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West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Noise
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5.8 - Noise
5.8.1 - Introduction
This section evaluates the potential onsite and offsite noise impacts associated with the construction
and operation of the West Ming Specific Plan Project. Information in this section is based upon the
following:
• Environmental Noise Assessment, Brown-Buntin Associates, Inc., February 3, 2004, and
revised August 29, 2006. The complete report is contained in Appendix J of the Technical
Appendices of the DEIR.
• Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan, December 2002. This document is available for review
at the City of Bakersfield Planning Department at 1715 Chester Avenue in Bakersfield, CA
93301.
5.8.2 - Environmental Setting
Noise Measurement Scales
The standard unit of measurement of the loudness of sound is the decibel (dB). Typical human
hearing can detect changes in sound levels of approximately 3 dB under normal conditions. Changes
of 1 to 3 dBA are detectable under quiet, controlled conditions, and changes of less than 1 dBA are
usually indiscernible. A change of 5 dBA is discernable to most people in an exterior environment
while a change of 10 dBA is perceived as doubling of the noise. Several rating scales exist to analyze
the adverse effects of noise on a community. The following measurements are used to define noise
levels:
Day/Night Level (DNL) - This is the 24-hour average level as measured in decibels with an added
penalty for people’s increased sensitivity to noise at night from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The Environmental
Protection Agency identifies 45 DNL indoors and 55 DNL outdoors as the desirable maximum level
of noise.
Equivalent Noise Level (Leq) - The measurement of sound energy over a specified period of time
(usually 1 hour). Leq represents the amount of variable sound energy received by a receptor over a
timed interval in a single numerical value. For example, a 1-hour Leq noise level measurement
represents the average amount of acoustical energy that occurred in one hour. In addition, variations
in sound levels may be addressed by statistical methods. The simplest of these are the maximum
(Lmax) and minimum (Lmin) noise levels, which are the highest and lowest levels observed. Other
variations include the L50, identifying percentage of time that the noise level standard is exceeded
during fifty percent of an hour (i.e. 30 minutes) or the L25 identifying the percentage of time that the
noise level standard is exceeded during twenty-five percent of an hour (i.e. 15 minutes), etc.
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) - The CNEL noise metric is based upon 24 hours of
measurement, the CNEL measurement applies a time weighted factor that is designed to emphasize
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noise events that occur during the evening (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and nighttime (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) hours.
Noise produced during the evening hours are penalized by 5 dBA while noise that occurs during the
nighttime hours is penalized by 10 dBA.
City of Bakersfield Noise Standards - The applicable noise level standards that apply to this project
are contained within the City of Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. For noise generated by
transportation sources (traffic), the General Plan sets an exterior standard of 65 dB CNEL at the
exterior and 45 dB CNEL at the interior of noise sensitive land uses. Noise sensitive land uses
include residences, schools, hospitals, and recreational uses. For non-transportation related sources,
the Noise Element of the General Plan applies hourly noise level performance at residential and other
sensitive land uses. identifies the hourly standards. The standards are applied to any hour the noise
source is operating, and are 5 dBA more restrictive during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. A
significant noise impact may be assumed if one or more of the five criteria are exceeded. The L50
standard is most useful for noise sources that are relatively steady, while the Lmax best characterizes
very sporadic noise sources.
Table 5.8-1: Metropolitan Bakersfield 2010 General Plan Hourly Noise Level Standards
Maximum Acceptable Noise Level (dBA)
Min./Hr. (Ln) 7 AM to 10 PM 10 PM to 7 AM
30 (L50) 55 50
15 (L25) 60 55
5 (L8.3) 65 60
1 (L1.7) 70 65
0 (Lmax) 75 70
Source: Brown-Buntin Associates, Inc., May 2006
Environmental Noise Descriptors
Most environmental noise sources produce varying amounts of noise over time, so the measured
sound levels also vary. For example, noise produced during an aircraft overflight will vary from
relatively quiet background levels before the overflight to a maximum value when the aircraft passes
overhead, then returning down to background levels as the aircraft leaves the observer’s vicinity.
Similarly, noise from traffic varies with the number and types of vehicles, speed and proximity to the
observer.
Sound Propagation and Attenuation
For purpose of sound propagation, noise sources may be classified as point sources or line sources.
Point sources usually are localized, such as a piece of machinery and at a distance sound from such
sources will propagate in a spherical pattern. Sound levels from point sources will attenuate or drop-
off at the rate of 6 dB for each doubling of distance. Sound from line sources, such as a highway,
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propagate in a cylindrical pattern. Sound levels from line sources will attenuate at the rate of 3 dB
per doubling of distance.
In addition to attenuation by wave spreading, sound levels also may be attenuated by air and ground
absorption, and from shielding by natural or man-made obstacles in the sound path. Noise barriers
(walls or earth berms) are features that are commonly constructed to interrupt noise propagation and
thereby reduce noise levels. Other factors that will also influence sound propagation are wind and
atmospheric temperature inversions. Obviously, all of these factors can work together influencing
sound propagation.
Existing Noise Sources
The project site is used for agricultural purposes with some oil extraction facilities in its southern
portion. The primary source of existing noise in the project vicinity is traffic on local roads.
Background Noise Level Measurements
Background noise level measurements were conducted at an offsite residential location immediately
north of White Lane (3205 Hedgeland) for a 24-hour period from January 22-23, 2004. The noise
measurement showed that the existing CNEL at the residence is 50.6 dB which is below the City’s
outdoor noise standard of 65dB CNEL. The measurement site represents the nearest residential
neighborhood that potentially could be impacted by the project.
