SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

WILSON IHRIG Arroyo Lago Residential Project Review and Comment on Noise Report Page 3 Potentially Significant Operational Noise Impacts The DEIR cites The East County Area Plan (ECAP) Program 104, which states: “The County shall require the use of noise reduction techniques (such as buffers, building design modifications, lot orientation, soundwalls, earth berms, landscaping, building setbacks, and real estate disclosure notices) to mitigate noise impacts generated by transportation-related and stationary sources as specified in the California Office of Noise Control Land Use Compatibility Guidelines” [DEIR, pg. 3.12-15]. The DEIR predicts future traffic noise levels, including project traffic increases, of 65 dBA along Busch Road [DEIR Table 3.12-8]. These levels exceed normally acceptable community noise exposure threshold of 60 dBA for single family residences, per California Office of Noise Control Land Use Compatibility Guidelines.2 Operational noise may further exceed normally acceptable levels, per discussion below on un-analyzed off-site infrastructure noise sources. Incomplete Analysis There is no analysis of operational noise from the off-site elements of the Project, including the proposed packaged sewer treatment plant located in Parcel B adjacent to the Project Site, as shown in Exhibit 2-6a of the DEIR (reproduced in Figure 1 below). Noisy pumps on top of separation tanks can allow noise to propagate deep into an adjoining neighborhood, especially if they are not vibration-isolated from the structure below. The nearby lake could further the issue – a smooth water surface reflects sound, and the effect can be amplified by morning and evening air inversions. Further, the Project is being permitted concurrently with The Busch Road Senior Development, proposed for Parcel B. The DEIR makes no mention of this future development and does not assess impact of the Arroyo Lago Project off-site improvements, located in the same Parcel, on the 357 single-family residences and duet homes and 212 multifamily independent and/or assisted living units shown in the Busch Road Preliminary Application [pg. 2]. Finally, the DEIR states that the following public comment was received during the EIR Notice of Preparation scoping period: “The Draft EIR should analyze noise impacts associated with proximity to the City of Pleasanton Operations Services Center, Fire Training Facility, and Police Department practice range” [DEIR, pg. 3.12-1]. Although these facilities are mentioned as dominant noise sources near the Project site [DEIR, pg. 3.12-10], there is no discussion of their cumulative effect on noise levels at nearby residences. The Project should address these omissions and potential impacts. 2 https://www.lci.ca.gov/docs/OPR_Appendix_D_final.pdf