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ENV 125 9/12/2019

ENV125Basics of Traffic Noise and TxDOT’s Traffic Noise Policy

09/12/2019

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Agenda

Introduction and Overview

– Traffic Noise Toolkit

Fundamentals of Noise

Traffic Noise Analysis Process

– Regulations and Guidance

– Overview

– Noise Impact and Abatement Criteria

– Noise Workshops

– Documentation

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Traffic Noise Toolkit

All current noise policy, guidance, and information in one place!

http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/environmental/compliance-toolkits/traffic-noise.html

2011 Guidelines

Federal Rule: 23 CFR 772

New 2019 Traffic Noise Policy Effective Date: 12/31/2019

Document Template Text

Letters to Local Officials Template

Noise Barrier Brochures

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Traffic Noise Guidance and Policy

4

2011:

2019:

Streamlined - Requirements OnlyAddresses requirements outlined in

23 CFR 772 that must be specified bythe state DOT and approved by FHWA

User-friendlyGuidance, how-to instructions & examples

Can be updated without formal FHWA approval

On ToolkitFHWA Approved on

December 31, 2018

Coming Soon toNoise Toolkit

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Sound/NoiseSound/Noise

Noise AnalysesNoise Analyses

Sound/NoiseSound/NoiseOVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

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Highway Traffic SoundHighway Traffic Sound

Source Receptor< Propagation Medium >

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DecibelDecibel

A-weightingA-weighting

Equivalent LevelEquivalent Level

DecibelDecibel

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PRESSUREmicro Pascals

LEVELdecibelsLEVELdecibels

L 10log (P )(P ) 10log

(P )(P )

DD (St)

2

ref2

o2

ref2

o2

2 2

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Rock Band

Pneumatic Hammer

Food Blender

Downtown

Vacuum Cleaner

Air Conditioning Unit

Dishwasher

Library

6,324,555

2,000,000

632,456

200,000

63,246

20,000

6,325

2,000

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

PRESSUREmicro PascalsSOURCES


L 10log (P )(P ) 10log

(P )(P )

DD (St)

2

ref2

o2

ref2

o2

2 2

ENV 125 9/12/2019

SOURCESSOURCESRock Band

Pneumatic Hammer

Food Blender

Downtown

Vacuum Cleaner


Dishwasher

Library

Rock Band

Pneumatic Hammer

Food Blender

Downtown

Vacuum Cleaner


Dishwasher

Library


110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

x2

120

ENV 125 9/12/2019

SOURCESSOURCESRock Band

Pneumatic Hammer

Food Blender

Downtown

Vacuum Cleaner


Dishwasher

Library

Rock Band

Pneumatic Hammer

Food Blender

Downtown

Vacuum Cleaner


Dishwasher

Library


110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

110

100

90

80

70

60

50

40

63

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DecibelDecibel



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6,3006,300

1,0001,000

7 8 9 >

4 5 6 <

1 2 3 /

DIS PRO OUT SEC

ENT NEX CLR SFT

0 + - %

SOUND ANALYZER

MIKEE-LECTRONICSMIKEE-LECTRONICS

65707585757065

-weighting-weighting

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DecibelDecibel




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L = 1 0 lo g 1T 1 0 L

1 0 e q 1 0 t

t=1

N

time

soun

d le

vel

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SOUND LEVELSOUND LEVEL

-1 dBA Not perceptible

-3 dBA Barely perceptible

-5 dBA Readily perceptible

Change LoudnessSubjective

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OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW

Sound/NoiseSound/Noise

Noise AnalysesNoise AnalysesNoise AnalysesNoise Analyses

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Traffic Noise Policy and Guidance

TxDOT Policy conforms to federal rule (regardless of funding)

– 23 CFR 772

2019 Noise Policy Effective Date: December 31, 2019

18

On Noise ToolkitFHWA Approved on

December 31, 2018

Streamlined - Requirements OnlyApproved by FHWA

Coming Soon toNoise Toolkit

User-friendly GuidanceDetails, how-to instructions & examples

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Overview of Traffic Noise Analysis Process

19

OR

Determine Need for a Traffic Noise Analysis(Type I project)

Collect Data

Determine Impact

Consider/EvaluateAbatement Measures

Measure/Model Noise Levels

Existing Levels(Field Measurement, Model,

Model Validation)

