HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix H - Residential Development Site Noise Impact AssessmentNoise Impact Assessment
for the Walnut Property Project
City of Fontana, California
Prepared For:
Diversified Pacific
10621 Civic Center Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
Prepared By:
55 Hanover Lane, Suite A Chico, CA 95973
October 2024
Noise Impact Assessment for the for the Walnut Property Project
ECORP Consulting Inc.
Walnut Property Project i October 2024
2023-193.01
CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Location and Description.................................................................................................................. 1
2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE AND GROUNDBORNE VIBRATION ANALYSIS ..................................................... 3
2.1 Fundamentals of Noise and Environmental Sound ............................................................................... 3
2.1.1 Addition of Decibels .......................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.2 Sound Propagation and Attenuation ......................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Noise Descriptors ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.4 Human Response to Noise ............................................................................................................. 8
2.1.5 Effects of Noise on People .............................................................................................................. 9
2.2 Fundamentals of Environmental Groundborne Vibration .................................................................. 9
2.2.1 Vibration Sources and Characteristics ........................................................................................ 9
3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE SETTING ....................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Noise Sensitive Land Uses ............................................................................................................................ 12
3.1.1 Existing Ambient Noise Environment ...................................................................................... 12
3.1.2 Existing Ambient Noise Measurements.................................................................................. 12
3.1.3 Existing Roadway Noise Levels .................................................................................................. 13
4.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ......................................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Federal .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
4.1.1 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 ....................................................................... 15
4.1.2 Federal Transit Administration ................................................................................................... 15
4.1.3 Federal Interagency Commission on Noise .......................................................................... 15
4.2 State ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2.1 State of California General Plan Guidelines .......................................................................... 16
4.2.2 State Office of Planning and Research Noise Element Guidelines .............................. 16
4.3 Local ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.3.1 City of Fontana General Plan ...................................................................................................... 16
4.3.2 City of Fontana Municipal Code ................................................................................................ 17
5.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.1 Thresholds of Significance ............................................................................................................................ 19
5.2 Methodology ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.3 Impact Analysis ................................................................................................................................................. 20
5.3.1 Would the Project Result in Short-Term Construction-Generated Noise in Excess of
City Standards? ................................................................................................................................. 20
5.3.2 Would the Project Result in a Substantial Permanent Increase in Ambient Noise
Levels in Excess of City Standards During Operations? ................................................... 24
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5.3.3 Would the Project Expose Structures to Substantial Groundborne Vibration During
Construction? .................................................................................................................................... 26
5.3.4 Would the Project Expose Structures to Substantial Groundborne Vibration During
Operations?........................................................................................................................................ 28
5.3.5 Would the Project Expose People Residing or Working in the Project area to
Excessive Airport Noise? ............................................................................................................... 28
6.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................................................ 29
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Common Acoustical Descriptors............................................................................................................................... 7
Table 2-2. Human Reaction and Damage to Buildings for Continuous or Frequent Intermittent Vibration
Levels ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Table 3-1. Existing Ambient Noise Measurements .................................................................................................................13
Table 4-1. Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure for Transportation Noise Sources .............................................. 18
Table 5-1. Construction Average (dBA) Noise Levels at Nearest Receptors .............................................................. 22
Table 5-2. Representative Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment .................................................... 27
Table 5-3. Construction Vibration Levels at 365 Feet ......................................................................................................... 28
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Project Location ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Figure 2-1. Common Noise Levels ................................................................................................................................................. 4
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Baseline (Existing) Noise Measurements – Project Site and Vicinity
Attachment B – Federal Highway Administration Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108)
Outputs-Existing
Attachment C – Federal Highway Administration Roadway Construction Noise Model Outputs – Project
Construction
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ALUCP Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
CalEEMod California Emissions Estimator Model
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
City City of Fontana
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
County San Bernardino County dB Decibel dBA Decibel is A-weighted
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FICON Federal Interagency Commission on Noise
FTA Federal Transit Administration
Hz Hertz I-210 Interstate 210
Ldn Day-night average sound level
Leq Measure of ambient noise
Lmax The maximum A-weighted noise level during the
measurement period.
Lmin The minimum A-weighted noise level during the
measurement period.
NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
OPR Office of Planning and Research
OSHA Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PPV Peak particle velocity
Project Walnut Property Project RCNM Roadway Construction Noise Model
R-MF Multi Family Residential
R-MFMH Multi Family Medium/High Residential
RMS Root mean square
STC Sound Transmission Class
VdB Vibration Velocity Level
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This report documents the results of a Noise Impact Assessment completed for the Walnut Property Project
(Project), which proposes the construction of a 393-unit residential development in Fontana, California. The
purpose of this report is to estimate Project-generated noise and to determine the level of impact the
Project would have on the environment.
1.1 Project Location and Description
The Project Site is located in the City of Fontana in southwest San Bernardino County (County). The Project
Site is currently undeveloped and surrounded by single-family residences and undeveloped plots of land
to the north, and residences to the east, south, and west. The irregularly shaped Project Site is bordered by
three single-family residential properties and S. Highland Avenue to the north, with vacant land, a single-
family residence, and Interstate 210 (I-210) beyond; residences fronting Almeria Avenue to the east, with
residences beyond; Walnut Street to the south, with residences beyond; and a residential community to the
west (see Figure 1-1).
The Proposed Project would involve the construction of a residential community consisting of 393 dwelling
units on a 30-acre plot of land. The property is currently designated Multi Family Medium/High Residential
(R-MFMH) in the City’s General Plan. The Project proposes to amend this General Plan land use designation
to Multi Family Residential (R-MF). The Proposed Project would feature a combination of two-story cluster
homes, two-story motor court, and two-story townhomes. The unit mix would consist of 103 detached
cluster units in 6 and 8 pack configurations with sizing from 1,700 to 1,900 square feet. Additionally, 113
detached motor court units clustered in 6 and 8 pack configurations with sizing from 1,600 to 1,900 square
feet are proposed. Lastly, 177 attached townhome units arranged in 5, 6, and 7 pack configurations are
proposed, which would range from 1,100 to 1,700 square feet. Each house would include a garage fitting
two cars. The Project would also accommodate street parking with 126 open-air parking spaces.
The Project is proposed to be a gated community with ingress and egress off Knox Avenue and Walnut
Street. The entries would open up to the recreational and common areas located throughout the Project.
The proposed amenities would include a recreational center with a pool, spa, BBQ’s and lounging areas.
The Project proposes a park on the northeastern edge of the Project Site, large open grass areas, including
one such area adjacent to the northern boundary of the site, shaded sitting areas, play areas, and a paseo
with playground equipment.
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2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE AND GROUNDBORNE VIBRATION ANALYSIS
2.1 Fundamentals of Noise and Environmental Sound
2.1.1 Addition of Decibels
The decibel (dB) scale is logarithmic, not linear, and therefore sound levels cannot be added or subtracted
through ordinary arithmetic. Two sound levels 10 dB apart differ in acoustic energy by a factor of 10. When
the standard logarithmic decibel is A-weighted (dBA), an increase of 10 dBA is generally perceived as a
doubling in loudness. For example, a 70-dBA sound is half as loud as an 80-dBA sound and twice as loud
as a 60-dBA sound. When two identical sources are each producing sound of the same loudness, the
resulting sound level at a given distance would be three dB higher than one source under the same
conditions (Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 2018). For example, a 65-dB source of sound, such as a
truck, when joined by another 65 dB source results in a sound amplitude of 68 dB, not 130 dB (i.e., doubling
the source strength increases the sound pressure by three dB). Under the decibel scale, three sources of
equal loudness together would produce an increase of five dB.
Typical noise levels associated with common noise sources are depicted in Figure 2-1. Common Noise
Levels.
Source: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) 2020a
Figure 2-1. Common Noise Levels
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2.1.2 Sound Propagation and Attenuation
Noise can be generated by a number of sources, including mobile sources such as automobiles, trucks and
airplanes, and stationary sources such as construction sites, machinery, and industrial operations. Sound
spreads (propagates) uniformly outward in a spherical pattern, and the sound level decreases (attenuates)
at a rate of approximately 6 dB (dBA) for each doubling of distance from a stationary or point source (FHWA
2017). Sound from a line source, such as a highway, propagates outward in a cylindrical pattern, often
referred to as cylindrical spreading. Sound levels attenuate at a rate of approximately 3 dBA for each
doubling of distance from a line source, such as a roadway, depending on ground surface characteristics
(Federal Highway Administration [FHWA] 2017). No excess attenuation is assumed for hard surfaces like a
parking lot or a body of water. Soft surfaces, such as soft dirt or grass, can absorb sound, so an excess
ground-attenuation value of 1.5 dBA per doubling of distance is normally assumed. For line sources, an
overall attenuation rate of three dB per doubling of distance is assumed (FHWA 2011).
Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures; generally, a single row of detached buildings
between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about five dBA (FHWA 2006), while a
solid wall or berm generally reduces noise levels by 10 to 20 dBA (FHWA 2011). However, noise barriers or
enclosures specifically designed to reduce site-specific construction noise can provide a sound reduction of
35 dBA or greater (Western Electro-Acoustic Laboratory, Inc. 2021). To achieve the most potent noise-
reducing effect, a noise enclosure/barrier must physically fit in the available space, must completely break
the “line of sight” between the noise source and the receptors, must be free of degrading holes or gaps,
and must not be flanked by nearby reflective surfaces. Noise barriers must be sizable enough to cover the
entire noise source and extend lengthwise and vertically as far as feasibly possible to be most effective. The
limiting factor for a noise barrier is not the component of noise transmitted through the material, but rather
the amount of noise flanking around and over the barrier. In general, barriers contribute to decreasing noise
levels only when the structure breaks the "line of sight" between the source and the receiver.
