamesideofthewallasanoisesourcemayactuallyexperienceanincreaseintheperceivednoiselevelasthewallreflectsnoisebacktothereceptor,therebycompoundingthenoise. Noisebarrierscanprovidenoiselevelreductionsrangingfromapproximately5dBA(wherethebarrierjustbreakstheline‐of‐sightbetweenthesourceandreceiver)upto20dBAwithamoresubstantialbarrier.3
Community noise levels usually change continuously during the day. The equivalent sound level (Leq) isnormallyusedtodescribecommunitynoise. TheLeqistheequivalentsteady‐stateA‐weightedsoundlevelthatwouldcontainthesameacousticalenergyasthetime‐varyingA‐weightedsoundlevelduringthesametimeinterval.Forintermittentnoisesources,themaximumnoiselevel(Lmax)isnormallyusedtorepresentthe maximum noise level measured during the measurement. Maximum and minimum noise levels, ascomparedtotheLeq,areafunctionofthecharacteristicsofthenoisesource.Asanexample,sourcessuchasgeneratorshavemaximumandminimumnoise levels that are similar to Leq sincenoise levels for steady‐statenoisesourcesdonotsubstantiallyfluctuate.However,asanotherexample,vehicularnoiselevelsalonglocalroadwaysresultinsubstantiallydifferentminimumandmaximumnoiselevelswhencomparedtotheLeqsincenoiselevelsfluctuateduringpass‐byevents. TheCityofLosAngeles(City)NoiseOrdinanceusestheLeqfortheevaluationofnoiseviolations.
To assess noise levels over a given 24‐hour time period, the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)descriptor isused in landuseplanning. CNELis thetimeaverageofallA‐weightedsoundlevels fora24‐hourperiodwitha10dBAadjustment(upward)addedtothesoundlevelswhichoccurinthenight(10:00P.M. to7:00A.M.)anda5dBAadjustment (upward)added to thesound levelswhichoccur in theevening(7:00P.M.to10:00P.M.).Thesepenaltiesattempttoaccountforincreasedhumansensitivitytonoiseduringthequieternighttimeperiods,particularlywheresleepisthemostprobableactivity.CNELhasbeenadoptedbytheStateofCaliforniatodefinethecommunitynoiseenvironmentfordevelopmentofacommunitynoiseelementofaGeneralPlanand isalsoused for landuseplanning in theCity’sGeneralPlanNoiseElement(NoiseElement).4
Vibrationisanoscillatorymotionthroughasolidmediuminwhichthemotion’samplitudecanbedescribedin termsof displacement, velocity, or acceleration. The responseof humans,buildings, andequipment tovibration is more accurately described using velocity or acceleration.5 Vibration amplitudes are usuallydescribedintermsofpeaklevels,asinpeakparticlevelocity(PPV).Thepeaklevelrepresentsthemaximuminstantaneouspeakofthevibrationsignal.Inaddition,vibrationscanbemeasuredinthevertical,horizontallongitudinal,orhorizontaltransversedirections.Groundvibrationsaremostoftengreatest,andcandamagebuildings,whentheypropagateintheverticaldirection.6Therefore,theanalysisofground‐bornevibrationassociated with the Project was evaluated in the vertical direction. Typically, ground‐borne vibrationgeneratedbyman‐madeactivitiesattenuatesrapidlywithdistancefromthesourceofthevibration. Man‐madevibrationissuesarethereforeusuallyconfinedtoshortdistancesfromthesource(i.e.,50feetorless).
b. Existing Conditions
(1) Noise‐Sensitive Receptor Locations
Some land uses are considered more sensitive to noise than others due to noise exposure and types ofactivities conductednear thenoise‐sensitive receptor location. TheL.A.CEQAThresholdsGuidestates thatresidences, schools,motelsandhotels, libraries, religious institutions,hospitals,nursinghomes,andparksaregenerallymoresensitivetonoisethancommercialandindustriallanduses.Existingnoise‐sensitiveusesinthevicinityoftheProjectSitearesummarizedbelow:
LA LIVE: Sensitive land uses includeMicrosoft Plaza, the Ritz‐Carlton Hotel, and the Ritz‐CarltonResidences.Theseusesare locatedacrossfromS.FigueroaStreet,westof theProjectSite(rangingfrom240to600feetfromtheboundariesoftheProjectSite).
Multi‐FamilyResidentialDwellings:Severalhighrisemixed‐useresidentialbuildingsare locatedtothe north of the Project Site across fromW. Olympic Boulevard. Mid‐ and high‐rise multi‐familyresidential are also located east of the Project Site fronting S. Flower Street. Existing high‐riseresidential buildings are located approximately300 feet south of theProject Site across from11thStreet.
Future Residential Uses: Mixed‐use project that incorporates residential uses at the proposedOlympic Tower project. The proposed project is not currently under construction and is locatedapproximately140feetnorthoftheProjectSite.
Allothernoise‐sensitiveusesregulatedbytheCityarelocatedatgreaterdistancesfromtheProjectSite,andwouldbenotbeimpactedbypotentialProjectnoise.Thefollowingimpactsarequantifiedonlyfortheabovedescribed sensitive uses. The Noise Monitoring Locations are shown onFigure4.G‐2,NoiseMonitoringLocations.5 FederalTransitAdministration,TransitNoiseandVibrationImpactAssessment,page7‐3,May2006.6 CaliforniaDepartmentofTransportation(Caltrans),TransportationRelatedEarthborneVibrations,page4,February2002.
The predominant existing noise sources in the Project vicinity include roadway noise from W. OlympicBoulevard to thenorth, S. Figueroa Street to thewest, S. Flower Street to the east, and11th Street to thesouth. Secondarynoisesourcesincludeactivitiesrelatedtotheoperationofcommercialbusinessesintheareaandincludeloadingarea/deliverytruckactivities,trashcompaction,andrefusecollection.
Ambient noise measurements were conducted at seven locations representing the residential sensitivereceptors and hotel uses in the immediate Project vicinity, as indicated on Figure 4.G‐2, from Thursday,January 14, through Tuesday, January 19, 2016. The receptors are described below. Both long‐term andshort‐termmeasurementswereconducted. Long‐termmeasurementswereconductedat locationsR2andR3, on the Project Site’s property line, for four days, and short‐term (15‐minute) measurements wererecordedatlocationsR1,andfromR4throughR7.
TheambientnoisemeasurementswereconductedusingtheLarson‐Davis820Precision IntegratedSoundLevelMeter(SLM).TheLarson‐Davis820SLMisaType1standardinstrumentasdefinedintheAmericanNationalStandardInstituteS1.4. Allinstrumentswerecalibratedandoperatedaccordingtotheapplicablemanufacturerspecification. Themicrophonewasplacedataheightof5 feetabove the localgrade,at thefollowinglocationsasshowninFigure4.G‐2:
MeasurementLocationR3: This location represents theexistingnoise environmentof theProjectSiteandmulti‐familyresidentialusesacrossS.FlowerStreetsoutheastoftheProjectSite.ThesoundlevelmeterwasplacedonsoutheasterncorneroftheProjectSitealongS.FlowerStreet.
Measurement Location R4: This location represents the existing noise environment of themulti‐family residential uses on the northeastern corner ofW. Olympic Boulevard and S. Flower Street.The sound level meter was placed along S. Flower Street in front of the multi‐family residentialbuilding.
MeasurementLocationR5: This locationrepresentstheexistingnoiseenvironmentof theexistinghotel uses on the northwestern corner of W. Olympic Boulevard and S. Figueroa Street and theproposedOlympicTowerproject(mixed‐useresidentialdevelopment). Thesoundlevelmeterwasplaced along S. Figueroa Street near the existing hotel building and the east side of the proposedOlympicTowerprojectsite.
MeasurementLocationR6: This locationrepresentstheexistingnoiseenvironmentof theexistingmulti‐familyresidentialusesandfutureresidential/hotelusestothesouthoftheProjectSite. ThesoundlevelmeterwasplacedalongS.FlowerStreetinfrontofthemulti‐familyresidentialbuilding.
A
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Olympic Boulevard
W 11th Street
W 12th Street
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Staples Center
MicrosoftTheater
LA LIVE
LA LIVE
The Ritz-Carlton Residences and
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Construction
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Multi-Family
Salvation ArmyDepartment
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ProposedMixed Use/Multi-family
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FIGURE
Source: Google Maps, 2015 (Aerial); PCR Services Corporation, 2016.
Measurement Location R7: This location represents the existing noise environment of the Ritz‐CarltonHotelandtheRitz‐CarltonResidenceswestof theProjectSite. Thesound levelmeterwasplacedalongW.OlympicBoulevardinfrontoftheRitz‐CarltonHotelandtheRitz‐CarltonResidences.
