HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix L - Noise and Vibration ReportFebruary 2025
NOISE AND VIBRATION IMPAC T ANALYSIS
CONIFER COURT SELF -STORAGE PROJECT
FONTANA , CALIFORNIA
February 2025
NOISE AND VIBRATION IMPAC T ANALYSIS
CONIFER COURT SELF -STORAGE PROJECT
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
Submitted to:
Megan Rupard
EPD Solutions, Inc.
3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500
Irvine, California 92612
Prepared by:
LSA
157 Park Place
Point Richmond, California 94801
(510) 236-6810
Project No. ESL2201.99
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... i
FIGURES AND TABLES ............................................................................................................................. ii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................................ iii
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 5
Project Location and Description .................................................................................................. 5
Existing Land Uses in the Project Area .......................................................................................... 5
NOISE AND VIBRATION FUNDAMENTALS .................................................................... 9
Characteristics of Sound ................................................................................................................ 9
Measurement of Sound................................................................................................................. 9
Physiological Effects of Noise ........................................................................................................... 10
Fundamentals of Vibration .......................................................................................................... 13
Blasting ........................................................................................................................................ 13
Blasting Noise Levels ........................................................................................................................ 14
Blasting Vibration Levels .................................................................................................................. 15
REGULATORY SETTING .............................................................................................. 16
Applicable Noise Standards ......................................................................................................... 16
City of Fontana ................................................................................................................................. 16
State of California Green Building Standards Code .......................................................................... 17
Federal Transit Administration ......................................................................................................... 17
Applicable Vibration Standards ................................................................................................... 18
Federal Transit Administration ......................................................................................................... 18
OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT .................................................. 19
Ambient Noise Measurements ................................................................................................... 19
Long-Term Noise Measurements ..................................................................................................... 19
Existing Aircraft Noise ................................................................................................................. 19
PROJECT IMPACTS .................................................................................................... 22
Short-Term Construction Noise Impacts ..................................................................................... 22
Short-Term Construction Vibration Impacts ............................................................................... 25
Blasting Noise and Vibration Impacts ......................................................................................... 27
Long-Term Off-Site Traffic Noise Impacts ................................................................................... 32
Long-Term Traffic-Related Vibration Impacts ............................................................................. 32
Long-Term Stationary Noise Impacts to Off-Site Receptors ....................................................... 32
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Equipment .................................................................... 32
Cumulative Operations Noise Assessment ....................................................................................... 33
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 34
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APPENDICES
A: NOISE MONITORING DATA
B: CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVEL CALCULATIONS
C: OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL CALCULATIONS
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FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURES
Figure 1: Project Location ....................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 2: Site Plan ................................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Noise Monitoring Locations .................................................................................................. 21
Figure 4: Potential Rock Crushing and Blasting Locations .................................................................... 28
TABLES
Table A: Definitions of Acoustical Terms .............................................................................................. 11
Table B: Common Sound Levels and Their Noise Sources .................................................................... 12
Table C: Operational Noise Standards .................................................................................................. 17
Table D: Detailed Assessment Daytime Construction Noise Criteria ................................................... 17
Table E: Interpretation of Vibration Criteria for Detailed Analysis ...................................................... 18
Table F: Construction Vibration Damage Criteria ................................................................................. 18
Table G: Long‐Term 24-Hour Ambient Noise Monitoring Results........................................................ 19
Table H: Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels ....................................................................... 22
Table I: Potential Construction Noise Impacts at Nearest Receptor .................................................... 24
Table J: Vibration Source Amplitudes for Construction Equipment ..................................................... 25
Table K: Potential Construction Vibration Annoyance Impacts at Nearest Receptor .......................... 26
Table L: Potential Construction Vibration Damage Impacts at Nearest Receptor ............................... 26
Table M: Daytime Exterior Noise Level Impacts ................................................................................... 33
Table N: Nighttime Exterior Noise Level Impacts ................................................................................. 33
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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
City City of Fontana
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
cy cubic yard(s)
dB decibel(s)
dBA A-weighted decibel(s)
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FMC City of Fontana Municipal Code
FTA Federal Transit Administration
FTA Manual Federal Transit Administration’s 2018 Transit Noise and Vibration
Impact Assessment Manual
HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
in/sec inches per second
Ldn day-night average noise level
Leq equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax maximum instantaneous sound level
LW sound power level
Noise Element City of Fontana’s Noise Element of the General Plan
PPV peak particle velocity
project Conifer Court Self-Storage Project
RMS root-mean-square
RV recreational vehicle
sq ft square foot/feet
VdB vibration velocity decibels
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INTRODUCTION
This Noise and Vibration Impact Analysis has been prepared to evaluate the potential noise and
vibration impacts and reduction measures associated with the Conifer Court Self-Storage Project
(project) in Fontana, California. This report is intended to satisfy the City of Fontana (City)
requirements for a project-specific noise impact analysis by examining the impacts of the project
site and evaluating noise reduction measures that the project may require.
PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The 13.16-acre project site is located within the southern portion of the City of Fontana in San
Bernardino County. The project site is located south of the intersection of Conifer Court and Village
Drive at Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 0237-411-27 (Parcel 1) and 0237-411-29 (Parcel 2). The
proposed project would construct a 136,352-square-foot (sf) self-storage facility consisting of nine
separate storage buildings and a 1,338 sf office building on Parcel 1. The storage facility would
consist of 688 storage units, including 594 self-storage units and 94 recreational vehicle (RV) storage
units. Additionally, the project would construct a 20-foot wide public trail on the city-owned Parcel
2. The facility would operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., 7 days per week. The project location
(Figure 1) and site plan (Figure 2) are presented below.
Construction activities would occur over two phases and last approximately 17 months, beginning in
April 2025. Phase 1 would include construction of the self-storage buildings, public trail, and water
quality basin. During Phase 1, a portion of the self-storage area would be reserved for RV storage.
Phase 2 would include the construction of the RV storage area and the remaining landscaping.
Grading work of soils is expected to result in approximately 48,342 cubic yards (cy) of cut and
44,709 cy of fill soils, for a net export of 3,633 cy of soil. Construction would occur within the hours
allowable by the City of Fontana Municipal Code Section 18-63, which states that construction shall
occur only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and between the hours
of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
EXISTING LAND USES IN THE PROJECT AREA
The project site is surrounded by existing and residential uses and vacant undeveloped land. The
areas adjacent to the project site include the following uses:
•North: Declez Channel alignment and water storage basins and existing single-family residences
opposite Village Drive
•East: Vacant undeveloped land
•South: Vacant undeveloped land
•West: Undeveloped land followed by Live Oak Avenue followed by existing single-family
residences
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The nearest sensitive receptors are the existing single-family residences approximately 75 feet away
from the northern project boundary line and the existing single-family residences approximately
230 feet away from the western project boundary line.
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FIGURE 2
I:\2023\20231206\G\Site_Plan.ai (1/17/2025)
SOURCE: City of Fontana
Conifer Court Self-Storage
Site Plan
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NOISE AND VIBRATION FUNDAMENTALS
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND
Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound. Noise consists of any sound that may produce
physiological or psychological damage and/or interfere with communication, work, rest, recreation,
and sleep.
To the human ear, sound has two significant characteristics: pitch and loudness. Pitch is generally an
annoyance, while loudness can affect the ability to hear. Pitch is the number of complete vibrations,
or cycles per second, of a sound wave, which results in the tone’s range from high to low. Loudness
is the strength of a sound, and it describes a noisy or quiet environment; it is measured by the
amplitude of the sound wave. Loudness is determined by the intensity of the sound waves
combined with the reception characteristics of the human ear. Sound intensity is the average rate of
sound energy transmitted through a unit area perpendicular to the direction in which the sound
waves are traveling. This characteristic of sound can be precisely measured with instruments. The
analysis of a project defines the noise environment of the project area in terms of sound intensity
and its effect on adjacent sensitive land uses.
MEASUREMENT OF SOUND
Sound intensity is measured with the A-weighted decibel (dBA) scale to correct for the relative
frequency response of the human ear. That is, an A-weighted noise level de-emphasizes low and
very high frequencies of sound, similar to the human ear’s de-emphasis of these frequencies.
Decibels (dB), unlike the linear scale (e.g., inches or pounds), are measured on a logarithmic scale
representing points on a sharply rising curve.
