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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSt. Lukes Response 6.05.03Art Luk�e's� LO Medical Center ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT LETTER OF TRANSMITT TOy/O Q6n01i I/l _ r NIVA ATT�%' 'cG Project Number O WE ARE SENDING YOU Shop Drawings OChange Order Samples Copy of Letter Attached YjOther Prints Specifications For Bids Due RECEIVED JUN - 5 2603 City of Meridian City Clerk Offiee SUBMITTED FOR: Date Approval Your Use As Requested Review and Comment ACTION TAKEN: Approved As Submitted Approved As Noted Return After Loan Return For Corrections Resubmit Submit Return Copies Date Description Please process and return by no later 190 East Bannock Boise, Idaho 83712 208-381-2222 Edwin E. Dahlberg President June 5, 2003 Meridian City Council Mayor Robert Corrie 33 E Idaho Avenue Meridian, ID 83642-2631 RE: St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center Heliport Honorable Mayor Corrie and Council Members: JL St Luke's Regional Medical Center RECEIVED .i i,,} N — 5 2001 City of Meridian City Clerk Office In response to your request for additional information regarding the proposed heliport at St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center, we have compiled the following attachments. We hope this information will be helpful in your decision and we are happy to address any further questions you may have at the Council meeting on June 10th. - 1. HELIOPS Article. In 1986 the FAA, NPS (National Park Service), DOT (Department of Transportation) imposed rules that went into effect in 1992 for quiet technology for aircraft flying in the Grand Canyon. The MD900 was selected for a 5 -year contract by the NPS due to its NOTAR (no tail rotor) and five bladed rotor system in 1998. It was recently awarded another 5 -year contract by the NPS due to its quiet technology. Please note the highlighted areas. 2. Noise Levels in our Environment Fact Sheet. Please note the highlighted items in the Home, Work and Recreation Columns. Also, to remind you the MD 900 takeoff rating is 84.1db and the landing rating is 88.9db, which will last for approximately one minute. It is my opinion the surrounding housing areas will not hear the aircraft start its engines in preparation for takeoff nor will the residents hear the aircraft after it has landed on the heliport. 3. Noise Barriers. This is an article from the League for the Hard of Hearing website. Note the highlighted areas as it refers to noise barriers and their usage and effectiveness. As the article states it would be "very difficult to nearly impossible" to establish a barrier acceptable to FAA standards for a heliport due to the clearance required for takeoff and landing to use a barrier. 4. Letter of Agreement. As a condition of use of the St. Luke's Meridian landing site, St. Luke's and Idaho Helicopters, Inc. will require a letter of agreement between St. Luke's and NPA Air and Life Flight to abide by set approach and departure paths to ensure safe operations and obviate noise concerns. This letter will obligate operators, including Air St. Luke's, who operate aircraft in and out of the new heliport. Once signed a copy will be delivered to the local FAA office for their file. If a noise violation should occur the Flight District Standard Office of the FAA will be notified. I hope the information I have provided to you will be of some help in making your decision for the approval of the Saint Luke's Meridian Heliport. We will be at the June 10" City Council meeting to address any further questions you may have. Sincerely, Michael McGrane b� Kc- Director, CDirector, Air St. Luke's Larry D. 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N C 01 C OI n'1 �'1 � 9 c a C1 01 q 01 U Q�Q M' et N t0 O O N N w Q � Fav c « a QQQQ 4 y N m U A N R O b V OYi ¢ x''n a N N.'n Y M ¢O- S O ca )_d.x g. .a try ueyl lap n 0 7 3' 9 2 J ad O 001 a n b h VO M 4z 00 o � � O �r __ � � -S• �� a 1 r FF i t �J I � �� Y ° ��-H � 1 as it � k y�yfst It i li tul lNiYA UpitI 4t Mi �. rr 7 1 kx�tZ i Y ee, a T J LI Ali LI !a Y'"i i' i „t_ d E Rescue Ubdreof the Grad Cajon �//1A fir// $ _ 41, i pVJfs� 1 ?7 i apillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, the world's largest .,.. helicopter sightseeing operator, won the exclusive -use " contract to supply a helicopter service to the National Park Service. Using call -sign Copter 210, but nicknamed "Bumblebee" for its