J. NoiseLSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
J. NOISE
This section describes existing noise conditions in the vicinity of the project site, describes criteria for
determining the significance of noise impacts, and estimates noise levels that would result from
implementation of the proposed project. Where appropriate, mitigation measures are recommended to
reduce project -related noise impacts.
1. Setting
The setting section begins with an introduction to several key concepts and terms that are used in
evaluating noise and vibration, a related issue. This setting section concludes with a description of
current noise sources that affect the project area and noise levels that are experienced in the project
site vicinity.
a. Characteristics of Sound. Noise is generally defined as unwanted sound. Noise consists of any
sound that may produce physiological or psychological damage and/or interfere with communication,
work, rest, recreation, and sleep.
To the human ear, sound has two significant characteristics: pitch and loudness. Pitch is the number
of complete vibrations or cycles per second of a wave that results in the range of tone from high to
low. Loudness is the strength of a sound that describes a noisy or quiet environment, and it is meas-
ured by the amplitude of the sound wave. Loudness is determined by the intensity of the sound waves
combined with the reception characteristics of the human ear. Sound intensity refers to how hard the
sound wave strikes an object, which in turn produces the sound's effect. This characteristic of sound
can be precisely measured with instruments. The analysis of a project defines the noise environment
of the project area in terms of sound intensity and its effects on adjacent sensitive land uses (e.g.,
residences, nursing homes, schools).
(1) Measurement of Sound. Sound is characterized by various parameters that describe the
rate of oscillation (frequency) of sound waves, the distance between successive troughs or crests in
the wave, the speed that it travels, and the pressure level or energy content of a given sound. The
sound pressure level has become the most common descriptor used to characterize the loudness (or
amplitude) of an ambient sound, and the decibel (dB) scale is used to quantify sound intensity. A
decibel (dB) is a unit of measurement which indicates the relative intensity of a sound. The 0 point on
the dB scale is based on the lowest sound level that the healthy, unimpaired human ear can detect.
Changes of 3 dB or less are only perceptible in laboratory environments. Audible increases in noise
levels generally refer to a change of 3 dB or more, as this level has been found to be barely percept-
ible to the human ear in outdoor environments.
Because sound can vary in intensity by over one million times within the range of human hearing, a
logarithmic loudness scale' is used to keep sound intensity numbers at a convenient and manageable
level. Thus, a 10 dBA increase in the level of a continuous noise represents a perceived doubling of
loudness, while a 20 dBA increase is 100 times more intense, and a 30 dBA increase is 1,000 times
more intense. As noise spreads from a source, it loses energy so that the farther away the noise
1 Unlike linear units such as inches or pounds, decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, representing points on a
sharply rising curve. The logarithmic decibel scale allows an extremely wide range of acoustic energy to be characterized in
a manageable notation.
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J. NOISE
receiver is from the noise source, the lower the perceived noise level. Noise levels diminish or attenu-
ate as distance from the source increases based on an inverse square rule, depending on how the noise
source is physically configured. Noise levels from a single -point source, such as a single piece of
construction equipment at ground level, attenuate at a rate of 6 dB for each doubling of distance
(between the single -point source of noise and the noise -sensitive receptor of concern). Heavily
traveled roads with few gaps in traffic behave as continuous line sources and attenuate roughly at a
rate of 3 dB per doubling of distance.
Since the human ear is not equally sensitive to all pitches (sound frequencies) within the entire spec-
trum, a special frequency -dependent rating scale has been devised to relate noise to human sensitivity
in a process called "A -weighting," expressed as "dBA." The dBA or A -weighted decibel refers to a
scale of noise measurement that approximates the range of sensitivity of the human ear to sounds of
different frequencies. Table V.J-1 contains a list of typical acoustical terms and definitions. Table
V.J-2 shows some representative noise sources and their corresponding noise levels in dBA.
There are many ways to rate noise for various time periods, but an appropriate rating of ambient noise
affecting humans also accounts for the annoying effects of sound, including during sensitive times of
the day and night. The equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) is the total sound energy of time
varying noise over a sample period. However, the predominant rating scales in the State of California
are the Leq, the community noise equivalent level (CNEL), and the day -night average level (Ld„)
based on A -weighted decibels (dBA). CNEL is the time varying noise over a 24-hour period, with a 5
dBA weighting factor applied to the hourly Leq for noises occurring from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(defined as relaxation hours) and a 10 dBA weighting factor applied to noise occurring from 10:00
p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (defined as sleeping hours). Ld„ is similar to the CNEL scale, but without the
adjustment for events occurring during the evening relaxation hours. CNEL and Ld„ are within 1 dBA
of each other and are normally exchangeable. The noise adjustments are added to the noise events
occurring during the more sensitive hours. Typical A -weighted sound levels from various sources are
identified in Table V.J-2.
When assessing the annoyance factor, other noise rating scales of importance include the maximum
noise level (LmaA which is the highest exponential time averaged sound level that occurs during a
stated time period. The noise environments discussed in this analysis are specified in terms of maxi-
mum levels denoted by Lmax for short-term noise events. Lmax reflects peak operating conditions and
addresses the annoying aspects of intermittent noise.
Noise impacts can be organized into three categories. The first category comprises audible increases
in noise levels noticeable to humans. Audible increases in noise levels generally refer to a change of
3.0 dBA or greater, since, as described earlier, this level has been found to be barely perceptible in
exterior environments. The second category, potentially audible, refers to a change in the noise level
between 1.0 and 3.0 dBA. This range of noise levels has been found to be noticeable only in labora-
tory environments. The last category is changes in noise level of less than 1.0 dBA that are inaudible
to the human ear. Only audible changes in existing ambient or background noise levels are considered
potentially significant.
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JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
Table V.J-1: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term
Definitions
Decibel, dB
A unit that denotes the ratio between two quantities proportional to power; the number of
decibels is 10 times the logarithm (to the base 10) of this ratio.
Frequency, Hz
Of a function periodic in time, the number of times that the quantity repeats itself in one
second (i.e., number of cycles per second).
A -Weighted Sound
The sound level obtained by use of A -weighting. The A -weighting filter de-emphasizes the
Level, dBA
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.
All sound levels in this section are A -weighted, unless reported otherwise.
Lot, L1o, L5o, L
The fast A -weighted noise levels equaled or exceeded by a fluctuating sound level for 1
percent, 10 percent, 50 percent, and 90 percent of a stated time period.
Equivalent
The level of a steady sound that, in a stated time period and at a stated location, has the
Continuous Noise
same A -weighted sound energy as the time -varying sound.
Level, Le
Community Noise
The 24-hour A -weighted average sound level from midnight to midnight, obtained after the
Equivalent Level,
addition of 5 decibels to sound levels occurring in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
CNEL
and after the addition of 10 decibels to sound levels occurring in the night between 10:00
p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Day/Night Noise
The 24-hour A -weighted average sound level from midnight to midnight, obtained after the
Level, Lam,
addition of 10 decibels to sound levels occurring in the night between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m.
L, Lmin
The maximum and minimum A -weighted sound levels measured on a sound level meter,
during a designated time interval, using fast time averaging.
Ambient Noise
The all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment at a specified time,
Level
usually a composite of sound from many sources at many directions, near and far; no
articular sound is dominant.
Intrusive
The noise that intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The
relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time
of occurrence and tonal or informational content as well as the prevailing ambient noise
level.
Source: Harris, Cyril M., 1998. Handbook of Acoustical Measurements and Noise Control.
(2) Physiological Effects of Noise. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development's 1985 Noise Guidebook, permanent physical damage to human hearing begins at pro-
longed exposure to noise levels higher than 85 to 90 dBA. Exposure to high noise levels affects our
entire system, with prolonged noise exposure in excess of 75 dBA increasing body tensions, and
thereby affecting blood pressure, functions of the ear, and the nervous system. In comparison,
extended periods of noise exposure above 90 dBA would result in permanent cell damage. When the
noise level reaches 120 dBA, a tickling sensation occurs in the human ear even with short-term
exposure. This level of noise is called the threshold of feeling. To avoid adverse effects on human
physical and mental health in the workplace or in communities, the U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires the protection of workers from
hearing loss when the noise exposure equals or exceeds an 8 -hour time -weighted average of 85 dBA.Z
2 Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 2011. Regulations, Standards 29 CFR, Occupational Noise
Exposure 1910.95.
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APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
Unwanted community effects of noise occur at levels much lower than those that cause hearing loss
and other health effects. Noise annoyance occurs when it interferes with sleeping, conversation, and
noise -sensitive work, including learning or listening to the radio, television, or music. According to
World Health Organization (WHO) noise studies, few people are seriously annoyed by daytime
activities with noise levels below 55 dBA, or are only moderately annoyed with noise levels below 50
dBA.'