CNELlevelsforeachroadwaysegmentintheProjectvicinitywerecalculatedusinganoisepredictionmodelwhich was developed based on methodologies provided in the California Department of Transportation
Table 4.G‐1
Summary of Ambient Noise Measurements
Location, Duration, Existing Land Uses and, Date of Measurements
a Detailed measured noise data, including hourly Leq levels, are included in Appendix G b Daytime Noise Measurement c Nighttime Noise Measurement Source: PCR Services Corporation 2016.
(Caltrans) Technical Noise Supplement (TeNS) document and traffic data provided by the Project trafficconsultant. The roadwaynoise calculationproceduresprovided in theCaltransTeNSare consistentwithFederalHighwayAdministrationRD‐77‐108 roadwaynoise predictionmethodologies. Thismethodology,consideredanindustrystandard,allowsforthedefinitionofroadwayconfigurations,barrierinformation(ifany),andreceiverlocations.Atrafficmodelcalibrationtestwasperformedtoestablishthenoisepredictionmodel'saccuracybetween10A.M.and12P.M.onThursday,January14,2016.TheroadsegmentsincludedinthecalibrationtestswereS.FigueroaStreet,betweenW.OlympicBoulevardand11thStreet,S.FlowerStreet,between11th Street and12th Street, andW.OlympicBoulevard, betweenS. Figueroa Street andS. FlowerStreet.Inthesenotedlocations,15‐minutenoiserecordingsweremadewhileloggingactualtrafficvolumesandauto fleetmix(i.e., standardautomobile,mediumdutytruck,orheavyduty truck). Thetrafficcountswereentered into thenoisemodelalongwith theobservedspeed, laneconfiguration,anddistance to theroadwaytocalculatethetrafficnoiselevels.TheresultsofthetrafficnoisemodelcalibrationareprovidedinTable4.G‐2,TrafficNoiseModelCalibrationResults. Asindicated,thenoisemodelresultsarewithin1dBAofthemeasurednoiselevels,whichiswithintheindustrystandardtoleranceofthenoisepredictionmodel.Therefore, the Project‐specific traffic noise prediction model is considered accurate and reflective of theProject’sphysicalsetting.
Because the monitoring data validates the use of a Project‐specific traffic noise prediction model, theambientnoiseenvironmentoftheProjectvicinitycanbecharacterizedby24‐hourCNELlevelsattributabletoexistingtrafficonlocalroadways. As indicatedinTable4.G‐3,PredictedExistingVehicularTrafficNoiseLevels, the calculated CNEL (at a distance of 25 feet from the roadway right‐of‐way) from actual existingtrafficvolumesontheanalyzedroadwaysegmentsrangedfrom56.5dBAto71.0dBAforresidentialareas,hoteluses,andcommercialareas.
(3) Vibration‐Sensitive Receptor Locations
Typically,ground‐bornevibrationgeneratedbyman‐madeactivities(i.e.,railandroadwaytraffic,operationofmechanical equipment and typical construction equipment) diminishes rapidlywith distance from thevibrationsource.TheFederalTransitAdministration(FTA)usesascreeningdistanceof100feetforhighlyvibration‐sensitivebuildings(e.g.,hospitalswithvibrationsensitiveequipment)and50feet forresidential
Table 4.G‐2
Traffic Noise Model Calibration Results
Road Segment/ Noise Measurements Locations
Traffic Counts during noise readings, 15 minutes Measured
uses andhistoricbuildings. Whenvibration‐sensitiveuses arewithin thesedistances fromaProject Site,vibration impact analysis is required. Vibration‐sensitive receptors generally include historic buildings,buildingsinpoorstructuralcondition,andusesthatrequireprecisioninstruments(e.g.,hospitaloperatingroomsorscientificresearchlaboratories).
ThePetroleumBuildingislocatedimmediatelyeastoftheProjectSite,frontingW.OlympicBoulevard.ThePetroleum Building is a designated City Cultural‐Historic Monument and could be affected by vibrationcausedbyshort‐termProjectconstructionandlong‐termProjectoperations.
c. Regulatory Framework
(1) Los Angeles Municipal Code
TheCity’sNoiseRegulation isprovided inChapterXIof theLosAngelesMunicipalCode (LAMC). Section111.02oftheLAMCprovidesproceduresandcriteriaforthemeasurementofthesoundlevelof“offending”noise sources. In accordance with the LAMC, a noise level increase of 5 dBA over the existing averageambient noise level at an adjacent property line is considered a noise violation. To account for people’sincreased tolerance for short‐durationnoise events, theNoiseRegulationprovides a5dBAallowance fornoiseoccurringmorethanfivebutlessthanfifteenminutesinanyone‐hourperiodandanadditional5dBAallowance(totalof10dBA)fornoiseoccurringfiveminutesorlessinanyone‐hourperiod.7
TheLAMCindicatesthatincaseswheretheactualambientconditionsarenotknown,theCity’spresumeddaytime(7:00A.M. to10:00P.M.)andnighttime(10:00P.M. to7:00A.M.)minimumambientnoise levelsasdefinedinSection111.02oftheLAMCshouldbeused.ThepresumedambientnoiselevelsfortheseareasassetforthintheLAMCSections111.02and112.05areprovidedinTable4.G‐4,CityofLosAngelesPresumedAmbientNoiseLevels. Forresidential‐zonedareas, thepresumedambientnoise level is50dBAduringthedaytime and 40 dBA during the nighttime. Section 112.02 limits increases in noise levels from airconditioning,refrigeration,heating,pumpingandfilteringequipment.Suchequipmentmaynotbeoperatedin suchmanner as to create any noise which would cause the noise level on the premises of any otheroccupied property, or, if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business, within anyadjoiningunit,toexceedtheambientnoiselevelbymorethanfive(5)decibels.
Section112.05oftheLAMCsetsamaximumnoiselevelforconstructionequipmentof75dBAatadistanceof 50 feet when operated within 500 feet of a residential zone. Compliance with this standard is onlyrequiredwhere“technicallyfeasible.”8Section41.40oftheLAMCprohibitsconstructionbetweenthehoursof9:00P.M.and7:00A.M.MondaythroughFriday,6:00P.M.and8:00A.M.onSaturday,andatanytimeonSunday(i.e.,construction isallowedMondaythroughFridaybetween7:00A.M. to9:00P.M.;andSaturdaysandNationalHolidays between 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.). In general, the City’s Department of Building andSafety enforces noise ordinance provisions relative to equipment and the Los Angeles PoliceDepartmentenforcesprovisionsrelativetonoisegeneratedbypeople.
Section 113.01 of LAMC prohibits collecting or disposing of rubbish or garbage, to operate any refusedisposal truck, or to collect, load, pick up, transfer, unload, dump, discard, or dispose of any rubbish or
garbage, as such terms are defined in Section 66.00 of LAMC,within 200 feet of any residential buildingbetweenthehoursof9:00P.M.and6:00A.M.of the followingday,unlessapermitthereforehasbeendulyobtainedbeforehandfromtheBoardofPoliceCommissioners.
(2) Guidelines for Noise‐Compatible Land Uses
The City has adopted local guidelines based, in part, on the community noise compatibility guidelinesestablishedbytheStateDepartmentofHealthServicesforuseinassessingthecompatibilityofvariouslandusetypeswitharangeofnoiselevels.TheseguidelinesaresetforthintheCityofL.A.CEQAThresholdsGuideintermsoftheCNEL.CNELguidelinesforspecificlandusesareclassifiedintofourcategories:(1)“normallyacceptable,” (2)“conditionallyacceptable,” (3)“normallyunacceptable,”and(4)“clearlyunacceptable.” Asshown inTable4.G‐5,CityofLosAngelesLandUseCompatibility forCommunityNoise, a CNELvalueof 70dBAistheupperlimitofwhatisconsidereda“conditionallyacceptable”noiseenvironmentformulti‐familyresidential uses, although the upper limit of what is considered “normally acceptable” for multi‐familyresidential uses is set at 65 dBA CNEL.9 New development should generally be discouraged within the“normallyunacceptable”or“clearlyunacceptable”categories.However,ifnewdevelopmentdoesproceed,adetailedanalysisof thenoise reduction requirementsmustbemadeandneedednoise insulation featuresincludedinthedesign.
