Noise Impact Analysis
For
MTA Tire Shop
Located in
Murrieta, California
Prepared for:
Ms. Myrriah Sijabat
DMA Architecture and Engineering
4197 Golden Gate Circle, Suite 103
Murrieta, California 92562
Prepared by:
Roma Stromberg, M.S.
Roma Environmental
CEQA, NEPA, Noise and Air Quality
[email protected]
951-544-3170
April 9, 2024
RECEIVED
DP-2023-00027 / CUP-2024-00028
MAY 7, 2024
Noise and Vibration Study
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction and Setting .................................................................................................. 1 A. Purpose and Objectives .................................................................................................. 1 B. Project Location .............................................................................................................. 1 C. Proposed Project ............................................................................................................. 1 II. Noise and Vibration Fundamentals .................................................................................. 4 A. Sound and Noise ............................................................................................................. 4 B. Noise Descriptors ............................................................................................................ 5 C. Vibration Fundamentals.................................................................................................. 7 III. Existing Noise Environment ............................................................................................. 8 A. Existing Land Uses and Sensitive Receptors ................................................................... 8 B. Ambient Noise Measurements ....................................................................................... 8 IV. Regulatory Setting ......................................................................................................... 11 A. City of Murrieta General Plan ....................................................................................... 11 B. City of Murrieta Municipal Code ................................................................................... 13 V. Analytical Methodology and Impact Analysis ................................................................. 17 A. Methodology ................................................................................................................. 17 VI. Impact Analysis and Findings ......................................................................................... 21 A. Construction Noise ........................................................................................................ 21 B. Noise Impacts Due to Project Generated Traffic .......................................................... 25 C. Noise Impacts Due to On-Site Project Operation ......................................................... 25 D. Groundborne Vibration Impacts ................................................................................... 30 V. References .................................................................................................................... 32
Appendix A – Noise Measurement Data
Appendix B – Construction Noise Calculations
Appendix C – SoundPLAN Input/Output
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List of Tables
Table 1. Typical Noise Levels ........................................................................................................ 6 Table 2. Noise Measurement Summary ....................................................................................... 8 Table 3. Long-Term Noise Measurement Summary ..................................................................... 9 Table 4. City of Murrieta Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments ............ 11 Table 5. City of Murrieta Construction Noise Standards ............................................................ 13 Table 6. City of Murrieta Exterior and Interior Noise Standards ................................................ 14 Table 7. Guideline Vibration Damage Potential Threshold Criteria ........................................... 16 Table 8. Guideline Vibration Annoyance Potential Criteria ........................................................ 17 Table 9. Equipment Noise Emissions and Acoustical Usage Factor ............................................ 17 Table 10. Construction Noise Levels ............................................................................................. 22 Table 11. Existing and Project Operational Noise Levels With and Without Mitigation .............. 26 Table 12. Construction Equipment Vibration Source Levels ........................................................ 30
List of Figures
Figure 1. Project Location Map ...................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2. Site Plan .......................................................................................................................... 3 Figure 3. Noise Measurement Locations ..................................................................................... 10 Figure 4. Existing Traffic Levels .................................................................................................... 27 Figure 5. Project Operational Noise Levels (Unmitigated) .......................................................... 28 Figure 6. Project Operational Noise Levels (Mitigated) ............................................................... 29
Noise and Vibration Study
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1 I. Introduction and Setting
A. Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the noise and vibration impacts that may occur with the development of the proposed Towing Services and Vehicle Impound Storage Project and to identify mitigation measures that may be necessary to reduce those impacts. The objectives of the study include:
documentation of existing noise conditions,
discussion of noise modeling methodology and procedures, analysis of noise and vibration generated by the construction of the project, analysis and discussion of potential traffic noise impacts from the proposed project, analysis and discussion of noise impacts associated with on-site operation, and recommendations for mitigation measures.
B. Project Location
The project site is located in the City of Murrieta Murrieta, California, on the east side of Madison Avenue, approximately 1,220 feet north of the intersection of Madison Avenue and Guava Street.
The closest airport to the project site is French Valley Airport. It is located approximately 3.6 miles northeast of the project site. The vicinity map showing the Project location is provided on Figure 1.
C. Proposed Project
The proposed Project consists of constructing of a 4,995 square feet tire shop with six service bays, associated parking, landscaping, and trash enclosure on a 0.68-acre site. The proposed site plan is shown on Figure 2.
The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the noise and vibration impacts that may occur with the development of the proposed Repair and Maintenance of Motor Vehicles Facility project and to identify mitigation measures that may be necessary to reduce those impacts. The objectives of the study include:
Figure 1Project Location
2 Project Site
Figure 2Site Plan
3 Noise and Vibration Study
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4 II. Noise and Vibration Fundamentals
A. Sound and Noise
Sound can be described as the mechanical energy of a vibrating object transmitted by pressure waves through a liquid or gaseous medium (e.g., air) to a hearing organ, such as a human ear. Noise is defined as loud, unexpected, or annoying sound. Typical noise levels are shown in Table 1.
In the science of acoustics, the fundamental model consists of a sound (or noise) source, a receiver, and the propagation path between the two. The loudness of the noise source and the obstructions or atmospheric factors affecting the propagation path to the receiver determines the sound level and characteristics of the noise perceived by the receiver. The field of acoustics deals primarily with the propagation and control of sound, with associated factors summarized below.
Frequency
Continuous sound can be described by frequency (pitch) and amplitude (loudness), with a low- frequency sound perceived as low in pitch. Frequency is expressed in terms of cycles per second, or Hertz (Hz). A frequency of 250 cycles per second, for example, is referred to as 250 Hz), with higher frequencies sometimes more conveniently expressed in kilohertz (kHz), or thousands of Hz.
The audible frequency range for humans is generally between 20 and 20,000 Hz (or 20 kHz).
Sound Pressure Levels and Decibels
The amplitude of pressure waves generated by a sound source determines the loudness of that source. Sound pressure amplitude is measured in micro-Pascals (mPa), with one mPa representing approximately one hundred billionth of normal atmospheric pressure. Sound pressure amplitudes for different kinds of noise environments can range from less than 100 to 100,000,000 mPa.
Because of this huge range of values, sound is rarely expressed in terms of mPa. Instead, a logarithmic scale is used to describe sound pressure level (SPL) in terms of decibels (dB). The threshold of audible sound is about 0 dB for a healthy human ear, which corresponds to 20 mPa.
