Supporting Documentation · Mar 20, 2025
2023 06 28 Acoustical Evaluation
efa164cea576fbdfa7d33d319086187f723f6d866e7a7c45db7685c5e5708068Indexed text
28 June 2023 Mr. Lawrence BenBassett PN Restaurants 301 Route 17 North, Suite 802 Rutherford, New Jersey 07070 LB@pnrestaurants.com Re: Acoustical Evaluation of Proposed Outdoor Equipment Proposed Popeye’s and Sonic Restaurants, West Orange, New Jersey LSG&A File 2023031 Dear Mr. BenBassett: Lewis S. Goodfriend & Associates (LSG&A) has completed an evaluation of the expected outdoor sound pressure levels due to the mechanical equipment and drive-thru intercom loudspeakers for the proposed Popeye’s and Sonic restaurants to be located in West Orange, New Jersey. This letter summarizes the results of our evaluation, including a summary of the applicable noise regulations and expected sound levels at the nearest property lines due to the proposed equipment. With the recommendations provided in this letter, the sound levels due to the proposed intercom loudspeakers and rooftop mechanical equipment are expected to meet the applicable limits of the state and local noise regulations at the adjacent property lines. 1.0 SITE LAYOUT The proposed Popeye’s and Sonic restaurants are to be located at 470 Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange, New Jersey. Residential properties are located to the south and west of the site. Commercial properties are located to the east and north across Eagle Rock Avenue. Figure 1, at the end of this letter, shows an aerial view of the site and surrounding areas. LSG&A understands that the proposed hours of operation are as follows: Sonic: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. Popeye’s: 10:30 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Sunday to Thursday 10:30 A.M. to 11:30 P.M. Friday and Saturday
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -2- 28 June 2023 2.0 AMBIENT SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS 2.1 Proposed Site On Tuesday, 20 June 2023, the sound levels at the site were continuously monitored between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 A.M. Figure 1, at the end of this letter, shows an aerial view of the site with the acoustical measurement location identified. The measured 30-minute ambient Leq1, L102, L503, and L904 sound levels are presented in Figure 2, at the end of this letter. 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 Rion Type NL-52 precision sound level meter, equipped with a Rion Type US-59 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 microphone 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. 1 The Leq represents the energy-averaged continuous sound pressure level during the measurement period. 2 The L10 is the sound pressure level exceeded 10 percent of the time, and represents the transient sound pressure levels during the measurement period. 3 The L50 is the sound pressure level exceeded 50 percent of the time during the measurement, and represents the median sound pressure levels during the measurement period. 4 The L90 is
rement period. 3 The L50 is the sound pressure level exceeded 50 percent of the time during the measurement, and represents the median sound pressure levels during the measurement period. 4 The L90 is the sound pressure level exceeded 90 percent of the time, and represents the continuous sound pressure levels during the measurement period.
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -3- 28 June 2023 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. Table 1 – Daytime and Nighttime Sound Pressure Level Limits [dB re: 20Pa] of the NJDEP Noise Regulation for Residential Property Receivers (N.J.A.C. 7:29) Octave Band Center Frequency, Hz 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Daytime Limits 96 82 74 67 63 60 57 55 53 Nighttime Limits 86 71 61 53 48 45 42 40 38 For commercial receiving property lines, the limits are the same as the daytime limits listed above and are applicable 24 hours a day. 3.2 Township of West Orange Noise Regulation The local noise regulation is set forth in Chapter 4 of the Code of the Township of West Orange. Section 4-4 (Noise) provides language that subjectively prohibits “excessively loud and disturbing noise which injures or endangers the health, comfort or safety of others within the limits of the Township.” As the local noise regulation does not provide any quantitative sound level limits, the results of the evaluation were evaluated with respect to the NJDEP noise regulation. 4.0 ACOUSTICAL EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS The evaluation of the sound pressure levels due to the operation of the proposed equipment was based on the manufacturers’ sound pressure level data for the typical restaurant mechanical equipment and drive-thru intercom systems. LSG&A calculated the expected sound pressure levels utilizing SoundPLAN 3D acoustical modeling software, using ISO Standard 9613-2 methodology. The acoustical model considered the propagation of sound over distance, the shielding and reflection of sound due to buildings, the effect of topography, and the effect of air absorption. 4.1 Fence LSG&A understands that a 6 foot tall board on board fence is proposed at the south and west sides of the site. LSG&A recommends constructing the fence with two layers of ¾ inch plywood with overlapping joints. The two layers should be on the same side of the supports.