(3) Ground‐Borne Vibration Guidelines
The City has not adopted policies or guidelines relative to ground‐borne vibration, and defers to otherauthoritativesourcesforevaluatingthis.Caltranshasproducedaguidancemanualforevaluatingpotentialvibration impacts (“Transportation‐ and Construction‐Induced Vibration Guidance Manual” dated June2004).Themanualprovidesthresholdsforpotentialimpactsonhumancomfortanddamagetobuildings,aswell as guidance for reducing potential vibration impacts and addressing vibration issues. The manualgathersdatafrommultiplesources,includingtheFTA.Tables4,5and6withinthemanualprovidecriteriafor identifying potential annoyance from vibration activity, as measured in inches per second PPV. Forexample, 0.035 inches per second PPV is identified as a level that is “distinctly“ or “barely” perceptible,0.08/0.1 as identified “readily” or “strongly”perceptible. Levels above this range are levels that begin toannoyhumanbeings.
Tables9 through15providecriteria for identifyingpotentialdamage tobuildings. Again, thevaluesvarygreatly depending on assumptions and the types and conditions of buildings considered. Per thoseguidelinesbuildingsthatareextremelyoldandfragilecanbesubjecttodamagefromvibrationlevelsaslowas0.1 inchesper second. Generally, the levels forwell‐constructed,more substantialbuildings fall in therangeof1.0 to2.0 inchespersecondPPV. Notably,Table10,basedonFTAdata,providesaconservativeestimateforwell‐constructedbuildingsof0.5inchespersecondPPVwhileTables9,14,and15assignthe0.5standardtoresidentialstructuresandsomeolderbuildingsandlevelsof1.0to2.0inchespersecondPPVfornewer,moresubstantial,better‐engineeredbuildings.
Table 4.G‐5
City of Los Angeles Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise
Normally Acceptable: Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction without any special noise insulation requirements.
Conditionally Acceptable: New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air conditioning will normally suffice.
Normally Unacceptable: New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulation features included in the design.
Clearly Unacceptable: New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
On‐siteconstructionnoiseimpactswereevaluatedbydeterminingthenoiselevelsgeneratedbythedifferenttypesofconstructionactivityanticipated,calculatingtheconstruction‐relatednoiselevelatnearbysensitivereceptor locations, and comparing these construction‐relatednoise levels to existing ambient noise levels(i.e.,noiselevelswithoutconstructionnoise)atthosereceptors.More,specifically,thefollowingstepswereundertakentoassessconstruction‐periodnoiseimpacts.
2. Typical noise levels for each type of construction equipment were obtained from the FederalHighwayAdministrationroadwayconstructionnoisemodel;
3. Distances between construction site locations (noise sources) and surrounding sensitivereceptorsweremeasuredusingProjectarchitecturaldrawingsandsiteplansandGoogleEarth;
4. Theconstructionnoise levelwasthencalculated, in termsofhourlyLeq, forsensitivereceptorlocations based on the standard point source noise‐distance attenuation factor of 6.0 dBA foreachdoublingofdistance;and
(2) Off‐Site Roadway Noise (Construction and Operations)
RoadwaynoiseimpactshavebeenevaluatedusingtheCaltransTeNSmethodbasedontheroadwaytrafficvolumedataprovidedintheTrafficStudypreparedfortheProjectandincludedinAppendixGofthisDraftEIR. This method allows for the definition of roadway configurations, barrier information (if any), andreceiver locations. Roadway noise attributable to Project development was calculated and compared tobaselinenoiselevelsthatwouldoccurunderthe“WithoutProject”condition.
(3) Stationary Point‐Source Noise (Operations)
Stationarypoint‐sourcenoiseimpactswereevaluatedbyidentifyingthenoiselevelsgeneratedbyoutdoorstationary noise sources, such as rooftopmechanical equipment and loading area activity, calculating thehourlyLeqnoiselevelfromeachnoisesourceatsensitivereceptorpropertylines,andcomparingsuchnoiselevelstoexistingambientnoise levels. Morespecifically, the followingstepswereundertakentocalculateoutdoorstationarypoint‐sourcenoiseimpacts:
3. Stationary‐sourcenoiselevelswerethencalculatedforeachsensitivereceptorlocationbasedonthe standard point source noise‐distance attenuation factor of 6.0dBA for each doubling ofdistance;
4. Noise level increases were compared to the stationary source noise significance thresholdsidentifiedbelow;and
5. For outdoormechanical equipment, themaximumallowable noise emissions from any and alloutdoor mechanical equipment were specified such that noise levels would not exceed thesignificancethresholdidentifiedbelow.
(4) Ground‐Borne Vibration (Construction and Operations)
Ground‐borne vibration impactswere evaluatedby identifyingpotential vibration sources,measuring thedistance between vibration sources and surrounding structure locations, and making a significancedeterminationbasedonthesignificancethresholdsdescribedbelow.
b. Thresholds of Significance
Appendix G of the StateCEQAGuidelines provides a set of screening questions that address impactswithregardtonoiseandvibration.Thesequestionsareasfollows:
Wouldaprojectresultin:
Exposureofpersonstoorgenerationofnoise levels inexcessofstandardsestablished in the localgeneralplanornoiseordinance,orapplicablestandardsofotheragencies;
Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noiselevels;
A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity abovelevelsexistingwithouttheproject.
(1) Construction
The City of L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide defines the following significance thresholds for constructionactivitieslastingmorethan10daysinathreemonthperiodoroccurringduringthehoursof9:00P.M.and7:00A.M.MondaythroughFriday,before8:00A.M.orafter6:00P.M.onSaturday,oranytimeonSunday:
NOISE‐2 Off‐site Project construction traffic causes the exterior ambient noise level to increase by5dBACNELormoreatanoise‐sensitiveuse,asmeasuredatthepropertylineofanysensitiveuse.
NOISE‐3 TheProjectwouldcauseanyambientnoiselevelstoincreaseby5dBA,CNELormoreandtheresulting noise falls on a noise‐sensitive land use within an area categorized as either“normallyacceptable”or“conditionallyacceptable”(seeTable4.G‐5fordescriptionofthesecategories); or cause ambient noise levels to increase by 3dBA, CNEL or more and theresulting noise falls on a noise‐sensitive land use within an area categorized as either“normallyunacceptable”or“clearlyunacceptable.”
NOISE‐4 Project‐related operational (i.e., non‐roadway) noise sources such as outdoor activities,building mechanical/electrical equipment, etc., increase ambient noise level by 5 dBA,causingaviolationoftheCityNoiseOrdinance.
NOISE‐5 Themaximum noise level (Lmax) generated from the operation of the loading dock, refusecollectionarea,orparkingstructure(i.e.,caralarm)exceedstheaverage(Leq)ambientnoiselevelby10dBA.
TheCityofL.A.CEQAThresholdsGuidedoesnotrecommendasignificancethresholdfor interiorresidentialnoise levels. However, the City’s Building Code states that the interior noise level for residential unitsattributabletoexteriornoiseshallnotexceedamaximumof45dBA,CNEL.Therefore,asignificantinteriornoiseimpactwouldresultif:
The City of Los Angeles has not adopted a significance threshold to assess vibration impacts duringconstruction. Thus, the FTA standards described above are used to evaluate potential impacts related toProjectconstructionandoperation.
NOISE‐7 Potential Building Damage ‐ Project construction activities cause ground‐borne vibrationlevels to exceed 0.5‐inch‐per second PPV at the nearest off‐site residential buildings orhistoricbuildings.
NOISE‐8 Potential Human Annoyance ‐ Project construction and operation activities cause ground‐bornevibrationlevelstoexceed0.035‐inch‐per‐secondPPVatnearbyresidentialuses.
c. Project Characteristics and Project Design Features
(1) Project Characteristics
SeveralProjectcharacteristicshavethepotentialtoreducenoiseandvibrationgenerationandweretakenintoaccountintheanalysisofpotentialimpacts.InaccordancewithLAMCrequirements,constructionhoursfor exterior construction andhauling activitieswouldoccurbetween the hoursof 7:00 A.M. and9:00 P.M.,
MondaythroughFriday,and8:00A.M.and6:00P.M.onSaturday.TheProjectcontractor(s)wouldequipallconstructionequipment,fixedormobile,withproperlyoperatingandmaintainednoisemufflers,consistentwithmanufacturers’standards.Finally,existingregulationslimitengineidlingfromconstructionequipmentsuch as bulldozers and haul trucks. With respect to Project operation, all building outdoor mountedmechanical and electrical equipment would be designed to meet the requirements of LAMC Chapter XI,Section 112.02. Section 112.02 of the LAMC requires that any heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) system within any zone of the City not cause an increase in ambient noise levels on any otheroccupiedpropertyorifacondominium,apartmenthouse,duplex,orattachedbusiness,withinanyadjoiningunittoexceedtheambientnoise levelbymorethanfive(5)decibels. Loadingareaactivitieswouldoccurduringthehoursof7:30A.M.to10:00P.M.