Sound Propagation
When sound propagates over a distance, it changes in level and frequency content. Sound from a localized source (i.e., a point source) propagates uniformly outward in a spherical pattern. The sound level attenuates (or decreases) at a rate of six dB for each doubling of distance from a point source. Sound levels from a line source attenuate at a rate of three dB for each doubling of distance.
A large object or barrier in the path between a noise source and a receiver can substantially attenuate noise levels at the receiver. The amount of attenuation provided by shielding depends on the size of the object and the frequency content of the noise source. Natural terrain features (e.g., hills and dense/deep woods) and human-made features (e.g., buildings and walls) can substantially reduce noise levels. Walls are often constructed between a source and a receiver specifically to reduce noise. A barrier that breaks the line of sight between a source and a receiver
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5 will typically result in at least five dB of noise reduction, with taller barriers providing increased noise reduction. Vegetation, such as highway landscaping, between the source and receiver is rarely effective in reducing noise, as it does not create a solid barrier.
Human Perception of Noise
The decibel scale alone does not adequately characterize how humans perceive noise, as the dominant frequencies of a sound have a substantial effect on the human response to that sound.
Although the intensity (energy per unit area) of the sound is a purely physical quantity, the loudness or human response is determined by the characteristics of the human ear. Human hearing is limited in the range of audible frequencies, as well as in the way it perceives the SPL within that range. In general, people are most sensitive to the frequency range of 1,000 to 8,000 Hz and perceive sounds within that range better than sounds of the same amplitude in higher or lower frequencies. To approximate the response of the human ear, sound levels of individual frequency bands are weighted, depending on the human sensitivity to those frequencies. An “A-weighted” sound level (expressed in units of dBA) can then be calculated from this information. Noise levels are typically reported in terms of A-weighted decibels or dBA. Table 1, Typical A-weighted Noise Levels, describes levels for various noise sources.
B. Noise Descriptors
Noise in the daily human environment fluctuates over time; these changes can be minor or substantial, depending on individual factors. Specifically, noise fluctuations can be influenced by conditions such as: (1) whether noise levels occur in regular or random patterns; (2) if noise level fluctuations are rapid or slow; and (3) if noise levels vary widely or are relatively constant. Various noise descriptors have been developed to describe time-varying noise levels, with the following noise descriptors most commonly used in transportation noise analysis.
Equivalent Sound Level (Leq)
Leq represents an average of the sound energy occurring over a specified period. In effect, Leq is the steady-state sound level containing the same acoustical energy as the time-varying sound that actually occurs during the same period. The one-hour A-weighted equivalent sound level (Leq[h]), for example, is the energy average of A-weighted sound levels occurring during a one-hour period.
One hour is the normal (default) assumed time period for Leq unless stated otherwise.
Percentile-Exceeded Sound Level (LXX)
LXX represents the sound level exceeded for a given percentage of a specified period. For example, L10 is the sound level exceeded 10 percent of the time, and L90 is the sound level exceeded 90 percent of the time.
Maximum Sound Level (Lmax)
Lmax is the maximum sound level measured during a specified time period with “slow/1-second” time-averaging.
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6 Table 1. Typical Noise Levels
Common Outdoor Activities Noise Level (dBA) Common Indoor Activities 110 Rock Band
Jet fly-over at 1,000 feet
100
Gas lawn mower at 3 feet
90 Diesel truck at 50 feet at 50 mph* Food blender at 3 feet 80 Garbage disposal at 3 feet
Noisy urban area, daytime
Gas lawn mower at 100 feet 70 Vacuum cleaner at 10 feet Commercial area Normal speech at 3 feet
Heavy traffic at 300 feet 60
Large business office
Quiet urban daytime 50 Dishwasher in next room
Quiet urban nighttime 40 Theater, large conference room (background)
Quiet suburban nighttime
30 Library
Quiet rural nighttime Bedroom at night, concert hall (background) 20 Broadcast/recording studio
10 0
Source: California Department of Transportation, 2013.
Day-Night Level (Ldn)
Ldn is the energy average of A-weighted sound levels occurring over a 24-hour period, with a 10- dB penalty applied to A-weighted sound levels occurring during nighttime hours between 10 PM and 7 AM
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)
Similar to Ldn, CNEL is the energy average of the A-weighted sound levels occurring over a 24-hour period, with a 10-dB penalty applied to A-weighted sound levels occurring during the nighttime hours between 10 PM and 7 AM, and a 5-dB penalty applied to the A-weighted sound levels occurring during evening hours between 7 PM and 10 PM.
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7 C. Vibration Fundamentals
The way in which vibration is transmitted through the earth is called propagation. Propagation of earthborn vibrations is complicated and difficult to predict because of the endless variations in the soil through which waves travel. There are three main types of vibration propagation: surface, compression, and shear waves. Surface waves, or Raleigh waves, travel along the ground’s surface.
These waves carry most of their energy along an expanding circular wave front, similar to ripples produced by throwing a rock into a pool of water. Compression waves, or P-waves, are body waves that carry their energy along an expanding spherical wave front. The particle motion in these waves is longitudinal (i.e., in a “push-pull” fashion). P-waves are analogous to airborne sound waves. Shear waves, or S-waves, are also body waves that carry energy along an expanding spherical wave front.
However, unlike P-waves, the particle motion is transverse or “side-to-side and perpendicular to the direction of propagation.”
As vibration waves propagate from a source, the energy is spread over an ever-increasing area such that the energy level striking a given point is reduced with the distance from the energy source.
This geometric spreading loss is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Wave energy is also reduced with distance as a result of material damping in the form of internal friction, soil layering, and void spaces. The amount of attenuation provided by material damping varies with soil type and condition as well as the frequency of the wave.
Vibration amplitudes are usually expressed as either peak particle velocity (PPV) or the root mean square (RMS) velocity. The PPV is defined as the maximum instantaneous peak of the vibration signal in inches per second. The RMS of a signal is the average of the squared amplitude of the signal in vibration decibels (VdB), ref one micro-inch per second. The Federal Railroad Administration uses the abbreviation “VdB” for vibration decibels to reduce the potential for confusion with sound decibel.
PPV is appropriate for evaluating the potential of building damage and VdB is commonly used to evaluate human response. Decibel notation acts to compress the range of numbers required in measuring vibration. Similar to the noise descriptors, Leq and Lmax can be used to describe the average vibration and the maximum vibration level observed during a single vibration measurement interval.
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8 III. Existing Noise Environment
A. Existing Land Uses and Sensitive Receptors
The Project site is currently vacant and the adjacent lots to the north and south are also vacant. A car dealership abuts the site to the east, and Madison Avenue serves as the site’s western boundary. Other nearby land uses include a single-family land uses located approximately 315 and 520 feet southeast of the project site, and commercial land uses located as close as approximately 100 feet to the west, 715 feet to the southeast and 250 feet to the north/northwest.
