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• Mayor and Council City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Subject: Construction Noise Level Information Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, The attached material contains noise level information related to construction activities requested by Councilmember Carlson. Specifically requested was noise level data for a jackhammer on 35W and a pneumatic drill that will be used to install the well at the Eagle Brook Church site. Noise level predictions were also calculated for the distances equal to those from Peltier Island to the previously mentioned locations: EBC is pleased to share some very positive research results. The findings show that sounds produced from a jackhammer on 35W, pneumatic drill at the EBC well location, lawn mower at nearby residences, and highway noise from 35W would all be similar in their noise strength perceived at Peltier Island. The noise perceived at Peltier Island for these items would be slightly more than that of a soft whisper at 15 feet, but less than the sounds of light auto traffic at 100 feet. As a comparison, normal speech well exceeds this noise level range. Equipment Sound Level (dB) Distance from source to Island Change with Distance Noise prediction at Peltier Island Source of noise data Jackhammer 75 @ 50 ft 2,300 ft @ 35W -33 42 Special Report: Highway Construction Noise; Measurement, Prediction, and Mitigation, FWHA Pneumatic Tool 80 @ 50 ft 3,600 ft@ EBC site -37 43 Special Report: Highway Construction Noise: Measurement, Prediction, and Mitigation, FWHA Power Mower 95 @ 5ft 2,000 ft -52 43 • Sound Levels and Human Response, Office of Planning and Management, US EPA, 1973, and MMWR, March 1986, 185 Highway Noise 70 @ 50 ft 2,300 ft @ 35W -33 37 _ _ p. Sound Levels and Human Response, Office of Planning and Management, US EPA, 1973, and MMWR, March 1986, p. 185 Noise level information was taken from the Federal Highway Administration's Special Report because it was likely to have the most up to date information regarding construction equipment. Other noise levels were taken from the U.S. EPA. The noise level predictions are based on distance only. Variables such as wind direction, humidity, topography and natural barriers have an effect on noise attenuation also. It should also be noted that a 1996 study titled Buffer Zones and Disturbance Types as Predictors of Fledging Success in Great Blue Herons, by Becky A. Calson and E. Bruce McLean, stated "Compared to disturbance from foot traffic, herons demonstrated greater tolerance for routine or occasional mechanical disturbance (e.g. low flying airplanes, farm machinery, trains and automobile traffic), even when such events were accompanied by loud noises." However, Eagle Brook Church is committed to the preservation of the Heron Rookery and is willing to delay the installation of the well until after July 1, 2004. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information. Sincerely, Barbara Bauman EBC Environmental Stewardship Committee 651 - 429 -7268 1