PDF‐NOISE‐3: Engineidlingfromconstructionequipmentsuchasbulldozersandhaultrucksshallbe limited nomore than fiveminutes in compliancewith applicable CaliforniaAirResourcesBoardregulations.
ThresholdNOISE‐1:A significant impactwouldoccur if Project construction activities cause the exteriorambientnoiseleveltoincreaseby5dBAormoreatanoise‐sensitiveuse,asmeasuredatthepropertylineofanyexistingandfuturesensitiveuses.
from on‐site construction activitywould be potentially significant at off‐site sensitive use locations.Evenwith implementation of the prescribedmitigation, noise impactswould exceed the applicablethresholds.Thus,constructionnoiseimpactswouldbesignificantandunavoidableattheadjacentnoisesensitiveresidentialuses.
The Project would be constructed in two phases. Construction of Phase 1 of the Project is expected tocommenceinthethirdquarterof2017andwouldbecompletedinthesecondquarterof2020.ConstructionofPhase2oftheProjectwouldbeginimmediatelyafterPhase1andwouldbecompletedinthefirstquarterof2023.
Noise impacts fromconstructionactivitiesaregenerally a functionof the typeof constructionequipment,equipmentlocations,thesensitivityofnearbylanduses,andthetiminganddurationofthenoise‐generatingactivities. Each phase of construction is typically undertaken in five stages: (1) site preparation; (2)demolition; (3) grading; (4) foundation; and (5) building construction. Each stage involves the use ofdifferent kinds of construction equipment and, therefore, has its own distinct noise characteristics. Sitepreparation typically involves the use of a tractor/loader/backhoe and rubber tired dozer. Demolitiontypicallyinvolvestheuseofconcretesaw,dozer,andtractor/loader/backhoe.Gradingtypicallyinvolvestheuse of a drill rig, excavator, tractor/loader/backhoe, grader, rubber tired dozer, and scraper. Foundationtypicallyinvolvestheuseofatractor/loader/backhoeandpump.Buildingconstructiontypicallyinvolvestheuseofcranes,aforklift,tractor/loader/backhoe,welders,ageneratorset,pump,aircompressor,pavementequipment,paver,androller.TheProjectwouldbeconstructedusingtypicalconstructiontechniques.
Projectconstructionwouldrequiretheuseofmobileheavyequipmentwithhighnoise‐levelcharacteristics.Even with implementation of the Project characteristics cited above, individual pieces of constructionequipmentanticipatedduringProjectconstructioncouldproducemaximumnoiselevelsof74dBAto90dBAatareferencedistanceof50feet fromthenoisesource,asshown inTable4.G‐6,ConstructionEquipmentNoiseLevels. Thesemaximumnoise levelswould occurwhen equipment is operating at full power. Theestimated usage factor for the equipment is also shown in Table 4.G‐6. The usage factors are based onFHWA’s Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide.10 To more accurately and conservativelycharacterize construction‐period noise levels, the average (Hourly Leq) noise level associated with eachconstructionstage is calculatedbasedon thequantity, type, andusage factors foreach typeof equipmentusedduringeachconstructionstageandrepresentmultiplepiecesofequipmentoperatingsimultaneously.
a Estimated construction noise levels represent the most conservative condition when noise generators are located closest to the receptors
and are expected to last the entire construction duration. b Receptors are partially shielded from the construction site by existing buildings; such shielding is incorporated into analysis as a 5‐dBA
reduction in noise levels. c Receptors are fully shielded from the construction site by existing buildings; such shielding is incorporated into analysis as a 10‐dBA
reduction in noise levels. d Significance Thresholds are the average measured daytime noise levels shown in Table 4.G‐1 plus 5 dBA. e Future Residential (Olympic Tower project) Northwest of the Project Site f Existing Hotel Uses Northwest of the Project Site g Existing Multi‐family Residential Uses South of the Project Site. h Future Residential Hotel Uses South of the Project Site Source: PCR Services Corporation 2016
a Estimated construction noise levels represent the most conservative condition when noise generators are located closest to the receptors and are expected to last the entire construction duration.
b Receptors are partially shielded from the construction site by existing buildings; such shielding is incorporated into analysis as a 5‐dBA reduction in noise levels.
c Receptors are fully shielded from the construction site by existing buildings; such shielding is incorporated into analysis as a 10‐dBA reduction in noise levels.
d Significance Thresholds are the average measured daytime noise levels shown in Table 4.G‐1 plus 5 dBA. e Future Residential (Olympic Tower project) Northwest of the Project Site f Existing Hotel Uses Northwest of the Project Site g Existing Multi‐family Residential Uses South of the Project Site. h Future Residential Hotel Uses South of the Project Site Source: PCR Services Corporation 2016
ThresholdNOISE‐2 A significant impact would occur if Project off‐site construction traffic causes theexteriorambientnoiseleveltoincreaseby5dBA,CNELormoreatanoise‐sensitiveuse,asmeasuredatthepropertylineofanysensitiveuse.
Delivery truck trips would occur throughout the construction period. Trucks traveling to and from theProject Site would be required to travel along the haul route approved by the City for the Project. It isanticipatedthatoutboundtrafficwouldexittheProjectSitefromW.11thStreetorFigueroaStreettoW.8thStreettoHarborFreeway(I‐110).InboundtrafficwouldcomefromHarborFreeway(I‐110)toexitatW.9thStreet, right on S. Flower Street, right on W. 11th to the Project Site. An estimated maximum ofapproximately210haultrucktripsand12workertripswouldoccurperdayduringPhase2.DetailednoisecalculationsforconstructiontrafficareprovidedinAppendixGofthisDraftEIR.TheProject’sconstructionrelatedtraffictripswouldgeneratenoiselevelsofapproximately57.6dBA,CNELat25feetdistancealongW.11thStreet,56.5dBAalongS.FigueroaStreet,and57.6dBAalongW.8thStreet,W.9thStreet,andS.FlowerStreet.As shown inTable4.G‐3, the existingnoise levels along streets are66.2dBA,CNEL alongW.11thStreet,69.3dBAalongS.FigueroaStreet,68.4alongW.8thStreet,68.7dBAalongW.9thStreet,and65.5dBAalongS.FlowerStreet.
Construction traffic noise levels generatedby truck tripswould increase traffic noise levels alongW.11thStreetbyupto0.6dBA,alongS.FigueroaStreetbyupto0.2dBA,alongW.8thStreetbyupto0.3dBA,alongW.9th Streetbyup to0.3dBA,andalongS.FlowerStreetbyup to0.7dBA. Thenoise level increasesbyconstruction related traffic tripswould be below the significance threshold of 5 dBA. Therefore, off‐siteconstructiontrafficnoiseimpactswouldbelessthansignificant
(c) On‐Site Sensitive Receptors
The effects of the Project to on‐site sensitive receptors are not considered an impact to the environmentunder CEQA. However, due to the sensitivity of on‐site receptors, the potential for construction noise toaffect on‐site sensitive receptors is disclosed herein. As discussed above, construction activities wouldtemporarilyincreasetheexistingambientnoiseincloseproximityoftheconstructionsitewithintheProjectareas.ExistinghotelusesandResidentialTower1completedduringConstructionofPhase1wouldbenoisesensitivereceptorsduringconstructionof theProject. Theexistingon‐sitehotelusesandresidentialandhotelusescompletedduringConstructionofPhase1arenoise‐sensitive. Atvarious timesthroughout theconstructionphases,useofheavydutyconstructionequipmentcouldbecloserthan100feettooccupiedon‐sitehabitableroomsanditwillincreasetheambientnoiselevelsaton‐sitenoisesensitiveuses.PDF‐NOISE‐1,PDF‐NOISE‐2,andPDF‐NOISE‐3aredesignedtominimizethegenerationofon‐sitenoise. PDFNOISE‐4has been included to ensure appropriate noise barriers are designed and erected when construction isplannedwithincloseproximitytoon‐sitenoise‐sensitiveusestominimizeeffectstoon‐sitenoisesensitiveuses. PDF‐NOISE‐5hasbeenincludedtonotifyfutureon‐siteresidentialusesthatconstructionisplannedwithincloseproximity.
ImpactStatementNOISE‐3: Projectoperationaltrafficwould increasenoise levelsatoff‐sitenoise‐sensitiveusesintheProjectarea.However,increasesinambientnoiselevelsduetooperationaltrafficwouldnotexceed the established thresholds. Operational traffic‐related noise impacts would be less thansignificant.
(a) Impacts Under Existing Traffic Baseline Conditions
Future roadway noise levels were calculated along various arterial segments adjacent to the Project.RoadwaynoiseattributabletoProjectdevelopmentwascalculatedusingthetrafficnoisemodelpreviouslydescribedandwascomparedtobaselinenoiselevelsthatwouldoccurunderthe“NoProject”condition.