For example, 10 dB is 10 times more intense than 0 dB, 20 dB is 100 times more intense than 0 dB,
and 30 dB is 1,000 times more intense than 0 dB. Thirty decibels (30 dB) represents 1,000 times as
much acoustic energy as 0 dB. The decibel scale increases as the square of the change, representing
the sound pressure energy. A sound as soft as human breathing is about 10 times greater than 0 dB.
The decibel system of measuring sound gives a rough connection between the physical intensity of
sound and its perceived loudness to the human ear. A 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived by
the human ear as only a doubling of the sound’s loudness. Ambient sounds generally range from
30 dB (very quiet) to 100 dB (very loud).
Sound levels are generated from a source, and their decibel level decreases as the distance from
that source increases. Sound levels dissipate exponentially with distance from their noise sources.
For a single point source, sound levels decrease approximately 6 dB for each doubling of distance
from the source. This drop-off rate is appropriate for noise generated by stationary equipment.
If noise is produced by a line source (e.g., highway traffic or railroad operations), the sound
decreases 3 dB for each doubling of distance in a hard site environment. Line source sound levels
decrease 4.5 dB for each doubling of distance in a relatively flat environment with absorptive
vegetation.
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There are many ways to rate noise for various time periods, but an appropriate rating of ambient
noise affecting humans also accounts for the annoying effects of sound. The equivalent continuous
sound level (Leq) is the total sound energy of time-varying noise over a sample period. However, the
predominant rating scales for human communities in the State of California are the Leq and
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the day-night average noise level (Ldn) based on
A-weighted decibels. CNEL is the time-weighted average noise over a 24-hour period, with a
5 dBA weighting factor applied to the hourly Leq for noises occurring from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(defined as relaxation hours) and a 10 dBA weighting factor applied to noises occurring from
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (defined as sleeping hours). Ldn is similar to the CNEL scale but without the
adjustment for events occurring during the relaxation. CNEL and Ldn are within 1 dBA of each other
and are normally interchangeable.
Other noise rating scales of importance when assessing the annoyance factor include the maximum
instantaneous noise level (Lmax), which is the highest sound level that occurs during a stated time
period. The noise environments discussed in this analysis for short-term noise impacts are specified
in terms of maximum levels denoted by Lmax, which reflects peak operating conditions and addresses
the annoying aspects of intermittent noise. It is often used together with another noise scale, or
noise standards in terms of percentile noise levels, in noise ordinances for enforcement purposes.
For example, the L10 noise level represents the noise level exceeded 10 percent of the time during a
stated period. The L50 noise level represents the median noise level. Half the time the noise level
exceeds this level, and half the time it is less than this level. The L90 noise level represents the noise
level exceeded 90 percent of the time and is considered the background noise level during a
monitoring period. For a relatively constant noise source, the Leq and L50 are approximately the
same.
Noise impacts can be described in three categories. The first category includes audible impacts,
which are increases in noise levels noticeable to humans. Audible increases in noise levels generally
refer to a change of 3 dB or greater because this level has been found to be barely perceptible in
exterior environments. The second category, potentially audible, refers to a change in the noise
level between 1 dB and 3 dB. This range of noise levels has been found to be noticeable only in
laboratory environments. The last category includes changes in noise levels of less than 1 dB, which
are inaudible to the human ear. Only audible changes in existing ambient or background noise levels
are considered potentially significant.
Physiological Effects of Noise
Physical damage to human hearing begins at prolonged exposure to sound levels higher than
85 dBA. Exposure to high sound levels affects the entire system, with prolonged sound exposure in
excess of 75 dBA increasing body tensions, thereby affecting blood pressure and functions of the
heart and the nervous system. In comparison, extended periods of sound exposure above
90 dBA would result in permanent cell damage. When the sound level reaches 120 dBA, a tickling
sensation occurs in the human ear, even with short-term exposure. This level of sound is called the
threshold of feeling. As the sound reaches 140 dBA, the tickling sensation is replaced by a feeling of
pain in the ear (i.e., the threshold of pain). A sound level of 160–165 dBA will result in dizziness or a
loss of equilibrium. The ambient or background noise problem is widespread and generally more
concentrated in urban areas than in outlying, less developed areas.
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Table A lists definitions of acoustical terms, and Table B shows common sound levels and their
sources.
Table A: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definitions
Decibel, dB A unit of sound measurement that denotes the ratio between two
quantities that are proportional to power; the number of decibels is
10 times the logarithm (to the base 10) of this ratio.
Frequency, Hz Of a function periodic in time, the number of times that the quantity
repeats itself in 1 second (i.e., the number of cycles per second).
A-Weighted Sound Level, dBA The sound level obtained by use of A-weighting. The A-weighting filter
de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of
the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the
human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. (All
sound levels in this report are A-weighted unless reported otherwise.)
L01, L10, L50, L90 The fast A-weighted noise levels that are equaled or exceeded by a
fluctuating sound level 1%, 10%, 50%, and 90% of a stated time
period, respectively.
Equivalent Continuous Noise Level, Leq The level of a steady sound that, in a stated time period and at a
stated location, has the same A-weighted sound energy as the time-
varying sound.
Community Noise Equivalent Level, CNEL The 24-hour A-weighted average sound level from midnight to
midnight, obtained after the addition of 5 dBA to sound levels
occurring in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and after the
addition of 10 dBA to sound levels occurring in the night between
10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Day/Night Noise Level, Ldn The 24-hour A-weighted average sound level from midnight to
midnight, obtained after the addition of 10 dBA to sound levels
occurring in the night between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Lmax, Lmin The maximum and minimum A-weighted sound levels measured on a
sound level meter, during a designated time interval, using fast time
averaging.
Ambient Noise Level The all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment at a
specified time. Usually a composite of sound from many sources from
many directions, near and far; no particular sound is dominant.
Intrusive The noise that intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a
given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its
amplitude, duration, frequency, time of occurrence, and tonal or
informational content, as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.
Source 1: Technical Noise Supplement (Caltrans 2013)
Source 2: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
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Table B: Common Sound Levels and Their Noise Sources
Noise Source A-Weighted Sound
Level in Decibels Noise Environments Subjective Evaluations
Near Jet Engine 140 Deafening 128 times as loud
Civil Defense Siren 130 Threshold of Pain 64 times as loud
Hard Rock Band 120 Threshold of Feeling 32 times as loud
Accelerating Motorcycle at a Few Feet Away 110 Very Loud 16 times as loud
Pile Driver; Noisy Urban Street/
Heavy City Traffic 100 Very Loud 8 times as loud
Ambulance Siren; Food Blender 95 Very Loud —
Garbage Disposal 90 Very Loud 4 times as loud
Freight Cars; Living Room Music 85 Loud —
Pneumatic Drill; Vacuum Cleaner 80 Loud 2 times as loud
Busy Restaurant 75 Moderately Loud —
Near Freeway Auto Traffic 70 Moderately Loud Reference level
Average Office 60 Quiet One-half as loud
Suburban Street 55 Quiet —
Light Traffic; Soft Radio Music in Apartment 50 Quiet One-quarter as loud
Large Transformer 45 Quiet —
Average Residence without Stereo Playing 40 Faint One-eighth as loud
Soft Whisper 30 Faint —
Rustling Leaves 20 Very Faint —
Human Breathing 10 Very Faint Threshold of Hearing
— 0 Very Faint —
Source: Compiled by LSA (2023).
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FUNDAMENTALS OF VIBRATION
Vibration refers to ground-borne noise and perceptible motion. Ground-borne vibration is almost
exclusively a concern inside buildings and is rarely perceived as a problem outdoors, where the
motion may not be discernible, but without the effects associated with the shaking of a building
there is less adverse reaction. Vibration energy propagates from a source through intervening soil
and rock layers to the foundations of nearby buildings. The vibration then propagates from the
foundation throughout the remainder of the structure. Building vibration may be perceived by
occupants as the motion of building surfaces, the rattling of items sitting on shelves or hanging on
walls, or a low-frequency rumbling noise. The rumbling noise is caused by the vibration of walls,
floors, and ceilings that radiate sound waves. Annoyance from vibration often occurs when the
vibration exceeds the threshold of perception by 10 dB or less. This is an order of magnitude below
the damage threshold for normal buildings.
