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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMCUP 13-02; LA COSTA RESERVOIR WCF; UPDATED and REVISED Acoustical Impact Study and Evaluation; 2011-05-03L FR Jn ~ AR(ADJS compdl/ May 3, 2011 The Planning Consortium, Inc. Attn: Mr. John Bitterly, Project Manager 627 North Main Street Orange, CA 92868 002-16043-00 Subject: UPDATED and REVISED Acoustical Impact Study and Evaluation Verizon Wireless -La Costa Facility 3023 Alga Road, City of Carlsbad, California Dear Mr. John Bitterly: At the request of The Planning Consortium, LFR Inc. (LFR) has prepared the attached letter presenting our acoustical evaluation of the proposed Verizon Wireless -La Costa Facility project located in the City of Carlsbad, California. Its purpose is to assess worst-case mechanical noise impacts to the adjacent residential property lines from the proposed outdoor mounted HV AC and generator equipment, and determine if noise levels would exceed the City of Carlsbad's noise threshold limit of 60 dBA at adjacent residential zones. Introduction LFR Inc. (LFR) is submitting this acoustical analysis report to satisfy the acoustical requirements of the City of Carlsbad for a Building Permit for the proposed Verizon Wireless -La Costa Facility project ("the proposed project"). Its purpose is to evaluate worst-case mechanical noise impacts from the proposed project to the adjacent residential property lines and determine if noise levels would exceed the City of Carlsbad's Noise Element (Section 4 C.5) threshold limit of 60 dBA for residential zones. For more information please refer to Attachment A: Relevant Excerpts from the City of Carlsbad Noise Element. Project Description and Location The proposed project site is located at 3023 Alga Road in the City of Carlsbad, California. The Assessor's parcel number (APN) for the property is 223-792-20. Neighboring land in proximity to the project site is zoned for Residential use. The location of the proposed project is shown on the Vicinity Map (Figure 1). A Satellite Aerial Map, APN Map, and Topographic Map of this area are also provided as Figures 2 through 4. The project site consists of the operation of a 57 foot high cellular communication antenna supported by its associated mechanical equipment housed within a single story shelter. Two Rheem condensing units are shown to be located on the rooftop of the mechanical equipment shelter and are surrounded on all four sides by a 2 foot 9 inch high parapet wall. A Kohler generator is located I 619.291.1000 m [ 619.291.5400 f 9095 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 240 i www.lfr.com San Diego, California 92108 [ Offices Nationwide 1 I L F R an IQ AR(ADIS company on the north side of the equipment shelter. The generator is contained within a sound enclosure and is adjacent to an 8 foot high CMU block wall to the southwest. A water tank is located on the northern portion of the property. Single story and 2-story residences are located directly south, east, west, and north of the proposed project site. For more information please refer to Attachment B: Verizon Wireless -La Costa Facility Project Plans. Noise Emission Data Noise emission data is often supplied per the industry standard format of "sound power," which is the total acoustic power radiated from a given sound source as related to a reference power level of 10 Pico watts. Sound power (PWL) differs from sound pressure, which measures the fluctuations in air pressure caused by the presence of sound waves, and is generally the format that describes noise levels as heard by the receiver. Sound pressure is the actual noise experienced by a human or registered by a sound level instrument. When sound pressure is used to describe a noise source, it must specify the distance from the noise source to provide complete information. Sound power is a specialized analytical method to provide information without the distance requirement, but it may be used to calculate the sound pressure at any desired distance. Mechanical Equipment Type and Duty Cycle According to information provided by Mr. John Bitterly, the Project Manager for The Planning Consortium, the anticipated mechanical equipment use on the property will be used primarily to support a cell tower communication hub site. The primary noise producing mechanical equipment located on the project site will be two (2) outdoor mounted Rheem condensing units located on the rooftop of