Noise monitoring equipment used for the study consisted of a Larson-Davis Model 820 sound level
meter equipped with a B&K Type 4176 1/2” microphone. The instrumentation complies with
applicable requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for Type 1 (precision)
sound level meters, and was calibrated prior to use with a B&K Type 4230 acoustical calibrator to
ensure the accuracy of the measurements.
Traffic Noise Levels
Existing traffic noise levels within the vicinity of the project were calculated using the (FHWA)
Traffic Noise Model (TNM). Version 2.5 of the TNM’s Lookup Tables provides a reference of pre-
calculated TNM results for simple highway geometries that are adequate for this evaluation. The
Lookup Tables assume an infinitely long, straight highway over flat ground. Where existing noise
barriers (walls or structures) are present, the noise barrier routine of the Lookup Tables was used to
calculate typical insertion loss (noise reduction) values for the noise barriers. For a typical 6-foot
wall along most roads, the reduction is about 5 dB. Traffic volumes that were used were obtained
from the Traffic Impact Study prepared by McIntosh and Associates (see Appendix J for the traffic
data used). Other traffic inputs into the TNM were obtained from field observations or from data
collected for the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. Table 5.8-2 shows existing traffic noise
levels along roadways in the vicinity of the project site.
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Table 5.8-2: Existing Off Site Traffic Noise Levels
Roadway Roadway Segment Traffic Noise
Level, (dB,CNEL)
Hageman Road West of Heath N/A
Heath to Renfro N/A
Renfro to Jenkins 46.7
Jenkins to Allen 52.3
Allen to Calloway 56.3
Rosedale Highway Enos to Nord 61.6
Nord to Heath 62.3
Heath to Renfro 63.4
Renfro to Jenkins 57.4
Jenkins to Allen 58.4
Allen to Jewetta 60.5
Jewetta to Calloway 61.3
Calloway to Coffee 62.7
Brimhall Road Renfro to Jenkins 55.9
Jenkins to Allen 58.5
Allen to Jewetta 54.7
Jewetta to Calloway 57.8
Calloway to Coffee 59.4
Stockdale Highway West of Enos 60.4
Enos to Nord 56.1
Nord to Wegis 56.7
Wegis to Heath 57.7
Heath to Renfro 58.0
Renfro to Allen 61.4
Allen to Buena Vista 60.9
Buena Vista to Old River 59.1
Old River to Gosford 61.0
Gosford to Ashe 62.1
Ashe to New Stine 62.7
East of New Stine 67.3
Nord Road North of Rosedale 48.7
Rosedale to Brimhall 57.4
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Table 5.8-2 (Cont.): Existing Off Site Traffic Noise Levels
Roadway Roadway Segment Traffic Noise
Level, (dB,CNEL)
Brimhall to Stockdale 56.1
Heath Road North of Hageman 48.7
Hageman to Rosedale 48.7
Rosedale to Brimhall 57.4
Brimhall to Stockdale 56.8
Renfro Road North of Hageman 50.4
Hageman to Rosedale 53.5
Rosedale to Brimhall 57.1
Brimhall to Stockdale 51.7
Jenkins Road Hageman to Rosedale 50.4
Rosedale to Brimhall 51.3
Allen Road North of Hageman 49.4
Hageman to Rosedale 55.3
Rosedale to Brimhall 55.7
Brimall to Westside Pkwy WB Ramps 55.9
Westside Pkwy WB Ramps to Westside Pkwy EB
Ramps 55.9
Westside Pkwy EB Ramps to Stockdale 55.9
Stockdale to Ming 56.1
South Allen Road Ming to Chamber N/A
Chamber to White N/A
Pacheco to Harris N/A
Harris to Panama N/A
Panama to McCutchen N/A
McCutchen to Taft N/A
Jewetta Avenue North of Hageman 53.6
Hageman to Rosedale 54.7
Rosedale to Brimhall 53.7
Brimhall to Stockdale 54.0
Ming Avenue West Beltway to Ming Project Entrance N/A
Ming Project Entrance to South Allen N/A
South Allen to Buena Vista N/A
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Table 5.8-2 (Cont.): Existing Off Site Traffic Noise Levels
Roadway Roadway Segment Traffic Noise
Level, (dB,CNEL)
Buena Vista to Old River 57.6
Old River to Gosford 61.3
Gosford to Ashe 62.2
Ashe to New Stine 64.1
New Stine to “Old” Stine 63.4
“Old” Stine to Real 63.4
Real to Wible 63.4
East of Wible 61.9
White Lane West Beltway to South Allen N/A
South Allen to East White Project Entrance N/A
East White Project Entrance to Buena Vista N/A
Buena Vista to Old River 57.2
Old River to Gosford 59.8
Gosford to Ashe 62.0
Ashe to Stine 62.0
Stine to Wible 63.6
Wible to SB 99 Ramps 62.7
SB 99 Ramps to NB 99 Ramps 61.6
NB 99 Ramps to South “H” 60.1
Panama Lane West of Buena Vista 57.1
Buena Vista to Old River 53.5
Old River to Gosford 54.1
Gosford to Ashe 54.1
Ashe to Stine 56.5
Stine to Wible 58.0
Wible to SB 99 Ramps 59.8
SB 99 Ramps to NB 99 Ramps 59.7
East of NB 99 Ramps 59.6
Buena Vista Road Stockdale to Ming 58.3
Ming to Chamber 52.4
Chamber to White 52.4
White to Campus Park 52.1
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Table 5.8-2 (Cont.): Existing Off Site Traffic Noise Levels
Roadway Roadway Segment Traffic Noise
Level, (dB,CNEL)
Campus Park to South Project Entrance 52.1
South Project Entrance to Panama 52.1
Panama to McCutchen 48.1
McCutchen to Taft 48.1
Calloway Drive North of Hageman 49.1
Hageman to Rosedale 59.8
Rosedale to Brimhall 59.4
Brimall to Westside Pkwy WB Ramps 59.5
Westside Pkwy WB Ramps to Westside Pkwy EB
Ramps 59.5
Westside Pkwy EB Ramps to Stockdale 59.5
Old River Road Stockdale to Ming 58.9
Ming to White 60.7
White to Pacheco 60.4
Pacheco to Panama N/A
Panama to McCutchen 40.7
McCutchen to Taft 40.7
South of Taft 54.0
Coffee North of Rosedale 64.7
Rosedale to Brimhall 61.8
Brimhall to West Side Pkwy WB Ramps 68.6
West Side Pkwy WB Ramps to West Side Pkwy EB
Ramps 68.6
West Side Pkwy EB Ramps to Stockdale 68.6