The project site is surrounded by properties zoned Community Commercial. Land zoned Business Park, Innovation, and Office Research Park are also in the vicinity but are at least 1,000 feet from the project site.
B. Ambient Noise Measurements
An American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section SI4 1979, Type 1) Larson Davis model LxT sound level meter was used to document existing ambient noise levels at four locations in the project vicinity (see Figure 3). As shown in Table 2, measured short-term noise levels (15-minutes) in the project vicinity ranged between 59 and 68 dBA Leq and measured long-term noise levels (one 24-hour noise measurement) ranged between 41 and 61 dBA Leq (See Table 3). Noise measurement field sheets and data are provided in Appendix A.
Table 2. Noise Measurement Summary
Site Location Time Started Leq Lmax L(2) L(8) L(25) L(50) STNM1 12:04 PM 58.8 75.3 66.8 61.6 57.6 53.7
STNM2 12:34 PM 67.7 85.3 76.3 67.5 66.7 65.9
STNM3 1:01 PM 56.8 70.5 66.6 60.0 55.4 52.6
STNM4 1:35 PM 61.1 77.1 68.3 65.5 61.1 57.0
Notes:
(1) See Figure 3 for noise measurement locations. Each noise measurement was performed over a 15-minute duration. (2) Noise measurements performed on September 20, 2022.
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9 Table 3. Long-Term Noise Measurement Summary
24-Hour Ambient Noise1,2
Hourly
Measurements
Time
Started
Leq Lmax L(2) L(8) L(25) L(50)
Overall
Summary 4:00 PM 53.0 87.0 58.7 55.5 52.9 50.3
1 4:00 PM 52.4 77.1 57.9 53.3 51.0 50.0
2 5:00 PM 51.5 77.6 55.8 51.3 49.5 48.7
3 6:00 PM 49.5 61.6 54.0 51.2 49.8 48.6
4 7:00 PM 51.2 67.5 57.0 53.5 51.4 49.8
5 8:00 PM 53.6 62.0 58.1 56.1 54.1 52.8
6 9:00 PM 51.5 57.9 55.6 54.2 52.6 50.8
7 10:00 PM 49.1 65.1 52.7 51.5 49.9 48.3
8 11:00 PM 45.2 55.0 48.8 47.5 46.1 44.6
9 12:00 AM 43.1 63.1 47.9 45.4 43.4 41.4
10 1:00 AM 41.4 62.8 46.8 44.0 41.0 38.9
11 2:00 AM 41.2 50.4 47.1 44.9 42.0 39.8
12 3:00 AM 44.3 53.7 48.9 46.9 45.1 43.6
13 4:00 AM 50.7 61.0 54.7 53.6 52.3 50.0
14 5:00 AM 51.4 62.3 54.0 53.0 52.0 51.0
15 6:00 AM 51.7 62.0 54.9 53.7 52.5 51.3
16 7:00 AM 52.6 79.8 57.0 53.1 51.1 50.0
17 8:00 AM 52.6 66.6 58.5 54.0 52.6 51.3
18 9:00 AM 54.8 64.0 57.8 56.5 55.3 54.5
19 10:00 AM 51.2 68.7 55.1 52.8 51.5 50.2
20 11:00 AM 54.3 69.2 60.1 57.2 54.9 51.8
21 12:00 PM 54.8 68.8 59.7 57.1 55.1 53.6
22 1:00 PM 60.8 87.0 66.0 65.6 58.2 53.5
23 2:00 PM 54.8 68.1 58.7 56.5 55.3 54.3
24 3:00 PM 55.8 68.0 59.2 57.9 56.6 55.4
Notes:
(1) See Figure 3 for noise measurement location.
(2) Noise Measurements performed December 13-14, 2023
Figure 3Noise Measurement Location Map
NM = Noise Measurement Location10
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11 IV. Regulatory Setting
A. City of Murrieta General Plan
The City of Murrieta has adopted the California State Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) guidance for the acceptability of specific land use types within areas of specific noise exposure. , Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments, presents guidelines for determining acceptable and unacceptable community noise exposure limits for various land use categories (Table 4). The guidelines also present adjustment factors that may be used 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.
Table 4. City of Murrieta Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments
Land Use Category
Community Noise Exposure (CNEL)
Normally
Acceptable
Conditionally
Acceptable
Normally
Unacceptable
Clearly
Unacceptable
Residential- Low Density, Single-
Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes 50 - 60 55 - 70 70 - 75 75 - 85 Residential- Multiple Family 50 - 65 60 - 70 70 - 75 70 - 85 Transient Lodging- Motel, Hotels 50 - 65 60 - 70 70 - 80 80 - 85 Schools, Libraries, Churches,
Hospitals, Nursing Homes 50 - 70 60 - 70 70 - 80 80 - 85 Auditoriums, Concert Halls,
Amphitheaters NA 50 - 70 NA 65 - 85
Sports Arena, Outdoor
Spectator Sports NA 50 - 75 NA 70 - 85
Playgrounds, Neighborhood
Parks 50 - 70 NA 67.5 - 75 72.5 - 85
Golf Courses, Riding Stables,
Water Recreation, Cemeteries 50 - 70 NA 70 - 80 80 - 85 Office Buildings, Business
Commercial and Professional 50 - 70 67.5 - 77.5 75 - 85 NA Industrial, Manufacturing,
Utilities, Agriculture 50 - 75 70 - 80 75 - 85 NA
Notes:
Source: City of Murrieta General Plan 2035 Noise Element Table 11-2, 2011.
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level; NA= not applicable Normally Acceptable: Specified land use is satisfactory, based up the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements.
Conditionally Acceptable:
New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made and needed insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air conditioning, will normally suffice.
Normally Unacceptable:
New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise reduction features included in the design.
Clearly Unacceptable: New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
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12 In addition to these guidelines, the following goals and policies found in the Noise Element of the General Plan are relevant to the project.
Goal N-1 Noise sensitive land uses are properly and effectively protected from excessive noise generators.
N-1.1 Comply with the Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise Environments.
N-1.2 Protect schools, hospitals, libraries, churches, convalescent homes, and other noise sensitive uses from excessive noise levels by incorporating site planning and project design techniques to minimize noise impacts. The use of noise barriers shall be considered after all practical design- related noise measures have been integrated into the project. In cases where sound walls are necessary, they should help create an attractive setting with features such as setbacks, changes in alignment, detail and texture, murals, pedestrian access (if appropriate), and landscaping.