Typical sources of ground-borne vibration are construction activities (e.g., blasting, pile-driving, and
operating heavy-duty earthmoving equipment), steel-wheeled trains, and occasional traffic on rough
roads. Problems with both ground-borne vibration and noise from these sources are usually
localized to areas within approximately 100 feet from the vibration source, although there are
examples of ground-borne vibration causing interference out to distances greater than 200 feet as
detailed in the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 2018 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact
Assessment Manual (FTA Manual). When roadways are smooth, vibration from traffic, even heavy
trucks, is rarely perceptible. It is assumed for most projects that the roadway surface will be smooth
enough that ground-borne vibration from street traffic will not exceed the impact criteria; however,
construction of the project could result in ground-borne vibration that may be perceptible and
annoying.
Ground-borne noise is not likely to be a problem because noise arriving via the normal airborne path
will usually be greater than ground-borne noise.
Ground-borne vibration has the potential to disturb people and damage buildings. Although it is
very rare for train-induced ground-borne vibration to cause even cosmetic building damage, it is not
uncommon for construction processes such as blasting and pile-driving to cause vibration of
sufficient amplitudes to damage nearby buildings (FTA 2018). Ground-borne vibration is usually
measured in terms of vibration velocity, either the root-mean-square (RMS) velocity or peak particle
velocity (PPV). The RMS is best for characterizing human response to building vibration, and PPV is
used to characterize the potential for damage. Decibel notation acts to compress the range of
numbers required to describe vibration. Vibration velocity level in decibels is defined as
Lv = 20 log10 [V/Vref]
where “Lv” is the vibration velocity in decibels (VdB), “V” is the RMS velocity amplitude, and “Vref” is
the reference velocity amplitude, or 1 x 10-6 inches per second (in/sec) used in the United States.
BLASTING
The intensity of the noise and vibration impacts associated with rock blasting depends on location,
size, material, shape of the rock, and the methods used to crack it. While a blasting contractor can
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design the blasts to stay below a given vibration level that could cause damage to nearby structures,
it is difficult to design blasts that produce noise levels which are not perceptible to receivers near
the blast site. The noise produced by blasting activities is referred to as air overpressure, or an
“airblast,” which is generated when explosive energy in the form of gases escape from the
detonating blast holes. Much like a point source, airblasts radiate outward in a spherical pattern and
attenuate with each doubling of distance from the blast location, depending on the design of the
blast and amount of containment.
Blasting activities generally include: the pre-drilling of holes in the hard rock area; preparation and
placement of the charges in the drilled holes; a pre-blast horn signal; additional pre-blast horn
signals immediately prior to the blast; and the blast itself. An additional horn signal is sounded to
indicate the “all clear” after the blast and the blasting contractor has inspected the blasting area.
The noise from the blast itself starts with a cracking sound from the detonator, located at a distance
from the charges, and ends with the low crackling sound from each charge as they are subsequently
set off. Blasts typically occur for only a few seconds, depending on their design. It is important to
note that no other construction equipment will be operating during each blast in the blast area but
will commence operation once the blasting contractor indicates it is safe to do so. The following
equations are provided in this report is based on the 18th Edition of the International Society of
Explosives Engineer’s (ISEE) Blasters’ Handbook.
Blasting Noise Levels
Air overpressure, or “airblast,” levels generated by blasting can travel up to 1,100 feet per second,
depending on the size of the blast, distance from the blast, and amount of charge confinement. To
determine potential airblast levels (dB) from a blast, the cubed-root scaled distance (SD3) is used
based on the planned maximum charge weight of the blast, and distance to the receiver location
being analyzed. The following equation is provided in the Blasters’ Handbook to calculate the cubed
root scaled distance:
SD3 = R / W1/3
Where “R” is equal to the distance to the receiver location (e.g., residential homes), and “W” is
equal to the maximum charge weight detonated within any 8-millisecond period per Blasters’
Handbook guidelines. With known cubed root scaled distances for each blast, the anticipated
airblast levels can be calculated at the receiver location. The following equation is provided in the
Blaster’s Handbook for calculating airblast levels in “P,” which represents air pressure in pounds per
inch squared (lb/in2):
P = A x (SD3)-B
Where “A” is equal to the intercept of a reference line with the calculated SD3 value. The “A” values
are based on the Blasters’ Handbook for a given reference industry blast (e.g., construction, mining,
etc.), and vary depending on the amount of confinement of each blast. “B” is equal to the slope of
the line per Blasters’ Handbook reference data. It is important to note that airblast levels are
calculated in terms of pressure in the air, and do not represent perceptible noise levels typically
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described using A-weighted decibels (dBA). Alternatively, airblast pressure levels can be converted
to linear decibels (dB) using the following equation per the Blasters’ Handbook:
Ps = 20 x log(P / P0)
Where “P” equals the measured or calculated overpressure, and P0 represents the reference
ambient air pressure (2.9 x 10-9 pounds/inch2) per the Blasters’ Handbook.
Blasting Vibration Levels
Vibration levels generated by a blast can travel up to 20,000 feet per second, depending on the size
of the blast, travel pathways (e.g., ground discontinuities), and site characteristics. (9) To
determine potential vibration levels (PPV) from a blast, the square-root scaled distance (SD2) is
used based on the planned maximum charge weight of the blast, and distance to the receiver
location being analyzed. The following equation is provided in the Blasters’ Handbook to calculate
the square-root scaled distance:
SD2 = R / W1/2
Where “R” is equal to the distance to the receiver location (e.g., residential homes), and “W” is
equal to the maximum charge weight detonated within any 8-millisecond period per Blasters’
Handbook guidelines. With known square-root scaled distances for each blast, the anticipated PPV
levels can be calculated at the receiver location. The following equation is provided in the Blaster’s
Handbook for calculating vibration levels:
PPV = A x (SD2)-B
Where “A” is equal to the intercept of a reference line with the calculated SD2 value. The “A” values
are based on the lower, best fit, or upper bound lines (provided in the Blasters’ Handbook) for a
given reference industry blast (e.g., construction, mining, etc.), and “B” is equal to the slope of the
line.
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REGULATORY SETTING
APPLICABLE NOISE STANDARDS
The applicable noise standards governing the project site include the criteria in the City’s Noise
Element of the General Plan (Noise Element) and the City of Fontana Municipal Code (FMC).
City of Fontana
Noise Element of the General Plan
The Noise Element provides the City’s goals and policies related to noise, including the land use
compatibility guidelines for community exterior noise environments. The City has identified the
following policies in the Noise Element (City of Fontana 2018a):
Policy. Residential land uses and areas identified as noise-sensitive shall be protected from
excessive noise from non-transportation sources including industrial, commercial, and residential
activities and equipment.
Actions
A. Projects located in commercial areas shall not exceed stationary-source noise standards at the
property line of proximate residential or commercial uses.
B. Industrial uses shall not exceed commercial or residential stationary source noise standards at
the most proximate land uses.
C. Non-transportation noise shall be considered in land use planning decisions.
D. Construction shall be performed as quietly as feasible when performed in proximity to
residential or other noise sensitive land uses.
City of Fontana Municipal Code
Operational Noise Standards. The City’s noise control guidelines for determining and mitigating
non-transportation or stationary noise source impacts from operations in neighboring residential
areas are found in Section 30-469. Because the City does not have specific criteria for commercial
zones, the residential zoning district standards are utilized in this analysis. For residential zoning
districts, Section 30-469 indicates that “no use shall create or cause to be created any sound that
exceeds the ambient noise standards outlined in Table 30-469” (Table C below; City of Fontana
2024). The performance standards found in Section 30-469 limit the exterior noise level to 65 dBA
Leq during the daytime and nighttime hours at sensitive receiver locations.
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Table C: Operational Noise Standards
Noise Level Descriptor Daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.)
Hourly Equivalent Level (Leq), dBA 65 65
Source: City of Fontana (2024).
dBA = A-weighted decibels
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Construction Noise Standards. The City has set restrictions to control noise impacts associated with
the construction of the proposed project. According to Section 18-63(b)(7), construction activity is
limited “between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays except in the case of urgent necessity” (City of Fontana 2024).