Predicted Levels(Model)

IF

Predicted levels exceed existing by more than

10 dB(A)

Predicted levels approach, equal, or exceed the NAC

Absolute impact Relative impact

Propose Abatement Traffic Noise Workshop(s)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Determine if a Type I project

The construction of a highway on new location; or,

The physical alteration of an existing highway where there is either:

– Substantial Horizontal Alteration

– Substantial Vertical Alteration

The addition of a through-traffic lane(s)

The addition of an auxiliary lane, except for when the auxiliary lane is a turn lane; or,

The addition or relocation of interchange lanes or ramps added to a quadrant to complete an existing partial interchange; or,

Restriping existing pavement for the purpose of adding a through-traffic lane or an auxiliary lane; or,

The addition of a new or substantial alteration of a weigh station, rest stop, ride-share facility, or toll plaza.

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Traffic Data!!!!

First thing to do when you know you have a Type I analysis

GET TRAFFIC DATA!!!!

21

TrafficInformation

Existing

Predicted

Speed Limits

Collect Data

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Traffic Data

22

Receiver< Propagation Medium >Source

- Future -- 20 years

- Existing Traffic

Traffic Data

- Future Traffic- Worse-Case

- Full Speed- Predicted dBA

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Traffic Data Request

23

When requesting Traffic Data use TPP Form 2124

Make sure to fill in check boxes for

– 1 (Basic Highway Traffic Data)

– 2 (Vehicle Classification for Environmental Studies)

– 3 (Line Diagram Analysis)

ALL TRAFFIC MUST BE FROM TPP OR APPROVED BY TPP

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Traffic Data: Tabular Data

24

2020 2040

(2020 to 2040)

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Traffic Data: Line Diagram with Turning Movements

25

Light Duty Vehicles

Medium Duty Vehicles

Heavy Duty Vehicles

% of ADT % of DHV

91.0 92.8

6.0 4.2

3.0 3.0

% of ADT % of DHV

97.0 98.3

2.0 1.7

1.0 0.0

Frontage Roadsand

StreetsMainlanes

K-factor: 10.5%

3180021700

36001600

47003000

339002260031800

21700

3520023500

62004100

1300900

1000500

1000500

34001500800

400

800400

49003200

AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT) VOLUMES

SH 123

DHV = ADT (x) K-factor

65SPEEDLIMIT

40SPEED

LIMIT

LEGEND1000 - 2020 ADT1000 - 2040 ADT

Projects that involve more than mainlanes and frontage roads typically with require a depiction of turning movements - - from TPP.

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Collect DataCollect Data DesignInformation

Roadways

Receivers

Site Characteristics

Source of SoundSource of Sound

Receiver of SoundReceiver of Sound

Propagation PathPropagation Path

Design Data

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Roadway Design and Site Characteristics

Electronic CAD files with Roadway Design

– Striping

– Edge of Pavement

– Any other relevant design information

Adjacent Topography if available

– Other sources would be GIS, Google Earth, Surveys

ELEVATIONS ARE CRITICAL TO BARRIER DESIGN

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

A Brief Overview of the Traffic Noise Process

The major objectives of a traffic noise analysis are to:

– Identify areas where possible noise impacts may occur for each project alternative.

– Consider and evaluate abatement measures to mitigate these impacts.

– Propose implementation of feasible and reasonableabatement measures.

– Communicate the results to the public and local officials.

Important: it is never too early to discuss possible noise abatement

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Identify Noise-sensitive Land Uses

Identify adjacent land uses for noise sensitive areas (residences, schools, churches, parks, etc)

INCLUDES PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT

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Noise Receiver Selection Criteria

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Existing Levels Predicted Levels

Measured bySound Meter

OR

Determining Traffic Noise Levels

DetermineNoise Levels

Modeled byComputer

ModeledModeled

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Noise Modeling Software

FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is used to model roadways and receivers to determine impacts and effectiveness of abatement

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Determining Traffic Noise Levels

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Determine ImpactDetermine Impact

Predicted levels approach,equal, or exceed the NAC

ABSOLUTE CRITERION

Predicted levels exceedexisting by more than 10 dBA

RELATIVE CRITERION

OR

IF

Determining Traffic Noise Impacts

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Activity Category

FHWA(dB(A) Leq) Description of Land Use Activity Areas

A57

(exterior)

Lands on which serenity and quiet are of extra-ordinary significance and serve an important public need and where the preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to continue to serve its intended purpose.