Gosford Road Stockdale to Ming 62.2
Ming to White 60.1
White to Pacheco 58.5
Pacheco to Harris 57.3
Harris to Panama 56.0
Panama to McCutchen 54.2
McCutchen to Taft 54.2
Taft Highway West of Buena Vista 59.3
Buena Vista to Old River 59.7
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Table 5.8-2 (Cont.): Existing Off Site Traffic Noise Levels
Roadway Roadway Segment Traffic Noise
Level, (dB,CNEL)
Old River to Gosford 61.7
Gosford to Ashe 59.1
Enos Lane North of Rosedale 62.5
Rosedale to Brimhall 57.5
Brimhall to Stockdale 57.7
South of Stockdale 57.7
Ashe Stockdale to Ming 54.3
Ming to White 58.7
White to Panama 56.9
Panama to McCutchen 45.7
McCutchen to Taft 45.7
New Stine Road / Stine
Road Stockdale to Ming 61.9
Ming to White 61.0
White to Panama 58.4
Panama to Taft 54.7
Note: Noise levels calculated at 25 feet from right of way
N/A: Not applicable because no traffic volumes were recorded on the roadway segment or the roadway segment did not
exist.
Source: Brown-Buntin, Associates, Inc., May 2006
As shown in Table 5.8-2, existing traffic noise levels along Coffee Road from Brimhall Road to
Stockdale Highway exceed the 65 dB CNEL compatibility standard.
Railroad Noise Levels
The San Joaquin Valley Railroad (SJVRR) Buttonwillow Branch line is located along the south
boundary of the project site. According to SJVRR, two train operations (1 outbound trip and 1
inbound trip) currently operate on the Buttonwillow Branch line. The trains usually pass by the
project site from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., but times can be highly variable. The Sound Exposure Level
(SEL) of a slow moving freight train is typically 98-101 dBA at 50 feet, based on Brown-Buntin
Associates, Inc. file data. Based on this range of typical SEL’s and the number of train operations,
the CNEL of the trains at 50 feet would be 52-55 dB. The distance to the 65 dB CNEL City
compatibility criterion would be approximately 7-11 feet from the tracks. The 65 dB CNEL contour
will be within the existing railroad right-of-way and therefore does not exceed the City’s 65 dB
CNEL compatibility standard.
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Oil Wells
Oils wells and extraction facilities are located near the West Ming Specific Plan area and are located
in the central and southern portion of the project site. These wells are typically powered by internal
combustion engines, which can produce substantial sources of stationary noise. Noise levels from oil
wells powered by internal combustion engines can range from 73-74 dBA at 25 feet (BBA file data).
These noise levels can exceed the City’s noise performance standard and therefore be significant.
5.8.3 - Thresholds of Significance
According to Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, a project would normally have a significant
effect on the environment if it would:
• Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the
local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies;
• Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise
levels;
• A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project;
• A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project;
• For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been
adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose
people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels; or
• For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing
or working in the project area to excessive noise levels.
The City of Bakersfield has established noise standards related to transportation noise sources for
noise sensitive uses such as residences and schools for outdoor and indoor areas. These noise level
standards are 65dB CNEL for outdoor areas and 45 dB CNEL for indoor areas.
The City of Bakersfield does not have regulations that define acceptable levels of vibration. One of
the most recent references suggesting vibration standards is the Federal Transit Administration’s
(FTA) publication concerning noise and vibration impact assessment from transit activities; this
publication is the Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment prepared in 1995. The term
“vibration decibel” (VdB) is used by the FTA. To prevent vibration annoyance in residences, a level
of 80 VdB or less is suggested when there are fewer than 70 vibration events per day. A level of 100
VdB or less is suggested to prevent damage to fragile buildings.
The CEQA Guidelines provide no definition of what constitutes a substantial noise increase; however
the City of Bakersfield Noise Element has been recently amended to address substantial changes in
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noise levels that may be caused by a project. The thresholds below generally apply to transportation
noise that is usually expressed in terms of average noise exposure during a 24-hour period, such as
the Day/Night Average Level (Ldn) or CNEL. Changes in noise levels that exceed those outlined in
the thresholds below and affect existing noise sensitive land uses (receptors) are considered to be
substantial and therefore would constitute a significant noise impact. The project will have a
significant noise related impact if it would:
• Increase noise levels by 5 dB or more where the existing noise level is less than 60 dB;
• Increase noise levels by 3 dB or more where the existing noise level is 60 to 65 dB; or
• Increase noise levels by 1.5 dB or more where the existing noise level is greater than 65 dB.
