Appendix E Noise and Vibration Technical Report
E-1 June 2021

Appendix E: Noise and Vibration

E.1 INTRODUCTION 

This appendix provides additional detail on the methodology and assumptions used to prepare

the noise and vibration analysis of the Western Rail Yard Infrastructure Project (see Chapter 8, 

“Noise and Vibration”). 

E.2 REGULATORY CONTEXT

E.2.1 OPERATIONAL AIRBORNE NOISE

E.2.1.1 FTA GUIDANCE MANUAL

FRA considered impact criteria from both FTA and CEQR Technical Manual guidance in 

evaluating operational airborne noise impacts. 

The FTA guidance manual defines noise criteria based on the specific type of land use that would 

be affected, with explicit operational noise impact criteria for three land use categories. These 

impact criteria are based on either peak 1-hour Leq or 24-hour Ldn values. Table E-1 describes 

the land use categories defined in the FTA report, and provides noise metrics used for determining 

operational noise impacts. As described in Table E-1, categories 1 and 3—which include land 

uses that are noise-sensitive, but where people do not sleep—require examination using the 1-

hour Leq descriptor for the noisiest peak hour. Category 2, which includes residences, hospitals, 

and other locations where nighttime sensitivity to noise is very important, requires examination 

using the 24-hour Ldn descriptor.

Table E-1

FTA’s Land Use Category and Metrics for Transit Noise Impact Criteria

Land Use 

Category

Noise Metric 

(dB(A)) Description of Land Use Category

1 Outdoor 

Leq(h)* 

Tracts of land where quiet is an essential element in the intended purpose. This category 

includes lands set aside for serenity and quiet, and such land uses as outdoor amphitheaters 

and concert pavilions, as well as National Historic Landmarks with significant outdoor use. 

Also included are recording studios and concert halls.

2 Outdoor Ldn

Residences and buildings where people normally sleep. This category includes homes, 

hospitals, and hotels, where a nighttime sensitivity to noise is assumed to be of utmost 

importance.

3 Outdoor 

Leq(h)* 

Institutional land uses with primarily daytime and evening use. This category includes schools, 

libraries, and churches, where it is important to avoid interference with such activities as 

speech, meditation, and concentration on reading material. Places for study or meditation 

associated with cemeteries, monuments, museums, campgrounds and recreational facilities 

can also be considered to be in this category. Certain historical sites and parks are also 

included.

Note: * Leq for the noisiest hour of transit-related activity during hours of noise sensitivity.

Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, FTA, September 2018.
June 2021 E-2 

FTA’s noise impact criteria for transit projects are shown in Figure 3-2 in the FTA guidance manual, 

(see Figure 5-1 in Appendix B, “Methodology Report”). The FTA impact criteria are keyed to the 

noise level generated by the project (called “project noise exposure”) in locations of varying 

existing noise levels. Two types of impacts—moderate and severe—are defined for each land use 

category, depending on existing noise levels. Thus, where existing noise levels are 55 dB(A), for 

land use categories 1 and 2, the respective Leq and Ldn noise exposure from the project would 

create moderate impacts if they were above approximately 55 dB(A), and would create severe 

impacts if they were above approximately 61 dB(A). For category 3, a project noise exposure level 

above approximately 60 dB(A) would be considered a moderate impact, and above approximately 

66 dB(A) would be considered a severe impact. The qualitative difference between “severe 

impact” and “moderate impact” is that a severe impact occurs when a change in noise level occurs 

that a significant percentage of people would find annoying, while a moderate impact occurs when 

a change in noise level occurs that is noticeable to most people but not necessarily sufficient to 

result in strong adverse reactions from the community. Evaluation of operational airborne noise 

using FTA’s noise impact criteria present a conservative evaluation under the CEQR Technical 

Manual noise impact criteria, and a separate evaluation is not necessary.

E.2.1.2 NEW YORK CITY NOISE CONTROL CODE AND 

MECHANICAL CODE

Operation of mechanical equipment associated with the Preferred Alternative, including fan plants 

and substation equipment, must meet both the airborne noise requirements listed in the New York 

City Noise Control Code (NYCNCC) and the New York City Mechanical Code section MC 928. 

