Noise and Vibration Assessments

Noise Monitoring Surveys

Baseline performs noise monitoring surveys to evaluate ambient noise level conditions for a variety of projects, including pump stations, generators, sports stadiums, and pickleball courts. Noise level measurements are collected using a Type 1 sound level meter with either slow or fast response and “A” weighting. Baseline typically collects a combination of short-term (15-minute) and long-term (24 hour) measurements.

HUD Environmental Noise Analyses

Baseline has prepared numerous Housing and Urban Development (HUD) environmental noise assessments for affordable housing projects. Pursuant to HUD noise regulations established in 24 CFR Part 51, Subpart B, the degree of acceptability of the noise environment at a site is determined by the sound levels external to buildings or other facilities containing noise sensitive uses. Baseline uses the HUD DNL calculator and/or collects long-term noise measurements from the edge of the proposed building footprint to characterize the exterior noise levels. If the exterior noise levels exceed the HUD criteria, the sound attenuation performance of the proposed building wall system is evaluated using the HUD Transmission Classification Assessment Tool (STraCAT). As needed, Baseline provides recommendations for additional sound attenuation.

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Lynwood Pump Station Noise Monitoring Survey

The North Marin Water District’s potable water supply for the Novato Service Area is divided into four main pressure zones. The existing Lynwood pump station is located in Primary Zone 2, along with the San Marin pump station. Although these two pump stations meet current demands within Primary Zone 2, they are potentially not equipped to handle future growth within the zone. Therefore, the District has proposed replacing the existing Lynwood pump station at a new location.

At the request of the District, Baseline conducted an ambient noise monitoring survey to evaluate five potential replacement locations for the new Lynwood pump station. The survey consisted of three long-term (24-hour) measurements and one short-term (15-minute) measurement. Sound level measurements were conducted using Type 1 sound level meters with slow response and “A” weighting. The noise monitoring equipment for the long-term measurements were installed in trees at approximately 10 feet above ground level, while the short-term measurement was collected using a tripod at 4.5 feet above ground level. The microphones were protected from the effects of wind, and the noise meters were field calibrated immediately prior to use.

J.B. Murphy Stadium Noise Monitoring Survey

St. Ignatius College Preparatory School (St. Ignatius) proposed the St. Ignatius Field Lighting Project, which would involve the operation of four 90-foot-tall, light-emitting diode stadium lights at the school’s J.B. Murphy Stadium and a public announcement (PA) stadium sound system. Baseline prepared a noise technical memorandum to document the environmental setting (including the existing noise environment and sensitive noise receptors), existing ambient noise conditions in the proposed project vicinity, and the noise levels during events held at J.B. Murphy Stadium involving use of the PA system.

The existing ambient noise environment and noise levels during stadium events involving use of the PA system in the vicinity of project site was characterized by a noise monitoring survey. Two long-term (24-hour) noise measurements and six short-term (15-minute) noise measurements were collected in the project vicinity.

Memorial Park Pickleball Noise Monitoring Survey

The City of Cupertino is planning to construct a sound barrier to reduce the pickleball noise levels for residential receptors located near Memorial Park. Some of the tennis courts at Memorial Park were recently converted to pickleball courts, which has resulted in noise complaints from nearby residents. Baseline is evaluating the noise levels generated by the pickleball activities at Memorial Park before and after installation of the proposed sound barrier.

To evaluate ambient noise levels, Baseline is collecting one short-term (15-minute) noise measurement in the residential neighborhood north of the pickleball courts when no pickleball is being played. During the same monitoring event, Baseline will collect six short-term (15-minute) noise measurements along the residential property boundaries north and northwest of the pickleball courts prior to the installation of the sound barrier. After the installation of the sound barrier, Baseline will return to the project site for a second monitoring event to collect six additional short-term noise measurements at the same locations as the first noise monitoring event.

(Project status is ongoing)