MRC April 12, 2013 Page 1

2655 North Sheridan Way, Suite 300

Mississauga, ON Canada L5K 2P8

t: 905.823.8500

f: 905.823.8503

mrc@mrc.ca

www.mrc.ca

MEMO

RE: Halton Region

Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) Transportation Improvements

(from Neyagawa Blvd to Oak Park Blvd)

Class Environmental Assessment Study

FROM: Cristina Lizarazo, E.I.T., MRC

DATE: April 12, 2013

COPIES: Katherine Jim, P.Eng., MRC

OUR FILE: W.O. 3212082

SUBJECT: Dundas Street Class EA Study

Noise Assessment

1. Introduction

Halton Region is undertaking a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) Study for road

improvements along the Dundas Street (Regional Road 5) corridor from Neyagawa Boulevard to

Oak Park Boulevard, within the Town of Oakville. The road improvements include the

implementation of curb lane High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV)/ transit operations in the interim

(2021) and the long term goal for higher order transit use (i.e. dedicated transit lane) by 2031.

Dundas Street will be reconstructed to a 6 lane cross-section. Dundas Street currently operates

with a posted speed limit of 80 km/hr but will be reduced to 60 km/hr in the future as the road

transitions from a rural corridor to a pedestrian and cyclist friendly urban road.

As part of the Class EA Study, a noise assessment was conducted to assess the potential increase

in noise level to noise sensitive areas as a result of the proposed improvements to Dundas Street.

Existing land uses south of Dundas Street are mainly residential (River Oaks community) and

north of Dundas Street, lands are being developed for future residential uses with some

neighbourhood commercial areas. The noise assessment was undertaken based on a selection of

several existing homes within the corridor (south side of Dundas Street). These residential

houses located adjacent to Dundas Street were selected to represent the potential noise impact to

residential houses in proximity to Dundas Street.

Early on in the EA process, a noise analysis was carried out for this section of Dundas Street and

the findings of this noise analysis indicated that the projected noise increase from the widening

of Dundas Street would be less than 5 dBA, and therefore would not warrant the consideration of

noise mitigation as per the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) / Ministry of Environment (MOE)

Halton Region

Dundas Street Improvements (from Neyagawa Blvd to Oak Park Blvd)

Class Environmental Assessment Study

Noise Assessment

Technical Memorandum

MRC April 12, 2013 Page 2

Noise Protocol (see Section 2). However, the Region recognized that existing noise levels at

several residential houses within the River Oaks community exceeded 60 dBA, which is the

threshold for sound level criteria in the Halton Region Noise Abatement Policy. In addition, the

noise impact studies carried out as part of the development application process for the River

Oaks community was undertaken when Dundas Street was under the jurisdiction of MTO, and

assumed Dundas Street to be ultimately at 4 lanes. The criteria assumed at the time would have

been different from what Halton Region required in a noise impact study for development

application. In response, the Region retained MRC to carry out on-site sound level measurements

along with an additional noise analysis in the River Oaks community. Based on findings of the

analysis, the Region is committed to replacing the existing developer walls for the houses

directly adjacent to Dundas Street, including those separated by an intervening local road with a

noise wall (approximately 3.5 m in height) in order to provide sufficient noise attenuation.

The most recent noise assessment (2013) uses the updated traffic data and compared scenarios of

Dundas Street without improvements for the future 2021 / 2031 horizon years and with

improvements for the interim year 2021 (HOV/transit lanes) and future year 2031 (dedicated

transit lanes).

In addition, it should be noted that future residential development north of Dundas Street will

have to carry out noise assessment as part of the development application process where planned

improvements in the transportation network will have to be taken into consideration. Therefore,

noise assessment for future development is not included as part of the noise analysis carried out

for this Class EA Study.

2. Methodology

Noise levels are predicted in decibels in the A-weighted dBA scale, which best approximates the

human perception of sound over a specified time period. An increase of 2 – 3 decibels in noise

levels is considered to be just perceivable to the average person. It should be noted that a 3 dBA

increase in noise equates to a doubling of traffic volumes.

