HomeMy WebLinkAboutJustification for the Noise Variance RequestJustification for the Noise Variance Request
The variance is necessary because of special circumstances
Although the “Cured-in-Place” (CIPP) process of sanitary sewer rehabilitation is much quicker than traditional open-cut sewer replacement, it does have one disadvantage. While the new
liner-pipe is being inserted and cured, sewer service is cutoff from all buildings that are connected to the sewer main for up to eight hours.
Most residences and businesses can limit their sewer discharges for this period of time however, some cannot. Within the boundaries of this project, the one business that cannot limit
its use of the sanitary sewer is the laundromat located at 2804 NE 10th Street. Cutting off usage of their side sewer would effectively render the laundromat inoperative. By performing
the sewer rehabilitation after the laundromat closes at 10:30 PM, the City’s project will not affect their operation.
Most of the noise will be confined to the two entry/exit points (manholes) on either end of the sewer main to be rehabilitated. The noise generated will be from an on-site generator
used to provide power to the boiler system, which creates steam to cure the new CIPP.
The granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health or injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which subject property is
situated.
The noise would occur during a maximum of two non-consecutive nights over the course of three weeks. The rehabilitation of the sanitary sewers would allow for the continued provision
of a public health service to the residents of the Renton Highlands.
When distance is incorporated into the assessment and the proposed mitigation measures, we estimate that the nearest residences would still notice the nighttime work but not as severe
as without all the listed mitigation. Citizens will be impacted to the minimum extent and there is no possibility that the public health or safety will be diminished. If any noise
related complaints are received, the contractor along with the City will work with the complainant to attempt to resolve the issue(s).
The approval of this variance shall not constitute a grant of special privilege consistent with the limitation upon uses of other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the property
is situated.
The City sanitary sewer facilities need to be rehabilitated in order to continue providing service to the adjacent businesses and residents. Using open excavation construction would
cause major disruption to the neighborhood due to limited access, extensive noise, and vibration during trench compaction. Although performed during the day, an open-excavation process
would mean approximately two to three weeks of disruption to this area. Using the CIPP method of rehabilitation will reduce this disruption to approximately eight hours. Performing
the work during the evening will also eliminate the closure of the laundromat.
Our planned scenario is that work starts on a week night between June 16, 2017 and July 15, 2017 starting after 10:30 PM and is completed by 6:00 AM the following day. However, in case
of any problems preventing the installation of the CIPP in one night, we are requesting a second non-consecutive day.
The approval is the minimum variance that will accomplish the desire purpose.
The requested two non-consecutive days are the maximum number of nights required to complete this work including planning for potential construction contingencies.