New Jersey Administrative Code › Title 19 - OTHER AGENCIES › NEW JERSEY MEADOWLANDS COMMISSION › Chapter 4 - DISTRICT ZONING REGULATIONS › Subchapter 7 - PERFORMANCE STANDARDS › Section 19:4-7.3 - Performance standards; noise

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 14, July 15, 2024
(a) The
				  following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following
				  meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"dBA" means a unit for describing sound levels measured
					 using an A-weighting network. This network modifies the measured sound pressure
					 level at the various frequencies to account for differences in the sensitivity
					 of the human ear to sounds of different frequency.
"Decibel," abbreviated "dB," means a unit that describes
					 the sound pressure level or intensity of sound. The sound pressure level in
					 decibels is 20 times the logarithm to the base 10, of the ratio of the pressure
					 of the sound to a reference pressure of 0.0002 microbar.
"Impact noise" means a relatively short duration noise
					 generally produced by the striking of two or more objects so as to be heard as
					 a separate distinct noise.
"Impact noise analyzer" means an instrument that measures
					 the peak sound pressure of an impact noise and meets the standards of the
					 American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the International
					 Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
"Noise" means a subjective description of an undesirable or
					 unwanted sound.
"Sound" means rapid fluctuations of atmospheric pressure
					 that are audible to persons.
"Sound level meter" means an instrument used to measure the
					 overall sound pressure level.
(b) Noise shall be measured with a sound
				  level meter meeting the standards of the ANSI specification S1.4-1971 for sound
				  level meters or its successor.
(c)
				  The instrument shall be set to the A-weighted response scale and the meter of
				  the slow response. Measurements shall be conducted in accordance with ANSI
				  specification S12.50-2002, which describes various methods for determining the
				  sound power levels for machinery and equipment. These standards are
				  incorporated herein by reference, as amended and supplemented, and can be
				  obtained from the American National Standards Institute, 25 West 43rd Street,
				  4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
(d)
				  Impact noises shall be measured with an impact noise analysis meeting the
				  standards of the ANSI standards S12.50-2002. These standards are incorporated
				  herein by reference, as amended and supplemented.
(e) Noises shall not exceed the maximum sound
				  levels specified in Table 7-1 below, except as otherwise designated. Where more
				  than one specified sound level applies, the most restrictive shall govern.
				  Measurements may be made at points of maximum noise intensity.
TABLE 7-1
Noise Level Restrictions
Performance
Maximum
Standard
Permitted
Category
Sound
						  Level
Where Measured
A
65 dBA
On or beyond the subject
property boundary line
B
70 dBA
On or beyond the subject
property boundary line
C
76 dBA
On or beyond the zone
boundaries
(f) In any
				  residential area or zone, the A-weighted sound level shall not exceed 55 dBA
				  during the hours of 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. and shall not exceed 45 dBA during
				  the hours of 9:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.
(g) The levels specified in Table 7-1 may be
				  exceeded by 10 dBA for a single period not to exceed 15 minutes in any one
				  day.
(h) For impact noise levels,
				  the values in Table 7-1, increased by 20 dB, shall apply. For purposes of these
				  regulations, impact noises shall be considered to be those noises whose peak
				  values are more than six dB higher than the values indicated on the sound level
				  meter.
(i) Construction or other
				  temporary (60 days or less) uses which exceed the above limitation may be
				  permitted if a noise mitigation plan is approved by the NJMC.
(j) The provisions of this section shall not
				  apply to:
1. Bells, chimes, or carillons used
				  in conjunction with houses of worship;
2. Emergency public warning
				  systems;
3. Emergency energy
				  release devices;
4. Emergency work
				  to provide electricity, water, or other public utilities when public health or
				  safety is involved;
5. Noise of
				  aircraft flight operations;
6.
				  Public roadways;
7. Surface
				  carriers engaged in commerce by railroad;
8. The unamplified human voice; and
9. Use of explosive devices, as regulated by
				  other agencies having jurisdiction.