The manner in which older homes in California were constructed generally provides a reduction of exterior-
to-interior noise levels of about 20 to 25 dBA with closed windows (California Department of Transportation
[Caltrans] 2002). The exterior-to-interior reduction of newer residential units is generally 30 dBA or more
(Harris Miller, Miller & Hanson Inc. 2006). Generally, in exterior noise environments ranging from 60 dBA
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) to 65 dBA CNEL, interior noise levels can typically be maintained
below 45 dBA, a typical residential interior noise standard, with the incorporation of an adequate forced air
mechanical ventilation system in each residential building, and standard thermal-pane residential
windows/doors with a minimum rating of Sound Transmission Class (STC) 28. (STC is an integer rating of
how well a building partition attenuates airborne sound. In the U.S., it is widely used to rate interior
partitions, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and exterior wall configurations). In exterior noise environments
of 65 dBA CNEL or greater, a combination of forced-air mechanical ventilation and sound-rated construction
methods is often required to meet the interior noise level limit. Attaining the necessary noise reduction
from exterior to interior spaces is readily achievable in noise environments less than 75 dBA CNEL with
proper wall construction techniques following California Building Code methods, the selections of proper
windows and doors, and the incorporation of forced-air mechanical ventilation systems.
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2.1.3 Noise Descriptors
The decibel scale alone does not adequately characterize how humans perceive noise. The dominant
frequencies of a sound have a substantial effect on the human response to that sound. Several rating scales
have been developed to analyze the adverse effect of community noise on people. Because environmental
noise fluctuates over time, these scales consider that the effect of noise on people is largely dependent on
the total acoustical energy content of the noise, as well as the time of day when the noise occurs. The noise
descriptors most often encountered when dealing with traffic, community, and environmental noise include
the average hourly noise level (in Leq) and the average daily noise levels/community noise equivalent level
(in Ldn/CNEL). The Leq is a measure of ambient noise, while the Ldn and CNEL are measures of community
noise. Each is applicable to this analysis and defined as follows:
Equivalent Noise Level (Leq) is the average acoustic energy content of noise for a stated period of
time. Thus, the Leq of a time-varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they deliver
the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. For evaluating community impacts, this rating
scale does not vary, regardless of whether the noise occurs during the day or the night.
Day-Night Average (Ldn) is a 24-hour average Leq with a 10-dBA “weighting” added to noise during
the hours of 10:00 pm to 7:00 am to account for noise sensitivity in the nighttime. The logarithmic
effect of these additions is that a 60 dBA 24-hour Leq would result in a measurement of 66.4 dBA
Ldn.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is a 24-hour average Leq with a 5-dBA weighting
during the hours of 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and a 10-dBA weighting added to noise during the hours
of 10:00 pm to 7:00 am to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively.
Table 2-1 provides a list of other common acoustical descriptors.
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Table 2-1. Common Acoustical Descriptors
Descriptor Definition
Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of
the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure. The reference
pressure for air is 20.
Sound Pressure
Level
Sound pressure is the sound force per unit area, usually expressed in micropascals (or 20
micronewtons per square meter), where 1 pascal is the pressure resulting from a force of 1
newton exerted over an area of 1 square meter. The sound pressure level is expressed in
decibels as 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio between the pressures exerted by the sound to a reference sound pressure (e.g., 20 micropascals). Sound pressure level is the quantity that is directly measured by a sound level meter.
Frequency, Hertz (Hz) The number of complete pressure fluctuations per second above and below atmospheric pressure. Normal human hearing is between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. Infrasonic sounds are below 20 Hz and ultrasonic sounds are above 20,000 Hz.
A-Weighted Sound
Level, dBA
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-
weighting filter network. 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.
Equivalent Noise
Level, Leq
The average acoustic energy content of noise for a stated period of time. Thus, the Leq of a time-varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they deliver the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. For evaluating community impacts, this rating scale does not vary, regardless of whether the noise occurs during the day or the night.
Lmax, Lmin The maximum and minimum A-weighted noise level during the measurement period.
L01, L10, L50, L90 The A-weighted noise levels that are exceeded 1%, 10%, 50%, and 90% of the time during
the measurement period.
Day/Night Noise
Level, Ldn or DNL
A 24-hour average Leq with a 10 dBA “weighting” added to noise during the hours of 10:00
p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to account for noise sensitivity in the nighttime. The logarithmic effect of
these additions is that a 60 dBA 24-hour Leq would result in a measurement of 66.4 dBA Ldn.
Community Noise
Equivalent Level,
CNEL
A 24-hour average Leq with a 5 dBA “weighting” during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
and a 10 dBA “weighting” added to noise during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. to
account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. The logarithmic effect
of these additions is that a 60 dBA 24-hour Leq would result in a measurement of 66.7 dBA
CNEL.
Ambient Noise
Level
The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of
environmental noise at a given location.
Intrusive That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The
relative intrusiveness of a sound depends on its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of
occurrence and tonal or informational content, as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.
Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of
the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure. The reference
pressure for air is 20.
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The A-weighted decibel sound level scale gives greater weight to the frequencies of sound to which the
human ear is most sensitive. Because sound levels can vary markedly over a short period of time, a method
for describing either the average character of the sound or the statistical behavior of the variations must be
utilized. Most commonly, environmental sounds are described in terms of an average level that has the
same acoustical energy as the summation of all the time-varying events.
The scientific instrument used to measure noise is the sound level meter. Sound level meters can accurately
measure environmental noise levels to within about ±1 dBA. Various computer models are used to predict
environmental noise levels from sources, such as roadways and airports. The accuracy of the predicted
models depends on the distance between the receptor and the noise source. Close to the noise source, the
models are accurate to within about ±1 to 2 dBA.
2.1.4 Human Response to Noise
The human response to environmental noise is subjective and varies considerably from individual to
individual. Noise in the community has often been cited as a health problem, not in terms of actual
physiological damage, such as hearing impairment, but in terms of inhibiting general well-being and
contributing to undue stress and annoyance. The health effects of noise in the community arise from
interference with human activities, including sleep, speech, recreation, and tasks that demand concentration
or coordination. Hearing loss can occur at the highest noise intensity levels.
Noise environments and consequences of human activities are usually well represented by median noise
levels during the day or night or over a 24-hour period. Environmental noise levels are generally considered
low when the CNEL or Ldn is below 60 dBA, moderate in the 60 to 70 dBA range, and high above 70 dBA.
Examples of low daytime levels are isolated, natural settings with noise levels as low as 20 dBA and quiet,
suburban, residential streets with noise levels around 40 dBA. Noise levels above 45 dBA at night can disrupt
sleep. Examples of moderate-level noise environments are urban residential or semi-commercial areas
(typically 55 to 60 dBA) and commercial locations (typically 60 dBA). People may consider louder
environments adverse, but most will accept the higher levels associated with noisier urban residential or
residential-commercial areas (60 to 75 dBA) or dense urban or industrial areas (65 to 80 dBA). Regarding
increases in A-weighted noise levels (dBA), the following relationships should be noted in understanding
this analysis:
Except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of 1 dBA cannot be perceived by
humans.
Outside of the laboratory, a 3-dBA change is considered a just-perceivable difference.
A change in level of at least 5 dBA is required before any noticeable change in community response
would be expected. An increase of 5 dBA is typically considered substantial.
A 10-dBA change is subjectively heard as an approximate doubling in loudness and would almost
certainly cause an adverse change in community response.
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2.1.5 Effects of Noise on People
2.1.5.1 Hearing Loss
While physical damage to the ear from an intense noise impulse is rare, a degradation of auditory acuity
can occur even within a community noise environment. Hearing loss occurs mainly due to chronic exposure
to excessive noise but may be due to a single event such as an explosion. Natural hearing loss associated
with aging may also be accelerated from chronic exposure to loud noise.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a noise exposure standard that is set at the
noise threshold where hearing loss may occur from long-term exposures. The maximum allowable level is
90 dBA averaged over eight hours. If the noise is above 90 dBA, the allowable exposure time is
correspondingly shorter.
2.1.5.2 Annoyance
Attitude surveys are used for measuring the annoyance felt in a community for noises intruding into homes
or affecting outdoor activity areas. In these surveys, it was determined that causes for annoyance include
interference with speech, radio and television, house vibrations, and interference with sleep and rest. The
Ldn as a measure of noise has been found to provide a valid correlation of noise level and the percentage
of people annoyed. People have been asked to judge the annoyance caused by aircraft noise and ground
transportation noise. There continues to be disagreement about the relative annoyance of these different
sources.
2.2 Fundamentals of Environmental Groundborne Vibration
2.2.1 Vibration Sources and Characteristics
Sources of earthborne vibrations include natural phenomena (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sea
waves, landslides) or manmade causes (explosions, machinery, traffic, trains, construction equipment, etc.).
Vibration sources may be continuous (e.g., factory machinery) or transient (e.g., explosions).
Ground vibration consists of rapidly fluctuating motions or waves with an average motion of zero. Several
different methods are typically used to quantify vibration amplitude. One is the peak particle velocity (PPV);
another is the root mean square (RMS) velocity. The PPV is defined as the maximum instantaneous positive
or negative peak of the vibration wave. The RMS velocity is defined as the average of the squared amplitude
of the signal. The PPV and RMS vibration velocity amplitudes are used to evaluate human response to
vibration.
