Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 05/08/2014

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April 29, 2014 Location: Pbrama >H:Drive >15153 >FindingsReport FINDINGS REPORT: NOISE ISSUE DESCRIPTION A number of residents have identified noise pollution a major issue resulting from a potential data center development. Specifically, data centers utilize backup power generators and a large quantity of air conditioning units. Both backup generators and air conditioning units can create noise pollution. OMCStudy Group discussion, questions and comments were focused on backup power generators alone. Residents were very concerned with backup generator noise pollution taking place on nights and weekends; and, excessive backup power generator noise pollution at any point, on any day. Concern also exists that backup generator use on nights and weekends would disrupt residents' ability to sleep and enjoy the use of their back yards. ANALYTICS (click here for supplemental information) The City of Ramsey is bound by the same noise pollution standards as any other City in Minnesota. Noise pollution standards are set and regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Local units of government are statutorily prohibited from setting maximum noise limits more stringent than those set by the MPCA. The MPCA determines noise pollution based on the type property being effected; not, based on the type property producing noise. Therefore, regardless what user Subject Property contained in terms of development use, noise pollution rights of surrounding residential property owners remains the same. The MPCA determines maximum noise pollution standards for a variety of different property types. In the case of the Subject Property, we are only concerned with residential noise pollution standards. MPCA resources are available to assist Ramsey in determining compliance with MPCA noise pollution standards. The MPCA does have noise monitoring equipment /training available to local governments, and are also available for review of proposed projects. Within a residential area (NAC 1), MPCA noise standards are listed below. Noise is measured by the MPCA in dB(A); which, is a unit of sound expressed in decibels (dB) and A- weighted (A); which, is a weighting of sound pressure levels for the purpose of determining the human response to sound: 6 Minutes (10% of hour) 30 Minutes (50% of hour) DAYTIME: L10, 65dB(A) L50, 60dB(A) NIGHTTIME: L10, 55dB(A) L50, 50 dB(A) NOTE: Generators run for more than six minutes, therefore, in the case of a data center development, the City would utilized the more stringent regulations, L50. For more MPCA information, click here. Information was provided to the OMCStudy Group related to other cities', developers' and data centers' experiences with noise pollution concerns from nearby /adjacent residential properties. In summary, either noise was not a concern others' experienced; or, noise concerns raised by residents were mitigated. OMCStudy Group, Findings Report Page 14 of 42