The NYCNCC section §24-227 states that noise from an individual circulation device, including 

fans, must be less than 42 dB(A) when measured 3 feet inside an open window or terrace door of 

a receiving property dwelling unit. The cumulative noise from all circulation devices shall not 

exceed 45 dB(A) when measured 3 feet inside an open window or terrace door of a receiving 

property dwelling unit. Maximum permissible octave band limits for such equipment is provided in 

§24-232. 

Additionally, mechanical equipment must satisfy the requirements of the New York City 

Mechanical Code section 928.3, “Minimum structure-borne noise and vibration isolation 

requirements” which delineates vibration isolation requirements. 

E.2.2 OPERATIONAL VIBRATION 

E.2.2.1 FTA GUIDANCE MANUAL

The FTA criteria for environmental impact from ground-borne vibration and noise are based on 

the maximum levels for a single event. The impact criteria as defined in the FTA guidance manual 

are shown in Table E-2. The criteria for acceptable ground-borne vibration are expressed in terms 

of RMS velocity levels in decibels and the criteria for acceptable ground-borne noise are 

expressed in terms of A-weighted sound level. As shown in the table, the FTA methodology 

provides three different impact criteria—one for “infrequent” events, when there are fewer than 30 

vibration events per day, one for “occasional” events, when there are between 30 and 70 vibration 

events per day, and one for “frequent” events, when there are more than 70 vibration events per 

day. These impacts occur only if a project causes ground-borne noise or vibration levels that are 

higher than existing vibration levels. Thus, if the vibration level for a building in Category 1 is 

already 70 VdB (5 VdB above the 65 VdB threshold listed in Table E-2) but a hypothetical project 

will not increase that level, then the project will not be considered to have an impact.
Appendix E: Noise and Vibration 

E-3 June 2021

Table E-2

Ground-Borne Vibration and Ground-Borne Noise 

Impact Criteria for General Assessment

Land Use Category

GBV Impact Levels 

(VdB re 1 micro-inch/sec)

GBN Impact Levels 

(dB re 20 micro Pascals)

Frequent 

Events1

Occasional 

Events2

Infrequent 

Events3

Frequent 

Events1

Occasional 

Events2

Infrequent 

Events3

Category 1: Buildings where vibration would 

interfere with interior operations 65 VdB4 65 VdB4 65 VdB4 N/A4 N/A4 N/A4

Category 2: Residences and buildings 

where people normally sleep 72 VdB 75 VdB 80 VdB 35 dB(A) 38 dB(A) 43 dB(A)

Category 3: Institutional land uses with 

primarily daytime use 75 VdB 78 VdB 83 VdB 40 dB(A) 43 dB(A) 48 dB(A)

Notes:

1

 “Frequent Events” is defined as more than 70 vibration events of the same source per day. Most rapid transit projects 

fall into this category. 2

 “Occasional Events” is defined as between 30 and 70 vibration events of the same source per day. Most commuter 

trunk lines have this many operations. 3

 “Infrequent Events” is defined as fewer than 30 vibration events of the same kind per day. This category includes most 

commuter rail systems. 4

 This criterion limit is based on levels that are acceptable for most moderately sensitive equipment such as optical 

microscopes. Vibration-sensitive manufacturing or research will require detailed evaluation to define the 

acceptable vibration levels. Ensuring lower vibration levels in a building often requires special design of the HVAC 

systems and stiffened floors. 5 Vibration-sensitive equipment is not sensitive to ground-borne noise.

The limits are specified for the three land use categories defined below:

• Category 1: High Sensitivity – Buildings where low ambient vibration is essential for the 

operations within the building, which may be well below levels associated with human 

annoyance. Typical land uses are vibration-sensitive research and manufacturing, hospitals, 

and university research operations.

• Category 2: Residential – This category covers all residential land uses and any buildings 

where people sleep, such as hotels and hospitals. No differentiation is made between different 

types of residential areas. This is primarily because ground-borne vibration and noise are 

experienced indoors and building occupants have practically no means to reduce their 

exposure. Even in a noisy urban area, the bedrooms often will be quiet in buildings that have 

effective noise insulation and tightly closed windows. Hence, an occupant of a bedroom in a 

noisy urban area is likely to be just as sensitive to ground-borne noise and vibration as 

someone in a quiet suburban area.

• Category 3: Institutional – This category includes schools, churches, other institutions, and 

quiet offices that do not have vibration-sensitive equipment, but still have the potential for 

activity interference.

