Adverse Effects of Noise1
Although the health effects of noise are not taken as seriously in the United States as they are in other countries, they are real and, in many parts of the country, pervasive.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss . If a person is repeatedly exposed to loud noises, he or she may experience noise-induced hearing impairment or loss. In the United States, both the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) promote standards and regulations to protect the hearing of people exposed to high levels of industrial noise.
Speech Interference. Another common problem associated with noise is speech interference. In addition to the obvious issues that may arise from misunderstandings, speech interference also leads to problems with concentration fatigue, irritation, decreased working capacity, and automatic stress reactions. For complete speech intelligibility, the sound level of the speech shou ld be 15 to 18 dBA higher than the background noise. Typical indoor speech levels are 45 to 50 dBA at 1 meter, so any noise above 30 dBA begins to interfere with speech intelligibility. The common reaction to higher background noise levels is to raise one’s voice. If this is required persistently for long periods of time, stress reactions and irritation will likely result.
Sleep Disturbance. Noise can disturb sleep by making it more difficult to fall asleep, by waking someone after they are asleep, or by altering their sleep stage, e.g., reducing the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Noise exposure for people who are sleeping has also been linked to increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, increase in body movements, and other physiological effects. Not surprisingly, people whose sleep is disturbed by noise often experience secondary effects such as cognitive decline, increased fatigue, depressed mood, and decreased work performance.
Cardiovascular and Physiological Effects. Human’s bodi ly reactions to noise are rooted in the “fight or flight” response that evolved when many noises signaled imminent danger. These include increased blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and vasoconstriction. Prolonged exposure to acute noises can result in permanent effects such as hypertension and heart disease.
Impaired Cognitive Performance. Studies have established that noise exposure impairs people’s abilities to perform complex tasks (tasks that require attention to detail or analytical processes) and it makes reading, paying attention, solving problems, and memorizing more difficult. This is why there are standards for classroom background noise levels and why offices and libraries are designed to provide quiet work environments.
1 More information on these and other adverse effects of noise may be found in Guidelines for Community Noise, eds B Berglund, T Lindvall, and D Schwela, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1999. (https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/66217)
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WILSON IHRIG
Chino Gateway Terminal Project
RTC Responses
Potentially Significant Construction Noise Impacts
The Addendum underestimates construction noise and does not disclose potentially significant impacts. The anticipated construction noise levels reported in the Addendum are up to 70 dBA [p. 2- 83]. The City of Chino General Plan limits noise from construction activities below 65 dBA, in accordance with Municipal Code Section 9.40.040(B) [General Plan, p. N -10]. The Addendum does not mention this limit or discuss how this impact will be addressed.
Further, t he construction noise analysis is unsupported. The Addendum discusses noise levels predicted from the middle of the site (400 feet), even though the Addendum acknowledges that the nearest single-family residences are located 90 feet north of the edge of the site [p. 2-83]. The source of the range of construction levels shown in the Addendum is not cited and the report does not provide an equipment list for construction phases or equipment reference levels.
The air emissions report provided in Appendix A does contain construction equipment lists . The Federal Highway Administration’s Roadway Noise Construction Model (RCNM) provides reference Lmax levels for construction equipment and usage factors, which account for power variation and the fraction of time each piece is typically used on site. The Addendum could have used this information to calculate noise levels based on the actual anticipated construction activities on site.
As shown in Table 1 below, noise levels from construction activities at residences clo sest to the Project site are expected to be up to 81 dBA, 11 dB higher than the reported construction levels.
Table 1 Estimated Construction Noise Levels at Nearest Residences Activity Equipment Usage
(%)
Ref. Lmax at
50 ft. (dBA)
Dist. to
Nearest
Residence (ft.)
