HomeMy WebLinkAbout3811; El Camino Real Widening Acoustical Assessment Repo; El Camino Real Widening Acoustical Assessment Report; 2007-09-01EL CAMINO REAL WIDENING
(Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue)
ACOUSTICAL ASSESSMENT REPORT
Prepared for:
CITY OF CARLSBAD
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92083
Prepared by:
DUDEK
605 Third Street
Encinitas, California 92024
Contact' Mike Komula
(760) 479-4255
September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page No.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1
2.1 Project Location and Setting 1
3.0 FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC NOISE 5
4.0 NOISE CRITERIA 8
5.0 METHODOLOGY 9
6.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS 10
6.1 Ambient Noise Measurements 11
6.2 Noise Modeling 12
6.3 Existing Noise Levels at Representative Receivers 13
7.0 FUTURE CONDITIONS 14
7.1 Short-Term Noise Impacts 14
7.2 Year 2030 Noise Impacts 15
8.0 CONSTRUCTION NOISE 15
9.0 MITIGATION 16
10.0 REFERENCES 18
APPENDICES
Appendix A Acoustical Definitions
Appendix B SOUND32 Input/Output
4926-04
DUDEK ' September 2007
m
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
TABLE of CONTENTS (Continued)
Page No.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Regional Map 6
Figure 2 Vicinity Map 7
Figure 3 Noise Measurements and Receiver Locations 12
Figure 4 Construction Equipment Noise Levels 17
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Existing Measured Hourly Average Noise Levels (Site Ml
Approximately 120 feet Centerline of El Camino Real) 10
Table 2 Measured Average Noise Level and Concurrent Traffic Volumes 11
Table 3 Existing CNEL at Representative Receiver Locations 13
Table 4 Existing and Future CNEL at Representative Locations 14
4926-04
DUDEK " September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This acoustical assessment report evaluates the existing and future traffic noise level associated
with the El Camino Real Widening project. In general, the project proposes to widen El Camino
Real from a four-lane to a six-lane road from Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue. Existing
land uses adjacent to El Camino Real include single family and multi-family residences, and
open space.
The existing noise level generally ranges from approximately 67 to 71 dBA CNEL at the
residences adjacent to El Camino Real. The proposed road widening improvements would
increase the short-term traffic noise levels by less than one dBA, and the year 2030 traffic noise
levels by less than one dBA compared to without the project. The noise levels at the existing
residences would continue to exceed the City's 60 dBA CNEL noise guideline. However, the
noise impact associated with the project would be less than significant.
4926-04
DUDEK iii September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
• 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1^ This noise study is provided for the proposed El Camino Real Widening project located within
the City of Carlsbad. In general, the project would widen the existing four-lane road to a six lane
*" road between Tamarack Avenue and Chestnut Avenue,
ii
^ This study documents the existing noise level based on noise measurements and modeling. The
^ future noise levels were calculated based on the proposed project's roadway design and traffic
volume conditions.
m
• 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
m
m 2.1 Project Location and Setting
2.1.1 Project Description
The City of Carlsbad (City) proposes to improve the section of El Camino Real from Tamarack
Avenue north to Chestnut Avenue. El Camino Real is a major north/south roadway serving as a
vital parallel circulation element to Interstate 5 (1-5) for the Cities of Encinitas, Carlsbad and
Oceanside. As various developments including subdivisions have occurred in the project
vicinity, developers have been required to widen El Camino Real to full prime arterial standards.
This section of roadway, from Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue, is one of the few
remaining secfions of the El Camino Real that has not been widened to its full width of six travel
lanes with three northbound and three southbound lanes.
The proposed roadway improvements would result in a total width of 126 feet including:
• 8-foot-wide bike lanes on both sides of the roadway
• three southbound lanes, 12 feet wide each
• three northbound lanes, 12 feet wide each
• an 18-foot-wide landscaped median island
• 5 1/2-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of the roadway
• 4 K-foot-wide native planted area (including a native planted swale) on both sides of the
roadway
In the middle section of the roadway, the roadway would transition between the previously
discussed typical section to a modified width of 116 feet including:
4926-04
DUDEK 1 September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
a 6 !/2-foot-wide bike lane on the west side of the roadway
a 5-foot-wide bike lane on the east side
three southbound lanes, 12 feet wide each
a 14-foot-wide landscaped median island
three northbound lanes, 11 Vi feet wide each
5 '/2-foot-wide sidewalks on both sides of the roadway
4 1/2-foot-wide nafive planted area (including a native planted swale) on both sides of the
roadway
m
• The project proposes to keep the existing vertical profile of the road, and construction is
anticipated to extend approximately nine months.
m
Additional characteristics of the proposed project are described below.
Intersection Improvements. A traffic study was prepared for the subject project in April 2006
(LLG 2006). The purpose of the report was to analyze the operations at the two intersections
along this segment of El Camino Real, for the existing conditions and Year 2030 conditions. The
report then identified intersecfion improvements required to achieve acceptable level of service
(i.e., LOS D). These intersection improvements were consequently incorporated into the project
design.