5.8.4 - Project Impacts and Mitigation Measures
Long Term Operational Impacts
Impact 5.8.A: Sensitive uses within the project site would be exposed to noise levels that exceed
the established City of Bakersfield noise thresholds.
Traffic Noise Impacts within the Project Site
The development of the proposed land uses would be exposed to traffic noise levels generated from
on- and off-site. Using traffic data provided by McIntosh and Associates, an analysis was conducted
to identify the future traffic noise exposures that would occur at the project site by the Year 2015 and
Year 2030 (see Table 5.8-5). As shown in Table 5.8-5, one roadway segment in 2015 and four
roadway segments in 2030 would expose adjacent sensitive uses to greater than 65 dB CNEL. An
exceedance of 65 dB CNEL on the on-site sensitive uses such as residences and schools would be a
significant noise impact.
In addition, standard residential building construction is typically assumed to provide a noise
reduction of 20 dB with doors and windows closed. Applying this to the exterior noise levels
identified in Table 5.8-3, it may be concluded that the City’s interior CNEL standard of 45 dB may be
exceeded at some of the proposed homes and potentially schools adjacent to South Allen Road, and
White Lane. Therefore, the potential noise impact would be considered significant.
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Table 5.8-3: 2015 and 2030 Traffic Noise Levels on the Project Site
2015a 2030a
Roadway Roadway
Segment No
Project
With
Project
Potentially
Significant
Impact?
No Project With
Project
Potentially
Significant
Impact?
Ming to Chamber 57.7 59.6 No 60.5 62.5 No
Chamber to White 57.7 60.0 No 60.4 62.8 No
White to Campus
Park 59.2 60.8 No 62.0 63.7 No
South
Allen
Road
Campus Park to
Pacheco 59.2 60.6 No 62.0 63.5 No
West Beltway to
Ming Project
Entrance
58.2 59.7 No 61.0 62.5 No
Ming
Avenue Ming Project
Entrance to South
Allen
53.2 57.6 No 56.0 60.5 No
White to Campus
Park 58.5 61.1 No 60.8 63.7 No
Campus Park to
South Project
Entrance
58.5 59.9 No 60.8 62.3 No Buena
Vista
Road
South Project
Entrance to
Panama
58.6 59.6 No 60.9 62.0 No
West Beltway to
South Allen 61.4 62.3 No 64.1 65.1 Yes
White
Lane South Allen to East
White Project
Entrance
57.6 58.1 No 60.3 60.8 No
North of White
Lane 70.4b 70.2b Yes 70.4b 70.4b Yes West
Beltway South of White
Lane 70.4b 70.2b Yes 70.4b 70.2b Yes
a Assumes that a 6-foot high wall will be located along the streets adjacent to sensitive receptors.
b Based on 2030 Traffic Data.
Note: Noise levels calculated at 25 feet from right of way
Source: Brown-Buntin, Associates, Inc., May 2006.
Mitigation Measures
5.8.A.1 Prior to tentative tract map approval, a noise analysis shall be conducted to determine
the setbacks and/or noise barriers that are required to comply with the City’s 65 dB
CNEL exterior and 45 dB CNEL interior noise standards along West Beltway, and
White Lane. It is assumed that a 6-foot high soundwalls and/or setbacks on the
project site along South Allen Road, Ming Avenue, and Buena Vista Road, would be
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adequate to reduce onsite noise levels to meet the City’s exterior and interior noise
level standards. Furthermore, if interior noise standards are to be met with windows
and doors closed, the specific proposed residential and/or school buildings that
require mechanical ventilation shall be determined in a noise analysis. Specific lot
design and site grading would need to be evaluated in the noise analysis to determine
the specific noise attenuation recommendations.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Railroad Operations
Impact 5.8.B: The proposed project would experience railroad noise levels from the adjacent San
Joaquin Valley Railroad Buttonwillow Branch line.
The proposed project includes residential, office, commercial, and special use district land uses that
could be constructed adjacent to the existing SJVRR Buttonwillow Branch line located along the
south boundary of the project site. As previously stated, the SEL of a slow moving freight train is
typically 98-101 dBA at 50 feet. Based on this range of typical SEL’s and the current railroad
operations, the CNEL of the trains at 50 feet would be 52-55 dB. The distance to the 65 dB CNEL
City compatibility criterion would be approximately 7-11 feet from the railroad tracks. The 65 dB
CNEL contour will be within the existing railroad right-of-way. Therefore, the proposed project
would not be exposed to noise railroad noise levels in excess of the City’s 65 dB CNEL compatibility
standard. Therefore, the project would experience a less than significant railroad noise impact.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Commercial/Light Industrial Operations
Impact 5.8.C: The proposed project could experience noise levels from future onsite commercial
and light industrial activities.
The proposed project includes commercial and light industrial uses that may generate noise levels that
create a significant impact on adjacent sensitive land uses on the project site. A wide variety of noise
sources can be associated with commercial and industrial uses. Noise levels can also range widely.
Typical examples of noise sources are:
• Fans and blowers
• Truck deliveries
• Loading Docks
• Compactors
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• Saws, routers, grinders
• Machine shop equipment
Noise levels from the proposed commercial and industrial land uses cannot be predicted with
certainty at this time since no specific uses have been proposed. However, under some circumstances
there is potential for these onsite uses to exceed the City’s noise standards and, therefore, be
significant.
