HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix J - Acoustic Report
ACOUSTIC REPORT Rev. 3
Survey of Existing Acoustic Conditions and Expected Acoustic Impacts at:
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Prepared for:
PW Grosser Consulting
Attn: Bryan Grogan
Engineers:
Jennifer Scinto
Sean Harkin
Jacob Watrous
Dr. Bonnie Schnitta
July 2, 2019
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 2 of 17
SUMMARY:
SoundSense visited the site of the proposed Enclaves Restaurant and Hotel (“Proposed Location”) on
July 19th, 2019, during time periods requested by the community, to take ambient noise level readings.
The main purpose of the site visit was to characterize the current acoustic nature of the neighborhood
surrounding the Proposed Location, including the commercial properties on Route 25 as well as the
residential property further setback off the roadway.
The measured sound levels were used in conjunction with the traffic study provided by Dunn
Engineering Services (“Traffic Study”), in order to predict the potential increase in sound level at the
receivers of concern due to both natural increase in traffic due to population growth and the further
increase in sound level due to traffic entering and exiting the Proposed Location. This modeling included
weekday peak hours, Saturday peak hour and traffic during Special Events, which are expected to occur
only 8-12 times per year at the Proposed Location. This report also considers the acoustic impact of
activities such as construction noise and outdoor sound reinforcement systems at the Proposed
Location.
Additionally, the acoustic impacts of the as-of-right development of the property, including an office
building and quality restaurant (“Alternate Site Plan”), were modeled based on the expected increase in
traffic due to the Alternate Site Plan as detailed in the Traffic Study.
This report serves as the evaluation of the existing conditions at the Proposed Location, as well as the
analysis of the expected acoustic impacts to be incorporated into the SEQRA review of the potential
environmental impacts of the Proposed Location and the Alternate Site Plan.
This report is organized as follows:
Section 1: Equipment used to take acoustic readings.
Section 2: Discussion of Noise & Noise Criteria.
Section 3: Definitions of terms used throughout this report.
Section 4: Analysis of Existing Acoustic Conditions.
Section 5: Analysis of the Expected Acoustic Impacts.
Section 6: Proposed Mitigation Measures.
Section 7: Analysis of Alternate Site Plan.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 3 of 17
SECTION 1 - EQUIPMENT:
• Frequency Analyzer: Bruel & Kjaer Model 2250, Serial No. 2739677
• Type 1 Microphone: Bruel & Kjaer Model 4190, Serial No. 2731530
• Sound Calibrator: Bruel & Kjaer Model 4231, Serial No. 2730164
NOTE: All equipment was factory calibrated within the past year. Additionally, the microphone is Type 1
per ASTM Standards and was calibrated before and after the readings.
SECTION 2 – DISCUSSION OF NOISE & ACOUSTIC CRITERIA:
2.1 Annoyance by Sound
Annoyance by sound is a response to auditory experience. The standard acoustic ruler is that any sound
that exceeds the background noise level by 5 dB(A) or more has the potential to be an annoyance (see
Section 2.2).
2.2 Subjective Perception of Actual Sound Energy Change
Sound or noise is measured in decibels (dB). As sound increases or decreases, decibels increase or
decrease logarithmically - not arithmetically. The doubling of the volume of a sound only shows a ten-
point increase in dB. For example, one TV set at a normal conversational level is about 60 dB. Ten TV
sets at the same volume will sound twice as loud and register about 70 dB.
Table 2.2.1: Subjective Perception of Actual Sound Energy Change
dB change Subjective perception Sound energy change
0 - 3 dB Barely perceivable 50 %
4 - 5 dB Perceivable and significant 69 %
6 dB Double sound pressure 75 %
7 - 9 dB Major perceived increase 87 %
10 dB Double loudness, 10x power 90 %
2.3 Town of Southold Noise Ordinance – Chapter 180
§ 180-5 General prohibition.