The 2030 traffic forecast analysis shows that in 2030, the El Camino Real/Tamarack Avenue
intersection would result in an LOS F during AM and PM peak hours (LLG 2006). As such, the
project plans include an additional northbound and southbound thru lane on El Camino Real, and
an additional northbound lef^-tum lane on El Camino Real at its intersection with Tamarack
Avenue. This improvement would improve the LOS at this intersecfion to LOS D or better in the
AM peak hour and LOS C in the PM peak hour. Accommodating the additional northbound and
southbound lanes, just north of the intersecfion, would consist primarily of re-striping the
existing roadway, as sufficient width exists within the current roadway geometry. Associated
signal modifications to accommodate the new lane configuration would also be provided.
At the El Camino Real/Chestnut Avenue intersection, the project would resuh in the removal of
the existing free right turn islands located at the northwest and southwest comers of the
intersection and replace these with standard curb returns, pedestrian ramps, and associated signal
modifications to accommodate the road widening improvements. These intersection
improvements must satisfy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and therefore,
4926-04
DUDEK 2 September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
m
m
m
Storm Drains. Currently, the roadway in the Area of Potential Effects (APE) exhibits erosion on
the embankment on the east side, pavement cracking and weathering, and bumps/sags. Storm
water from the storm drains currently outlets at erosive velocities into a ditch east of the
roadway. Storm drains within the APE would be replaced and/or improved.. The project includes
the placement of erosion protection in the ditch and/or construction of check dams within the
ditch to remedy the issue. The pavement for the roadway would be overiaid with asphalt concrete
and/or replaced with a full structural section as necessary.
Brow ditches are proposed along the west side of El Camino Real to prevent hillside stormwater
from flowing over the sidewalk and onto El Camino Real. The proposed locations are at Stations
513+50 and 536+00. The sizes of the brow ditches would vary from approximately 12-inch
minimum depth to 24-inch maximum depth.
Lighting. Overhead lighting is proposed as part of the project. Lighting would be installed per
applicable City standards for wattage and spacing. Each light pole would produce up to 22,000
lumens and would be staggered at 300-foot intervals along both sides of the project section of EI
Camino Real.
Bus Stops. One existing North County Transit District (NCTD) bus stop located on the west side
of El Camino Real just south of Chestnut Avenue would be relocated as part of the project,
although the specific location is in the process of being determined in concert with North County
Transit District. It is assumed that the chosen location would not be located outside of the
project APE. A second bus stop exists along the east side of El Camino Real north of Tamarack
Avenue. No improvements or alterations to this bus stop are proposed.
Utilities. Depending on the availability of funding, the existing overhead power lines along the
west and east sides of El Camino Real may be undergrounded as part of the project. Should
funding be available at the time of construction, possibly as a joint cost sharing effort with
SDGt&E, the City would underground these electrical utilities. If a funding source for
undergrounding is not located, the existing power poles along the west side, north of APN 207-
090-20, Station 526+00, are proposed to be relocated 5 to 10 feet to the west. The relocation or
undergrounding of these poles is necessary to accommodate the proposed street widening.
Grading. Minor grading would occur along the west side of El Camino Real to accommodate
construction of proposed retaining walls, which are described below. Additional grading behind
and at the top of the retaining walls would occur to construct brow ditches and drainage
facilities. The proposed grading at the top of the walls would be contoured to a 1.5:1 or 2:1
4926-04
DUDEK 3 September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
*• inclination to blend into the natural look of the existing terrain. The proposed grading would
^ range from 5 to 8 feet in height above the top of wall.
m
Both minor grading and major grading would occur on the east side of the project. Minor re-
grading is required at two locations (at approximately Station 512+50 and Station 517+00) to
M> stabilize the existing fill slope adjacent to the east edge of the roadway, which also represents the
^ west edge of the existing drainage channel. These two locations are situated approximately in
the middle third of the APE and represent distressed areas where slope failure (Station 512+50)
and sloughing (Station 517+00) have occurred. The existing slope height at these areas varies
m from 5 feet or less to approximately 15 feet with the height generally increasing toward the
il north. Both of these areas would be over-excavated and reconstructed with reinforced earth or
equal methods in accordance with the geotechnical report for the project to stabiHze the slope
and re-establish the initial slope inclination. m
m
Major grading is proposed along the northern segment of the east side of EI Camino Real,
predominantiy across Assessor Parcel Numbers 167-230-24 and 167-230-25. Slope heights
would range from 30 to 50 feet with the height increasing toward the south. The proposed
grading will be contoured to a 1.5:1 or variable slope inclination and be graded in such a fashion
as to replace the in-kind driveway access to the property.
Retaining Walls. Retaining walls are proposed on the west side of El Camino Real in the
approximate midpoint of the APE. A portion of the proposed retaining walls would be located
outside of the project ROW, therefore, property acquisition of 6,946 square feet (0.16 acre)
would be required on Czajkowski property (within parcel numbers 207-180-08, -09, -10, and -
12), which is located approximately 2,000 feet south of the EI Camino Real/Chestnut Avenue
intersection. The height of the retaining walls would vary from 6 feet to a maximum of 15 feet
high. The specific wall types would be Caltrans cast-in-place concrete or masonry block
cantilever with fascia for walls less than 10 feet in height. These have a concrete spread footing
and a vertical retaining face.