Fable V.J-2: I'voical A -W
Common Outdoor Sound Levels
Commercial Jet (Flyover at 1000, Feet
Gas Lawn Mover at 3 (Feet
Diesel Truck at 50 Feet
Concrete Mixer at 50, Feet
Air Compressor at 50 Feet
Lawn Tiller at 50 (Feet
Quiet Urban daytime
Quiet Urban Nighttime
Quiet Suburban Nighttime
Quiet Rural Nighttime
Sound Levels
Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc., 2009.
Common Indoor Sound l Levels
Brack Band
inside Subway Train (New Mark)
Food Blender at 3 Feet
Garbage Disposal at 3 feet
Shouting at 3 Feet
Vacuum Cleaner at 10 Feet
Normal Speech at 3 Feet
Large Business Office
Dishwasher Next Room
Small Theater, Large Conference Room
(Background)
Library
Bedroom at Night
Concert Mall (Background)
Broadcast and Recording Studio
Threshold of Hearing
b. Characteristics of Groundborne Vibration. Vibrating objects in contact with the ground
radiate vibration waves through various soil and rock strata to the foundations of nearby buildings. As
the vibration propagates from the foundation throughout the remainder of the building, the vibration
of floors and walls may cause perceptible vibration from the rattling of windows or a rumbling noise.
The rumbling sound caused by the vibration of room surfaces is called groundbome noise. When
3 World Health Organization, 1999. Guidelines for Community Noise. Website: www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/
guidelines2.html.
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J. NOISE
assessing annoyance from groundbome noise,
vibration is typically expressed as root mean
square (rms) velocity in units of decibels of 1
micro -inch per second. To distinguish vibra-
tion levels from noise levels, the unit is written
as "VdB." Human perception to vibration in
indoor environments starts at levels as low as
67 VdB and sometimes lower. Annoyance due
to vibration in residential settings starts at
approximately 70 VdB. Groundbome vibration
is almost never annoying to people who are
outdoors. Although the motion of the ground
may be perceived, without the effects associ-
ated with the shaking of the building, the
motion does not provoke the same adverse
human reaction.
In extreme cases, excessive groundbome
vibration has the potential to cause structural Source: Federal Transit Administration, 2006. Transit Noise and
damage to buildings. Construction vibration Vibration Impact Assessment. May.
impacts on building structures are generally
assessed in terms of peak particle velocity (PPV). Common sources of groundbome vibration include
trains and construction activities such as blasting, pile driving and operating heavy earthmoving
equipment. Typical vibration source levels from construction equipment are shown in Table V.J-3.
Table V.J-3: Typical Vibration Source Levels for
Construction Equipment
Equipment
PPV at
25 ft in/sec
Approximate
VdB at 25 feet
Pile Driver
(impact)
Upper
range
1.518
112
Typical 0.644
104
Pile Driver
(sonic)
Upper
range
0.734
105
Typical 0.170
93
Clam shovel drop
(slurry wall
0.202
94
Hydromill
(slurry wall)
In soil
0.008
66
In rock 0.017
75
Vibratory roller
0.210
94
Hoe ram
0.089
87
Large bulldozer
0.089
87
Caisson drilling
0.089
87
Loaded trucks
0.076
86
Jackhammer
0.035
79
Small bulldozer
0.003
58
C. Existing Noise Environment. The project site is located in one of the City's commercial areas,
and is bordered to the north by East Homestead Road, to the east by North Tantau Avenue and
adjacent commercial uses, to the south by I-280, and to the west by North Wolfe Road. Pruneridge
Avenue bisects the site. Beyond these roadways are predominantly commercial and residential uses.
The following section describes the existing noise environment and identifies primary noise sources
in the vicinity of the project site.
(1) Existing Ambient Noise Levels. Short-term noise monitoring was conducted to establish
the existing ambient noise environment at sensitive land uses in the vicinity of the project site.
Monitoring locations are shown in Figure V.J-1.
Six short-term noise measurements (identified as ST -1 through ST -6) were made on the afternoon of
October 25, 2011, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. for periods of 15 minutes each. Noise measure-
ment data collected during the short-term noise measurements are summarized in Table V.J-4. The
meteorological conditions at the time of noise monitoring are shown in Table V.J-5. The short-term
noise measurements show that ambient noise in the project site vicinity ranges from approximately 52
dBA to 71 dBA Leq. Traffic on surrounding roadways is the primary noise source.
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JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
Table V.J-4: Short -Term Ambient Noise Monitoring Results, dBA, October 25, 2011
Location
Maximum
Wind Speed
(mph)
Start
Temperature
°F
Relative
Humidity
%
Sky
Conditions
ST -1
Number
Location Description
Time
L a
Lmaxb
Lm,.`
Primary Noise Sources
ST -1
Former HP Building 48 courtyard,
2:50 p.m.
52.0
54.8
50.8
Mechanical noise, people conversing,
72
center of volleyball court
1 Clear
ST -4
7
3
wind, distant traffic from I-280
ST -2
The Hamptons (apartments), northwest
3:18 p.m.
64.4
83.1
53.4
Traffic on North Wolfe Road and
Clear
corner of outdoor eating area
3
2
66
63
Pruneridge Avenue
ST -3
The Hamptons, southeast corner of
3:39 p.m.
60.1
72.1
57.2
Traffic on I-280
basketball court
ST -4
963 Homestead Road, on sidewalk
4:04 p.m.
71.4
78.9
52.2
Traffic on East Homestead Road
ST -5
Property line between Meadow Avenue
4:32 p.m.
53.1
62.6
49.2
Traffic on North Taman Avenue and
and 10700 North Taman Avenue
Pruneridge Avenue, parking lot activity
ST -6
Jenny Strand Park, basketball court
5:13 p.m.
59.1
70.4
55.7
Traffic on I-280, children playing in
ark
a Leq represents the average of the sound energy occurring over the 15 -minute time period.
b Lma is the highest instantaneous sound level measured during the 15 -minute time period.
Lmin is the lowest instantaneous sound level measured during the 15 -minute time period.
Source: LSA Associates, Inc., October 2011.
Table V.J-5: Meteorological Conditions During Ambient Noise Monitoring
Location
Number
Maximum
Wind Speed
(mph)
Average
Wind Speed
(mph)
Temperature
°F
Relative
Humidity
%
Sky
Conditions
ST -1
4
2
71
36
Clear
ST -2
1
0
77
36
Clear
ST -3
3
1 2
72
41
1 Clear
ST -4
7
3
71
46
Clear
ST -5
2
0
69
56
Clear
ST -6
3
2
66
63
Clear
Source: LSA Associates, Inc., October 2011.
(2) Existing Aircraft Noise Levels. The public airports nearest to the project site are the San
Jose International Airport (5.3 miles northeast of the site), Reid -Hillview of Santa Clara County
Airport (12.5 miles east of the site), and Palo Alto Airport (12.5 miles northwest of the site). The
nearest private airfield, Moffett Federal Airfield, is located approximately 6.2 miles northwest of the
project site. Although aircraft -related noise is occasionally audible on the project site, the site does
not lie within an airport land use plan area or within the 60 dBA CNEL noise contours of any of these
public airports or private airfields.
(3) Existing Traffic Noise Levels. Existing traffic noise levels were calculated using the
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model. Traffic data
used in the model were obtained from the Transportation Impact Analysis prepared by Fehr & Peers
Transportation Consultants for the proposed proiect.4 The traffic noise model printouts are included in
Appendix E.
4 Fehr & Peers Transportation Consultants, 2013. fipple Campus 2 Transportation Impact Analysis.
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L S A FIGURE V.J—I
Noise Monitoring Location
m Apple Campus 2 Project Site
0 300 600
FEET
SOURCES: GOOGLE EARTH, LSAASSOCIATES, INC., 2011.
I:ACOCII01 Apple Campus 21,figures\Fig VJI.ai (6/3/13)
Apple Campus 2 Project EIR
Noise Monitoring Locations
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
JUNE 2015
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APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
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Table V.J-6 lists the calculated traffic noise levels along roadway segments in the project site vicinity
under existing conditions. For purposes of assessing impacts, this analysis considers existing condi-
tions to be those associated with conditions on the site as of August 2011, at the time the Notice of
Preparation was published. Under the August 2011 baseline conditions, approximately 4,844
employees worked on the project site. The current employee numbers on the site reflect Apple's
relocation of its employees in preparation for the project and Hewlett Packard's consolidation of its
employees in Palo Alto. The site has historically operated at its capacity level of 9,800 employees.
Therefore, the noise impact analysis, which evaluates the difference between existing and with -project
noise levels (including on roadway segments around the project site), represents a conservative
approach to evaluating project -related noise impacts.
