Other Environmental Issues U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Noise Endangered and Threatened Species Explosive/Flammable Hazards and Underground Storage Tanks

Noise U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Definition of Noise – Unwanted Sound Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with normal activities such as sleeping, conversation or recreation. Studies have found that noise can cause adverse effects on mental health. Community noise problems are caused by transportation sources. HUD’s general policy is that noise is environmental pollution and can be a threat to the quality of life.

Noise U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD standards regarding the acceptability of noise impacts on residential property are found at 24 CFR Part 51 Subpart B. For new construction and conversion from non- residential to residential projects these standards must be met. For rehabilitation and refinancing, noise exposure by itself will not result in rejection of existing properties for insurance, but will be considered as a marketability factor.

Noise - Thresholds U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development When determining if a site is affected by noise. We must consider : Major Roadways within 1000 feet. Railroads within 3000 feet. Civil airports within 5 miles Military airfields within 15 miles

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Major Highways Busy Roads Major Roadways (Heavily Traveled Streets) can be defined by the average daily traffic (ADT) Freeways/Highways - 40,000+ average daily traffic Major Arteries - 25,000 to 40,000 ADT Arteries – 10,000 to 25,000 ADT Major Roadways

Railways U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Railroads within 3,000 feet Contact the railway company itself or local planning department. If site is close to a railroad crossing, make sure to get the crossing identification number/s

Airports U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Civil Airports – Contact the airport of concern and request the most current maps showing airport layout plan and noise contours and, if available, a noise exposure forecast. Military Airports – Noise contours should be published as a part of the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ Study). :

HUD’s Noise Standards U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Acceptable: 65 Day-night level (DNL) or less Normally Unacceptable: DNL Unacceptable: Greater than 75 DNL

HUD’s Noise Goals U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Exterior: HUD “recommends” up to 65 db Interior: Goal 45 db Attenuation where feasible – Forms of attenuation: Barriers/berms, site design, Acoustical construction.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to participate in endangered species conservation. Section 7 of the Act requires Federal agencies to ensure that their activities will not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitats. Steps Involved in a Section 7 consultation: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must be contacted to determine if listed species are present within the action area. A list by county can be obtained from their web site. If no species or designated habitat are present then the consultation is over. Endangered Species

Endangered Species (continued) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development If a species is present, then a determination must be made whether the project may affect a listed species. If the project contains suitable habitat for any of the listed species known to be present within the county, the proposed action has the potential to adversely affect those species. It is recommended by the FWS that surveys be completed to determine the species’ presence or absence within the project area. If a determination is made that the proposed action may affect (i.e., likely to adversely affect or not likely to adversely affect) a listed species, the FWS should be notified with the determination, results of surveys, analysis, etc.

Endangered Species (continued) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development If a determination is made that the project will not adversely affect any listed species, then the FWS is notified with the determination, the decision is put in writing and the consultation is concluded. If it is determined that a project may adversely affect a listed species or designated critical habitat, a formal consultation is required. This is a lengthy process and involves the FWS preparing a biological opinion. The biological opinion will contain the determination of whether or not the proposed action would be likely to jeopardize the species or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a jeopardy or adverse modification determination is made, the biological opinion must identify any reasonable and prudent alternatives that could allow the project to move forward.

Explosive/Flammable Hazards U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD will not insure a property where the structures and residents will be exposed to unacceptable risks posed by proximity to explosive or flammable hazards. There must be an Acceptable Separation Distance (ASD) away from aboveground storage facilities with explosive or flammable material contents and similar industrial facilities. Analysis of sites near or in the vicinity of these types of facilities must be performed by HUD.

Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development –For existing projects with heating oil UST/s in use, a tank tightness/integrity test is required. If a leak is detected, a Phase II assessment should be conducted to determine if contamination above the unrestricted standards is present in the soil or groundwater. – For existing projects that have unused UST/s, the tank/s must be removed and soil tests be conducted for possible contamination. –Failure to undergo precautions to determine the presence of contaminates at levels above the unrestricted use standards may result in the financing or acquisition of property that may not be usable for residential purposes.