Ministry of the Environment Guidelines

Since roadway sound levels vary over time, the noise descriptor used in Ontario to assess noise is

the “equivalent sound level” (Leq). Leq is identified as the continuous sound level, which has the

same energy as a time varying sound level over a specified time period. For the purposes of

assessing municipal roadway noise, Leq is calculated on the basis of the 16 hour daytime period,

7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Based on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO)/Ministry of the Environment (MOE)

Noise Protocol, where an existing roadway is proposed to be modified / widened adjacent to a

Noise Sensitive Area (NSA), MOE requires that the future noise levels without the proposed

improvements be compared to the future noise level with the proposed improvements. The

assessment is done at the outdoor living area (typically backyards) of each NSA. The provision

of noise mitigation is to be investigated should the future noise level with the proposed

Halton Region

Dundas Street Improvements (from Neyagawa Blvd to Oak Park Blvd)

Class Environmental Assessment Study

Noise Assessment

Technical Memorandum

MRC April 12, 2013 Page 3

improvements result in a greater than 5 dBA increase over the future noise level without the

proposed improvements. If noise mitigation is provided, the objective is a minimum 5 dBA

reduction. Mitigation will attempt to achieve levels as close to, or lower than, the objective level

as is technically, economically and administratively feasible.

The STAMSON 5.0 computer modelling program, which is approved for use in Ontario by the

MOE, was used to assess existing and future noise levels on Dundas Street. This program is

used to predict noise levels generated from the road at the outdoor living areas (typically

backyards) of NSA’s.

3. Analysis

Three scenarios were calculated:

i) future noise levels without improvements to Dundas Street (Year 2021 / 2031)*

ii) future interim noise levels with HOV / transit lane on Dundas Street (Year 2021)

iii) future noise levels with dedicated transit lane on Dundas Street (Year 2031)

The following table summarizes the main assumptions and factors used in the analysis.

Table 3-1 - Factors Used In Noise Analysis

Factor Assumptions

Noise Descriptor Leq (16 hr)

Posted Speed Dundas Street between Neyagawa Blvd and Oak Park Blvd

- 80 km/h (existing)

- 60 km/h (future)

Traffic Volumes

AADT

Dundas Street (Between Neyagawa Blvd and Oak Park Blvd)

- Existing (2011) –– 38279

- Future Interim (2021) – 43200

- Future (2031) – 54200

Truck Percentages

(Medium / Heavy)

Medium truck – 8 %

Heavy truck – 5 %

Receptor Height 1.5 m above the ground

Noise Barrier Existing developer barriers (2.2 m high) were taken into consideration in noise

calculations.

* It should be noted that existing (2011) traffic volumes on Dundas Street were used to represent

the future without widening of Dundas Street scenario as Dundas Street is currently operating at

or near capacity.

4. Noise Sensitive Areas

There are existing residential houses abutting Dundas Street within the study limits on the south

side. Several were selected to be included in the noise calculations as representatives to these

Halton Region

Dundas Street Improvements (from Neyagawa Blvd to Oak Park Blvd)

Class Environmental Assessment Study

Noise Assessment

Technical Memorandum

MRC April 12, 2013 Page 4

residential houses on the south side of Dundas Street. The selected receiver locations are listed

in Table 4-1.

Table 4-1 – Receiver Locations

Receiver # Location Characteristic of Property in

Relation to Dundas Street

R1 2533 Longridge Crescent Side Lot

R2 2541 Gill Crescent Side Lot

R3 2509 Capilano Crescent Side Lot

R4 2636 Ironwood Crescent Side Lot

R5 2636 Blackcombe Crescent Side Lot

R6 2564 Harman Gate Side Lot

R7 2624 Castle Hill Crescent Side Lot

R8 2628 Devonsley Crescent Side Lot

R9 2624 Andover Road Side Lot

R10 130 Westfield Trail Frontage to Dundas Street

(separated by Westfield Trail)

5. Results / Conclusion

Noise levels were calculated at the selected receiver locations for the future with and without

improvements on Dundas Street (interim condition with HOV/transit lanes in 2021, and ultimate

condition with dedicated transit lanes in 2031). Table 5-1, along with Exhibits 1a and 1b,

summarize the predicted daytime noise levels at Receivers 1 to 10 with the existing 2.2 m

developer barrier under the existing (2011) / future without improvements scenario and future

with HOV/transit lanes (2021) and dedicated transit lanes (2031) scenarios. The change in noise

level as a result of the Dundas Street improvements is predicted to be less than 5 dBA.