Table V.J-6: Existing Traffic Noise Levels
RoadwaySegment
Average
Daily
Trips'
Centerline Centerline Centerline
to 70 dBA to 65 dBA to 60 dBA
CNEL CNEL CNEL
feet feet feet
CNEL(dBA)
50 Feet From
Outermost
Lane
1 Homestead Road - Sunnyvale- Saratoa Road to BlaneyAvenue
23,300
< 50
90
187
66.4
2 Homestead Road - BlaneyAvenue to Wolfe Road
23,600
< 50
90
189
66.4
3 Homestead Road - Wolfe Road to Tantau Avenue
23,900
< 50
91
191
66.5
4 Homestead Road - Tantau Avenue to Lawrence Expressway
20,800
< 50
84
174
65.9
5 Sunnyvale- Saratoa Road - Fremont Avenue to Homestead Road
39,300
79
156
329
69.3
6 DeAnza Boulevard - Homestead Road to I-280 NB Rams
48,400
89
178
377
70.2
7 DeAnza Boulevard - I-280 SB Ramps to Stevens Creek Boulevard
44,400
85
169
357
69.9
8 Wolfe Road - Fremont Avenue to Homestead Road
24,600
< 50
96
196
65.9
9 Wolfe Road - Homestead Road to Project Entrance
31,800
< 50
112
231
67.0
10 Wolfe Road - Project Entrance to Pruneridge Avenue
31,100
< 50
110
228
66.9
11 Wolfe Road - Pruneridge Avenue to I-280 NB Rams
38,200
66
125
261
67.8
12 Wolfe Road - I-280 SB Ramps to Vallco Parkway
34,200
63
117
242
67.3
13 Wolfe Road - Vallco Parkway to Stevens Creek Boulevard
24,600
< 50
96
196
65.9
14 Miller Road - Stevens Creek Boulevard to Bollinger Road
17,100
< 50
79
155
64.3
15 Tantau Avenue - Homestead Road to Pruneridge Avenue
9,000
< 50
< 50
99
63.2
16 Tantau Avenue - Pruneridge Avenue to Tandem Drive
9,700
< 50
< 50
104
63.5
17 Tantau Avenue - Tandem Drive to Vallco Parkway
10,400
< 50
52
109
63.8
18 Tantau Avenue - Vallco Parkway to Stevens Creek Boulevard
8,800
< 50
< 50
98
63.1
19 Lawrence Expressway - Homestead Road to Pruneridge Avenue
57,500
140
288
612
72.8
20 Lawrence Expressway - Pruneridge Avenue to Stevens Creek Blvd
56,400
139
284
605
72.7
21 Stevens Creek Boulevard - SR 85 NB Ramps to Stelling Road
33,700
63
116
240
67.2
22 Stevens Creek Boulevard - Stelling Road to De Anza Blvd
28,700
< 50
105
216
66.5
23 Stevens Creek Boulevard - De Anza Boulevard to Wolfe Road
25,600
< 50
99
201
66.1
24 Stevens Creek Boulevard - Wolfe Road to Finch Avenue
21,700
< 50
90
181
65.3
25 Stevens Creek Boulevard - Finch Avenue to Tantau Avenue
23,200
< 50
93
189
65.6
26 Stevens Creek Boulevard - Tantau Avenue to I-280 SB Rams
27,500
< 50
103
210
66.4
27 DeAnza Boulevard - Stevens Creek Blvd to McClellan Road
12,800
< 50
80
159
64.5
28 DeAnza Boulevard - McClellan Road to Bollinger Boulevard
1 7,400
< 50
< 50
113
62.1
'Average daily trips are estimated based on the peak hour traffic volumes.
b Traffic noise within 50 feet of the roadway centerline requires a site-specific analysis.
Note: Shaded cells indicate roadway segments adjacent to the project site.
Source: LSA Associates, Inc., 2012.
Results indicate that existing traffic noise levels from modeled roadway segments nearest the project
site range from approximately 63 dBA to 67 dBA CNEL as measured at 50 feet from the centerline of
the outermost travel lane.
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In order to analyze the worst case scenario and
highest traffic volumes for each of the mod-
eled scenarios, PM traffic volumes were used
to calculate the Average Daily Traffic (ADT)
volumes, as PM volumes were higher overall
than the AM traffic volumes.
d. Regulatory Framework. The follow-
ing section summarizes the regulatory frame-
work related to noise, including federal, State
and City of Cupertino plans, policies and
standards.
(1) U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA). In 1972, Congress
enacted the Noise Control Act. This act
authorized the U.S. EPA to publish descrip-
tive data on the effects of noise and establish
levels of sound "requisite to protect the public
welfare with an adequate margin of safety."
These levels are separated into health (hearing
loss levels) and welfare (annoyance levels)
categories, as shown in Table V.J-7. The U.S.
EPA cautions that these identified levels are
not standards because they do not take into
account the cost or feasibility of the levels.
For protection against hearing loss, 96 percent
of the population would be protected if sound
levels are less than or equal to an Leq(24) of 70
dBA. The "(24)" signifies an Leq duration of
24 hours. The U.S. EPA activity and interfer-
ence guidelines are designed to ensure reliable
speech communication at about 5 feet in the
outdoor environment. For outdoor and indoor
environments, interference with activity and
annoyance should not occur if levels are
below 55 dBA and 45 dBA, respectively.
The noise effects associated with an outdoor
Ldn of 55 dBA are summarized in Table V.J-8
At 55 dBA Ld,,, 95 percent sentence clarity
(intelligibility) may be expected at I I feet,
with no substantial community reaction.
However, 1 percent of the population may
complain about noise at this level and 17
percent may indicate annoyance.
Table V.J-7: Summary of EPA Noise Levels
Effect
Level
Area
Hearing loss
L,,(24):< 70 dB
All areas.
Outdoor
L"< 55 dB
Outdoors in residential
activity inter-
areas and farms and
ference and
(average) at 1.0 meter.
other outdoor areas
annoyance
where people spend
Average
None evident; 7 dB below level of
widely varying amounts
significant complaints and threats of
Reaction
of time and other places
"vigorous action."
in which quiet is a basis
1 percent dependent on attitude and other
for use.
Annoyance
Leq(24) < 55 dB
Outdoor areas where
other non -level related factors.
Attitude
people spend limited
Towards Area
various factors.
amounts of time, such
as school yards, play -
rounds, etc.
Indoor activity
L,,:< 45 dB
Indoor residential areas.
Leq(24) < 45 dB
Other indoor areas with
interference
and annoyance
human activities such
as schools, etc.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1974. Informa-
tion on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to
Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate
Margin of Safety. March.
Table V.J-8: Summary of Human Effects in
Areas Exposed to 55 dBA Ldn
Type of Effects
Magnitude of Effect
Speech —
100 percent sentence intelligibility (aver -
Indoors
age) with a 5 dB margin of safety.
Speech —
100 percent sentence intelligibility (aver -
Outdoors
age) at 0.35 meter.
99 percent sentence intelligibility
(average) at 1.0 meter.
95 percent sentence intelligibility
(average) at 3.5 meters.
Average
None evident; 7 dB below level of
Community
significant complaints and threats of
Reaction
legal action and at least 16 dB below
"vigorous action."
Complaints
1 percent dependent on attitude and other
non -level related factors.
Annoyance
17 percent dependent on attitude and
other non -level related factors.
Attitude
Noise essentially the least important of
Towards Area
various factors.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1974. Informa-
tion on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to
Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate
Margin of Safety. March.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
(2) State of California. The State of California has established regulations that help prevent
adverse impacts to occupants of buildings located near noise sources. The "State Noise Insulation
Standard" requires noise -sensitive land uses to meet performance standards through design and/or
building materials that would offset any noise source in the vicinity of the building. The State has also
established land use compatibility guidelines for determining acceptable noise levels for specified
land uses. The City of Cupertino has adopted the State's land use compatibility guidelines, as
discussed below and shown in Table V.J-9.
(3) Local Agencies. The project site is located within the City of Cupertino. The project site
also borders residential land uses within the jurisdictions of the City of Santa Clara and the City of
Sunnyvale. However, the policies and standards of the City of Cupertino are used in this analysis to
determine significance findings. The City of Sunnyvale and the City of Santa Clara noise standards
have also been used to evaluate the project, but not in determining significance findings. To the extent
these neighboring jurisdictions have more stringent standards for noise levels around residential
properties, potential impacts have been identified and an explanation of the applicable standard has
been provided. The applicable noise policies, standards, and ordinances of the City of Cupertino,
upon which a determination of significance findings is based, are summarized as follows.
City of Cupertino. The following section summarizes the regulatory framework established by
the City of Cupertino. The City of Cupertino addresses noise in the Noise Element of the General
Plans and in the Municipal Code .6 The City's land use compatibility standards for community noise
environments are shown in Table V.J-9. According to these standards, environments with noise levels
ranging up to 70 dBA CNEL are considered "normally acceptable" for new office and commercial
land use development. The policies listed in the Noise Element of the General Plan that are applicable
to the proposed project are provided below:
Policy 6-51: Freeway Design and Neighborhood Noise
Ensure that roads and development along I-85 and I-280 are designed and improved in a way that minimizes
neighborhood noise.
Policy 6-53: Neighborhood Need Priority
Review the needs of residents for convenience and safety and make them a priority over the convenient
movement of commute or through traffic where practical.
