Article

Traffic-Noise Impact Study for Least Bell's Vireo Habitat along California State Route 83

Authors:
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the author.

Abstract

A traffic-noise study was conducted to determine the impact that a highway reconstruction project would have on a habitat area for the least Bell's vireo, a federally protected songbird. FHWA and California Department of Transportation policies do not address the impact of noise on wildlife species; the study was conducted in response to a requirement of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Several mitigation measures were considered, including approximately 1200 m (4,000 ft) of temporary noise barriers. The outcome of the study was to provide funds for in-kind mitigation through habitat restoration rather than direct mitigation of noise impacts. This study contributes to a growing precedent of considering noise mitigation specifically for the protection of wildlife and raises several policy issues. Despite the increasing number of noise-mitigation projects for endangered birds and the commitment of significant funds to these undertakings, there remains a lack of firmly based noise-impact criteria and guidelines for noise mitigation.

No full-text available

Request Full-text Paper PDF

To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.

... The USFWS previously indicated that noise levels occurring at ≥60 dB(A) during the loudest hour of the day may negatively influence songbirds (Barrett, 1995;Dooling & Popper, 2007). However, the USFWS also recognizes that species respond differently to noise depending on their life-history traits and the level and persistence of noise exposure. ...
Article
Full-text available
Anthropogenic noise associated with highway construction and operation can have individual- and population-level consequences for wildlife (e.g., reduced densities, decreased reproductive success, behavioral changes). We used a before–after control–impact study design to examine the potential impacts of highway construction and traffic noise on endangered golden-cheeked warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia; hereafter warbler) in urban Texas. We mapped and monitored warbler territories before (2009–2011), during (2012–2013), and after (2014) highway construction at three study sites: a treatment site exposed to highway construction and traffic noise, a control site exposed only to traffic noise, and a second control site exposed to neither highway construction or traffic noise. We measured noise levels at varying distances from the highway at sites exposed to construction and traffic noise. We examined how highway construction and traffic noise influenced warbler territory density, territory placement, productivity, and song characteristics. In addition, we conducted a playback experiment within study sites to evaluate acute behavioral responses to highway construction noises. Noise decreased with increasing distance from the highways. However, noise did not differ between the construction and traffic noise sites or across time. Warbler territory density increased over time at all study sites, and we found no differences in warbler territory placement, productivity, behavior, or song characteristics that we can attribute to highway construction or traffic noise. As such, we found no evidence to suggest that highway construction or traffic noise had a negative effect on warblers during our study. Because human population growth will require recurring improvements to transportation infrastructure, understanding wildlife responses to anthropogenic noise associated with the construction and operation of roads is essential for effective management and recovery of prioritized species.
Article
A mathematical model devloped and calibrated by the Federal Highway Administration for predicting vehicular noise for highways is presented. The development and uses of the model have been documented in detail and five levels of the model are described.
Euclid Avenue Detour Noise Study
  • D E Barrett
  • C F Woods
Noise Barrier Cost Reduction Procedure STAMINA 2.0/OPTIMA: User's Manual Report No
  • C W Menge
  • W Bowlby
  • J Higgins
Effects of Traffic Noise on Songs and Associated Behavior of California Gnatcatchers. Final Report
  • F T Awbrey
Construction Noise Impacts on Least Terns Nesting Area Due to Proposed Widening of 07-ORA-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) in Huntington Beach. Caltrans Division of Facilities Construction, Office of Transportation Laboratory, Enviro-Chemical Branch, Air, Noise and Vibration Section
  • R Hendriks
San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Biological Assessment for Cactus Wren and California Gnatcatcher
  • Lsa Associates
  • Inc
Aircraft Overflight Effects on Wildlife Resources
  • A M Mckechnie
  • D N Gladwin
All the World's Animals, Songbirds
  • C M Perrins
  • L A Middleton
Endangered Species Act Gets Boost in 6-3 Ruling
  • P Foulk