characteristic highly visible, black and yellow striping, the Explorer has proved itself a N versatile and exceptional aircraft for its diverse role in forest fire suppression, search and rescue and ENS operations in the National Park Every day, Helitack Squad Leader Paul Ross Jr and his flight crew of firefighter/ElviTs put the Explorer to the test. He gives us an insight on how the helicopter stands up to its very diverse range of missions, and the challenges of the Canyon. Initially chosen for its NOTAR technology as part of the Park's effort to reduce noise impact from helicopter operations, the Explorer has exceeded expectations. In most cases it cannot be heard entering or leaving the Canyon, thanks to its five -bladed system and lack of tail rotor. At the height of the forest fire and visitor season each summer, nonstop mission days challenge pilots, firefighters and paramedics alike. Any given afternoon, Copter 210 and crew dive off the rim into the depths of the canyon to help injured hikers, river runners in distress or for short -haul (long line) rescues of visitors who tumble off the edge while snapping photos, such as a recent rescue of a New Zealand tourist who fell from a viewing area, sustaining severe injuries and, coming to rest just feet from a thousand - foot drop. Additionally,, extensive forests in and around the park mean frequent .responses are needed to call -outs for raging wildfires driven by high winds and drought conditions. In all, the Eddie Thoroughgood has been the lead pilot on the Explorer since Its arrival more than five years ago. All those aspects affect wind patterns when IIym he relates "In the s,,,*++,+P+++..,a, there's-. so much Meat m the bottom of tl Canyon that it creates major thermal aclavity -.'Those red rocks bake; the sun all day and watch out! - the thermalsi are everywhere' 1 warns. "We'll be flying back to the hehbase aid }a.hkerlaemg cni �z elevator with all the hot or nam : there are tures%oupegdver it Power because of the thermals Itfting jo>i out of tke C.ptryon. Ineei back, when I flew a Long Ranger on Jet;nTadM. d ltangeywe )1 Jyngflte walls a the way to get up and out, especially watlt l yj�Yow^k1r'' Explorer gives us plenty of climbing power's+i`i'+' ,^y3`ts`G`" `'YYj �' F v x• tKi4g •„'' And the Kiwi has become as much a wsather)fp'peeasi; "sp�s $rjk' if clouds show earlyon summer days rt is bouitdatoi,be��allen ' + day of flying. Conditions can go from sun fo zlelu��. arb:. an eye. "When we get the monsoons large , erstozins buil frequently and roll in quickly with all the accompznymg.liazards` hail, heavy rain and strong downdrafts,” Thoroughgood says. "Thunderstorms are the single most dangerous weather Phenomenon you can fly in, especially here." Operational risk mitigation is at the forefront of everyone's minds. When sustained wind speed at the helibase reaches 30 knots, Grand r among fire aircta threats from'the 1 easier by the w """equipment. We can fly configumd for short -haul �wln O StiIl have all D equipment with us." Phillips and rescuers frequently conduct aerial searches for lost to to II&M or injured parties. "The Explorer'is the first aircraft we ve had icteristics also excel durmgfsearrh„srid at Grand Canyon with sliding doors. The visibility from the cabin hick require flying in the tight terrain with doors closed is not as adequate as needed. Doors open improves t River corridor, where red walls of rock our field of vision and we can put a number of people in the cabin for f$ a sliver of blue overhead. In 2001 a search. This allows the pilot more concantratioaon on flying, especially wz .anditescae (SAR) incidents at Grand � Qd�A�4%neu ue....iJ�`�'1-'...L��* k 1. : . m side canyons and drainages. A lot of agencies use just one searcher .. ., •.� ... n u -':i'.:.'-'. .. .:: `... New York:. 71 West 23#d Street New York, NY 10010-4162 917-305-7700 (Voice) • 917-305-7999 (TTY) • 917-305-7888 (Fax) Florida: 2800 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Suite 306 Oakland Park FL 33311 954-731-7200(Voice)• 954-731-7208 (TTY), 954-485-6336 Noise Center NOISE CENTER OF THE LEAGUE F F:164130[� NOISE LEVELS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT FACT SHEET o How Loud is Too Loud? Experts agree that continued exposure to noise above 85 dBA over time, will cause hearing loss. To know if a sound is loud enough to damage your ears, it is important to know both the loudness level (measured in decibels, dBA) and the length of exposure to the sound. In general, the louder the noise, the less time required before hearing loss will occur. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1998), the maximum exposure time at 85 dBA is 8 hours. At 110 dBA, the maximum exposure time is one minute and 29 seconds. If you must be exposed to noise, it is recommended that you limit the exposure time and/or wear hearing protection. Measure Up and Turn it Down: Decibel Levels Around Us The following are decibel levels of common noise sources around us. These are typical levels, however, actual noise levels may vary depending on the particular item. Remember noise levels above 85 dBA will harm hearing over time. Noise levels above 140dBA can cause damage to hearing after just one exposure. Points of Reference *measured in dB�l or. decibels • 0 The softest sound a person can hear with normal hearing • 10 normal breathing • 20 whispering at 5 feet • 30 soft whisper 50 rainfall • 60 normal conversation • 110 shouting in ear • 120 thunder Home • 50 refrigerator • 50 - 60 electri, toothbrush • 50 - 75 washing machine • 50 - 75 air conditioner • 50 - 80 electric shaver • 55 coffee percolator • 55 - 70 dishwasher • 60 sewing machine • 60 - 85 vacuum cleaner • 60 - 95 hair dryer • 65 - 80 alarm clock • 70 TV audio • 70 - 80 coffee grinder • 70 - 95 garbage disposal • 75 - 85 flush toilet • 80 pop-up toaster • 80 doorbell • 80 ringing telephone Work • 40 quiet office, library • 50 large office • 65 95 power lawn mower • 80 manual machine, tools • 85 handsaw • 90 tractor • 90 -115 subway • 95 electric drill • 100 factory machinery • 100 woodworking class • 105 snow blower • 110 power saw • 110leafblower • 120 chain saw, hammer on nail • 120 pneumatic drills, heavy machine • 120 jet plane (at ramp) • 120 ambulance siren Recreation • 40 quiet residential area • 70 freeway traffic • 85 heavy traffic, noisy restaurant • 90 truck, shouted conversation • 95 -110 motorcycle • 100 snowmobile • 100 school dance, boom box • 110 disco • 110 busy video arcade • 110 symphony concert • 110 car horn • 110 -120 rock concert • 112 personal cassette player on high • 117 football game (stadium) • 120 band concert • 125 auto stereo (factory installed) • 80 whistling kettle • 80 - 90 food mixer or processor • 80 - 90 blender • 80 - 95 garbage disposal • 110 baby crying • 110 squeaky toy held close to the ear • 135 noisy squeeze toys 125 chainsaw • 130 jackhammer, power drill • 130 air raid • 130 percussion section at symphony • 140 airplane taking off • 150 jet engine taking off • 150 artillery fire at 500 feet • 180 rocket launching from pad LEAGUE HOMEPAGE II Noise Center III EMail • 130 stock car races • 143 bicycle horn • 150 firecracker • 156 capgun • 157 balloon pop • 162 fireworks (at 3 feet) • 163 rifle • 166 handgun • 170 shotgun © Copyright 1996-2002 LEAGUE FOR THE HARD OF HEARING - Updated October 24, 2002 `,NPC Noise News NPC Resources NPC Home NOISE BARRIERS CONSTRUCTED OR PLANNED Noise barriers are solid obstructions built between the highway and the homes along the highway. Effective noise barriers can reduce noise levels by ten to fifteen decibels, cutting the loudness of traffic noise in half. Barriers can be formed from earth mounds along the road (usually called earth berms) or from high, vertical walls. Earth berms have a very natural appearance and are usually attractive. However, an earth berm can require quite a lot of land if it is very high. Walls take less space. They are usually limited to eight meters in height because of structural and aesthetic reasons. Noise walls can be built out of wood, stucco, concrete, masonry, metal, and other materials. Many attempts are being made to construct noise barriers that are visually pleasing and that blend with their surroundings. Noise Barriers Constructed The Federal -aid highway program has always been based on a strong State -Federal partnership. At the core of that partnership is a philosophy of trust and flexibility, and a belief that the States are in the best position to make investment decisions that are based on the needs and priorities of their citizens. The FHWA noise regulations give each SHA flexibility in determining the reasonableness and feasibility of noise abatement and, thus, in balancing the benefits of noise abatement against the overall adverse social, economic, and environmental effects and costs of the noise abatement measures. The SHA must