Project impacts are shown in Table 4.G‐9, Off‐SiteTrafficNoise Impacts‐ExistingBaselineConditions. Asindicated,themaximumincreaseinProject‐relatedtrafficnoiselevelsoverexistingtrafficnoiselevelswouldbe1.2dBA,CNEL,whichwouldoccuralongW.11thStreet,betweenS.FlowerStreetandS.HopeStreet.Thisincreaseinsoundlevelwouldnotexceedthethethresholdofa5dBACNELincreaseinanareacharacterizedbynormallyacceptableandconditionallyacceptablenoise levels(seeTable4.G‐3). The increase insoundlevelwouldbesubstantiallylowerattheremainingroadwaysegmentsanalyzed.TheProject‐relatednoiseincreaseswouldbelessthanthethresholdandthereforelessthansignificant,andnomitigationmeasureswouldberequired.
Calculated Traffic Noise Levels at 25 feet from Roadway, CNEL (dBA)
Exceed Threshold?
Existing a (A)
Existing with Project b
(B)
Project Increment
(B ‐ A)
a Existing data is taken from Table 4.G‐3. Source: PCR Services Corporation 2016
(b) Impacts Under Future Traffic Baseline Conditions
FutureroadwaynoiselevelswerealsocalculatedalongvariousarterialsegmentsadjacenttotheProjectascompared to 2023 baseline traffic noise levels that would occur with implementation of the cumulativeprojects. Project impacts are shown in Table 4.G‐10, Off‐SiteTrafficNoiseLevels–Future2023ProjectIncrement. Asindicated,themaximumincreaseinProject‐relatedtrafficnoiselevelsoverthefuturetrafficnoiselevelswouldbe0.7dBA,CNEL,whichwouldoccuralongW.11thStreet,betweenS.FlowerStreetandS.HopeStreet. Thisincreaseinsoundlevelwouldbelessthanthethresholdofa5dBACNELincreaseinanareacharacterizedbynormallyacceptableandconditionallyacceptablenoiselevels(seeTable4.G‐3),suchaspredictedtooccuralongW.11thStreet,betweenS.FlowerStreetandS.HopeStreetin2023.TheincreaseinsoundduetotheProjectwouldbesubstantially lowerat theremainingroadwaysegmentsanalyzed,asvehicle volumes are lower along the remaining segments. The Project‐related noise increases, whenmeasuredagainstthe2023baselineconditions,wouldbelessthanonefifthofthethresholdandthereforelessthansignificant.
Threshold NOISE‐4: A significant impact would occur if Project‐related operational (i.e., non‐roadway)noise sources such as outdoor activities, buildingmechanical/electrical equipment, etc. increase ambientnoiselevelby5dBA,causingaviolationoftheCityNoiseOrdinance.
Thenearestnoise‐sensitiveusefromthepublicplazaspaceonS.FigueroaStreetistheexistingresidentialmulti‐familyuses, (R2) locatedapproximately250 feetnorthof theProjectSite. Theseoff‐siteresidenceswill be partially shielded by Residential Tower 2. Under a conservative scenario, there could be up toapproximately150visitors to theplazaatone time. Noise fromhumanconversation isapproximately55dBAatadistanceof3feet. 11Assuming75visitorstalkingsimultaneously(thehalfofmaximum150visitors,thecontinuousnoiselevelwouldbeupto74dBAat3feet. Thisequatestoanoiselevelof36dBAat250feet.Anoiselevelof36dBAwouldreachthepropertylineofthenoisesensitivereceptors,R2tothenorthalong W. Olympic Boulevard, and this would not increase ambient noise levels of 67 dBA during thenighttime. Therefore, impacts associated with outdoor noise within the public plaza would be less thansignificant.
Podium Garden Terrace
ThePodiumGardenTerracewould serve each of the three towers forProject residents, guests andhotelpatrons.ThePodiumGardenTerracewouldfeatureabaranddiningareaneartheHotelTower,openareasforadultandchildrenrecreationalactivities,pools,strolling/exerciseareasforpets,andquiet/passiveareaswithshadedzones.
Thenearestnoise‐sensitiveuses fromthePodiumGardenTerraceare the futureresidencesalongW.11thStreet(OceanwidePlaza).Theseresidenceswillbelocatedascloseasapproximately80feettothesouthernedgeofthePodiumGardenTerrace.Underaconservativescenario,therecouldbeuptoapproximately150visitorstothePodiumGardenTerraceatonetime.Noisefromhumanconversationisapproximately55dBAatadistanceof3feet. 12Assuming75visitorstalkingsimultaneously(thehalfofmaximum150visitorsfromthePodiumGardenTerrance),thecontinuousnoiselevelwouldbeupto74dBAat3feet.Thisequatestoanoiselevelof44dBAat80feet. Anoiselevelof44dBAwouldreachthepropertylineofthefuturenoisesensitivereceptorstothesouthofthePodiumGardenTerrance,andthiswouldnotincreaseambientnoiselevelsof68dBA.Therefore,impactsassociatedwithoutdoornoisewithinthePodiumGardenTerracewouldbelessthansignificantatthefutureresidencesalongW.11thStreet(OceanwidePlaza).
ThePodiumGardenTerrancewouldbelocatedinthemiddleoftheproposedHotelTowerandResidentialTowers1and2,andwouldbepartiallyshieldedfromoff‐sitenoisesensitivereceptorstothenorthandeastby Residential Tower 1 and 2. Therefore, due to orientation, shielding, distances to the existing noisesensitivereceptorstothenorth(R2,R4andR5)andeast(R3),andnoiseassociatedwithoutdooractivitiesatthePodiumGardenTerracewouldbelessthansignificantattheexistingnoisesensitivereceptorstothenorth(R2,R4andR5)andeast(R3).
Hotel Rooftop Amenity Deck
Thetop/penthouseleveloftheHotelTowerwouldincludeaRooftopAmenityDeckwithapool,bar,lounge,and green space areas for hotel patrons and visitors. The future residences along W. 11th Street (theOceanwidePlazaproject)wouldbe located as close as approximately80 feet to the southern edgeof the
rooftop amenity deck. Under a conservative scenario, there could be up to approximately 80 attendeesvisitorstotherooftopamenitydeckatonetimeonapeakweekendday.Noisefromhumanconversationisapproximately55dBAatadistanceof3feet. 13Assuming40visitorstalkingsimultaneously,thecontinuousnoiselevelwouldbeupto71dBAat3feet.Thisequatestoanoiselevelof42dBAat80feet.Anoiselevelof42 dBA would reach the property line of the future noise sensitive receptors to the south of the HotelRooftop Amenity Deck, and this would not increase ambient noise levels of 68 dBA. Therefore, impactsassociatedwithoutdoornoisewithintheHotelRooftopAmenityDeckwouldbelessthansignificantatthefutureresidencesalongW.11thStreet(OceanwidePlaza).
Residential Tower 1 Rooftop Amenity Deck
The top level of Residential Tower 1 would include a Rooftop Amenity Deck for use by residents. TheRooftop Amenity Deck on the top level of Residential Tower 1would be located approximately 490 feetaboveground.Thenearestexistingresidentialuses(R3)wouldbelocatedapproximately400lateralfeettothe eastern edge of the rooftop amenity deck. TheRooftopAmenityDeck on the top level ofResidentialTower 1would serve as a potential noise source for the nearby existing sensitive receptors, R3. Under aconservativescenario, therecouldbeuptoapproximately15visitors to theRooftopAmenityDeckatonetimeonapeakdayforResidentialTower1.Becauseofitsdistancefromtheexistingresidentialusestotheeast,R3,noiseassociatedwiththeuseofRooftopAmenityDeckofResidentialTower1wouldbelessthansignificant.
Residential Tower 2 Rooftop Amenity Deck
TherooftopamenitydeckonthetoplevelofResidentialTower2wouldbelocatedapproximately540feetaboveground. Thenearestexistingresidentialuses(R2)alongW.OlympicBoulevardwouldbelocatedascloseasapproximately120feettotheedgeoftheRooftopAmenityDeck.Therooftopamenitydeckonthetop level ofResidentialTower2would serve as apotential noise source for thenearbyexisting sensitivereceptors, R2 along W. Olympic Boulevard. Under a conservative scenario, there could be up toapproximately 15 visitors to the Rooftop Amenity Deck at one time on a peak day. Noise from humanconversationisapproximately55dBAatadistanceof3feet. 14Assuming15visitorstalkingsimultaneously,thecontinuousnoiselevelwouldbeupto67dBAat3feet. Thisequatestoanoiselevelof35dBAat120feet. Anoise level of35dBAwould reach theproperty lineof the futurenoise sensitive receptors to thenorthoftheRooftopAmenityDeckofResidentialTower2,andthiswouldnotincreaseambientnoiselevelsof68dBAattheexistingsensitiveuses,(R2)andimpactsassociatedwithoutdoornoisewithintheRooftopAmenityDeckwouldbelessthansignificant.
