Implement practices to mitigate noise pollution in open spaces

Rationale: Identifying and mitigating unwanted noise sources coming from sources such as highways or airports reduces auditory disturbances — contributing to improved cognitive performance and sleep quality and decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, depression, and anxiety.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Open Space Noise Mitigation Practices (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Identify all significant noise sources within a 1/2 mile or 800 meters of the project boundary.

Significant noise sources may include but are not limited to the following:

• interstates, highways, and principal arterial roads with 6 or more travel lanes
• heavy industrial/agricultural use
• heavy rail and at-grade/elevated rail transit
• airport facilities.

2. Implement a minimum of two of the following practices to alleviate excess noise:

• siting open spaces and outdoor amenities away from significant noise sources
• siting buildings to buffer open space from noise sources
• installing physical barriers to redirect noise to unpopulated areas
• using dense landscaping and natural material strategically placed at noise sources and outdoor amenities to absorb excess noise
• grading and mounding land to redirect and absorb noise
• restricting access for heavy vehicles in residential areas.

Option 2 - Open Space Noise Mitigation Practices (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with all the following requirements:

1. Confirm that there are no significant noise sources within a 1/2 mile or 800 meters of the project boundary.

Compliance Documentation

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Annotated plans
• Certified statements