ZB 22 13 Acoustal Evaluation

Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -2- 30 March 2023 measurement location identified. The results of these measurements indicated an Leq1 sound level of 52 dB(A)2 at the south side of the site. Sound sources that contributed to the ambient sound pressure levels at the proposed site during the measurement included traffic, wildlife, and aircraft. 2.2 Data Acquisition and Analysis The measurements at the proposed site were performed using a Brüel & Kjær Type 2250 precision sound level meter, equipped with a Brüel & Kjær Type 4189 microphone. The analyzer automatically recorded statistical A-weighted and one-third octave band sound pressure levels and stored the results in memory for later retrieval. The analyzer was mounted on a tripod at a height of approximately 5 feet above grade, and a windscreen was placed over the microphone for all measurements. The system’s calibration was verified in the field before and after the measurements using a Brüel & Kjær Type 4231 acoustical calibrator. The stored data was later downloaded and transferred to a spreadsheet for evaluation. Copies of the NIST traceable calibration certificates for the sound level measurement equipment are available upon request. 3.0 REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLICABLE NOISE REGULATIONS The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) maintains a statewide noise regulation, and the Township of West Orange code also includes regulations regarding sound. 3.1 NJDEP Noise Regulation The NJDEP noise regulation is set forth in N.J.A.C. 7:29 and limits the A-weighted sound levels produced by a commercial facility, when measured at a residential property line, to the following sound levels. Daytime (7:00 A.M. -to- 10:00 P.M.) – 65 dB(A) Nighttime (10:00 P.M. -to- 7:00 A.M.) – 50 dB(A) When the sound from the source is constant in level and in character, the NJDEP regulation also provides limits for sound pressure levels in the preferred octave bands with center frequencies between 31.5 and 8000 Hz, as summarized in Table 1. 1 The Leq represents the energy-averaged continuous sound pressure level during the measurement period. 2A-Weighting, noted as dB(A), is a standardized sound level meter setting having a frequency characteristic similar to the human ear/brain frequency sensitivity.