Noise

San Diego, California

RECON evaluated the potential noise impacts associated with the proposed San Diego Fire­-Rescue (SDFR) Air Operations (AirOps) Hangar Project located in the northeastern corner of the City of San Diego’s (City’s) Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in Kearny Mesa. The project included the design and construction of permanent helicopter hangars and support facilities. In addition to the compatibility of project construction with the nearest sensitive receptors, the potential for noise to impact adjacent receivers from future helicopter activity was assessed in accordance with the City’s noise standards and CEQA Significance Thresholds using the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT). Through the use of AEDT, RECON was able to document that the future helicopter operations at Montgomery Field would remain in compliance with all City noise regulations for aircraft.

County of San Diego, California

RECON prepared a Noise Technical Report for the construction of a self-storage facility located at 5780 and 5790 Quarry Street in the unincorporated community of Bonita, in the county of San Diego, California. Noise impacts were evaluated for both project construction and operations. Construction noise was modeled to reflect all anticipated construction activities including using estimates of anticipated construction equipment types and usage. Operational noise was modeled using trip generation and roadway average traffic volumes provided by the project traffic engineer. The closest sensitive receptors were identified and existing noise levels were measured at two locations at, and adjacent to, the project site. In addition to future traffic noise, RECON prepared an analysis of the potential for on-site noise generators to impact adjacent properties (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment and loading/unloading activities) using the SoundPLAN Essential noise modeling software. RECON was able to determine appropriate mitigation measures for identified potentially significant impacts, including the calculation of the necessary barrier heights, operational restrictions, window and door requirements, or other mitigation options to reduce noise levels to standards set by the County.

San Diego, California

RECON prepared an interior noise study using the maximum exterior noise level at the building facades. The exterior noise levels were based on the measurements and analysis conducted by RECON that was presented in the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which was also prepared by RECON. The noise modeling was conducted using the architectural designs and floor plans of the proposed buildings. This required a knowledge of the dimensions of the noise-sensitive rooms (e.g., library/chapel, study areas, offices), the window and door locations, and a window and door schedule that indicated the size and type (e.g., horizontal sliding, single hung, sliding glass door, etc.) of the windows. Calculations were used to determine the necessary window and door sound transmission class (STC) values required to reduce interior noise levels to 45 Community Noise Equivalency Level (CNEL), as required by the City of San Diego. This study allowed the client to document compliance with City of San Diego requirements through project design; to be verified subsequent to project completion and prior to issuance of an Occupancy Permit.

County of San Diego, California

RECON conducted a noise study of the proposed Otay Lakes RV and Trailer Parking Facility Project. The project site consists of 57 acres in a rural area is designated as Rural Lands in the County of San Diego General Plan and is zoned A72 Agriculture. While there are no residences or other sensitive development types nearby, the project boundaries are adjacent to suitable habitat for the sensitive coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). The project site is currently used by dirt bike riders and during the noise measurement period, approximately 30 dirt bike riders were using the track on the project site. Vehicle traffic on Otay Lakes Road is also a source of noise at the project site. RECON documented the existing noise levels on the project site and was able to compare that with the noise levels anticipated from a self-storage facility. By documenting a net decrease in noise levels and compliance with County of San Diego noise regulations, RECON was able to assist the project applicant with the documentation of compliance for the use permit application.

Sahuarita, Arizona

RECON completed a noise study for the Meritage Homes Rancho Sahuarita Region 9A West and 9B East located in the town of Sahuarita, Arizona. The noise study evaluated the potential for noise impacts to a residential community from Interstate 19 and freight train pass-by traffic. RECON evaluated the average number of freight train and passenger train (Amtrak) counts in the vicinity of the project sites using the U.S. Department of Transportation crossing inventory. Then, using the SoundPLAN noise model, RECON estimated the exterior noise levels at the project site due to Interstate 19 and railroad activity. Noise contour mapping was developed to determine the necessary noise barrier locations and heights or other mitigation options to reduce noise levels to applicable standards. Finally, based on the exterior noise levels, RECON determined the necessary window and door sound transmission class (STC) ratings necessary to reduce interior noise levels to 45 community noise equivalent level (CNEL) or less.