09/11/2001 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Molin Concrete September 11, 2001 page 11 • As can be seen from these definitions, a test must be able to determine if the specified decibel level is exceeded for 10% of the time for one hour, or for 50% of the time for one hour. Daytime in defined as 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, night time as 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. Molin had a noise measurement analysis performed in October 2000 by Wenck Associates. On October 24, the firm took readings from 4:30 am to 5:30 am and from 5:30 am to 6:30 am. On October 25, the firm took readings from 4:30 am to 5:30 am. The readings indicated no violation of MPCA noise rules during those times. MPCA did state in a conversation with City staff that if a test is conducted by established methods, MPCA typically accepts the results of the test. Neighbors are not satisfied by the Wenck analysis. It is possible to arrange another analysis. Staff contacted the MPCA to see if MPCA could conduct the analysis. This is possible, but there is a waiting period of several months. Staff is recommending a condition that requires a noise analysis by another consultant to be arranged for the near future. This analysis should be conducted during a typical working day at the plant. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD COMMENTS As noted in the attached memo from the Environmental Specialist, on August 29 the Environmental Board tabled the project pending; submission of landscape plan, tree inventory, Rice Creek Watershed's TWAFFA requirement information, lighting plan, an understanding of chemical use on the site, use of well heads on site as indicated by the County Well Point Index. The landscape plan should show the use of native groundcover plants and trees, the berm area on the north should be looked at for effectiveness and the use of irrigation, and the City should re -focus on the priorities set forth in the current Surface Water management Plan review process so that the surface water issues are better understood in plan review sites such as Molin Concrete. It is not clear why the Environmental Board did not receive the submitted landscape plan. No tree loss will occur from the proposed new building. The Rice Creek Watershed has granted its preliminary approval. A lighting plan will be a condition of approval before City Council review. Chemical use on the site is not changing, nor are any new wells being proposed. The landscaping plan was approved in 1997. The new plan is a revision of the previously approved plan, and the drought- resistant species have already been planted. The City's surface water plan must be consistent with the Watershed plan. Both the Watershed and the City include surface water plan requirements in the review all projects. •