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -4- 28 June 2023 4.2 Intercom System The acoustical model included one intercom at each of the two drive-thrus and one below the canopy at the east side of the site. LSG&A understands that only one of the east canopy intercoms will operate at any given time, and therefore the closest intercom to the nearest residences was modelled. LSG&A recommends that the intercom system include automatic volume control (AVC) which restricts the output to 15 dB above the ambient sound level, such as those by HME. Based upon the measured ambient sound levels and typical sound levels from idling cars, LSG&A estimated the intercom loudspeakers to have a sound output of up to 76 dB(A) at 1 foot from each loudspeaker. 4.3 Rooftop HVAC The following rooftop equipment and associated manufacturers’ sound data was included in the acoustical model for each building, assumed to be located towards the middle of each roof. Two Rooftop Units (RTU) – 82 dB(A) sound power level Two Kitchen Exhaust Fans (KEF) – 76 dB(A) sound power level One Bathroom Exhaust Fan – 65 dB(A) sound power level If louder equipment is selected, or equipment is located toward the south of the roof, additional noise control measures may be required such as roof screening or equipment reselection with low-noise options. 4.4 Idling Cars Per the guidance documents associated with the NJSDA noise regulation, customer vehicles are not subject to the limits of the noise code. However, idling cars were modelled, each with a sound power level of 76 dB(A). 5.0 RESULTS Table 2, below, shows the expected A-weighted sound levels due to the simultaneous operation of the proposed mechanical equipment and the drive-thru intercom loudspeakers. The results are compared to the measured ambient Leq sound levels during the proposed hours of operation, and to the applicable limits of the NJDEP noise regulation.
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -5- 28 June 2023 Table 2 – Expected A-weighted Sound Levels due to Mechanical Equipment and Drive-Thru Intercoms, 470 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey. Location Sound Level, dB(A) Expected Limit 1 44 50 2 47 50 3 48 50 Measured Ambient Leq Sound Level, dB(A) 50 to 60 Although customer cars are not subject to the limits of the NJDEP noise regulation, the table below shows the expected sound levels with 22 cars idling in the drive thru lines and with a single car idling at the nearest menu board. The results are compared to the measured ambient Leq sound levels during the proposed hours of operation. Table 3 – Expected A-weighted Sound Levels due to Idling Cars, 470 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey. Location Sound Level, dB(A) 22 Cars on Site 1 Car at Drive Thru 1 43 36 2 50 43 3 50 40 Measured Ambient Leq Sound Level, dB(A) 50 to 60 Figure 2, at the end of this letter, shows the expected octave band sound pressure levels at the nearest residential property lines due to the proposed mechanical equipment and intercom loudspeakers, compared to the applicable limits of the NJDEP noise regulation. The results of the evaluation indicate that the sound levels due to the mechanical equipment and intercom loudspeakers are expected to meet the applicable limits of the NJDEP noise regulation at the nearest property lines with the recommendations provided in this letter.
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -6- 28 June 2023 Please note that all recommendations included in this report are acoustical in nature and should be reviewed by the appropriate licensed design professionals. Alternative products should be submitted for review. I trust that this information is sufficient for your present needs. Please call if you have any questions regarding this letter. Very truly yours, LEWIS S. GOODFRIEND & ASSOCIATES Michael J. Dick, INCE Bd. Cert. Senior Engineer MJD:mjd Enclosures F:\JOB_DIR\2023\2023031\Documents\L2023031B.docx
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -7- 28 June 2023 Figure 1 – Aerial View Showing the Proposed Site, Ambient Measurement Location, and Acoustical Evaluation Locations, 470 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey. NOTES: All Locations Approximate Not to Scale Not for Construction Evaluation Location Measurement Location # 1 3 2
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -8- 28 June 2023 44 47 48 50 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 dB(A) Sound Pressure Level (dB re: 20 Pa) Octave Band Center Frequency (Hz) Expected Lp at Location 1 Expected Lp at Location 2 Expected Lp at Location 3 Nighttime Residential Limits of the Noise Regulations Expected Sound Pressure Levels (Lp) due to Proposed Rooftop Mechanical Equipment and Intercom Loudspeakers, Compared to the Nighttime Residential Limits of the Noise Regulations, 470 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey. Residential Property Lines Figure 2 –
Mr. Lawrence BenBassett -9- 28 June 2023 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 8:00 8:30 9:00 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30 A-Weighted Sound Level, dB(A) Measurement Time (hh:mm) Leq L10 L50 L90 30-minute Ambient Sound Levels Measured During Proposed Popeye's and Sonic Hours of Operation, 470 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 20 June 2023. Figure 3 –
File revisions (1)
- Sep 29, 2026
efa164cea576353,965 bytes