For walls over 10 feet in height, a tieback wall type would be implemented. This type of
retaining wall is an anchored wall system that relies on steel bars grouted into the retained slope
and a reinforced facing. The anchors are prestressed to provide an active clamping force. The
facing is typically constructed with reinforced shotcrete or cast-in-place concrete, and are
constructed with a "top-down" approach that does not require substantial excavation behind the
wall face.
4926-04
DUDEK 4 September 2007
m
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
The retaining walls are proposed to be built with a boulderscape architectural treatment and
^ landscaping screening. Drainage systems would be included behind the walls to allow proper
^ drainage of the adjacent hillside.
* Landscape Concept Plan. A Landscape Concept Plan has been prepared as part of the project to
* provide a transition between the ornamental landscape and natural landscape on either sides of
the project reach of El Camino Real. The Landscape Concept Plan takes into account the City's
EI Camino Real Corridor Development Standards by incorporating a median landscape treatment
that continues adjacent median designs. The specific objectives of the design include low water
use, minimization of fire hazards, minimization of visual impacts of the proposed retaining walls,
ii and stabilization of disturbed slopes.
* Staging Areas. Staging areas for temporarily storing construction equipment would be identified
during final design of the project, and would be located within previously paved areas within the
m APE.
The regional location and project vicinity are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Land uses adjacent to the project site include single family residences, multi-family residences
and open space.
3.0 FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC NOISE
Noise is defined as unwanted or undesired sound. Sound levels can be measured easily, but, the
variability in subjective and physical response to sound complicates the identification of noise
impacts. The basic terminology and concepts of noise are described below. Technical terms are
defined in Appendix A of this report.
Sound (noise) levels are measured in decibels (dB). Community sound levels are typically
measured in terms of the A-weighted sound level. The A-weighted scale approximates the
frequency response of the average ear when listening to most ordinary everyday sounds. When
people make relative judgments of the loudness or annoyance of a sound, their judgments
correlate well with the A-weighted scale sound levels of those sounds. All sound levels
discussed in this report are A-weighted.
4926-04
DUDEK 5 September 2007
Orange
County
Project Site
La Jolla
San Diego
Q 0 4 8
El Camino Real Widening (Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue)
Acoustical Assessment Report
Regional Location
FIGURE
El Camino Real Widening (Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue)
Acoustical Assessment Report
Project Vicinity
FIGURE
El Camino Real Widening
m Acoustical Assessment Report
Additional units of measure have also been developed to evaluate the long-term characteristics of
sound. The equivalent sound level (Leq), also referred to as the time-average sound level is a
single-number representing the fluctuating sound level in dB over a specified period of time. It
is a sound energy average of the fluctuating level and is equal to a constant unchanging sound
level of that dB level.
A noise descriptor commonly used for environmental noise is the Community Noise Equivalent
Level (CNEL). CNEL is an average A-weighted sound level during a 24-hour period, after the
addition of five dB to the average sound levels occurring in the evening hours (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
and ten decibels to the average sound levels at night (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). The five and ten decibel
penalties are applied to account for the increased noise sensitivity during the evening and
nighttime hours.
Sound propagation (i.e., the passage of sound from a noise source to a receiver) is influenced by
several factors. The manner in which the noise reduces with distance depends on several factors
including geometric spreading, ground absorption, atmospheric effects as well as shielding by
natural and manmade features.
Traffic noise along a road is typically considered a line source. Geometric spreading of a line
source is reduced at a rate of approximately three dB per doubling of distance {e.g., the noise
level will be approximately three dB less at 200 feet as compared to 100 feet a road). Additional
or excess ground attenuation can occur when the ground surface between the road and receiver is
composed of a soft surface such as grass, dirt, scattered bushes and trees. When added to the
geometric spreading, the sound level is attenuated by approximately 4.5 dB per doubling
distance. These attenuation rates are approximations. At greater distances from the roadway,
excess ground attenuation may be five to ten dB or more per doubling distance.
Atmospheric effects can also influence traffic noise. These effects include wind, temperature
gradients and humidity. In general, the greater distance the receiver is situated from the road, the
greater the potential for variation in noise levels due to the atmospheric effects. Additional noise
attenuation can result from manmade features such as buildings and walls, as well as natural
features such as hills and dense woods. These features can reduce the traffic noise by shielding
the receiver from the road.
4.0 NOISE CRITERIA
The City of Carlsbad has established noise guidelines in the Noise Element of the City's General
Plan. These guidelines identify compatible exterior noise levels for various land use types. The
4926-04
DUDEK 8 September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
maximum allowable noise exposure varies depending on the land use. New single family
residential, schools and churches are subject to a maximum acceptable exterior noise level of 60
dBA CNEL. In addition, interior noise levels for new residential development should not exceed
45 dBA CNEL.