Goal N-2 A comprehensive and effective land use planning and development review process that ensures noise impacts are adequately addressed.
N-2.2 Integrate noise considerations into land use planning decisions to prevent new noise/land use conflicts.
N-2.3 Consider the compatibility of proposed land uses with the noise environment when preparing, revising, or reviewing development proposals.
N-2.4 Encourage proper site planning and architecture to reduce noise impacts.
N-2.5 Permit only those new development or redevelopment projects that have incorporated mitigation measures, so that standards contained in the Noise Element and Noise Ordinance are met.
N-2.6 Incorporate noise reduction features for items such as, but not limited to, parking and loading areas, ingress/egress point, HVAC units, and refuse collection areas, during site planning to mitigate anticipated noise impacts on affected noise sensitive land uses.
Goal N-4 Reduced noise levels from construction activities.
N-4.1 Regulate construction activities to ensure construction noise complies with the City’s Noise Ordinance.
N-4.2 Limit the hours of construction activity in residential areas to reduce intrusive noise in early morning and evening hours and on Sundays and holidays.
N-4.3 Employ construction noise reduction methods to the maximum extent feasible. These measures may include, but not limited to, shutting off idling equipment, installing temporary acoustic barriers around stationary construction noise sources, maximizing the distance between construction equipment staging areas and occupied sensitive receptor areas, and use of electric air compressors and similar power tools, rather than diesel equipment.
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13 N-4.6 Ensure acceptable noise levels are maintained near schools, hospitals, convalescent homes, churches, and other noise-sensitive areas.
B. City of Murrieta Municipal Code
1. Construction Noise
Construction Noise. Section 16.30.130 of the City of Murrieta Noise Ordinance regulates construction noise. The Noise Ordinance prohibits noise generated by construction activities between the hours of 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM and on Sundays and holidays. Construction activities are also required to be conducted in a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected structures will not exceed those listed in Table
5. Table 5. City of Murrieta Construction Noise Standards
Equipment Type Single-Family
Residential
Multi-Family
Residential Commercial
Daily, except Sundays and legal
holidays, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM 75 dBA 80 dBA 85 dBA
Daily, 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM and all-
day Sunday and legal holidays 60 dBA 64 dBA 70 dBA
Stationary Equipment
Daily, except Sundays and legal
holidays, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM 60 dBA 65 dBA 70 dBA
Daily, 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM and all-
day Sunday and legal holidays 50 dBA 55 dBA 60 dBA
Notes:
(1) City of Murrieta, Development Code Section 16.30.130, and City of Murrieta General Plan Noise Element Table 11-3.
1. Operating or causing the operation of tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, repair, alteration, or demolition work between weekday hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM, or at any time on Sundays or holidays so that the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line, except for emergency work of public service utilities.
2. Construction activities shall be conducted in a manner that the maximum noise levels at the affected structures will not exceed those listed in Table 5. Noise associated with mobile equipment at the property line of single-family residential land uses is not allowed to exceed 75 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 60 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Noise associated with stationary equipment at the property line of single- family residential land uses is not allowed to exceed 60 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 50 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Noise associated with mobile equipment at the property line of commercial land uses is not allowed to exceed 85 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 70 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Noise levels associated with stationary equipment
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14 at the property line of commercial land uses is not allowed to exceed 70 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 60 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Business Structures. Maximum noise levels for nonscheduled, intermittent, short-term operation of mobile equipment: daily. including Sundays and legal holidays, all hours: maximum of eighty- five (85) dBA.
3. All mobile or stationary internal combustion engine powered equipment or machinery shall be equipped with suitable exhaust and air-intake silencers in proper working order.
B. Loading and Unloading Operations. Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM, in a manner to cause a noise disturbance is prohibited.
2. Operational Noise
The City of Murrieta Noise Ordinance governs operational noise generated between two properties and does not regulate noise from transportation sources, such as traffic, aircraft, and railways. Section
16.30.090 of the Noise Ordinance establishes the exterior noise standards for all receptor properties within a designated noise zone. The City’s exterior noise level limits between properties are presented in Table 6.
Table 6. City of Murrieta Exterior and Interior Noise Standards
Noise
Zone
Designated Noise Zone Land
Use (Receptor Property) Time Interval Allowed Exterior
Noise Level (dB)
Exterior Noise Limits
I Noise-sensitive area Anytime 45
II
Residential Properties 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM (nighttime) 45 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (daytime) 50
Residential Properties within
500 feet of a kennel(s) 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM 70
III Commercial properties 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM (nighttime) 55 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (daytime) 60
IV Industrial properties Anytime 70
Interior Noise Limits
All noise
zones Multi-family residential 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM 40
7:00 AM to 10:00 PM 45
Source: City of Murrieta Municipal Code 16.30.090 and 16.30.100 and City of Murrieta General Plan Noise Element Table 11-4.
All ambient noise measurements shall commence at the base ambient noise levels in decibels within the respective times and zones as follows:
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15 A. Standards for Noise Zones. The noise levels in Table 6 shall apply to all receptor properties within a designated noise zone.
B. Noise Standards. No person shall operate or cause to be operated any source of sound at any location within the City or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied, or otherwise controlled by a person that causes the noise level, when measured on any other property to exceed the following exterior noise standards:
1. Standard No. 1 shall be the exterior noise level which shall not be exceeded for a cumulative period of more than thirty (30) minutes in any hour. Standard No. 1 may be the applicable noise level from Table 6 above.
2. Standard No. 2 shall be the exterior noise level which shall not be exceeded for a cumulative period of more than fifteen (15) minutes in any hour. Standard No. 2 shall be the applicable noise level from Table 6 above, plus five dB.
3. Standard No. 3 shall be the exterior noise level which shall not be exceeded for a cumulative period of more than five minutes in any hour. Standard No. 3 shall be the applicable noise level from Table 6 above plus ten dB.
4. Standard No. 4 shall be the exterior noise level which shall not be exceeded for a cumulative period of more than one minute in any hour. Standard No. 4 shall be the applicable noise level Table 6 above plus fifteen (15) dB.
5. Standard No. 5 shall be the exterior noise level which shall not be exceeded for any period of time.
Standard No. 5 shall be the applicable noise level from Table 6 above plus twenty (20) dB.
C. Noise at Zone Boundaries. If the measurement location is on a boundary property between two different zoning districts, the exterior noise level utilized in subsection B of this chapter to determine the exterior standard shall be the arithmetic mean of the exterior noise levels as specified in Table 6, of the subject zones.