No person or persons owning leasing or controlling the operation of any source of noise on any lot or
structure within the Town shall permit the establishment of a condition of noise pollution. Except as provided
in §180-6, the use of amplifiers, speakers or other machines or devices capable of reproducing amplified or
airborne sound from the premises, dwelling or building within the Town shall be considered noise pollution
and shall be prohibited at all times.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 4 of 17
SECTION 2 – DISCUSSION OF NOISE & ACOUSTIC CRITERIA (Continued):
2.3 Town of Southold Noise Ordinance – Chapter 180 (Continued)
§ 180-6 Standards.
No person shall create or cause to be emitted any noise pollution which when measured on a sound-
level meter from the property line of a complaining property owner exceeds the following standards:
A. Sunday through Thursday:
(1) From 7:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m., airborne or amplified sound in excess of 65 dBA; and
(2) From 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., airborne or amplified sound in excess of 50 dBA.
B. Friday and Saturday:
(1) From 7:00 a.m to 11:00 p.m., airborne or amplified sound in excess of 65 dBA; and
(2) From 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., airborne or amplified sound in excess of 50 dBA.
§ 180-7 Exceptions.
A. The provisions of §§180-5 and 180-6 shall not apply to the following:
(2) Construction activities between 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. and the associated use of
construction devices or the noise produced thereby, provided that such activities and such
equipment and their use comply with the other provisions hereof.
(6) Nonamplified noise generated from lawful athletic or recreational activities, events or
facilities.
(11) Emergency construction or repair work.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 5 of 17
SECTION 2 – DISCUSSION OF NOISE & ACOUSTIC CRITERIA (Continued):
2.4 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “Assessing and Mitigating Noise
Impacts”
Table 2.4.1: NYSDEC Thresholds for Significant Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Increase
Sound Level
Increase (dB) Impact Need for Mitigation
0 – 3 No appreciable effect on receptors No need
3 – 6
Potential for adverse noise impact in cases
where the most sensitive of receptors are
present
Mitigation may be needed for some
sensitive receptors
6 – 10
Potential for adverse noise impact depending
on existing SPL and character of surround
land use and receptors
Mitigation may be needed for most
receptors, depending on existing
conditions
10 or more Adverse impact
Deserves consideration of
avoidance and mitigation measures
in most cases
2.5 HUD Site Acceptability Standards
Noise Zone Day-night average sound
level (in decibels) Special approvals and requirements
Acceptable Not exceeding 65 dB None
Normally
Unacceptable
Above 65 dB but not
exceeding 75 dB
• Environmental assessment and attenuation
required for new construction
• Attenuation strongly encouraged for major
rehabilitation
Unacceptable Above 75 dB
• Environmental impact statement required
• Attenuation required for new construction
with approval by the Assistant Secretary of
CPD or certifying officer
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 6 of 17
SECTION 3 - DEFINITIONS:
3.1 Ambient
Definition: In this document ambient refers to that sound level when there were no noises of concern.
This is a critical value, since it is the level that determines the degree of annoyance of a noise.
3.2 Decibel (dB)
Definition: The term used to identify ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of two like quantities
proportional to power or energy. Thus, one decibel corresponds to a power ratio (10 to the 0.1 power)
to the n power. Since the decibel expresses the ratio of two like quantities, it has no units.
Note: A-Weighting (dBA) – This weighting metric is commonly applied to sound pressure levels as it is an
approximation of the hearing response of the human ear which is more responsive to higher
frequencies than lower frequencies.
3.3 Equivalent-Continuous Sound Level (Leq)
Definition: Equivalent-continuous, frequency-weighted sound pressure level over a specified averaging
time is the equivalent steady level, in that time interval, of the time-mean-square, frequency-weighted
sound pressure produced by the sources of steady, fluctuating, intermittent, irregular, or impulsive
sounds.
The equivalent-continuous sound level of a time-varying sound is equal to the level of an equivalent
steady sound at a measurement location for the same measurement duration. Specifically, Leq is 10
times the common logarithm of the ratio of the time-mean-square sound pressure
2()pt over time
period 21TTT=− to the square of the standard reference sound pressure
2
0 ()pt. Measured in dB the
Leq is:
=
)(
)(
log10 2
2
10
2
1
tp
dttp
L
o
T
T
eq
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 7 of 17
SECTION 3 – DEFINITIONS (Continued):
3.4 Noise Criteria (NC)
Definition: A numerical rating that is a guide to specifying the number that should not be exceeded in
order to minimize the interfering effect of noise on sleep or concentration.