Lmax at
Residence
(dBA)
Leq at
Residence
(dBA)
Demo
concrete saw 20 90 90 85 78
excavator 40 85 90 80 76
dozer 40 85 90 80 76
Total: 81
Site Prep
dozer 40 85 90 80 76
loader/backhoe 40 80 90 75 71
Total: 77
Grading
excavator 40 85 90 80 76
grader 40 85 90 80 76
dozer 40 85 90 80 76
loader/backhoe 40 80 90 75 71
Total: 81
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines cited in the Addendum state that impacts to noise would be significant if the proposed project would result in “generation of a substantial temporary or permanent increase in ambient noise levels” [p . 2 -33]. The Addendum lacks a significance threshold for “substantial increase” for Project construction noise. Daytime ambient levels measured at nearby homes (LT-2) are reported to be 68 to 73 dBA in the Addendum [p. 2-85]. The estimated 1-C-6
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WILSON IHRIG
Chino Gateway Terminal Project
RTC Responses
construction noise levels from demolition and grading of 81 dBA are not only above the General Plan limit, but 8 to 13 dB above the measured ambient.
As shown in Figure 3 -6 of the Federal Transit Authority Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual Noise (FTA Manual) 2, which is based on actual case studies, community reaction to newly introduced noise gets stronger as noise above existing levels increases. Reactions to increases between 5 to 10 dB varied from “widespread complaints” to “threats of legal action.” Figure 1 FTA Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, Section on Construction Noise and Vibration (FTA page 18)
The Addendum indicates that the Project will prepare a construction management plan to ensure construction does not take place outside of allowable hours, but again omits any mention of the General Plan limit for construction noise [p. 2-85]. The report states that temporary noise barriers would be used. However, it does not indicate where the barriers would be placed (which impacts their effectiveness) or how much reduction they are expected to provide. The noise barriers are not explicitly called out as a mitigation measure.
The errors and omissions in the underlying data render the construction noise analysis unreliable.
Noise impacts must be re -evaluated utilizing anticipated construction ac tivities and properly established criteria. Mitigation measures such as enclosures, relocating staging areas and stationary equipment, temporary noise barriers, and noise monitoring should be considered to reduce potentially significant construction noise impacts.
2 https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/docs/research-innovation/118131/transit-noise-and- vibration-impact-assessment-manual-fta-report-no-0123_0.pdf 1-C-6
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WILSON IHRIG
Chino Gateway Terminal Project
RTC Responses
Potentially Significant Truck Noise Impacts
The Addendum does not address potentially significant impacts from trucks coming in and out of the Schaefer Avenue driveway. The Project Description indicates that trucks will use the western driveway along Schaefer Avenue and the southern driveway along Oaks Avenue [p. 12]. As shown in Figure 4 of the Addendum , the Schaefer Avenue driveway is planned to be directly across from sensitive residences, located 90 feet from the Project site. As further discussed in the Project Description, the industrial facility is anticipated to have 24 hour per day and 7 days a week hours of operation [p. 12]. The traffic analysis in Appendix J shows that the warehouse building will generate 28 total truck trips during the P.M. peak hour [App. J, Table A]. There is no information on anticipated nighttime truck traffic activity.
The Addendum discusses truck noise at the loading docks, which are shielded from homes, but does not give a quantitative analysis of truck noise in the driveway, which is not shielded from homes. The operational noise SoundPLAN model shown in Appendix J.2 does not include either driveway as a noise source. The Addendum cites a level of 76 dBA at 20 feet for “short term noise levels that occur during the docking process” based on previous measurements for another warehouse project and acknowledges that trucks would arrive on site and maneuver their trailers to the loading docks [p. 2- 88].
Using the reference level provided by the Addendum, truck noise at the Schaefer Avenue driveway is estimated to be 63 dBA at the nearest residences (90 feet from the site) , which exceeds both the daytime (50 dBA) and nighttime (45 dBA) noise standards cited in the Addendum. The estimated truck noise is 4 dB above the nighttime ambient measured by the Project. The Addendum lacks a significance threshold for “substantial increase” for operational noise. However, it acknowledges that a 3 dB difference would be perceptible to residents [p. 2-85].
The Leq represents noise from multiple truck events over a period of time (in this case, one hour).