There are some buildings, such as concert halls, TV and recording studios, auditoriums, and theaters 

that can be very sensitive to vibration and ground-borne noise, but do not fit into any of these three 

categories. Special vibration level thresholds, shown in Table E-3, are defined in the FTA guidance 

manual for these land uses that have special sensitivity to vibration and ground-borne noise.
June 2021 E-4 

Table E-3

Ground-Borne Vibration and Ground-Borne Noise 

Impact Criteria for Special Buildings

Type of Building or Room

GBV Impact Levels 

(VdB re 1 micro-inch/sec)

GBN Impact Levels 

(dB re 20 micro Pascals)

Frequent Events1

Occasional or 

Infrequent Events2 Frequent Events1

Occasional or 

Infrequent Events2

Concert Halls 65 VdB 65 VdB 25 dB(A) 25 dB(A)

TV Studios 65 VdB 65 VdB 25 dB(A) 25 dB(A)

Recording Studios 65 VdB 65 VdB 25 dB(A) 25 dB(A)

Auditoriums 72 VdB 80 VdB 30 dB(A) 38 dB(A)

Theaters 72 VdB 80 VdB 35 dB(A) 43 dB(A)

Notes: 

1

 “Frequent Events” is defined as more than 70 vibration events of the same source per day. Most rapid transit 

projects fall into this category. 2

 “Occasional or Infrequent Events” is defined as fewer than 70 vibration events per day. This category includes most 

commuter rail systems. 3 If the building will rarely be occupied when the trains are operating, there is no need to consider impact.

E.2.3 CONSTRUCTION AIRBORNE NOISE

E.2.3.1 FTA GUIDANCE MANUAL

The FTA guidance manual, general assessment procedure, specifies screening-level noise impact 

thresholds for daytime construction and night-time construction. The impact thresholds for 

construction are 90 dB(A) (Leq, 1h) during daytime hours and 80 dB(A) (Leq, 1h) during nighttime 

hours at residential receptors, assessed for the two noisiest pieces of equipment for each stage 

of construction. The impact threshold for commercial and industrial receptors, is 100 dB(A) (Leq, 

1h) during daytime or night-time construction.

E.2.3.2 CEQR TECHNICAL MANUAL 

Chapter 22, Section 100, of the CEQR Technical Manual breaks construction duration into “shortterm” and “long-term” and states that construction noise is not likely to require analysis unless it 

“affects a sensitive receptor over a long period of time.” Consequently, the construction noise 

analysis considers both the potential for construction of a project to create high noise levels (the 

“intensity”), and whether construction noise would occur for an extended period of time (the 

“duration”) in evaluating potential construction noise effects. As recommended in the CEQR 

Technical Manual the above-described operational noise impact criteria are considered in 

examining the intensity of construction noise. The concept of short-term and long-term is 

considered in evaluating the duration of construction noise. 

The noise impact criteria described in Chapter 19, Section 410 of the CEQR Technical Manual

serve as a screening-level threshold for potential construction noise impacts. If construction of the 

proposed project would not result in any exceedances of these criteria at a given receptor, then 

that receptor would not have the potential to experience a significant construction noise impact. 

The screening-level noise impact criteria for mobile and on-site construction activities are as 

follows:

If the No Action noise level is less than 60 dB(A) Leq(1), a 5 dB(A) Leq(1) or greater increase would 

require further consideration.

If the No Action noise level is between 60 dB(A) Leq(1) and 62 dB(A) Leq(1), a resultant Leq(1) of 65 

dB(A) or greater would require further consideration.
Appendix E: Noise and Vibration 

E-5 June 2021

If the No Action noise level is equal to or greater than 62 dB(A) Leq(1), or if the analysis period is a 

nighttime period (defined in the CEQR Technical Manual criteria as being between 10:00 PM and 

7:00 AM), the threshold requiring further consideration would be a 3 dB(A) Leq(1) or greater 

increase.

If construction of the Preferred Alternative would result in exceedances of these noise impact 

criteria at a receptor, then further consideration of the intensity and duration of construction noise 

is warranted at that receptor. Generally, exceedances of these criteria on work days for 24 

consecutive months or longer are considered to be significant impacts. 

E.2.3.3 NYC NOISE CONTROL CODE

Construction of the Preferred Alternative would be required to follow the NYCNCC for construction 

noise control measures discussed below. Specific noise control measures would be incorporated 

in noise mitigation plan(s) required under the NYCNCC. 