the single story mechanical equipment shelter and a Kohler generator located on the north side of the mechanical equipment shelter. The generator will be contained within sound enclosure manufactured by Kohler. Our calculations were conducted using a worst-case scenario with the two Rheem condensing units and the Kohler generator operating continuously for 24 hours a day. The noise emission data for the Rheem condensing units and the Kohler generator specified on the project plans was supplied by the manufacturers. Table 1 summarizes the noise emission data for the Rheem condensing units and the Kohler generator. For more information regarding the mechanical equipment noise emission data please refer to Attachment C: Proposed Mechanical Equipment Emission Data. Table 1: Rheem Condensing Unit Noise Emission Data Manufacture Model Description Occurrences Noise Emission Level Per Day Rheem 060CAZ/DAZ/ Condensing Units 100% 76.0dBA PWL JAZ/YAZ Kohler 30REOZJC-Generator within a 100% 65 dBA at 7 meters VER Sound Enclosure 2 L F R an "' AR(ADIS c~pany Field Measurement Methodology Several 15 minute sound level measurements (Leq, A-Weighted) were conducted to record the current ambient noise environment for the project site and the surrounding area. During the on-site ambient noise measurements, start and end times were recorded, and all noise sources within the vicinity of the project site were documented. Other field data gathered during the site visit included measuring or estimating distances, angles- of-view, slopes, and topographic elevations. This information is subsequently verified using available maps and records. Measurement Equipment Some or all of the following equipment was used at the project site to measure existing noise levels: • Larson Davis Model 824 Sound Level Meter, Serial # 824A3582 • Larson Davis Model CA200 Calibrator, Serial # 6072 • Hand-bearing magnetic compass, microphone with windscreen, tripods • Distance measurement wheel, digital camera The sound level meter was field-calibrated prior to and following the noise measurement to ensure accuracy. All sound level measurements conducted and presented in this report, in accordance with the regulations, were made with a sound level meter that conforms to the American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters ANSI SI.4-1983 (R2001). All instruments are maintained with National Bureau of Standards traceable calibrations, per the manufacturers' standards. Noise Modeling Software Modeling of the mechanical noise equipment and surrounding environment was accomplished using Cadna A (Computer Aided Noise Abatement) Ver. 4.0, which is a model-based computer program developed by DataKustik for predicting noise impacts in a wide variety of conditions. Cadna A assists in the calculation, presentation, assessment, and mitigation of noise exposure. It allows for the input of project information such as noise source data, barriers, structures, and topography to create a detailed CAD model, and uses the most up-to-date calculation standards to predict outdoor noise impacts to property lines and adjacent surrounding areas. Ambient Noise Level Measurement LFR performed an on-site inspection and an ambient noise measurement at a single location on the afternoon of Friday, January 9, 2009. The weather conditions were as follows: clear skies, low humidity, and temperature in the high 60's, with winds from the south at 1 to 2 mph. 3 L F R an ft.I AR(ADIS company LFR performed an additional on-site inspection and conducted ambient noise measurements at four locations on the afternoon of Thursday, December 16, 2010. The weather conditions were as follows: clear skies, low humidity, and temperature in the low 60's, with winds from the south at 1 to 2 mph. Several 15 minute ambient noise level measurements were taken along the property lines of the project site with a microphone placed at approximately 5 feet above the existing site grade. The measured ambient noise levels are summarized in Table 2. For more information please refer to Figure 5: Project Site Plan Showing Ambient Noise Measurement Location. Table 2. On-Site Ambient Noise Measurements Receiver Date Location Measured Noise Level (dBA Leq) 1 1-9-2010 Southeastern Property 44.5 Line 7 12-16-2010 Northern Property Line 45.1 8 12-16-2010 Northwestern Property 46.9 Line 9 12-16-2010 Southwestern Property 61.7 Line 10 12-16-2010 Southern Property Line 55.1 Mechanical Equipment Noise Impacts Based