3.13 Noise
All of the borrow sites would be located offshore and there would be no adjacent sensitive receptors.
The nearest sensitive receptors to any borrow site are approximately 4,000 feet away. These consist
of residents on the shore near SO-7, SO-6, and SO-5.
Sensitive receptors may also be threatened or endangered noise sensitive biological species. Noise
sensitive avian species in the project area include the California least tern and the western snowy
plover. The locations of these species relative to the receiver sites and borrow sites are described in
Section 3.4 of this EIR/EA. The closest nesting locations are shown in Figure 3.4-1.
3.13.2 Applicable Standards
The proposed action is a construction project. Most of the jurisdictions in which the project would
occur have construction noise standards which would be applicable to the project. Construction
noise standards are usually found in a "noise ordinance", and include limitations on the hours that
construction work may be performed, maximum allowable noise levels, or both. In addition to the
specific requirements, each ordinance typically includes a "General Prohibition" on noise that
prohibits disturbing, excessive or offensive noise which causes discomfort or annoyance to
reasonable persons of normal sensitivity. A noise ordinance also usually contains conditions and
procedures for obtaining variances from construction noise limitations. Table 3.13-2 summarizes the
standards applicable at the receiver sites. As noted in Section 2.7, there are no applicable noise
standards at receiver sites within the California State Parks System.
3.13.3 Existing Noise Levels at Receiver Sites
The principal source of noise at each of the receiver sites is the ocean, including breaking waves and
the interaction of water, rocks and sand in the surf area. Noise levels vary with the tide, height of the
waves and the sand-rock composition. In general, all of the receiver sites have relatively high
background noise levels due to constant surf activity. This is typical of a beach environment. The
measured noise levels, and additional noise sources associated with the individual receiver sites, are
described below.
Existing noise levels were measured at the receiver sites between July 26 and September 27, 1999.
A Larson-Davis Laboratories Model 712 Type 2 sound level meter was used. The meter calibration
was checked before and after use. The following parameters were used: Filter: A-weighted;
Page 3.13-4
Regional Beach Sand Project EIR/EA
99-69\SECT-03.13.DOC 9/24/02
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