16.30.130 Acts Deemed Violations of Chapter.
G. Refuse Collection Vehicles
1. Operating or permitting the operation of the compacting mechanism of any motor vehicle that compacts refuse and that creates, during the compacting cycle, a sound level in excess of eighty- six (86) dBA when measured at fifty (50) feet from any point of the vehicle is prohibited.
2. Collecting refuse or operating or permitting the operation of the compacting mechanism of any motor vehicle that compacts refuse between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM the following day in a residential area or noise-sensitive zone is prohibited.
H. Sweepers and Associated Equipment. Operating or permitting the operation of sweepers or associated sweeping equipment (i.e., blowers) between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM the following day in, or adjacent to, a residential area or noise-sensitive area is prohibited.
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16 K. Vibration. Operating or permitting the operation of any device that creates vibration that is above the vibration perception threshold of an individual at or beyond the property boundary of the source if on private property, or at one hundred fifty (150) feet from the source if on a public space or public right-of-way is prohibited. The perception threshold shall be a motion velocity of 0.01 in/sec over the range of 1 to 100 Hertz.
It is clear that the City’s vibration standard of 0.01 inches/second over the range of 1 to 100 Hertz is intended to apply to operational-long term on-site equipment. For that reason, groundborne vibration impacts related to construction activities are evaluated in light of Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) criteria for potential damage and annoyance which are presented in Table 7 and in Table 8 respectively.
Table 7. Guideline Vibration Damage Potential Threshold Criteria
Structure Condition
Maximum PPV (in/sec)
Transient Sources
Continuous/Frequent
Intermittent Sources
Extremely fragile historic buildings, ruins, ancient
monuments 0.12 0.08
Fragile buildings 0.2 0.1
Historic and some old buildings 0.5 0.25
Older residential structures 0.5 0.3
New residential structures 1.0 0.5
Modern industrial/commercial buildings 2.0 0.5
Source: California Department of Transportation. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, Chapter 7 Table 19, April 2020.
Notes:
(1) Transient sources create a single isolated vibration event, such as blasting or drop balls. Continuous/frequent intermittent sources include impact pile drivers, pogo-stick compactors, crack-and-seat equipment, vibratory pile drivers, and vibratory compaction equipment.
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17 Table 8. Guideline Vibration Annoyance Potential Criteria
Human Response
Maximum PPV (in/sec)
Transient Sources Continuous/Frequent Intermittent
Sources
Barely perceptible 0.04 0.01
Distinctly perceptible 0.25 0.04
Strongly perceptible 0.9 0.10
Severe 2.0 0.4
Source: California Department of Transportation. Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, Chapter 7 Table 20, April 2020.
Notes:
(1) Transient sources create a single isolated vibration event, such as blasting or drop balls. Continuous/frequent intermittent sources include impact pile drivers, pogo-stick compactors, crack-and-seat equipment, vibratory pile drivers, and vibratory compaction equipment.
V. Analytical Methodology and Impact Analysis
A. Methodology
1. Construction Noise Modeling
Construction noise associated with the proposed project was calculated at the sensitive receptor locations, utilizing methodology presented in the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (2018) together with several key construction parameters including:
distance to each sensitive receiver, equipment usage, percent usage factor, and baseline parameters for the project site. Sound level data and typical usage factors for typical construction equipment compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation is presented in Table 9. For construction noise purposes, the distance measured from the project site to sensitive receptors was assumed to be the acoustical center of the project site to the property line of affected properties. Construction noise worksheets are provided in Appendix B.
Table 9. Equipment Noise Emissions and Acoustical Usage Factor
Equipment Description Impact
Device?
Acoustical
Use Factor (%)
Spec. Lmax
@ 50ft
(dBA, slow)
Actual
Measured
Lmax @ 50ft
(dBA, slow)
No. of Actual
Data Samples
(Count)
All Other Equipment > 5 HP No 50 85 -N/A- 0
Backhoe No 40 80 78 372
Compactor (ground) No 20 80 83 57
Compressor (air) No 40 80 78 18
Dozer No 40 85 82 55
Dump Truck No 40 84 76 31
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18 Table 9. Equipment Noise Emissions and Acoustical Usage Factor
Equipment Description Impact
Device?
Acoustical
Use Factor (%)
Spec. Lmax
@ 50ft
(dBA, slow)
Actual
Measured
Lmax @ 50ft
(dBA, slow)
No. of Actual
Data Samples
(Count)
Excavator No 40 85 81 170
Flat Bed Truck No 40 84 74 4
Front End Loader No 40 80 79 96
Generator No 50 82 81 19
Generator (<25KVA, VMS signs) No 50 70 73 74
Gradall No 40 85 83 70
Grader No 40 85 -N/A- 0
Man Lift No 20 85 75 23
Mounted Impact hammer
(hoe ram) Yes 20 90 90 212
Pavement Scarafier No 20 85 90 2
Paver No 50 85 77 9
Pickup Truck No 50 85 77 9
Paving Equipment No 50 85 77 9
Pneumatic Tools No 50 85 85 90
Pumps No 50 77 81 17
Refrigerator Unit No 100 82 73 3
Roller No 20 85 80 16
Scraper No 40 85 84 12
Tractor No 40 84 -N/A- 0
Vibratory Concrete Mixer No 20 80 80 1
Warning Horn No 5 85 83 12
Welder/Torch No 40 73 74 5
Source: FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User's Guide January 2006.
2. SoundPLAN
The SoundPLAN acoustical modeling software was utilized to model worst-case project operational noise at nearby non-conforming residential land uses. SoundPLAN is capable of evaluating stationary noise sources (e.g., parking lots, drive-thru menus, carwash equipment, vacuums, etc.) and much more. The SoundPLAN software utilizes algorithms (based on the inverse square law) to calculate noise level projections. The software allows the user to input specific noise sources, spectral content, sound barriers, building placement, topography, and sensitive receptor locations. In addition to the information provided below, noise modeling input and outputs assumptions are provided in Appendix C.
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19 Modeled noise sources include parking lot noise and pneumatic repair equipment. All noise sources were modeled to be in full operation. Pneumatic equipment was modeled at a height of 3 feet with a sound pressure level of 85 dB at a distance of 50 feet. A reduction of 20 dB is assumed to be provided with closure of bay doors.
Parking Lot Noise
Parking lot noise was calculated using SoundPLAN methodology. Specifically, the traffic volume of the parking lot is entered with the number of moves per parking space, the hour, and the number of parking bays. The user defines whether the parking lots are for automobiles, motorcycles, or trucks, and the emission level of a parking lot is automatically adjusted accordingly. The values for the number of parking moves for each time slice is the number of parking moves per reference unit (most often per parking bay), averaged for the hour1.