on the project information available, without mitigation, the operation of this facility will be in compliance with the City of Carlsbad Noise Element limits (Section 4 C.5). Results of the acoustical model calculations show that worst-case property line noise impacts generated from the proposed Rheem condensing units and the Kohler generator will be as high as 56.3 dBA LEQ at the southwestern property line (Receiver 9), considered to be the worst-case location. The calculated noise levels at each property line at the selected worst-case locations are summarized in Table 3. For details of the acoustical calculations, please refer to Attachment D: Cadna Analysis Data and Results. Please also refer to Figure 6: Site Plan Showing Noise Source Locations and Noise Impacts to Project Property Line Receiver Locations. Table 3: Calculated Verizon Wireless -La Costa Facility Noise Impacts City of Carlsbad Noise Calculated Noise Level Receiver Location Element Threshold Limit (dBA Leq) (dBA) 1 Southeastern 60.0 31.3 Property Line 4 11"""" .... ,, L FR an l=t AR(ADIS c~pany 2 Southeastern 60.0 31.5 Roadway 3 Southern 60.0 33.6 Roadway 4 Southwestern 60.0 42.9 Roadway 5 Western Roadway 60.0 39.6 6 Northern 60.0 42.7 Driveway 7 Northern Property 60.0 42.5 Line 8 Northwestern 60.0 47.3 Property Line 9 Southwestern 60.0 56.3 Property Line 10 Southern Property 60.0 36.8 Line Mitigation As designed, findings show that no mitigation is required as a result of this analysis for the proposed Verizon Wireless -La Costa facility. The project is shown to meet the required permit application noise limits as set forth within the City of Carlsbad Noise Element threshold limits (Section 4 C.5). Certification This document was prepared under the supervision of and reviewed by Kevin Fowler and Michael Burrill, representatives of LFR Inc. The findings and recommendations of this report are based on the information available, and are a true and factual analysis of the potential acoustical issues associated with the Verizon Wireless -La Costa project, City of Carlsbad, California. All findings for noise control are based on the best information available at the time our consulting services are provided. However, as there are many factors involved in sound transmission, and LFR Inc. has no control over the construction, workmanship or materials, LFR Inc. is specifically not liable for final results of any recommendations or implementation of the recommendations. 5 .. L F R an '1 AR(AOIS c~pany LFR appreciates this opportunity to provide consulting services for the Verizon Wireless -La Costa project. If you have any questions concerning this project, or would like to discuss other environmental concerns, please contact me at (760) 602-7821. Sincerely, Kevin Fowler Project Acoustical Scientist Figures 1. Vicinity Map 2. Aerial Satellite Map 3. APN Map 4. Topography Map 5. Project Site Plan Showing Ambient Noise Measurement Locations 6. Site Plan Showing Noise Source Locations and Noise Impacts to Project Property Line Receiver Locations Attachments A. Relevant Excerpts from the City of Carlsbad Noise Element B. Verizon Wireless -La Costa Facility Project Plans C. Proposed Mechanical Equipment Emission Data D. Cadna Analysis Data and Results 6 FIGURES Vicinity Map Verizon Wireless 0 400 800 1,600 feet 3023 Alga Road, Carlsbad, Ca. La Costa Project: 002-1604~0 II LfR _____ Fi_gur_e 1_ MAP SOURCE: Google Earth Pro™ 2007, Carlsbad, CA Aerial Satellite Map Verizon Wireless 0 250 500 1,000 feet 3023 Alga Road, Carlsbad, Ca -La Costa Project: 002-16043-00 l!I Lf R _____ Fi_gur_e 2_ en ~ X ! E II) E :: 9. "' ~ 1;;i z ~ ! ~ ci5 i ~ 1'51 ~I 11 l ti (!)' :§, ~· ~· O'{N iS'A.""( £ 1 • ..,I / ®;· r2i9.II( "'f :i ,.,·,•·-.....;._ if~ ® ~,~. ·1, .......... ~ "'-, ~-,, (?:) ! ~ _/ \ '\ ~-----"'""-" --1-.I ..a.1.ei j ~ . "~ .. j , .. ,f.> ~ ~ ~--->✓ ~ "< ~'\ ~ OC-..N ""' v= -1/C·. ~ 1ocr-~- V LOT IOO 4Wj5[1) -- ,, ~ / ~ i (~✓-· i.~~ \ ' ~·~· , I / OPt• ~ •• i 96 \ ~ ·•'f ~ ·"' . >t'M.t. / -. ~ . {.if \ . ~--,1 i'I !HI @ '--c \¥A:: ' ,,. 1 '~( : .. : . • ~ . ""' ~ 10:, 7 0~ ' '1 ~!1" ~,,l'' 7.11 ·, \ ~. /,,.,, I 'y ,;f r \ 'v · ,,,. I ® \\ :-;~ (") y/ 1 ~t ')~.i CWN { g,fu~ g,47 \ %--~ \ , _,_..-\ !& t..r"..c: \ O~AC ~ ~'!!. 0 50 100 200 feet -°' • r,J ,io • LOT 101 !>11Ctl61 2 ~l'(j'f,)l(T . Ol'CII ,,_ ~~ ........ /'-,.,.,,_ 1/i ~ '/ 1 ·~ I , t '"'-(.~·, .;;,....~ ,-~,~ -____.-~ (107 I •1 ,.,_ a.~..c -:,7' ~ , .:,,C:,f ?'