FEIS - Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

RESPONSE TO COMMENTS ON THE DEIS
B o u l d e r B a y C o m m u n i t y E n h a n c e m e n t P r o g r a m P r o j e c t E I S
be installed as part of the Project; therefore, they were not included in the analysis of
stationary source emissions. Project related stationary source emissions will comply
with the TRPA Code of Ordinances Chapter 91.3 for Combustion Appliances,
including natural gas fired water heaters and central furnaces). The overall emissions
summary (results from Urbemis) for both stationary and mobile emissions sources is
provided in Tables 4.9-8 and 4.9-9 of the DEIS. Roadway snowmelt systems require
a boiler to operate. The addition of additional boiler capacity for operation of the
roadway snowmelt system would not substantially change the conclusions of the
Urbemis analysis for Alternatives C and D since the majority of the emissions are
generated by vehicle trips, which decline under these Alternatives. It should also be
noted that the operation of the snowmelt system replaces other traditional means for
snow removal, including snow plows, deicers, etc. As shown in the Chapter 4.9
Tables, Alternative C would not exceed any of the emission standards of the TRPA.
However Boulder Bay has commissioned an analysis for the snowmelt system which
will be available for review by decision makers during the project hearings.
Comment 93-v: Comment Summary - NOISE-1: Alt. C - where is the analysis?
The analysis is contained within Tables 4.10-8 and 4.10-9. The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA RD77-108) traffic noise prediction model was used to
evaluate the Alternative C traffic noise impacts. Direct inputs to the model were
based upon traffic volumes provided by the project traffic consultant. Mitigation
measures are based upon research conducted for Alternative Pavements.
Comment 93-w: Comment Summary - NOISE-3: Alt. C - where is the analysis?
The construction noise control program prepared for Boulder Bay by SMC
Contracting, Inc. (see Chapter 2.5) proposes construction activities outside of the
exempt hours of operation contained within the TRPA noise ordinance. Construction
noise levels outside of the exempt hours that exceed Plan Area CNEL standards will
result in significant noise impacts.
During the construction phases of the Project, noise from construction activities will
add to the noise environment in the immediate project vicinity. Activities involved in
construction will generate maximum noise levels, as indicated in Table 4.10-16,
ranging from 76 to 95 dB at distances of 50 to 100 feet. Construction activities will
be temporary in nature and are anticipated to occur during normal daytime working
hours.
Noise will also be generated during the construction phase by increased truck traffic
on area roadways. A significant project-generated noise source will be truck traffic
associated with transport of heavy materials and equipment to and from construction
sites. This noise increase will be of short duration, and will likely occur primarily
during daytime hours. Based on predicted construction related noise levels, this
impact is considered to be significant.
Mitigation is based upon restricting the hours of operation within the TRPA noise
ordinance hours of operation, unless the TRPA finds that some construction
activities, such as concrete pours can occur between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. qualifies
as “emergency work” to minimize traffic impacts. In addition, shielding of
equipment and appointing a noise complaint coordinator on the site were included to
minimize the noise levels.
Comment 93-x: Comment Summary - NOISE-C1: Where is the analysis? Five years of construction
is more than temporary noise.
PAGE 8- 36 HAUGE BRUECK ASSOCIATES SEPTEMBER 8 , 2010