PPV is generally accepted as the most appropriate descriptor for evaluating the potential for building
damage. For human response, however, an average vibration amplitude is more appropriate because it
takes time for the human body to respond to the excitation (the human body responds to an average
vibration amplitude, not a peak amplitude). Because the average particle velocity over time is zero, the RMS
amplitude is typically used to assess human response. The RMS value is the average of the amplitude
squared over time, typically a 1- sec. period (FTA 2018).
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Table 2-2 displays the reactions of people and the effects on buildings produced by continuous vibration
levels. The annoyance levels shown in the table should be interpreted with care since vibration may be
found to be annoying at much lower levels than those listed, depending on the level of activity or the
sensitivity of the individual. To sensitive individuals, vibrations approaching the threshold of perception can
be annoying. Low-level vibrations frequently cause irritating secondary vibration, such as a slight rattling of
windows, doors, or stacked dishes. The rattling sound can give rise to exaggerated vibration complaints,
even though there is very little risk of actual structural damage. In high-noise environments, which are more
prevalent where groundborne vibration approaches perceptible levels, this rattling phenomenon may also
be produced by loud airborne environmental noise causing induced vibration in exterior doors and
windows.
Ground vibration can be a concern in instances where buildings shake, and substantial rumblings occur.
However, it is unusual for vibration from typical urban sources such as buses and heavy trucks to be
perceptible. For instance, heavy-duty trucks generally generate groundborne vibration velocity levels of
0.006 PPV at 50 feet under typical circumstances, which as identified in Table 2-2 is considered very unlikely
to cause damage to buildings of any type. Common sources for groundborne vibration are planes, trains,
and construction activities such as earth-moving which requires the use of heavy-duty earth moving
equipment.
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Table 2-2. Human Reaction and Damage to Buildings for Continuous or Frequent Intermittent Vibration Levels
Peak Particle Velocity
(inches/second)
Approximate Vibration
Velocity Level
(VdB)
Human Reaction Effect on Buildings
0.006–0.019 64–74 Range of threshold of perception Vibrations unlikely to cause damage of any type
0.08 87 Vibrations readily perceptible Threshold at which there is a risk of architectural damage to extremely fragile historic buildings, ruins, ancient monuments
0.1 92
Level at which continuous vibrations may begin to annoy people, particularly those involved in vibration sensitive activities
Threshold at which there is a risk of architectural damage to fragile buildings. Virtually no risk of architectural damage to normal buildings
0.25 94 Vibrations may begin to
annoy people in buildings
Threshold at which there is a risk of
architectural damage to historic and some old
buildings
0.3 96 Vibrations may begin to feel severe to people in buildings
Threshold at which there is a risk of
architectural damage to older residential structures
0.5 103
Vibrations considered unpleasant by people subjected to continuous
vibrations
Threshold at which there is a risk of
architectural damage to new residential
structures and Modern industrial/commercial
buildings
Source: Caltrans 2020b
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3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE SETTING
3.1 Noise Sensitive Land Uses
Noise-sensitive land uses are generally considered to include those uses where noise exposure could result
in health-related risks to individuals, as well as places where quiet is an essential element of their intended
purpose. The City of Fontana identifies residential uses, hospitals, rest homes, long term care facilities, and
mental care facilities as sensitive receptors. Residential dwellings are of primary concern because of the
potential for increased and prolonged exposure of individuals to both interior and exterior noise levels.
Schools, libraries, places of worship, and passive recreation uses where low interior noise levels are essential
are also considered noise-sensitive land uses by the City.
The Project Site is currently undeveloped and surrounded by residential land uses and undeveloped land.
The nearest noise-sensitive receptors to the Project Site are private residences located on Knox Avenue,
directly adjacent to the northern boundary of the Project Site, residences located across Walnut Street to
the south, and residences bordering the Project Site to the east and west.
3.1.1 Existing Ambient Noise Environment
The Project Site is currently undeveloped with the exception of native vegetation and a modular building
to be removed. The Project Site is surrounded by three single-family residential properties and S. Highland
Avenue to the north, with vacant land, a single-family residence, and Interstate 210 (I-210) beyond;
residences fronting Almeria Avenue to the east, with residences beyond; Walnut Street to the south, with
residences beyond; and a residential community to the west. The most common and significant source of
noise in the Project Area is traffic noise generated from vehicles traveling on I-210 approximately 960 feet
north of the Project’s northern boundary and S. Highland Avenue located just north of the site. Traffic noise
generated on Walnut Street influences the noise environment experienced at the southern portion of the
site. Noise generated by these traffic facilities is described in more detail in Section 3.1.3, Existing Roadway
Noise Levels, below. Furthermore, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the nearest airport to the Project
Site located approximately 8.3 miles to the southwest.
3.1.2 Existing Ambient Noise Measurements
In order to quantify existing ambient noise levels in the Project Area, ECORP Consulting, Inc. conducted
three short-term noise measurements on the morning of August 5th, 2024. The short-term measurements
were taken between 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. These short-term noise measurements are representative of
typical existing noise exposure within and immediately adjacent to the Project Site during the daytime (see
Attachment A for a visual representation of the measurement locations). The average noise levels at each
location are listed in Table 3-1.
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Table 3-1. Existing Ambient Noise Measurements
Short-Term Noise Measurements
Location Number Location Leq dBA Lmin dBA Lmax dBA Time
ST 1 South of Highland Avenue, Northwest Corner of Project Site 58.0 81.2 45.5 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
ST 2 Southeast Corner of Property; North of Walnut Street and West of Almeria Avenue 53.9 72.6 42.3 10:33 a.m. - 10:51 a.m.
ST 3 Eastern End of Northstar Avenue 46.3 85.5 37.7 10:55 a.m. – 11:11
a.m.
Source: Measurements were taken by ECORP with a Larson Davis Spartan 821 sound level meter, which satisfies the American National Standards Institute for general environmental noise measurement instrumentation. Prior to the measurements, the Spartan 821 sound level meter was calibrated according to manufacturer specifications with a Larson Davis CAL200 Class I Calibrator. See Attachment A for noise measurement outputs. Notes: Leq is the average acoustic energy content of noise for a stated period of time. Thus, the Leq of a time-varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they deliver the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. Lmin is the minimum noise level during the measurement period and Lmax is the maximum noise level during the measurement period.
As shown in Table 3-1, the ambient recorded noise levels range from 46.3 dBA to 58.0 dBA Leq over the
course of the three short-term noise measurements taken in the Project vicinity in August of 2024. The most
common noise in the Project vicinity is produced by automotive vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, buses,
motorcycles) on I-210 and S. Highland Avenue.
3.1.3 Existing Roadway Noise Levels
Existing roadway noise levels were calculated for the roadway segments in the Project vicinity. This task was
accomplished using the FHWA Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108. The model
calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, roadway
geometry, and site environmental conditions. The average vehicle noise rates (energy rates) used in the
FHWA model have been modified to reflect average vehicle noise rates identified for California by Caltrans.
The Caltrans data shows that California automobile noise is 0.8 to 1.0 dBA higher than national levels and
that medium and heavy truck noise is 0.3 to 3.0 dBA lower than national levels.
The Project Site is primarily affected by traffic noise generated on I-210 and S. Highland Avenue to the
north, and Walnut Street to the south. For the purposes of this analysis, noise generation by I-210 and S.
Highland Avenue was combined to accurately calculate the current traffic noise experienced on the northern
end of the Project Site. According to the 2021 California Traffic Census (Caltrans 2022), I-210 between Citrus
Avenue and Cherry Avenue currently experiences 164,000 average daily trips (ADT). Per the City of Fontana
General Plan Noise Element (2023), the roadway segment on S. Highland Avenue that traverses just north
of the Project Site accommodates an average of 5,150 ADT, and the roadway segment on Walnut Street
between Beech Avenue and Citrus Avenue, which traverses adjacent to the southern boundary Project Site,
accommodates an average of 2,400 vehicle trips daily. I-210 currently generates an ambient noise level of
64.8 dBA CNEL while S. Highland Avenue currently generates a noise level of 67.1 dBA CNEL on the northern
portion of the Project Site (see Attachment B). These two sources of noise are the predominate sources of
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noise affecting this portion of the site and combined, produce a level of approximately 69.1 dBA at the
northern portion of the site. Traffic on Walnut Street currently generates an ambient noise level of 59.7 dBA
CNEL on the southern portion of the Project Site (see Attachment B) and is the predominate source of noise
affecting the southern portion of the site. Therefore, the southern portion of the Project Site generally
experiences a noise level around 59.7 dBA CNEL. Vehicular noise varies with the volume, speed, and type of
traffic. Slower traffic produces less noise than fast-moving traffic. Trucks typically generate more noise than
cars. Infrequent or intermittent noise also is associated with vehicles including sirens, vehicle alarms,
slamming of doors, garbage collection and construction vehicle activity, and honking of horns. These noises
add to urban noise and are regulated by a variety of agencies.
As shown, the existing traffic-generated noise level on Project-vicinity roadways currently ranges from 59.7
dBA CNEL (at the southern portion of the site) to 69.1 dBA CNEL (at the northern portion of the site). As
previously described, CNEL is 24-hour average Leq with a 10-dBA “weighting” added to noise during the
hours of 10:00 pm to 7:00 am to account for noise sensitivity in the nighttime.
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4.0 REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
4.1 Federal
4.1.1 Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970
OSHA regulates onsite noise levels and protects workers from occupational noise exposure. To protect
hearing, worker noise exposure is limited to 90 decibels with A-weighting (dBA) over an eight-hour work
shift (29 Code of Regulations 1910.95). Employers are required to develop a hearing conservation program
when employees are exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 dBA. These programs include provision of
hearing protection devices and testing employees for hearing loss on a periodic basis.
