How does Mn/DOT assess noise for its passenger rail transit projects?
When completing the environmental documentation for passenger rail transit projects, Mn/DOT is required to assess noise impacts on the surrounding area. The noise impact criteria are based on a comparison of existing noise and future project noise. Noise sensitive areas within the project corridors are tested for potential impacts. Existing noise is measured at these sites during times of day that are expected to be peak periods of activity for the project. There are three levels of impact for noise analysis: • No Impact, where the change is imperceptible; • Impact, where the change in noise is noticeable to most people, but not sufficient to cause strong public reaction; and • Severe Impact, where a change in noise induces strong reaction from the public and is considered harmful by the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies. The Federal Transit Administration’s guidance states that mitigation must be considered for sites that fall within the Impact or Severe Impac