The City of Carlsbad has not adopted specific road widening significance thresholds for existing
noise sensitive land uses. For the purposes of this study, the noise impact is significant if the
traffic noise level increase exceeds three dBA CNEL and either elevates noise levels above the
City's noise criteria limits or exceeds a three dBA increase above an already noisy existing
condition {i.e., 60 dBA CNEL for residential development). A noise level change of three dBA
is generally considered to be a just perceptible change in environmental noise. The comparison
of future without project conditions to future with project conditions is the basis for
determination of significance.
For prime arterials, the City's standard weekday construction hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Since this segment of El Camino Real has substantial directional flow, the City may pursue an
extension of construction hours until 5:00 p.m. in the aftemoon, depending on the direction of El
Camino Real under construction. The extension of hours would require use of a traffic control
plan. Also, because the Tamarack Avenue and Chestnut Avenue intersections have school
pedestrians crossing El Camino Real, the contractor would not be allowed to initiate the traffic
control plan in either direction before 8:30 a.m. Furthermore, the City may elect to allow
construction on Saturdays, in an effort to reduce the overall duration of construction. This option
would also result in the need to implement the traffic control plan.
5.0 METHODOLOGY
Noise measurements and noise modeling were used to determine the noise level for the project's
Area of Potential Effects (APE). The noise model utilized is Caltrans SOUND32 traffic noise
model (Caltrans 1983) with Califomia noise emission factors (Caltrans 1987). The noise
measurement sites were selected to represent the worst case noise exposure in a given area of
^ noise sensitive receivers and to calibrate the noise model. The measurement sites had
unobstructed views to EI Camino Real, i.e., there was no shielding from intervening buildings,
IP fences, etc.
m
m
m
The noise measurements were made using a RION Model NL 32 (S.N 01030561) and a Larson-
Davis Laboratories Model 700 (S.N. 2132) integrating sound level meters equipped with H-inch
pre-polarized condenser microphones with pre-amplifiers. The sound level meters meet the current
American National Standards Institute standard for a Type I precision sound level meter. The
rx I I r% r- 1^ 4926-04
D U D C K 9 September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
sound level meters were calibrated before and after the measurements, and the measurements were
conducted with the microphones positioned approximately five feet above the ground.
Traffic noise has been assessed based on the City's noise assessment methodology documented in
the City's Noise Guidelines Manual (City of Carlsbad, 1995). Input used for the SOUND32 noise
model included the existing and future volumes. Existing and future vehicle speeds were assumed
to be 55 mph. The truck mix used was 3.52 percent medium tmcks and 1.24 percent heavy trucks.
The traffic mix is based on vehicle mix surveys recommended by the City (City of Carlsbad 1995).
The traffic volumes and other input used in the noise modeling are depicted in Appendix B.
6.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS
mm
m
m
m
m.
m
Noise at the project site is primarily associated with El Camino Real. The existing traffic volume is
approximately 24,360 ADT along EI Camino Real adjacent to the project site (LLG 2006). Noise
measurements and noise modeling were used to detemiine the existing noise level in the area {Table J).
TABLE 1
Existing Measured Hourly Average Noise Levels
(Site Ml Approximately 120 feet Centerline of Ei Camino Real)
DAY : STARTTIME U, •
3/21/06 1:00 P.M. 68 dBA
2:00 P.M. 69 dBA
3:00 P.M. 69 dBA
4:00 P.M. 69 dBA
5:00 P.M. 69 dBA
6:00 P.M. 67 dBA
7:00 P.M. 65 dBA
8:00 P.M. 64 dBA
9:00 P.M. 62 dBA
10:00 P.M. 61 dBA
11:00 P.M. 58 dBA
4/26/05 12:00 Midnight 56 dBA
1:00 A.M. 56 dBA
2:00 A.M. 56 dBA
3:00 A.M. 57 dBA
4:00 A.M. 62 dBA
5:00 A.M. 65 dBA
6:00 A.M. 68 dBA 1
10
4926-04
September 2007
m
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
TABLE 1
Existing Measured Hourly Average Noise Levels
(Site Ml Approximately 120 feet Centerline of El Camino Real)
m
m
m
m
m
DAY SIARTTME U
7:00 A.M. 68 dBA
8:00 A.M. 68 dBA
9:00 A.M. 67 dBA
10:00 A.M. 67 dBA
11:00 A.M. 68 dBA
12:00 Noon 68 dBA
CNEL 70 dBA
6,1 Ambient Noise Measurements
One long-term {i.e., 24-hour) noise measurement location and two short-term noise measurement
locations were selected along the site (Sites Ml through M3, Figure 3). These noise
measurement locations were chosen primarily to determine the noise level at these sites and to
calibrate the noise model {i.e., the sites were clear of major obstructions between the source and
receiver as well as reflecting building/wall surfaces).
Site Ml was located near the top of slope on the west side of El Camino Real. The noise
measurement site had an unobstructed view to El Camino Real. The noise measurement at Site
Ml was conducted for 24-hours beginning at 1:00 p.m. on March 21, 2006. The measured
hourly average noise levels ranged from 56 to 69 dBA and the CNEL was 70 dBA. The primary
noise source was traffic on El Camino Real.