Type of Room NC Range
Home Theaters and Media Rooms 15-25
Bedrooms, Dining Rooms 25-30
Study 25-35
3.5 Standards
The information within this findings document is based on the ASTM Standards. Any variation to the
ASTM criteria is based on additional research by such groups as the Acoustic Society of America and
INCE that focuses on the well-being of humans in the presence of noise.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 8 of 17
SECTION 3 – DEFINITIONS (Continued):
3.6 Statistical Sound Levels (L10, L50, L90, etc.)
The sound level that is exceeded for the percentage of time of that level during a period of time.
Example: During a 1-hour measurement, an L10 of 60 dBA means the sound level was at or above 60
dBA for a total of 4 minutes, whereas an L90 of 60 dBA means the sound level was at or above 60 dBA
for a total of 54 minutes. This is often used to demonstrate ambient sound levels.
SECTION 4 – ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS:
4.1 Ambient Measurements at Proposed Location and Nearby Receivers
Daytime ambient sound level measurements were taken at several receivers near the Proposed
Location, as shown in Figure 4.1.1. Locations were selected in order to characterize the acoustic
environment of the property and surrounding areas. Access to the majority of the property was limited
due to vegetation growth. Location 1 was selected in order to characterize the existing ambient sound
pressure levels at the front of the property and characterize the acoustic environment at the street and
to the nearby commercial receivers. During collection of acoustic data at Location 1, timestamps were
collected of various acoustic events such as various car passbys in order to utilize in future calculations
for this acoustic study related to traffic. Locations 2-4 characterize the acoustic conditions in the rear of
the existing home and commercial businesses. Collectively, all the acoustic data gathered provides a
clear picture of the existing soundscape of the area. Readings were collected as close to nearby
residential receivers as possible. In addition to the location, the time of the acoustic readings were
selected in order to survey a variety of acoustic conditions. For example, acoustic readings were
collected during the day in order to characterize typical sounds due to traffic and acoustic readings
collected during the nighttime readings were coordinated with a passby of an LIRR train at to the North
of the property.
An acoustic consultant remained with the meter for the duration of each 20-minute measurement
period, noting the activities contributing to the soundscape of the area, and noting high sound level
events such as car and truck pass-bys. The existing ambient soundscape in the area of the Proposed
Location is characterized mainly by traffic on Route 25, which includes cars, busses, mid and large-sized
trucks, emergency vehicles and motorcycles, as well as the nearby LIRR commuter train route, planes,
and helicopters.
Results of the ambient sound level measurements can be found in Table 4.1.1 below.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 9 of 17
SECTION 4 – ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS (Continued):
4.1 Ambient Measurements at Proposed Location and Nearby Receivers (Continued)
Figure 4.1.1. Locations of Ambient Measurements near Proposed Location
Table 4.1.1: Weekday Ambient Sound Levels at Receivers near the Proposed Location on
Thursday July 19th, 2019
Measurement
Location Time Period LAeq
(dBA)
LASmin
(dBA)
LASmax
(dBA)
L01
(dBA)
L10
(dBA)
L50
(dBA)
L90
(dBA)
Location 1
12:24pm – 12:46pm 62 42 85 70 64 59 51
7:47pm – 8:04pm 60 43 69 68 64 58 48
Location 2
12:52pm – 1:13pm 45 38 54 52 48 43 40
8:06pm – 8:26pm 47 39 66 58 49 43 40
Location 3
1:14pm – 1:34pm 46 37 56 53 50 44 40
8:27pm – 8:47pm 44 38 58 53 47 43 40
Location 4
1:35pm – 1:46pm 43 37 53 50 46 43 39
8:48pm – 9:09pm 47 38 61 59 48 45 43
The measured sound levels are typical of a residential area nearby a busy roadway. The sound levels at
Location 1, which are representative of the acoustic environment at the commercial and residential
receivers on Route 25, are dominated by the traffic sounds on Route 25.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 10 of 17
SECTION 4 – ANALYSIS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS (Continued):
4.1 Ambient Measurements at Proposed Location and Nearby Receivers (Continued)
The effect of Route 25 on Location 1 is especially evident in the elevated LAeq and L90 measurements
which are typically used to characterize the background noise levels. The sound levels at Locations 2, 3
and 4 are generally consistent and represent the acoustic environment at the residential receivers to the
east of the Proposed Location. These measured sound levels are typical of semi-rural residential areas
and are used in the modeling of the expected acoustic impacts due to the Proposed Location, which can
be found in Section 5 of this report.