As per Local Law 113 of 2005, §24-228(a) Construction, Exhausts, and other Devices, “Sound, 

other than impulsive sound, attributable to the source or sources, that exceeds 85 dB(A) as 

measured 50 or more feet from the source or sources at a point outside the property line where 

the source or sources are located or as measured 50 or more feet from the source or sources on 

a public right-of-way” or “Impulsive sound, attributable to the source, that is 15 dB(A) or more 

above the ambient sound level as measured at any point within a receiving property or as 

measured at a distance of 15 feet or more from the source on a public right-of-way” is prohibited.

Construction equipment that meets the sound level standards specified in Subchapter 5 of the 

NYCNCC would be utilized. 

E.2.4 CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION

E.2.4.1 FTA GUIDANCE MANUAL

Table E-4 and Table E-5 show architectural and structural damage risk and perceptibility 

thresholds for residential and historic structures in proximity to the types of construction activities 

that would occur during construction of the Proposed Action. Architectural damage includes 

cosmetic damage, such as cracked plaster, etc. Architectural damage is not considered potentially 

dangerous. As shown in Table E-4, pile driving has the greatest potential to result in architectural 

damage to most building types. While not shown in the table, controlled blasting also can result in 

high vibration levels in excess of 100 VdB with resultant damage to existing structures. Most other 

construction activities require very small (i.e., less than 25 feet) distances between the structure 

and the construction equipment or the presence of highly fragile buildings for impacts to occur. 

For fragile and highly fragile buildings respectively, FTA recommends a limit of peak particle 

velocities of 0.2 and 0.12 inches per second or 94 and 90 VdB. 
June 2021 E-6 

Table E-4

Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment

Equipment PPV at 25 ft (in/sec) Approximate Lv* at 25 ft

Pile Driver (impact) 0.644 104

Pile Driver (sonic) 0.170 93

Clam Shovel drop (slurry wall) 0.202 94

Hydromill (slurry wall in soil) 0.008 66

Hydromill (slurry wall in rock) 0.017 75

Vibratory Roller 0.210 94

Hoe Ram 0.089 87

Large bulldozer 0.089 87

Caisson drilling 0.089 87

Loaded trucks 0.076 86

Jackhammer 0.035 79

Small bulldozer 0.003 58

Note: * RMS velocity in decibels (VdB) re 1 micro-inch/second

Source:Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, FTA Report No. 0123, September 2018

Table E-5

Construction Vibration Damage Criteria

Building Category PPV (in/sec) Approximate Lv *

I. Reinforced-concrete, steel or timber (no plaster) 0.5 102

II. Engineered concrete and masonry (no plaster) 0.3 98

III. Non-engineered timber and masonry buildings 0.2 94

IV. Buildings extremely susceptible to vibration damage 0.12 90

Note: * RMS velocity in decibels (VdB) re 1 micro-inch/second

Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, FTA Report No. 0123, September 2018.

E.3 ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY

E.3.1 CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE NOISE

As shown in Section 8.5.3.1.2 of the EIS, noise from construction vehicles was calculated using 

proportional modeling according to the CEQR Technical Manual guidance in Section 332.1 

Equation 19.1. This technique can be utilized at receptors where vehicle traffic is the dominant 

source of existing noise and compares existing traffic volumes to traffic volumes including the 

addition of construction vehicles to calculate the predicted incremental change in noise levels. 

Vehicular traffic volumes are converted into Passenger Car Equivalent (PCE) values, for which 

one medium-duty truck (having a gross weight between 9,900 and 26,400 pounds) is assumed to 

generate the noise equivalent of 13 cars, and one heavy-duty truck (having a gross weight of more 

than 26,400 pounds) is assumed to generate the noise equivalent of 47 cars, and one bus 

(vehicles designed to carry more than nine passengers) is assumed to generate the noise 

equivalent of 18 cars. The incremental change in noise levels due to construction vehicles is 

calculated using the following equation: 
Appendix E: Noise and Vibration 

E-7 June 2021

Incremental change in noise levels = 10 * log10 ((C PCE + EX PCE) / EX PCE)

where:

C PCE = Construction Vehicle PCE

EX PCE = Existing PCE

It follows that if the Construction PCE is equal to the Existing PCE (i.e., a 100 percent increase in 

PCE during construction), the resulting incremental change in noise levels would be 3 dB(A). 