SoundPLAN utilizes parking lot noise emission levels from the 6th revised edition of the parking lot study “Recommendations for the Calculation of Sound Emissions of Parking Areas, Motorcar Centers and Bus Stations as well as of Multi-Story Car Parks and Underground Car Parks” published by the Bavarian Landesamt für Umwelt provides calculation methods to determine the emissions of parking lots.
The parking lot emission table documents the reference level (Lw, ref) from the parking lot study.
Lw, ref = Lw0 + KPA + KI + KD + KStrO + 10 log(B) [dB(A)]
With the following parameters:
Lw0 = Basic sound power, sound power level of one motion / per hour on P+R areas = 63 dB(A) KPA = Surcharge parking lot type
KI = Surcharge for impulse character
KD = Surcharge for the traffic passaging and searching for parking bays in the driving lanes 2,5 * lg (f * B - 9)
f = Parking bays per unit of the reference value
B = Reference value
KStrO = Surcharge for the road surface
B = Reference value
Pneumatic Equipment
Pneumatic equipment and associated air compressor machines are typically the loudest noise sources associated with vehicle repair activities. A compressed air drill (sound power level of 116) was modeled inside of the proposed repair building. It was assumed that the pneumatic equipment would be utilized 25% of the time.
Traffic Noise Levels
1 SoundPLAN Essential 4.0 Manual. SoundPLAN International, LLC. May 2016.
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20 Madison Avenue abuts the project site as well as most of the nearby land uses that may be affected by project operational noise. It is a designated as a potential truck route and a Major Highway in the City of Murrieta General Plan Circulation Element (City of Murrieta 2020). Existing and future traffic noise levels (Leq) associated with Madison Avenue were modeled in order to put project operational noise in perspective. Modeling assumptions included existing and 2035 traffic data and vehicle mix from Appendix E of the City of Murrieta focused General Plan Update Traffic Impact Analysis (November 2019) and the posted speed (45 mph).
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21 VI. Impact Analysis and Findings
A. Construction Noise
Two types of short-term noise impacts could occur during the construction of the proposed project. First, construction crew commutes and the transport of construction equipment and materials to the site for the proposed project roads leading to the site, and secondly the operation of construction equipment on the project site.
Construction trips are expected to gain access to the project site via Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and Madison Avenue. All of the existing land uses adjacent to Murrieta Hot Springs Road between Interstate 215 and Madison Avenue are commercial and all of the existing land uses along Madison Avenue between Murrieta Hot Springs Road and the project site are commercial.
Although there would be a relatively high single-event, noise-exposure potential causing intermittent noise nuisance (passing trucks at 50 ft would generate up to 84 dBA Lmax), the effect on longer-term ambient noise levels would be small when compared to the existing daily traffic volume of 38,500 on Murrieta Hot Springs Road and 7,200 on Madison Avenue2. Because construction-related vehicle trips would not approach existing daily traffic volumes, traffic noise would not increase by 3 dBA CNEL. A noise level increase of less than 3 dBA would not be perceptible to the human ear in an outdoor environment.
Therefore, short-term, construction-related impacts associated with worker commute and equipment transport to the project site would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
The second type of short-term noise impact is related to noise generated during construction, which includes site preparation, grading, building construction, paving, and architectural coating on the project site. Construction is completed in discrete steps, each of which has its own mix of equipment and, consequently, its own noise characteristics. These various sequential phases would change the character of the noise generated on the site and, therefore, the noise levels surrounding the site as construction progresses. Despite the variety in the type and size of construction equipment, similarities in the dominant noise sources and patterns of operation allow construction-related noise ranges to be categorized by work phase.
The City of Murrieta municipal code construction noise standards apply to single-family, multiple family and commercial land uses. There is also a standard that applies to business structures. Construction noise standards are presented in Table 5 and are summarized below.
Noise associated with mobile equipment at the property line of single-family residential land uses is not allowed to exceed 75 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 60 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Noise associated with stationary equipment at the property line of single-family residential land uses is not allowed to exceed 60 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 50 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
2 City of Murrieta 2018 Weekday 24-hour Traffic Volumes https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/439/2019-Traffic---Existing- Traffic-Volumes-PDF
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22 Noise associated with mobile equipment at the property line of commercial land uses is not allowed to exceed 85 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 70 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Noise levels associated with stationary equipment at the property line of commercial land uses is not allowed to exceed 70 dBA Leq between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM or exceed 60 dBA Leq between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Business Structures. Maximum noise levels for nonscheduled, intermittent, short-term operation of mobile equipment: daily. including Sundays and legal holidays, all hours: maximum of eighty-five (85) dBA.
The results of the construction noise modeling are provided in Appendix B and are summarized in Table 10 . As shown in Table 10, construction noise levels would exceed the City’s nighttime (8:00 PM to 7:00 AM) construction noise standards at the commercial property immediately east of the project site and at the commercial property just west of the site on the west side of Madison Avenue. This impact is significant and mitigation is required. This is a conservative finding because the impact is to existing parking areas and it is up to the City to apply their discretion. The impact can be mitigated to less than significant by avoiding construction activities between 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Mitigation Measure 1: Prohibit the use of construction equipment between the hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Table 10. Construction Noise Levels
Phase Receptor Location
Construction
Noise Levels
(Leq)
Stationary Noise
Standards
(Day/Night)
(dBA, Leq)
Exceeds
Stationary
Standards?
