Please see the message below from PWSA about the emergency pump causing the noise. Dear Neighbor: The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) recently experienced a failure with one of the Highland Pump Station water pumps. The failure required PWSA to install an emergency diesel-powered pump at the station two weeks ago. The temporary pump is essential to maintain water pressure and drinking water supply to the Garfield neighborhood. PWSA was aware of the failed pump’s fragile condition, and had procured a replacement system before the failure occurred. The new system will replace the loud emergency diesel-powered pump and is expected to be operational by the end of December. We recognize and apologize for the noise created by the emergency pump and are actively pursuing sound barriers to reduce noise levels. We anticipate having a temporary sound barrier in place by this Friday, December 2. We appreciate the patience of our neighbors as we explore noise reduction measures and continue to provide essential water pressure and service. We will continue to keep you informed of developments on this issue. If you have any questions, please contact the PWSA External Affairs Department at 412-255-4754 or communications@pgh2o.com. Best regards, Monica Monica Watt Director, Highland Park Community Council Editor, HPCC Newsletter Co-Chair, House Tour Committee Co-Chair, Playground Committee Member, Beautification Committee President ESP Studios 625 Liberty Avenue, 24th FL Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.642.7700 v 412.642.2277 f 412.980.4208 c monica.watt@elias-savion.com<mailto:monica.watt@elias-savion.com> From: Neighborhood [mailto:neighborhood-bounces+monica.watt=elias-savion.com@highlandparkpa.com] On Behalf Of Amber McCann Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2016 1:09 PM To: Neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com Subject: Re: Loud Generator near King Estate? Thank you to everyone who responded. The sound is coming from a large diesel engine pump/generator behind the pump station at Mellon Terrace and Negley. I went over today and checked it with a decibel meter and it was registering an average of 93 decibels, from 75 feet away. I did some exploring of the Pittsburgh noise ordinance and found the following information: 917.02. - Noise. These standards apply to noise from any machinery or equipment that is part of or operated within any development, including continuous and intermittent noise, noise emitted by speaker boxes, pick-up and delivery trucks, and any other commercial or industrial activities that are under the control of the occupant of a building site. 917.02.A Method of Measurement Noise shall be measured with a sound level meter that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Section 51.4-1979, Type 1 or Type 2.) Noise levels shall be measured using an A-weighted sound pressure level scale. Impact noises, produced when two (2) or more objects strike each other, shall be measured using the fast response of the sound level meter, and other noises using the slow response. Impact noises shall be considered to be those noises whose peak values are more than three (3) decibels higher than the values indicated on the sound level meter. 917.02.B Maximum Permitted Sound Levels The maximum permitted sound pressure levels in decibels across lot lines and district boundaries shall be in accordance with following table. This table shall be used to determine the maximum noise level, measured in A-weighted decibels, that shall be permitted at the property line of the closest use in each of the following categories. Receiving Land Use: Residential Sound Level Limit (dBA): between 7:00am - 10:00pm, limit is 65. Between 10:00pm - 7:00am, limit is 55. Clearly, this generator both fits the guidelines of inclusion in the ordinance and exceeds the allowed limit. I've called Deb Gross' office and I encourage you to do the same. The report from them was the the equipment was from the PWSA and would be in operation for another two weeks. I spoke with Emily Bell, Constituent Relations Manager , who had received several calls today. If the sound is impacting you as well, please call and express your concerns. I'm ready, and I'm sure you are as well, for a quiet night's sleep. Amber Amber McCann | Marketing Coordinator International Lactation Consultant Association® 2501 Aerial Center Parkway, Suite 103 Morrisville, NC 27560, USA marketing@ilca.org<mailto:marketing@ilca.org> www.ilca.org<http://www.ilca.org/> On Mon, Nov 28, 2016 at 8:03 PM, Amber McCann <ambermccann@gmail.com<mailto:ambermccann@gmail.com>> wrote: Anyone have information on what we're guessing is a very loud generator near the King Estate...maybe near the reservoir? I can't determine exactly where it is coming from but it is quite noisy, especially overnight...enough to wake us. If anyone knows who to contact to express our concern or get more information, please let me know. Amber -- Amber McCann | Marketing Coordinator International Lactation Consultant Association® 2501 Aerial Center Parkway, Suite 103 Morrisville, NC 27560, USA marketing@ilca.org<mailto:marketing@ilca.org> www.ilca.org<http://www.ilca.org/>