State of California Green Building Standards Code
The State of California’s Green Building Standards Code contains mandatory measures for non-
residential building construction in Section 5.507 on Environmental Comfort (California Building
Standards Commission 2020). These noise standards are applied to new construction in California
for controlling interior noise levels resulting from exterior noise sources. The regulations specify that
acoustical studies must be prepared when non-residential structures are developed in areas where
the exterior noise levels exceed 65 dBA CNEL, such as within a noise contour of an airport, freeway,
railroad, and other noise source. If the development falls within an airport or freeway 65 dBA CNEL
noise contour, buildings shall be construction to provide an interior noise level environment
attributable to exterior sources that does not exceed an hourly equivalent level of 50 dBA Leq in
occupied areas during any hour of operation.
Federal Transit Administration
Because the City does not have daytime construction noise level limits for activities that occur
within the specified hours of Section 18-63(b)(7), to determine potential CEQA noise impacts,
construction noise was assessed using criteria from the FTA Manual (FTA 2018). Table D shows the
FTA’s Detailed Assessment Construction Noise Criteria based on the composite noise levels per
construction phase.
Table D: Detailed Assessment Daytime Construction Noise Criteria
Land Use Daytime 1-hour Leq (dBA)
Residential 80
Commercial 85
Industrial 90
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
dBA = A-weighted decibels
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
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APPLICABLE VIBRATION STANDARDS
Federal Transit Administration
Vibration standards included in the FTA Manual are used in this analysis for ground-borne vibration
impacts on human annoyance (FTA 2018). The criteria for environmental impact from ground-borne
vibration and noise are based on the maximum levels for a single event. Table E provides the criteria
for assessing the potential for interference or annoyance from vibration levels in a building.
Table E: Interpretation of Vibration Criteria for Detailed Analysis
Land Use Max Lv
(VdB)1 Description of Use
Workshop 90 Vibration that is distinctly felt. Appropriate for workshops
and similar areas not as sensitive to vibration.
Office 84 Vibration that can be felt. Appropriate for offices and
similar areas not as sensitive to vibration.
Residential Day 78
Vibration that is barely felt. Adequate for computer
equipment and low-power optical microscopes (up to
20×).
Residential Night and
Operating Rooms 72
Vibration is not felt, but ground-borne noise may be
audible inside quiet rooms. Suitable for medium-power
microscopes (100×) and other equipment of low
sensitivity.
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
1 As measured in 1/3-Octave bands of frequency over the frequency range 8 to 80 Hertz.
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
LV = velocity in decibels
Max = maximum
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
Table F lists the potential vibration building damage criteria associated with construction activities,
as suggested in the FTA Manual (FTA 2018). FTA guidelines show that a vibration level of up to
0.5 in/sec in PPV is considered safe for buildings consisting of reinforced concrete, steel, or timber
(no plaster), and would not result in any construction vibration damage. For non-engineered timber
and masonry buildings, the construction building vibration damage criterion is 0.2 in/sec in PPV.
Table F: Construction Vibration Damage Criteria
Building Category PPV (in/sec)
Reinforced concrete, steel, or timber (no plaster) 0.50
Engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster) 0.30
Non-engineered timber and masonry buildings 0.20
Buildings extremely susceptible to vibration damage 0.12
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
in/sec = inch/inches per second
PPV = peak particle velocity
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OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT
The primary existing noise sources in the project area include vehicle traffic from Live Oak Avenue,
Village Drive, and Beech Avenue.
AMBIENT NOISE MEASUREMENTS
Long-Term Noise Measurements
To assess existing noise levels, LSA conducted three long-term noise measurements in the vicinity of
the project site. The long-term (24-hour) noise level measurements were conducted on January 16
through January 17, 2025, using three Larson Davis Spark 706RC Dosimeters. Table G provides a
summary of the measured hourly noise levels and calculated CNEL level from the long-term noise
level measurements. As shown in Table G, the calculated CNEL levels reached 72.4 dBA CNEL. Hourly
noise levels at surrounding uses are as low as 47.0 dBA Leq during daytime and nighttime hours. dBA
Leq during daytime hours. Noise measurement sheets are provided in Appendix A. Figure 3 shows
the long-term monitoring locations.
Table G: Long‐Term 24-Hour Ambient Noise Monitoring Results
Location
Daytime Noise
Levels1
(dBA Leq)
Evening Noise
Levels2
(dBA Leq)
Nighttime
Noise Levels3
(dBA Leq)
Daily Noise
Levels
(dBA CNEL)
LT-1
Near 11454 Blackstone Court. On a tree
along Live Oak Avenue, approximately 30
feet from the Live Oak Avenue centerline.
68.2 – 71.2 66.0 – 68.3 57.1 – 68.6 72.4
LT-2
Near 11508 Conifer Court. On a tree along
Village Drive, approximately 38 feet from
the Village Drive centerline.
55.7 – 62.2 54.7 – 56.5 48.1 – 56.2 60.9
LT-3
On a light pole at the north end of the
Teaberry Court cul-de-sac, approximately
220 feet west of the Beech Avenue
centerline.
47.0 – 53.5 51.1 – 52.6 47.0 – 52.9 57.6
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
Note: Noise measurements were conducted from January 16 to January 17, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m.
1 Daytime Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2 Evening Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
3 Nighttime Noise Levels = noise levels during the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level
dBA = A-weighted decibels
ft = foot/feet
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
EXISTING AIRCRAFT NOISE
Airport-related noise levels are primarily associated with aircraft engine noise made while aircraft
are taking off, landing, or running their engines while still on the ground. The closest airport to the
proposed project site is the Flabob Airport located approximately 5.5 miles southeast of the project
site. Based on Map FL-3, Noise Compatibility Contours, of Riverside County Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan Policy Document, the project is located outside the 65 dBA CNEL noise contour
(Riverside County 2004). Because the project site is located well outside the 65 dBA CNEL airport
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noise contour, the project would not be adversely affected by airport/airfield noise, nor would the
project contribute to or result in adverse airport/airfield noise impacts.
SOURCE: Google Earth 2025
FEET
4002000
FIGURE 3
Noise Monitoring Locations
I:\E\ESL2201.99\E\Noise_Locs.ai (1/24/2025)
Conifer Court Self-Storage
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LEGEND
Project Site Boundary
Long-term Noise Monitoring LocationLT-1LT-1
LT-1LT-1
LT-3
LT-2LT-2
LT-3
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PROJECT IMPACTS
SHORT-TERM CONSTRUCTION NOISE IMPACTS
Two types of short-term noise impacts could occur during the construction of the proposed project.
First, construction crew commutes and the transport of construction equipment and materials to
the site for the proposed project would incrementally increase noise levels on access roads leading
to the site. Although there would be a relatively high single-event noise-exposure potential causing
intermittent noise nuisance (passing trucks at 50 feet would generate up to 84 dBA Lmax), the effect
on longer-term ambient noise levels would be small when compared to noise generated by existing
daily traffic volumes on Village Drive. According to the City’s Community Mobility Circulation
Element of the General Plan, the existing (2017) average daily traffic (ADT) on Village Drive adjacent
to the project site is 1,500 (City of Fontana 2018b). Although the current traffic volume on Village
Drive is likely higher, using the 2017 volumes would be considered conservative. During the grading
phase, approximately 1,239 acoustically equivalent trips would occur during an average day from
worker and delivery activities resulting in a traffic noise increase of approximately 2.6 dBA. A noise
level increase of less than 3 dBA would not be perceptible to the human ear in an outdoor
environment. Therefore, short-term, construction-related impacts associated with worker
commutes and equipment transport to the project site would be less than significant.
The second type of short-term noise impact is related to noise generated during construction, which
includes site preparation, grading, rock crushing, building construction, paving, and architectural
coating on the project site. Construction is completed in discrete steps, each of which has its own
mix of equipment and, consequently, its own noise characteristics. These various sequential phases
would change the character of the noise generated on the site and, therefore, the noise levels
surrounding the site as construction progresses. Despite the variety in the type and size of
construction equipment, similarities in the dominant noise sources and patterns of operation allow
construction-related noise ranges to be categorized by work phase. Table H lists typical construction
equipment noise levels recommended for noise impact assessments, based on a distance of 50 feet
between the equipment and a noise receptor, taken from the Federal Highway Administration’s
(FHWA) FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model (FHWA 2006).
