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Home My WebLink About3184; CANNON ROAD WEST; MITIGATION MONITORING RESULTS; 2000-06-01cInvestigative Science and Engineering, Inc 3545 Camino Del Rio South, Suite E Phone/Fax: 619-640-9379 / 619-640-0763 San Diego, CA 92108-4003 .. www.investigative-science.com June 1 2000 Ms. Sue Scattalini Ogden Environmental & Energy Inc. 5510 Morehouse Dr. Sàn'Diego, CA 92121 ' Re: Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results #2 (ISE Report #99-035b). . Dear Ms Scattalini Pursuant to U S F W S permit approval requirements Investigative Science and " Engineering (ISE).has examined potential noise impacts' to the riparian habitat djacent the Macario Canyon Bridge located in Carlsbad, California. Afield survey of the site was performed on various dates 'between 5/4/00 to 5/31/00. The results of that survey.' are presented in this, letter report. . ... . . " Introduction and Definitions Site Characterization The Macario Canyon Bridge is..part. of the Cannon Road West Project and is located in the City of Carlsbad in San Diego County, California (refer to Figure 1). This project will extend Cannon Road approximately two miles east from, its terminus at 1-5 to El Camino Real. The Macario Canyon Bridge' project is situated approximately 200 feet north of the habitat' for the federally endangered/threatened least Bell's vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and California gnatcatcher (refer to Figure 2) The 'predominate land use of: the project area is ,.undisturbed open space Wetlands originating from the Agua Hedionda Lagoon -and Agua Hedionda Creek are located adjacent to the north and. commercial development's are present to the west. Elevations for the project area have been altered due to construction activities; however, pre-construction elevations range from approximately 100 feet above mean sea level (MSL) along the terrace over looking' Agua Hedionda Lagoon 'down to approximately 5 feet above ,MSL along the banks of the 'Agua Hedionda Creek (refer to 'Figure 3 below). - F gure I Project Alignment Area Map (Thomas Guide Page 1126, Grid HI) 'p •. a .5 . S 4 - 5.5 ( 4 Ms Sue Scattalini Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results #2 lSE Report #99035b June 1 2000 - Page3 - S -4 5'. 5, •_••, -- 5, .5 '' -S .5 . S ,S •S S - .5 :- • S '• 5._ S 55 S.. * .. S •' Figure 3 Project .Area Topography (USGS 7 5 San Luis Rey Quadrangle 112000) Applicable Significance Criteria Wildlife Habitat Regulations Construction and operational noise generated by this project is regulated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (U S F W S) and the California Department of Fish and Game for its effect on federally endangered least Bell's. vireo (Vireo be/lu pusillus) and the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empudonax trail/ii extnmus) and the federally threatened California gnatcatcher (Poluoptula california) S •.: . .. S . S ,4 . -- '• '5.' 5 5 Resource agencies have theorized that elevated noise levels can potentially mask songs of the least Bell's vireo which are used to attract mates and defend territories The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in a 1990 study, entitled Comprehensive Species Management Plan for the least Bells vireo' theoretically estimated that {traffic} noise levels above 60 dBA Leq in vireo breeding - areas may sufficiently mask the vireo s song and potentially reduce the reproductive success of this species during their breeding season that occurs from March 1 to September 1 Since sustained noise exposure (indicated by the L90 ,metric) produces greater masking effects than intermittent peak levels this report will analyze both effects ,The SANDAG report conclusions were unclear as to the specific time interval of the 4 4" 5' • . S. • - • 51 , - - 'S ' 5 5 • ' 'S •. -, :. 5, •- ' '• ;. - '• -- . 5 ., 41 'S .• •S •'.• S S ,5 .