Mitigation Measures
5.8.C.1 Prior to site plan approval for commercial and industrial uses adjacent to residential
uses, the project applicant shall conduct a noise study to determine the appropriate
measures to reduce potential noise levels to meet the City’s noise level performance
standards. If commercial and industrial uses are proposed adjacent to residential
uses, appropriate measures would include setbacks, sound barrier, or a combination
of both.
5.8.C.2 Prior to City approval (conditional use permit, site plan, building permit, fire
department permit, etc.) for the construction of an oil well adjacent to sensitive land
uses, the project applicant shall conduct a noise study to determine the appropriate
measures to reduce potential noise levels to meet the City’s noise level performance
standards. If oil wells are proposed adjacent to existing sensitive land uses, the
engines associated with the oil wells could be converted to electric motors, sound
barriers could be used, or setbacks could be established.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Park Noise
Impact 5.8.D: The proposed project could experience noise levels from future onsite parks.
The proposed project includes passive and active parks. Passive parks do not include active,
organized sports and, therefore, no substantial noise levels would occur in passive parks. Passive
parks are proposed in Villages A, C, D, E and F. The project includes one 15-acre active park
proposed in Village B. This park could include organized sports. Noise levels from organized sport
activities, like baseball, softball or soccer, could be substantial depending on the distance from the
activity to adjacent sensitive uses. Measurements conducted at a Little League baseball game
indicated that noise levels at 150-300 from home plate ranged from L50 54-58 dBA and Lmax values
from 66-72 dBA. If sensitive uses are within these distances, noise levels would exceed the City’s
performance standards and, therefore constitute a significant noise impact.
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Mitigation Measures
5.8.D.1 Prior to tentative tract map approval for the proposed active park and related park
facilities adjacent to sensitive uses, the project applicant shall conduct a noise study
to determine the appropriate measures to reduce potential noise levels to meet the
City’s noise level performance standards. If the proposed active parks or related park
facilities are proposed adjacent to sensitive use areas, appropriate measures would
include setbacks, sound barrier, or a combination of both.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Short Term Construction Vibration Impacts
Impact 5.8.E: Construction activities associated with the proposed project may expose persons
to the generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels.
Groundborne vibration is measured in terms of the velocity of the vibration oscillations. As with
noise, a logarithmic decibel scale (VdB) is used to quantify vibration intensity. When groundborne
vibration exceeds 80 VdB, it is usually perceived as annoying. Typically, vibration must exceed 100
VdB before building damage occurs.
The primary vibratory source during the construction of the project could be large bulldozers and
loaded trucks. Typical bulldozer or loaded truck activities generate an approximate vibration level of
86-87 VdB at a distance of 25 feet. As development is phased throughout the site, construction
activities will continually be moved so that no one home or group of homes would be continually
exposed to construction ground vibration throughout the 20-year build-out period. Due to the
continual movement of construction activities, onsite residences would be temporarily exposed to
construction groundborne vibration.
The nearest existing residences to future construction activities on the project site are approximately
110 feet, and these residences are located along South Allen Road and White Lane. Both of these
roadways include future rights-of-way of 110 feet. Therefore, construction activities on the site
would be 110 feet and farther from the existing residences. However, these existing residences would
be exposed to groundborne vibration levels during construction activities associated with White Lane
and South Allen Road. Both of these roadways would be improved to a 6-lane arterial, and the
existing residences would be approximately 50 feet from the future construction activities of these
roadways.
Construction activities associated with the proposed project could temporarily result in annoyance for
nearby residences; therefore, these activities could result in significant groundborne vibration
impacts.
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Noise
Michael Brandman Associates 5.8-15
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Mitigation Measures
5.8.E.1 Prior to grading plan approval, the grading plans shall state that construction
activities associated with development of the project site would be required to be in
conformance with Section 9.22.050 of the City of Bakersfield Municipal Code which
limits construction to the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and between 8 a.m.
and 9 p.m. on weekends, where construction occurs less than 1,000 feet from
residences.
5.8.E.2 Prior to grading plan approval, the grading plans shall state that construction
equipment shall be equipped with mufflers and maintained in accordance with the
equipments’ factory specifications. During construction activities, the construction
equipment muffler and maintenance records shall be onsite.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Off Site Traffic Noise Impacts
Impact 5.8.F: Land uses outside the project site would be exposed to noise levels that result in a
substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels.
