Noise Hazards
Fact Sheets
Question: What are the documentation requirements for an EIS waiver in 24CRF51.104(b?) Answer: Detailed guidance is available in the linked fact sheet
Question:
Must the environmental review consider noise hazards that may impact
a HUD-assisted project?
Answer:
HUD environmental procedures at 24
CFR 50.4(k) and 24
CFR 58.5(i) cite environmental criteria and standards in 24
CFR Part 51. For proposed new construction which is to occur
in high noise areas, the environmental review must incorporate noise
attenuation features to the extent required by Subpart B-- Noise
Abatement and Control of 24 CFR 51. This applies to the acquisition
of undeveloped land if the land will be used for development.
Standards for High Noise Areas
Question:
What is a "high noise area" and how do the standards apply?
Answer:
High
noise areas are those in which the day-night average of exterior
noise exceeds 65 decibels.
Approvals
in a "normally unacceptable noise zone" (exceeding 65
decibels but not exceeding 75 decibels) require a minimum of 5 decibels
additional noise attenuation for buildings having noise sensitive
(e.g. residences) uses if the day-night average is greater than
65 decibels but does not exceed 70 decibels, or minimum of 10 decibels
of additional noise attenuation if the day-night average is greater
than 70 decibels but does not exceed 75 decibels.
In
"unacceptable noise zones" (exceeding 75 decibels) the
use of HUD assistance is prohibited without the specific approval
by the HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development
of the noise attenuation measures proposed to be used. It is also
possible in such a circumstance that an environmental impact statement
would have to be prepared.
Existing Construction and HUD Noise Standards
Question:
Do HUD noise standards apply to existing construction?
Answer:
For
major rehabilitation projects and conversions in the "normally
unacceptable" and "unacceptable" noise zones, HUD
actively seeks to have noise attenuation features incorporated as
part of the rehabilitation to be undertaken. For those properties
in "unacceptable noise zones" HUD will go even further
and strongly encourage the conversion of such properties to land
uses more compatible with the high noise levels.
Thresholds for Screening
Question:
How does the environmental review screen for noise hazards?
Answer:
The
environmental review must provide either:
- a finding that the property proposed for new construction,
major rehabilitation, or conversion is not located within:
- 1,000 feet of a major noise source, road, or highway;
- 3,000 ft of a railroad; or,
- 5 miles of a civil airport or 15 miles of a military airfield;
or
- a
finding that the property is located within a normally unacceptable
or unacceptable noise zone, in which case it must:
- state that the plans for the property proposed for new
construction, major rehabilitation or conversion activity
incorporates noise attenuation features in accord with HUD
environmental criteria and standards contained in Subpart
B--Noise Abatement and Control of 24 CFR 51; and
- provide the plans as evidence and a statement of the anticipated
interior noise levels.
Sources of Information
Question:
Where does one obtain information on noise hazards?
Answer:
The
local planning agency, the State department of transportation, and
the airport agency are sources of noise hazards information.
HUD's
Noise Assessment Guidelines provides a basic technical assessment
resource for determining noise levels at sites exposed to aircraft,
highway and railroad noise.
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