•,• ,5 5 5. S , S '••4• 'S 5 - 5, I ' ,. . . ., S S ',,• S S • •, . -4 S Ms Sue Scattalini Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results #2 ISE 'Report #99035b June 1 2000 Page measurement but it is typically' taken as one hour Although research is on going regarding similar noise impacts to the southwestern willow flycatcher 6nd California gnatcatcher, in the absence of species-specific data these same study, results are applied by the Service to this bird species as well Analysis Methodology Existing Conditions Field Survey A Single Larson Davis Model 700 ANSI Type 2 integrating sound level meter was used as the data collection device The meter was deployed daily during hours of operation '(Le., e 7 a.m. to 3 p m ) and positioned at the location shown below in Figure 2 and the accompanying matrix...) The. meter was mounted on a tripod roughly;5 feet above the ground and was calibrated before and after each field deployment Monitoring location ML 1 was programmed to record and log the following noise metrics each hour Leq-h, Lmax, Lmin, L10, L50, and L90 Monitor Sta. Eng. Sta. No GPS Lat GPS Lon Description ML #1 n/a 330 08.194 N 1170 18401 W Macario Canyon Bridge EPE = Estimated Position Error= 49 Findings Field Monitoring Results Daily field surveys were performed at the bridge site to ascertain construction noise levels within the habitat area due to final false-work cleanup and limited sand blasting activities (refer to Figure 4) The habitat of concern for the least Bell s vireo is located approximately 100 feet south of the bridge area During the monitoring period, construction activities and equipment observed at the Macario Canyon bridge consisted of hydraulic Jifts, cranes forklifts flatbed haulers and several construction workers utilizing a variety of hand held tools ______a-' 1 Figure 4 Test Setup Location and Habitat Area Testing conditions during the entire monitoring period (intermittently from 5/4/00 to 5/31/00) were overcast during the morning and clear throughout the afternoon with an average barometric pressure reading of 29.90 in-Hg, a predominant westerly wind speed averaging 0 to 3 miles per hour (MPH) and an approximate mean temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit The values for the energy equivalent sound level (Leq), the maximum and minimum measured sound levels (Lmax and Lmin), and the statistical indicators LI 0,150, and L90 are given for each monitoring location Measurements collected at monitoring location ML 1 are shown graphically on attached Figure 5 These measurements reflect typical sound levels associated with the community setting observed and the topography of the surrounding terrain Due to the location of the subject habitat relative to the placement of the noise meter, a five decibel reduction (measured) from the values recorded is observed within the habitat Given this the highest hourly noise level experienced during hours of operation was 62.2 dBA Values exceeding the identified noise threshold at monitoring location ML 1 (i.e.,. greater than 60 dBA) were due entirely to the close proximity of cleanup operations relative to the placement of the noise meter and unrelated construction activity along Faraday Avenue Finally the background noise level (1_90) for monitoring Iocation ML .1 never exceeded 54 dBA during the approximate three-week monitoring period, thus enabling vireo communication over 90 percent of any stated time interval Ms Sue Scattalini Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results #2 lSE Report #99-035b June l,2000 ,. . Page 6 Conclusions Given the five-dedbel noise reduction from monitoring location ML 1 to the habitat, negligible exceedances were recorded. These exceedances relate to -an approximate seven percent exceedance over the approximate three-week monitoring period. These excèedances were attributed to the close proximity of-cleanup operations to the noise meter. Should you have any questions regarding the above conclusion, please do not hesitate to contact me at (619) 640-9379 Sincerely; • - TAL Rick Tavares, REA,. INCE -- • .. President / Principal OF CAL%V: Investigative Science and Engineering Inc Cc Sherri Howard City of Carlsbad Sergio Carnalla ISE • , • - 5/4/00 7:32 C, - .5/4/0011:32 p.. 'S. 5/4/0015:32 ;"5/.5/6b'9:39 5/5/001339 5/8/007:46 - CI) '. 5/8/00 11:46 5/8/00.15:46. S ' - •' 5/9/0,0 9:28 '-5/9/00 13:28 5/10/00714 5/10/001114 CD 5/11/009:51 ' 5/1.1/0013:51 5/12/009:30 5/12/001330 5/25/00 7:3'0 5/25/00 11:30 5/26/009:49 -. 5/26/00 1349 5/31/90 8:00 .'5)31/00 12:00 .5'' 5 - . , -,- -S. --S •S,, ,' - • '5' . ..-' .