Project Number:

2715

South Boston Residential Project

SERVICE:

Air Quality & Noise Analysis

DESCRIPTION:

A proposed residential project in South Boston needed air quality and noise experts to perform analyses to satisfy BRA requirements. Tech Environmental prepared modeling protocol for the microscale analysis for the MassDEP and the BRA. As part of the microscale analysis, maximum one-hour and eight-hour CO concentrations at sensitive receptors were predicted using the MOBILE6.2 emission factor model and the EPA CAL3QHC dispersion model. The analysis demonstrated compliance with the NAAQS.

Tech Environmental also analyzed the worst case air quality impacts on air quality at all nearby sensitive receptors from the project's garage vent and the building's fuel combustion equipment. Maximum one-hour and eight-hour CO concentrations were calculated for receptors located near the building and the SCREEN3 model was used to predict the ambient air impacts. Sound measurements were taken as part of an existing ambient noise evaluation to establish the existing background sound levels to test compliance with the Massachusetts DEP 10 dBA allowable noise increase regulation. An analysis was made of the potential noise impacts from the exterior mechanical equipment for the proposed project. It was demonstrated that the projected noise levels from the building's exterior mechanical equipment would not exceed specified City of Boston, HUD or Massachusetts noise control criteria at the nearest residences and at the property line.

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Key Points

  • A proposed residential project in South Boston needed air quality and noise analyses to satisfy Boston Redevelopment Authority requirements.
  • Tech analyzed air quality and noise data and demonstrated that the projected noise levels would not exceed relevant criteria.