Table H: Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels
Equipment Description Acoustical Usage Factor (%)1 Maximum Noise Level (Lmax) at 50 Ft2
Auger Drill Rig 20 84
Backhoes 40 80
Compactor (ground) 20 80
Compressor 40 80
Cranes 16 85
Dozers 40 85
Dump Trucks 40 84
Excavators 40 85
Flat Bed Trucks 40 84
Forklift 20 85
Front-end Loaders 40 80
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Table H: Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels
Equipment Description Acoustical Usage Factor (%)1 Maximum Noise Level (Lmax) at 50 Ft2
Graders 40 85
Impact Pile Drivers 20 95
Jackhammers 20 85
Paver 50 77
Pickup Truck 40 55
Pneumatic Tools 50 85
Pumps 50 77
Rock Drills 20 85
Rollers 20 85
Scrapers 40 85
Tractors 40 84
Trencher 50 80
Welder 40 73
Source: FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide, Table 1 (FHWA 2006).
Note: Noise levels reported in this table are rounded to the nearest whole number.
1 Usage factor is the percentage of time during a construction noise operation that a piece of construction equipment is
operating at full power.
2 Maximum noise levels were developed based on Specification 721.560 from the Central Artery/Tunnel program to be
consistent with the City of Boston’s Noise Code for the “Big Dig” project.
FHWA = Federal Highway Administration
ft = foot/feet
Lmax = maximum instantaneous sound level
In addition to the reference maximum noise level, the usage factor provided in Table H is used to
calculate the hourly noise level impact for each piece of equipment based on the following
equation:
−+=50log20.).log(10..)(DFULEequipLeq
where: Leq (equip) = Leq at a receiver resulting from the operation of a single
piece of equipment over a specified time period.
E.L. = noise emission level of the particular piece of equipment at
a reference distance of 50 feet.
U.F. = usage factor that accounts for the fraction of time that the
equipment is in use over the specified period of time.
D = distance from the receiver to the piece of equipment.
Each piece of construction equipment operates as an individual point source. Using the following
equation, a composite noise level can be calculated when multiple sources of noise operate
simultaneously:
𝐿𝑐𝑙 (𝑐𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑐)=10 ∗log10 (∑10
𝐿𝑛
10
𝑛
1
)
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Using the equations from the methodology above, the reference information in Table H, and the
construction equipment list provided, the composite noise levels of each construction phase were
calculated. The project construction composite noise levels at a distance of 50 feet would range
from 74 dBA Leq to 90 dBA Leq, with the highest noise levels occurring during the grading and rock
crushing phases.
Once composite noise levels are calculated, reference noise levels can then be adjusted for distance
using the following equation:
𝐿𝑐𝑙 (𝑎𝑠 𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑐𝑐 𝑋)=𝐿𝑐𝑙 (𝑎𝑠 50 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑠)−20 ∗lo g10 (𝑋
50)
In general, this equation shows that doubling the distance would decrease noise levels by 6 dBA,
and halving the distance would increase noise levels by 6 dBA.
Table I shows the nearest sensitive uses to the project site, their distance from the center of
construction activities, and composite noise levels expected during construction. These noise level
projections do not consider intervening topography or barriers. Construction equipment calculations
are provided in Appendix B.
Table I: Potential Construction Noise Impacts at Nearest Receptor
Receptor (Location) Composite Noise Level
(dBA Leq) at 50 ft1 Distance (ft)2 Composite Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Grading
Residential Use (North) 89 335 72
Residential Use (West) 850 64
Rock Crushing
Residential Use (North) 90 460 71
Residential Use (West) 560 69
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 The composite construction noise level represents the grading phase which is expected to result in the
greatest noise level as compared to other phases.
2 The distance is measured from the center of construction activities.
dBA Leq = average A-weighted hourly noise level
ft = foot/feet
Although construction noise will vary, it is expected that composite noise levels during construction
at the nearest off-site residential uses to the north would reach 73 dBA Leq during daytime hours.
These predicted noise levels would only occur when all construction equipment is operating
simultaneously and, therefore, are assumed to be rather conservative in nature. Although
construction-related short-term noise levels have the potential to be higher than existing ambient
noise levels in the project area under existing conditions, the noise impacts would no longer occur
once project construction is completed.
As it relates to off-site uses, construction-related noise impacts would remain below the 80 dBA Leq
1-hour construction noise level criteria for daytime construction noise level criteria as established by
the FTA for residential land uses; therefore, the impact would be considered less than significant.
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SHORT-TERM CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION IMPACTS
This construction vibration impact analysis discusses the level of human annoyance using vibration
levels in RMS (VdB) and assesses the potential for building damages using vibration levels in PPV
(in/sec). This is because vibration levels calculated in RMS are best for characterizing human
response to building vibration, while vibration level in PPV is best for characterizing potential for
damage.
Table J shows the PPV and VdB values at 25 feet from the construction vibration source. As shown in
Table J, bulldozers, and other heavy-tracked construction equipment (expected to be used for this
project) generate approximately 0.089 PPV in/sec or 87 VdB of ground-borne vibration when
measured at 25 feet, based on the FTA Manual (FTA 2018). The distance to the nearest buildings for
vibration impact analysis is measured between the nearest off-site buildings and the project
construction boundary (assuming the construction equipment would be used at or near the project
setback line).
Table J: Vibration Source Amplitudes for Construction Equipment
Equipment Reference PPV/LV at 25 ft
PPV (in/sec) LV (VdB)1
Pile Driver (Impact), Typical 0.644 104
Pile Driver (Sonic), Typical 0.170 93
Vibratory Roller 0.210 94
Hoe Ram 0.089 87
Large Bulldozer2 0.089 87
Caisson Drilling 0.089 87
Loaded Trucks2 0.076 86
Jackhammer 0.035 79
Small Bulldozer 0.003 58
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
1 RMS vibration velocity in decibels (VdB) is 1 µin/sec.
2 Equipment shown in bold is expected to be used on site.
µin/sec = microinches per second
ft = foot/feet
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
in/sec = inch/inches per second
LV = velocity in decibels
PPV = peak particle velocity
RMS = root-mean-square
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
The formulae for vibration transmission are provided below and Tables K and L below provide a
summary of off-site construction vibration levels.
LvdB (D) = LvdB (25 ft) – 30 Log (D/25)
PPVequip = PPVref x (25/D)1.5
As previously shown in Table E, the threshold at which vibration levels would result in annoyance
would be 78 VdB for residential type uses. As shown in Table F, the FTA guidelines indicate that for a
non-engineered timber and masonry building, the construction vibration damage criterion is
0.2 in/sec in PPV.
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Table K: Potential Construction Vibration Annoyance Impacts at
Nearest Receptor
Receptor (Location)
Reference
Vibration Level
(VdB) at 25 ft1
Distance (ft) 2 Vibration Level
(VdB)
Residential Use (North) 87 335 53
Residential Use (West) 950 40
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 The reference vibration level is associated with a large bulldozer, which is expected to be
representative of the heavy equipment used during construction.
2 The assessment distance is associated with the average condition, identified by the distance from
the center of construction activities to surrounding uses.
ft = foot/feet
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
Table L: Potential Construction Vibration Damage Impacts at
Nearest Receptor
Receptor (Location) Reference Vibration
Level (PPV) at 25 ft1 Distance (ft)2 Vibration Level
(PPV)
Residential Use (North) 0.089 75 0.017
Residential Use (West) 230 0.003
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 The reference vibration level is associated with a large bulldozer, which is expected to be
representative of the heavy equipment used during construction.
2 The assessment distance is associated with the peak condition, identified by the distance from the
perimeter of construction activities to surrounding structures.
ft = foot/feet
PPV = peak particle velocity
Based on the information provided in Table K, vibration levels are expected to approach 53 VdB at
the closest residential use to the north and would not exceed the annoyance thresholds.
Based on the information provided in Table L, vibration levels are expected to approach 0.017 PPV
in/sec at the nearest residences to the north and would not exceed the 0.2 PPV in/sec damage
threshold considered safe for non-engineered timber and masonry buildings. Vibration levels at all
other buildings located further from the project site would be lower. Therefore, construction would
not result in any vibration damage, and impacts would be less than significant.
Because construction activities are regulated by the FMC, which states that construction activity is
limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays
except in the case of urgent necessity, vibration impacts would not occur during the more sensitive
nighttime hours.