Single event truck noise at night can cause sleep disturbance . Reliance on the hourly Leq as the significance threshold is inadequate to assess the significance of truck noise on sleep disturbance. A 2018 review article by Basner and McGuire, titled WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region: A Systematic Review on Environmental Noise and Eff ects on Sleep and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (shown in Figure 2) uses data from two fairly large studies of sleep disturbance due to road traffic to estimate the effect of single traffic noise events on sleep.3
Lmax levels used in Figure 2 describe the highest “instantaneous” noise level during a specified time period, caused by short duration noises such as a truck passby, pneumatic brake air release, backup alarm, etc. As explained by FHWA-HEP-17-053, the maximum sound level is important in judging the interference caused by a noise event with common activities.4 FHWA RCNM uses a reference Lmax of 84 dBA for truck noise at 50 feet. As show below, this would result in a n interior Lmax le vel of 46 dBA at the nearest residence. This assumes 15-dB reduction from a partially open window, which is standard practice for acoustical analyses in California. As shown in Figure 2, this level has an approximately 10% chance of disturbing sleep.
3 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 519; doi:10.3390/ijerph15030519 4 https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/noise/resources/sound_descr.cfm 1-C-8
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WILSON IHRIG
Chino Gateway Terminal Project
RTC Responses
Figure 2 From Basner (2018), Figure 4 Probability of Sleep Disturbance Mitigation measures could include operational conditions such as prohibiting line-haul trucks during nighttime hours , or routing nighttime line -haul trucks away from residential areas, or off -site mitigation in the form of new windows and mechanical ventilation for bedrooms affected by the nighttime line-haul operations. General Plan Objective N-1.2, Policy P1 requires the minimization of transportation noise through street and right-of-way design or route coordination [General Plan, p.
N-31]. The Project should consider rerouting truck traffic away from the planned Schaeffer Avenue driveway and nearby residences.
Mechanical Noise Analysis Contains Errors and Omissions The Addendum acknowledges that the results of the SoundPLAN model presented in Appendix I.2 exceed nighttime limits but does not discuss mitigation measures [p. 2 -88]. Further, it appears that the SoundPLAN contours in Appendix I.2 do not include the contribution from all of the noise sources in the model and underestimates mechanical noise . The Addendum states the analysis used a reference sound power level of 87 dBA for HVAC units [p. 2-88]. The SoundPLAN model shows four HVAC units for the warehouse facility, about 180 feet from sensitive receptors , but does not show a contour from these sources. Four HVAC units at the referenced sound power level would result in a sound pressure level of 50 dBA at 180 feet, which is over the daytime and nighttime residential limits.
Further, f our HVAC units are not sufficient for the ventilation needs of the planned building. For warehouses, The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air -Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) minimum ventilation rate is 0.06 CFM per square foot, per person, which must be adjusted 1-C-9
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WILSON IHRIG
Chino Gateway Terminal Project
RTC Responses
for occupancy rates, indoor air quality, and other factors. 5 The most common large unit size is 25 tons. A simple calculation using a rule of thumb for industria l buildings (see Figure 1 below) shows that a warehouse of this size would need at least 25 units (spread out across the roof) to properly ventilate the space. Ten of these units along the edge of the building would result in noise levels of 54 dBA at 180 feet.
158,148 sq. ft ÷ 250 sq. ft. per ton = 634 ton load
634 ton load ÷ 25 tons per unit = 25 units
The SoundPlan model for operational noise should have at the very least included the units along the roof parameter closest to sensitive receptors. The HVAC noise predictions should be updated to reflect realistic equipment assumptions.
Figure 3 Industrial Building Cooling Load, Rule of Thumb6 Traffic Analysis Missing Validation
The modeled levels for existing traffic along Shaeffer Avenue are lower than measured levels reported in the Addendum. Table K shows a CNEL of 67.4 dBA between Benson Avenue and Oaks Avenue [p. 2-86]. Table J shows a measured Ldn of 75.3 dBA at LT-2, 8 dB higher [p. 2-85]. The DEIR does not discuss this discrepancy or apply a calibration factor to the traffic noise model. Further, there is no explanation for why two different metrics were used to show measured and modeled existing levels. The CNEL level includes an additional 5 dB penalty for evening hours.