Implementation of the proposed project would result in the addition of traffic volumes on the roadway
system in the vicinity of the project site. Using traffic data provided by McIntosh and Associates, an
analysis was conducted to identify the estimated future CNEL generated by traffic, and indicates
whether the increase above future ambient (i.e., without project) traffic is substantial as defined by the
City’s Noise Element. As shown in Table 5.8-4, no offsite roadways would experience a substantial
increase in future year 2015 ambient noise levels; whereas, one offsite roadway segments (Calloway
Drive from Westside Parkway Westbound to Eastbound ramps) would experience a substantial noise
increase. However, since the segment is located between two on-ramps and off-ramps of the
Westside Parkway, no significant noise impact would occur along this segment because no sensitive
uses are planned to be located along this segment. In summary, implementation of the proposed
project result in less than significant noise impacts
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-16
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4: 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels
2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? Hageman Road West of Heath 42.7 43.3 0.6 No 45.4 46.1 0.7 No Heath to Renfro 49.5 49.8 0.3 No 52.3 52.6 0.3 No Renfro to Jenkins 51.6 51.6 0.0 No 53.7 53.6 -0.1 No Jenkins to Allen 54.0 54.0 0.0 No 55.1 55.1 0.0 No Allen to Calloway 58.5 58.5 0.0 No 59.8 59.8 0.0 No Rosedale Highway
Enos to Nord 62.9 62.9 0.0 No 63.7 63.8 0.1 No
Nord to Heath 63.9 64.0 0.1 No 64.9 65.0 0.1 No Heath to Renfro 63.8 63.9 0.1 No 64.2 64.3 0.1 No Renfro to Jenkins 57.6 57.6 0.0 No 57.7 57.7 0.0 No Jenkins to Allen 57.8 57.8 0.0 No 57.2 57.2 0.0
No
Allen to Jewetta 60.9 60.9 0.0 No 61.3 61.3
0.0
No
Jewetta to Calloway 61.8 61.8 0.0 No 62.1 62.1
0.0
No
Calloway to Coffee 63.7 63.7 0.0 No 64.4 64.4
0.0
No
Brimhall Road Renfro to Jenkins 58.6 58.6 0.0 No 60.1 60.1 0.0 No Jenkins to Allen 60.5 60.5 0.0 No 61.8 61.8 0.0 No Allen to Jewetta 54.6 54.7 0.1 No 54.6 54.7 0.1 No Jewetta to Calloway 59.2 59.2 0.0 No 60.1 60.2 0.1 No Calloway to Coffee 60.4 60.6 0.2 No 61.2 61.4 0.2 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-17
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
Stockdale Highway
West of Enos 62.7 62.7 0.0 No 64.0 64.1 0.1 No
Enos to Nord 59.0 59.1 0.1 No 60.6 60.7 0.1 No Nord to Wegis 59.8 59.9 0.1 No 61.4 61.5 0.1 No Wegis to Heath 60.0 60.1 0.0 No 61.4 61.5 0.1 No Heath to Renfro 55.4 55.4 0.0 No 50.0 49.1 -0.9 No Renfro to Allen 59.6 59.6 0.0 No 57.0 56.9 -0.1 No Allen to Buena Vista 60.4 60.4 0.0 No 59.8 60.0 0.2 No Buena Vista to Old River 61.3 62.2 0.9 No 62.6 63.9 1.3 No Old River to Gosford 61.5 61.8 0.3 No 61.9 62.4 0.5 No Gosford to Ashe 62.7 62.8 0.1 No 63.2 63.4 0.2 No Ashe to New Stine 63.2 63.3 0.1 No 63.6 63.7 0.1 No East of New Stine 68.3 68.3 0.0 No 69.0 69.0 0.0 No Nord Road North of Rosedale 52.1 52.1 0.0 No
53.8 53.8 0.0 No
Rosedale to Brimhall 55.0 55.0 0.0 No 50.4 50.4 0.0 No Brimhall to Stockdale 53.8 53.8 0.0 No 49.7 49.7 0.0 No Heath Road North of Hageman 50.5 50.5 0.0 No 51.7 51.7 0.0 No Hageman to Rosedale 47.3 47.3 0.0 No 45.7 45.7 0.0 No Rosedale to Brimhall 57.2 57.2 0.0 No 57.0 56.6 -0.3 No Brimhall to Stockdale 58.7 58.8 0.1 No 59.8 60.0 0.2 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-18
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? Renfro Road North of Hageman 58.3 58.5 0.2 No 60.7 60.9 0.2 No Hageman to Rosedale 57.9 57.9 0.0 No 59.8 59.8 0.0 No Rosedale to Brimhall 58.2 58.2 0.0 No 59.0 59.0 0.0 No Brimhall to Stockdale 57.2 57.2 0.0 No 59.3 59.2 -0.1 No Jenkins Road Hageman to Rosedale 54.1 54.1 0.0 No 55.9 55.9 0.0 No Rosedale to Brimhall 53.2 53.2 0.0 No 54.4 54.4 0.0 No Allen Road North of Hageman 51.8 51.9 0.1 No 53.2 53.3 0.1 No Hageman to Rosedale 60.2 60.3 0.1 No 62.3 62.3 0.0 No Rosedale to Brimhall 59.7 59.9 0.2 No 61.6 61.7 0.2 No
Brimall to Westside Pkwy WB Ramps
60.6 60.7 0.1 No 62.6 62.7 0.2 No
Westside Pkwy WB Ramps to Westside Pkwy EB Ramps
60.5 60.9 0.4 No 62.4 63.0 0.6 No
Westside Pkwy EB Ramps to Stockdale
60.4 61.3 0.9 No 62.4 63.5 1.1 No Stockdale to Ming 59.0 60.5 1.5 No 60.5 62.6 2.1 No South Allen Road
Ming to Chamber 57.7 59.6 1.9 No 60.5 62.5 2.0 No
Chamber to White 57.7 60.0 2.3 No 60.4 62.8 2.4 No Pacheco to Harris 60.8 61.5 0.7 No 63.5 64.3 0.8 No Harris to Panama 59.0 59.5 0.5 No 61.8 62.2 0.4 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-19