B67

(exterior)Residential

C67

(exterior)

Active sport areas, amphitheaters, auditoriums, campgrounds, cemeteries, day care centers, hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, parks, picnic areas, places of worship, playgrounds, public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, recreation areas, Section 4(f) sites, schools, television studios, trails, and trail crossings

D52

(interior)

Auditoriums, day care centers, hospitals, libraries, medical facilities, places of worship, public meeting rooms, public or nonprofit institutional structures, radio studios, recording studios, schools, and television studios

E72

(exterior)Hotels, motels, offices, restaurants/bars, and other developed lands, properties, or activities not included in A-D or F.

F --Agriculture, airports, bus yards, emergency services, industrial, logging, maintenance facilities, manufacturing, mining, rail yards, retail facilities, shipyards, utilities (water resources, water treatment, electrical) and warehousing

G -- Undeveloped lands that are not permitted

Noise Abatement Criteria

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Activity Category


A57

(exterior)


B67


C67

(exterior)


D52

(interior)


E72




IIMMPPAACCTT

ABSOLUTE CRITERION

“approach, equal or exceed”……1 dBA below

Determining Traffic Noise Impacts

ABSOLUTE CRITERION

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Activity Category


A57

(exterior)


B67


C67

(exterior)


D52

(interior)


E72




ABSOLUTE CRITERION

OR, if predicted levels exceedexisting by more than 10 dBAOR, if predicted levels exceedexisting by more than 10 dBA

Determining Traffic Noise Impacts IIMMPPAACCTT

RELATIVE CRITERION

“approach, equal or exceed”……1 dBA below

ENV 125 9/12/2019








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Consider Abatement Measures

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Noise AbatementNoise Abatement

Source Receptor- Propagation Path -

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Noise Barrier

Source Receptor- Propagation Path -

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Evaluate Abatement Measures

42

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ReasonableANDAND

ProposeAbatement

EvaluateAbatement Measures

Feasible

Evaluate Abatement Measures

ENV 125 9/12/2019 44

Category FEASIBLE REASONABLE

Acoustic Reduction

Provides at least a 5 dB(A) reduction (“benefit”) for a majority of impacted first-

row receptors

AND

Benefits a minimum of two impacted receptors

Provides a substantial noise reduction consisting of a predicted reduction of at least 7 dB(A) for at least one receptor

(Noise Reduction Design Goal)

Cost n/aDoes not exceed 1,500 square feet per

benefited receptor(Standard Barrier Cost analysis)

Site Constraints

Is it possible to build given topography, access requirements, local cross streets, other noise sources, drainage, utilities,

and maintenance requirements?

Estimated costs to overcome site constraints are not unreasonably high

(Alternate Barrier Cost analysis)

Viewpoints of property owners

and residentsn/a

A majority of votes received from benefited and bordering receptors indicate that they

want the barrier

Summary of Abatement Criteria (2019 Noise Policy)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Acoustic Reduction Requirements

45

A noise abatement measure is not acoustically feasible unless it

– achieves a noise reduction of at least 5 dB(A) at greater than 50% of first-row impacted receptors

– AND benefits a minimum of two impacted receptors.

To be acoustically reasonable, a noise abatement measure must also achieve a reduction in noise of at least 7 dB(A) – a substantial noise reduction – for at least one benefited receptor.

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Cost Reasonableness – Standard Barrier Cost

46

2011• Less than 1,388 square feet

per benefited receptor• ($18 square foot/$25k per benefiter)

2019• Less than 1,500 square feet

per benefited receptor• ($35 square foot/$52.5k per benefiter)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Cost Reasonableness

47

• Less than 1,500 square feetper benefited receptor

• ($35 square foot/$52.5k per benefiter)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Cost Reasonableness

48

12’

375’

• Less than 1,500 square feetper benefited receptor

• ($35 square foot/$52.5k per benefiter)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Feasibleeffectivereductionin noise -?-?