°/.., Sl'MC fi.,,., t,._ APN Map Verizon Wireless 3023 Alga Road, Carlsbad, Ca -La Costa Project: 002-1604:H>O II LFR Figure 3 cii ~ I IO ;.:. l----"--..:....:..-'------=-...;:;_==-........:...--------_.___.._ _ _____,_,""'-==----'-'c.;:.....:.-:.......a.:...:..,_ ___ -'-'-----"1 MAP SOURCE: Google Earth Pro ™ 2007. Carlsbad, CA Topography Map Verizon Wireless 0 700 1,400 2,800 feet 3023 Alga Road, Carlsbad, Ca -La Costa Project: 002-16043--00 II Lfft _____ Fi_gur_e4_ ~-------.... --- ji , ~ • \ Oo-Si11, Ambient Noise Measuremeots ,' ' ,: ~ ~ Rlceiver Oa~ Locari011 Mwurcd Noi!C Level (dBA Leq) I I ........ 'I I ,' I ~• .,__ I 1-9-2010 SO'.Jlhe.m!m Property Lint 44.5 ,' '1., -~-1 12-16-2010 NOl1herl!Propertyline 45.1 '1 ' 'I -,.. ✓• ,' I 8 12-16-2010 Nor111wesltta Property Line 45.9 /I , -----,, 9 ,2.-16-20,0 Southwesltrn Property Lint 61.1 _,J/ ~-., '~wM 10 12-16-2010 Southern Property I.me 55.1 I ,'/ / ~ ~-:•.' ;; ' ' 'I / ~'1+ , rl / , ... ,,,. ' / I ✓I ',,,,'.!,,_ ' "'~~ ',,,, ,,'\. ',, ' '}._ ',1 ', I ,....,, /ffi \ \ ,'//j ~ ,-_~ ~ .,,,,,.,,//1. \ ,/ ~ ~/' \ ?%~ i /, • )_, 8 ' \ ~-ff I ' ', ~~ .7 EXISTING VERI~ 3 ' I ¥ ,}I ,)+-- l i ', I ;, I l ! , r,: /, ,,/ Kohler Generator and HIRELESS ~ -~~ , ; • \ V 1/ , .. , ->~ I I I I I ~ > \ -DrrAUD '%'z; )J, t \ ,, 1 . /0 . ..~ em Condensing Units . ~/ // / / \~, ✓ ♦\ ,,,/j,' /, I /2., / ✓(i,,. \\.'-..>,~:. -... ~ , ,,A, / ,,; / ' ~ :::.r= ~ 1, \ ,, ~ '-I \ \ ,0 ooc_, ~,f ~-_ ·. ~ _,, ,f / 1' \ '\ \ 0 oo't, -~ :;~ I -"' __ • ;~• / , ~ ~-\ •! 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' \ ---~~----=---------7--..__,,, / ---...__ -----J .. ;s /' ------.. --... ___ ;:;,::,:;- ' -______ .,,' ,.,,,, ,,/// ----. __,..,..,.. _,. . ------_,-~- i Project Site Plan Showing Ambient Noise Measurement locations _Oa!}: ln_ll!l'national / Verizon Wireless -La Costa •-figure 5 IILFH__ I \ \ \ ,,@----- , -----.... -----~ \ ·. /, ~-fa ~ ~ ,.' ,,7 A\ ~ J ,, -~ . \ ( -t"✓ \-. \ oot _J:i;. \ \ 0~ ' CT~ \){ \'\ 01.~ \ \ ·,V' ' -,._ -9'~ ~o'' Oo~-i < I'!· . . ·. ·,, ~ 0 ,, ---, ...... __ : ......... -;.; .... , \ " ~------- j ~-\ Calc:ualtd VffU.011:1 'MtdeM -la Cc:aa PacihQ' Neut; tor-:--I c..,otc...,_.,.__ C.lr:u:.ll:d Noiile Le¥d (dBA la() ,,,,,...., ..... r,,BAl I '0,., ' I ,,,,__.r ' I' ."'-,; J-' I '>-t \ ......... ---1 60.0 31.3 I I ..... -{..!!__~ ' ,'t ~ ,,_tt,, ✓ \ /, •'<> "'¾..._ \ bmt»lll!nlP.odWIJ' l 00.0 l l.S Soul!lcna Aold•y 60.0 "-' ---IO.O •z.• ---60.0 ) ... w,.,,.....n,.,..,._,. 60.0 ,.., .....,,,,,.._., .... 60.0 •z.• I I ' ' // _ _ _ _ ,I I -~ I /,, --~ .. /' ~ / ,~ KorthW'n!:f"l)PropervlJac f ,, b / / Z· ,I I -----~ I r; . ,/ ~ / 60.0 4;1.) / Saudi--. Propeirv lme 60.0 ... , -~ I 10 Sou1bcm~Uae I ,,~: If r<JJf I New Kohler Generator and Enclosure Location /'' ,' l ; ,-' I /4,.,...,..,~ ·' ,,. ,J I J.. ; /i ,' /4 ~., ; • I I ,~ I /2:.... / <Oe I .. I I' I / ,: ; ' I I I I ,.I I / I ,, ,' I .. I ,.I / ;.;,1' I I I / L!J I I ~-/~ ,,-</,, /<(~ _,,✓-/­ A'•""~ ,,:;,..-, , >t~•;,"-•/:- / ,,/ -----__ • ..r/~ -✓ --____ ...,~-;#---.. --------_-;-@] ~ _,/' _,,,,,,,. / / ,,.. ------/ 00.0 ,._. 40dBA 45dBA --50dBA --55dBA --60dBA --65dBA --70dBA 75dBA --80dBA --85dBA --90dBA 1 Site Plan Showing Noise Source Locations and Noise Impacts to Project Property Line Receiver Locations Dal.)!_ International I Verizon Wireles~ -La Costa mJ Lf R Figure 6 ATTACHMENT A Relevant Excerpts from the City of Carlsbad Noise Element I. INTRODUCTION A. BACKGROUND AND INTENT The goal of the Noise Element is to achieve and maintain an environment which is free from objectionable, excessive or harmful noise. The Noise Element Identifies and defines existing and future environmental noise levels from sources of noise within or adjacent to the City of Carlsbad by means of Noise Contour maps. Establishes goals, objectives and policies to mitigate these noise impacts. Provides policies and action programs to implement the Goals and Objectives. "The Goal of the Noise Element is to achieve and maintain an environment which is free from objectionable, excessive or harmful noise." B. STATE LAW Section 65302(1) of California's Planning and Zoning Laws requires a Noise Element which identifies and appraises noise problems in the community. The Noise Element shall recognize the guidelines established by the Office of Noise Control in the State Department of Health Services and shall analyze and quantify, to the extent practicable, as determined by the legislative body, current and projected noise levels for all of the following sources: 