Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/18/2017

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Item-by-item guidance Chapter 17. Noise Any major noise should be described,including information on their levels(dBA) and hours of duration. However,construction noise need not be described unless the construction of the project will be unusually noisy (for example,the blasting of rock); prolonged; affect especially sensitive receptors(a hospital,for example); or otherwise can be expected to have unusual noise impacts during construction. The locations of and distances to sensitive receptors should be given.For projects in the vicinity of major noise sources,such as highways,railroads or airports,noise levels should be estimated using generally accepted noise prediction models,regardless of whether the noise standards are legally enforceable with respect to the project. Mitigation measures should be identified,and their effects assessed. Local ordinance requirements regarding noise should be reviewed and discussed, and any accommodations made by the project, any variances sought by the project,or other details related to noise issues should be discussed in this item. Additional Resources: • General information on Minnesota noise regulations can be found on the MPCA's Noise Program website at:http://www.pca.state.mn.us/iZT46b • For highway projects,additional guidance regarding noise analysis can be found on the Mn/DOT website at:hllp:Hdotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/edms/download?docld=614361. Category Specific Guidance: Non-metallic mineral mining(Subp 12): Give sources of noise, characteristics of noise and distances to receptors.Discuss measures to minimize these impacts; indicate the extent to which local permits can impose conditions to minimize impacts. Recreational Development(Subp 20 and 20a): Describe noise that may be perceived by neighbors as a nuisance, as well as mitigation measures, such as limiting hours of noisy activities. Airport Projects(Subp 21): Concerns over runway extensions often relate to additional noise from aircraft. The EAW should include a noise analysis determining the project's potential to meet or exceed noise standards at surrounding land uses. Many airport projects are federally funded and therefore require preparation of a federal Environmental Assessment(EA). This EA may substitute for the EAWform, but additional noise information relating to state standards may be needed. Sports or entertainment facilities(Subp 34):Noise from amplified music or public address systems should be described and numerical analysis of noise impacts should be included. Environmental Quality Board EAW Guidelines—October 2013 40