 |
| |
| SERVICES |
|
ATS Consulting is a valuable partner in the
environmental review, engineering, construction, and operation of public and
private projects
across the country. We are also involved in state-of-the-art research into
noise and vibration issues from transit systems and provide expert testimony
and other litigation support services.
Specifically, ATS performs noise and vibration analyses associated with rail
transit (subways, light rail, commuter rail); freight railroads; highways and
local road improvements; major infrastructure systems and government facilities;
and new residential, commercial, and industrial development.
Throughout the development and implementation of these projects, ATS prepares
technical reports in support of state and federal (NEPA, CEQA) environmental
documents; develops cost-effective designs for noise and vibration control;
helps manage and strategize noise and vibration mitigation; and identifies
ways to improve operational performance. And finally, ATS is well versed in
relating technical concepts to lay audiences and is a valuable partner in the
community-outreach process.
Railway Noise and Vibration Analysis: ATS specializes in noise and vibration
control for rail systems and has been involved in a number of significant transit
projects across the country. Over the past several years, ATS has provided
noise and vibration consulting services for new rail transit lines in Los Angeles,
San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson and Vancouver,
BC. In addition, we have helped major long-haul railroads address community
noise complaints associated with rail yards and new facilities, and are working
to change the noise at grade crossings to dramatically improve the quality
of life for those living near rail systems.
Traffic Noise Studies: ATS works with transportation agencies to identify and
abate traffic noise impacts. In addition to technical studies following state
and federal agency policies and procedures, ATS looks to innovative approaches
to minimize traffic noise, including the use of “quiet pavements” to
reduce noise from the source. For example, ATS performed before and after measurements
to quantify the noise reduction from installing rubberized asphalt pavement
and researched models for mathematically modeling the acoustic properties of
pavements.
Research and Specialized Studies: ATS Consulting is committed to expanding
the field of knowledge regarding the effects of noise and vibration from transportation
systems. As in the past, ATS is currently engaged in state and federal research
projects, including developing a better understanding of the atmospheric effects
on long-distance sound propagation, studying the use of audible devices to
improve pedestrian safety in light-rail transit environments, improving predictions
of ground-borne vibration, and developing new criteria to evaluate the impacts
building vibration on the building occupants.
Construction, Infrastructure and Facilities: ATS works with local jurisdictions to minimize
construction noise while not unduly burdening project construction with onerous
mitigation. The construction of new infrastructure and facilities can create
significant, albeit temporary, noise impacts, particularly in urban areas.
One such example is the analysis completed for the construction of two new
sewer systems in Los Angeles. Using extensive noise measurements and detailed
predictions of construction noise levels, we were able to focus in on specific
construction sites and phases and thus develop targeted and highly effective
mitigation.
Community Noise: ATS performs the full spectrum of community noise analyses,
from predicting the impacts of a proposed project on the environment, such
as an increase in local traffic resulting from a new commercial development,
to evaluating the effects of the environment on the proposed project. For example,
ATS completed the analysis of noise and vibration from existing train service
on a proposed residential community. Using in situ measurements and past experience
with residential sound insulation and predicting building response to ground-borne
vibration, ATS produced and submitted to the developer design recommendations
that met state and local requirements for compatible land-use development. |
|
|
|