SECTION 5 – ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED IMPACTS:
5.1 Expected Impact of Increased Traffic due to Proposed Location
SoundSense modeled the expected change in sound level at the four receivers of interest based on the
expected increase in traffic documented in the traffic study by Dunn Engineering Services (“Traffic
Study”). Table 5.1.1 shows the expected increase in the L10 and L90 sound levels based on the expected
increase in traffic due to linear natural background traffic growth. Table 5.1.2 shows the expected
further change in sound level at the four receivers due to entering and exiting traffic at the Proposed
Location.
In order to determine the worst-case scenario impacts for each receiver, the baseline sound levels were
selected to be either the morning or evening readings, depending on which time of day was generally
quieter at each location. In this way, the analysis shows the expected worst-case scenario impact if all of
the additional traffic occurred during the quietest periods of the day at each receiver. For this analysis,
the evening sound levels were used for Locations 1 and 3, while the early afternoon sound levels were
used for Locations 2 and 4.
Table 5.1.1: Expected Sound Levels at Receiver Locations due to Background Traffic Growth in Summer
2020, No Build
Receiver Condition
Expected Change in
L10 from Existing
Conditions (dBA)
Expected Change in
L90 from Existing
Conditions (dBA)
Location 1
2020 No Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.6 2.4
2020 No Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.9 4.3
Location 2
2020 No Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.4 0.6
2020 No Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.7 1.0
Location 3
2020 No Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0 0.7
2020 No Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0 1.0
Location 4
2020 No Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.5 0.5
2020 No Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.9 0.8
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 11 of 17
SECTION 5 – ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED IMPACTS (Continued):
5.1 Expected Impact of Increased Traffic due to Proposed Location (Continued)
Table 5.1.2: Expected Further Sound Level Increases at Receiver Locations due to Proposed Location in
Summer 2020
Receiver Condition
Expected
Change in
L10 (dBA)
Expected
Change in
L90 (dBA)
Expected
Impact
Location 1
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.7 3.0 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 1.1 2.1 No Impact
2020 Build – Special Events 1.8 3.8 Potential
Impact
Location 2
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.6 0.7 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.7 0.8 No Impact
2020 Build – Special Events 0.7 1.1 No Impact
Location 3
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0 0.4 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0 0.6 No Impact
2020 Build – Special Events 0 0.7 No Impact
Location 4
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.5 0.7 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.6 0.8 No Impact
2020 Build – Special Events 0.7 1.3 No Impact
The L90 value is most often used to characterize the ambient sound level in an area. The L90 value is the
value which is exceeded 90% of the time of a measurement. Conversely, the L10 value is that which is
exceeded only 10% of the time of a measurement. The L10 value is often used to characterize an
impulsive environmental acoustic disturbance and often correlates with the community reaction to the
noise.
As shown in Table 5.1.2 above, only one condition is expected to result in an exceedance of the 3 dB
threshold for potential acoustic impact. This would occur only for the expected worst-case L90 value at
Location 1 during a Special Event at the Proposed Location, which is expected to take place only 8-12
times per year. All other conditions at all receivers result in a differential of less than or equal to 3 dB,
which represents an unnoticeable change in the sound levels at these receivers, and therefore is
expected to have no acoustic environmental impact on the receivers. Based on this analysis,
SoundSense expects that the Proposed Location will not negatively impact the nearby residential and
commercial receivers.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 12 of 17
SECTION 5 – ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED IMPACTS (Continued):
5.2 Expected Impact of Typical Site Activities
The Proposed Location will sometimes use an outdoor sound reinforcement system to play music on the
property during daytime hours of operation. A limiter will be placed on this system to ensure that the
resulting sound levels cannot exceed the limits set in the Town of Southold Noise Ordinance for
commercial music, which SoundSense has done in the past with success. As discussed in Section 2.3 of
this report, the Town of Southold Noise Code Limits are as follows: Sunday through Thursday, 65 dB(A)
between 7am and 7pm and 50 dB(A) between 7pm and 7am; Friday and Saturday, 65 dB(A) between
7am and 11pm and 50 dB(A) between 11pm and 7am. Additionally, the speaker layout will be reviewed
to minimize the impact of direct acoustic waves. Therefore, no impact is expected on the nearby
receivers due to the outdoor sound reinforcement system. The speaker equipment selection and layout
can be reviewed by an acoustical consultant once provided by the AV consultant.