The Caltrans Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol (TeNS) provides procedures for traffic studies, including a discussion of model accuracy tolerances. 7 The TeNS recommends that “differences of 5 dBA or more should be approached with caution” when validating traffic noise models [TeNS p. 4-13]. The Project should address this discrepancy and validate the traffic model using measured baseline data.
5https://www.ashrae.org/file%20library/technical%20resources/standards%20and%20guidelines/standards%20ad denda/62_1_2013_p_20150707.pdf
6 https://www.engproguides.com/hvac-rule-of-thumb-calculator.html 7 https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/environmental-analysis/documents/env/tens-sep2013- a11y.pdf
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WILSON IHRIG
Chino Gateway Terminal Project
RTC Responses
Baseline Noise is Not Properly Established
The Addendum does not properly characterize the existing noise environment. The second measurement location is at the back of the site, which does not represent any sensitive receivers. A second measurement would have been better suited at residences further down Schaeffer Avenue to show noise levels from the existing warehouse driveways on Shaeffer and compare those levels to the tomes across the Project site.
Conclusion
The Addendum operational and construction noise analysis contains errors and fails to ide ntify potentially significant impacts. The Addendum fails to establish a proper baseline for traffic noise.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions on this information.
Very truly yours,
Ani Toncheva, Senior Consultant, WILSON IHRIG
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ANI TONCHEVA
Senior Consultant
Since joining the firm in 2011, Ani has conducted analyses for transit systems, vibration-sensitive research facilities, public infrastructure, construction, and other environmental noise. She has contributed to literature reviews, including research on current practices of historical preservation. She has extensive experience working on construction projects in New York City and is well-versed in local noise codes.
Education
• B.A., Physics; Bard College, New York
Professional Associations
• Member, National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC) • Member, Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
• Board Member, Transportation Research Forum (TRF), NY Chapter and International Board Research Paper
• NCHRP 25-25, Current Practices to Address Construction Vibration and Potential Effects to Historic Buildings Adjacent to Transportation Projects
Project Experience
ARCHITECTURAL
180 Jones Street Mixed-Use Development, San Francisco, CA Prepared a CCR Title 24 Noise Study Report for a new mixed-use building. The project included 70 residential units and on-site community facilities.
1801 Haight Street Mixed-Use Development, San Francisco, CA Prepared a CCR Title 24 Noise Study Report for a new low-rise mixed-use building.
Analog (ArtX) Hotel, Palo Alto, CA
Prepared preliminary basis of design guidelines for a new five-story boutique hotel in a residential area. Work included evaluation of exterior noise from a project that may affect guest areas and interior noise and vibration isolation measures.
First Congregational Church of Berkeley Pilgrim Hall Replacement, Berkeley, CA Responsible for developing 3D computer model of a new hall to prepare a basis of design guidelines for room acoustics and noise control and assist in the development of acoustic specifications for various disciplines.
Gansevoort Cooperative, New York, NY
Conducted measurements inside several units in a mixed-use building to characterize commercial noise levels and recommend mitigation measures.
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Hollis Life Science, Emeryville, CA
Conducted a drawing review regarding the new air handler units, exhaust fans, and related noise, and vibration-generating equipment, to recommend base isolation requirements to control vibration within the building, and to assess noise control requirements.
Sunnydale Block 3A & 3B Mixed-Use Residential Development, San Francisco, CA Prepared a CCR Title 24 Noise Study Report for two, mixed-use, 5-story buildings. The project was part of the complete rebuild of the existing Sunnydale-Velasco Housing Authority site through the HOPE SF Program.
CONSTRUCTION
Columbia University Medical Center Medical and Graduate Education Building, New York, NY Conducted baseline noise survey and performed attended noise measurements during preliminary construction work. Installed long-term noise monitors and assisted with the implementation of a sophisticated remote noise monitoring system for a six-month construction phase including building demolition.
East Side Coastal Resiliency Noise Monitoring Plan, New York, NY Prepared noise monitoring plan for residences located near planned construction activities involving the use of pile driving methods for the installation of a flood protection system.