4.1.2 Federal Transit Administration
The FTA provides a guidance manual that contains procedures for predicting and assessing noise and
vibration impacts of proposed transit projects. This manual acknowledges that noise and vibration are
among the primary concerns of the surrounding communities. Project construction noise criteria should
account for the existing noise environment, the absolute noise levels during construction activities, the
duration of the construction, and the surrounding land use. Due to the lack of standardized construction
noise thresholds, the FTA provides guidelines that are typically considered applicable criteria for
construction noise assessments in a CEQA analysis. The FTA considers a daytime exterior construction noise
level of 80 dBA Leq as a reasonable threshold for noise sensitive residential land use with a nighttime exterior
construction noise level of 70 dBA Leq (FTA 2018).
4.1.3 Federal Interagency Commission on Noise
The 2000 Federal Interagency Commission on Noise (FICON) findings provide guidance as to the
significance of changes in ambient noise levels due to transportation noise sources. FICON
recommendations are based on studies that relate aircraft and traffic noise levels to the percentage of
persons highly annoyed by the noise. FICON’s measure of substantial increase for transportation noise
exposure is as follows:
• If the existing ambient noise levels at existing noise-sensitive land uses (e.g. residential, etc.) are less
than 60 dBA CNEL and the Project creates a readily perceptible 5 dBA CNEL or greater Project-related
noise level increase and the resulting noise level would exceed acceptable exterior noise standards; or
• If the existing noise levels range from 60 to 65 dBA CNEL and the Project creates a barely perceptible
3 dBA CNEL or greater Project-related noise level increase and the resulting noise level would exceed
acceptable exterior noise standards; or
• If the existing noise levels already exceed 65 dBA CNEL, and the Project creates a community noise
level increase of greater than 1.5 dBA CNEL.
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4.2 State
4.2.1 State of California General Plan Guidelines
The State of California regulates vehicular and freeway noise affecting classrooms, sets standards for sound
transmission and occupational noise control, and identifies noise insulation standards and airport
noise/land-use compatibility criteria. The State of California General Plan Guidelines (State of California
2003), published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), also provides guidance for the
acceptability of projects within specific CNEL/Ldn contours. The guidelines also present adjustment factors
that may be used in order to arrive at noise acceptability standards that reflect the noise control goals of
the community, the particular community’s sensitivity to noise, and the community’s assessment of the
relative importance of noise pollution.
4.2.2 State Office of Planning and Research Noise Element Guidelines
The State OPR Noise Element Guidelines include recommended exterior and interior noise level standards
for local jurisdictions to identify and prevent the creation of incompatible land uses due to noise. The Noise
Element Guidelines contain a Land Use Compatibility table that describes the compatibility of various land
uses with a range of environmental noise levels in terms of the CNEL.
4.2.3 California Department of Transportation
In 2020, Caltrans published the Transportation and Construction Vibration Manual (Caltrans 2020b). The
manual provides general guidance on vibration issues associated with the construction and operation of
projects concerning human perception and structural damage. Table 2-2 above presents recommendations
for levels of vibration that could result in damage to structures exposed to continuous vibration.
4.3 Local
4.3.1 City of Fontana General Plan
The City of Fontana Noise Element of the General Plan establishes goals and policies addressing major noise
sources within the community. The following provides the applicable goals, policies and criteria for
evaluating the feasibility and potential noise impact associated with the Proposed Project:
Goal 8: The City of Fontana protects sensitive land uses from excessive noise by diligent planning through
2035.
• Policy 1: New sensitive land uses shall be prohibited in incompatible areas.
• Policy 3: Where sensitive uses are to be placed along transportation routes, mitigation shall be
provided to ensure compliance with state- mandated noise levels.
• Policy 5: Noise spillover or encroachment from commercial, industrial and educational land uses
shall be minimized into adjoining residential neighborhoods or noise-sensitive uses.
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• Action A: The following uses shall be considered noise-sensitive and discouraged in areas in excess
of 65 dBA CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level): Residential Uses; Hospitals; Rest Homes; Long
Term Care Facilities; and Mental Care Facilities.
• Action B: The following uses shall be considered noise-sensitive and discouraged in areas
in excess of 65 Leq (Equivalent Continuous Sound Level): Schools; Libraries; Places of Worship; and
Passive Recreation Uses.
• Action C: The State of California Office of Planning and Research General Plan Guidelines shall be
followed with respect to acoustical study requirements.
Goal 9: The City of Fontana provides a diverse and efficiently operated ground transportation system that
generates the minimum feasible noise on its residents through 2035.
• Action B: Development that generates increased traffic and subsequent increases in the ambient
noise level adjacent to noise-sensitive land uses shall provide appropriate mitigation measures.
Goal 10: Fontana’s residents are protected from the negative effects of “spillover” noise.
• Policy 1: 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.
• Action C: Non-transportation noise shall be considered in land use planning decisions.
• Action D: Construction shall be performed as quietly as feasible when performed in proximity
to residential or other noise sensitive land uses.
4.3.2 City of Fontana Municipal Code
The Fontana Municipal Code provides guidance on acceptable noise generation as well as noise standards
to be used in the analysis of proposed projects. Chapter 18 Section 18-63, Nuisances, prohibits construction
outside of the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Construction in the City of Fontana must occur during those hours.
Chapter 30 Section 30-469, Noise Standards, specifies additional noise regulations pertaining to the
allowable exterior noise levels based upon the time of day. The City’s Noise Ordinance was established in
order to control unnecessary, excessive and annoying noise while protecting public health, safety and
welfare. These noise standards are presented in Table 4-1 below.
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Table 4-1. Noise Standards
All Zoning Districts Time Period Noise Level (Hourly Leq/ dB)
Interior 10:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m. 45
7:00 a.m. to 10: 00 p.m. 45
Exterior 10:00 p.m.- 7:00 a.m. 65
7:00 a.m. to 10: 00 p.m. 65
Source: City of Fontana 2024
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5.0 Impact Assessment
5.1 Thresholds of Significance
The impact analysis provided below is based on the following California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines Appendix G thresholds of significance. The Project would result in a significant noise-related
impact if it would result in the:
1) Generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the vicinity
of the project in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or
applicable standards of other agencies.
2) Generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.
3) For a project located within the vicinity of a private airstrip or an airport land use plan or, where
such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would
the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.
For the purposes of this analysis, Project construction noise is compared to the allowable hours of
construction mandated by the City as well as the FTA standard of 80 dBA. The City does not regulate
vibrations associated with construction or operations. However, a discussion of construction vibration is
included for full disclosure purposes. For comparison purposes, the Caltrans (2020b) recommended
standard of 0.3 inch per second PPV with respect to the prevention of structural damage for older residential
buildings is used as a threshold. This is also the level at which vibrations may begin to annoy people in
buildings. The Project would not be a source of groundborne vibration during operations. Transportation
noise sources as a result of the Project and onsite noise sources produced by the Project are discussed
qualitatively.
5.2 Methodology
This analysis of the existing and future noise environments is based on empirical observations and noise
prediction modeling. Predicted construction noise levels were calculated utilizing the FHWA’s Roadway
Construction Noise Model (2006). The Caltrans traffic census (2022) was used for traffic levels on SR-210,
and the General Plan was referenced for traffic levels on South Highland Avenue and Walnut Street.
Groundborne vibration levels associated with construction-related activities for the Project have been
evaluated utilizing typical groundborne vibration levels associated with construction equipment. Potential
groundborne vibration impacts related to structural damage and human annoyance were evaluated, taking
into account the distance from construction activities to nearby structures and typically applied criteria for
structural damage and human annoyance.
Transportation-source noise levels and onsite operational noise levels associated with the Project are
discussed qualitatively.
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5.3 Impact Analysis
5.3.1 Would the Project Result in Short-Term Construction-Generated Noise in Excess of
City Standards?
Onsite Construction Noise
Construction noise associated with the Proposed Project would be temporary and would vary depending
on the specific nature of the activities being performed. Noise generated would primarily be associated with
the operation of off-road equipment for onsite construction activities as well as construction vehicle traffic
on area roadways. Construction noise typically occurs intermittently and varies depending on the nature or
phase of construction (e.g., site preparation, excavation, paving). Noise generated by construction
equipment, including earth movers, pile drivers, and portable generators, can reach high levels. Typical
operating cycles for these types of construction equipment may involve one or two minutes of full power
operation followed by three to four minutes at lower power settings. Other primary sources of acoustical
disturbance would be random incidents, which would last less than one minute (such as dropping large
pieces of equipment or the hydraulic movement of machinery lifts). During construction, exterior noise
levels could negatively affect sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the construction site.
The nearest noise-sensitive receptors to the Project Site are residences located to directly adjacent to the
Project Site to the north, east and west. The City does not promulgate a numeric threshold pertaining to
the noise associated with construction. This is due to the fact that construction noise is temporary, short
term, intermittent in nature, and would cease on completion of the Project. Instead, construction noise is
regulated by allowable hours of construction. Section 18-63 of the City’s Municipal Code prohibits
construction between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The Project is required to adhere to the City
Municipal Code and this construction timing limitation.
To estimate the worst-case onsite construction noise levels that may occur at the nearest noise-sensitive
receptors and in order to evaluate the potential health-related effects (physical damage to the ear) from
construction noise, the construction equipment noise levels were calculated using the Federal Highway
Administration’s Roadway Noise Construction Model and compared against the construction-related noise
level threshold established in the FTA’s Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (2018). The
FTA identifies a noise level threshold based on the loudness. The FTA construction-related noise level
threshold is set at 80 dBA. For the purposes of this analysis, this threshold of 80 dBA Leq is used as an
acceptable threshold for construction noise at the nearby sensitive receptors.