Sites M2 and M3 were located on the east side of El Camino Real near the top of the slope
adjacent to the backyards of the homes. The measured average noise levels were 66 dBA at Site
2 and 65 dBA at Site 3. The results of the noise measurements and concurrent traffic counts are
depicted in Table 2.
TABLE 2
m
STTE ••• - mm$^^m CM irn
M2 285 feet to center line of El Camino Real 3/22/06
12.20 to 12:50 p.m. 66 495 6 4
M3 270 feet to the center line of El Camino Real 3/22/06
11:55 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 65 535 11 4
Notes: i Ec^lvalent continuous A-weighled sound pressure level
2 Medium tmcks
3 Heavy tnjdts
11
4926-04
September 2007
LEGEND
. . . Noiso Measurement Location
. . . Receptor Location
. . AK Boundary
BEST ORIGINA.
ScaiamFeet
TOPO SOURCE: Barrynwi & Hsngar, Dec 200S
El Camino Real Widening (Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue)
Acoustical Assessment Report
Noise Measurement & Receiver Locations
FIGURE
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
6.2 Noise Modeling
m
m
The same traffic volumes and vehicle composition ratios counted along El Camino Real during
the noise measurement were used to calibrate the Caltrans' SOUND32 model and verify the input
used in the noise model. The modeled existing traffic speed was 55 mph along El Camino Real.
The noise model and noise measurement results are within one dBA at Sites M2 and M3. Also,
using the City's recommended truck mix previously described in Section 5.0, the model noise
level was within one dBA CNEL at Site I. The results of the noise modeling generally confirm
the input used in the noise model.
6.3 Existing Noise Levels at Representative Receivers
Existing noise sensitive land uses located adjacent to El Camino Real consist of single family
and multi-family residences. The existing CNEL noise levels were calculated for representative
receiver locations adjacent to the road.
The existing noise level ranges from approximately 67 to 72 dBA CNEL at the backyards of the
adjacent residences. These noise levels do not account for noise attenuation of any existing barriers
such as sound walls or wood fences. The existing modeled noise levels for various receiver
locations are depicted in Table 3. The receiver locations were previously depicted in Figure 3.
TABLE 3
Existing CNEL at Representative Receiver Locations
m
m
m
m
m
m
m
SITE CNEL (dBA)
M1 71
M2 67
M3 68
R4 70
R5 70
R6 69
R7 69
R8 68
R9 68
R9B 67
RIO 69
R11 68
R12 72
R13 72
R14 67
R15 67
R16 67
13
4926-04
September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
TABLE 3
Existing CNEL at Representative Receiver Locations
-CNEL (dBA)
R17 67
R18 68
R19 69
R20 69
Notes: All noise levels rounded to the nearest whole dBA
mm Assumes free field condition
7.0 FUTURE CONDITIONS
Future noise levels were evaluated for El Camino Real for the short-term and Year 2030
conditions. Future year 2030 traffic volumes are projected to be approximately 34,700 ADT
along El Camino Real (LLG 2006). Short-term is defined as the time period just after the road
improvements have been constructed.
7.1 Short-Term Noise Impacts
In the short-term, the traffic volumes are expected to be similar both with the project and without
the project. Therefore, the noise level difference would result from the roadway improvements.
The center line of the road would be located at approximately the same location as the existing
center line alignment. However, two additional lanes would be constructed.
Short-term noise levels with the project would range from approximately 67 to 72 dBA CNEL at
the backyards of the existing residences adjacent to El Camino Real. The short term with the
project CNEL would increase by less than one dBA at the adjacent residences as compared to the
short-term without the project noise level. The short-term noise impact is considered less than
significant. The CNEL at representafive locations within the APE are summarized in Table 4.
TABLE 4
Existing and Future CNEL at Representative Locations
m EXISTING EXISTING + HOSE LEVEL -YEARiouwnwxrr YEAR203fit NOISE LEVEL
•
srTE (dBA) PROJECT (dBA) INCREASE (dBA)i PROJECT fdB^ PROJECT (dBA) INCREASE (dBA)i
• Ml 71 71 <1 72 72 <1
M2 67 67 <1 69 69 <1
M3 68 68 <1 69 69 <1
m R4 70 70 <1 72 72 <1
R5 70 70 <1 72 72 <1
m R6 69 69 <1 71 71 <1
14
4926-04
September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
TABLE 4
Existing and Future CNEL at Representative Locations
SITE
EXISTING
IdBA)
69
EXISTING «
PROJECT (dBA)
NOISE LEVEL
INCREASE (dBA}i
YEAR 2030 WTTHOUr
PROJECT(dBA)
YEAR 2030 *
PROJECT (dBA)
NOISE LEVEL
INCREASE (dBA)>
R7
EXISTING
IdBA)
69 69 <1 71 71 <1
R8 68 68 <1 70 70 <1
R9 68 68 <1 69 69 <1
R9b 67 67 <1 69 69 <1
R10 69 69 <1 70 70 <1
R11 J 68 68 <1 70 70 <1
R12 72 72 <1 74 74 <1
R13 72 72 <1 73 73 <1
R14 67 67 <1 59 69 <1
R15 57 67 <1 59 69 <1
R16 67 67 <1 69 69 <1
R17 67 67 <1 68 68 <1
R18 68 68 <1 69 69 <^
R19 69 69 <1 71 71 <i
R20 69 69 <1 70 70 <i
Year 2030 with project minus Year 2030 withwjt project improvements.