(Day/Night)
(Yes/No)
Site
Preparation
Commercial Property Line 160Ft
to the East 74.9 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 365 Ft to
the East 67.4 85/70 No/No
Single Family Property Line
1,100 Feet to the Southeast 57.8 75/60 No/No
Single Family Property Line 965
Feet to the Southeast 58.9 75/60 No/No
Commercial Property Line 195
Feet to the West 72.8 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 560 Feet
to the West 63.6 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 405 Feet
to the Northwest 66.5 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 530 Feet
to the Northwest 64.1 85/70 No/No
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23 Table 10. Construction Noise Levels
Commercial Building 900 Feet
to the Northwest 59.5 85/70 No/No
Commercial Property Line 360
Feet to the North 67.5 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 455 Feet
to the North 65.4 85/70 No/No
Grading
Commercial Property Line 160Ft
to the East 75.5 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 365 Ft to
the East 68.4 85/70 No/No
Single Family Property Line
1,100 Feet to the Southeast 58.8 75/60 No/No
Single Family Property Line 965
Feet to the Southeast 59.9 75/60 No/No
Commercial Property Line 195
Feet to the West 73.8 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 560 Feet
to the West 64.6 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 405 Feet
to the Northwest 67.5 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 530 Feet
to the Northwest 65.1 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 900 Feet
to the Northwest 60.5 85/70 No/No
Commercial Property Line 360
Feet to the North 68.5 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 455 Feet
to the North 66.4 85/70 No/No
Building
Construction
Commercial Property Line 160Ft
to the East 71.1 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 365 Ft to
the East 63.9 85/70 No/No
Single Family Property Line
1,100 Feet to the Southeast 54.3 75/60 No/No
Single Family Property Line 965
Feet to the Southeast 55.4 75/60 No/No
Commercial Property Line 195
Feet to the West 69.3 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 560 Feet
to the West 60.2 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 405 Feet
to the Northwest 63.0 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 530 Feet
to the Northwest 60.7 85/70 No/No
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24 Table 10. Construction Noise Levels
Commercial Building 900 Feet
to the Northwest 56.1 85/70 No/No
Commercial Property Line 360
Feet to the North 64.0 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 455 Feet
to the North 62.0 85/70 No/No
Paving
Commercial Property Line 160Ft
to the East 72.2 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 365 Ft to
the East 65.1 85/70 No/No
Single Family Property Line
1,100 Feet to the Southeast 55.5 75/60 No/No
Single Family Property Line 965
Feet to the Southeast 56.5 75/60 No/No
Commercial Property Line 195
Feet to the West 70.5 85/70 No/Yes
Commercial Building 560 Feet
to the West 61.3 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 405 Feet
to the Northwest 64.1 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 530 Feet
to the Northwest 61.8 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 900 Feet
to the Northwest 57.2 85/70 No/No
Commercial Property Line 360
Feet to the North 65.2 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 455 Feet
to the North 63.1 85/70 No/No
Architectural
Coating
Commercial Property Line 160Ft
to the East 63.9 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 365 Ft to
the East 56.8 85/70 No/No
Single Family Property Line
1,100 Feet to the Southeast 47.2 75/60 No/No
Single Family Property Line 965
Feet to the Southeast 48.3 75/60 No/No
Commercial Property Line 195
Feet to the West 62.2 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 560 Feet
to the West 53..0 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 405 Feet
to the Northwest 55.9 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 530 Feet
to the Northwest 53.5 85/70 No/No
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25 Table 10. Construction Noise Levels
Commercial Building 900 Feet
to the Northwest 48.9 85/70 No/No
Commercial Property Line 360
Feet to the North 56.9 85/70 No/No
Commercial Building 455 Feet
to the North 54.8 85/70 No/No
Notes:
(1) Construction noise worksheets are provided in Appendix C.
B. Noise Impacts Due to Project Generated Traffic
During operation, the proposed project is expected to generate approximately 152 average daily trips with approximately 20 trips during the morning peak hour and 21 trips during the evening peak hour.
Vehicles are expected to access the site via Interstate 15 and Interstate 215, Murrieta Hot Springs Road, and Madison Avenue. All of the existing land uses adjacent to Murrieta Hot Springs Road between Interstate 215 and Madison Avenue are commercial and all of the existing land uses along Madison Avenue between Murrieta Hot Springs Road and the project site are commercial.
Current daily traffic volume of 38,500 on Murrieta Hot Springs Road and 7,200 on Madison Avenue and the addition of 152 vehicle trips on Madison Avenue or Murrieta Hot Springs Road3 would not result in noticeable increases in ambient noise levels. Because project generated vehicle trips would not approach existing daily traffic volumes, traffic noise would not increase by 3 dBA CNEL. A noise level increase of less than 3 dBA would not be perceptible to the human ear in an outdoor environment. Therefore, increases in ambient noise levels due to project operational traffic would be less than significant and no mitigation is required.
C. Noise Impacts Due to On-Site Project Operation
Existing ambient noise levels were modeled in order to put project generated operational noise in perspective. As shown in Figure 4 existing noise levels in the project area are dominated by vehicles traveling on Madison Avenue, with the exception of idling trucks located near the southern property line of the Car Max dealer just north/northeast of the project site. Measured noise levels at this location exceeded ambient vehicle traffic (68 dBA Leq).
As shown in Figure 5 and Table 11, operational noise levels will range between 44 and 77 dBA at nearby land uses and will only result in increases in the ambient noise levels at the vacant commercial properties located adjacent to the project site to the north/northwest and south/southeast. These properties are represented by Receptor numbers 3 and 10, respectively. These same two properties are also the only two where project operation may result in noise levels that exceed the City’s property-to-property noise standards of 60 dBA Leq (daytime) and 55 dBA Leq (nighttime) 4. Specifically, project operational noise levels may reach up to 68 dBA Leq at the adjacent property to the north/northwest and up to 77 dBA Leq at the
3 City of Murrieta 2018 Weekday 24-hour Traffic Volumes https://www.murrietaca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/439/2019-Traffic---Existing- Traffic-Volumes-PDF
4 Source: City of Murrieta Municipal Code 16.30.090 and 16.30.100 and City of Murrieta General Plan Noise Element Table 11-4
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26 adjacent property to the south/southeast. As shown in Figure 6, project operational noise levels will result in significant impacts. Implementation of mitigation measures provided below will result in operational noise levels between 27 and 59 dBA Leq resulting in less than significant impacts.
Mitigation Measure 2: Use of pneumatic equipment between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM shall be prohibited.
Mitigation Measure 3: All bay doors shall be closed during use of any pneumatic equipment.
Table 11. Existing and Project Operational Noise Levels With and Without Mitigation
Receptor1 Existing
Noise
Levels
(dBA,
Leq)
Project
Generated
Noise
(dBA, Leq)
Increase
in Noise
Levels
Applicable
Standard
(Leq)
(day/night)
Exceeds
Applicable
Standard?
Project
Mitigated
Noise
Levels
Increase
in Noise
Levels
Applicable
Standard
(Leq)
(day/night)
Exceeds
Applicable
Standard?