base its determination on the interest of the overall public good, keeping in mind all the elements of the highway program (need, funding, environmental impacts, public involvement, etc.). Congress affirmed and extended the philosophy of partnership, trust, and flexibility in the enactment of ISTEA. The flexibility in noise abatement decisionmaking is reflected by data indicating that some States have built many noise barriers and some have built none. Through the end of 1995, forty-one state highway agencies (SHAs) and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have constructed over 2,120 linear kilometers of barriers at a cost of over $1.2 billion ($1.4 billion in 1995 dollars). Nine states and the District of Columbia have not constructed noise barriers to date. Table 6 lists the ten states that have constructed the most noise barriers, in terms of area, length, and cost. The cost data in Table 6 give a general indication of trends. However, the data should not be used for exact comparisons, since precise, uniform individual barrier costs are very difficult to obtain. Table 7 shows total noise barrier areas by material type. Table 8 lists the nine states that have not constructed noise barriers to date. -12- TOR NPC Online Library NPC Law Library •NPC'Noise News NPC Resources NPC Home Effectiveness Noise barriers can be quite effective in reducing noise for receptors within approximately 61 meters of a highway. Table 9 summarizes barrier attenuation. Table 9 Barrier Attenuation Reduction in Reduction in Degree of Difficulty Sound Level Acoustic Energy To Obtain Reduction 5 dBA 70% Simple 10 dBA 90% Attainable 15 dBA 97% Very Difficult 20 dBA 99% Nearly Impossible Barriers do have limitations. For a noise barrier to work, it must be high enough and long enough to block the view of a road. Noise barriers do very little good for homes on a hillside overlooking a road or for buildings which rise above the barrier. Openings in noise walls for driveway connections or intersecting streets greatly reduce the effectiveness of barriers. In some areas, homes are scattered too far apart to permit noise barriers to be built at a reasonable cost. Public Perception Overall, public reaction to highway noise barriers appears to be positive. There is, however, a wide diversity of specific reactions to barriers. Residents adjacent to barriers have stated that conversations in households are easier, sleeping conditions are better, a more relaxing environment is created, windows are opened more often, and yards are used more in the summer. Perceived non -noise benefits include increased privacy, cleaner air, improved view and sense of ruralness, and healthier lawns and shrubs. Negative reactions have included a restriction of view, a feeling of confinement, a loss of air circulation, a loss of sunlight and lighting, and poor maintenance of the barrier. Host residents near a barrier seem to feel that barriers effectively reduce traffic noise and that the benefits of barriers outweigh the disadvantages of the barriers. Research Efforts Over the last two decades, much work has been done within the highway program to develop the basic tools necessary to analyze the impacts of highway traffic noise. Efforts have focused on the establishment of criteria for considering highway traffic noise, the measurement and prediction of noise levels, and the development and evaluation of feasible measures to abate highway traffic noise. Today, research efforts are continuing to assure that analysis tools reflect the current state-of-the-art in highway traffic noise, while • -dPC Qnline Library NPC Law Library NPC Noise News NPC Resources NPC Home Table 7 Total Noise Barrier Area by Material Type Through 1995 Single Material Barriers Material Square Meters (Thousands) Concrete/Precast 2884 Block 2402 Wood/Post&Plank 464 Concrete/Unspecified Berm Only Wood/Unspecified Wood/Glue Laminated Metal/Unspecified Brick Other Total 391 298 9 236 Material Berm/Wood Berm/Concrete Wood/Concrete Berm/Metal Concrete/Block Metal/Concrete Concrete/Brick Combination Barriers 233 Berm/Block 94 Wood/Metal 81 Berm/Wood/Concrete Wood/Block Berm/Wood/Metla Other 7,372 Total Table 8 States That Have Not Constructed Noise Barriers to Date Alabama Idaho Hawaii Mississippi -14- Top NPC Online Library NPC Law Library Montana Rhode Island North Dakota South Dakota Square Meters (Thousands) 278 172 152 133 94 87 72 52 43 27 26 16 80 1,232 Wyoming