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Feasible

-?-?-5 (or more)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Feasible

-?-?-5 (or more)

Reasonable

Cost-reasonablenessCriterion

Cost-reasonablenessCriterion

Size for eachBenefited Receptor

Size for eachBenefited Receptor

1,500 square feet(or less)

1,500 square feet(or less)

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Reasonable

1500 sq ft(or less)-?-?(or more)

ANDFeasible

-5-5

-4 -4-5 -5 -5 -7 -5 -5? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NOISE BARRIER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NOISE BARRIER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

For ExampleFor Example

ENV 125 9/12/2019

-?-?-5 (or more)

Feasible

(or less)(or less)

ReasonableANDAND

Total Cost6,000 total sq ft

-4 -4-5 -5 -5 -7 -5 -5? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NOISE BARRIER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? NOISE BARRIER ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

6 benefiters= 1,000 sq ft

Sq Ft for eachBenefited Receptor

Sq Ft for eachBenefited Receptor

Total Sq Ft #BenefitedTotal Sq Ft #Benefited=

1,500 sq ft1,500 sq ft

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Cost Reasonableness – Alternate Barrier Cost

If unusual construction is required, this cost can be accounted for with an alternate cost method….

54

Not cost reasonable if the Alternate Barrier Cost is

greater than two times the Standard Barrier Cost

(currently 2X = $105k per benefiting receptor)

ENV 125 9/12/2019 55

Cost Reasonableness – Alternate Barrier Cost

Optional Method!

ENV 125 9/12/2019








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ENV 125 9/12/2019


Noise Barrier

AKA Sound Walls

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Other Noise Reduction Measures

Why not pavement or vegetation?

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15 feet

VegetationVegetation

100 feet = perceptiblereduction

ENV 125 9/12/2019

VegetationVegetation- dense enough that it cannot be seen through- coverage: floor to canopy- evergreen

- dense enough that it cannot be seen through- coverage: floor to canopy- evergreen

ENV 125 9/12/2019



VegetationVegetation

ENV 125 9/12/2019

VegetationVegetation“... provides only psychological benefits”“... may be provided for visual, privacy or

aesthetic treatment”“... not a noise abatement measure”

“... provides only psychological benefits”“... may be provided for visual, privacy or

aesthetic treatment”“... not a noise abatement measure”

ENV 125 9/12/2019

PavementPavement

ENV 125 9/12/2019

PRIORITIESNOISE

ENV 125 9/12/2019

PRIORITIES

NOISE

SAFETYDURABILITY

*FHWA:“should never be jeopardized”

**

ENV 125 9/12/2019

FHWA Concern ….. can “quiet” pavement continue to effectivelyreduce noise levels over the lifeof the pavement?


FHWATraffic Noise

Policy

FHWATraffic Noise

Policy

“The use of specific pavement types or surface textures must not be considered as a noise abatement measure.”


ENV 125 9/12/2019



FHWATraffic Noise

Policy

FHWATraffic Noise

Policy



“Additional research is needed to determine to what extent different types of pavements contribute to traffic noise.”

“Additional research is needed to determine to what extent different types of pavements contribute to traffic noise.”

ENV 125 9/12/2019

ENV 125 9/12/2019








69

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Traffic Noise Analysis Documentation

Traffic Noise Analysis Technical Report

Traffic Noise Model Files and Traffic Data

Constructability Assessment and/or Alternate Barrier Cost Assessment Worksheet

Local Official Letter (sent after environmental decision)

Noise Workshop Documentation

Documentation of Reevaluations for Noise

Barrier Inventory Information

70

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Documentation Templates

Examples of Recommended Text for Documenting Traffic Noise Analyses

Found in Traffic Noise Toolkit

New version (updated for 2019 Policy) is coming soon!

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Traffic Noise Analysis Submittal

Traffic Noise Analysis Technical Report

A .ZIP file containing the noise model files

– objects.dat and objects.idx files in separate, namedfolders for each model

– Models for existing, proposed, contours, and barrieranalysis

– May include other backup documentation in the zip file

Copy of approved traffic data (TPP memo) used for analysis

– Preferably attached to the tech report

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Documentation – TNM Files

TNM model

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop

74

??????????????????????? SOUND WALL ??????????????????????

Consent of a Majority of BENEFITING AND BORDERING Property Owners

Benefiting receptors can be on the second (or any row)!!!

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop

Purpose: To provide sufficient information to owners and non-owner residents of property benefiting or bordering a proposed noise barrier(s) that will allow these receptors to make an informed vote for or against the proposed noise barrier(s).