•', . * ' c9V' Investigative Science and Engineering 3545 Camino Del Rio South, Suite E Phone/Fax: 619-640-9379 / 619-640-0763 San Diego, CA 92108-4003 - www.investiga(ive-science.com April 21 2000 Ms Sue Scattalini Ogden Environrhental & Energy Inc. 5510 Morehouse Dr. San ,Diego, CA 92121 Re: Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results' (ISE Report#99-035a) Dear Ms Scattalini Pursuant to U.S.F.W.S. permit approval requirements, Investigative Science and Engineering (ISE) has examined potential noise, impacts to the riparian habitat adjacent the Macario Canyon Bridge located in Carlsbad, California. A field survey of the site was performed from 3/30/00 to 4/17/00 The results of that survey are presented in this letter report Introduction and Definitions Site Characterization The Macario Canyon Bridge is part of the Cannon Road West Project and is located in the City of Carlsbad, in San Diego County, California (refer to Figure 1). This project will extend Cannon Road approximately 2 miles east from its terminus at 1-5 to El Camino Real The Macario Canyon Bridge project is situated approximately 200 feet north of the habitat for the federally endangered/threatened least Bell's vireo, V southwestern willow flycatcher, and California gnatcatcher (refer to Figure 2) The predominate land use of the project area is undisturbed open space -Wetlands originating frojn the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Agua Hedionda Creek are V V located adjacent to the north and commercial developments are present to the west. Elevations for the project area have been altered due to construction activities, V V however, pre-constructio.n elevations range from approximately 100 feet above, mean V sea -level (MSL) along the terrace over looking Agua Hedionda Lagoon down to V V V approximately 5 feet above MSL along the banks of the Agua Hedionda Creek (refer to V Figure 3 below). V V : •V V V - Ms Sue Scattalini Macar;o Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results ISE Report #99-035a April 21, 2000 Page-2 • / LA LA 3MN - • ___________________ -Project Site WAD NNON 100 D • PARK 1c:t' • I Cr - ' 9 ------------ Figure 1 Project Alignment Area Map (Thomas Guide Page 1126, Grid HI) Figure 2 Habitat Area Relative to Falsework Removal •. •.• • Ms. Sue Scattalini Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results ISE Report #99-035a ' . .. April 21, 2000 Page 3. Figure 3 Project Area Topography (USGS 7.5 San Luis Rey Quadrangle 112000) Applicable Significance Criteria Wildlife Habitat Regulations Construction and operational noise generated by this project is regulated by the, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S.F.W.S.) and the California Depàrtrnet of Fish and Game for its effect on, federally endangered' leat Bell's vireo:'(Vireo bellii pusil/us) and the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax trail/ii extrirnus) and the federally threatened California dnatcatcher (Polioptila california). Resource agencies have theorized that elevated noise levels can potentially mask songs of the, least Bell's vireo, which are used to 'attract mates and defend territories. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in a 1990 study entitled "Comprehensive Species' Management Plan for the least Bell's vireo" 'thebretically estimated that {traffic} noise levels above 60 dBA' Leq in vireo breeding . 'areas may sufficiently mask the vireo's song and potentially reduce the reproductive success of this species during 'their breeding season that occurs from March 1 to September 1. Since sustained' noise exposure (indicated by the L90 metric) produces greater masking effects than intermittent peak levels, this report will analyze both effects. •' * The SANDAG report conclusions were, unclear as to the specific time interval of the ' measurement, but it is typically taken as one hour. Although research is on going regarding similar noise impacts to the southwestern willow flycatcher and California '•, Ms. Sue Scattalini 'Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring 'Results ISE Report #99-035a April 21, 2000 ' Page 4 gnatcatcher, in the absence of species-specific data these same study results are applied by the Service to this bird species as well Analysis Methodology Existinq,Conditions Field Survey' A Single Larson Davis Model 700 ANSI Type 2 integrating sound level meter was used as the data collection device The meter