Method for Analyzing Construction Haul Noise Impacts

Abstract

Long‐term construction projects have the potential to adversely affect the quality of life of residents living adjacent to the proposed activity. It is therefore desirable to quantify the relative impacts of various options as a part of the overall decision‐making process in choosing a preferred alternative. A technique is described that compares the potential noise impacts of construction hauling for a number of project alternatives. The technique presented herein is based on a modification of the level weighted population method to account for the duration of the hauling activity along various haul routes. The resulting descriptor is termed the level/duration weighted population (LDWP). The use of this technique is demonstrated through application to an actual flood control construction project under study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The LDWP method allowed the Corps to quantitatively evaluate various project alternatives from the haul noise impact point of view.