1. Highways and freeways; 2. Primary arterial and major local streets; 3. Passenger and freight online railroad operations and ground rapid transit systems; 4. Commercial, general aviation, heliport, helistop, and military airport operations, aircraft overflights, jet engine test stands, and all other ground facilities and maintenance functions related to airport operation; 5. Local industrial plants, including, but not limited to, railroad classification yards; and 6. Other ground stationary noise sources identified by local agencies as contributing to the community noise environment. Noise contours shall be shown for all of these sources and stated in terms of community noise equivalent level (CNEL) or day-night average level (Ldn). The noise contours shall be prepared on the basis of noise monitoring or following generally accepted noise modeling techniques for the various sources identified in paragraphs (1) to {6), inclusive. The noise contours shall be used as a guide for establishing a pattern of land uses in the Land Use Element that minimizes the exposure of community residents to excessive noise. The Noise Element shall include implementation measures and possible solutions that address existing and foreseeable noise problems, if any. The adopted Noise Element shall serve as a guideline for compliance with the state's Noise Insulation Standards. C. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS The Noise Element is correlated with the Land Use, Circulation, and Housing Elements of the General Plan. The Land Use Element is related to the Noise Element in that noise can have a significant impact on land use. The Circulation Element is related to the Noise Element in that the majority of the noise created in Carlsbad is created by trains, planes or automobiles. The Housing Element relates to the Noise Element by promoting desirable residential environments which buffer existing and future residents from undesirable noise impacts. Consistent with state law, it is the policy of the City that the Noise Element be consistent with all General Plan Elements. II. SOURCES OF NOISE A. CIRCULATION 1. ROADS Roadway traffic noise is the most extensive noise problem faced by Carlsbad. Barring any dramatic changes in truck or automobile usage patterns, it is likely that the amount of traffic in Carlsbad will grow with the City's population. New development is occurring adjacent to major roadways throughout the City. Unless Pagel ,Vo11c l'.'lc111c'/1/ precautionary measures are taken, serious noise problems could result. "Roadway traffic noise is the most extensive noise problem faced by Carlsbad." Vehicular noise has three main component sources: engine/transmission noise, exhaust noise and tire noise. The intensity of noise emissions from any given vehicle will vary with its size and other factors, such as speed, acceleration, braking, roadway grade and conditions of the roadway surface. Thus a busy downtown arterial with stop and go traffic is often noisier than an open highway with comparable traffic volumes. Noise contours have been prepared for all Circulation Element roadways in Carlsbad as shown on the current and future noise exposure maps (See Map 1: Existing Noise Exposure Contour Map and Map 2: Future Noise Exposure Contour Map}. Interstate 5 has the greatest existing and projected roadway noise emissions. In addition, 1-5 impacts the greatest number of existing dwellings. There are a considerable number of existing single family and multi-family dwellings which are impacted by freeway noise levels in excess of 65 dBA CNEL. For these existing dwellings, noise attenuation is difficult. Construction of solid barriers along the freeway is possible, but cost may be prohibitive. The City can, however, educate property owners as to the methods of insulating existing residential units from freeway noise through the use of barriers and insulation materials. The City's "Development Review: Noise Guidelines Manual" is a useful reference. While other routes within the City have a lesser impact than does 1-5, many roads will still have significant noise impact potential and new projects should therefore be subject to noise impact evaluation. It is important that new development fronting on major roadways be compatible with the recommendations of this element. The action plan section of this element contains the measures intended to avert future problems caused by traffic noise. 