E.4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

E.4.1 EXISTING NOISE LEVELS

As discussed in Section 8.4.3 of the EIS, the High Line was closed to the public west of Eleventh 

Avenue during the noise monitoring period. Therefore, existing noise levels during the weekday 

AM period at the High Line were estimated by utilizing a 1-hour measurement previously collected 

on November 3, 2016. The existing noise levels at Site 1 during the weekday midday and Saturday 

midday time periods were estimated by applying an adjustment factor to the weekday AM 

measurement. The adjustment factor was equal to the incremental change in noise between the 

respective time periods at Site 3, as shown in Table E-6 below.

Table E-6

Determination of Existing Noise Levels at Site 1 (in dB(A))

Weekday AM Weekday Mid-day Saturday Mid-day

Measured noise levels at Site 3 on October 

24 and 27, 2020 69.6 70.4 66.4

Incremental change in existing noise levels 

between weekday AM and other time 

periods at Site 3 (Adjustment Factor)

N/A 0.8 -3.2 

Measured noise levels at Site 1 on 

November 3, 2016 71.1 N/A N/A

Adjusted existing noise levels for Site 1 

used in EIS analysis 71.1 71.8 67.9 

Note: 1 See Figure 8-1 for noise monitoring site locations.

E.5 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

E.5.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS OF THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE

E.5.1.1 CONSTRUCTION NOISE

As discussed in Section 8.5.3.1.1 of the EIS, the construction noise levels at each receptor during 

each stage of Platform construction and Tunnel Encasement were calculated using the 

construction noise general assessment from the FTA guidance manual. FRA conducted a general 

assessment for construction noise assuming operation of hoe rams, which would be the loudest 

piece of equipment, and for drill rigs, which would represent the time periods outside of hoe ram 

usage. The construction noise levels during each stage of construction are shown in Tables E-7 

and E-8. 
June 2021 E-8 

Table E-7

General Assessment Construction Noise Levels – Hoe Ram (in dB(A))

Receptor Site1

Platform Construction2

Tunnel 

Encasement

Stage

1A

Stage

1B

Stage

1C

Stage

1D

Stage

2E

Stage

2F

Stage

2G

1 The High Line (P) 75 75 75 75 76 79 81 94

2a 15 Hudson Yards 70 71 71 72 73 73 74 77

2b 312 Eleventh Ave 68 68 69 70 70 71 72 75

2c 35 Hudson Yards 73 73 73 73 73 72 72 71

2d 55 Hudson Yards (C) 73 73 72 72 71 70 70 69

2e 3 Hudson Blvd (C) 71 71 70 69 69 68 67 67

3a 601 West 29th Street 69 70 70 71 72 75 77 80

3b 610 West 30th Street 69 70 71 72 73 73 75 84

Notes:

1 See Figure 8-1 for receptor locations. 2 See Figure 3-5 for Platform Construction stages 3 The Project Sponsor has estimated that construction of the Platform would occur 6 days a week during 

daytime and nighttime hours, while the remaining construction would not typically include Saturday or 

nighttime activities.

Table E-8

General Assessment Construction Noise Levels – Drill Rig (in dB(A))

Receptor Site1

Platform Construction2

Tunnel 

Encasement

Stage

1A

Stage

1B

Stage

1C

Stage

1D

Stage

2E

Stage

2F

Stage

2G

1 The High Line (P) 70 70 70 70 71 74 76 89

2a 15 Hudson Yards 65 66 66 67 68 68 69 72

2b 312 Eleventh Ave 63 63 64 65 65 66 67 70

2c 35 Hudson Yards 68 68 68 68 68 67 67 66

2d 55 Hudson Yards (C) 68 68 67 67 66 65 65 64

2e 3 Hudson Blvd (C) 66 66 65 64 64 63 62 62

3a 601 West 29th Street 64 65 65 66 67 70 72 75

3b 610 West 30th Street 64 65 66 67 68 68 70 79

Notes:

1 See Figure 8-1 for receptor locations. 2 See Figure 3-5 for Platform Construction stages 3 The Project Sponsor has estimated that construction of the Platform would occur 6 days a week during 

daytime and nighttime hours, while the remaining construction would not typically include Saturday or 

nighttime activities.

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