Ex. E <br /> Add Second Set of HVAC Units <br /> <br />West 31.5 + 16 = 47.5 dBA(+5 for building reflection) <br /> South 44.5 + 4 = 48.5 <br /> East 34.5 +4 = 38.5 <br />All of the HVAC calculations depend on the notion that the equipment room is sealed air tight. <br />Such rooms cannot really be sealed airtight, they need air expansion vents at least to allow the air <br />inside the room to equalized internal pressure. However, most HVAC units, including models of <br />the Marvair product line include a fresh air option, which in effect opens a door between the built <br />up noise in the equipment room and the outside. <br />Theadditional noise impact due to co-located equipment on the site has not been assessed. <br />B) Motor/Generator Exemption/Variance/Nuisance Noise Code <br />Regardless of how long it runs or when it runs, the generator noise is limited to not exceed 45 <br />dBA. The 45 dBA noise code does not allow for industrial noise to exceed the 45 dBA limit for <br />any period of time. <br />Power backup generators are not listed in the Exempt Noise section of the EC 4.084(1) or EC <br />6.755. For a generator to be exempt from being included in the community noise impact <br />inventory, a formal variance has to be granted following the process outlined in (2) of this <br />section, which includes a formal application (a) and a (b) public hearing. Both the SSA report <br />and comments made in the Technology Associates reports do not specify that such an action has <br />taken place. <br />Comments made by Technology Associates on this matter repeatedly cites City Enforcement <br />states that an engine idling for more than 15 minutes and plainly audible inside a dwelling unit at <br />night is considered a noise disturbance. There are some factors here to be considered. <br />a) The maintenance operation of the generator is defined to take place during the daytime and <br />specifically not during the 10 pm to 7 am night time period, which means maintenance <br />operations do not violate the EC nuisance noise code. <br />b) There is no way to control when a power outage occurs or how long it will last. The generator <br />can easily run longer than 15 minutes during a night time power outage and based on its <br />projected noise levels at nearby property it will certainly be audible inside. <br />Noise level inside a house with partially open window is 10 dB less than the noise level outside <br />the house. Even if EC noise limit of 45 dBA is not exceeded, the noise level inside a house at 35 <br />dBA is plainly audible, hence a violation of EC 6.750. <br />15 <br />