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BLASTING NOISE AND VIBRATION IMPACTS
If it is determined that blasting is required during the excavation and grading phases of construction,
the blasting contractor is required to obtain blasting permit(s) from the County of San Bernardino,
and to notify the City Police/Fire Department within 24 hours of planned blasting events. Air
overpressure regulations are identified by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and the ISEE Blasters’
Handbook.
A blasting contractor would be required to complete all blasting-related activities in compliance with
applicable regulations of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Bureau of Mines,
the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), the Department of Homeland
Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). As required by law, a
licensed blasting contractor would be responsible for performing and supervising all blasting
activities, including the following:
• Drill pattern design;
• Pre-blast inspection;
• Loading of explosives;
• Pre-blast notifications and warning signaling;
• Blasting safety procedures;
• Blasting site security;
• Post-blast inspections and re-entry procedures; and
• Blast log and history.
Explosives used for blasting usually consist of a primer, secondary explosive, and an initiator. The
blasting contractor would most likely use a high explosive Ammonia Gelatin as a primer for each
shot and ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil (ANFO) as the primary blasting agent. Non-electric
blasting caps are typically used to initiate the blasting agent. The charges are time delayed by at
least 8-milliseconds. Delays between charges are used to decouple changes and reduce vibration.
Pattern blasting is a common technique used in blasting for construction. This method is used when
rock materials occur over a wide area. Pattern blasting involves drilling holes in a pre-designed
pattern. The depth and spacing of holes are controlled to provide the maximum fracture with the
minimum amount of ground shaking.
Blasting patterns typically consist of drill holes between two and five inches in diameter. Depth of
the drill holes would be determined by the blasting contractor and is specific to each application.
Blasting patterns on construction sites typically range from three feet by three feet to 12 feet by 12
feet. Figure 4 illustrates the potential rock crushing and blasting locations.
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SOURCE: Google Earth 2025
LEGEND
Potential Blasting Location
Potential Rock Crushing Staging Location
Potential Rock Crushing and Blasting Locations
Conifer Court Self Storage
FEET
2001000
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The Blasting Engineer would control blasting-induced vibration and noise. General control measures
include:
• Stemming shall be of uniform size in order to ensure consistency between individual shots;
• The weight of explosives used per delay shall be determined by adherence to the Scaled
Distance Equation;
• Independent delays shall be used for each blast hole to control vibration; and
• Blasting shall not take place when wind velocity equals or exceeds 15 miles per hour. A
licensed blasting contractor will determine wind speed through the use of a recording
anemometer located a minimum of ten feet above ground level.
In addition, ground vibrations and air overpressure shall be monitored during each blast for
compliance with the limits by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. Following each blast, seismographs shall be
checked to ensure that the blasting has not exceeded relevant standards. The relevant standards are
as follows:
• Pursuant to 30 CFR Ch. VII, §816.67(b)(1)(i) of U.S. Bureau of Mines publication RI8485,
airblasts shall not exceed 133 dB at the location of any dwelling, public building, school,
church, or community or institutional building outside the permit area.
• Pursuant to 30 CFR Ch. VII, §816.67(d)(2)(i) of U.S. Bureau of Mines publication RI8508, the
maximum ground vibration shall not exceed the limits in said section at the location of any
dwelling, public building, school, church, or community or institutional building outside the
permit area.
While there are specific blasting regulations and standards that have been designed to ensure that
adverse impacts would not result from blasting operations, as there is no specific information on
how much blasting would occur, the Project’s compliance with such federal and state regulations
cannot be verified in this analysis. Therefore, if blasting is required, the project should implement
Noise-1 to demonstrate any required blasting activities comply with the thresholds in this analysis:
Noise-1: Where blasting is required, the following measures should be employed:
1) Blasting will be conducted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays only.
Explosives will not be detonated on weekends or the following holidays: New Year’s Day,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
2) All blasting will be done by a licensed blaster.
3) Pursuant to 30 CFR Ch. VII, §816.67(b)(1)(i) of U.S. Bureau of Mines publication RI8485, airblasts
shall not exceed 133 dB at the location of any dwelling, public building, school, church, or
community or institutional building.
4) Pursuant to 30 CFR Ch. VII, §816.67(d)(2)(i) of U.S. Bureau of Mines publication RI8508, the
maximum ground vibration shall not exceed the limits in said section at the location of any
dwelling, public building, school, church, or community or institutional building outside the
permit area.
5) Blasting Notification
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a) All owners of non-vacant property within ¼ mile of the blast location will be notified at least
24 hours prior to blasting.
b) Notify the County of San Bernardino Sherriff’s Department at least 24 hours prior to
blasting.
6) A record of notifications will be maintained and will be available for inspection by the County of
San Bernardino.
7) All persons who conduct blasting operations will comply with all applicable State and federal
laws governing the use and storage of explosives.
8) Blasting will be conducted in a manner that prevents injury to persons and damage to public or
private property outside the project area.
9) A record of each blast will be made and provided to the County of San Bernardino within one
week of the blast. The record is to be completed by the end of the workday during which the
blast occurred, including the seismograph reading, if available, and will contain the following:
a) Name of operator conducting the blast.
b) The location, date and time of the blast.
c) Name, signature and license number of the licensed blaster.
d) Type of material blasted.
e) Number of holes, burden and spacing.
f) Diameter and depth of holes.
g) Type of explosives used.
h) Total weight of explosives used.
i) Weight of explosives per hole.
j) Maximum weight of explosives detonated within any eight (8) millisecond period.
k) Maximum number of holes or decks detonated within any eight (8) millisecond period.
l) Initiation system, including number of circuits and the time interval, if sequential timer is
used.
m) Type and length of stemming (deck and top).
n) Type and detonator and delay periods used, in milliseconds.
o) Distance and scaled distance to the closest protected structure.
p) Maximum peak particle velocity will not exceed limits as set by U.S. Bureau of Mines 8507
Report at the location of any dwelling, public building, school, church or community or
institutional building outside the blast area.
10) All blasting will be done with small charges and with the following protective best management
practices, whenever feasible:
11) Two to four feet of rippable material will be left over the solid material to be blasted to serve as
a cover to prevent excessive fly rock. Blasting mats may be used if overburden is not available.
The blasting mats must be of suitable size and material to dampen noise and contain blasted
materials.
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12) The size of the shot will be limited by sound and vibration control levels and amount of area that
can be blasted with good results.
13) Small diameter drilling with high-speed equipment will be used to reduce the amount of
explosives used in each hole.
14) The use of delay blasting techniques will be used to reduce vibrations associated with the blast.
15) Material stockpiles will be placed, if available to help block blasting and material processing
noise transmission off-site.
16) Blasting shots will be designed to minimize ground vibration and air blast.
17) Blasting will not occur during adverse weather conditions, such as high winds, unless a loaded
charge must be detonated before the end of the day for safety reasons.
With the implementation of Noise-1, impacts related to vibration from blasting would result in a less
than-significant impact.
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LONG-TERM OFF-SITE TRAFFIC NOISE IMPACTS
As a result of the implementation of the proposed project, off-site traffic volumes on surrounding
roadways have the potential to increase. According to the Conifer Court Self-Storage Fontana
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening Analysis (EPD Solutions, Inc. 2024), the proposed project
would result in an increase of 124 daily trips. According to the City’s Community Mobility Circulation
Element of the General Plan, the existing (2017) ADT on Village Drive adjacent to the project site is
1,500 (City of Fontana 2018b). Although the current traffic volume on Village Drive is likely higher,
using the 2017 volumes would be considered conservative. The following equation was used to
determine the potential impacts of the project:
Change in CNEL = 10 𝑙𝑙𝑐10 [𝑉(𝑒+𝑝)/𝑉(𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔)]
where: Vexisting = existing daily volumes
Ve+p = existing daily volumes plus project
Change in CNEL = increase in noise level due to the project
The results of the calculations show that an increase of approximately 0.3 dBA CNEL is expected
along Village Drive. A noise level increase of less than 1 dBA would not be perceptible to the human
ear; therefore, the traffic noise increase in the vicinity of the project site resulting from the
proposed project would be less than significant.
LONG-TERM TRAFFIC-RELATED VIBRATION IMPACTS
The proposed project would not generate noticeable vibration levels related to on-site operations.