Fulton Municipal Manufactured Gas Plant Environment Remediation, New York, NY Conducted a baseline noise and vibration study in the vicinity of planned Gowanus Canal remediation for the former MGP site, including long-term unattended and short-term noise and vibration measurements.
Former Citizens Gas Works MGP Site Pilot Test Program, New York, NY Collected long-term baseline noise and vibration data. Conducted short-term attended noise and vibration measurements at during pile operations. Vibration measurements were conducted at nearby residence and at the MTA NYCT structure near the project site.
Gowanus Canal Remediation, New York, NY
Conducted baseline noise measurements and ongoing long-term noise and vibration monitoring in vicinity of Gowanus Canal Superfund Site 4th street turning basin dredging and capping pilot study.
Hudson Yards Tower C Foundations and Utilities, New York, NY Conducted a baseline noise survey prior to construction work including a combination of long-term unattended and short-term attended noise measurements.
PANYNJ Lincoln Tunnel Helix Rehabilitation, NJ
Assisted in developing construction noise control and mitigation plan and implementing a remote long-term noise monitoring program at three locations. Performed noise measurements of nighttime construction activities in vicinity of sensitive receptors.
MSK 74th Street, New York, NY
Conducted baseline noise survey, assisted in developing construction noise control and mitigation plan, and implemented a long-term noise monitoring program at two locations. Provided weekly reports of monitoring data with on-going assessments of Contractor compliance with project noise limits and coordinated interior short-term measurements in nearby residential buildings.
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Ani Toncheva – Page 3
NYMTA No. 7 Line Subway Extension, New York, NY
Performed long-term noise monitoring for the ventilation shaft construction site.
NYMTA No. 7 Line Subway Extension Site L Ventilation Facility Construction, New York, NY The project involved the mining and lining of two shafts and the construction of a 2-story ventilation building at Site L near Dyer Avenue on West 41st Street. Assisted with long-term noise compliance monitoring and preparation of monthly noise monitoring reports.
NYMTA ESA/LIRR Grand Central Terminal Fit-Out, New York, NY Prepared the Contractor’s noise and vibration control plan updates for fit-out work conducted underground at the Grand Central Terminal Suburban Level. Performed field measurements of construction equipment noise and prepared noise emission certificates.
San Francisco Planning Department, Alameda Street Wet Weather Tunnel and Folsom Area Sewer Improvement, San Francisco, CA
Project Manager in charge of noise and vibration analysis for Folsom Area stormwater infrastructure improvements, as part of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) flood resilience efforts under the Sewer System Improvement Program. Work included baseline noise survey, noise and vibration predictions, evaluation of applicable criteria and recommendations for noise and vibration control measures.
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, San Mateo, CA
Generated a site-specific vibration propagation model and analyzed the potential for vibration impacts to ongoing scientific experiments during the construction of a new building on the SLAC campus. Testing included measuring transfer mobilities, determining the vibration response of particle beamline equipment, and vibration generated by construction equipment.
World Trade Center Vehicle Security Center, New York, NY Conducted baseline noise surveys, assisted in developing construction noise control plans, and implementing a remote long-term noise monitoring program at six locations around the perimeter of the site at noise sensitive receptors. Provided weekly reports of monitoring data with on-going assessments of Contractor compliance with project noise limits.
ENVIRONMENTAL
CEQA Peer Reviews, CA
Peer review of noise and vibration analyses prepared per CEQA. These projects have primarily focused on the construction and operation of new facilities including residential in-fill, office and mixed-use projects, and educational buildings.
Millennium Bulk Terminal, Longview, WA
Prepared noise analysis for the project’s NEPA and SEPA environmental impact statements. Tasks included future rail traffic modeling using CadnaA and preparation of noise contours using GIS.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Haskin Hill Sanctuary, Loma Mar, CA Prepared an environmental study for a planned animal sanctuary in Loma Mar. Work included baseline noise measurements, predictions of expected noise from the completed project and a review of compliance with local regulations and CEQA.