1 63 49 0 60/55 No/No 32 0 60/55 No/No
2 68 58 0 60/55 No/Yes 40 0 60/55 No/No
3 64 68 4 60/55 Yes/Yes 49 0 60/55 No/No
4 68 51 0 60/55 No/No 40 0 60/55 No/No
5 67 52 0 60/55 No/No 30 0 60/55 No/No
6 67 55 0 60/55 No/No 35 0 60/55 No/No
7 64 59 0 60/55 No/Yes 38 0 60/55 No/No
8 57 44 0 60/55 No/No 30 0 60/55 No/No
9 56 52 0 60/55 No/No 39 0 60/55 No/No
10 62 77 15 60/55 Yes/Yes 59 0 60/55 No/Yes
11 53 45 0 50/45 No/No 27 0 50/45 No/No
12 63 48 0 50/45 No/No 30 0 50/45 No/No
13 68 53 0 60/55 No/No 39 0 60/55 No/No
14 58 57 0 60/55 No/Yes 37 0 60/55 No/No
15 60 60 0 60/55 No/Yes 50 0 60/55 No/No
Notes:
1. See Figures 4, 5 & 6.
2. Mitigation can either consist of 1) Closure of all bay doors during use of pneumatic equipment or
1 63
2 68
3 64
468
5 67
6 67
7 64
8 57
9 56
11 53
12 63
1368
14 58
15 60
10 62
Figure 4
Existing Noise Levels
(dBA, Leq)
Signs and symbols
Project Site
Receiver
Receiver at Building
Madison Avenue
57 50
58 51
59 52
Noise Level Tables (dBA, Leq)
1 : 300
0 100 200 400 600 800
The noise levels on this figure are
representative of existing noise levels
based on existing traffic volumes on
Madison Avenue, which is the primary
noise source in the project area with the
exception of the noise level at Receptor 2,
which was adjusted to reflect measured
noise associated with idling trucks located
on the Car Max property.
1 49
2 58
3 68
451
5 52
6 55
7 59
8 44
9 52
11 45
1248
1353
14 57
15 60
10 77
Figure 5
Project Operational Noise Levels
Unmitigated (dBA, Leq)
Signs and symbols
Project Site
Proposed Building
(Assumes all garage
doors are open)
Receiver
Receiver at Building
Point source (Pnuematic Equipment)
Proposed Parking Area
57 50
58 51
59 52
Noise Level Tables (dBA, Leq)
1 : 300
0 100 200 400 600 800
1 32
2 40
3 49
440
5 30
6 35
7 38
8 30
9 39
11 27
1230
1339
14 37
15 50
10 59
Figure 6
Project Operational Noise
Mitigated (dBA, Leq)
Signs and symbols
Project Site
Proposed Building
(Assumes all garage doors are shut)
Receiver
Receiver at Building
Point source (Pnuematic Equipment)
Proposed Parking Area
57 50
58 51
59 52
Noise Level Tables (dBA, Leq)
1 : 300
0 100 200 400 600 800
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30 D. Groundborne Vibration Impacts
There are several types of construction equipment that can cause vibration levels high enough to cause architectural damage and/or annoyance to persons in the vicinity. For example, as shown in Table 12 , a vibratory roller could generate up to 0.21 PPV at a distance of 25 feet; and operation of a large bulldozer (0.089 PPV) at a distance of 25 feet (two of the most vibratory pieces of construction equipment).
Table 12. Construction Equipment Vibration Source Levels
Equipment PPV at 25 ft, in/sec Approximate Lv* at 25
ft
Pile Driver (impact) upper range 1.518 112
typical 0.644 104
Pile Driver (sonic) upper range 0.734 105
typical 0.170 93
clam shovel drop (slurry wall) 0.202 94
Hydromill (slurry wall) in soil 0.008 66
in rock 0.017 75
Vibratory Roller 0.210 94
Hoe Ram 0.089 87
Large Bulldozer 0.089 87
Caisson Drilling 0.089 87
Loaded Trucks 0.076 86
Jackhammer 0.035 79
Small Bulldozer 0.003 58
Source: Federal Transit Administration: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual, 2018. *RMS velocity in decibels, VdB re 1 micro-in/sec
The Caltrans Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (2020) provides a comprehensive discussion regarding groundborne vibration and the appropriate thresholds to use to assess the potential for damage. As shown in Table 7, the threshold at which there is a risk of “architectural” damage to historic structures is a peak particle velocity (PPV) of 0.25 in/sec, and a PPV of
0.3 in/sec at older residential structures. There is a risk of architectural damage to newer residential structures and modern commercial/industrial buildings at a PPV of 0.5 in/sec.
The most vibratory piece of equipment that is likely to be used on the project site is a vibratory roller. In order to result in an impact, a vibratory roller would need to be operated 25 feet or less from a structure.
There are no structures located within 25 feet of the project site. Therefore, project construction will not result in groundborne vibration related damage. This impact is less than significant. No mitigation is required.
Section 30-543 of the City’s Municipal Code states that no person shall create or cause to be created any activity which causes a vibration which can be felt beyond the property line with or without the aid of an
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31 instrument. The Caltrans Noise and Vibration Manual identifies 0.04 PPV in./sec. as the level that is “distinctly perceptible” (Table 8). Groundborne vibration associated with project construction may result in annoyance if it exceeds 0.04 PPV in./sec. at a sensitive receptor. Operation of a vibratory roller may result in groundborne vibration levels of up to 0.04 at a distance of 100 feet. There are no structures within 100 feet of the project site. This impact would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
Operation of the proposed project will involve the movement of passenger vehicles and trucks. Driving surfaces associated with the project will be paved and will generally be smooth. Loaded trucks generally have a PPV of 0.076 at a distance of 25 feet (Caltrans 2020). Groundborne vibration levels associated with passenger vehicles is much lower. The movement of vehicles on the project site would not result in the generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise. Impacts would be less than significant. No mitigation is required.
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32 V. References
California Department of Transportation
2002 Transportation Related Earthborne Vibrations (California Department of Transportation Experiences), Technical Advisory, Vibration TAV-02-01-R9601. February 20. 2013 Technical Noise Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. 2020 Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual.
Cyril M. Harris.
1991 Handbook of Acoustical Measurement and Noise Control.
Environmental Protection Agency
1974 "Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety," EPA/ONAC 550/9-74-004, March 1974.
Federal Transit Administration
2006 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. Typical Construction Equipment Vibration Emissions. FTAVA-90-1003-06.
2018 Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual. Typical Construction Equipment Vibration Emissions.
Murrieta, City of
2011 City of Murrieta General Plan.
2019 City of Murrieta Focused General Plan Update Traffic Impact Analysis. November 2019. 2020 General Plan Update SEIR. February.
City of Murrieta Municipal Code.
Translutions
Murrieta Tire Shop-Trip Generation & VMT Screening Memorandum. May 9, 2022
U.S. Department of Transportation
2006 FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide. January.
APPENDIX A
Larson Davis 820 Noise Measurement Data
APPENDIX B
Construction Noise Calculations
APPENDIX C
SoundPLAN Input/Output