Therefore, the consideration of noise mitigation is not warranted under the MTO/MOE Noise

Protocol. Overall, the receiver locations are expected to experience a decrease in noise levels,

which can be attributed to Dundas Street being widened on the north side (i.e. the distance

between the noise source and receiver increased) and the decrease in the posted speed limit from

80 km/h to 60 km/h.

STAMSON output sheets for existing and future noise levels for Receivers 1 to 10 for the

alternatives are on file with MRC.

However, the noise impact studies submitted as part of the development applications for the

River Oaks Community assumed an ultimate 4-lane Dundas Street under the jurisdiction of

MTO; therefore, the approval of the noise impact studies was based on criteria different from

what Halton Region would use in their current standard.

Halton Region

Dundas Street Improvements (from Neyagawa Blvd to Oak Park Blvd)

Class Environmental Assessment Study

Noise Assessment

Technical Memorandum

MRC April 12, 2013 Page 5

Based on recommendations from a previous noise assessment in 2010 and commitment from the

Region, the Region will provide a noise wall (replacement of existing develop barrier,

approximately 3.5 m in height) at properties directly adjacent to Dundas Street in the River Oaks

Community between Sixth Line and Neyagawa Boulevard, including those that are separated by

an intervening local road. The Region would be responsible for the cost of construction and

maintenance of the new noise barriers. The details of the noise barrier (e.g. type, colour,

aesthetics, etc.) will be determined during detail design and in consultation with the affected

residents through individual / group meetings.

Halton Region

Dundas Street Improvements (from Neyagawa Blvd to Oak Park Blvd)

Class Environmental Assessment Study

Noise Assessment

Technical Memorandum

MRC April 12, 2013 Page 6

Table 5-1: Dundas Street Class EA – Summary of Calculated Noise Levels

Receiver Location

(see key plan)

Distance from Receiver Location to Noise Source (m)

Project Noise Level dBA Leq (16)

Existing (2011) /

Future Without

Improvements

(with 2.2 m

Developer Barrier)

Future With Improvements and 2.2 m Developer Barrier Future With Improvements and 3.5 m Noise Wall

Existing or Future

without

Improvements

Future with Improvements

Future With

HOV / Transit

Lanes (2021)

Change in Noise

Level between

Future with

HOV / Transit

Lanes and

Future without

Improvements

Future With

Dedicated

Transit Lanes

(2031)

Change in Noise

Level between

Future with

Dedicated Transit

Lanes and Future

without

Improvements

Future With HOV / Transit

Lanes (2021)