(d) Fixed Mechanical Equipment
The operation ofmechanical equipment typically installed for developments like the Project, such as airconditioners,fans,generators,andrelatedequipment,maygenerateaudiblenoiselevels.Projectmechanicalequipment including air conditioning condensers would be installed on the building rooftop, with otherequipment containedwithin the building. Per the LAMC, rooftopmechanical equipment is required to bephysically shielded from nearby land uses to attenuate noise and avoid conflicts with adjacent uses. AllProjectmechanical equipment would be designedwith appropriate noise control devices, such as soundattenuators,acousticlouvers,orsoundscreens/parapetwallstocomplywithnoiselimitationrequirements
provided in Section112.02 of the LAMC,whichprevents thenoise from such equipment fromcausing anincreaseintheambientnoiselevelofmorethanfivedecibels. Toensuretheabilitytomeetthisstandard,PDF Noise‐6 has been included. Therefore, operation of rooftop mechanical equipment on the ProjectbuildingwouldnotexceedtheCity’sthresholdsofsignificanceandimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.
ThresholdNOISE‐5: A significant impact would occur if the maximum noise (Lmax) generated from theoperationoftheloadingarea,refusecollectionarea,orparkingstructure(i.e.,caralarm)exceedstheaverage(Leq)ambientnoiselevelby10dBA.
Impact StatementNOISE‐5: Project loadingarea, refuse collectionarea,andparkingactivitieswouldnotsubstantially increase existing noise levels at adjacent noise‐sensitive receptors in the Project area.Therefore,impactsinthisregardwouldbelessthansignificant.
(e) Loading and Refuse Collection Areas
Loading for service vehicles and refuse collection areas related to hotel, residential and commercial useswouldbeon the ground levelwithin thePodium. Deliveryand refuse servicevehicleswouldhavedirectaccesstothisareafromW.OlympicBoulevardandS.FlowerStreet.Loadingdockandrefuseservice‐relatedactivitiessuchastruckmovements/idlingandloading/unloadingoperationsgeneratenoiselevelsthathaveapotentialtoadverselyimpactadjacentlandusesduringlong‐termProjectoperations. However,becausethe loadingareaswouldbefullyenclosedandshieldedfromsurroundingoff‐sitedevelopment,noise fromthese areas would not increase noise levels at off‐site sensitive receptor locations. Therefore, noiseassociatedwithloading,refusecollection,andrelatedactivitieswouldbelessthansignificant.
(f) Parking Structure
Vehicular access into the Podiumwould be fromW.Olympic Boulevard, S. Flower Street and 11th Street.ParkingaccesstothePodiumforresidencesandcommercialvisitorswouldbefromW.OlympicBoulevard.Forresidentsonly,adrivewaywouldbeprovidedfrom11thStreet.AvehicleentrywaytothePodiumfromS.FlowerStreetwouldprovideaccessforcommercialvisitorsandservicevehicles.
For hotel visitors, a separate hotel‐only motor‐court drop off area would be provided off of 11th Street.Parking for the hotel guests and visitors would be located in the four levels of subterranean parking. Aseparate valet gatewithin the property at the interior of themotor‐court areawould provide access forvalets toparkhotel guest vehiclesdirectly into the first level of subterraneanparking. Parking forhotel,commercialandresidentialuseswouldbeprovidedinuptofoursubterraneanlevels.
AutomobilemovementswithinparkingstructuresrepresentthemostcontinuousnoisesourceandgeneratenoiselevelswiththepotentialtoadverselyimpactadjacentlandusesduringProjectoperations. However,because parking for the hotel guests, visitors, commercial, and residential uses would be located insubterraneanlevelsofthePodium,ResidentialTower1,andResidentialTower2,whicharefullyenclosedandcontainnounobstructedopeningsthatfacetowardthenearbynoisesensitiveuses,thenoisewouldbefully buffered from neighboring sensitive uses. As such, impacts would be less than significant, and nomitigationmeasuresarerequired.
(g) Composite Noise Level Impacts from Project Operations
An evaluation of the combinednoise from the Project’s various operational noise sources (i.e., compositenoise level)was conducted to conservatively ascertain the potentialmaximumProject‐related noise levelincrease that may occur at the noise‐sensitive receptors considered in this analysis. Noise sourcesassociatedwiththeProjectincludeloadingandrefuseserviceareaactivities,trafficonnearbyroadways,on‐sitemechanicalequipment,andopenspace‐relatedactivities.
Based on a review of the noise‐sensitive receptors and Project noise sources, the only existing noise‐sensitivelocationsatwhichcompositenoiseimpactscouldoccurarethemulti‐familyresidences,R3,locatedto the east of the Project Site across S. Flower Street. The predominant Project noise source that couldpotentiallyaffectthesereceptorswouldbetrafficnoise.
Basedonthetrafficnoiseanalysisabove,Project‐generatedtrafficisexpectedtoincreasethetraffic‐relatednoisebyamaximumof0.8dBA(CNEL)alongS.FlowerStreet,betweenW.OlympicBoulevardandW.11thStreet, which is represented by the receptor R3. Noise associated with activities in the Project parkingstructureandattheloadingandrefusecollectionareaswouldnotincreasetheoverallambientnoiselevelsintheProjectvicinity.Mechanicalrelatednoiseisexpectedtobeaminimumof10dBAbelowtheambientnoiselevels,whichwouldhaveacontributionofapproximately0.4dBAtothecompositenoiselevel.15Noiserelated to theuseof on‐siteopen spacewouldnot increase theoverall ambientnoise level in theProjectvicinity. Overall, relative to theexistingnoiseenvironment,combinednoiseassociatedwith theProject isestimated to increase the ambient noise level by approximately 1.1 dBA at the nearest noise‐sensitivereceptors (LocationsR3), or substantially less than the significance threshold of 5 dBA. Composite noiselevel increases at all other receptor locations are expected to be less than significant aswell, given theirdistancefromtheProjectSiteandthepresenceofinterveningstructures.Assuch,thecompositenoiselevelimpactduetotheProject’sfutureoperationswouldbelessthansignificant.
(3) Site Compatibility (Proposed On‐Site Noise‐Sensitive Uses)
ThresholdNoise 6: The Project would have a significant impact if residential uses are exposed to anexteriornoiselevelofgreaterthan65dBACNELforoutdoorlivingareas(excludingbalconies)oraninteriornoiselevelofgreaterthan45dBACNEL.
Impact Statement NOISE‐6: Project impacts to on‐sitenoise‐sensitiveuseswould be less than significant.Sound levels for future Project residences would fall within the residential development standardsestablishedbytheCityofLosAngeleswiththeincorporationofrequirednoiseinsulationfeatures.
The Project would locate new noise‐sensitive uses on the Project site in an existing urban setting. Asindicated by the predicted vehicular traffic noise levels presented in Table 4.G‐8, the Project’s westernperimeteratthegroundlevelalongS.FigueroaStreetwouldbeexposedtomaximumambientnoiselevelsup to 70.0 dBA, CNEL at 25 feet from S. Figueroa Street, 69.5 dBA, CNEL at 25 feet from W. OlympicBoulevard,and66.2dBA,CNELat25feetfromW.11thStreet.TheCity’slandusecompatibilitystandardfor“normallyacceptable”is65dBA,CNELformulti‐familyresidentialuses.
The proposed residential useswould be located from the 3rd floor and above in the Podium, ResidentialTower 1, and Residential Tower 2, whichwould be located approximately 44 feet above ground from S.FigueroaStreet,W.11thStreet,andW.OlympicBoulevard. Therefore,anoise levelof70.0dBAat25 feetfromS.FigueroaStreet,69.5dBAat25feetfromW.OlympicBoulevard,and66.2dBAat25feetfromW.11thStreetwould be reduced to 65 dBA, CNEL at 44 feet from S. Figueroa Street, 64.6 dBA, 44 feet fromW.OlympicBoulevard,and61.3dBAat44feet fromW.11thStreet,respectively,whichwouldmeettheCity’slandusecompatibilitystandardof65dBA,CNEL.TheproposedresidentialusesinthePodium,ResidentialTower1,andResidentialTower2wouldbeexposedtomaximumambientnoiselevelsupto65dBA,CNELwhichwouldmeettheCity’slandusecompatibilitystandardof65dBA,CNEL.Therefore,sitecompatibilityimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.