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? Panama to McCutchen 54.0 54.2 0.2 No 56.7 57.0 0.3 No McCutchen to Taft 49.7 49.9 0.2 No 52.4 52.6 0.2 No Jewetta Avenue
North of Hageman 56.5 56.5 0.0 No 58.0 58.1 0.1 No
Hageman to Rosedale 56.7 56.8 0.1 No 58.0 58.1 0.1 No
Rosedale to Brimhall 56.3 56.4 0.1 No 57.7 58.0 0.3 No
Brimhall to Stockdale 54.4 55.1 0.7 No 54.7 56.0 1.3 No
Ming Ave
West Beltway to Ming Project Entrance
58.2 59.7 1.5 No 61.0 62.5 1.5 No
Ming Project Entrance to South Allen
53.2 57.6 4.4 No 56.0 60.5 4.5 No South Allen to Buena Vista 56.2 57.8 1.6 No 58.9 60.7 1.8 No Buena Vista to Old River 60.7 61.6 0.9 No 62.4 63.5 1.1 No Old River to Gosford 63.0 63.4 0.4 No 64.1 64.6 0.5 No Gosford to Ashe 63.4 63.6 0.2 No 64.3 64.6 0.3 No Ashe to New Stine 64.9 65.0 0.1 No 65.5 65.6 0.2 No New Stine to “Old” Stine 63.9 64.1 0.2 No 64.4 64.6 0.2 No “Old” Stine to Real 64.1 64.1 0.0 No 65.5 65.7 0.1 No Real to Wible 63.8 63.9 0.1 No 64.1 64.2 0.1 No East of Wible 63.0 63.1 0.1 No 63.9 63.9 0.0 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-20
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? White Lane
South Allen to East White Project Entrance
57.6 58.1 0.5 No 60.3 60.8 0.5 No
East White Project Entrance to Buena Vista
57.6 58.1 0.5 No 60.3 60.9 0.6 No Buena Vista to Old River 59.2 60.2 1.0 No 60.4 61.9 1.5 No Old River to Gosford 61.9 62.4 0.5 No 63.2 63.9 0.7 No Gosford to Ashe 63.7 63.8 0.1 No 64.8 65.0 0.2 No Ashe to Stine 63.3 63.4 0.1 No 64.1 64.3 0.2 No Stine to Wible 64.3 64.4 0.1 No 64.9 64.9 0.0 No Wible to SB 99 Ramps 64.4 64.4 0.0 No 65.4 65.5 0.1 No SB 99 Ramps to NB 99 Ramps 62.2 62.1 0.1 No 62.5 62.6 0.1 No NB 99 Ramps to South “H” 61.3 61.3 0.0 No 62.1 62.2 0.1 No Panama Lane West of Buena Vista 65.3 65.3 0.0 No 67.8 67.6 -0.2 No Buena Vista to Old River 65.9 65.9 0.0 No 68.5 68.6 0.1 No Old River to Gosford 65.9 65.9 0.0 No 68.5 68.4 -0.1 No Gosford to Ashe 62.3 62.4 0.1 No 64.7 64.9 0.2 No Ashe to Stine 62.4 62.5 0.1 No 64.6 64.7 0.1 No Stine to Wible 63.1 63.1 0.0 No 65.1 65.2 0.1 No Wible to SB 99 Ramps 63.4 63.4 0.1 No 65.1 65.2 0.1 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-21
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? SB 99 Ramps to NB 99 Ramps 61.9 61.9 0.0 No 63.1 63.2 0.1 No East of NB 99 Ramps 62.2 62.2 0.0 No 63.6 63.6 0.0 No Buena Vista Road
Stockdale to Ming 61.4 62.3 1.0 No 63.0 64.3 1.3 No
Ming to Chamber 59.8 61.4 1.6 No 62.1 63.9 1.8 No Chamber to White 59.9 61.2 1.3 No 62.2 63.8 1.6 No White to Campus Park 58.5 61.1 2.6 No 60.8 63.7 2.9 No
Campus Park to South Project Entrance
58.5 59.9 1.4 No 60.8 62.3 1.5 No
South Project Entrance to Panama
58.6 59.6 1.0 No 60.9 62.0 1.1 No Panama to McCutchen 59.4 59.5 0.1 No 62.0 62.1 0.1 No McCutchen to Taft 54.6 54.8 0.2 No 56.9 57.1 0.2 No Calloway Drive North of Hageman 59.7 59.7 0.0 No 62.3 62.2 -0.1 No Hageman to Rosedale 62.3 62.4 0.1 No 63.8 63.9 0.1 No Rosedale to Brimhall 62.2 62.3 0.1 No 63.7 63.9 0.2 No
Brimall to Westside Pkwy WB Ramps
62.8 62.9 0.1 No 64.5 64.7 0.2 No
Westside Pkwy WB Ramps to Westside Pkwy EB Ramps
63.2 63.4 0.2 No 65.0 65.2 0.2 No¹
Westside Pkwy EB Ramps to Stockdale
64.0 64.3 0.3 No 65.9 66.3 0.4 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-22
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? Old River Road Stockdale to Ming 62.4 62.4 0.0 No 64.1 63.9 -0.2 No Ming to White 63.2 63.2 0.0 No 64.7 64.5 -0.2 No White to Pacheco 59.8 59.8 0.0 No 59.1 59.2 0.1 No Pacheco to Panama 56.3 56.3 0.0 No 59.0 59.1 0.1 No Panama to McCutchen 55.3 55.6 0.3 No 57.9 58.3 0.4 No McCutchen to Taft 53.4 53.9 0.5 No 56.0 56.5 0.5 No South of Taft 57.9 58.0 0.1 No 59.8 59.9 0.1 No Coffee North of Rosedale 67.0 67.0 0.0 No 68.4 68.4 0.0 No Rosedale to Brimhall 63.4 63.5 0.1 No 64.5 64.6 0.1 No
Brimhall to West Side Pkwy WB Ramps
69.8 69.8 0.0 No 70.6 70.7 0.1 No
West Side Pkwy WB Ramps to West Side Pkwy EB Ramps
70.1 70.1 0.0 No 71.1 71.1 0.0 No
West Side Pkwy EB Ramps to Stockdale
70.3 70.3 0.0 No 71.3 71.3 0.0 No Gosford Road Stockdale to Ming 64.3 64.3 0.0 No 65.5 65.5 0.0 No Ming to White 62.7 62.7 0.0 No 64.2 64.1 0.0 No White to Pacheco 63.1 63.1 0.0 No 65.1 65.0 -0.1 No Pacheco to Harris 61.7 62.1 0.4 No 63.7 64.1 0.4 No Harris to Panama 60.7 61.1 0.4 No 62.7 63.2 0.5 No Panama to McCutchen 60.6 60.7 0.1 No 62.9 63.0 0.1 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-23
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