It is acknowledged that the majority of construction equipment is not situated at any one location during
construction activities, but rather spread throughout the Project Site and at various distances from sensitive
receptors. Therefore, this analysis employs FTA guidance for calculating construction noise, which
recommends measuring construction noise produced by all construction equipment simultaneously from
the center of the Project Site (FTA 2018), which in this case is approximately 365 feet from the nearest single-
family residences surround the Project Site. Construction equipment anticipated to be used for Project
construction is provided by the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod 2022.1). CalEEMod is
designed to calculate air pollutant emissions from construction activity and contains default construction
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equipment and usage parameters for typical construction projects based on several construction surveys
conducted in order to identify such parameters. The anticipated construction equipment for each specific
construction activity (i.e., site preparation, grading, building construction, etc.) is then entered individually
into the FHWA’s Roadway Construction Model.
Recent case law has held that the use of an absolute noise threshold for evaluating all ambient noise impacts
violated CEQA because it did not provide a “complete picture” of the noise impacts that may result from
implementation of the ordinance. As such, the Proposed Project’s construction noise is estimated and then
added to the average daily ambient noise level in the Project Area as determined by the baseline noise
survey conducted by ECORP Consulting (see Table 3-1). As previously described, the dB scale is logarithmic,
not linear, and therefore sound levels cannot be added or subtracted through ordinary arithmetic. For
example, a 65-dB source of sound, such as a truck, when joined by another 65 dB source results in a sound
amplitude of 68 dB, not 130 dB (i.e., doubling the source strength increases the sound pressure by three
dB). Furthermore, when combining two separate sources where one of the noise sources is 10 dB or greater
than the other noise source, the noise contribution of the quieter source is completely obscured by the
louder source.
The anticipated short-term construction noise levels generated for the necessary equipment for each phase
of construction are presented in Table 5-1.
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Table 5-1. Construction Average (dBA) Noise Levels at Nearest Receptors
Construction Phase
Average
Ambient Noise
Level* (dBA Leq)
Existing Ambient Noise
+ Estimated Exterior
Construction Noise
Level @ Closest
Receptor (dBA Leq)
FTA Construction
Noise Standard (dBA Leq)
Exceeds Standard?
Site Preparation
52.7
67.0 80 No
Grading 69.8 80 No
Building Construction, Paving & Architectural
Coating
56.4 80 No
Source: Construction noise levels were calculated by ECORP Consulting using the FHWA Roadway Noise Construction Model (FHWA 2006). Refer to Attachment C for Model Data Outputs. Notes: *Average ambient noise levels of the Project Area were estimated using the average Leq of the three short term noise measurement taken on August 5th, 2024, and identified in Table 3-1. Construction equipment used during construction provided by the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod 2022.1.1.14). CalEEMod is designed to calculate air pollutant emissions from construction activity and contains default construction equipment and usage parameters for typical construction projects based on several construction surveys conducted in order to identify such parameters. Consistent with FTA recommendations for calculating construction noise, construction noise was measured to account for all pieces of construction equipment operating simultaneously from the center of the Project Site (FTA 2018), which is 365 feet from the nearest receptor. Building Construction, paving & architectural coating assumed to occur simultaneously. Leq = The equivalent energy noise level, is the average acoustic energy content of noise for a stated period of time. Thus, the Leq of a time-varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they deliver the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. For evaluating community impacts, this rating scale does not vary, regardless of whether the noise occurs during the day or the night.
As shown in Table 5-1, construction activities would not exceed the applicable noise limits. It is noted that
construction noise was modeled on a worst-case basis. It is unlikely that all pieces of construction
equipment would be operating at the same time for the various phases of Project construction. Nonetheless,
it is acknowledged that the Project Site is surrounded by noise-sensitive residential receptors and that
substantial construction would occur directly adjacent to these receptors. Therefore, the following noise-
reducing best management practices are recommended.
Recommended Mitigation
NOI-1: Construction Noise-Reducing Best Management Practices
The Project improvement and building plans will include the following requirements for
construction activities:
Construction contacts must specify that all construction equipment, fixed or mobile,
shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers and other state-
required noise attenuation devices.
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A sign, legible at a distance of 50 feet, shall be posted at the Project construction site
providing a contact name and a telephone number where residents can inquire about
the construction process and register complaints. This sign shall indicate the dates and
duration of construction activities. In conjunction with this required posting, a noise
disturbance coordinator will be identified to address construction noise concerns
received. The coordinator shall be responsible for responding to any local complaints
about construction noise. When a complaint is received, the disturbance coordinator
shall notify the City within 24 hours of the complaint and determine the cause of the
noise complaint (starting too early, malfunctioning muffler, etc.) and shall implement
reasonable measures to resolve the complaint, as deemed acceptable by the City. All
signs posted at the construction site shall include the contact name and the telephone
number for the noise disturbance coordinator.
Identification of construction noise reduction methods. These reduction methods may
include shutting off idling equipment (5 minutes), installing temporary acoustic barriers
around stationary construction noise sources, maximizing the distance between
construction equipment staging areas and occupied residential areas, and using
electric air compressors and similar power tools.
During construction, stationary construction equipment shall be placed such that
emitted noise is directed away from sensitive noise receivers.
Per Fontana Municipal Code Chapter 18 Section 18-63, Nuisances, construction shall
be prohibited outside of the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00
a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Timing/Implementation: During Construction
Monitoring/Enforcement: City of Fontana Planning Department
Offsite Construction Worker Trips
Project construction would result in additional traffic on adjacent roadways over the period that
construction occurs. According to CalEEMod, which is used to predict the number of construction-related
automotive trips, the maximum number of Project construction trips traveling to and from the Project Site
during a single construction phase would not be expected to exceed 397 daily trips in total (355 worker
commute trips and 42 vendor truck trips). According to the Caltrans Technical Noise Supplement to the
Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol (2013), a doubling of traffic on a roadway is required to result in an increase
of 3 dB (outside of the laboratory, a 3-dBA change is considered a just-perceivable difference). Per the City
of Fontana General Plan Noise Element (2023), the roadway segment on S. Highland Avenue that traverses
parallel to the northern boundary of the Project Site accommodates an average of 5,150 vehicle trips daily,
and the roadway segment on Walnut Street between Beech Avenue and Citrus Avenue, which traverses
parallel to the southern boundary of the Project Site, accommodates an average of 2,400 vehicle trips daily.
Thus, Project construction would not result in a doubling of traffic on this roadway.
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The Project construction would not result in a doubling of traffic on the local transportation network, and
therefore its contribution to existing traffic noise would not be perceptible.
5.3.2 Would the Project Result in a Substantial Permanent Increase in Ambient Noise
Levels in Excess of City Standards During Operations?
As previously described, noise-sensitive land uses are locations where people reside or where the presence
of unwanted sound could adversely affect the use of the land. Residences, schools, hospitals, guest lodging,
libraries, and some passive recreation areas would each be considered noise-sensitive and may warrant
unique measures for protection from intruding noise. The nearest noise-sensitive receptors to the Project
Site are residences located directly adjacent to the Project Site to the north, east, and west. Additionally,
there are residences located south of the Project Site across Walnut Street.
Project Land Use Compatibility
As previously discussed, the Project is proposing the construction of a 393-unit residential development. As
the Project is proposing the development of new noise-sensitive land uses within the existing noise
environment, a discussion of land use compatibility is needed. The most basic planning strategy to minimize
adverse impacts on new land uses due to noise is to avoid designating certain land uses at locations that
would negatively affect noise-sensitive land uses. Uses such as schools, hospitals, childcare, senior care,
congregate care, churches, and all types of residential use should be located outside of any area anticipated
to exceed acceptable noise levels as defined by the General Plan Noise Element or should be protected
from noise through sound attenuation measures such as site and architectural design and sound walls. As
previously described in Section 3.1.3, Existing Roadway Noise Levels, the predominant source of noise
affecting the Project Site is traffic noise generated on the I-210 Highway as well as traffic noise generated
on S. Highland Avenue. As further described in Section 3.1.3, traffic on I-210 generates a noise level of
approximately 64.8 dBA CNEL at the northern portion of the Project Site, while traffic on S. Highland Avenue
currently generates a noise level of approximately 67.1 dBA CNEL at the northern portion of the Project Site.
These two noise sources combined generate approximately 69.1 dBA CNEL at the northern boundary of the
Project Site, along S. Highland Avenue.
The City General Plan Noise Element Goal 8, Action A states that noise-sensitive residential receptors shall
be discouraged in areas experiencing noise levels in excess of 65 dBA CNEL. Goal 8, Action B states that
noise-sensitive recreation uses shall be discouraged in areas experiencing noise levels in excess of 65 dBA
Leq (in addition to residences, the Project is also proposing a private park (large open grass area) adjacent
to the northern boundary of the site, as described in Section 1.1, Project Location and Description. Thus, the
noise levels currently experienced at the northern portion of the Project Site exceed that which is considered
acceptable by the City General Plan Noise Element. It is noted that the Project Site is surrounded by existing
residential neighborhoods and that the segments of I-210 traversing parallel to these existing
neighborhoods are buffered by a 15-foot tall concrete soundwall atop a large earthen berm directly
adjacent to the I-210 corridor and breaking the line-of-sight between I-210 and the residences. However,
there is no soundwall flanking the segment of I-210 directly north of the Project Site. The potential
construction of a future soundwall flanking the segment of I-210 directly north of the Project Site is the
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decision of Caltrans yet would provide substantial noise reduction at the Project Site if constructed.