was deployed daily during hours of operation (i.e., 7 'a .m. to 3 p.m.) and positioned at the location shown below in Figure 2 and the accompanying matrix. The meter was mounted' on a' tripod roughly 5 feet above the ground and was Calibrated before and after each field deployment. Monitonng location ML 1 was programmed to record and log' the following noise metrics each hour: Leq-h,, Lmax, Lmin, L10, L50, and L90. ('Monitor Sta. Eng. Sta. No. GPS Lat , GPS Lon Description 1 ML #1 n/a 33-,68..194 30 08 194 N 1170 18.401 W Macario Canyon Bridge EPE = Estimated Position Error -49'. Findings Field MonitorinQ Results Daily field surveys were performed at the bridge site to ascertain construction 'noise levels within the- habitat area due to false-work removal' and demobilization. '0 cleanup (refer to Figure 4). The habitat 'of concern for the least Bell's vireo is lbcated , 0 approximately 100 feet south of the bridge area During the monitoring period, construction activities and equipment observed at the Mcario Canyon bridge consisted: of hydraulic lifts cranes forklifts flatbed haulers and several construction workers utilizing a variety of hand held tools Ms. SueScattalini, Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results ISE Report #99-035a ' April 21,, 2000 Page kill I 4XJ S __ -__ - S 5-- I .4 • .5 - •i -- -S. - . _________ - ----- - Figure 4: Test Setup Location and Habitat Area Testing conditions during the entire monitoring period (from 3/30/00 through , • 4/14/00) were overcast durihg' the morning and clear throughout the afternoon with an average barometric pressure reading of 29.85 in-Hg, a predominant westerly wind speed averaging 0 to 3 miles per hour (MPH), and an approximate mean temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit. The values for the energy equivalent sound level. (Leq), the maximum and minimum measured sound, levels, (Lmax and Lmin), and the statistical indicators L10, L50, and L90, are given for each monitoring location. . • Measurements collected at monitoring location ML I are shown graphically on attached Figure 5. These measurerrents reflect typical sound levels associated with 'the community setting' observed 'and the topography of the surrounding terrain. Due to the location of the subject habitat relative to the placement of the noise meter, a 5 dB reduction (measured) from the values recdrded is observed within the 'habitat. Given this, the highest hourly noise level experienced during hours of operationwas 63.5 dBA. Values exceeding the identified noise threshold at rrIonitoring location ML 1 (i.e., greater • than 60 dBA) were due entirely to the close proximity of cleanup operations relative to the placement of the noise meter and unrelated construction activity' along Faraday - Avenue. . • ' . • • ' - - ' Finally the background noise level'(L90)for monitoring location ML. 1 never exceeded 52.5 dBA during' the entire two-week monitoring period, thus enabling vireo communication over 90 percent of any stated time interval Ms. Sue Scattalini * Macario Canyon Bridge Mitigation Monitoring Results ISE Report #99-035a April 21,2000 . Page . Conclusions S Given the 5 dB noise reduction from monitoring location ML 1 to the habitat, negligible exceedances were recorded. These exceedances relate to an approximate four, percent exceedance over the entire two-week monitoring period These exceedances were attributed to in-field noise meter calibration and setup and the close proximity of cleanup Operations to the noise meter. Should you have any questions regarding the above conclusion, please do not hesitate tocontact me at (619)640-9379. Sincerely TAV (( Rick Tavares, REA, INCE Project Principal • CANUF ' S lnvestigativeScience and Engineering • • • S Cc: Glen Laube, ISE S. • • S S - S S -Ti '2 Measured SPL in dBA - - 01 -• . - 0 0 '. 0 3/30/007:04 • 3/30/00 11:04 . . .3/30/00-15:04 3/31/00 7:17 3/31/0011:17 3/31/00 15:17 • . 4/3/00 15:02 •• 4/4/00 8:10 4/4/0012:10 .: 4/5/009:53 4/5/0013:53 416/006:51 - •- . . 4/6/00 10:51 4/6/00 14:51. - .,.. •--• . 4/7/00 TO •• 4/7/0011:49 - - - . -4/10/00 9:00 -S .. • , 4/10/0013:00 : • 4/11/00-6:38 .4/11/0010:38 : . 4/11/0014:38 4/12/007:30 4/12/0011:30 .4/12/00 15:3 .. . . .• - • . • . 4/13/00.10:52. - 4/13/00 14:52 • . 4/14/006:49 . .• 4/14/0010:49 . • . • 4/14/00 14:49 ,