McCutchen to Taft 57.3 57.5 0.2 No 58.9 59.1 0.2 No Taft Highway West of Buena Vista 63.6 63.6 0.0 No 65.5 65.4 -0.1 No Buena Vista to Old River 64.3 64.3 0.0 No 66.3 66.3 0.0 No Gosford to Ashe 63.9 63.9 0.0 No 65.9 65.9 0.0 No Old River to Gosford 63.7 63.7 0.0 No 64.9 64.8 -0.1 No Enos Lane North of Rosedale 63.9 63.9 0.0 No 64.8 64.8 0.0 No Rosedale to Brimhall 60.2 60.2 0.0 No 61.6 61.6 0.0 No Brimhall to Stockdale 60.2 60.2 0.0 No 61.6 61.6 0.0 No South of Stockdale 61.3 61.3 0.0 No 63.0 63.1 0.1 No Ashe Stockdale to Ming 55.3 55.3 0.0 No 56.0 56.0 0.0 No Ming to White 59.9 59.9 0.0 No 60.7 60.7 0.0 No White to Panama 59.6 59.6 0.0 No 61.1 61.2 0.1 No Panama to McCutchen 58.9 58.9 0.0 No 61.5 61.5 0.0 No New Stine Road / Stine Road
Stockdale to Ming 63.1 63.1 0.0 No 63.9 63.9 0.0 No
Ming to White 62.3 62.3 0.0 No 63.1 63.1 0.0 No McCutchen to Taft 56.4 56.4 0.0 No 59.0 59.0 0.0 No
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
Noise
5.8-24
Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-4 (Cont.): 2015 and 2030 Offsite Traffic Noise Levels 2015
2030
CNEL, dB
CNEL, dB
Roadway
Roadway Segment
No
Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact?
No Project
With
Project
Change
Potentially
Significant Impact? White to Panama 60.7 60.7 0.0 No 62.0 62.0 0.0 No Panama to Taft 54.3 54.3 0.0 No 57.5 57.5 0.0 No ¹ This roadway segment will be located between two on-ramps and off-ramps of the Westside Parkway. Although the noise level with project increases to a level that exceeds 65 dBA,
sensitive uses are not planned to be located along this segment; therefore, no significant noise impact would occur.
Note: Noise levels calculated at 25 feet from right of way
Project Impacts
West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR Noise
Michael Brandman Associates 5.8-25
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Short Term Construction Noise Impacts
Impact 5.8.G: Construction activities associated with the proposed project may result in
substantial temporary or periodic increases in ambient noise levels.
Construction activities would generate noise levels at various locations within the project site
throughout the 20-year build-out of the project. During construction, noise from construction
activities would potentially impact noise-sensitive land uses in the immediate area. Activities
involved in construction would generate noise levels at 50 feet as shown below in Table 5.8-5. As
development is phased throughout the site, construction activities will continually be moved so that
no one home or group of homes would be continually exposed to construction noise throughout the
20-year build-out period. Due to the continual movement of construction activities, onsite residences
would be temporarily exposed to construction noise.
The nearest existing residences to future construction activities on the project site are approximately
110 feet, and these residences are located along South Allen Road and White Lane. Both of these
roadways include future rights-of-way of 110 feet. Therefore, construction activities on the site
would be 110 feet and farther from the existing residences. However, these existing residences would
be exposed to noise levels during construction activities associated with White Lane and South Allen
Road. Both of these roadways would be improved to a 6-lane arterial, and the existing residences
would be approximately 50 feet from the future construction activities of these roadways.
Construction activities associated with the proposed project could temporarily result in annoyance for
nearby residences; therefore, these activities could result in significant noise impacts.
Table 5.8-5: Construction Equipment Noise
Equipment Type Typical Level (dBA at 50 feet)
Backhoe 78
Concrete Saw 90
Crane 81
Dozer 82
Excavator 81
Front End Loader 79
Project Impacts
Noise West Ming Specific Plan - Draft EIR
5.8-26 Michael Brandman Associates
H:\Client (PN-JN)\0216\02160029\DEIR 9-1\02160029_Sec05-08 Noise.doc
Table 5.8-5 (Cont.): Construction Equipment Noise
Equipment Type Typical Level (dBA at 50 feet)
Jackhammer 89
Paver 77
Pneumatic Tools 85
Mitigation Measures
Implementation of mitigation measures 5.8.E.1 and 5.8.E.2.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.
Aviation Noise Impacts
Impact 5.8.H: The proposed project would not expose people residing or working on the project
site to excessive aviation-related noise levels.
The nearest airport to the project site is Kern County Air Terminal, located approximately 10 miles to
the northeast. Due to this distance, noise levels from aircraft activities associated with airports would
be less than significant.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required.
Level of Significance After Mitigation
Less than significant.