2. AIRPORT McClellan-Palomar Airport is presently operating as a general aviation facility and is located _west of El Camino Real, just north of Palomar Airport Road in the City of Carlsbad. The airport's current annual operation of approximately 235,000 aircraft Is expected to increase at the airport's ultimate buildout condition to approximately 334,000. In general, land in the immediate vicinity of the airport or under the take off or landing approach is subject to noise levels which are unsuitable for residential development, schools, hospitals and other similar noise sensitive uses. Projected noise contours around the airport are provided in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP} for McClellan-Palomar Airport and have been included in this Element (See Map 3: Airport Noise Contour Map}. In 1989 the FAA began a detailed noise study for McClellan-Palomar Airport. The findings of this study have been published in the proposed 1992 Part 150 Study for the airport, which is currently under review as part of its adoption process. However, all new development in the vicinity of the airport should continue to be reviewed to ensure compliance with the noise standards contained in this element and the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for McClellan-Palomar Airport. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for McClellan-Palomar Airport is to be a long-range master plan for the airport. As stated in State Public Utility Code Section 21675, "The commission plan shall include and shall be based on a long-range master plan or an airport layout plan, as determined by the Division . of Aeronautics of the Department of Transportation, that reflects the anticipated growth of the airport during at least the next 20 years." For purposes of General Plan Land Use planning, and lacking further information, the City of Carlsbad must assume that the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for McClellan-Palomar Airport is a longrange master plan updated every fi~e years, that reflects anticipated growth for the airport for at least the next twenty (20) years. 3. RAIL The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (AT&SF) Railroad runs parallel to the coastline through its 6 1/2 mile length in Carlsbad. The railroad right- Page2 of-way is 100 feet wide throughout most of the area south of Tamarack Avenue and expands to 200 feet in width as it travels north of Tamarack through the downtown beach area and central business district. Currently AMTRACK operates several daily passenger trains between San Diego and Los Angeles. Additionally, a number of freight trains pass through Carlsbad daily, some after 5 P.M. These evening and nighttime freight trains are of particular concern because they run during the hours when people are more sensitive to noise. By the end of 1993, it is projected that a commuter rail will run at least four daily trips from Oceanside to San Diego with two stops in Carlsbad. Ultimately, up to 20 commuter trains may travel through the City at high speed. There are several sources of railroad noise. The majority of the noise emanates from the locomotive (and its component systems, such as exhaust devices and cooling fans) and from the interaction between the rail and train wheels. The rhythmic clacking noise emitted by trains result from friction of the wheel at rail joints. Roughness on either the rail or wheel can also contribute to increased noise emissions. Safety devices such as warning whistles and wig- wags with bells used at grade crossings can contribute significantly to railroad noise. The State of California Public Utilities Commission requires these warning signals as trains approach grade crossings to warn motorists and pedestrians. "A combined program of noise mitigating design and building sound insulation will help control future noise problems near the railroad." For existing residential units, noise reduction is a problem. It is often difficult and expensive to install sound insulation materials on existing structures. Also, the State Uniform Building Code standards for sound insulation apply only to new structures. Construction of noise barriers along the railroad right-of-way could attenuate noise levels significantly. However, the railroad right-of- way is owned by the AT&SF Railroad, whose consent would be necessary before any barrier could be constructed. Also cost and aesthetic impact may be prohibitive factors in the construction of noise barriers. The Land Use Element