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HIGHWAY AND OTHER TRAFFIC STUDIES
Alameda CTC, I-880 Interchange Improvements Project (Whipple Road-Industrial Southwest and Industrial Parkway West), Hayward, CA
Project Manager for a traffic noise study. The work included noise modelling and impact assessments consistent with FHWA and Caltrans procedures and methodology for multiple project alternatives.
Alameda CTC, I-80/Ashby Avenue Interchange Improvements, Berkeley, CA Project Manager for a traffic noise study. The work included noise modelling and impact assessments consistent with FHWA and Caltrans procedures and methodology for multiple project alternatives.
Riverstone Apartments, Seattle, WA
This street will serve the future Star Lake Station currently under construction for Sound Transit’s Federal Way Link Extension. As part of the Federal Way project, improvements to the street include the addition of a turning lane and traffic light (currently in place) at the end of a roadway. The study provided an independent assessment of the potential for traffic noise impacts on the residents of Riverstone based on FTA project noise criterion.
Junipero Serra Roadway Noise, South San Francisco, CA
Noise analysis of existing traffic noise and potential benefits of noise abatement measures such as sound walls and quieter pavement.
LEGAL
50 Pine Street Condominiums, New York, NY
The project involved evaluating noise at residential dwelling units for NYC noise code compliance.
Measured noise levels from mechanical equipment in an enclosed courtyard.
Uptown Newport, Newport Beach, CA
Evaluation of noise levels due to mechanical equipment at adjacent property. Assisted heavily with data analysis from long-term monitoring and data presentation for the legal team.
RAIL TRANSIT
BART Berryessa Station Transit Noise Impact and Mitigation, San Jose, CA Assisted with noise predictions and barrier design recommendations. Project is a 10.2-mile extension of a heavy rail transit system in the San Francisco Bay Area, and this is one of the stations along the new route.
BART to Silicon Valley Phase II
Acoustics, noise, and vibration discipline lead for a large single-bore tunnel project through downtown San Jose. The largest single public infrastructure project ever constructed in Santa Clara County, this phase of VTA’s BART to Silicon Valley project will extend BART service six miles from the Berryessa Transit Center into San Jose and ending in the City of Santa Clara. Responsibilities include station acoustics and speech intelligibility design and evaluation of operational train noise and vibration.
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Ani Toncheva – Page 5
California High-Speed Rail Fresno-Merced Corridor, Fresno-Merced, CA Lead noise analyst for the project’s environmental impact assessment. Tasks included characterizing the existing noise conditions and assessing noise impacts from transit operations and construction-related activities.
Caltrain Peninsula Corridor Electrification, San Francisco Peninsula, CA Analysed previous noise study. Assisted in developing current noise prediction model and GIS model for vibration. Helped prepare FEIR. This project included extensive ambient noise and vibration measurement surveys; the development of noise and vibration prediction models for HST operations; prediction of wayside noise and vibration levels for HST operations; evaluation of environmental noise and vibration impacts using FRA procedures and criteria and determining the need for and type of noise mitigation.
LA Metro Purple Line Section 3 Design-Build, Los Angeles, CA Responsible for developing detailed 3D computer models for two transit stations using EASE software.
Maryland Purple Line Station Acoustics, Baltimore, MD
Responsible for developing detailed 3D computer models for three transit stations using EASE software.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX), Boston, MA Lead analyst on noise predictions and barrier design. Work included planning field measurements, conducting data analysis, predicting noise impacts from project operations, and making barrier design recommendations.
RTD Eagle P3 Northwest Corridor Noise and Impacts, Denver, CO Assisted with data analysis and helped prepare the final technical report. The project consists of 33 miles of EMU Commuter Rail connecting downtown Denver Union Station to the Denver International Airport. This project also includes a Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility with a capacity to store and service 100 EMU.
Santa Clara VTA, Vasona LRT Corridor Tire-Derived Aggregate (TDA) Underlayment Performance Testing, San Jose, CA
Project Manager in charge of planning a series of tests to document the performance of TDA ballast underlayment over time, as required by FTA. Previous tests were done in 2006, 2006, and 2009.