All noise levels rounded to the nearest whole dBA
Assumes free fietd condition
7.2 Year 2030 Noise Impacts
The year 2030 with traffic volume is projected to range up to 34,700 ADT along El Camino Real
(LLG 2006). Year 2030 with traffic noise levels would range from approximately 68 to 74 dBA
CNEL at the backyards of the residences adjacent to El Camino Real. The year 2030 with the
project CNEL would increase by less than one dBA at the adjacent residences as compared to the
year 2030 without the project. The noise level at the residences would continue to exceed a
CNEL of 60 dBA. However, the increase associated with the project is considered less than
significant. Also, it should be noted that the traffic noise levels in the Year 2030 would be
approximately one to two dBA higher as compared to the existing noise levels. The noise level
increase would happen with or without the project. The CNEL at representative locations within
the APE are summarized in Table 4.
8.0 CONSTRUCTION NOISE
Noise generated by construction equipment on this project would occur with varying intensities
and durations during the different phases of construction: clear and grub, earthwork, base
preparation, paving and cleanup.
15
4926-04
September 2007
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
Equipment expected to be used would include graders, backhoes, pavers and other related
equipment. The noise levels generated by construction equipment would vary greatly depending
on factors such as the type and specific model of the equipment, the operation being performed
and the condition of the equipment. Maximum noise levels at 15.2 meters (50 feet) would range
from approximately 75 to 95 dBA for the type of equipment normally used for this type of
project. The maximum noise level ranges for various pieces of construction equipment at a
distance of 50 feet are depicted in Figure 4.
When the construction equipment is operating, the existing residences could be disturbed by the
activities. Construction activities at the site will be required to comply with the permitted hours
of operation, and as described in Section 4.0, may require use of a traffic control plan. Overall,
the construction noise impact would be less than significant.
9.0 MITIGATION
Based on a review of the traffic volume information and improvement plans, the proposed
project would result in a less than significant noise impact. Therefore, noise mitigation measures
have not been evaluated.
4926-04
DUDEK 16 September 2007
NOISE LEVEL (dBAl AT 50 FEET i
COMPACTERS (ROLLERS)
FRONT LOADERS
BACKHOES
TRACTORS
SCRAPERS, GRADERS
PAVERS
TRUCKS
CONCRETE MIXERS
CONCRETE PUMPS
CRANES (MOVABLE)
CRANES (DERRICK)
PUMPS
GENERATORS
COMPRESSORS
-O
PNEUMATIC WRENCHES
JACK HAMMERS AND ROCK DRILLS
PILE DRIVERS (PEAKS)
VIBRATORS
SAWS
NOTE: Based on limited available data samples.
SOURCE: EPA PB 206717, Environmental Protection Agency, Dec. 31,1971, "Noise from Construction Equipment & Operations"
E! Camino Real Widening (Tamarack Avenue to Chestnut Avenue)
Acoustical Assessment Report
Typical Construction Equipment Noise Generation Levels
FIGURE
El Camino Real Widening
Acoustical Assessment Report
10.0 REFERENCES
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), June 1983. User's Instructions for
SOUND32 (FHWA/CA-83/06).
Califomia Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 1987. California Vehicle Noise Emission
Levels, (FHWA/CA/TL~87/03).
City of Carlsbad, September 1995. City of Carlsbad Noise Guidelines Manual.
Linscott, Law, Grennspan (LLG), March 22, 2006. Traffic Analysis Report El Camino Real
Widening.
r-i> i I r-.. 1^ 4926-04
O U O E K 18 September 2007
APPENDIX A
Definitions
1
1
APPENDIX A
Definitions
Term Definition
Ambient Noise Level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The
normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given
location.
A-Weighted Sound Level, dBA The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a
sound level meter using the A-weighted fdter network. The
A-weighting filter de-emphasizes the very low and very
high frequency components of the sound in a manner
similar to the frequency response of the human ear and
correlates well with subjective reactions to noise.
Background Noise The total of all noise in a system or situation, independent
of the presence of the noise source of interest (i.e., without
the noise of interest).
Community Noise Equivalent Level,
CNEL
CNEL is the average equivalent A-weighted sound level
during a 24-hour day. CNEL accounts for the increased
noise sensitivity during the nighttime (10 PM to 7 AM) and
evening (7 PM to 10 PM) by adding ten dB to the sound
levels at night and five dB to the sound levels during the
evening.
Decibel, dB A unit for measuring sound pressure level and is equal to
10 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the
measured sound pressure squared to a reference pressure,
which is 20 micropascals.
Maximum A-weighted Sound Level, Lr The greatest sound level measured on a sound level meter
during a designated time interval or event.
Equivalent Continuous Sound Level, Leq The sound level corresponding to a steady state sound level
containing the same total energy as a time varying signal
over a given sample period. Leq is designed to average all
of the loud and quiet sound levels occurring over a time
period.