Future With HOV / Transit

Lanes (2031) GPL HOV/BRT

Receiver 1

2533 Longridge

Crescent

EB – 44.5 m

WB – 54.5 m

EB – 46.0 m

WB – 59.0 m

EB – 40.0 m

WB – 65.0 m 60.2 dBA 58.2 dBA -2.0 dBA 58.9 dBA -1.3 dBA 54.4 dBA 55.1 dBA

Receiver 2

2541 Gill Crescent EB – 32.5 m

WB – 42.5 m

EB – 35.5 m

WB – 49.0 m

EB – 30.0 m

WB – 54.5 m 59.7 dBA 57.3 dBA -2.4 dBA 58.1 dBA -1.6 dBA 55.4 dBA 56.2 dBA

Receiver 3

2509 Capilano

Crescent

EB – 28.5 m

WB – 39.5 m

EB – 33.0 m

WB – 46.0 m

EB – 27.0 m

WB – 52.0 m 59.3 dBA 56.7 dBA -2.6 dBA 57.5 dBA -1.8 dBA 55.0 dBA 55.7 dBA

Receiver 4

2636 Ironwood

Crescent

EB – 29.5 m

WB – 38.5 m

EB – 33.0 m

WB – 46.5 m

EB – 27.5 m

WB – 51.5 m 60.2 dBA 57.6 dBA -2.6 dBA 58.4 dBA -1.8 dBA 55.3 dBA 56.0 dBA

Receiver 5

2636 Blackcombe

Crescent

EB – 27.0 m

WB – 39.0 m

EB – 31.5 m

WB – 45.0 m

EB – 26.0 m

WB – 51.0 m 61.9 dBA 59.2 dBA -2.7 dBA 60.0 dBA -1.9 dBA 55.6 dBA 56.3 dBA

Receiver 6

2564 Harman Gate EB – 33.0 m

WB – 45.0 m

EB – 37.5 m

WB – 51.0 m

EB – 32.0 m

WB – 56.5 m 62.0 dBA 59.5 dBA -2.5 dBA 60.2 dBA -1.8 dBA 56.9 dBA 57.7 dBA

Receiver 7

2624 Castle Hill

Crescent

EB – 28.0 m

WB – 40.5 m

EB – 32.5 m

WB – 46.0 m

EB – 26.5 m

WB – 51.5 m 59.8 dBA 57.3 dBA -2.5 dBA 58.0 dBA -1.8 dBA 54.4 dBA 55.2 dBA

Receiver 8

2628 Devonsley

Crescent

EB – 30.0 m

WB – 40.0 m

EB – 33.5 m

WB – 47.0 m

EB – 28.0 m

WB – 52.5 m 60.7 dBA 58.3 dBA -2.4 dBA 59.1 dBA -1.6 dBA 56.2 dBA 57.0 dBA

Receiver 9

2624 Andover Road EB – 50.0 m

WB – 60.5 m

EB – 52.0 m

WB – 65.5 m

EB – 46.0 m

WB – 71.0 m 59.7 dBA 57.7 dBA -2.0 dBA 58.5 dBA -1.2 dBA 55.0 dBA 55.7 dBA

Receiver 10*

130 Westfield Trail EB – 68.0 m

WB – 80.0 m

EB – 70.5 m

WB – 83.5 m

EB – 65.0 m

WB – 89.5 m 56.2 dBA 54.3 dBA -1.9 dBA 55.0 dBA -1.2 dBA 54.3 dBA 55.0 dBA

* Note: This property is frontage to Dundas Street, therefore the assumptions of noise wall do not apply; the noise calculation did not include the 2.2 m developer barrier.

#3056

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#2544 #2526 #2529

#393/399

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#237#367

#2479 #2563#2572 #2504

#2622

#2609 #2641#2601

#2599 #2641#2564 #2565

#2619 #2641

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Dundas Street (Reg. Rd. 5)Dundas Street (Reg. Rd. 5)

Devo

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R34

R34-1114 Upper Valley Crescent

58.0 dBA58.3 dBA

R3556.5 dBA57.2 dBAR35-2455 Upper Valley Crescent

R36

54.6 dBA55.9 dBA

R1

R1-2533 Longridge Crescent

58.2 dBA / 58.9 dBA60.2 dBA

R2

R2-2541 Gill Crescent

57.3 dBA / 58.1 dBA59.7 dBA

R3

R3-2509 Capilano Crescent

56.7 dBA / 57.5 dBA59.3 dBA

R4

R4-2636 Ironwood Crescent

57.6 dBA / 58.4 dBA60.2 dBA

R42

R42-2636 Blackcombe Crescent

57.5 dBA57.8 dBA

R43

R43-2564 Harman Gate

57.1 dBA58.5 dBA

R44

R44-2624 Castle Hill Crescent

57.6 dBA58.9 dBA

54.4 dBA / 55.1 dBA 55.4 dBA / 56.2 dBA 55.0 dBA / 55.7 dBA 55.3 dBA / 56.0 dBA

Capil

ano C

resce

nt

56.7 dBA / 57.5 dBA59.3 dBA

55.0 dBA / 55.7 dBA

Rx

xx.x dBA

xx.x dBA / xx.x dBA

xx.x dBA / xx.x dBA

DUNDAS STREET CLASS EA STUDYNeyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard

SUMMARY OFCALCULATED NOISE LEVELS

Exhibit

1a

LEGEND

Rx

xx.x dBA

xx.x dBA / xx.x dBA

xx.x dBA / xx.x dBA

Receiver LocationProjected Future Noise Levelwithout Widening of Dundas StreetProjected Future Noise Level with 2.2m Developer Barrier2021 Widening of Dundas Street (HOV Lanes) /2031 Widening of Dundas Street (Dedicated Transit Lane)Projected Future Noise Level with 3.5m Noise Wall (by Region)2021 Widening of Dundas Street (HOV Lanes) /2031 Widening of Dundas Street (Dedicated Transit Lane)Developer Barrier to be replaced by Noise Wall (Halton Region)

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#2529

#393/399 #237#367

#2479 #2563#2572 #2504

#2622

#2609 #2641#2601

#2599 #2641#2564 #2565

#2619 #2641#2636

#2625 #2647#2640 #157

#160

#113 #103#21

#136

#132

#128

#126

#124

#122

#120

#118

Pinevale Estates

#3030

#3042

#3060

#3072

#3094

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#5

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Sixth

Line

Sixth

LineDundas Street (Reg. Rd. 5)Dundas Street (Reg. Rd. 5)

Red Maple Lane

Westf

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rail

Devo

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Cres

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Castl

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Cresc

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teBlackcombe Cres.Ironwood Cres.

Town

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Oak Walk Drive

R39-2541 Gill Crescent

57.3 dBA / 58.1 dBA

R3

R40-2509 Capilano Crescent

56.7 dBA / 57.5 dBA59.3 dBA

R4

R4-2636 Ironwood Crescent

57.6 dBA / 58.4 dBA60.2 dBA

R5

R5-2636 Blackcombe Crescent61.9 dBA

R6

R6-2564 Harman Gate62.0 dBA

R7

R7-2624 Castle Hill Crescent59.8 dBA

55.4 dBA / 56.2 dBA 55.0 dBA / 55.7 dBA 55.3 dBA / 56.0 dBA59.2 dBA / 60.0 dBA55.6 dBA / 56.3 dBA

57.3 dBA / 58.0 dBA54.4 dBA / 55.2 dBA

59.5 dBA / 60.2 dBA56.9 dBA / 57.7 dBA

R8-2628 Devonsley Crescent60.7 dBA58.3 dBA / 59.1 dBA56.2 dBA / 57.0 dBA

R9-2624 Andover Road59.7 dBA57.7 dBA / 58.5 dBA55.0 dBA / 55.7 dBA

R10-130 Westfield Trail56.2 dBA54.3 dBA / 55.0 dBA54.3 dBA / 55.0 dBA

R8R9

R10

Ando

ver R

oad

Rx

xx.x dBA

xx.x dBA / xx.x dBA

xx.x dBA / xx.x dBA

¯

Receiver LocationProjected Future Noise Levelwithout Widening of Dundas StreetProjected Future Noise Level with 2.2m Developer Barrier2021 Widening of Dundas Street (HOV Lanes) /2031 Widening of Dundas Street (Dedicated Transit Lane)Projected Future Noise Level with 3.5m Noise Wall (by Region)2021 Widening of Dundas Street (HOV Lanes) /2031 Widening of Dundas Street (Dedicated Transit Lane)Developer Barrier to be replaced by Noise Wall (Halton Region)

LEGEND

DUNDAS STREET CLASS EA STUDYNeyagawa Boulevard to Oak Park Boulevard

SUMMARY OFCALCULATED NOISE LEVELS

Exhibit

1b