Nonetheless, it is not known if such a soundwall would be constructed and therefore the following
mitigation is recommended to reduce the traffic noise exposure at the northern portion of the Project Site:
Recommended Mitigation
NOI-2: Noise/Land Use Compatibility
The Project shall include the following requirements for operational activities prior to the
occupancy permits:
Consistent with the existing residential neighborhoods surrounding the Project Site, a
soundwall at least 6-feet in height shall span the northern boundary of the Project Site
from the Project northwest corner to Knox Avenue. The wall shall be constructed of
CMU block, mortared masonry, stucco, gypsum board, or material of similar density,
use or comparable acoustic ratings. All walls shall be sealed airtight, free of degrading
holes or gaps, and must not be flanked by nearby reflective surfaces.
The residential units built on Lots 374 – 386, at a minimum, shall be designed and
built with the installation of standard thermal-pane residential windows and doors with
a minimum rating of STC 35.
The residential units built on Lots 374 – 386, at a minimum, shall have air
conditioning units installed. This would allow occupants and business owners to close
doors and windows as desired for additional acoustical isolation.
Timing/Implementation: Prior to the issuance of occupancy permits
Monitoring/Enforcement: City of Fontana Planning Department
Implementation of mitigation measure NOI-2 would require that a soundwall at least 6-feet in height
separating the line-of-sight between S. Highland Avenue and the Proposed Project be constructed. As
previously described in Section 2.1.2, Sound Propagation and Attenuation, a solid wall or berm generally
reduces noise levels by 10 to 20 dBA (FHWA 2011), which would result in maximum noise levels ranging
from 49.1 to 59.1 dBA CNEL at the northern portion of the Project Site, which is below the residential
threshold of 65 dBA CNEL (Combined I-210 and S. Highland Avenue traffic noise levels of 69.1 dBA – 10 =
59.1 dBA CNEL. Combined I-210 and S. Highland Avenue traffic noise levels of 69.1 dBA – 20 = 49.1 dBA
CNEL). Mitigation measure NOI-2 would also reduce noise at the proposed private park adjacent to the
northern boundary of the site below the recreational use threshold of 65 dBA Leq. Additionally, the
installation of noise-reducing building materials in the northern-most Project residences would provide at
least 7 dB of noise reduction within the building interior (High Speed Rail Authority 2022).
Operational Onsite Noise
The main noise source generated from the proposed residences on the Project Site would include
mechanical equipment and other typical sources specific to residential neighborhoods, such as barking
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dogs, internal traffic circulation, power tools and landscaping equipment, radios, and people talking.
According to previous field noise measurements conducted by ECORP, mechanical heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning equipment generates noise levels less than 45 dBA at 20 feet. This noise level is less than
the City’s daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) noise standard for
residential land uses as presented in the City’s Municipal Code (Table 4-1). Additionally, previous field
measurements within six different residential neighborhoods, including two multi-family neighborhoods,
two single-family neighborhoods, and two mixed density neighborhoods identify an average daytime noise
environment of 51.9 dBA, which is under the City’s daytime standard. It is further noted that the Project
proposes to place residential uses adjacent to other residential uses. The most basic planning strategy to
minimize adverse impacts on new land uses due to noise is to avoid designating certain land uses at
locations within the community that would negatively affect noise sensitive land uses. The Project is
consistent with the types, intensity, and patterns of land use existing in the Project Area.
Operational Offsite Traffic Noise
The Project is proposing the construction of a 393-unit residential development, a neighborhood park,
internal streets, and associated features. According to the City of Fontana General Plan, Walnut Street and
S. Highland Avenue, which both traverse parallel to the Project Site, have an annual average daily traffic
count of 2,400 and 5,150 vehicles, respectively. The Project is expected to generate an average of 3,230 trips
per day. Assuming that half of the traffic generated by the Proposed Project would exit the Project Site
through the northern end, and half would exit through the southern end, traffic on each Walnut Street and
S. Highland Avenue would increase by approximately 1,615 trips daily as a result of the Project. According
to the Caltrans Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol (2013), a doubling of
traffic on a roadway is required to result in an increase of 3 dB (outside of the laboratory, a 3-dBA change
is considered a just-perceivable difference). The contribution of an additional 1,588 daily trips during Project
operations would not result in a doubling of traffic on either of the Project vicinity roadways. Thus, Project
operations would not result in a doubling of traffic, and therefore its contribution to existing traffic noise
would not be perceptible.
5.3.3 Would the Project Expose Structures to Substantial Groundborne Vibration During
Construction?
Excessive groundborne vibration impacts result from continuously occurring vibration levels. Increases in
groundborne vibration levels attributable to the Project would be primarily associated with short-term
construction-related activities. Construction on the Project Site would have the potential to result in varying
degrees of temporary groundborne vibration, depending on the specific construction equipment used and
the operations involved. Ground vibration generated by construction equipment spreads through the
ground and diminishes in magnitude with increases in distance.
Construction-related ground vibration is normally associated with impact equipment such as pile drivers,
jackhammers, and the operation of some heavy-duty construction equipment, such as dozers and trucks.
Vibration decreases rapidly with distance, and it is acknowledged that construction activities would occur
throughout the Project Site and would not be concentrated at the point closest to sensitive receptors.
Groundborne vibration levels associated with construction equipment are summarized in Table 5-2.
Noise Impact Assessment for the Walnut Property Project
ECORP Consulting Inc. Walnut Property Project 27 October 2024 2023-193.01
Table 5-2. Representative Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment
Equipment Type Peak Particle Velocity at 25 Feet (inches per
second)
Vibratory Roller 0.210
Pile Driver 0.170
Large Bulldozer 0.089
Caisson Drilling 0.089
Hoe Ram 0.089
Loaded Trucks 0.076
Jackhammer 0.035
Small Bulldozer/Tractor 0.003
Source: FTA 2018; Caltrans 2020b
The City does not regulate or have a numeric threshold associated with construction vibrations. However, a
discussion of construction vibration is included for full disclosure purposes. For comparison purposes, the
Caltrans (2020b) recommended standard of 0.3 inches per second PPV with respect to the prevention of
structural damage for older residential buildings is used as a threshold. This is also the level at which
vibrations may begin to annoy people in buildings. It is acknowledged that construction activities would
occur throughout the Project Site and would not be concentrated at the point closest to sensitive receptors.
Therefore, consistent with FTA recommendations for calculating construction vibration, construction
vibration was measured from the center of the Project Site (FTA 2018), which is approximately 365 feet from
the nearest residential structures bordering the eastern and western sides of the Project Site.
Based on the representative vibration levels presented for various construction equipment types in Table
5-2 and the construction vibration assessment methodology published by the FTA (2018), it is possible to
estimate the potential Project construction vibration levels. The FTA provides the following equation:
[PPVequip = PPVref x (25/D)1.5]
Table 5-4 presents the expected Project related vibration levels at a distance of 365 feet.
Noise Impact Assessment for the Walnut Property Project
ECORP Consulting Inc. Walnut Property Project 28 October 2024 2023-193.01
Table 5-3. Construction Vibration Levels at 365 Feet
Receiver PPV Levels (in/sec)1
Peak Vibration Threshold Exceed Threshold?
Large Bulldozer, Caisson
Drilling, & Hoe
Ram
Loaded
Trucks Jackhammer Pile
Driver
Vibratory
Roller
0.0016 0.0014 0.0006 0.0030 0.0038 0.0038 0.3 No
As shown in Table 5-3, vibration as a result of onsite construction activities on the Project Site would not
exceed 0.3 PPV at the nearest structure. Thus, onsite Project construction would not exceed the
recommended threshold.
5.3.4 Would the Project Expose Structures to Substantial Groundborne Vibration During
Operations?
Project operations would not include the use of any stationary equipment that would result in excessive
vibration levels. Therefore, the Project would result in negligible groundborne vibration impacts during
operations.
5.3.5 Would the Project Expose People Residing or Working in the Project area to Excessive
Airport Noise?
The nearest airport to the Project Site is Ontario International Airport, located 8.3 miles southwest of the
Project Site. This places the Project Site outside the Airport Influence Area according to Policy Map 2-1 of
the Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (2011). Implementation of the Proposed
Project would not affect airport operations nor result in increased exposure of people on the Project Site to
aircraft noise.
Noise Impact Assessment for the Walnut Property Project
ECORP Consulting Inc. Walnut Property Project 29 October 2024 2023-193.01
6.0 REFERENCES
Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). 2022. Traffic Census Program: 2021 Annual Average
Daily Trips Data. https://dot.ca.gov/programs/traffic-operations/census
_____. 2020a. IS/EA Annotated Outline. http://www.dot.ca.gov/ser/vol1/sec4/ch31ea/chap31ea.htm.
_____. 2020b. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.
_____. 2013. Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol.
_____. 2002. California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook
FHWA (Federal Highway Administration). 2017. Construction Noise Handbook.
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/noise/construction_noise/handbook/handbook02.cfm.
_____. 2011. Effective Noise Control During Nighttime Construction. Available online at:
http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/workshops/accessible/schexnayder_paper.htm.
_____. 2006. Roadway Construction Noise Model.
FTA (Federal Transit Administration). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment.
Fontana, City of. 2024. City of Fontana Municipal Code.
_____. 2023. City of Fontana General Plan.
Office of Planning and Research. 2003. State of California General Plan Guidelines.
Ontario, City of. 2024. Ontario International Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. https://www.ont-
iac.com/airport-land-use-compatibility-plan/
Translutions. 2024. Traffic Impact Report.
Western Electro-Acoustic Laboratory, Inc. 2021. Sound Transmission Sound Test Laboratory Report No. TL
21-227.