DUDEK A-1
4926-04
September 2007
APPENDIX B
Sound 32 Input/Output
m
m
m
El Camino Real Widening -- Existing (ECR.EX)
T~S1 Camino Real, 1
1160 , 55 , 43 , 55 , 15 , 55
T-El Camino Real, 2
1160 , 55 , 43 , 55 , 15 , 55
T-El Camino Real, 3
1160 , 55 , 43 , 55 , 15 , 55
T-El Camino Real, 4
1160 , 55 , 43 , 55 , 15 , 55
X.-l\[orthbound, 1
N,6236714.7,2001188,72,
N,6236516.21,2001323,80,
N,6236408.5,2001386,84,
N, 6235995,55,2001624,100,
N,623 5791.68,2 001758,110,
N, 623 5595.36,2 001921,120,
n,6235415.44,2002108,130,
N, 6235260.7.2002311,140,
N, 623 5129.99,2 002528,150.
N,6235025.65,2002746,160,
N, 6234 942.43,2002924, 170,
6234858.66,2003104,180,
N, 6234772.91,2 003288,190,
L - Northbound, 2
6234 772.91,2003268,190,
H,6234690.34,2003465,200,
N,6234616.2,2003 64 8,210,
N,6234559.43,2003843,22 0,
IT, 6234522.75,200402 5,23 0,
N,6234488.48,20042 08,24 0,
N.6234458.14,2004370,250,
N,62 34423.6,2004532,260,
6234380.58,2 004690,270,
6234319.53,2004893, 280,
N,6234272.78,2005048,283,
N,6234177.56,2005364, 282,
N,6234 071.45,2005716,272,
L-Southbound, 3
6236691.0,2001153,71,
N,6236493.8,200128 8,79,
N,6236337.4,2 001349,84,
N,6235973.4,2 001588,101,
N,6235766.6,2001724,111,
N,6235566.7,2 001890,121,
H,6235383.5,2 002081,131,
K,6235225.9,2002287,141,
N,6235092.9,2002503,151,
N,6234987.6,200272 8,160,
M N,6234904.3,2002906,170,
N,623482 0.5,2003085,180,
^ N,€234734.8,200327 0,190,
H,62 34 651.3,2003443,200,
• L-Southbound, 4
N,6234651.3,2003443,200,
* N,6234576.4,2003634,211,
a N,6234518.6,200383 3,221,
N,62344 81.5,2004018,23 0,
PI N, 6234447.2,2004201,240,
N,6234416.9,2004362,250,
ii
m
m
m
N,62343 82.7,2 004522, 2 60,
N, 62 34340.1,2004 679, 2 70,
br, 6234279.3,2004881, 2 80,
N,6234232.5,2005036.2 83,
« N,6234137.3,2005352,282,
N,6234 031.2,2005703, 272,
m R, 1 , 67 ,500
523 5570.14,2G01752.17,165,MI
R, 2 , 67 ,500
6235453.62,20024 99.4 3, 195,M2
R, 3 , 67 ,5C0
6234 8 58.98,2003700.15, 254,M3
R, 4 , 67 ,500
6236131.06,2001370.5,141,4
R, 5 , 67 ,500
•I 6235774.31,2001578,8,159,5
R, 6 , 67 ,500
m 62354 52.56,2001798.3,131,6
R, 7 , 67 ,500
62352 89.76,2001959.3, 185,7
R, 8 67 , 500
• 6235040.89,2002251.37, 217,8
m R, 9 , 67 ,500
6234 889.5,2002463.72,23 9.9
« R, 10 . 67 ,500
6234322.23.2003 953.4 9,264,10
R, XI , 57 ,500
6234222.95.2004 330.2 3,281,11
R, 12 , 67 ,500
^ 6234 3 90.87,2004908.78,2 59,12
R, 13 . 67 ,500
^ 62344 66.87,2004686.11, 300,13
R, 14 , 67 ,500
m 6234864.5,2003764,26 5,14
R, 15 , 67 ,500
^ 6234 990.99,2003411.66,24 0,15
R, 16 , 67 ,500
6235173,2003034.87,215,16
17 , 67 ,500
6235414.99,2002609.54,203, 17
m R, 18 , 67 ,500
6235745.51,2 002108.3 3, 179, 18
PI R, 19 , 67 ,500
€2360 75.5,2001770.3,138,19
* R, 20 , 67 ,500
52 364 32 .6,2001560,101,20
m R. 21 , 67 ,500
^ 6234438,2003372,298.,9b
il
il
m
SOUND32 - RELEASE 07/30/91
TITLE:
El Camino Real Widening ~- Existing fSC3<.EX]
BASED ON FHWA-RD-108 AND
CALIFORNIA REFERENCE ENERGY MEAN EMISSION LEVELS
m RECEIVER LEQ
m Ml 70.5
M2 67 .2
m M3 57.5
m 4 70.2
5 70.0
mm 6 69.1
7 69. 0
m 8 68.3
9 67.7
mm 10 68.8
Mi li 68.3
12 72.2
