Environmental noise assessment: Single family residential spatial analysis and methodology error analysis

Abstract

A number of sampling techniques have recently been developed to assist municipalities in assessing and evaluating the total environment noise climate within the community and to identify the intrusive noise sources. One methodology was developed by Wyle Research, El Segundo, California for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and published in July 1976. The University of Texas at Dallas, Graduate Program in Environmental Sciences, has modified the Wyle methodology for use in conducting an environmental noise assessment for the City of Dallas, Texas. This publication reports on the modifications made to the Wyle method and the results of a spatial survey conducted in a spatially homogenous single family residential land use area. The purpose of the spatial analysis was to determine the number of monitoring sites required. Prior to using the modified methodology, an error analysis was conducted for the purpose of determining the accuracy of the methodology. Nine primary monitoring sites were selected for this analysis. Using commercially available digital monitoring equipment each site was monitored for four or more continuous 24‐h periods and the day‐night average sound levels, Ldn's, measured were compared to the 24‐h Ldn's computed using selected 30‐min periods obtained on weekdays, weeknights, weekend days, and weekend nights. From these analyses, the required number of sites was determined and the accuracy of the methodology was validated.