of the General Plan designates a substantial amount of land bordering along the railroad right-of-way for residential use. New residential development and nonresidential development will occur adjacent to the railroad. The City does have the ability to regulate site design and requires sound insulation for new development in the vicinity of the railroad. A combined program of noise mitigating design and building sound insulation will help control future noise problems near the railroad. New projects should maximize the physical separation of structures from the railroad tracks. Additionally, project design should stress the orientation of units away from the railroad, limiting or acoustically designing window openings onto the right-of-way, and construction of noise barriers such as solid walls, earthen berms, or berm/wall combinations. B. LAND USE To a great extent, the future ambient noise levels of the City will be determined by the type, intensity and location of future land uses. Future noise levels will also be affected by the construction of new roadways to serve new development and by land uses that generate noise. Noise levels may affect the desirability or livability of a community. Noise may also negatively impact the economic viability of a community by reducing the desirability of an area as a place to live, work, play, or shop. For these reasons, noise continues ta be an important consideration of the City in future land use planning. "To a great extent, the future ambient noise levels of the City will be determined by the type, intensity and location of future land uses." Some land uses are more compatible with higher noise levels than are others. For example, schools, hospitals, churches and residences are generally considered more sensitive to noise intrusion than are commercial or industrial activities. To respond to the sensitivity of certain land uses to higher noise levels, this element includes policies to reduce noise impacts on noise-sensitive uses such as residences. Page3 It may be appropriate to develop noise-sensitive uses such as residences, hospitals, or churches in noisy areas. In these instances, it is important that the proper measures are used to reduce noise Impacts. In all cases sensitive site plan design is to be used as the first method to reduce noise impacts on a project. Sensitive site plan design measures will include, for example, increasing the distance between the noise source and the receiver; placing non-noise sensitive uses such as parking areas, maintenance facilities, and utility areas between the source and the receiver; using non-noise sensitive structures, such as a garage, to shield noise sensitive areas; and, orienting buildings to shield outdoor spaces from a noise source. These and other noise mitigation techniques are discussed in more detail in the City's Noise Guidelines Manual available in the Planning Department. C. OTHER MOBILE SOURCES 1. OFF ROAD MOTORCYCLE NOISE Motorcycle noise has been a problem in Carlsbad. In particular, complaints have been registered against recreational use of dirt bikes or two-cycle engine motorcycles. The Police Department continues to enforce the prohibition of motorized off-road vehicles within the City, except as permitted at the Carlsbad Raceway. Local jurisdictions have the authority to control loud or faulty mufflers, horn blowing, off-road vehicles and vehicle speed. Although noise limits may be set for off-road vehicles, they are rarely necessary since statutes against trespassing nearly always apply. Most trail bikes are not outfitted with the necessary lights, fenders, mufflers, spark arresters or baffles required by law. Consequently they are not licensed and cannot be legally operated on public streets. Continued police enforcement against these unlicensed vehicles would likely reduce motorcycle noise on public streets. 2. MOTOR BOAT This noise problem does not affect very many of Carlsbad's residents. However, in response to noise complaints, the City has adopted a maximum speed limit for boats on the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and has purchased a boat for enforcement. The reduction in speed does reduce noise somewhat. If further control appears warranted, the City should consider setting curfews on the use of the lagoon or limit the types of boats which could use the lagoon. 