(4) Ground‐Borne Vibration
Threshold NOISE‐7: Potential Building Damage ‐ A significant impact would occur if the Projectconstruction activities cause ground‐borne vibration levels to exceed 0.50‐inch‐per second PPV at thenearestoff‐siteresidentialbuildingsandhistoricbuildings.
Impact Statement NOISE‐7: Construction activitieswould result in sporadic, temporary vibration effectswhichcouldadverselyaffectthePetroleumBuilding.Impactsduetovibrationfromon‐siteconstructionactivity would be potentially significant for the Petroleum Building; therefore, implementation ofmitigationmeasuresisrequired.
Construction activities can generate varying degrees of ground vibration, depending on the constructionproceduresandequipmentused.Theoperationofconstructionequipmentgeneratesvibrationthatspreadsthrough the ground and diminishes in amplitudewith distance from the source. The effect on buildingslocatedinthevicinityoftheconstructionsitevaries,dependingonsoiltype,groundstrata,andconstructioncharacteristicsofthereceptorbuildings.Theresultsfromvibrationcanrangefromnoperceptibleeffectsatthe lowestvibration levels, to lowrumblingsoundsandperceptiblevibrationatmoderate levels, toslightdamageatthehighestlevels.Ground‐bornevibrationfromconstructionactivitiesrarelyreacheslevelsthatdamage structures. The Caltrans guidance manual incorporates FTA standard vibration velocities forconstructionequipmentoperations(Table18of theCaltransguidancemanual). ThePPVforconstructionequipment pieces anticipated to be used during Project construction are listed in Table 4.G‐11, TypicalVibrationVelocitiesforPotentialProjectConstructionEquipment.
Construction of the Project would generate ground‐borne construction vibration during site clearing,grading, andshoringactivities. Basedon thevibrationdataprovided inTable4.G‐11,vibrationvelocitiesfrom operation of construction equipment would range from approximately 0.003 to 0.089 inches persecondPPVat25feetfromthesourceofactivity.
As discussed previously, the Petroleum Building adjacent to the Project site is considered a vibration‐sensitive receptor. The Petroleum Building would be located approximately 18 inches east of thesubterraneanPhase2parkingstructureandthereforewouldbetheclosestvibrationsensitivereceptor.Atamaximum,thePetroleumBuildingcouldbeexposedtovibrationvelocitiesupto1.965inchespersecond.16
This value would exceed the 0.50 inches per second PPV significance threshold for potential damage ofhistoricbuildings.Therefore,impactswouldbesignificantandmitigationmeasureswouldberequired.
Themulti‐familyapartmentbuildingsacrossS.FlowerStreet(R3)arelocatedapproximately80feeteastofthe Project Site. At the maximum, the multi‐family residential buildings would be exposed to vibrationvelocities of up to 0.016 inches per second, 17 which would not exceed the 0.50 inches per second PPVsignificancethresholdforpotentialbuildingdamageforawell‐builtresidentialbuilding.Therefore,impactsonthesebuildingswouldbelessthansignificant.Nomitigationmeasureswouldberequired.
Threshold NOISE‐8: Potential Human Annoyance ‐ A significant impact would occur if the Projectconstructionandoperationactivitiescauseground‐bornevibrationlevelstoexceed0.035‐inch‐per‐secondPPVatnearbyresidentialuses.
The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide identifies residences, schools, motels and hotels, libraries, religiousinstitutions,hospitals,nursinghomes,andparksassensitiveuses.Off‐sitenon‐residentialusessuchasretailand commercial uses arenot consideredvibration sensitive receptors forhuman annoyanceunderCEQA.TheonlyusesintheProjectvicinitythataresensitiveusesareresidentialuses.Thenearestexistingoff‐siteresidential structures aremulti‐family residential buildings located across S. Flower Street approximately80feet east of the construction site. These structures would be exposed to vibration velocities fromconstruction activities thatwould range from approximately from 0.001 to 0.016 inches per second PPV
during construction, which would not exceed the 0.035inches per second (PPV) perception threshold.Therefore, human annoyance from vibration at residential receptors would be less than significant. Nomitigationmeasureswouldberequired.
(b) Operation
The Project’s operations would include typical commercial‐grade stationary mechanical and electricalequipment, such as air handling units, condenser units, and exhaust fans, which would produce somevibration.However,theprimarysourceoftransientvibrationincludespassengervehiclecirculationwithinthe proposed parking area. Ground‐borne vibration generated by each of the above‐mentioned activitieswould generate approximately up to 0.005 inches per second PPV adjacent to the Project Site. 18 Thepotential vibration levels from all Project operational sources at the closest existing and future sensitivereceptor locations would be less than the significance threshold of 0.035 inches per second PPV forperceptibility. As such, vibration impacts associated with operation of the Project would be below thesignificance threshold and impacts would be less than significant. No mitigation measures would berequired.
The effects of the Project to on‐site sensitive receptors are not considered an impact to the environmentunderCEQA.However,duetothesensitivityofon‐sitereceptors,thepotentialforconstructionvibrationtoaffecton‐sitesensitivereceptorsisdisclosedherein.Existingandfutureon‐sitenoisesensitiveuses,suchastheexistinghotelusesandfuturehotelusesandresidentialusescompletedduringtheconstructionofPhase1,arevibration‐sensitive.AtvarioustimesthroughouttheconstructionoftheproposedProject,useofheavydutyconstructionequipmentcouldbeascloseas45feettooccupiedhabitableroomsanditwillincreasetheambient vibration levels at on‐site sensitiveuses. PDF‐NOISE‐5has been included tonotify futureon‐siteresidentialusesthatconstructionisplannedwithincloseproximity.
e. Cumulative Impacts
Thegeographiccontextfortheanalysisofcumulativenoiseimpactsdependsontheimpactbeinganalyzed.Noiseisbydefinitionalocalizedphenomenon,andsignificantlyreducesinmagnitudeasthedistancefromthesourceincreases.Assuch,onlyprojectsandgrowthduetooccurintheimmediateProjectvicinitywouldbe likely to contribute to cumulative noise impacts. However, the cumulative impacts on roadway noisewouldbeaffectedbytrafficfromallofthecumulativeprojectsthroughoutalargervicinity.
As discussed in Chapter 3.0,GeneralDescriptionofEnvironmentalSetting, of this Draft EIR, there are 116cumulativeprojectsidentifiedinthevicinityoftheProject.Thesevenclosestcumulativeprojects,situatedapproximately 80 feet to 880 feet from theProject Site, are Cumulative ProjectNo. 6, AmaconProject, at1133S.HopeStreet; CumulativeProjectNo.15,ApexPhaseIIat700W.9thStreet;CumulativeProjectNo.54,Flower(1212)Mixed‐Useat1212W.FlowerStreet;CumulativeProjectNo.73,VarietyArts(Mixed‐Use)at940S.FigueroaStreet;CumulativeProjectNo.95OceanwidePlazaat1101S.FlowerStreet;CumulativeProject No. 97, Circa at S. Figueroa, Cumulative Project No. 114, Marriott Expansion at 900W. OlympicBoulevard and Cumulative Project No. 116 Olympic Tower at 811 W. Olympic Boulevard. All othercumulativeprojectsarefurtherawayfromtheProjectSiteandmanyexistingbuildingsarelocatedbetween
18 This vibration estimate is based on data presented in the USDOT Federal Transit Administration, 2006; which is included in
Noise from construction of the Project plus cumulative projects would be localized, thereby potentiallyaffectingareaswithin500feetfromtheconstructionsite. BecausethetimingoftheconstructionactivitiesforthesecumulativeprojectscannotbedefinedandarebeyondthecontroloftheCityandtheApplicant,thequantitativeanalysismustconsidermultiple,concurrentconstructionprojects.
CumulativeProjectNo.95andNo.97arelocated80feetand700feetfromtheProjectSite,respectively.IfCumulativeProjectNo.95andNo.97proceedsimultaneouslywiththeproposedProject, thetwoprojectscouldcontributetocumulativeconstructionnoiseimpactsonthenoisesensitivereceptorslocatedbetweenthe identifiedcumulativeprojectsand theProject, including themulti‐family residentialuses (R3andR6)alongS.FlowerStreet.
CumulativeProjectNo.15,No.73,andNo116arelocated660feet,360feet,140feetfromtheProjectSite,respectively. IfCumulativeProjectNo.15,No.73,andNo.116proceedsimultaneouslywith theproposedProject,thethreeprojectscouldcontributetocumulativeconstructionnoiseimpactsonthenoisesensitivereceptors that are locatedbetween the identified relatedprojects and theproposedProject, including themulti‐familyresidentialuses(R2andR4)alongW.OlympicBoulevardandexistinghoteluses(R5)alongS.FigueroaStreet.
