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May 14, 2014 <br />Location: Fbrama>H::Drive>15153>RndingsF�port <br />RNDINGS REPORT: NOISE <br />ISSUE DEMI P11ON <br />A number of residents have identified noise pollution a major issue resulting from a potential data <br />center development. 9oecifically, data centers utilize backup power generators and a large quantity of <br />air conditioning units. Both backup generators and air conditioning units can create noise pollution. <br />OMC3udyaoup discussion, questions and comments were focused on backup power generators <br />alone. Residents were very concerned with backup generator noise pollution taking place on nights and <br />weekends; and, excessive backup power generator noise pollution at any point, on any day. Concern <br />also exists that backup generator use on nights and weekends would disrupt residents' ability to sleep <br />and enjoy the use of their back yards. <br />ANALYTIC(click here for supplemental information) <br />The City of Ramsey is bound by the same noise pollution standards as any other Oty in Minnesota. <br />Noise pollution standards are set and regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (M PCA). <br />Local units of government are statutorily prohibited from setting maximum noise limits more stringent <br />than those set by the MPCA. <br />The M PCA determines noise pollution based on the type property being effected; not, based on the type <br />property producing noise. Therefore, regardless what user Sibject F opertycontained in terms of <br />development use, noise pollution rights of surrounding residential property owners remains t he same. <br />The M FCA determines maximum noise pollution standards for a variety of different property types. In <br />the case of the Sibject Property, we are only concerned with residential noise pollution standards. <br />M FCA resources are available to assist Ramsey in determining compliance with M FCA noise pollution <br />standards. The M PCA does have noise monitoring equipment/training available to local governments, <br />and are also available for review of proposed projects. <br />Within a residential area (NAC 1), M PCA noise standards are listed below. Noise is measured by the <br />MPCAin dB(A); which, isa unit of sound expressed in decibels (dB) and A -weighted (A); which, isa <br />weighting of sound pressure levels for the purpose of determining the human response to sound: <br />6 Minutes (1 O%of hour) 30 Minutes (50%of hour) <br />DAY11M E L10, 65dB(A) L50, 60dB(A) <br />NIGHT11ME L10, 55dB(A) L50, 50 dB(A) <br />NOTE Generators run for more than six minutes, therefore, in the case of a data center <br />development, the Oty would utilized the more stringent regulations, L50. For more <br />MPCA information, click here. <br />Information was provided to the OMCS*udyGroup related to other cities', developers' and data centers' <br />experiences with noise pollution concerns from nearby/adjacent residential properties. In summary, <br />either noise was not a concern others' experienced; or, noise concerns raised by residents were <br />mitigated. <br />CMCStudy Coup, Findings feport (DPAF7) Page 14 of 42 <br />