3. MODIFIED VEHICLE EXHAUST SYSTEM Vehicles operating on city streets which have faulty or modified exhaust systems can cause significant local noise impacts, especially when operated in a "hot rod" manner. Continued enforcement of the vehicle code is encouraged in order to control this contributor to noise pollution. Ill. NOISE CONTOUR MAPS The noise contour maps contained herein, show 1990 and 201 O noise contours for the following transportation systems (See Maps 1 : Existing Noise Exposure Contour Map (1990) and Map 2: Future Noise Exposure Map (2010): (1) Interstate 5 (2) State Highway 78 (3) Circulation Element Roadways of the Carlsbad General Plan (4) Rail (5) McClellan-Palomar Airport Substantial changes in traffic patterns or the availability of new noise contour data may indicate the need for revisions of this element. Consequently, the noise contours contained in this element should be reviewed and revised periodically. Noise levels for McClellan-Palomar Airport are expressed in terms of Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), measured at 5 dB increments and are mapped for the range of 55 to 75 dBA CNEL. Noise levels for freeways, prime arterials and the railroad are expressed as CNEL down to the 60 dBA. All other transportation modes shown on the contour map are expressed as CNEL down to the 55 dBA. Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is based upon A- weighted noise level, number or duration of noise events, and time of occurrence throughout the 24 hour day. The CNEL measurement weights noise occurrences in the evening and nighttime greater than those in the daytime. Please refer to the Carlsbad "Noise Guidelines Manual" for more information regarding CNEL and general noise science. Page4 .,,,..... The airport's projected noise contours identified in the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Plan for McClellan-Palomar Airport are included in this element (See Map 3: Airport Noise Contour Map). IV. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND IMPLEMENTING POLICIES & ACTION PROGRAMS GENERAL A. GOAL A City which is free from excessive, objectionable, or harmful noise. B. OBJECTIVES B.1 To create an ongoing noise identification and control program. B.2 To control harmful or undesirable noise. B.3 To protect the hearing and well being of Carlsbad residents and visitors. C. IMPLEMENTING POLICIES AND ACTION PROGRAMS C.1 Control harmful or undesirable sounds through the planning and regulatory process with emphasis on noise/land-use compatibility planning. C.2 Review all development proposals, both public and private, for consistency with the policies of this element. C.3 Review existing City ordinances which relate to noise control for compatibility with the goals and policies of this Element. C.4 Continue to enforce building codes to ensure adequate sound insulation between dwellings and to ensure adequate sound insulation of interior areas from loud external noise sources. The City shall continue to enforce project conditions of approval related to noise control. C.5 Attempt to control noise primarily at its source. Where this is not feasible, controls along the transmission path of the noise should be required. C.6 Control noise generated through its own functions and activities and minimize noise impacts resulting from City-sponsored or approved activities. C.7 Review City operations to make sure that noise generated by construction, maintenance activities, and street sweeping minimize significant adverse noise levels. C.8 Periodically review the noise contours contained in this element. Substantial changes in traffic patterns or the availability of new noise contour data may indicate the need for revisions. C.9 Participate in noise control and hearing conservation programs in all appropriate work environments owned, operated, or otherwise under the control of the City. LAND USE A. GOALS A. 1 A City where land uses are not significantly impacted by noise. A.2 A City with industrial and commercial land uses which do not produce significantly adverse noise impacts. A.3 A City which controls mobile sources of noise to help assure that mobile noise sources do not substantially contribute to the noise environment. B. OBJECTIVES B.1 To achieve noise compatibility between industrial/commercial and surrounding land uses and achieve an acceptable noise environment in industrial/commercial areas. B.2 To achieve noise impact compatibility between land uses through the land use planning/development review process. B.3 To actively control mobile noise violations. Page 5