Additionally, the Proposed Location will have an outdoor pool and play court area. The sound levels
generated at these locations are not expected to negatively impact the neighboring receivers, as the
building itself serves as a natural acoustic barrier to the residential receivers to the east. Additionally,
landscaping will be included which will inhibit direct reflections which could amplify the noise.
5.3 Expected Impact of Construction Noise
The construction phase of the project is expected to last 18-22 months and will occur on weekdays
between 8am and 5pm and Saturdays between 9am and 4pm. The Town of Southold Noise Code does
not apply to construction noise generated between 7am and 7pm, any day of the week. Although the
Town of Southold Noise Ordinance does not apply to construction noise during the proposed periods of
time, it is possible to reduce the expected impact of the construction noise on the neighboring
receivers. Acoustic barriers can be utilized during the construction period to minimize the impact of the
construction activities on the surrounding residential and commercial receivers. The requirements of
these barriers can be calculated once the construction plan for the Proposed Location is completed and
the expected sound levels of the necessary equipment is known.
5.4 Expected Impact of Special Events
In addition to the traffic generated by the Proposed Location, sound levels during special events and
their impact on neighboring receivers are also a concern. The project sponsor expects that these types
of events will include weddings, fundraising events and other small private gatherings. The expected
sound levels of two types of special events were modeled at the four receivers of interest; a 250-person
outdoor wedding and a 50-person outdoor party. Both of these types of events would take place on the
front lawn/sculpture garden area of the property, but only one event would take place at any time.
Average sound level spectra for male and female speaking voices at a raised voice effort level were used
to calculate the expected sound levels at the receivers of concern, based on a 50-50 gender split of the
attendees at these events. Any music played through the sound reinforcement system during the event
will be required to meet Town of Southold Noise Ordinance limits through the use of a limiter on the
system as described above in Section 5.2, and as such is not included in this analysis. The expected
sound levels of these events can be found in Table 5.4.1 and Figures 5.4.1-4 below.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 13 of 17
SECTION 5 – ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED IMPACTS (Continued):
5.4 Expected Impact of Special Events (Continued)
Table 5.4.1: Ambient Sound Levels and Expected Sound Levels due to Special Events at Locations 1-4
Location
Existing
LAeq
(dBA)
Expected LAeq –
250 Person
Wedding (dBA)
Expected LAeq –
50 Person Party
(dBA)
Town of Southold
Noise Code
Daytime Limit
Location 1 (~270ft* from
Proposed Event Location) 60 60 60 65
Location 2 (~150ft* from
Proposed Event Location) 45 53 48 65
Location 3 (~220ft* from
Proposed Event Location) 44 50 46 65
Location 4 (~130ft* from
Proposed Event Location) 43 53 48 65
*Please refer to Figure 4.1.1 regarding position of measurement Locations 1-4
Figure 5.4.1. Ambient Sound Levels and Expected Sound Levels due to Special Events at Location 1
Figure 5.4.2. Ambient Sound Levels and Expected Sound Levels due to Special Events at Location 2
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz 8000 Hz
So
u
n
d
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
L
e
v
e
l
(
d
B
r
e
:
2
0
µP
a
)
Frequency (Hz)
Expected Location 1 -
During 250 Person
Wedding
Expected Location 1 -
During 50 Person
Party
Location 1 Ambient
30
35
40
45
50
55
125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz 8000 Hz
So
u
n
d
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
L
e
v
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l
(
d
B
r
e
:
2
0
µP
a
)
Frequency (Hz)
Expected Location 2 -
During 250 Person
Wedding
Expected Location 2 -
During 50 Person Party
Location 2 Ambient
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 14 of 17
SECTION 5 – ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED IMPACTS (Continued):
5.4 Expected Impact of Special Events (Continued)
Figure 5.4.3. Ambient Sound Levels and Expected Sound Levels due to Special Events at Location 3
Figure 5.4.4. Ambient Sound Levels and Expected Sound Levels due to Special Events at Location 4
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz 8000 Hz
So