Policy 6-54: Traffic Calming Solutions to Street Noise
Evaluate solutions to discourage through traffic in neighborhoods through modified street design. Examples
include meandering streets, diverters, landscape islands and wide parking strips
Policy 6-58: Commercial Delivery Areas
Be sure new commercial or industrial developments plan their delivery areas so they are away from existing or
planned homes.
5 Cupertino, City of, 2005. Cupertino General Plan 2000 — 2020. November 15.
6 Cupertino, City of, 2011. City of Cupertino Municipal Code. September 20.
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J. NOISE
Policy 6-59: Delivery Hours
Actively enforce Section 10.48 of the Municipal Code limiting commercial and industrial delivery hours
adjoining residential uses.
Policy 6-60: Noise Control Techniques
Require analysis and implementation of techniques to control the effects of noise from industrial equipment and
processes for projects near homes.
Policy 6-61: Hours of Construction Work
Restrict non -emergency building construction work near homes during evening, early morning, and weekends
by enforcing the noise regulations in the Municipal Code.
Policy 6-62: Construction and Maintenance Activities
Regulate construction and maintenance activities. Establish and enforce reasonable allowable periods of the
day, for weekdays, weekends and holidays for construction activities. Require construction contractors to use
only construction equipment incorporating the best available noise control technology
Policy 6-63: Sound Wall Requirements
Exercise discretion in requiring sound walls to be sure that all other measures of noise control have been
explored and that the sound wall blends with the neighborhood. Sound walls should be landscaped.
Policy 6-64: Building Code Sections on Exterior Noise Intrusion
Require the City Building Department to enforce all sections of the California Building Code for exterior sound
transmission control (Sec. 1208A.8.1).
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
Table V.J-9: City of Cupertino Noise and Land Use Compatibility Standards
Land Use Category
Community Noise Exposure in Decibels (CNEL) or
Day/Night Average Noise Level in Decibels (Ldn)
55 60 65 70 75 80
Residential — Low Density
(Single -Family, Duplex, Mobile
Homes)
Residential — Multi -Family
Transient Lodging (Motels, Hotels)
Schools, Libraries, Churches, Hospitals,
Nursing Homes�����������������
Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheaters
Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports
Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding Stables, Water
Recreation, Cemeteries
Office Buildings, Business Commercial
and Professional Centers
Industrial, Manufacturing, Utilities,
Agriculture
NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE
Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the
assumption that any buildings involved are of normal
conventional construction, without any special noise
insulation requirements.
CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should be undertaken
only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction
requirements is made and needed noise reduction features
included in the design. Conventional construction, but
with windows closed and fresh air supply systems or air
conditioning will normally suffice.
NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should generally
be discouraged. If new construction or development
does proceed, a detailed analysis of the noise
reduction requirements must be made and needed
noise insulation features included in the design.
CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should generally
not be undertaken.
Source: Cupertino, City of, 2005. Cupertino General Plan 2000 — 2020. Figure 6-L. November 15.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
The City of Cupertino further addresses noise in the Municipal Code in Chapter 10.48, Community
Noise Control. Section 10.48.040 establishes the acceptable daytime and nighttime maximum noise
levels at receiving land uses. The maximum permissible noise level (as measured at receiving
sensitive land uses) that may be generated by sources on a nonresidential land use is 55 dBA during
nighttime hours and 65 dBA during daytime hours. The maximum permissible noise level that may be
generated by sources on a residential land use is 50 dBA during nighttime hours and 60 dBA during
daytime hours. Daytime hours are defined to be the period from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays,
and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends. During the daytime period only, brief noise incidents
exceeding established limits are permitted, providing that the sum of the noise duration in minutes
plus the excess noise level does not exceed twenty in a 2 -hour period. Table V.J-10 shows example
combinations of allowable noise level exceedances.
Table V.J-10: City of Cupertino Example Maximum Permissible Noise Levels
Noise Increment
Above Normal Standard
Noise Duration
in 2 -Hour Period
5 dBA
15 minutes
10 dBA
10 minutes
15 dBA
5 minutes
19 dBA
1 minute
Source: Cupertino, City of, 2011. City of Cupertino Municipal Code. Section 10.48.040. September 20.
According to Section 10.48.051 of the Municipal Code, the use of motorized equipment for landscape
maintenance activities is limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays for the proposed project. During these hours, noise from the use
of motorized equipment for landscape maintenance activities is allowed to exceed the maximum
permissible noise limits of Section 10.48.040 of the Municipal Code, provided that the equipment is
outfitted with appropriate mufflers and is operated over the minimal period necessary.
According to Section 10.48.053 of the Municipal Code, noise from grading, construction, and demoli-
tion activities is also allowed to exceed the maximum permissible noise limits described above (with
examples given in Table V.J-10), provided that the equipment utilized is outfitted with high-quality
mufflers and abatement devices and is in good condition. In addition, noise -producing construction
activities must meet one of the following criteria:
• No individual device produces a noise level of more than 87 dBA Lmw, as measured at a
distance of 25 feet; or
• The operation of such equipment does not produce noise levels that exceed 80 dBA Lmw, as
measured at any nearby property.
Except for emergency work, construction activities including grading, street construction, demolition,
or underground utility work are not permitted within 750 feet of a residential area on Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays, and during the nighttime period. Construction activities, other than street
construction, are prohibited on holidays (which include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independ-
ence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). In addition, construction activities,
other than street construction, are prohibited during nighttime periods unless they meet the City's
nighttime maximum permissible noise level standards.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
The City's land use activity and site development regulations in Section 19.56.060 of the Municipal
Code address noise standards for new commercial construction that adjoins a residential district.
Because the City has determined that the project meets the definition of a commercial use (Section
10.48.062), these standards apply to the project. The construction of new buildings on properties
adjoining a residential district must include the following noise attenuation features:
• Exterior walls must be designed to attenuate all noise emanating from interior retail space.
• Loading docks and doors must be located away from residential districts. Required fire
doors are excluded.
• Air conditioning, exhaust fans, and other mechanical equipment must be acoustically
isolated to comply with the Noise Ordinance.
• A minimum 8 -foot -high masonry sound wall must be installed on or adjacent to the
common property line between a retail and residential property, to the extent feasible
consistent with existing landscaping. Wall height is measured from the property with the
highest finish grade.
2. Impacts and Mitigation Measures
This section evaluates potential noise impacts associated with implementation of the proposed project
and mitigation measures to address these impacts, where appropriate.
a. Criteria of Significance. A project would have a significant noise effect if it would substan-
tially increase the ambient noise levels of adjoining areas or conflict with adopted environmental
plans and goals of applicable regulatory agencies. For the purposes of this EIR, the project would
result in a significant noise impact if it would:
• Expose persons to or generate noise levels in excess of standards established in the General
Plan, Noise Ordinance, or applicable standards of regulatory agencies;
• Create a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project site vicinity
above levels existing without the project;
• Create a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project
site vicinity above levels existing without the project;
• Expose persons to or generate excessive ground -borne vibration or ground -borne noise
levels;
• For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, expose people residing or
working in the project area to excessive noise levels; or
• For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, expose people residing or working in
the project area to excessive noise levels.
For the purposes of this analysis, a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels is consid-
ered to be more than 3 dBA. This criterion is based on the fact that 3 dBA is the smallest change that
has been found to be barely perceptible to the human ear in outdoor environments. In addition, for
purposes of this analysis, a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels is
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J. NOISE
considered to be more than 5 dBA, as a change of 5 dBA is considered the smallest change that is
readily perceptible in outdoor environments.
b. Less -Than -Significant Impacts. The less -than -significant impacts of the project on noise are
discussed below.
(1) Expose Persons to or Generate Noise Levels in Excess of Applicable Standards.
Implementation of the proposed project would result in less -than -significant noise impacts associated
with project -related stationary noise sources, and exposure of persons within the site to traffic -related
noise, as discussed in detail below.
Stationary Noise. As described in the regulatory framework discussion above, the City of
Cupertino has established maximum permissible noise levels that may be generated by sources on a
nonresidential land use. These maximum levels are 55 dBA during nighttime hours and 65 dBA
during daytime hours, as measured at a receiving sensitive land use. (Daytime hours are defined to be
the period from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends.)
The maximum permissible noise level that may be generated by sources on a residential land use is 50
dBA during nighttime hours and 60 dBA during daytime hours. Similarly, the City of Santa Clara has
established maximum acceptable noise levels at a receiving residential land use of 55 dBA between
the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and 50 dBA between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
However, if the measured ambient noise level at a given location differs from the maximum allowa-
ble noise standard, the allowable noise exposure standard should be adjusted in 5 dBA increments for
that land use category to encompass or reflect the measured existing ambient noise level. The City of
Sunnyvale has established that operational maximum noise limits must not exceed 75 dBA at any
point on the property line of the premises upon which the noise or sound is generated or produced,
provided that the noise or sound level does not exceed 50 dBA during nighttime hours or 60 dBA
during daytime hours at any point on adjacent residentially -zoned property.