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Baseline (Existing) Noise Measurements – Project Site and Vicinity
Attachment B - Federal Highway Administration Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108)
Outputs
Attachment C - Federal Highway Administration Roadway Construction Noise Model Outputs – Project
Construction
ATTACHMENT A
Baseline (Existing) Noise Measurements – Project Site and Vicinity
Site Number: 1
Recorded By: Lindsay Buck
Job Number: 2023-193
Date: 8/5/2024
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 10:33 a.m.
Location: South of Highland Avenue; Northwest Corner of Project Site
Source of Peak Noise: Vehicles along Highland Avenue; Highway 210
Noise Data
Leq (dB) Lmin (dB) Lmax (dB) Peak (dB)
58.0 45.5 81.2 92.7
Equipment
Category Type Vendor Model Serial No. Cert. Date Note
Sound
Sound Level Meter Larson Davis Spartan 821 30100 05/22/2024
Microphone Larson Davis 377B02 352537 04/12/2024
Preamp Larson Davis PRM821 001679 04/26/2024
Calibrator Larson Davis CAL200 226638 05/20/2024
Weather Data
Est.
Duration: 15 min Sky: clear
Note: dBA Offset = 0.1 Sensor Height (ft): 3.5
Wind Ave Speed (mph) Temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) Barometer Pressure (hPa)
3 93 29.86
Photo of Measurement Location
Spartan 821 Summary: 2024-08-07 08:18:50
User:
Location:
Job Description:
Notes:
Meter General Information
Model Serial
Meter Spartan 821 30100
Preamp PRM821
Microphone 377B02
Unique File Id 00A:00007594:66B0A636:0000020F
Overall Measurement
Start Date & Time 2024-08-05 10:15:18
Stop Date & Time 2024-08-05 10:30:18
Run Time 00:15:00
Pre-Calibration
Date/Time 2024-08-05 10:14:07
Calibrator Level 114.0 dB
Meter Sensitivity -25.99 dB re 1V/Pa
Post-Calibration
Date/Time ---
Calibrator Level ---
Meter Sensitivity ---
Sensitivity Delta ---
LAIeq 61.8 dB
A C Z
Lweq 58.0 69.6 71.9
Lwpk 92.7 dB 99.5 dB 99.7 dB
2024-08-05 10:24:36 2024-08-05 10:18:04 2024-08-05 10:18:04
LwSmin 44.7 dB 59.2 dB 64.1 dB
2024-08-05 10:22:26 2024-08-05 10:24:01 2024-08-05 10:24:01
LwSmax 76.3 dB 88.6 dB 88.8 dB
2024-08-05 10:24:36 2024-08-05 10:18:04 2024-08-05 10:18:04
LwFmin 43.7 dB 57.3 dB 61.6 dB
2024-08-05 10:27:30 2024-08-05 10:26:20 2024-08-05 10:24:01
LwFmax 79.6 dB 92.3 dB 92.6 dB
2024-08-05 10:24:36 2024-08-05 10:18:04 2024-08-05 10:18:04
LwImin 45.5 dB 61.8 dB 68.0 dB
2024-08-05 10:22:23 2024-08-05 10:24:01 2024-08-05 10:26:35
LwImax 81.2 dB 92.9 dB 93.2 dB
2024-08-05 10:24:36 2024-08-05 10:18:04 2024-08-05 10:18:04
w = frequency weighting (A, C or Z)
Overload Count 0
Overload Duration 00:00:00
A C Z
Under Range Peak 50.0 dB 50.0 dB 62.0 dB
Under Range Limit 24.0 dB 27.0 dB 37.0 dB
Noise Floor 17.0 dB 18.0 dB 25.0 dB
Ln Percentiles
LAS 5.0 62.3 dB
LAS 10.0 60.6 dB
LAS 33.3 55.6 dB
LAS 50.0 52.1 dB
LAS 66.6 48.9 dB
LAS 90.0 46.7 dB
Virtual Dosimeters
1 2 3 4
Configuration OSHA-PEL OSHA-HC ACGIH NIOSH
Dose 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Projected Dose 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Lavg --- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
TWA(8)--- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
Projected TWA(8)--- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
Criterion Level 90.0 dB 90.0 dB 85.0 dB 85.0 dB
Threshold Level 90.0 dB 80.0 dB 80.0 dB 80.0 dB
Exchange Rate 5 dB 5 dB 3 dB 3 dB
LEP'd/Lex,8h 42.9 dB 42.9 dB 42.9 dB 42.9 dB
Projected LEP'd/Lex,8h 58.0 dB 58.0 dB 58.0 dB 58.0 dB
Shift Time 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours
Exceedances
Count Duration
LAS > 85 dB 0 0
LAS > 95 dB 0 0
LCpk > 135 dB 0 0
LCpk > 137 dB 0 0
LCpk > 140 dB 0 0
Sound Exposure
SELA 87.5 dB
EA (Pa²s)0.2 Pa²s
EA,8 h (Pa²s)7.3 Pa²s
EA,40 h (Pa²s)36.3 Pa²s
EA (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
EA,8 h (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
EA,40 h (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
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Site Number: 2
Recorded By: Lindsay Buck
Job Number: 2023-193
Date: 8/5/2024
Time: 10:33 a.m. – 10:51 a.m.
Location: Southeast Corner of Property; North of Walnut Street and West of Almeria Avenue
Source of Peak Noise: Vehicles along Walnut Street
Noise Data
Leq (dB) Lmin (dB) Lmax (dB) Peak (dB)
53.9 42.3 72.6 84.0
Equipment
Category Type Vendor Model Serial No. Cert. Date Note
Sound
Sound Level Meter Larson Davis Spartan 821 30100 05/22/2024
Microphone Larson Davis 377B02 352537 04/12/2024
Preamp Larson Davis PRM821 001679 04/26/2024
Calibrator Larson Davis CAL200 226638 05/20/2024
Weather Data
Est.
Duration: Short Term Sky: clear
Note: dBA Offset = 0.1 Sensor Height (ft): 3.5
Wind Ave Speed (mph) Temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) Barometer Pressure (hPa)
3 93 29.86
Spartan 821 Summary: 2024-08-07 08:19:29
User:
Location:
Job Description:
Notes:
Meter General Information
Model Serial
Meter Spartan 821 30100
Preamp PRM821
Microphone 377B02
Unique File Id 00A:00007594:66B0AA64:00000217
Overall Measurement
Start Date & Time 2024-08-05 10:33:08
Stop Date & Time 2024-08-05 10:51:12
Run Time 00:18:04
Pre-Calibration
Date/Time 2024-08-05 10:14:07
Calibrator Level 114.0 dB
Meter Sensitivity -25.99 dB re 1V/Pa
Post-Calibration
Date/Time ---
Calibrator Level ---
Meter Sensitivity ---
Sensitivity Delta ---
LAIeq 56.4 dB
A C Z
Lweq 53.9 65.6 68.2
Lwpk 84.0 dB 94.4 dB 94.5 dB
2024-08-05 10:33:21 2024-08-05 10:49:34 2024-08-05 10:49:34
LwSmin 41.4 dB 52.2 dB 58.7 dB
2024-08-05 10:45:18 2024-08-05 10:45:14 2024-08-05 10:45:28
LwSmax 68.8 dB 83.9 dB 84.5 dB
2024-08-05 10:49:34 2024-08-05 10:41:13 2024-08-05 10:41:13
LwFmin 40.8 dB 50.7 dB 55.6 dB
2024-08-05 10:45:16 2024-08-05 10:45:14 2024-08-05 10:45:42
LwFmax 71.3 dB 86.0 dB 86.5 dB
2024-08-05 10:49:34 2024-08-05 10:41:12 2024-08-05 10:41:12
LwImin 42.3 dB 54.4 dB 63.0 dB
2024-08-05 10:45:18 2024-08-05 10:45:14 2024-08-05 10:47:11
LwImax 72.6 dB 89.1 dB 101.2 dB
2024-08-05 10:49:34 2024-08-05 10:33:08 2024-08-05 10:33:08
w = frequency weighting (A, C or Z)
Overload Count 0
Overload Duration 00:00:00
A C Z
Under Range Peak 50.0 dB 50.0 dB 62.0 dB
Under Range Limit 24.0 dB 27.0 dB 37.0 dB
Noise Floor 17.0 dB 18.0 dB 25.0 dB
Ln Percentiles
LAS 5.0 59.7 dB
LAS 10.0 57.8 dB
LAS 33.3 51.4 dB
LAS 50.0 49.1 dB
LAS 66.6 47.5 dB
LAS 90.0 44.5 dB
Virtual Dosimeters
1 2 3 4
Configuration OSHA-PEL OSHA-HC ACGIH NIOSH
Dose 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Projected Dose 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Lavg --- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
TWA(8)--- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
Projected TWA(8)--- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
Criterion Level 90.0 dB 90.0 dB 85.0 dB 85.0 dB
Threshold Level 90.0 dB 80.0 dB 80.0 dB 80.0 dB
Exchange Rate 5 dB 5 dB 3 dB 3 dB
LEP'd/Lex,8h 39.7 dB 39.7 dB 39.7 dB 39.7 dB
Projected LEP'd/Lex,8h 53.9 dB 53.9 dB 53.9 dB 53.9 dB
Shift Time 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours
Exceedances
Count Duration
LAS > 85 dB 0 0
LAS > 95 dB 0 0
LCpk > 135 dB 0 0
LCpk > 137 dB 0 0
LCpk > 140 dB 0 0
Sound Exposure
SELA 84.3 dB
EA (Pa²s)0.1 Pa²s
EA,8 h (Pa²s)2.8 Pa²s
EA,40 h (Pa²s)14.2 Pa²s
EA (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
EA,8 h (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
EA,40 h (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
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Site Number: 3
Recorded By: Lindsay Buck
Job Number: 2023-193
Date: 8/5/2024
Time: 10:55 a.m. – 11:11 a.m.