u
n
d
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
L
e
v
e
l
(
d
B
r
e
:
2
0
µP
a
)
Frequency (Hz)
Expected Location 3 -
During 250 Person
Wedding
Expected Location 3 -
During 50 Person Party
Location 3 Ambient
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
125 Hz 250 Hz 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 4000 Hz 8000 Hz
So
u
n
d
P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e
L
e
v
e
l
(
d
B
r
e
:
2
0
µP
a
)
Frequency (Hz)
Expected Location 4 -
During 250 Person
Wedding
Expected Location 4 -
During 50 Person Party
Location 4 Ambient
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 15 of 17
SECTION 5 – ANALYSIS OF EXPECTED IMPACTS (Continued):
5.4 Expected Impact of Special Events (Continued)
Whereas the previous analysis showed that the expected increase in traffic is not expected to be a
disturbance to the neighboring properties during special events, the expected sound levels due to
special events is expected to represent a significant disturbance to the neighboring properties based on
the differential between the ambient sound level and the expected sound level due to special events.
The sound levels at Location 1 are not expected to be impacted by the Special Events, as the acoustic
character of this area is already dominated by the traffic on Route 25. However, at Locations 2-4 the
overall sound level is expected to increase by 6-10 dBA for the 250-person wedding events and 3-5 dBA
for the 50-person parties. Additionally, the octave band sound levels are expected to be as much as 17
dB above ambient sound levels in select octave band during the 250-person wedding events and as
much as 10 dB above ambient in select octave bands during 50-person parties. While these events may
only occur 8-12 times per year, the acoustic impact to the neighboring receivers during these events will
be noticeable and significant.
That being said, these events will only violate the 50 dBA limit set by the Town of Southold Noise Code if
these sound levels occur after 7pm on Sunday through Thursday and after 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
The project sponsor has stated that special events are expected to take place approximately 8-12 times
per year and will occur between 6pm to 10pm on Fridays, 2pm to 11pm on Saturdays and 2pm to 6pm
on Sundays. Therefore, no events are expected to occur during the time periods for which the nighttime
noise code limit pf 50 dB(A) would apply as set forth in the Town of Southold Noise Code. For no
location is the sound level due to special events expected to violate the 65 dB(A) limit set by the Town
of Southold Noise Code for daytime sound levels, which is the only time special events are expected to
occur.
As discussed in Section 5.2 of this report, the effects of the sound reproduction system is not
incorporated into this special event analysis, as this system will already be required to have a limiter
which will be set such that it is not possible to exceed the Town of Southold noise level limits for
daytime or nighttime overall sound level at the nearest receivers. This applies to both music that will be
played through the sound reproduction system as well as public speaking and officiating which will be
amplified through the same sound reproduction system. Additionally, the speakers for special events
will be arranged such that they face away from the residential receivers to the east of the property. As
most event-grade speakers are directional, and emanate their energy primarily in the direction they
face, the majority of the sound energy from the speakers will be directed towards the western side of
the property, and is not expected to impact the residential receivers as much as the omni-directional
nature of a crowd of human speaking voices.
Recommendations to reduce the sound levels due to these Special Events at the neighboring residential
receivers can be found in Section 6 below.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 16 of 17
SECTION 6 – RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES:
6.1 Recommended Mitigation to Address Airborne Noise due to Proposed Location during Typical
Operation
At this time, SoundSense has mathematically determined, based on extensive acoustic readings and
related analysis, that mitigation measures are not necessary to address the airborne sound levels due to
the Proposed Location for typical operations, as the analysis of the expected sound levels has revealed
that there is no impact expected for the nearby commercial and residential receivers during typical
operation of the Proposed Location.