On-site office and research and development uses would contain stationary noise sources such as
mechanical equipment, occasional truck delivery loading/unloading activities, transit center load-
ing/unloading activities, and typical parking lot activities. These activities are potential point sources
of noise that could affect noise -sensitive receptors in the project site vicinity.
Of the on-site stationary noise sources, noise generated by delivery truck activity would generate the
highest maximum noise levels. While parking activities, such as people conversing or doors slam-
ming, would generate noise levels of approximately 60 dBA to 70 dBA Lmax at 50 feet, delivery truck
loading and unloading activities would result in maximum noise levels from 75 dBA to 85 dBA Lmax
at 50 feet.
There are generally two types of loading that would occur on the site: small deliveries like parcels and
packages, and large deliveries such as major retail items, weekly food deliveries for the dining
facility, or bulk supplies for the proposed office and research and development facilities. The former
are typically made via passenger car, van, or single -unit truck.
Deliveries to the Main Building would occur primarily via the underground parking area and deliver-
ies to the buildings adjacent to North Tantau Avenue are anticipated to occur via surface parking or
indoor parking areas. The closest noise -sensitive receptors to potential project delivery loading areas
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J. NOISE
at the Phase 2 Buildings include the single-family residential land uses on Howard Drive and
Meadow Avenue. The outdoor active use areas (backyards) of these residences are located approxi-
mately 70 feet from the nearest potential small delivery loading and unloading areas. However, there
is an existing 6 -foot block wall along the project site property line that would effectively reduce noise
from the delivery loading operations by a minimum of 6 to 8 dBA at the nearest receiving residential
units. Therefore, noise levels from delivery loading and unloading activities at the proposed buildings
east of North Tantau Avenue could range up to 61 dBA Lmax intermittently at the nearest residential
outdoor active use areas. These noise levels are similar to what is currently experienced at these land
uses from existing delivery activity operations on the project site. Therefore, as project -related
delivery activity noise levels would not exceed existing noise levels as measured at receiving
sensitive land uses, this impact would be less than significant.
All other project delivery and loading/unloading areas would occur in the project's underground
parking structures, and would therefore not adversely affect sensitive receptors in the project site
vicinity. Activities in the underground parking structure would not be audible at residential uses
surrounding the project site.
The proposed project would also include new mechanical noise sources, including the proposed
Central Plant, as well as heating -air -conditioning -and -ventilation (HVAC) systems on each building.
The proposed Central Plant would be located in the southwest corner of the project site adjacent to the
Main Parking Structure. The closest sensitive receptors to this facility would be the residents at The
Hamptons, approximately 350 feet away. Outdoor equipment associated with the Central Plant would
include cooling towers, fuel cells, and emergency generators. However, the mechanical equipment at
the Central Plan would be designed such that associated noise would not be audible at The Hamptons.
Noise attenuation would be achieved in the following ways:
• Central Plant doors would be insulated to reduce noise transmission, and ventilation paths
to interior spaces would include sound attenuators and acoustic louvers.
• The cooling towers would be located in a well between the Main Parking Structure and the
Central Plant that would be surrounded by a solid wall on all sides. In addition, nighttime
operation would be optimized to reduce cooling tower activity and associated noise.
• The fuel cells would be located to the south of the Main Parking Structure, such that the
Main Parking Structure would block associated noise emanating towards The Hamptons.
• The emergency generators, which would be located to the east of the fuel cells, would be
enclosed in a sound -attenuating, weather-proof enclosure. Periodic testing of the generators
would be designed to limit disturbance to nearby residential uses.
With these noise -reducing features, combined with the distance from the Central Plant to The
Hamptons, noise levels from operations of the Central Plant would be reduced to below the existing
ambient background noise levels, which are influenced by traffic noise on North Wolfe Road and I-
280.
Each of the proposed project buildings would also include HVAC systems that contain exterior
mechanical equipment such as compressors and fans. In addition, Satellite Plant South and Satellite
Plant north would also include noise -generating mechanical equipment. However, due to existing
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
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J. NOISE
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity (which are dominated by noise from traffic on local
roadways and on I-280) and due to the distance of the proposed facilities from off-site sensitive
receptors, noise from the operation of these types of mechanical equipment would attenuate to below
ambient noise levels as measured at receiving sensitive land uses. Therefore, as project -related
mechanical equipment stationary noise sources would not exceed existing ambient noise levels at
receiving sensitive land uses, impacts of mechanical equipment on the noise environment would be
considered less than significant.
Traffic Noise. Implementation of the proposed project would result in increased traffic noise
levels in the project site vicinity. The FHWA highway traffic noise prediction model (FHWA RD -77-
108) was used to evaluate traffic -related noise conditions in the vicinity of the project site. The
resultant noise levels were weighed and summed over a 24-hour period in order to determine the
CNEL values. The existing and cumulative (year 2020) traffic volumes for roadway segments in the
project site vicinity were used in the traffic noise impact analysis. Table V.J-11 and Table V.J-12
show the traffic noise levels for each scenario as calculated at 50 feet from the centerline of the
outermost travel lanes. The model inputs and outputs, including the 60 dBA, 65 dBA, and 70 dBA
noise contour distances for each modeled roadway segment, are provided in Appendix E.
A significant impact would occur if the project would expose persons within the project site to noise
levels in excess of standards established in the General Plan, Noise Ordinance, or applicable standards
of regulatory agencies. Traffic noise levels on modeled roadway segments of East Homestead Road,
North Wolfe Road, and North Tantau Avenue that are adjacent to the project site would range from
64.8 dBA to 69.3 dBA CNEL at 50 feet from the centerline of the outermost travel lane under
Cumulative (2020) Plus Project conditions. These noise levels are below the City's "normally
acceptable" land use compatibility standard (shown in Table V.J-9) of 70 dBA CNEL for new office
land use development. Therefore, the project would not expose employees on the site to noise levels
that exceed the City's land use compatibility standards for office uses and the impact would be
considered less than significant.
(2) Create a Substantial Permanent Increase in Ambient Noise Levels. The proposed
project would generate traffic and stationary noise during the operation period that could result in a
permanent increase in ambient noise levels. Potential impacts associated with these noise sources are
discussed below, but are less than significant.
Traffic Noise. As discussed above, the results of the FHWA highway traffic noise prediction
model for existing and cumulative (year 2020) traffic conditions on roadway segments in the project
site vicinity are shown in Table V.J-11 and Table V.J-12, respectively.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
The City of Cupertino has established that a significant impact would occur if the project would
permanently increase ambient exterior noise levels by more than 3 dBA over levels existing without
the project as measured at noise sensitive receptors in the project vicinity. The greatest increase in
noise under existing conditions would be a 2.5 dBA increase in traffic noise levels along Tantau
Avenue from Tandem Drive to Vallco Parkway under Existing Plus Project conditions. This increase
would not be perceptible in an outdoor environment and is below the significance threshold of a
greater than 3 dBA increase. Based on these results, project -related traffic noise levels would not
result in a permanent significant increase in ambient noise levels compared to those existing without
the project. Thus, project -related traffic noise impacts on off-site sensitive land uses would not exceed
the City's significance criteria and would therefore be less than significant.
Stationary Noise. As discussed in the impact analysis discussion for the first significance crite-
rion, above, noise levels from delivery loading and unloading activities at the proposed Phase 2
Buildings east of North Tantau Avenue would be similar to what is currently experienced at these
land uses from existing delivery activity operations on the project site. All other project delivery
loading and unloading areas would occur in the project's underground parking structures, and would
therefore not affect sensitive receptors in the project vicinity. Therefore, project -related delivery
loading and unloading activities would not result in a significant increase in ambient noise levels and
this impact would be less than significant.
Similarly, noise from new mechanical noise sources, including the proposed Central Plant as well as
HVAC systems would be reduced to below the existing ambient background noise levels (due
primarily to distance attenuation and design features, such as walls, insulated doors, and noise
attenuated ventilation shafts). Therefore, as project -related mechanical equipment stationary noise
sources would not exceed existing ambient noise levels at receiving sensitive land uses, this impact
would be considered less than significant.
(3) Expose Persons to or Generate Excessive Groundborne Vibration or Groundborne
Noise Levels. Operation of the project would not be expected to generate substantial vibration based
on the types of land uses that would occupy the project site (office and research and development
uses). No permanent noise sources that would expose persons to excessive groundborne vibration or
noise levels would be located within the project site. However, construction activities related to
development of the proposed project could result in groundborne vibration levels that would be
perceptible at points along the project site property line when heavy earthmoving equipment operates
near the periphery of the site.
The City of Cupertino does not have policies or standards that specifically address groundborne
vibration impacts. Therefore, for the purpose of this analysis, the generally -accepted standards
established by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 7 will be used as the impact thresholds for
impacts within the City of Cupertino. The City of Santa Clara Municipal Code restricts uses, activi-
ties, and processes from generating groundborne vibration that would be perceptible at any point
along or beyond the property line of the parcel containing the activity. The City of Sunnyvale
Municipal Code establishes that no activity or operation may be permitted to generate vibration that
7 Federal Transit Administration, 2006. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment. May.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
would be perceptible to an individual at any point on the property line of the premises of the vibration
source, without the use of a special measuring device.