Trucks traveling to and from the project site as well as loading and unloading activities may generate
vibration levels. However, the closest off-site uses are greater than 25 feet away and vibration levels
generated from trucks would not be perceptible. In addition, vibration levels generated from
project-related traffic on the adjacent roadways are unusual for on-road vehicles because the
rubber tires and suspension systems of on-road vehicles provide vibration isolation. Based on a
reference vibration level of 0.076 in/sec PPV, structures greater than 20 feet from the roadways that
contain project trips would experience vibration levels below the most conservative standard of
0.12 in/sec PPV; therefore, vibration levels generated from project-related traffic on the adjacent
roadways would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are required.
LONG-TERM STATIONARY NOISE IMPACTS TO OFF-SITE RECEPTORS
Adjacent off-site land uses would be potentially exposed to stationary-source noise impacts from
rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and proposed truck loading and
unloading activities. The potential noise impacts to off-site sensitive land uses from the proposed
operations are discussed below. While there could be noise impacts associated with truck loading
and unloading activities, due to the site plan layout, the proposed buildings would provide shielding
and noise associated with truck loading and unloading activities would be minimal.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Equipment
The project would have various rooftop mechanical equipment, including HVAC units on the
proposed office building. Based on the project site plan, the project is assumed to have two (2)
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rooftop HVAC units and assumed to operate 24 hours per day. The HVAC equipment would generate
sound power levels (Lw) of up to 87 dBA Lw or a sound pressure level of 72 dBA Leq at 5 feet, based on
manufacturer data (Trane n.d.). This level is used as a reference level and is not indicative of the
level at surrounding receptors.
Cumulative Operations Noise Assessment
Tables M and N below show the hourly noise levels generated by HVAC equipment at the closest off-
site land uses. The results indicate that operational noise levels would be below the daytime and
nighttime hourly noise level standards of 65 dBA Leq for residential uses. Additionally, ambient noise
levels would not increase by 5 dBA or more. Therefore, operations of the proposed project would be
less than significant. No mitigation is required. Appendix C presents the operational noise source
calculations.
Table M: Daytime Exterior Noise Level Impacts
Receptor Direction
Existing Quietest
Daytime Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Project Generated
Noise Levels
(dBA Leq)
Potential
Operational
Noise Impact?1
Residential North 55.7 41.8 No
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 A potential operational noise impact would occur if (1) the quietest daytime ambient hour is less than 65 dBA Leq at
the nearest residential uses and project noise impacts are greater than 65 dBA Leq at the nearest residential uses, or
(2) the quietest daytime ambient hour is greater than 65 dBA Leq at the nearest residential uses and project noise
impacts are 3 dBA greater than the quietest daytime ambient hour.
dBA Leq = average A-weighted hourly noise level
Table N: Nighttime Exterior Noise Level Impacts
Receptor Direction
Existing Quietest
Nighttime Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Project Generated
Noise Levels
(dBA Leq)
Potential
Operational
Noise Impact?1
Residential North 48.1 41.8 No
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 A potential operational noise impact would occur if (1) the quietest nighttime ambient hour is less than 65 dBA Leq at
the nearest residential uses and Project noise impacts are greater than 65 dBA Leq at the nearest residential uses, or
(2) the quietest nighttime ambient hour is greater than 65 dBA Leq at the nearest residential uses and Project noise
impacts are 3 dBA greater than the quietest nighttime ambient hour.
dBA Leq = average A-weighted hourly noise level
In conclusion, the proposed project would not generate noise levels from operations above the
quietest ambient noise levels during daytime and nighttime hours. Furthermore, due to the
relatively high ambient noise levels, the project would not contribute to the overall ambient noise
levels. The project is also not anticipated to generate vibration levels above the FTA limits to off-site
receptors with the implementation of Noise-1 above. Therefore, the proposed project would comply
with the City’s noise and vibration standards.
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REFERENCES
City of Fontana. 2018a. General Plan Noise Element. November.
_______.2018b. General Plan Community Mobility and Circulation Element. November.
_______. 2024. Municipal Code. September 13. Website: https://library.municode.com/ca/
fontana/codes/code_of_ordinances (accessed February 2025).
EPD Solutions, Inc. 2024. Conifer Court Self-Storage Fontana Vehicle Miles Traveled Screening
Analysis. October 1.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 2006. FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s
Guide. January. Washington, D.C. Website: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/
construction_noise/rcnm/rcnm.pdf (accessed February 2025).
Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual.
Office of Planning and Environment. Report No. 0123. September.
International Society of Explosives Engineer's. 2020. Blasters' Handbook, 18th Edition, Fourth
Printing.
Riverside County. 2004. Riverside County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Policy Document.
December.
California Building Standards Commission. 2020. 2019 California Green Building Standards Code.
Trane. n.d. Fan Performance - Product Specifications RT-PRC023AU-EN.
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APPENDIX A
NOISE MONITORING DATA
Noise Measurement Survey – 24 HR
Project Number: ESL2201.99 Test Personnel: Corey Knips
Project Name: Conifer Court Self Storage Equipment: LD Spark 706RC (SN:17206)
Site Number: LT-1 Start Date: 1/16/25 Time: From 10:00 a.m. To 10:00 a.m.
Site Location: Near 11451 Blackstone Court, on a tree along Live Oak Avenue. Approximately
30 feet from the Live Oak Avenue centerline.
Primary Noise Sources: Traffic on Live Oak Avenue and faint construction noise from the
south.
Comments:
Photo:
Long-Term (24-Hour) Noise Level Measurement Results at LT-1
Start Time Date Noise Level (dBA)
Leq Lmax Lmin
10:00 AM 1/16/2025 68.2 86.2 47.1
11:00 AM 1/16/2025 69.2 95.0 45.5
12:00 PM 1/16/2025 68.5 83.2 45.4
1:00 PM 1/16/2025 70.0 91.5 50.4
2:00 PM 1/16/2025 70.4 87.5 52.9
3:00 PM 1/16/2025 70.2 83.8 50.8
4:00 PM 1/16/2025 70.3 84.3 49.1
5:00 PM 1/16/2025 70.0 81.9 48.5
6:00 PM 1/16/2025 69.5 87.9 47.8
7:00 PM 1/16/2025 68.3 85.6 47.0
8:00 PM 1/16/2025 66.6 82.8 46.4
9:00 PM 1/16/2025 66.0 89.6 47.2
10:00 PM 1/16/2025 64.3 83.9 43.8
11:00 PM 1/16/2025 63.3 81.3 45.3
12:00 AM 1/17/2025 60.7 88.7 39.9
1:00 AM 1/17/2025 57.1 82.9 39.0
2:00 AM 1/17/2025 61.9 84.3 40.9
3:00 AM 1/17/2025 61.8 79.5 43.5
4:00 AM 1/17/2025 65.2 82.7 46.5
5:00 AM 1/17/2025 67.2 82.4 48.7
6:00 AM 1/17/2025 68.6 86.9 49.6
7:00 AM 1/17/2025 71.2 83.9 51.7
8:00 AM 1/17/2025 70.5 91.4 47.8
9:00 AM 1/17/2025 68.8 84.3 48.3
Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc. (2025).
dBA = A-weighted decibel
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax = maximum instantaneous noise level
Lmin = minimum measured sound level
Noise Measurement Survey – 24 HR
Project Number: ESL2201.99 Test Personnel: Corey Knips
Project Name: Conifer Court Self Storage Equipment: LD Spark 706RC (SN:18571)
Site Number: LT-2 Start Date: 1/16/25 Time: From 10:00 a.m. To 10:00 a.m.
Site Location: Near 11508 Conifer Court, on a tree along Village Drive. Approximately 38 feet
From the Village Drive centerline.
Primary Noise Sources: Very light traffic on Village Drive, faint traffic on Live Oak Avenue,
and faint construction noise to the south west (mostly shielded by the hill to the south).