6.2 Recommended Mitigation to Address Airborne Noise due to Proposed Location during Special
Events
SoundSense has determined that the Special Events held at the Proposed Location 8-12 times per year
could potentially result in a significant acoustic disturbance at the neighboring residential receivers
(Locations 2-4) if no acoustic treatment measures are implemented. However, with mitigation, the
acoustic impact can be reduced significantly to the extent that a disturbance would not occur. Such
mitigation can include the installation of a temporary acoustic barrier during Special Events to reduce
the sound levels as received at the neighboring residential receivers. This barrier can be placed along
the eastern edge of the event, should it occur on the lawn in front of the hotel, and can be movable to
optimize the location and the efficiency of the barrier. This acoustic barrier could include a typical fence
construction lined with an acoustic material such as SoundSense QB-12-EXT, or an approved equivalent,
and the acoustic material must make full contact with the ground. The required height of the barrier will
vary depending on the location and can be calculated for maximum efficacy depending on the type and
location of the event. Alternatively, if an event is held within a tent on the property, an acoustic barrier
can be incorporated into the side of the tent facing the residential properties to the east. Additionally, if
an event is held at the pool area of the Proposed Location, the building itself will act as an acoustic
barrier between the event and the residential receivers. Furthermore, a limiter should be implemented
on the sound reproduction system to ensure that the requirements of the Town of Southold Noise Code
are met for the amplified sound during these events. Implementation of the recommended mitigation
measures would be expected to reduce noise levels to the extent that no significant adverse impacts to
the neighboring properties would occur.
The Enclaves – 56655 Route 25 – Southold, NY
Acoustical Report Rev. 4 – 7/2/19
Page 17 of 17
SECTION 7 – ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATE SITE PLAN:
7.1 Description of Alternate Site Plan
The alternate site plan (“Alternate Site Plan”) was developed as an as-of-right use of the same property
as the Proposed Location. The Alternate Site Plan includes an office building and a quality restaurant.
Expected increases in traffic due to the Alternate Site Plan were obtained from the Traffic Study in order
to model the expected impact of the Alternate Site Plan on the nearby commercial and residential
receivers.
7.2 Expected Impact of Increased Traffic due to As-of-Right Development
SoundSense modeled the expected change in sound level at the four receivers of interest based on the
expected increase in traffic due to the Alternate Site Plan documented in the Traffic Study. Table 7.2.1
shows the expected further change in sound level beyond the linear background traffic growth expected
for Summer 2020 at the four receivers due to entering and exiting traffic at the Alternate Site Plan. As in
the previously discussed analysis of the Proposed Location, the worst-case scenario sound levels were
used in order to determine the impact if all additional traffic occurred at the quietest time of day at
each receiver.
Table 7.2.1: Expected Further Sound Level Increases at Receiver Locations due to Alternate Site Plan in
Summer 2020
Receiver Condition Expected Change
in L10 (dBA)
Expected Change
in L90 (dBA)
Expected
Impact
Location 1
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 1.3 4.0 Potential
Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.8 1.7 No Impact
Location 2
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 1.1 1.3 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.7 0.7 No Impact
Location 3
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0 0.9 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0 0.4 No Impact
Location 4
2020 Build – Weekday Peak Hour 0.9 1.2 No Impact
2020 Build – Saturday Peak Hour 0.5 0.7 No Impact
As shown above, the additional traffic due to the Alternate Site Plan is not expected to negatively
impact the nearby receivers in most cases. However, at Location 1 there is expected to be a noticeable
change in the L90 level during weekday peak hours. Unlike the special event condition of the Proposed
Location, this condition is expected to occur all weekdays during peak traffic hours, as opposed to only
during special events and may represent a more noticeable and adverse impact on Location 1.