The vibration level at a distance from a source can be calculated using the following propagation
formula (this formula is based on point sources with normal propagation conditions):
PPVequip = PPVrefx (25/ID)J s
where: PPVequip is the peak particle velocity in inches per second (in/sec) of the
equipment adjusted for distance;
PPVref is the reference vibration level in in/sec at 25 feet; and
D is the distance from the equipment to the receiver measured in feet.
Pile driving can be a potential source of groundborne vibration. However, the project would not
employ pile driving as a construction method. Typical groundborne vibration levels from heavy
construction equipment in full operation, such as heavy roller compactors, can range up to 0.21 PPV
as measured at a distance of 25 feet from the operating equipment.
The closest vibration -sensitive receptors to the project site boundaries include the single-family
residential land uses on Howard Drive and Meadow Avenue, whose rear property lines would be
located adjacent to the proposed buildings on the east side of North Tantau Avenue. These properties
are located within the City of Santa Clara. Operation of heavy construction equipment, such as
backhoes for landscaping work, is anticipated to occur as close as 10 feet from the property line;
heavier construction equipment, such as excavators or vibratory rollers, would operate as close as 30
feet from the property line. The outdoor active use areas (backyards) of these residences immediately
border the project site, while the nearest facades are located within 25 feet of the project site property
line. Therefore, at a distance of 35 feet from the nearest off-site structure, groundborne vibration
levels from backhoes or similar equipment used for landscaping work would attenuate to approxi-
mately 0.054 PPV. At a distance of 55 feet from the nearest off-site structure, groundborne vibration
levels from heavy construction equipment such as vibratory rollers or excavators would attenuate to
approximately 0.064 PPV. These groundborne vibrations levels are below the industry standard
vibration impact criterion of 0.20 PPV for structures of non -engineered timber and masonry construc-
tion (the construction type of the adjacent buildings). In addition, these groundborne vibration levels
would be not be readily perceptible to an individual in an outdoor environment at any point along or
beyond the property line of the parcel containing the activity. Therefore, this construction- related
groundborne vibration would not result in an exceedance of the identified standards for the cities of
Cupertino and Santa Clara, and this impact would be considered less than significant.
Other sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the project site include The Hamptons (multi -family
residential uses) located west of the project site, in the City of Cupertino. The nearest facades are
located approximately 50 feet from the nearest project site property line where construction could
occur. At this distance, groundborne vibration from the operation of heavy construction equipment
near the project property line would be expected to attenuate to approximately 0.074 PPV, which is
well below the industry standard vibration impact criteria of 0.20 PPV for structures of non -engi-
neered timber and masonry construction (the construction type of The Hamptons). Therefore, the
project would not result in an exceedance of the vibration standards applicable to the City of
Cupertino, and this impact would be considered less than significant.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
Other sensitive receptors are the single-family residential land uses located north of the site across
East Homestead Road. These properties are located in the City of Sunnyvale. The nearest facades of
these residences are located approximately 150 feet from the nearest project site property line, where
equipment such as backhoes could be used for landscaping construction. The closest construction
activities that would require the use of heavy earthmoving construction equipment would occur at the
Main Building and at the Corporate Fitness Center at distances of over 180 feet from the nearest
residential units north of East Homestead Road. At a distance of 150 feet from the nearest off-site
structure, groundbome vibration levels from backhoes or similar equipment used for landscaping
construction would attenuate to approximately 0.006 PPV. At a distance of 180 feet, groundbome
vibration levels from heavy construction equipment such as vibratory rollers or excavators would
attenuate to approximately 0.011 PPV. This is well below the industry standard vibration impact
criteria of 0.20 PPV for structures of non -engineered timber and masonry construction (the construc-
tion type of the adjacent residential buildings). In addition, at a distance of 150 feet, these construc-
tion -related groundbome vibration levels would attenuate to below levels that would be readily
perceptible to an individual in an outdoor environment. Therefore, construction -related groundbome
vibration would not result in an exceedance of the established standards for the cities of Cupertino
and Sunnyvale, and this impact would be considered less than significant.
(4) Expose People Residing or Working in the Project Area to Excessive Noise Levels
From Aircraft Noise Sources. The project site is not located within or in the vicinity of an airport
land use plan or within the 55 dBA CNEL noise contour of any airport. The nearest public airports to
the project site are the San Jose International Airport (5.3 miles northeast of the site), Reid -Hillview
of Santa Clara County Airport (12.5 miles east of the site), and Palo Alto Airport (12.5 miles north-
west of the site). The nearest private airfield, Moffett Federal Airfield, is located approximately 6.2
miles northwest of the project site. Therefore, implementation of the project would not expose
persons working in the project site to excessive noise levels from aircraft noise sources. Therefore,
impacts related to noise levels from aircraft noise sources would be less than significant.
(5) Create a Substantial Temporary Increase in Ambient Noise Levels. The transport of
workers, construction equipment, and materials to the project site and the removal from the site of
construction debris would incrementally increase noise levels on access roads leading to the site. The
FHWA highway traffic noise prediction model (FHWA RD -77-108) was used to evaluate the poten-
tial increase in traffic noise associated with construction traffic trips in the vicinity of the project site.
The construction trip estimates were derived from the construction logistics documentation prepared
for the project.$ The resultant noise levels were weighed and summed over a 24-hour period in order
to determine the CNEL values. Table V.J-13 shows the traffic noise levels for existing conditions and
for conditions with project construction trips added as calculated at 50 feet from the centerline of the
outermost travel lanes. The model inputs and outputs, including the 60 dBA, 65 dBA, and 70 dBA
noise contour distances for each modeled roadway segment are provided in Appendix E.
For the purposes of this analysis, a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels is
considered to be more than 3 dBA. As shown in the table, project construction trips would not result
in an increase in traffic noise levels of more than 3 dBA along any of the modeled roadway segments
in the project vicinity. (Project construction period truck traffic would result in a 3.0 dBA increase
8 Skansa and DPR, 2012. fipple Campus 2 Construction Equipment Summary. December 11.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
along North Tantau Avenue between Vallco Parkway and Stevens Creek Boulevard, but no sensitive
receptors are located adjacent to that roadway segment.) Therefore, short-term construction -related
noise associated with worker, equipment, and materials transport to and from the project site would
result in a less -than -significant temporary increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity.
Temporary increases in ambient noise associated with excavation, grading, site preparation, and
building erection on the project site are discussed under "Significant Impacts," below.
Table V.J-13: Existing and Existing Plus Construction Traffic Noise Levels at 50 feet from
Centerline of Outermost Travel Lane, dBA
Roadway Segment
Existing
(CNEL)
Existing Plus
Project
Construction
Trips
(CNEL)
Change from
Existing to
Existing Plus
project
Construction
Trips
Homestead Road - Sunnyvale -Saratoga Road to Blaney Avenue
66.4
67.8
1.4
Homestead Road - Blaney Avenue to Wolfe Road
66.4
67.8
1.4
Homestead Road - Wolfe Road to Taman Avenue
66.5
67.8
1.3
Homestead Road - Taman Avenue to Lawrence Expressway
65.9
67.4
1.5
Sunnyvale -Saratoga Road - Fremont Avenue to Homestead Road
69.3
69.3
0.0
DeAnza Boulevard - Homestead Road to I-280 NB Rams
70.2
70.2
0.0
DeAnza Boulevard -1-280 SB Ramps to Stevens Creek Boulevard
69.9
69.9
0.0
Wolfe Road - Fremont Avenue to Homestead Road
65.9
65.9
0.0
Wolfe Road - Homestead Road to Project Entrance
67.0
68.9
1.9
Wolfe Road - Project Entrance to Pruneridge Avenue
66.9
68.8
1.9
Wolfe Road - Pruneridge Avenue to I-280 NB Ramps
67.8
69.4
1.6
Wolfe Road - I-280 SB Ramps to Vallco Parkway
67.3
67.3
0.0
Wolfe Road - Vallco Parkway to Stevens Creek Boulevard
65.9
65.9
0.0
Miller Road - Stevens Creek Boulevard to Bollinger Road
64.3
64.3
0.0
Taman Avenue - Homestead Road to Pruneridge Avenue
63.2
66.1
2.9
Taman Avenue - Pruneridge Avenue to Tandem Drive
63.5
66.3
2.8
Taman Avenue - Tandem Drive to Vallco Parkway
63.8
66.4
2.6
Taman Avenue - Vallco Parkway to Stevens Creek Boulevard
63.1
66.1
3.0
Lawrence Expressway - Homestead Road to Pruneridge Avenue
72.8
72.8
0.0
Lawrence Expressway - Pruneridge Avenue to Stevens Creek Boulevard
72.7
72.7
0.0
Stevens Creek Boulevard - SR 85 NB Ramps to Stelling Road
67.2
67.2
0.0
Stevens Creek Boulevard - Stelling Road to De Anza Boulevard
66.5
66.5
0.0
Stevens Creek Boulevard - De Anza Boulevard to Wolfe Road
66.1
66.1
0.0
Stevens Creek Boulevard - Wolfe Road to Finch Avenue
65.3
66.8
1.5
Stevens Creek Boulevard - Finch Avenue to Taman Avenue
65.6
67.0
1.4
Stevens Creek Boulevard - Taman Avenue to 1-280 SB Ramps 1
66.4 1
66.4
1 0.0
DeAnza Boulevard - Stevens Creek Boulevard to McClellan Road
64.5
64.5
0.0
DeAnza Boulevard - McClellan Road to Bollinger Boulevard
62.1
62.1
0.0
Note: Shaded cells indicate roadway segments adjacent to the project site.