Comments:
Photo:
Long-Term (24-Hour) Noise Level Measurement Results at LT-2
Start Time Date Noise Level (dBA)
Leq Lmax Lmin
10:00 AM 1/16/2025 55.7 72.7 43.9
11:00 AM 1/16/2025 56.1 79.0 41.3
12:00 PM 1/16/2025 57.5 76.7 43.1
1:00 PM 1/16/2025 60.1 75.1 46.4
2:00 PM 1/16/2025 61.5 78.6 48.8
3:00 PM 1/16/2025 62.2 86.0 44.4
4:00 PM 1/16/2025 59.3 75.5 45.3
5:00 PM 1/16/2025 59.7 80.2 44.1
6:00 PM 1/16/2025 57.1 75.5 45.3
7:00 PM 1/16/2025 56.5 74.8 46.3
8:00 PM 1/16/2025 54.7 76.6 45.8
9:00 PM 1/16/2025 56.0 78.1 45.3
10:00 PM 1/16/2025 53.4 74.8 42.2
11:00 PM 1/16/2025 49.5 71.4 40.7
12:00 AM 1/17/2025 49.0 73.2 39.5
1:00 AM 1/17/2025 48.8 64.8 39.4
2:00 AM 1/17/2025 48.1 72.6 40.8
3:00 AM 1/17/2025 52.7 78.3 41.6
4:00 AM 1/17/2025 53.6 71.6 44.3
5:00 AM 1/17/2025 53.9 73.8 44.9
6:00 AM 1/17/2025 56.2 73.4 46.5
7:00 AM 1/17/2025 60.5 77.1 46.9
8:00 AM 1/17/2025 58.7 73.3 43.2
9:00 AM 1/17/2025 56.0 71.8 42.0
Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc. (2025).
dBA = A-weighted decibel
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax = maximum instantaneous noise level
Lmin = minimum measured sound level
Noise Measurement Survey – 24 HR
Project Number: ESL2201.99 Test Personnel: Corey Knips
Project Name: Conifer Court Self Storage Equipment: LD Spark 703+ (SN: 20224)
Site Number: LT-3 Start Date: 1/16/25 Time: From 10:00 a.m. To 10:00 a.m.
Site Location: North end of the Teaberry Court cul-de-sac, on a light pole. Approximately 220
feet west of the Beech Avenue centerline.
Primary Noise Sources: Faint traffic on Beech Avenue.
Comments:
Photo:
Long-Term (24-Hour) Noise Level Measurement Results at LT-3
Start Time Date Noise Level (dBA)
Leq Lmax Lmin
10:00 AM 1/16/2025 48.2 68.3 42.2
11:00 AM 1/16/2025 47.0 62.2 41.6
12:00 PM 1/16/2025 49.6 64.0 41.4
1:00 PM 1/16/2025 50.7 71.1 43.2
2:00 PM 1/16/2025 50.8 71.9 43.1
3:00 PM 1/16/2025 51.2 66.9 43.7
4:00 PM 1/16/2025 51.0 62.5 43.9
5:00 PM 1/16/2025 52.6 67.7 44.3
6:00 PM 1/16/2025 50.0 67.5 43.3
7:00 PM 1/16/2025 51.1 67.8 44.0
8:00 PM 1/16/2025 51.4 70.6 45.6
9:00 PM 1/16/2025 52.6 65.7 45.9
10:00 PM 1/16/2025 52.5 69.0 46.4
11:00 PM 1/16/2025 50.1 63.5 45.2
12:00 AM 1/17/2025 49.0 62.0 44.6
1:00 AM 1/17/2025 47.0 59.7 43.2
2:00 AM 1/17/2025 47.8 59.2 44.4
3:00 AM 1/17/2025 49.4 61.9 43.9
4:00 AM 1/17/2025 52.5 65.0 47.3
5:00 AM 1/17/2025 52.1 60.9 48.8
6:00 AM 1/17/2025 52.9 62.6 49.5
7:00 AM 1/17/2025 53.5 67.1 48.0
8:00 AM 1/17/2025 53.0 71.7 44.8
9:00 AM 1/17/2025 50.6 72.0 42.5
Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc. (2025).
dBA = A-weighted decibel
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax = maximum instantaneous noise level
Lmin = minimum measured sound level
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APPENDIX B
CONSTRUCTION NOISE LEVEL CALCULATIONS
Phase: Site Preparation
Lmax Leq
Dozer 3 82 40 50 0.5 82 83
Tractor 4 84 40 50 0.5 84 86
Combined at 50 feet 86 88
Phase: Grading
Lmax Leq
Grader 1 85 40 50 0.5 85 81
Excavator 2 81 40 50 0.5 81 80
Scraper 2 84 40 50 0.5 84 83
Dozer 1 82 40 50 0.5 82 78
Tractor 3 84 40 50 0.5 84 85
Combined at 50 feet 90 89
Combined at Receptor 335 feet 74 72
Combined at Receptor 850 feet 66 64
Phase: Rock Crushing
Lmax Leq
Rock Crusher2 1 89 (dBA Leq) N/A 50 0.5 N/A 89
Front End Loader 1 79 40 50 0.5 79 75
Mounted Impact Hammer (hoe ram) 1 90 20 50 0.5 90 83
Combined at 50 feet N/A 90
Combined at Receptor 460 feet N/A 71
Combined at Receptor 560 feet N/A 69
Phase:Building Construction
Lmax Leq
Crane 1 81 16 50 0.5 81 73
Man Lift 3 75 20 50 0.5 75 73
Generator 1 81 50 50 0.5 81 78
Welder / Torch 1 74 40 50 0.5 74 70
Tractor 3 84 40 50 0.5 84 85
Combined at 50 feet 87 86
Phase: Paving
Lmax Leq
Paver 2 77 50 50 0.5 77 77
All Other Equipment > 5 HP 2 85 50 50 0.5 85 85
Roller 2 80 20 50 0.5 80 76
Combined at 50 feet 87 86
Phase:Architectural Coating
Lmax Leq
Compressor (air) 1 78 40 50 0.5 78 74
Combined at 50 feet 78 74
Sources: RCNM
1- Percentage of time that a piece of equipment is operating at full power.
2- University District Rock Crusher Conditional Use Permit, 2011
dBA – A-weighted Decibels
Lmax- Maximum Level
Leq- Equivalent Level
Ground Effects
Noise Level (dBA)Equipment Quantity
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
Usage
Factor1
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
QuantityEquipment
Noise Level (dBA)
Construction Calculations
Equipment Quantity
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
Usage
Factor1
Distance to
Receptor (ft) Ground Effects
Noise Level (dBA)
Noise Level (dBA)
Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
QuantityEquipment
Noise Level (dBA)
Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
LmaxQuantityEquipment
Noise Level (dBA)
Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
Equipment Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
LmaxQuantity
Construction Traffic Noise Calculator
Construction Phase
One-Way
Worker
Trip/Day
One Way
Vendor
Trip/Day
One Way
Hauling
Trip
Number Total
Phase
Number Phase Name Number of Days
Demolition 0 0 0 0 1 Demolition 0
Site Preparation 17.5 0 0 17.5 2 Site
Preparation 10
Grading 22.5 0 22.8 45.3 3 Grading 20
Building Construction 55.2 21.5 0 76.7 4 Building
Construction 230
Paving 15 0 0 15 5 Paving 20
Architectural Coating 11 0 0 11 6 Architectural
Coating 20
Maximum 77
Speed MT Factor HT Factor
25 16 83.3
Roadway Speed Existing Volume MT Factor HT Factor 30 15 65
Village Drive 35 1500 14 53.3 35 14 53.3
40 13.2 45
45 12.6 38
Worker
Trip/Day
Vendor
Trip/Day
Hauling
Trip
Number Total
Overlap?50 12 33
Demolition 0 0 0 0 55 11.5 29
Site Preparation 18 0 0 18 60 11.1 26
Grading 23 0 1,216 1239 65 10.8 23
Building Construction 56 724 0 780
Paving 15 0 0 15
Architectural Coating 11 0 0 11
0
Total Equivalent Vehicles 1,239
Noise Increase (dBA)2.6
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APPENDIX C
OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL CALCULATIONS
Stationary Noise
Land Use Direction Noise Source
Peak Hour
Daytime
Reference Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Off-Peak
Nighttime
Reference Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Reference
Distance (ft) Distance (ft) Distance Attenuation (dBA)
Peak Hour Daytime
Reference Noise
Level at Receptor
(dBA Leq)
Off-Peak Nighttime
Reference Noise
Level at Receptor
(dBA Leq)
1 Residential North HVAC 1 72.0 72.0 5 225 33.1 38.9 38.9
HVAC 2 72.0 72.0 5 230 33.3 38.7 38.7
Combined 41.8 41.8