LZeq 20Hz LZeq 25Hz LZeq 31.5Hz LZeq 40Hz LZeq 50Hz LZeq 63Hz LZeq 80Hz LZeq 100Hz LZeq 125Hz LZeq 160Hz LZeq 200Hz
Location 1 - 12:24pm to 12:46pm 54.67 60.52 58.84 60.9 61.08 66.02 62.3 59.7 59.17 56.19 53.99
Location 2 - 12:52pm to 1:13pm 47.86 53.42 52.43 50.37 51.21 52.52 52.47 50.6 50.08 43.35 40.04
Location 3 - 1:14pm to 1:34pm 47.19 52.62 49.71 51.16 55.2 52.56 51.59 52.74 49.41 42.45 37.52
Location 4 - 1:35pm to 1:46pm 46.86 54.65 49.87 52.42 55.54 52.9 50.57 50.91 48.21 41.17 37.38
Location 1 - 7:47pm to 8:04pm 55.89 57.58 59.38 59.04 58.12 59.1 59.91 58.09 57 54.32 51.86
Location 2 - 8:06pm to 8:26pm 48.62 54.43 51.23 49.8 52.86 59.68 59.54 53.74 48.72 45.49 39.95
Location 3 - 8:27pm to 8:47pm 45.85 52.82 48.34 51.64 50.97 53.86 52.18 49.04 46.93 43.25 38.22
Location 4 - 8:48pm to 9:09pm 45.84 54.04 50.17 51.46 54.55 53.47 53.42 56.12 48.79 43.04 40.66
LZeq 250Hz LZeq 315Hz LZeq 400Hz LZeq 500Hz LZeq 630Hz LZeq 800Hz LZeq 1kHz LZeq 1.25kHz LZeq 1.6kHz LZeq 2kHz
Location 1 - 12:24pm to 12:46pm 52.62 52.4 51.25 51.31 51.98 53.16 54.39 55.59 51.75 49.51
Location 2 - 12:52pm to 1:13pm 36.97 33.23 31.29 32 33.03 35.16 35.58 34.44 33.06 30.67
Location 3 - 1:14pm to 1:34pm 33.71 32.01 29.05 29.95 31.72 33.76 34.18 33.72 32.85 30.57
Location 4 - 1:35pm to 1:46pm 32.97 29.68 28.79 30.83 32.67 34.85 35.05 34.31 32.36 29.22
Location 1 - 7:47pm to 8:04pm 49.3 47.4 48.45 49.29 50.43 52.16 52.12 51.14 50.96 49.31
Location 2 - 8:06pm to 8:26pm 34.78 38.03 39.99 37.71 38.3 39.79 37.28 34.54 32.08 28.59
Location 3 - 8:27pm to 8:47pm 32.59 31.62 31.89 32.71 34.19 36.21 37.3 34.34 32.66 30.03
Location 4 - 8:48pm to 9:09pm 37.24 36.68 35.78 36.48 37.3 37.83 36.88 35.29 33.5 32.27
LZeq 2.5kHz LZeq 3.15kHz LZeq 4kHz LZeq 5kHz LZeq 6.3kHz LZeq 8kHz LZeq 10kHz LZeq 12.5kHz LZeq 16kHz LZeq 20kHz
Location 1 - 12:24pm to 12:46pm 47.85 45.88 43.06 40.81 38.12 35.05 31.69 28.85 24.28 17.95
Location 2 - 12:52pm to 1:13pm 27.76 27.45 29.36 30.32 31.55 29.88 17.1 14.86 11 8.96
Location 3 - 1:14pm to 1:34pm 30.09 34.38 35.62 35.82 36.15 34.5 24.8 22.64 15.52 9.41
Location 4 - 1:35pm to 1:46pm 25.77 24.14 24.49 22.99 22.66 23.43 17.8 10.41 9.17 8.32
Location 1 - 7:47pm to 8:04pm 46.4 43.5 40.45 37.95 35.62 32.06 29.64 25.27 21.75 16.74
Location 2 - 8:06pm to 8:26pm 33.7 31.25 29.54 32.24 26.72 26.1 15.14 9.23 9.28 7.55
Location 3 - 8:27pm to 8:47pm 26.86 23.51 21.07 32.13 22.4 18.68 11.96 9.42 8.73 7.94
Location 4 - 8:48pm to 9:09pm 29.13 23.13 27.9 40.84 25.5 15.41 23.14 11.82 10.63 9.58
Appendix A: Additional Sound Level Data
Table A.1: 1/3rd Octave Band Ambient Sound Levels at Receivers Near the Proposed Location on Thursday July 19th, 2019