Source: LSA Associates, Inc., 2012.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
C. Significant Impacts. The proposed project would result in significant project -level noise
impacts as discussed below.
Impact N0I-1: Project -related construction activities would create a clearly noticeable
temporary change in the noise environment and create noise levels that would exceed the noise
level standards in the City of Cupertino Municipal Code. (S)
Two types of short-term noise impacts would occur during site preparation and project construction.
The first type would result from the increase in traffic flow on local streets, associated with the trans-
port of workers, equipment, and materials to and from the project site. Potential temporary increases
in ambient noise levels along access roadways resulting from project construction trips were
discussed under "Less -than -Significant Impacts," above.
The second type of short-term noise impact is related to the noise generated by heavy construction
equipment operating on the project site. Noise generated during excavation, grading, site preparation,
and building erection on the project site would result in potential noise impacts on off-site uses.
Existing receptors in the vicinity, including residential land uses, would be subject to short-term noise
generated by construction equipment and activities on the project site when construction occurs near
the project boundary.
Construction is performed in discrete steps, each of which has its own mix of equipment and, conse-
quently, its own noise characteristics. These phases would change the character of the noise generated
on the project site and, therefore, the noise levels surrounding the site as construction progresses.
Despite the variety in the type and size of construction equipment, similarities in the dominant noise
sources and patterns of operation allow construction -related noise ranges to be categorized by work
phase. Table V.J-14 lists typical construction equipment noise levels recommended for noise impact
assessments, based on a distance of 50 feet between the equipment and a noise receptor. Typical
combined noise levels from the operation of multiple pieces of equipment range up to 91 dBA Lmax at
50 feet during the noisiest construction phases. The site preparation phase, which includes excavation
and grading of the site, tends to generate the highest noise levels, because the noisiest construction
equipment is earthmoving equipment. Earthmoving equipment includes excavating machinery such as
backhoes, bulldozers, draglines, and front loaders. Earthmoving and compacting equipment includes
compactors, scrapers, and graders. Typical operating cycles for these types of construction equipment
may involve 1 or 2 minutes of full -power operation followed by 3 or 4 minutes at lower power
settings.
Construction of the proposed project is expected to require the use of earthmovers such as bulldozers
and scrapers, loaders and graders, water trucks, and pickup trucks. The use of impact pile driving
equipment or rock drills is not anticipated during construction of the proposed project.
As shown in Table V.J-14, the typical maximum noise level generated by backhoes on the project site
is assumed to be 86 dBA Lmax at 50 feet from the operating equipment. The maximum noise level
generated by bulldozers is approximately 85 dBA Lmax at 50 feet. The maximum noise level generated
by water and other trucks is approximately 86 dBA Lmax at 50 feet from these vehicles. Each doubling
of the sound sources with equal strength would increase the noise level by 3 dBA. Assuming each
piece of construction equipment operates at some distance apart from the other equipment, the worst-
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
JUNE 2015
case combined noise level during this phase
of construction would be 91 dBA Lmax at a
distance of 50 feet from an active construc-
tion area.
While the project site is located within the
City of Cupertino, it is bordered by the cities
of Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. According to
the noise ordinances of each of these three
municipalities, noise from construction
activities is permitted to exceed the estab-
lished maximum allowable noise perfor-
mance standards, provided that the activities
occur during the permissible hours for
construction. In addition, for the City of
Cupertino the project must implement best
management noise reduction practices,
including, but not limited to, meeting at least
one of the following criteria: no individual
device produces a noise level of more than
87 dBA Lmax as measured at a distance of 25
feet; or the operation of such equipment
does not produce noise levels that exceed 80
dBA Lmax as measured at any nearby
property.
APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
Table V.J-14: Typical Construction Equipment
Maximum Noise Levels, Lmax
of Equipment
Range of
Maximum
Sound Levels
dBA at 50 feet
Suggested
Maximum
Sound Levels
for Analysis
dBA at 50 feet
-Type
Pile Drivers
81 to 96
93
Rock Drills
83 to 99
96
Jackhammers
75 to 85
82
Pneumatic Tools
78 to 88
85
Pumps
74 to 84
80
Scrapers
83 to 91
87
Haul Trucks
83 to 94
88
Cranes
79 to 86
82
Portable Generators
71 to 87
80
Rollers
75 to 82
80
Dozers
77 to 90
85
Tractors
77 to 82
80
Front -End Loaders
77 to 90
86
Hydraulic Backhoe
81 to 90
86
Hydraulic Excavators
81 to 90
86
Graders
79 to 89
86
Air Compressors
76 to 89
86
Trucks
81 to 87
86
Source: Bolt, Beranek & Newman, 1987. Noise Control for Build-
ings and Manufacturing Plants.
Table V.J-14 lists typical construction equipment noise levels recommended for noise impact assess-
ments, based on a distance of 50 feet between the equipment and a noise receptor. At a distance of
only 25 feet from the operating equipment noise levels would be approximately 6 dBA higher than
those listed in the table. Therefore, typical maximum noise levels generated by almost all of the types
of heavy construction equipment listed in the table would exceed 87 dBA Lmax at 25 feet from the
operating equipment. Therefore, this analysis focuses on whether noise from multiple pieces of heavy
construction equipment operating simultaneously near the project borders would result in noise levels
in excess of the City's standard of 80 dBA Lmax as measured at nearby receiving properties. Impacts
to the nearest off-site sensitive land uses are discussed in detail below.
Residences East of North Tantau Avenue. The closest noise -sensitive receptors to the project
site boundaries include the single-family residential land uses on Howard Drive and Meadow
Avenue, whose rear property lines would be located adjacent to the proposed buildings on the east
side of North Tantau Avenue. The outdoor active use areas (backyards) of these residences immedi-
ately border the project site, while the nearest facades are located within 25 feet of the project site
property line. A 35 -foot landscaped setback is planned for project development east of North Tantau
Avenue (this set back applies to proposed surface parking as well). Therefore, the closest residential
facades in this area would be located approximately 60 feet from the nearest project construction
activity (the outer development zone of Satellite Plant South).
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
At 60 feet and assuming a direct line of sight to heavy construction equipment operating simultane-
ously in close proximity to one another, project construction activities would result in noise levels
ranging up to approximately 90 dBA Lmax. However, the project would incorporate a 15 -foot -high
temporary sound wall along the project border adjacent to off-site noise -sensitive land uses for the
duration of project construction. The sound wall would be set back 20 to 30 feet from the edge of
property lines. Such a temporary sound wall system would be expected to provide an approximate 14
dBA reduction in noise levels from construction activities as measured at the nearest facade of these
adjacent noise -sensitive land uses. Therefore, with the installation of a minimum 15 -foot -high
temporary sound barrier, construction noise levels would be reduced to approximately 76 dBA Lmax,
as measured at the nearest facades of these adjacent residential land uses. This construction period
project feature would reduce construction noise levels, as measured at the nearest facade of noise
sensitive land uses, to below the City's threshold of 80 dBA Lmax, with an adequate margin of safety.
Apartments South of Pruneridge Avenue. Other noise -sensitive receptors in the vicinity of
the project site include The Hamptons (multi -family residential uses) located west of the project site.
The nearest private outdoor active use space (balcony) of these residences is located approximately
50 feet from the project site property line, while the nearest facades are also located approximately 50
feet from the nearest project site property line. The closest common use outdoor active use area (the
pool area) of this multi -family residential land use is located approximately 325 feet from the nearest
project site property line. Therefore, if multiple pieces of heavy construction equipment are operated
simultaneously near this project border, noise levels could range up to 91 dBA Lmax at the nearest
residential facade and could range up to approximately 75 dBA Lmax at the nearest outdoor active use
area.
However, as noted previously, the project would incorporate a 15 -foot -high temporary sound wall
along the project border adjacent to off-site noise -sensitive land uses for the duration of project
construction. Such a temporary sound wall system would be expected to provide an approximate 15
dBA reduction in noise levels from construction activities that would occur near the project border as
measured at the nearest facade of apartments located south of Pruneridge Avenue. Therefore, with the
installation of a minimum 15 -foot -high temporary sound barrier, construction noise levels would be
reduced to approximately 76 dBA Lmax, as measured at the nearest facades of these adjacent residen-
tial land uses. This would reduce construction noise levels to below the City's threshold of 80 dBA
Lmax, with an adequate margin of safety.