Thosenoiselevelswouldbeintermittent,temporary,wouldceaseattheendoftheconstructionphase,andwould comply with time restrictions and other relevant provisions of the LAMC. Noise associated withconstructionactivitieswouldbereducedtothedegreereasonablyandtechnicallyfeasiblethroughproposedmitigationmeasuresforeachindividualprojectandcompliancewiththeCity’snoiseordinances.However,suchmeasureswouldonlyreducenoisetoadegreethatistechnicallyfeasibleandsignificantresidualnoisecouldremain.Therefore,evenwithimplementationofproposeddesignfeaturesandmitigationmeasures,ifnearby cumulative projects were constructed concurrently with the Project, significant and unavoidablecumulativeconstructionnoiseimpactscouldresultatthenearbynoisesensitivereceptors(R2throughR6).
(2) Operations
AsindicatedinTable4.G‐12,Off‐SiteTrafficNoiseLevels–Future2023CumulativeIncrement,thecumulativeincreases in future CNEL traffic noise levels at Project buildoutwith future ambient growth and the 116cumulative projects, relative to the existingbaseline,wouldbe 3.2dB along S. Flower Street, betweenW.OlympicBoulevardandW.11thStreet,3.5dBAalongW.11thStreet,betweenS.FlowerStreetandS.HopeStreet,3.7dBAalongw.11thStreet,betweenS.HopeStreetandS.GrandAvenue,or less inareasthatcanpotentially be affected by the Project. This increase would not exceed the 5 dBA significance thresholdapplicabletosegmentswhicharepredictedtoexperienceconditionallyacceptableambientlevelsofnoisein2023.Therefore,cumulativenoiseimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.
LAMC‐required provisions that limit stationary‐source noise from items such as roof‐top mechanicalequipmentwouldensurenoiselevelswouldbelessthansignificantatthepropertylineforeachcumulativeproject. In addition, on‐site noise generated by the cumulative projectswould be sufficiently low that itwouldnotresultinanadditiveincreasetoProject‐relatednoiselevels.Noisefromotherstationarysources,includingparkingstructures,openspaceuse,andloadingareawouldbelimitedtoareasintheimmediate
Calculated Traffic Noise Levels at 25 feet from Roadway, CNEL (dBA)
Cumulative
Increment
(B‐A)
Exceed
Threshold?
Existing
(A)
Future with Project
(2030 Build Out)a
(B)
a Include future growth plus related (cumulative) projects and proposed project traffic. Source: PCR Services Corporation, 2016.
vicinity of each cumulative project. Although a cumulative project could potentially impact an adjacentsensitive use, that potential impact would be localized to that specific area andwould not contribute tocumulativenoiseimpactsattheproposedProjectSite.AstheProject’scompositestationary‐sourceimpactswould be less than significant, and the Project’s contribution to cumulative traffic impacts would not becumulatively considerable, the Project’s contribution to cumulative stationary‐source noise impactsattributabletocumulativedevelopmentwouldnotbecumulativelyconsiderableandimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.
Construction‐related noise and vibration have the potential to result in significant noise impacts at thesensitivereceptors.ThenoisesensitiveresidentialuseacrossW.OlympicBoulevard(R2),futureresidences(OlympicTowerproject,R5),andfutureresidential/hotelusesacrossW.11thStreet(R6)arelocatedmorethan 20 feet above the ground level. A sound barrier could not block line‐of‐sight between constructionequipmentandsensitivereceptorssincesensitivereceptorswouldbelocatedabovethetoplevelofasoundbarrier. It isnotfeasibletoprovideasoundbarrierwithsufficientheighttoblocktheline‐of‐sightforthenoisesensitivereceptorsatR2andR6thatarelocatedmorethan20feetabovegroundlevel.Therefore,nofeasiblemitigationmeasuresareavailablefornoisesensitivereceptorslocatedabovethetoplevelofasoundbarrieratlocationR2andthefutureresidential/hotelusesacrossW.11thStreetatlocationR6.However,amitigationmeasureisavailablefornoisesensitivereceptorsatlocationR3atthelowerfloorsofthebuilding,and forpotentialvibrationeffectson thePetroleumBuilding.Thus, the followingmitigationmeasuresarerequiredtominimizeconstruction‐relatednoiseandvibrationimpacts:
MM‐NOISE‐1: Temporary noise barriers shall be used to block the line‐of‐site between theconstructionequipmentandthenoise‐sensitivereceptorsduringprojectconstruction,asfollows:
MM‐NOISE‐2:Toavoidorminimizepotentialconstructionvibrationdamagetofinishmaterialsonthe Petroleum Building, the condition of such materials shall be documented by aqualifiedpreservationconsultant,priortoinitiationofconstruction.Duringconstruction,thecontractorshallinstallandmaintainatleasttwocontinuouslyoperationalautomatedvibrationalmonitorsonthePetroleumBuilding.Themonitorsmustbecapableofbeingprogrammed with two predetermined vibratory velocities levels: a first‐level alarmequivalenttoa0.45inchespersecondatthefaceofthebuildingandaregulatoryalarmlevel equivalent to 0.5 inches per second at the face of the building. The monitoringsystemmustproducereal‐timespecificalarms(viatextmessageand/oremailtoon‐sitepersonnel)whenvelocitiesexceedeitherof thepredetermined levels. Intheeventofafirst‐levelalarm, feasiblestepstoreducevibratorylevelsshallbeundertaken, includingbutnot limited tohalting/staggering concurrentactivitiesandutilizing lower‐vibratorytechniques. In the event of an exceedance of the regulatory level,work in the vicinityshallbehaltedandthePetroleumBuildingvisuallyinspectedfordamage.Resultsoftheinspectionmustbelogged.Intheeventdamageoccurstohistoricfinishmaterialsduetoconstructionvibration, suchmaterials shallbe repaired inconsultationwithaqualifiedpreservation consultant, and ifwarranted, in amanner thatmeets the Secretaryof theInterior’sStandards.
b. Operational Noise and Vibration
Nomitigationmeasuresarenecessary.
5. LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE AFTER MITIGATION
a. Construction Noise and Vibration
MM‐NOISE‐1providesforafencewithsoundblanketsthatwouldachievenoisereductionsofatleast14dBAbetween the site of Project construction and the multi‐family residential uses across S. Flower Street.Although the noise reduction provided by the noise barrierwould be considered a substantial reduction,constructionnoiselevelswouldstillincreasethedaytimeambientnoiselevelabovethe5‐dBAsignificancethreshold at the upper floors (i.e. 3rd floor to top floor) of themixed‐use residential uses (R3) across S.FlowerStreet.Theupperfloorsofthemixed‐useresidentialuses(R3)wouldnothavenoisereductionsbythe sound barrier since the proposed sound barrier would not block the line of sight between theconstructionsiteandupperfloorsofthemixed‐useresidentialuses(R3).Inregardtothefutureresidentialuses (Olympic Tower project, R5) and the future residential/hotel uses across W. 11th Street (R6), theresidentialunitsandhotelroomsbeingconstructedaretobelocatedattheupperfloorssuchthatasoundbarrierwouldnotbefeasibletoreduceconstructionnoiselevels.Thus,constructionnoiseimpactswouldbesignificant and unavoidable at residential uses R2 and R3, at the future residential uses (Olympic Tower
project,R5), and at the future residential/hotel uses acrossW.11th Street (R6). Thus, constructionnoiseimpactswouldbesignificantandunavoidableatboththeproject‐andcumulative‐level.
Withthe implementationofMMNoise‐2,vibrationvelocities inexcessof the thresholdwouldtransmitanalarmtoon‐sitepersonnelwithauthorizationtohaltworkinthevicinity.Furthermore,intheeventdamageoccurs to historic finish materials due to construction vibration, such materials would be repaired inconsultationwithaqualifiedpreservationconsultantinamannerthatmeetstheSecretaryoftheInterior’sStandards.Thus,implementationofMMNoise‐2wouldensurevibrationimpactsonthePetroleumBuildingwouldbelessthansignificant.However,thatmeasurerequirestheconsentofthatpropertyowner,andthatownermaynotagree.Therefore,thisanalysisconservativelyassumesthatimpactstothehistoricPetroleumBuildingwouldbesignificantandunavoidable.Impactstohumanannoyancewouldbelessthansignificant.
b. Operational Noise and Vibration
As demonstrated above, operation of the Project would not result in any significant noise or vibrationimpactstooff‐sitenoisesensitivereceptors.Assuch,operationalnoiseandvibrationimpactswouldbelessthansignificant.