Work will include documenting vibration isolation performance, rail strain, and rail deflection.
Sound Transit Northgate Link Vibration Attenuation Estimates, Seattle, WA Provided general field support for all elements of testing. Tasks included moving equipment into/out of the tunnel, deploying sensors on campus, and attending to wireless antennas during testing. To derive the relationship between vibration measured in the Northgate link tunnel and building vibration at research facilities on the University of Washington campus, field tests were conducted using a shaker in the tunnel while simultaneously measuring the vibration response in UW buildings using a wireless data collection system.
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Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Eglinton Crosstown LRT, Toronto, ON, Canada Reviewed historic reports for relevant data, assisted with GIS model and preparation for noise and vibration measurements. The TTC is planning to construct the Eglinton Tunnel subway line and needed to address what mitigation could be necessary to reduce ground-borne noise and vibration impacts. The proposed study would determine the most likely range of ground-borne noise and vibration levels in residences and other sensitive buildings along the planned alignment.
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Scarborough Subway Extension, Toronto, ON, Canada Conducted force density level (FDL) measurements and analysis for the Toronto Rocket vehicles on TTC standard double ties on the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension. Predicted ground-borne noise and vibration levels at sensitive receptors along the Scarborough extension and prepared project memos.
Transbay Program Downtown Rail Extension (DTX), San Francisco, CA Project Manager in charge of preliminary engineering noise and vibration analysis. The project consists of a 2.4-mile at-grade and tunnel alignment starting at the existing Caltrain terminal station and railyard and ending at the Salesforce Transit Center. Provided updated noise and vibration predictions for the project based on current design and abasement measure design recommendations based on new field testing and updated analysis.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) On-Call Services, Washington, DC Conducted extensive field measurements inside homes and along tunnels to document ground- borne noise and vibration due to WMATA Green Line trains. Performed rail roughness measurements along sections of track within the study area. Analyzed recordings to determine train passby levels and plotted data to compare results for the different vehicle fleets and compare to applicable criteria.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Vehicles Out-of-Round Wheel Study, DC
Assisted with modal analysis on nine wheelsets of WMATA vehicles.
STRUCTURES
101 Mass Avenue (aka Parcel 12), Boston, MA
Responsible for developing a Finite Element model of mixed-use development, built over MBTA commuter railway tracks, and spanning I-90 to analyse predicted building response to ground- borne vibration.
206th Street Theater Vibration Study, New York, NY
Analyzed ground vibration measurements at the site of the planned theater located near NYCT rail lines.
Centene Corporation Theater, Clayton, MO
Conducted vibration measurements on the site to define and identify frequency and levels of vibration. The purpose of the study was to assess possible intrusion from trains and other sources into the proposed auditorium.
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David Geffen Hall Renovation, Lincoln Center Development, New York, NY Conducted vibration measurements on multiple levels of the existing David Geffen Hall structure to measure ground-borne vibration from subway trains. Performed background noise measurements inside the hall to determine ground-borne noise from subway trains.
Pace University Performing Arts, New York, NY
Conducted a vibration feasibility study for the proposed fit-out in an existing mixed-use commercial/residential building to accommodate the university’s dance program. The analysis included vibration measurements of the existing space to characterize the floor response and determine vibration transmission between the dance spaces and residences on the upper floors.
Estimated dance-induced vibration and provided recommendations on possible structural modifications to reduce vibration.
The Perelman Performing Arts Center at World Trade Center, New York, NY Conducted structure-borne vibration measurements as part of building vibration isolation design for future flexible space performing arts center. Conducted quality control field visits during isolation pad installation.
10/4/25 (https://hkventures.sharepoint.com/sites/Fi leServer/Shared Documents/07_RE/EVP-2104_GatewayTerminal/02_Dev/04_A&E/CEQA (LSA)/SAFER Response/LSA Responses to the SAFER Appeal Comment Letter on Chino Gateway Terminal Project.docx) 56 This page intentionally left blank