Residences North of East Homestead Road. Other close noise -sensitive land uses to the
project site are the single-family residential land uses located north of the project site across East
Homestead Road. The nearest facades of these residences are located approximately 150 feet from the
nearest project site property line. At this location, the project would include a minimum 30 -foot
setback for all project construction, including sound walls. Therefore, operation of heavy equipment
during project construction could occur within approximately 180 feet of these residential units. If
multiple pieces of heavy construction equipment operate simultaneously near the project's northern
border, noise levels could range up to 80 dBA Lmax at the nearest residential facade.
However, as noted above, the project would also incorporate a 15 -foot -high temporary sound wall
along the entire project border adjacent to off-site noise -sensitive land uses for the duration of project
construction. The sound wall would be set back 30 feet from the edge of the property line. Such a
temporary sound wall system would be expected to provide an approximate 14 dBA reduction in
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
noise levels from construction activities as measured at the nearest facade of these adjacent noise -
sensitive land uses. Therefore, with the installation of a minimum 15 -foot -high temporary sound
barrier, construction noise levels would be reduced to approximately 77 dBA Lmax, as measured at the
nearest facades of these adjacent residential land uses. This construction period project feature would
reduce construction noise levels, as measured at the nearest facade of noise sensitive land uses, to
below the City's threshold of 80 dBA Lmax, with an adequate margin of safety.
All construction work would conform to the requirements of Chapter 10.48 (Community Noise
Control) of the Municipal Code. In addition, no helicopters would be used during construction. In
addition to the construction of temporary sound walls around the project site during construction of
the proposed project, Apple plans to incorporate industry standard best management practices to
further reduce impacts from construction -related noise. To ensure implementation and to permit
monitoring of these proposed project design features and of the best management practices so that
project -related construction noise impacts are reduced to a less -than -significant level, the following
multi -part mitigation measure shall be implemented:
Mitigation Measure N01- 1: The project applicant shall implement the following measures at
the project site during all demolition and construction activities, subject to the approval of the
City:
• The project applicant shall ensure the construction of a 15 -foot high temporary sound wall
along the project's property line adjacent to sensitive land uses.
• A temporary sound wall shall be constructed along the eastern project property line to
block the line -of -sight from the single-family residential land uses on Howard Drive
and Meadow Avenue to project construction areas on the east side of North Tantau
Avenue. This sound wall shall be set back from the property line as much as feasible to
still allow for project construction activities to occur.
• A temporary sound wall shall be constructed along the southern project property line to
block the line -of -sight from The Hamptons to project construction areas in the south-
west portion of the project site. This sound wall shall be set back from the property line
as much as feasible to still allow for project construction activities to occur.
• A temporary sound wall shall be constructed along the northern project property line to
block the line -of -sight from the single-family residential properties north of East
Homestead Road to project construction areas in the northern portion of the project site.
This sound wall shall be set back from the property line as much as feasible to still
allow for project construction activities to occur.
The project contractor shall designate a construction liaison that shall be responsible for
responding to any local complaints about construction noise. The liaison shall determine
the cause of the noise complaints (e.g., starting too early, bad muffler) and institute
reasonable measures to correct the problem. A telephone number for the liaison shall be
conspicuously posted at the perimeter of the construction site and provided to all adjacent
property owners prior to commencement of construction.
• The project contractor shall ensure that all construction equipment has appropriate high-
quality noise muffling and abatement devices, which would be properly maintained and
used at all times such equipment is in operation.
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LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
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J. NOISE
• The project contractor shall, to the extent feasible, place all stationary construction equip-
ment so that emitted noise is directed away from sensitive receptors nearest the project site
Exterior project noise -generating construction activities (i.e., grading, construction and
demolition) shall be permitted within 750 feet of any residentially zoned property only
between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and between the hours of 9:00
a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekends. No such work shall be permitted on holidays (i.e., New
Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas
Day), except as approved by the Community Development Director. A Noise Variance may
be obtained from the Noise Control Officer for each occurrence of specific temporary
construction activities.
• Construction activities, other than street construction, shall be prohibited on holidays,
unless they meet the City of Cupertino's nighttime maximum permissible noise level
standards. (LTS)
With implementation of the project's proposed temporary sound wall system and the best manage-
ment practices listed above, noise from project -related construction activities would be reduced to a
less -than -significant level.
d. Cumulative Impacts. The only cumulatively considerable contribution of the project to noise
conditions would result from project -related increases in traffic noise levels along some roadway
segments in the project site vicinity.
Impact NOI-2: Implementation of the project would result in a significant contribution to
cumulative traffic noise levels experienced in the project vicinity. (S)
For the purposes of the project -level roadway noise analysis described above, only audible changes in
the outdoor noise environment (3.0 dBA or greater) are considered potentially significant. However,
in evaluating whether the project would make a significant contribution to a cumulative roadway
noise impact (i.e., an impact associated with noise generated by past, present, and reasonably
foreseeable future projects) a more stringent threshold of 1.0 dBA is used. A noise increase of 1.0
dBA represents the lowest range of a potentially audible noise increase in a laboratory environment.
This more stringent threshold is used in the evaluation of the project's incremental contribution to
cumulative noise impacts in recognition that many small changes in the noise environment, taken
together, can create an unacceptable noise level.
This cumulative impact analysis employs a two-step analysis. First, the roadway segments in the
vicinity of the site were analyzed to determine which segments, under cumulative plus project
conditions, would have noise levels that exceed the normally acceptable threshold for the most -
sensitive adjacent land uses. Second, for roadway segments that would exceed the normally
acceptable threshold, the project's contribution to cumulative noise levels was identified. If the
project would contribute 1.0 dBA or more to a roadway segment that in cumulative plus project
conditions would exceed normally acceptable noise levels, the project would make a significant
contribution to the cumulative impact.
P:\COC1101 Apple 2 Campus\PRODUCTS\DEIR\Public\5j-Noisedocx (06/03/13) P UBLIC REVIEW DRAFT 479
LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. APPLE CAMPUS 2 PROJECT EIR
JUNE 2015 V. SETTING, IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
J. NOISE
As shown in Table V.J-12 and on Figure V.J-3, cumulative plus project traffic noise levels on several
modeled roadway segments would exceed the City's normally acceptable thresholds for the identified
adjacent land uses. However, only two roadway segments would experience increases of 1.0 dBA or
greater in traffic noise levels under cumulative plus project conditions and would exceed the normally
acceptable noise threshold for adjacent land uses. These two roadway segments are: 1) East Home-
stead Road, from North Wolfe Road to North Tantau Avenue and 2) North Wolfe Road, from
Pruneridge Avenue to the I-280 northbound ramps. Therefore, the project would make a significant
contribution to cumulative roadway noise impacts at these two roadway segments.
Construction of sound walls along these two roadway segments would not be feasible due to property
access requirements and conflicts with the City's General Plan (which discourages permanent sound
walls). However, resurfacing the roadway segments that would experience cumulative traffic noise
impacts with Rubberized Hot Mix Asphalt -Open Graded (RHMA-O) or similar quieter pavement
would reduce the project's contribution to cumulative noise levels to a less -than -significant level.
This type of pavement has been shown in various studies to result in a 4 to 6 dBA reduction in noise
levels, with an average 4 dBA reduction in traffic noise realized in a long-term study in California.9
While using RHMA-O or similar quiet pavement to resurface the affected roadway segments would
not reduce traffic noise levels to below the City's normally acceptable thresholds for the adjacent
single-family residential and multi -family residential land uses (60 dBA and 65 dBA CNEL respec-
tively), it would eliminate the project's contribution to the cumulative impact. For example, cumu-
lative plus project traffic noise levels along East Homestead Road from North Wolfe Road to North
Tantau Avenue of 67.9 dBA CNEL would be reduced to below 63.9 dBA CNEL after resurfacing
with RHMA-O or a similar quiet pavement. This reduced noise level would be below the cumulative
traffic noise level of 66.9 dBA CNEL that would be experienced along this roadway segment under
conditions without the project. It would also be below the existing traffic noise level of 66.5 dBA
CNEL. Therefore, with implementation of the following measure the project's contribution to the
cumulative impact would be reduced to a less -than -significant level.
Mitigation Measure NOI-2: The project sponsor shall resurface the following roadway
segments with RHMA-O or similar quiet pavement:
East Homestead Road, from North Wolfe Road to North Tantau Avenue; and
• North Wolfe Road, from Pruneridge Avenue to the I-280 northbound ramps. (LTS)
9 Sacramento County, 1999. Department of Environmental Review and Assessment, Report of the Status of
Rubberized Asphalt Traffic Noise Reduction in Sacramento County. November.
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