Noise Studies

The typical methodology used in noise assessment work initiates with the collection of existing data in the form of previously prepared studies and the local jurisdiction's Noise Element. When appropriate, 24-hour noise measurements are taken with an integrating sound level meter along roadways and within the project site to provide a sample of the current sound level environment. If traffic noise is a concern, the actual measurements are compared to the noise levels predicted by the noise model and the model adjusted accordingly, if necessary, to reflect local acoustical conditions.

Rincon uses several noise prediction models, depending on the nature of the analysis, complexity of the project, and noise environment. These noise models include the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model (TNM ver 2.5), Caltrans LEQv2 and SOUND32 noise models, or an in-house spreadsheet model that uses the mathematical algorithms from the TNM or Caltrans California Vehicle Noise Emission Levels (CALVENO).

Representative Projects

• Noise Element Update - City of Pasadena
• State Highway 126 Noise Study – Thille Community East and West Ranch - City of Ventura
• Palmdale Tract No. 45218 Railroad Noise Analysis - Private Client
• Noise Analysis for Street Extensions - Willow Street and Fulton Avenue - City of Ojai
• Noise Element of the General Plan - City of Carpinteria
• Heritage House Noise Study- County of Santa Barbara
• Noise Study for 227 Unit Residential Tract - City of Ventura
• Noise Study for Residential Tentative Tracts Nos. 45901 and 52059 - City of Calabasas
• Noise Study for the McCourtney Road Landfill Closure and Mitigated Negative Declaration - County of Nevada Department of Sanitation
• Bear Mountain Cogeneration Facility Noise Assessment - Kern County
• Shappel Industries Residential Project Noise Study - City of Thousand Oaks