13 71.6
mm 14 67.0
m 15 67.2
16 67 . 1
wm 17 66. 8
18 67.5
m 19 68.9
20 68.7
mm Sb 67.2
El Camino Real Widening ~- Future CECR.fut)
T-El Camino Real, 1
1652 , 55 , 61 , 55 , 22 , 55
T-Bl Camino Real, 2
1652 , 55 , 61 , 55 , 22 , 55
T-El Camino Real, 3
1652 , 55 , 61 , 55 , 22 , 55
T-El Carr.ino Real, 4
1652 , 55 , 61 , 55 , 22 , 55
L-Northbound, 1
N,6236718.0,2001193,72,
N, 6236519.4,2001328,80,
N, 6236411.5,2001391,84,
N, 6235998.7,2001629,100,
N, 62 35795,2,2001763,110,
N, 623 5599.4,2001925,120,
N,6235420.,2002112.130,
N, 6235265.6,2002314,140,
N, 6235135.2,2002531,150,
N, 6235031.0,2002748,160,
N, 6234947.8,2002 927,170,
N,6234864.1,2003106,18 0,
N, 6234778.3,2 003290,190,
L-Northbound, 2
N, 6234778.3,2003290,190,
N, 62 34655.8,2003467,200,
N, 6234621.8,2003650,210,
N, 5234565.2,2003844,220,
N, 6234528.6,2004028,230,
6234494.3,2004210,240,
N, 6234464.0,2004371,250,
N, 6234429.4,2004533,260,
N,6234386,3,2004632,270,
N,6234325.2,2 004894,230,
N,6234278.5,2005050,283,
N,6234183.3,2005366,282,
N,6234 077.1,2005717,272,
L-Southbound, 3
N,6236687.7,2001149,71,
N,6236490.6,2 001283,79,
N,6236384.4,2001344,84,
N,6235970^3,2001583,101,
N,6235763.0,2001720,111,
N,6235562.6,2001886,121,
N,6235378.9,2002077,131,
N,5235220.9,2002284,141,
N,6235087.6,2002506,151,
N,6234982.2,2 002725,160,
to N,62 34898.9,2002904,170,
N,6234815.1,20 03084,180,
N,6234729.4,2003268,190,
6234646.3,2003446,200,
L-Southbound, 4
N,6234646.3,2003446,200,
N,6234570.8,2003632,211,
N,62345X2.7,2003831,221,
N,6234475.5,2004017,230,
N,6234441,3,2004200,240,
N,6234411.0,2004361,250,
m
m
m
m
m
N,6234376.9,200452 0,2 60,
N,6234334.4,2004677,2 70,
N,6234273.5,2004879,280,
N,6234226.8,2005034,283,
N,6234131.6,2005350,2 82,
N,6234025-4,2005702, 2 72,
R, 1 , 67 ,500
62 35570.14,2001752.17,165,Ml
R, 2 , 67 ,500
6235453.62,2002499.4 3,195,M2
R, 3 , 67 ,500
6234858.98,2003700.15,254,M3
R, 4 , 67 ,500
6236131.06,20013 70.5,141,4
R. 5 , 67 ,500
6235774.31,2001578.8,159,5
R, 6 , 67 ,500
6235452,56,2001798.3,181,6
R, 7 , 67 ,500
62 3 5289.76,2001959.3, 135,7
R, 8 , 67 ,500
62 35040.89,2002251,37,217,8
R, 9 , 67 ,500
6234889-5,2002463.72,239.9
R, 10 , 67 ,500
6234322 .23,2003953.4 9,2 64,10
R, 11 , 67 ,500
6234222.95,2004 33 0.23,2 81,11
R, 12 , 57 ,500
62343 90,87,2004908.78,2 99,12
R, 13 , 67 ,500
6234466.87,2004686.11,3 00,13
R, 14 , 67 ,500
6234 864.5,2003764,265,14
R, 15 , 67 ,500
6234 990.99,2003411.66,240,15
R, 16 , 67 ,500
52 3 5173,2003 034.87,215,16
R, 17 , 67 ,500
62 3 5414.99,2002609.54,203,17
R, 18 , 67 ,500
62 3 574 5.91,2002108.33,179,18
R, 19 , 67 ,500
623 6075.5,2001770.3,138,19
R, 20 , 67 ,500
623 64 32.6,2001560,101,20
R, 21 , 67 ,500
6234438,2003372,298.,9b
C,C
SOUNB32 - RELEASE 07/30/91
TITLE:
El Camino Real Widening Future {ECR.fut)
BASED ON FHWA-RD-108 AND
CALIFORNIA REFERENCE ENERGY MEAN EMISSION LEVELS
mm RECEIVER LBO
m Ml 72.1
M2 68.7
mm .M3 69.0
m 4 71.8
5 71.6
m 6 70.7
7 70.6
m 8 69.9
9 69.3
mi 10 70.4
m 11 69.8
12 73.9
mm-13 73.2
14 53.6
m 15 68.8
16 68.7
mm 17 68.3
18 69.1
m 19 70.5
20 70.3
9b 68.8