Location: Eastern End of Northstar Avenue
Source of Peak Noise: Traffic along Northstar Avenue
Noise Data
Leq (dB) Lmin (dB) Lmax (dB) Peak (dB)
46.3 37.7 85.5 106.8
Equipment
Category Type Vendor Model Serial No. Cert. Date Note
Sound
Sound Level Meter Larson Davis Spartan 821 30100 05/22/2024
Microphone Larson Davis 377B02 352537 04/12/2024
Preamp Larson Davis PRM821 001679 04/26/2024
Calibrator Larson Davis CAL200 226638 05/20/2024
Weather Data
Est.
Duration: Short Term Sky: clear
Note: dBA Offset = 0.1 Sensor Height (ft): 3.5
Wind Ave Speed (mph) Temperature (degrees Fahrenheit) Barometer Pressure (hPa)
3 93 29.86
Spartan 821 Summary: 2024-08-07 08:19:46
User:
Location:
Job Description:
Notes:
Meter General Information
Model Serial
Meter Spartan 821 30100
Preamp PRM821
Microphone 377B02
Unique File Id 00A:00007594:66B0AF92:0000021E
Overall Measurement
Start Date & Time 2024-08-05 10:55:14
Stop Date & Time 2024-08-05 11:11:46
Run Time 00:16:32
Pre-Calibration
Date/Time 2024-08-05 10:14:07
Calibrator Level 114.0 dB
Meter Sensitivity -25.99 dB re 1V/Pa
Post-Calibration
Date/Time ---
Calibrator Level ---
Meter Sensitivity ---
Sensitivity Delta ---
LAIeq 58.6 dB
A C Z
Lweq 46.3 57.6 66.2
Lwpk 106.8 dB 104.8 dB 106.2 dB
2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 10:55:29
LwSmin 36.8 dB 52.3 dB 58.8 dB
2024-08-05 11:03:54 2024-08-05 11:05:13 2024-08-05 11:05:57
LwSmax 72.5 dB 74.3 dB 81.6 dB
2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 11:11:12 2024-08-05 11:11:35
LwFmin 36.3 dB 49.7 dB 55.0 dB
2024-08-05 11:03:34 2024-08-05 11:05:20 2024-08-05 10:59:12
LwFmax 81.2 dB 82.1 dB 86.1 dB
2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 11:11:35
LwImin 37.7 dB 54.9 dB 62.5 dB
2024-08-05 11:01:16 2024-08-05 11:06:01 2024-08-05 11:05:57
LwImax 85.5 dB 85.7 dB 88.8 dB
2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 10:55:29 2024-08-05 11:11:12
w = frequency weighting (A, C or Z)
Overload Count 0
Overload Duration 00:00:00
A C Z
Under Range Peak 50.0 dB 50.0 dB 62.0 dB
Under Range Limit 24.0 dB 27.0 dB 37.0 dB
Noise Floor 17.0 dB 18.0 dB 25.0 dB
Ln Percentiles
LAS 5.0 47.4 dB
LAS 10.0 45.1 dB
LAS 33.3 39.4 dB
LAS 50.0 38.6 dB
LAS 66.6 38.1 dB
LAS 90.0 37.5 dB
Virtual Dosimeters
1 2 3 4
Configuration OSHA-PEL OSHA-HC ACGIH NIOSH
Dose 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Projected Dose 0.0%0.0%0.0%0.0%
Lavg --- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
TWA(8)--- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
Projected TWA(8)--- dB --- dB --- dB --- dB
Criterion Level 90.0 dB 90.0 dB 85.0 dB 85.0 dB
Threshold Level 90.0 dB 80.0 dB 80.0 dB 80.0 dB
Exchange Rate 5 dB 5 dB 3 dB 3 dB
LEP'd/Lex,8h 31.7 dB 31.7 dB 31.7 dB 31.7 dB
Projected LEP'd/Lex,8h 46.3 dB 46.3 dB 46.3 dB 46.3 dB
Shift Time 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours
Exceedances
Count Duration
LAS > 85 dB 0 0
LAS > 95 dB 0 0
LCpk > 135 dB 0 0
LCpk > 137 dB 0 0
LCpk > 140 dB 0 0
Sound Exposure
SELA 76.3 dB
EA (Pa²s)0.0 Pa²s
EA,8 h (Pa²s)0.5 Pa²s
EA,40 h (Pa²s)2.5 Pa²s
EA (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
EA,8 h (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
EA,40 h (Pa²h)0.0 Pa²h
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ATTACHMENT B
Federal Highway Administration Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108) Outputs
TRAFFIC NOISE LEVELS
Project Number: 2023-193
Project Name: Walnut Property Project
Background Information
Model Description: FHWA Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108) with California Vehicle Noise (CALVENO) Emission Levels.
Analysis Scenario(s):Existing
Source of Traffic Volumes: Caltrans and Fontana General Plan
Community Noise Descriptor:Ldn: CNEL: X
Assumed 24-Hour Traffic Distribution: Day Evening Night
Total ADT Volumes 77.70% 12.70% 9.60%
Medium-Duty Trucks 87.43% 5.05% 7.52%
Heavy-Duty Trucks 89.10% 2.84% 8.06%
Traffic Noise Levels
Peak Design Dist. from Barrier Vehicle Mix Peak Hour 24-Hour
Analysis Condition Median Hour ADT Speed Center to Alpha Attn. Medium Heavy dB(A) dB(A)
Roadway Segment Land Use Lanes Width Volume Volume (mph)
Receptor1 Factor dB(A) Trucks Trucks Leq CNEL
Between Beech Avenue and Citrus Avenue Proposed Residential 2 8 572 5,150 45 30 0 0 1.8% 0.7%68.3 67.1
Between Cherry Avenue and Citrus Avenue Proposed Residential 8 40 18,222 164,000 65 935 0.5 0 1.8% 0.7%66.0 64.8
Between Beech Avenue and Citrus Avenue Proposed Residential 2 12 267 2,400 35 40 0 0 1.8% 0.7%60.9 59.7
1 Distance is from the centerline of the roadway segment to the receptor location.
South Highland Avenue
Highway 210
Walnut Street
FHWA Noise Model Walnut Property ECORP Consulting 8/21/2024
ATTACHMENT C
Federal Highway Administration Roadway Construction Noise Model Outputs – Project Construction
Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM),Version 1.1
Report date:7/24/2024
Case Description:Walnut Property Project
Description Land Use
Site Preparation Residential
Equipment
Spec Actual Receptor Estimated
Impact Lmax Lmax Distance Shielding
Description Device Usage(%)(dBA)(dBA)(feet)(dBA)
Dozer No 40 81.7 365 0
Dozer No 40 81.7 365 0
Dozer No 40 81.7 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Results
Calculated (dBA)
Equipment *Lmax Leq
Dozer 64.4 60.4
Dozer 64.4 60.4
Dozer 64.4 60.4
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Total 64.4 67
*Calculated Lmax is the Loudest value.
Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM),Version 1.1
Report date:7/24/2024
Case Description:Walnut Property Project
Description Land Use
Grading Residential
Equipment
Spec Actual Receptor Estimated
Impact Lmax Lmax Distance Shielding
Description Device Usage(%)(dBA)(dBA)(feet)(dBA)
Grader No 40 85 365 0
Dozer No 40 81.7 365 0
Scraper No 40 83.6 365 0
Scraper No 40 83.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Excavator No 40 80.7 365 0
Excavator No 40 80.7 365 0
Results
Calculated (dBA)
Equipment *Lmax Leq
Grader 67.7 63.8
Dozer 64.4 60.4
Scraper 66.3 62.3
Scraper 66.3 62.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Excavator 63.4 59.5
Excavator 63.4 59.5
Total 67.7 69.8
*Calculated Lmax is the Loudest value.
Roadway Construction Noise Model (RCNM),Version 1.1
Report date:7/24/2024
Case Description:Walnut Property Project
Description Land Use
Building
Construction,
Paving, and
Arcitectural Coating
Residential
Equipment
Spec Actual Receptor Estimated
Impact Lmax Lmax Distance Shielding
Description Device Usage(%)(dBA)(dBA)(feet)(dBA)
Crane No 16 80.6 365 0
Gradall No 40 83.4 365 0
Gradall No 40 83.4 365 0
Gradall No 40 83.4 365 0
Generator No 50 80.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Backhoe No 40 77.6 365 0
Welder / Torch No 40 74 365 0
Paver No 50 77.2 365 0
Paver No 50 77.2 365 0
Pavement Scarafier No 20 89.5 365 0
Pavement Scarafier No 20 89.5 365 0
Roller No 20 80 365 0
Roller No 20 80 365 0
Compressor (air)No 40 77.7 365 0
Results
Calculated (dBA)
Equipment *Lmax Leq
Crane 63.3 55.3
Gradall 66.1 62.2
Gradall 66.1 62.2
Gradall 66.1 62.2
Generator 63.4 60.4
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Backhoe 60.3 56.3
Welder / Torch 56.7 52.8
Paver 60 56.9
Paver 60 56.9
Pavement Scarafier 72.2 65.2
Pavement Scarafier 72.2 65.2
Roller 62.7 55.7
Roller 62.7 55.7
Compressor (air)60.4 56.4
Total 72.2 56.4
*Calculated Lmax is the Loudest value.