Timing: Recommend after the CE determination or, for an EA or EIS project, after the public hearing has occurred

– wait until closer to construction letdate to avoid issues with designrefinements or changes after theinitial environmental decision

– Constructability analysis?

INFORMAL PUBLIC INVOLVEMENTCAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME IN THEPROJECT’S DEVELOPMENT.

75

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop

Must conduct at least one informative “noise workshop”

Who can vote?

Send ballots to:

– all benefited receptors

– non-benefited receptors that border or are directly adjacent to a proposed abatement measure

Both property owners and non-owner residents are eligible to vote

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop

77

PROPOSED NOISE BARRIER

-5.4 -4.6

-2.3-3.5-4.1

-6.3 -7.8 -6.3 -5.2

-5.0 -4.5 -3.7

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop: Mailing

Include a description of the noise barrier and the noise effects with and without the barrier.

Include a description of the decision-making process that TxDOT will follow to assess the survey/ballot results and make a decision on whether to build the barrier.

Include an invitation to the meeting with the location and time

Enclose a ballot, a noise brochure, and a prestamped/preaddressed return envelope

78

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop: Sample Ballot

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop

80

Weighted Ballot

One vote allocated per residential receptor(i.e. each house or apartment unit)

10% of vote to resident or renter (0.1 vote)90% of vote to owner (0.9 vote)

If owner-occupied, response counts as 1 vote

Tallying Votes

Clarification: Failure to respond does not mean a “yes” or a “no” vote.

Approval of a noise barrier based on majority of votes RECEIVED

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Noise Workshop

Low Response Rate

Recommend additional rounds of voting to achieve a response from a majority of receptors

If less than a 25% response rate after two rounds of voting, then decision made after required consultation with ENV SMEs and TxDOT management

Re-voting

Once a decision has been made to build or not build,re-voting is only considered when:

– An error in original noise workshop voting process

– A substantial change to a proposed abatement sincethe workshop

– An approved barrier has not been constructed withinfive years of a noise workshop, due to project delays

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Workshop Documentation

Template: Documentation ofNoise Workshop

Found in Traffic Noise Toolkit

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Workshop Documentation

Short narrative description and/or tables that:

– Summarize results of voting

– Indicate whether barriers will or will not beconstructed

– Discuss any issues, commitments or changesmade to proposed abatement after clearanceor as a result of noise workshop process

Copies of received ballots

Comment response matrix

Solicitation materials (notice and ballot)

Proof of mail-outs (if available)

Sign-in sheets from workshop

Noise workshop presentation

Exhibits/displays at the workshop

Photos from the workshop

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ENV 125 9/12/2019

Letters to Local Officials

Used to inform local officials regarding the department’s responsibilities regarding noise abatement for new development once an environmental decision has been made.

Required for all projects adjacent to undeveloped lands

Cannot occur before document has been signed

Minimum notification:

– Urban area: Mayor’s Office

– Rural or suburban area: the County Judge’s Office.

Template letter found in Traffic Noise Toolkit

Notice of Availability Template found in Public Involvement Toolkit

84

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Prior to EnvClearance

Post-Construction

After EnvClearance

(also Reevaluations)

Noise Documentation in ECOS

Perform Notification of

Noise Information to Local Officials

Upload copies of local official letters within 30 days of clearance

Perform Noise Analysis

Review NoiseAnalysis

Upload noise analysis files to activityAssign reviews• Upload review comments• Upload revised analysis files• Assign follow-up review• Continue review steps until approvedIf design change after noise report approved and new analysis is prepared, add new activity

Review Noise Workshop

Perform Noise Workshop

When have proposed abatement in the approved environmental documentation• Separate file drawer (activity) for each

workshop and/or barrier• Upload workshop documentation, post-

clearance constructability analysis• Assign reviews

Perform Noise Mitigation

Barrier inventory• After one or more barriers are constructed• Upload noise barrier tracking spreadsheet

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Contact ENV Noise SMEs

Ray Umscheid

512-416-3025

[email protected]

Meredith Worthen

512-416-2612

[email protected]

86

ENV 125 9/12/2019

Questions?

87

env125 - 2019 ecc printable€¦ · structures, radio studios, recording studios, recreation areas,...

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