Project Number:
09-09
Research Project:
Study of the Noise Pollution at Container Terminals and the Surroundings
P.I. Name & Address:
I-Hung Khoo
California State University at Long Beach
Department of Electrical Engineering
Long Beach, CA 90840
Email: ikhoo@csulb.edu
Website: http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/coe/ee/views/personnel/fulltime_emeritus/khoo.shtml
Phone: (562) 985-5082
Fax: (562) 985-5899
Co-P.I.
Tang-Hung Nguyen
California State University at Long Beach
Department of Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Management
Long Beach, CA 90840
Email: thnguyen@csulb.edu
Website: http://www.csulb.edu/colleges/coe/cecem/views/personnel/fulltime/nguyen_t_h.shtml
Phone: (562) 985-1661
Fax: (562) 985-2340
Project Objective:
Noise emitted from container terminals can be a minor irritant at low levels for short periods, but at higher levels and over long periods, it can cause serious annoyance, interfere with work productivity, and in the extreme can have adverse health effects. Generally, the noise has a negative impact on the performance of the different parties involved in the cargo handling activities at the container terminals as well as the life of the residential neighbors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the noise pollution at the port of Los Angeles and its surroundings, with the following specific objectives:
-To determine, using noise mapping, the level of noise generated by the cargo handling and transport activities at the container terminals. A noise model of the port and its surroundings will be created, and validated with field measurements.
-To assess whether the noise level in any area exceeds the relevant noise regulation or guideline, and to identify the key noise source in the area.
-To provide recommendations for a noise management plan to control and minimize the noise impact.
Task Descriptions
To successfully complete this project, the following tasks will be performed:
1. Survey the site under study and create an inventory of the noise and geographic conditions
a. obtain information regarding the layout of the port of Los Angeles, the characteristics of the container terminals, and goods movement
b. create a list of noise sources (refrigeration units, cranes, trucks, etc)
c. identify major buildings and structures that would affect the noise propagation
d. identify sensitive areas around the port such as residences, schools, etc
2. Data collection
a. collect noise information of all sources through field measurements
b. obtain building and terrain information from the city or through field survey
c. determine traffic volume in terms of containers, trucks, and trains
3. Create noise model
a. input gathered data into noise model
b. use a suitable sound propagation model, depending on the source, to calculate the sound level across the mapped area, taking into account the directivity of the source, screening effects of obstacles and terrain
c. create noise maps by accumulating the noise levels from all the sources
4. Calibrate noise model
a. perform field measurements at selected receiver locations and compare with noise map
b. fine-tune the noise model and regenerate the noise maps
5. Analyze the results from the noise model
a. analyze the variation of the noise throughout the day and week
b. identify worst case scenario for noise
c. identify key noise source for each area
d. assess noise level using regulations and guidelines
6. Formulate action plan
a. recommend actions for noise reduction if necessary
b. recommend best practices for managing and controlling noise
c. propose long term noise monitoring plan
Milestones, Dates:
August 15, 2008 – September 14, 2009
Total Budget:
$89,243
Student Involvement:
One graduate student at 1800 total hours
Relationship to Other Research Projects:
Related to 06-04; part of the goods movement focus area
Technology Transfer Activities:
Project report will be posted soon
Potential Benefits of the Project:
This study will evaluate noise pollution and provide recommendations for a noise management plan for the Port of Los Angeles and its surroundings.
TRB Keywords:
Noise pollution, health effects, container terminal, Port of Los Angeles
