Illingworth & Rodkin, Inc. services

Illingworth & Rodkin conducts a wide variety of environmental noise and vibration studies including local transportation projects, residential, industrial, recreation, and commercial noise and vibration impact assessments. To assess environmental noise and vibration impacts, we perform field investigations, develop and analyze data, and utilize noise modeling techniques. We evaluate noise impacts and mitigation by applying methodology and criteria recommended by state, local, and federal agencies, including local jurisdictions, State DOTs, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). We also interpret local noise elements and ordinances to establish noise significance thresholds under CEQA, prepare technical reports, and make recommendations for clients.

Illingworth & Rodkin has conducted numerous noise studies for Type 1 highway projects throughout California, ranging from small intersection or ramp improvement projects to the construction of new highways to highway expansion projects stretching as far as 36 miles in length. We conduct field investigations, develop traffic noise models using the Federal Highway Administration approved traffic noise model (TNM), assess impact abatement/mitigation, and prepare noise study reports in accordance with the State DOT and local traffic noise analysis protocols. Additionally, we are able to aid with the selection of pavement for purposes of noise reduction.

Illingworth & Rodkin advises clients on building design and acoustical material selection and placement to improve interior room acoustics for spaces such as offices, churches, amphitheaters, performance halls, winery tasting rooms, restaurants, multi-use facilities, and community centers. We analyze architectural acoustics and sound isolation design components relating to new and existing buildings. We also assess wall and window construction components and building techniques needed to achieve Building Code and/or HUD requirements for interior noise levels attributable to exterior or interior noise sources.

With each new innovation in machine technology comes a new set of noises that are often very loud and can be intermittent or tonal in nature. Illingworth & Rodkin evaluates existing and/or proposed on-site equipment to provide solutions for a variety of industrial noise and vibration problems. Our goal is to protect your facility, personnel, and neighbors from noise and vibration levels that create an incompatible work or living environment, so you can focus on the industry that has made your company great. Markets served include energy generation, food processing, medical, manufacturing, lumber yards, material processing, petrochemical, waste treatment, landfill, and recycling.

Illingworth & Rodkin provides air quality analysis, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions studies, and community risk assessments on a wide variety of projects, such as wastewater treatment facilities, waste management facilities, quarries, industrial facilities, highways and roadways, freight hauling and commuter rail, mixed-use residential and transit-oriented development, schools, construction, office uses and more. Illingworth & Rodkin`s in-depth approach to complex and dynamic modeling scenarios and conveying highly technical concepts to the public reader has made us an industry leader. Since 1987 our consultants have worked with federal, state, and local agencies, and private clients to develop viable and defensible air quality, GHG, and community risk reduction strategies and mitigation.

Illingworth & Rodkin has assembled some of the world`s best experts in marine acoustics and effects of sound on marine life. Our team of experienced consultants has worked collaboratively with national and regional regulatory agencies to study the impact of industrial noise on underwater ecosystems. The results of Illingworth & Rodkin’s extensive evaluation of industrial noise on natural marine acoustics has led to a better understanding of the impact of manmade sound on underwater environments so your aquatic project management team can establish marine mammal safety zones around your build site to minimize or even prevent the harsh environmental affects of underwater construction.

Illingworth & Rodkin has been an industry leader in developing innovative techniques with which to quantify and assess the noise performance of pavement surfaces. We conduct baseline measurements using on-board and wayside measurement methods and provide results and analysis to clients for documentation of existing pavement surfaces. We also advise clients on future pavement selection for the purposes of noise reduction.

Illingworth & Rodkin assesses noise and vibration levels from construction and rehabilitation projects at noise sensitive human or wildlife locations. We utilize a combination of field observations, airborne and underwater noise and vibration monitoring of existing levels, and airborne noise modeling of construction activities using SoundPLAN or the Federal Highway Administration Construction Noise Model (RCNM) to predict noise and vibration levels from pile driving and other major noise generating construction activities at noise sensitive locations. We also prepare technical noise documents addressing concerns and questions raised about potential project effects on noise sensitive human occupancy areas and/or sensitive wildlife habitat and species.

Illingworth & Rodkin provides consultation to planning entities in the design and placement of noise sensitive and noise generating uses. We prepare background noise studies, general plan noise elements, and related noise sections and provide expert consultation in the development of noise element and ordinance policies. We conduct noise-monitoring surveys to document existing baseline conditions, calculate future traffic noise contours based on traffic volume predictions, and prepare technical noise reports. Noise levels generated by commercial, industrial, and other noise sources are calculated based on information obtained on the specification, operation, and location of the noise source. We also have the capacity to generate noise contour maps using SoundPLAN, which can be input directly into a jurisdiction’s GIS database. We also develop new and revise existing noise element and ordinance policies and prepare noise sections.

Measurement of existing conditions is often the starting point of any project and having the proper equipment is only the beginning of conducting a useful and successful measurement survey. At Illingworth & Rodkin, we have the expertise to develop and implement our measurement strategies around the needs of the project. Our staff is well-trained in the measurement of airborne and underwater noise, groundborne vibration, and air quality.